WhiteOrchid | ExpatWoman.com
 

WhiteOrchid

WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 17 August 2014 - 10:00
You should also be aware that discussing your thoughts about British Protocol and our Queen when not a British national is really not on and most Brits will take great umbrage. Of all the most ridiculous comments ever. I'll discuss your queen and their queen and any other person if I so choose. Just as it's perfectly acceptable to discuss our presidents and first ladies. Take great umbrage if you want to but I don't really care one iota. Really? Again it comes down to respect, and as such i will hold my tongue in response. Yes, really. And definitely not sure how all of this relates to Indians and their maids! I agree... the thread went off on a tangent because someone mentioned that India (with its caste system) wasn't that different to the UK with its respect for the royals and obsession with class differences. I pointed out that that was a very outdated view of Britain and, by way of example, mentioned that many ppl would not curtsey to the queen as our society no longer expects us too. Then another poster got vert upset and launched into a 1950s-style tirade on how wonderful the royals were. All v amusing!
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 17 August 2014 - 09:45
You should also be aware that discussing your thoughts about British Protocol and our Queen when not a British national is really not on and most Brits will take great umbrage. Of all the most ridiculous comments ever. I'll discuss your queen and their queen and any other person if I so choose. Just as it's perfectly acceptable to discuss our presidents and first ladies. Take great umbrage if you want to but I don't really care one iota. I agree! Personally I couldn't care less about what anyone says about the royals. And if you ask me, what Brits are best renowned for it is being self-deprecating a not taking themselves too seriously. That's what I love about the UK. The only ones likely to take offence at anyone criticising the monarchy are 70-year-old Daily Mail readers. Maybe I socialise with too many Guardian readers (lol) but to my friends it would be water off a duck's back!
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 17 August 2014 - 09:37
Genie if you understood British etiquette when meeting a royal you would be aware that you do not have to curtsey especially as a non Brit. You do not have to curtsey as a Brit either. That is the point I was making, as the UK is far more egalitarian than it used to be. And yes, protocol in many other countries (e.g. middle east) should be respected. I very much doubt that, based on her response, Genie would ignore this. The point we were both making is that in the UK we are thankfully no longer expected to grovel in front of the monarchy - nor would they want us to - in this modern, democratic age. So sweeping comments about the class system being extremely hierarchical are, at best, misguided. As mentioned in my earlier post, personally I find Britain to be far less elitist than other countries e.g. France.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 23:39
I would not curtsey. I met Princess Diana on three occasions - was I respectful and thrilled to meet her - yes - did I curtsey - no. Nothing to do with lack of respect just I feel that this is something should have died out hundreds of years ago ( apart from pomp & ceremony historical type occasions maybe). It would be the same if I met the Queen, respectful demeanor - yes - bowing and scraping -no. This is 2014 not 1614. Couldn't agree more, Genie. You definitely did the right thing as apparently Diana hated people curtseying/bowing to her as she found that sort of etiquette embarrassing. Not surprising really!
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 21:14
Hi I am planning to hire a live out helper soonish and pay her aed3k + bens (sponsorship, flights, health insurance etc).
