DesertDaisy Posted May 20, 2006 Report Share Posted May 20, 2006 Right, I've been posting questions on and off for a while now, so I thought it was time I formally introduced myself.I was born and raised in Roodepoort, lived in Randburg after I got married, and then just over two years ago, we took a chance on a different lifestyle and jetted off to live in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. I have two girls, one aged 6 and the other 3. I am currently a Stay At Home Mum, though to keep me busy I am a published freelance writer. My dh is in a specialised field, and currently the associated paypacket and working conditions in SA, are just not conducive to family life. Which is why we moved to the UAE, to live the "expat" lifestyle. Only to discover we'd been somewhat conned, and our lifestyle wasn't nearly as "wealthy" as we'd been led to believe it would. However, we haven't regretted the move, and its still been a great experience. However, inflation is finally hitting this little (very peaceful) Middle Eastern country, and we are feeling the pinch. And as there is no such thing as permanent residency here, its just not a long term option.Going back home would have its advantages, especially being with my family (I'm very close to my two sisters). However, it would mean the complete disruption of our family life, as I would have to work full time (who has ever heard of a half day job in Joburg) and my dh would probably end up working away from home for 6 weeks at a time. Another negative for me would be the schooling issue. We can't afford private and with government schooling, its just hit and miss as to whether you live in an area with a good school. We've been spoilt here in that my eldest started school at 4, and is simply thriving in the British education system. She speaks no Afrikaans, thinks its hysterical when I try (I am English, but studied at an Afrikaans university). She speaks Arabic instead!So we took a chance and started circulating his CV all around the world, but focussing mostly on Aus as we believe that its a great opportunity for a long-term option. Dh is currently in the 3rd phase of his job application for a position in Perth. If he got the job, we'd be going over on a 457 visa, but his employer would support (not sponsor) an application for PR. We've decided to apply for PR even if we don't get the job, as it may help him find another job in Aus somewhere. If we did go over with his prospective employer it would either be July or November.If you would like to see some of our adventures in the UAE, then read a column I used to write called Desert Notes - http://www.tashitagg.com/desert/archive2005.asp or my blog on life as a housewife, Confessions of a Domestic Goddess - http://www.tashitagg.com/forum/weblog_allentries.php?w=50 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Seoul Sister Posted May 21, 2006 Report Share Posted May 21, 2006 Hi there DesertDaisy,Welcome to the forum and thanks very much for the interesting peek into your life. You and I have a lot in common starting with the area where you grew up (I grew up in N'Cliff/Fairland) through having two kids of almost the same ages, to the expat living thing ... On the topic, I am very sorry to hear that your lifestyle hasn't work out completely as planned. On the positive side I am sure your learning curve must have been a straight 90 degree line at times and that you must have seen some wonderful things and met some fab ppl !! I am glad that you have joined us and I hope that you will stick around once you have moved to Perth, as it seems to be a popular choice with Saffers and your info and personal experience will add real value.Good luck with the process. See you soon on the forum !LoveSeoul Sister Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertDaisy Posted May 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted May 21, 2006 Thanks Seoul Sister! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Seoul Sister Posted May 21, 2006 Report Share Posted May 21, 2006 Hey there, me again..You're welcome, and I hope that you feel welcome on the forum too. Quick question if you don't mind me asking. Are you looking forward to leaving the Middle East and moving to Australia or will you be sad to go ?And what will you miss most when you have gone ?LoveSeoul sister Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertDaisy Posted May 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted May 21, 2006 (edited) In some ways I am looking forward to leaving, and in other ways not! I am definitely looking forward to skipping the extreme summer temps. For example today its about 42 deg C and the humidity is around 70% - and its not even full summer yet! Thank goodness for aircon.I am not looking forward to leaving the friends I have made. I am lucky to include in my "circle of friends" people from all over the world - Canada, UK, Albania (Kosovo), Eqypt, Pakistan, USA, Oz, NZ etc etc. I actually have very few SA friends. I find that SAffers (there are around 40000 in the UAE) are often very insular, and wont "mix" so easily with other expats. Such a pity, as I have learnt so much from them! Edited May 21, 2006 by DesertDaisy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chatterbug Posted May 21, 2006 Report Share Posted May 21, 2006 Hi DesertDaisy,Although we have exchanged post before your official introduction, I would like to extend an OFFICIAL WELCOME! I think you'll provide good insights to this forum and your background ( + UAE experiences) is certainly very interesting. I hope you get alot of info on Perth, but it seems like the Nando's thing has done it for you! I'll hold thumbs that hubby's job offer goes smoothly and your move is a smooth one!Chatterbug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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