VictoriaM | ExpatWoman.com
 

VictoriaM

562
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 21:47
Saw loads recently in the party shop just along from Pan Emirates furniture on UMm Suqeim Street.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 11:30
Just read on the Zoloft thread that Calpol is also out of stock in Dubai. I need some more for DD (she has a bug with a fever). Is there an equivalent or similar product that is available here? It is paracetamol in syrup form for kids. Thanks.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2014 - 22:31
I got through to them first time on 0563205660 to find out exactly where they were, as I needed to pop in and get a new municipality tag for our cat. Is that the number you tried Pinot? The new practice is indeed opposite the ENoc petrol station between Al MAnara and Umm Al Sheif streets, on the right hand side of the road heading towards DUbai (the non beach side). It's a short distance after a big FIrst GUlf Bank building. Parking is a bit tricky. The clinic is on the main road itself as opposed to being on a service road like the old clinic. There are parking spaces (4 directly outside), but they are pay and display, and were full when we went, as were all the spaces further on. We ended up doing a U turn and parking in the petrol station opposite, walking up to the traffic lights and then crossing over. Not sure I fancy that with a cat basket in the height of summer! But I think it will get easier once you are familiar with the location and where to park. There were quite a few spaces alongside a sandy area just before you reach the vets. The receptionist also told me you can park behind the vets (for free) by taking the first right after the practice, then right again and right again. From the outside the building looks bigger than the old premises, but on the inside the waiting/reception area is far more cramped, without the open spacious feel of the old place. Didn't venture Any further though, and assume there must be plenty of space 'behind the scenes'. To me it didn't feel the same and is less convenient, but these are minor points compared to the quality of care.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 March 2014 - 12:54
Bought a lovely one in Tavola a few months ago. Mine's red, but they have them in a variety of colours to suit your colour scheme!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2014 - 12:48
Hi, We booked a surf party for DD this time last year with Surf shop Arabia, only to have it cancelled when the municipality changed the licensing procedures for surf school operators in Dubai. As far as I know, this is still not resolved, and operators are still not allowed to hold surf parties/classes on public beaches. This might be why you're struggling to find information!! However, what SUrf shop Arabia did was set up an operation on conjunction with IGnite Fitness on a private beach at RIva Club on the PAlm. No waves, so it is SUP rather than surfing. They organised an SUP party for DD there instead. The kids had loads of fun splashing around playing water games/beach games plus some SUP. To be honest I think the party format is verynsimilar to the former surf parties ie the surf/SUP bit is quite minor really, its more of an organised beach party. Its a nice spot too, especially for the parents (and licensed!). Overall it was a great party but pricey (the kids party food was a crazy price). Our party was a bit of an experiment though, so It may well be they have changed the prcing/package. I do know they are still holding these parties. Take a look at ignite surf school UAE and give them a call.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2014 - 12:02
Bitter cotton wool - when I cook it anyway! Always tastes alright in cafes though so must be doing something wrong.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2014 - 11:20
Does the rinsing get rid of the bitterness too? How about soaking it instead?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 15:05
Surely whether or not it is ready in time depends on what resources they throw at the construction? Kings still sounds very confident of meeting the same deadline and has done similarly little so far.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 February 2014 - 20:59
Sent mine off in JAnuary too. Didn't really keep track, but was def less than 4 weeks as I remember being pleasantly surprised it was quicker than they said. Old passport followed about 10 days later. Perhaps there are delays because they are in the process of changing the system?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 February 2014 - 18:22
Looks like we will be in good company then! You are lucky Daza - theres no way we'll get away with going to see John Newman without DD - big fan! Still, 7.30s not too bad.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 11:34
We have, and building permits were not mentioned. Just permission from the landlord.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 December 2013 - 10:52
I take your point DesertRose. I see that I am making a mountain out of a mole hill! And I really don't have time for it- off back to the UK for Christmas at the weekend and have loads to do to get ready. Us newbies do need a bit of a kick up the backside every now and then. We are not used to employing full time staff and seem to get it all wrong. Thanks for the reality check. Harsh though it may be, it probably needs saying. Subject closed. Thanks for your input everyone.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 December 2013 - 21:22
Sorry Whistling TRees, don't follow, clue as to what? Apologies - I have brain ache from trying to make sense of what the maids saying. Deise, it's just the other way round I think. Yes indeed there are certainly things she hasn't taken into account, but she doesnt seem to want to hear about them or check them out until she goes home. She doesn't know for sure if Israel is viable or not and doesn't have a back up plan. Starting to wonder if shes just playing games. After all, why would you tell your employer you're leaving 6 months early?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 December 2013 - 16:49