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 20:47
If by Western society you mean the Americans, you are right. However the above statement can also be easily applied to English westerners, the entire population is very keenly tuned into divisions of class (you only have to look at the exclusivity the Royal family enjoy with their self conferred titles and the titles they bestow on others who are somehow deemed more high class than those without; and the extremely tight elite circles they move in), they even notice things like accents, places one lives and the connotations it has. Class based mindsets to the core, quite like the Indian population in this aspect, although the latter slots people into a particular class based on different criteria. I think you have been watching too much Downton Abbey. LOL !! Is this how foreigners still perceive our Royals ?? I agree... that's a very outdated view of British society. Granted, there is a class system in the UK like anywhere else in the world. But in many ways there is greater upward social mobility than in other countries. In France, for example, it is virtually impossible to climb the corporate ladder without having attended a top university. But in Britain I worked with many people who reached senior mgt levels through sheer hard work - some from deprived backgrounds who had left school at 16. That would have have been almost unthinkable across the channel. It's also worth noting that the royal family has a purely symbolic role in the UK and is not *really* taken seriously! For some reason foreigners seem to misconstrue this though and assume we live in veneration of them. LOL. White Orchid - the way your quotes have appeared makes it look like your post was written by me !! I would like to make it ckear I did not sat that the Royal Family in the UK is "not taken seriously" as I find the remark offensive and totally untrue. On the contrary, the Monarch still has a an important Constitutional role. LOL DT! Profuse apologies... I do realise they have a constitutional role, but many foreigners seem to assume that we live in total adulation of them. This is far from the truth in a modern, democratic society. For instance, many of my friends would not bow or courtesy for the queen given that she is there due to an accident of birth. Having said that. she does do an excellent job at fulfilling her role and representing the UK overseas. And let's not forget how much income the royals generate in terms of tourism. Lol. <em>edited by WhiteOrchid on 16/08/2014</em>
WhiteOrchid
493
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Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 19:47
If by Western society you mean the Americans, you are right. However the above statement can also be easily applied to English westerners, the entire population is very keenly tuned into divisions of class (you only have to look at the exclusivity the Royal family enjoy with their self conferred titles and the titles they bestow on others who are somehow deemed more high class than those without; and the extremely tight elite circles they move in), they even notice things like accents, places one lives and the connotations it has. Class based mindsets to the core, quite like the Indian population in this aspect, although the latter slots people into a particular class based on different criteria. I think you have been watching too much Downton Abbey. LOL !! Is this how foreigners still perceive our Royals ?? I agree... that's a very outdated view of British society. Granted, there is a class system in the UK like anywhere else in the world. But in many ways there is greater upward social mobility than in other countries. In France, for example, it is virtually impossible to climb the corporate ladder without having attended a top university. But in Britain I worked with many people who reached senior mgt levels through sheer hard work - some from deprived backgrounds who had left school at 16. That would have have been almost unthinkable across the channel. It's also worth noting that the royal family has a purely symbolic role in the UK and is not *really* taken seriously! For some reason foreigners seem to misconstrue this though and assume we live in veneration of them. LOL.
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 19:30
OP, rather than subject yourself to the humiliating route of interviewing former maids who are clearly quite demanding, why not go to a labour agency where YOU get to choose who your housemaid will be?? There are often maids waiting in labour agencies who have been "returned" by their original sponsors, so you don't even have to wait 2 months for them to arrive from their home country. These women are genuinely in need of work and have less demands. That's interesting, Apricot. Glad you have had success using this route. But different families have different requirements. Some (esp westerners) would rather employ someone with Dubai experience. This is because she would know her way around and would already have a support network here. Personally, I would favour an older woman who has worked for a European expat family and has friends based locally. This type of helper may have higher demands salary-wise but would be less likely to be dependent on her employer for social interaction. She would *probably* also understand our culture and be less inclined to keep testing boundaries (e.g. by constantly asking for things). I'm no expert on maid issues but once I do hire someone full time (e.g. when I return to work) I will most likely go down that route. Maybe I'm just a softie (!!) but I would find it hard emotionally to have someone totally dependent on me.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 15 August 2014 - 11:17
Try Amro Ladies Salon, they have a few branches and all of their hairdressers are Lebanese or Syrian and do a really good job. http://www.amroladiessalon.com I agree - I used to go to their Shangri-La branch weekly as they were so good.
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 August 2014 - 16:16
Hi. Just to provide a different perspective, I am married to a local and I know many other women who also are. We all live very varied lives. Some of us post pictures of ourselves in bikinis on Facebook and others wear niqabs. Some go off for the summer to their Christian countries with the kids without their husbands and some don't travel alone at all. I think that our lives are very similar to the lives of women married to men from similar backgrounds. Some of us are happy. Some of us are not. That being said, if you are a devout Christian, I would think that it would be hard for you to raise your children as Muslims. I don't know of many Muslim men (even the non-practicing ones) who allow their children to not be Muslim. I do know of some, however.... Also, if your boyfriend is a non-practicing Muslim now and you like that aspect of him, expect that he will most likely become a practicing Muslim at some point. These are wise words, AnonDubai. I agree that there are many happy mixed couples here, and yours is definitely one of them. My response was based on all the negative comments from other posters which led me to believe that there was something fishy here - in particular, given that the OP's bf does not want to introduce her to his parents. Btw is there a way to find out whether a man is already married? E.g. at Dubai Courts?
