It was actually discovered by the HR office at Dave's work when they were working on applying for her residency visa. For some reason, she had only been given a 30 day visa when she entered the country, rather than the usual 60 day visa. They called us up, and warned us that the fine would probably be about 3000 dhs (800 USD) by the time the paperwork was finished.
We freaked out a little about that, and finally someone suggested that we do a "visa run." This involves going to another country, getting stamped in and out of that country, and then returning to the UAE and getting a new visa. The cheapest way would be to drive to Oman, about 2 1/2 hours from Abu Dhabi.
So that's just what we did! Connor couldn't come, because his passport was with the Turkish embassy, so I arranged for the boys to stay with friends and I took off. It took a total of 8 hours. We made a few mistakes, like I didn't realize that at the border leaving the UAE you have to ASK to be stamped out....I really didn't know there was an option! Its the first border I've crossed where its optional!
So, I went all the way to the checkpoint in Oman (30 mins each way) where another visa runner told me that I should have stopped and walked into a building at the UAE gate.....Anyway, I got stamped in and out of Oman, then went back to the UAE to beg for an out stamp....and an in stamp. I got there about 20 minutes before Iftar (the meal where they break the fast--its Ramadan), and the guy was really grumpy. (understandable.) And he told me he was going to have to charge me 1620 dhs.
I got out my wallet, and he told me, "wait, wait." So I waited. Then he kicked me out of the office, went and ate, and when he got back, he called someone on the phone, and then he was able to give Gwyn an out stamp. For only 20 dhs! Then, he made me go and wait in the car for 20 minutes before I could come back to the same guy and get the in stamp. By the time I left, we were pretty good friends, but it was a little rocky for a while there!
Now little Gwyn is legit again....