Didnet get as far as Damas, but will check them out another time.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 December 2013 - 16:45
Wonder why the change of venue? We will all be deserting the Madinat in favour of DUCTAC!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 December 2013 - 15:29
Success! I checked out the gold and diamond park yesterday and found what I was looking for at a very good price. Thanks for the help and recommendations ladies.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 December 2013 - 15:21
No ANon, it's the maid that replaced the rude one we sent home. This one started in May. All working very well, no problems, so this is a pain and a bolt out of the blue. Don't have much luck with maids do we! Seriously considering getting one that is new to the country via an agency next time.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 December 2013 - 10:02
I'm interested too and watching this thread before booking. Has anyone been to one of the Madinat ones before, and if so, are they any good?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 December 2013 - 09:37
Hmm, yes you're right about the cat WHispering Trees. What new laws are there about exiting the country? Is that Sri Lanka or the Philipines?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 December 2013 - 23:39
PS salaries may be much higher in Israel because they are not strictly speaking maid jobs, so comparing apples with pears. Caregivers are often nurses or have qualifications. Whether unqualified ladies can take on this sort of work and for the same salaries I don't know.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 December 2013 - 22:57
Hi Whistling trees, So are demands and fickleness fairly common in maids who've been in Dubai a while, or have we just had particularly bad luck? I've heard it's not uncommon for the demands to start after 4-6 months - in line with our experience. Can I ask what your rationale is for thinking we should send her home now rather than let her work out her contract? She is very hardworking, extremely capable and trustworthy. And we would also like to get the benefit of the costs we've paid out, at least to a point. Do you feel she will no longer be committed perhaps? O Sadly you are probably right that a 'newbie' from an agency is more likely to stick around and not play games. Im also attracted by the fact that they come on a 2 year contract I believe? The downside is the fact that you cant meet them first, but that may be the price we have to pay for stability (and anyway, where has meeting them first got us so far?). The cat isn't something I agreed to by the way, as it happened whilst we were away over the summer. By the time we got back it was already well established. I didn't actually mind so,long as she was there to look after it, and she told me when I quizzed her about it that she didn't have any plans to go back home any time soon. Gorabattie, Thanks for the income figures. On paper, no, it doesn't stack up at all. However, In Israel a large portion of the carers salary is apparently paid by social security, which is what has driven the caregiving market there. So family income is not so relevant. My own research (stats from an organisation that protects immigrant workers' rights) gave a minimum salary of 4,000 or so shekel, and a net salary (net of amounts charged to carers like accomodation) of 3,4000, which equates to nearly USD1,000. Most carers apparently receive a bit more than that however. So nothing like the figures the maid has given me, but nonetheless substantially more (double) than can be earned in DUbai. They also seem to qualify for other State benefits, so not a bad position at all, if lucky enough to be with a decent family. If the maid is not angling for a pay rise from us, I don't see what the benefit in her lying to us about salaries elsewhere is. She did say the pay quoted was straight from the lips of a caregiver in Israel she spoke to the other day. Mind you, the figures do sound rather unbelievable. The lady in Israel said she was saving AED8000 a month!!! Perhaps she, or our maid, has converted the figures wrongly. Anyway, I don't suppose it really matters what we think. The maid wont listen to my doubts (probably thinks IM scaremongering in an attempt to get her to stay) and will find out from experience herself what the reality is. I think she is being naive and gullible, but she is a grown woman and will make her own decisions. To be honest I hope we're wrong to doubt and she does get what she wants as I wish her well.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 December 2013 - 15:32
Yes we are decent employers, but it doesn't seem to get us very far! Last maid lasted 4 months (sent home) this one only 6. Still this one is happy with us, just not with her earnings here in Dubai - no matter who she works here for they can't compete with USD2k a month in Israel. We will advertise the cat and see if we can rehome it poor thing. It's a huge quite scary looking ear-clipped former stray, so not too attractive and I don't hold out much hope. But it is possibly the most gentle cat I've ever encountered so would make a great pet. Catherine, thanks for sharing your experience. I thought we could end up with a disgruntled maid if we 'incentivised' her into staying. Sounds like my suspicions were justified. Our maid has now confirmed for definite that she wants to leave anyway despite my warnings about the risks. I am very sorry - she gets on so well with us and is great with our pets too. But she has dollar signs before her eyes and nothing else seems to count at the moment. Anyway, I've done what I can and am not her mother! She wants to work out her contract. Is that a good idea? And can we let her go earlier even though we're happy with her? I don't want to leave it till JUne when her contract ends due to the summer holidays. And lastly, how on earth do we find a maid who will actually stay? I thought this one would be with us for years: all her previous employers had left DUbai so she only got 18 months each time. I had to reassure her we would be staying for a good few years yet! Our maids seem to have been very fickle and change their minds all the time about what they want. Is that fairly typical? Wonder what we should look for that would indicate they might stick around? Perhaps not so old they are thinking about retirement.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 December 2013 - 10:52