WhiteOrchid
493
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Latest post on 14 August 2014 - 11:50
No offense but just because you have met siblings DOES NOT mean he is not married. I had a friend who was dating someone - she had met a few of his brother in-laws - only later did she find out that they were his wife's brothers and not his sisters' husbands. Eek. OP - I haven't read your original post but based on the other responses it sounds v fishy. Run for the hills - life's too short.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 14 August 2014 - 11:24
Hi I'm surprised that the private hospitals have turned you away. Surely there must be an OB new in town who would be grateful for the work? Re: Latifa: it's true that they are vg (I had 3 babies there) but tbh I wouldn't risk just turning up in labour. They can and *do* turn away women who are not registered. Have you tried the Iranian Hospital? As far as I'm aware, expectant mums don't need to purchase a package there so they may be willing to help you if you turn up at this stage. Plus they have just completed construction of a new block so you never know... could be on nice new premises.
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 August 2014 - 17:42
I have to say I laughed out loud when I read the requirement for a Parisian tutor. There is very little regional variation in French accents, especially in expat communities where everyone tends to speak the same way. In my 8 years in Dubai I don't think I have ever come across a French person with a noticeably regional accent. Funny how people tend to be specific when searching for tutors. A couple of weeks ago someone was looking for a French teacher from France, 'with French as their first rather than second nationality'. I may be wrong but to me it sounded as if they only wanted a white person! Somebody from say, Marseille, do have a slightly different accent. My husband always say it sounds like they are singing when they speak ;) Parisian accents can also differ considerably since a lot of 'Parisians' come from all over France. And yes, EmilyG, I agree re the French as their first nationality. With all due respect, my guess is you aren't that familiar with other French dialects. Coming from Canada, the French in Quebec vs. New Brunswick is markedly different...even "France" French individuals have difficulty understanding the Quebecois. Words used and accent are markedly different. I totally get why someone would want a specific accent from a specific tutor. I'm an English tutor and I understand when people would rather work with someone with a British accent than North American accent - they ARE different, both in syntax and in prose! edited by lpolly on 04/08/2014 edited by lpolly on 04/08/2014 This is a very funny thread. Just to clarify: 1) Yes, there is a strong difference between Quebec and France. 2) Yes, there *are* regional variations in France (e.g. I agree that in Marseille ppl spk v differently). 3) BUT amongst educated ppl teaching French as a foreign language these variations tend to be much milder. 4) In the French expat community here, very few ppl have strong regional accents. In 10 years here, I have met 1 or 2 with southern lilts and that is it. The vast majority spk with a 'neutral' accent. 5) Requesting someone with a 'Parisian' accent is a bit like requesting a teacher with a Cockney accent. In other words, it relates to a specific social class - apologies for being un-pc! There is no way French ppl would aspire to that. 6) The French equivalent of RP (Received Pronunciation) - e.g. how news readers speak - is definitely *not* a Parisian accent - just a neutral tone which cannot be linked to any particular region. Oh and fyi lpolly - I *am* French and happen to love imitating accents, so I do have a reasonable grasp of this topic. LOL! Interesting thread though... thanks for raising these questions :-) WhiteOrchid aka EmilyG
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 03 August 2014 - 09:19
Your friend's best bet would be to contact nurseries in the area. She could try British Orchard nursery in Karama? Or another one in Downtown area? My dd went to Hummingbird in DIFC which was lovely, but I don't think they do summercamps. ETA: She could also try Yellow Brick Rd nursery in Garhoud. <em>edited by WhiteOrchid on 03/08/2014</em>
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 03 August 2014 - 09:15
Hi there are some summer camps around that area, but most of them only take kids from the age of 4. They also start a bit later (e.g. 8-9am). Sorry if that's not v helpful!
WhiteOrchid
493
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Latest post on 05 July 2014 - 20:22
I have been using Nivea Q10 for about 15 years. No idea what I would look like if I hadn't used it though. Lol!
WhiteOrchid
493
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Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 09:46
Great thanks. I was going to the Mankhool clinic for my dd's vax anyway so will check it out :-)
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 12:18
Ok great, will take a look at IB meetup. Thanks!