Would do so if it weren't for the cat problem that will create. She has a stray living in her room, which will become our problem if she leaves.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 21:53
True Apricot, but I guess it also depends how long maids have been here. If its a number of years, then new more lucrative opportunities may have opened up since, or only become known to the maid recently. Or the maid's needs may have changed. Both of these apply to our maid: she has been in DUbai for years and is now being told of better opportunities in Israel through family members that have gone there to work, and second she now wants to boost her ability to save as much as possible as quickly as possible before retiring. I don't think it's just talk as she has told the security guys in our compound, has discussed friends who can replace her with me, is trying to find a home for her cat etc. It sounds pretty serious. However, it's clear from my research that she knows little about how things work in that country, which is a concern. Providing 24/7 care for a disabled or elderly person, potentially plus housework, is a very demanding job. No wonder its better paid! She has been told its easy work - imagine all that heavy lifting! Crashing waves, she would be able to get a visa via an agency in her home country (Sri LAnka) or in Israel. And pay the agency handsomely for providing it.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 10:42
Well, a bit of research reveals that you can't in fact get a visa for employment as a maid. The only domestic workers granted visas are caregivers looking after the elderly or disabled. So technically speaking, working as a maid would be illegal. There are reports of all sorts of abuses such as agencies charging large amounts to obtain visas and workers then being indebted to them to pay it off, being brought into the country after paying for the visa with no actual job available, pay being totally different to that promised, dreadful working conditions, being on call 24/7, unable to leave the premises ... Just goes to show how vulnerable these women are, seduced by promises of high salaries. And our maid is no green 20 year old but still seems to have fallen for the hype. Very worrying.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 09:42
No idea about ITaly, but she says you can get a visa for Israel. It is expensive though, so that is a disincentive. Once there though she can pay it off with a couple of months work, as it is so well paid. She knows someone who's gone there to work as a maid. Maybe we will see more of this. I am going to try to and incentivise her to stay. A few hundred dirhams will mean a lot to her but is little to us in the grand scheme of things. Some may think we're mad for paying so much more than we need to, but we trust her implicitly, and you can't put a price on that.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 22:05
Just to update, you were right Thoughtful, PAstels were great about it. Jennie redid my highlights free of charge and put a toner on it, and it is perfect. She took so much care to make sure I got what I wanted, unlike the previous stylist, who may be good at her job technically, but does her own thing too much. I'm not sure the message about the previous stylist really got through to the salon. They felt she didn't do anything wrong, but it justmwasn't what I wanted! Hmm. Anyway, problem resolved, and I would wholeheartedly recommend Jennie for high/lowlights.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 21:54
Is this a new trend we will have to contend with in Dubai as the cost of living here rises? Never heard of anyone facing this issue. Our Maid has mentioned ... Italy as possible destinations at the end of her contract. Is it worth increasing a maids pay to get her to stay, or is that strategy likely to backfire on us somehow? In our case it would mean paying well over the odds (unless you live on the Palm, which we don't). She may be worth it to us, but perhaps it is foolish to do so. And lastly, if she does leave, what can we do with a stray cat she adopted and would be leaving behind, poor thing?!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 13:43
How about a hardback book about Dubai or the UAE with lots of lovely photos to inspire her to explore?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 December 2013 - 18:44
Good point GEordie expat. Any other suggestions for where to look anyone?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 December 2013 - 10:10
Re compound swimming pools, they are not all heated/chilled, so do make sure you check when viewing. Ours isn't (the kit is there to do so but landlord too stingy to turn it on!) and I didn't find any that were when viewing, even larger compounds with 20-30 villas. The communities (RAnches, Meadows) are great for that. Would be a definite bonus to have that in a compound. Agree with everything sadubai says about compounds and the benefits of on-site maintenance guys (a huge bonus) and landlords that seem less likely to hike the rent, unlike the individual ones. The only disadvantage to compound living that we've encountered is the lack of privacy, not in general, but in terms of kids, who treat every area, including gated private gardens as communal. They just walk in to the villas, even sliding open closed back doors. Its so irritating when you dont want to be disturbed. We are trying to train the kids not to, but it seems to be the done thing here! Perhaps its different in other compounds, but something to check on if it would bother you.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 16:55
The beach by UMm SUqeim park/BUrj al Arab (Sunset beach) should be good then I guess?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 14:55
Thank you!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 11:44