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 10:41
Just received dd's old passport, exactly 24 hours after the new one. Finally we're good to go on our annual family holiday!
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 10:38
I believe in encouraging kids by all means, but tbh I think a lot of schools in dxb overdo it and are risk of turning pupils into 'praise junkies'. Weekly prize givings are completely OTT if you ask me! In fact I have seen the impact of this in the workplace here as certain staff members expect to be praised for very mediocre work.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 12:51
I got my my DD's back today too, received on 23 May in UK, new one back on Tuesday and old one today, what a relief!! hope everyone gets theirs back in time, good luck!!! Wow, they're really speeding up now. Great news :-)
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 12:15
Hi my dd's new passport has just been delivered. They had received her application in Liverpool on 14th May, so that's about 6.5 weeks in total. Still waiting for old one though. Hopefully that won't take too long.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 12:21
http://thesciencebit.net/2012/05/03/is-there-evidence-for-anti-ageing-creams/ "Last year, Which? magazine described analyses of 1,800 photographs of people’s eyes and eyelids. They found that, when it came to reducing wrinkles, the most expensive cosmetic product made no more difference than the cheapest cream. Any effect was probably due to the effects of moisturisation. Many experts argue that the simplest way to make your skin look smooth is to hydrate it. In the end, there is probably no cream that will produce a true anti-ageing effect. We can moisturise to keep skin supple, and apply make-up to hide blemishes and spots."
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 09:54
Sorry to be a spoilsport but as far as I'm aware, there is little or no research showing that anti-ageing creams actually work. What *does* help is a healthy lifestyle. You need to avoid the 5 S's: Sun Smoking Stress Sugar Sleeplessness I don't do too well on the last two but try to follow this routine. I apply factor 50 before I leave the house, carry an umbrella outdoors and never sunbathe. Obviously I don't smoke, try to relax (e.g. by exercising), try to eat healthily, hardly drink at all and *try* to get enough sleep (not always easy with 3 kids). The only creams I use (other than sunscreen) are Nivea Q10 eye cream, hand cream and a daily body lotion. Not sure whether any of it helps (lol) but ppl tend to say I don't look my age (40). Maybe they're just being polite and I am in denial though!! I have no intention of having botox or fillers as in *my* view they just look fake and need to be topped up all the time. I see so many mums at school who have had them done and they just look puffed up and/or expressionless. Still, if it feels good to them then why not... each unto their own. I also think it's important no to wear too much make-up... far from making women look younger, it tends to have the opposite effect. Hth x
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 09:34
Hi SEY83, sorry to hear you've been stressed about your application. I know how you feel. Sorry I haven't read all the responses, but have you tried calling the passport office and making an enquiry? I did this and got through straight away. They were very helpful and reassuring. +44 300 222 0000 Hth x
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 08:53
Great news, mollydxb! Well done. I also called yesterday and apparently my dd's passport is 'being processed'. Based on current lead times, that should mean we receive the new one at the end of June... so a week before we're due to fly out. BUT... last night someone mentioned that they are not returning old passport. IS this correct? If so, dd will not have her visa and we won't be able to travel. Anyone know anything about this? TIA x
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 11 June 2014 - 15:00
My passport was printed yesterday so is on its way!!! Hoorah! and breathe ...well maybe when it actually arrives! Great news. How long has that taken since you initially filed the application? Sorry, haven't read all the responses (lol). TIA x
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 22:28
Love the way some people are such experts in Sharia Law. A woman can sponsor her husband, when he finds a job he needs to transfer to his own employment visa. I'm sitting here laughing that some poster wrote down below that it is Sharia Law that a woman can't sponsor her husband in the UAE! I wonder where they get the information from. It's simply not true. Actually only women in very specific professions are allowed to sponsor their husbands. These include teachers, nurses and doctors. I'm guessing that midwives could potentially fall into the medical profession, but you would need to double-check. I was not allowed to sponsor my dh when I came here 10 years ago, despite earning a good salary. Things may have changed since, but men and women are far from equal in terms of their ability to sponsor.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 06 June 2014 - 13:50
Sorry to hear you're having such a stressful time! I agree with the PPs... it's the end of the year, we're fed up *and* it's just so hot which pushes kids over the edge. Only you can decide what's best for you and your family. Now that I have 3 kids (and no maid), I've decided to simplify my life by being v pragmatic: less activities, kids in the same place where possible (eg all at same school next year, even if it means ds starting a bit young), swimming lessons at home. I have even withdrawn my dd1 from an activity that she was doing 2 weeks early as it was interfering too much with our routine and she was way too tired to take part. What a relief! And yet my situation is much easier than yours as ds is in nursery right next door and both dds at the same school with same finish time. So if you think it will make your life easier, then yes I would make whatever changes you feel you need. Take it easy and try to relax... you've done a great job so far. Xxx