Any more info about this please? Have been unable to find any mention of it on the Internet. It wasn't on yesterday as we' d have seen it from the Madinat. Would be nice to see something as we missed all the festivities yesterday (hadn't realised EVERYTHING was moved to the 1st!)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 11:42
I have been searching online too and haven't found anything that wasn't moved to yesterday. Strange as quite a lot of people seem to be off today - construction workers and maids that is. Didn't realise the Marina boat parade had moved to yesterday so have missed that. There is another post about fireworks at the BUrj al Arab, but I can't find anything about that online and its not coming up in the lists of festivities. We were at the MAdinat last night and didn't see anything, so maybe it's tonight?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2013 - 20:43
Thanks THoughtful. How awkward - its another lady at Pastels Al WAsl that did the rubbish colour!! Won't be able to get her to sort it out, but could change to her for next time. Does she cut well too?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2013 - 16:21
Its more of a pool view tbh (beach is beyond pool). We were disappointed with that. Food was good though. We found it too hot on the terrace, but it was a few weeks ago. Would be lovely now I imagine.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 21:02
How will we know? What channel are you watching it on?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 10:56
Dxbrun, sorry, which ministry is it you are referring to?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 19:13
Can the schools do what they want then? Or do they fall in line with the public or private sector holidays? Getting very confused!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 16:40
Do they mean Saturday or Sunday ASWELL as National Day itself? DH said he thought that was a given so didn't need saying?!! Also, what days have your kids' schools got now? Ours had MOnday and Tuesday and have now just had SUnday confirmed too. We were expecting to lose the TUesday and still have 2 days, Sunday and Monday, like the public sector.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 10:59
Fairy dust, I don't think they do file down the tops of your nails like they do for acrylic for example. I had my Biosculpture nails redone yesterday and checked with the therapist. She said no, they just buff the tops. When I had acrylic nails they used to file them down with an electric file and they were indeed very thin if you let them rest. One of the reasons I've changed to Biosculpture (which is the same as SHellac and Gelish, just a different brand) is precisely because it does less damage to your nails.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 November 2013 - 17:42
How often do garden plants need watering in winter? I know the bougainvillea doesn't like too much water, but what about others eg allamanda, jasmine, frangipani etc. Currently watering every other day, but a lot look very dry and brown near the base.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 November 2013 - 13:21
Lots of people have had issues according to various previous threads. Our problems with Masafi seemed to have been resolved recently. they finally managed to deliver when they said they would. Bbut it's gone pear shaped again this week. No delivery on the day they confirmed, despite 2 calls to chase up. And then they had the wrong order information despite having sent us an email confirmation with the correct details. I keep giving them another chance and then just another chance... We might try OAsis if Masafi screw up again. Quite like their water though not as much as MAsafi.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 14:28
A QUick update for FEefmick, PlainJAne nd all the other ladies who kindly shared their views on our school dilemma. Having decided finally to take t he place at DESS, DD reacted very negatively, as you know. With the tears and upset continuing days later, we finally capitulated and agreed to leave her at Kings. For DD it just seemed to be one school move too many, following 2 others. That would have been fine had she not been happy, but this is her favourite school so far and she really does love it. It was crushing to turn down the place at DESS, but the school was very understanding about it. DD and her teacher at KIngs were delighted of course. Who knows what the right decision was, but we struggled a lot with this one, head saying be sensible and take the DESS place and heart saying let DD remain where she is happy for now and deal with the consequences later. Now we all just have to hope Kings gets its skates on with the Al Barsha site soon, fingers crossed. Thanks to everyone for your input and advice.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 09:48
You can find reasonably priced outdoor furniture out here, especially plastic rattan, but quality is a different matter. The cheaper stuff won't withstand the harsh climate. Our mid-range rattan was starting to break after only 8 months! Good quality stuff is expensive, but at least may last (time will tell). Not sure whether bringing stuff from your home country is a good idea or not as it may not be designed to survive the hot weather here.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 20:16
No sign of jellyfish on Kite Beach last weekend. Friends saw a couple on the Palm though.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 21:57
No, not yet. They don't allocate class until deposit is paid and then they assess the classes for best fit etc. I had presumed it was just where the space was going to be, but its a bit more calculated than that, which sounds good. The place isn't free until Jan anyway. Wish it were sooner - don't know if we can take months of stroppy behaviour and blackmail over a school move!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 21:39
Ah, I think ours are getting watered every day. Will have to knock that on the head then. What you describe re the bottom part of the plant is consistent with our neighbours plants, so will persevere and leave them in that position for a while. They look so lovely once they tumble over the front walls of villas, and that's where the sun is.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 21:33
Mine is Y5 too!