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 06 June 2014 - 13:30
Hi I haven't seen any Frozen party supplies yet but this should give you some ideas: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/200058408422018787/
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 04 June 2014 - 09:52
That's why I would always rather give stuff away than sell it. Far too much hassle! If you really need to get paid for furniture, best to put it on a smaller FB forum. Lots of takers and less time-wasters.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 09:56
Hi sorry to hear thing are so tiring... but unfortunately that's par for the course with a 2yo + newborn. My dd1 was the same - gave up her nap 2 weeks before dd2 was born. But at least it was the day she also started nursery so I had *some* time to myself... for a few days. Lol. Your dd is also in nursery so try to make the most of that time on your own with the baby. And I wouldn't try to force your toddler to nap - just go with the flow, accept her new routine and you will both feel a lot more relaxed. Oh and congrats on your new arrival! Well done for juggling 2 small kids... you'll see, the rewards are immense :-)
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 10:44
It depends where you live - as pollydxb says - and whether you have kids at school. I got by extremely well without a car for years as I both lived and worked in difc. Then with a baby it was the same - I just took taxis everywhere. When dd2 was born the metro opened soon after and that was great as we had a station outside our building. BUT when dd1 started going to school I didn't want to put her on the bus and so got a car about 6 months beforehand. I learned to drive here which was absolutely fine, and also had a refresher course to increase my confidence. They took me on SZR and other highways which was great. I would say bit the bullet and go for it - it's nowhere near as bad as ppl say.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 18:48
I would say a dress just above the knee is fine, but I would keep away from strappy numbers and vest tops. They just don't look good here.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 18:46
Jumeira Rotana Five Dining Movenpick Bur Dubai Dusit Thani Not in New Dubai but a bit closer than DCC.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 15:55
Hair washer: AED10 Stylist: AED20-30 Mani-pedi: AED20 I would only refrain from tipping if I were very unhappy with the service. In 10 years here I think I may have *not* left a tip once or twice. Staff here are very underpaid and deserve a little extra.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 09:37
A lot of peopel who advocate corporal punishment faced it themselves, so they use the reasoning "a bit of spanking did not kill me and turned me into a better person" Unfortunately studies show that corporal punishment does not turn you into a better person and can actually harm your mental health ... (Reuters Health) - People who remember being pushed, slapped and hit as children are more likely to be diagnosed with depression, anxiety and personality disorders later in life, a new study suggests. Canadian researchers estimated between two and seven percent of those mental disorders might be due to punishments inflicted in childhood, not including more severe forms of abuse and maltreatment. "We know that maltreatment is traumatic, but I think the point here is that even harmful parenting behaviors that may not be classified as maltreatment per se have this association with (mental) disorders," said Lisa Berlin, who studies parenting and child maltreatment at the University of Maryland School of Social Work in Baltimore. The finding "adds to our existing worries about the use of physical punishment, and speaks to the value of non-physical discipline," Berlin, who wasn't involved in the new study, told Reuters Health. "There just seems to be one study after another... that says we can and should find different ways to discipline our kids." Thanks for sharing, marytodd. Research-based posts are always the most helpful ones.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 09:35
Hi Munich Motors are much better than AGMC but have become a lot more expensive lately. My dh ended up driving all the way to SHJ last year as it cost a fraction of the price. This year he went somewhere in FC instead... not sure where but also more reasonable.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 09:33
I spoke to someone yesterday in the processing dept that said that they could return the passport to me. I will lose the on line payment which I am happy to do. I have someone calling me back within 72 hours to confirm this as they need a letter sent to support this - I had to DHL a letter confirming this with my signature on. You [i'>[b'>can[/b'>[/i'> renew a passport in the UK if you are not there. A friend of mine did it recently for her son, she sent him the forms from the post office, he filled them in and DHLd forms, photos and passport back to her. She then went to passport office and did the day turnaround service for him. Another option, if you don't have someone in the UK to do this, is to use a visa company to process it for you - it costs a lot but is def worth it for peace of mind! A few people have done this recently - I have found out since sending my application off! Thanks for sharing - useful to know. I wish I'd known that before sending my dd's passport off!
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 09:29
I'm finding the thumb distribution on this thread a bit of a puzzle... seems to be a lot of people in favour of slapping kids - my anti slapping post actually got 6 thumbs down !! Who are all these people who approve of it ? Very sad ... or maybe just an indication of the changing demographic on EW... Interesting point! Hadn't thought of that. But if as you suggest EW is becoming less 'western' in its target audience then that would explain people favouring more, errrrr..... 'traditional' forms of discipline :-/
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 09:26
I reckon its a sign of education and/or class. The only people I know who still hit their kids ... Always the controversial one! Slightly ironic considering you just posted about resting your head on your boobs, some may interpret such a statement as "toilet humour". Let's not even mention the "its" in the same sentence as education. lol I didn't say which class, did I? edited by marytodd on 19/05/2014 How funny. I was made familiar with the maxim -- some years ago -- that the so-called 'lower' class hit, the middle class throw things, and the upper class just freeze each other out with pointed stares + silence. In the ensuing years, I've since been disabused of that assumption. ;) It's easy to put this down to class differences... but unfortunately research suggests that domestic violence is an issue for ppl of all social backgrounds.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 09:23
If a neighbour / friend / family member slapped your child (gentle not as in belt) for a genuine reason (ie tormenting the dog after being told numerous times not to), would you be upset? How about this: if a neighbour slapped YOU for a genuine reason ie playing your music too loud after she had asked you not to, would you be upset? Or this one If your boyfriend/husband slapped you for a genuine reason..... would you be upset? what if your husband's boss slapped him, would you be upset? I see no reason why it should be ok to hit children when it isn't ok to hit adults. edited by kiwispiers on 20/05/2014 Exactly. And I am astounded at the number of ppl who have thumbed this post down. Quite shocking!
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 09:21
Not a parent so prepared to be flamed but I think if you hit your kids you don't have a leg to stand on in teaching them that violence is wrong when they smack another kid at school. Or the ultimate ironic punishment, hitting your child to teach them that they must not hit. Ridiculous! Couldn't agree more. It amazes me that some ppl actually do that!
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 13:21
Thanks sarahlou. Anyone else?
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 12:59
Hi why not ask a tailor how much it would cost and then pay her the same. My guess is about AED100 though.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 12:52
Sorry but I wouldn't do it either. I once went to a party at the park at 10am in March and it was unbearable. You may be able to get away with an early pool party followed by games and refreshments indoors though.
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 12:20
It's wrong to hit an adult, so why would you hit a child?
WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 16 May 2014 - 22:14
Actually, 3000 people is a huge sample. Surveying just 1000 people will give you a margin of error of less than 2 percent out of a million people. Wow, I didn't know that. Interesting!
WhiteOrchid
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 May 2014 - 13:51
I'd say there are different categories of expats who struggle financially: a) Westerners who think that moving to dxb will solve their financial problems by earning a higher salary. The problem is that they either underestimate the cost of living here or get sucked into the 'dream' (read: trap) of spending too much on luxuries they could not have in their home country. The only way they maintain this lifestyle is to borrow money or use credit cards. b) Non-westerners from the Levant region who have no choice but to live here as they do not want to return to their home country where there is too much instability. They end up accepting low salaries and living from one month to the next, often in debt. c) Expats from the subcontinent or Phils the who accept what they think are high salaries only to have to send most of their income back home, leaving very little to live on here. Personally I *love* living here... the weather, opportunities, multicultural environment. But I definitely wouldn't stay if it were not financially worthwhile.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 May 2014 - 17:13
Wrap It.
 
 
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