marykar | ExpatWoman.com
 

marykar

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Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 17:29
Could anybody share any useful info about this even, please? They say vaguely that "There will be day-long activities with many side shows, based both on the country's cultural traditions and folklore." But what is the best time to go there with the kids? Any other tips? thank you!
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Latest post on 12 March 2015 - 13:11
I've heard that the really good stuff (master and 1:1 qualities copies) are not available at the market. It is possible to view them at some apartments near by. But to get an access there, it is necessary to know these people directly. Apparently even if your friends gives you the number of Mr X and you call, they will not reply as your number is not on their phone book... <em>edited by marykar on 12/03/2015</em>
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Latest post on 11 February 2015 - 23:11
I'm traveling with my cat all around the world and let me assure you, Qatar is one of the most welcoming countries in terms of animal relocation. No qaranteen, no rabies anti bodies test, no cargo transport obligations! My personally I wouldn't recommend to use pet relocators as they charge high for the service that you don't need! 1500 gbp for a dog sounds nonsense! The only thing you really need is the vaccination records, the microchip and the import permit. The import permit is valid 10 days and costs 10 qr! (Less than 2 euros!) it is delivered by governmental veterinary clinic at the airport area. Anybody can apply for it, just need an ID (even not a Qatar id). Once you have the permit, call the air carrier and book a place for your cat. It will travel as registed baggage. You will pay for it as for the weight excess. Upon the arrival they will not even look at your cat :) probably somebody will come to take your import permit. Probably not :) I got used to travel to Qatar airways and took my cat every time with me for summer vocations to Europe ;) if you have more questions, don't hesitate...
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Latest post on 11 February 2015 - 22:51
Honestly I have a feeling that people apply in QIS if they don't manage to get a place anywhere else. And change the school as soon as they get a place.
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Latest post on 11 February 2015 - 22:43
Hi, hope you are not frozen any more :) I see that nobody replied, probably you have made your choice already. Just let me add a small connect. I have two friends who had their kids in QIS. Both chaned the school in 2 years time. The reasons were: 1) my 1st friend's daughter was 7 yo when she left QIS because she was the only one European child not only in the class but in her year group! My friend was happy with teaching and the school itself but they could not feel themselves the only black sheep in the Arabian environment. To add to this some kids were aggressive to my friend's daughter. The girl left for SEK where she is absolutely happy. 2) in the 2d case it was the teaching standards that made my other friend to move her son to Doha college as soon as they got a space. Once they found out that her son's teacher was banned from the National British Education for chronical alcoholism. Me personally I was driving along this school for two years nearly every afternoon. My god :) I'd say I was in jungles. The parents of QIS have no notion of politeness, to say nothing of driving rules... I asked myself if i was not raving when I saw some cases... <em>edited by marykar on 11/02/2015</em>
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Latest post on 11 February 2015 - 22:29
Just want to add about getting fresh and high quality food stuff. Some people say might be challenging. Not true. It is only a question of the cost! As I have said, avoid Megamart with it's artificial ogm and hormones packed American food. Shop at Monoprix, you are well placed in WB for that. You can even go organic if you have a bujet for it. You can even go local! There is a vegetable market not really far from west bay! The meat is fantastic in Qatar (except paultry). Everything depends on your priority.
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Latest post on 11 February 2015 - 22:19
Hi, welcome to Doha! I want to share my experience with you, hope it will be incouraging! We moved to Doha from Scotland in November, 2012 and spent nearly 2 years there (now in Dubai). Soon after fining shools and accommodation I started to enjoy Qatar, Its lively climate and social and cultural richness. Honestly, I was not comfy with my extra few kilos taken during cold Scottish winters and summers. There in UK you can hide yours extras under your kilted jackets. Here in the middle east it is a pleasure to live in the "beau Monde" :) I had a shared gym in my compound, the pool and all the modern means to lose weight. I'm addicted to Hello magazine. Due to it I discovered juicing. In Doha there is at least one company that delivers fresh juices to your door. It worked perfectly well for me. In 6 weeks time I lost my extra 6 kg and never got them back! My way of life was active, we enjoyed wild beaches as well as fancy brunches at 5 stars :) personally for me it sounds nonsense when I here about extra kilos taken in Doha. Don't look for an excuse :) you have all the necessary to be fit and shaped there! The right fresh food as well (prefer Miniprix for your food shopping for the real quality food). And, please, let's say the truth! Size 20 can't look nice and it is not good for the health to carry this extra weight! Good luck!!!!
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Latest post on 20 November 2014 - 16:35
Thanks a lot for the detailed reply! I've heard already about the Grand Parade in Maydan (28/11) but didn't hear about the Boulevard. Where is it, please? Also if anybody knows about the last one, attended by the royal family, please, share the info!
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Latest post on 13 November 2014 - 14:31
Thanks, ladies! I cant wait and chase up on Dubizzle as the good weather is now :) will try dragonmart! It is so huge... where is it exactly in Dragonmart?
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Latest post on 13 November 2014 - 14:29
Officially it is forbidden but in the reality nobody controls...
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Latest post on 20 October 2014 - 09:40
When I was chosing a villa in spring, something inside of me told me that I should avoid the Ranches... We took a house at Victory Heights and now we can leave house at the last moment in the morning without to worry to be stuck at the exit. Could you tell me why everybody dreams to live in Ranches???? It is overpriced and overcrowded...
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Latest post on 14 October 2014 - 19:45
I remember this topic now :) The Russian, how could we get in touch? We have kids of the same age and you could help me with your HOWDRA experience :) Write me, please, to doha.mperrier&gmail.com!
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Latest post on 14 October 2014 - 19:37
Hi, we had a maid from Howdra (two, in fact). What would you like to know? Oh, dear, thanks for your reply! Could I probably contact you directly and ask all my questions? We could speak Russian for the better understanding :) :) my email is doha.mperrier&gmail.com The thing that makes me worry most of all it is 8-hours working day! I've never seen a maid in my life that works for 8 hours only! Is it the reality or only on the paper? how do you manage to count these 8 hours if she is doing only that? I also didn't like all that concerns the evening hours and babysitting! Does she eat with you or you give her a food allowance? Is she free to go away from your house when her working day is finished or she needs to get your permission (because I don' want my maid to leave the house!)? I would appreciate if you agree to answer my questions in private as some of them could create hot discussions here... Thanks in advance,
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Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 15:23
It looks to be impossible. Call directly the customer service of Emirates and ask the question. Please, leave an update here if you manage to do it in this way. <em>edited by marykar on 13/10/2014</em>
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Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 22:19
Thanks a lot for the explanations!
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Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 18:54
Ladies, I'm new here. Could you explain me how it would work exactly for Aquaventure and Lost Chambers? In fact they have special prices for UAE residents. If I come to buy general admission tickets with Entertainer vouchers, which tariff will apply on me - Residents or non-residents (as they say that vouchers are not valid with any other discounts)?
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Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 11:44
I am desperately looking for the same but for a [b'>lady[/b'> :) if anyone saw it recently, please, let me know :) it is urgent :)
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Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 10:58
Hm... Ijust said "it looks like everybody will have Sunday off" and never said that it was announced or published anywhere. But it really looks in this way :) I have lots of friends taking a long WE from Thursday to Sunday (including my DH :))
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Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 10:45
Where is it written that we will get Sunday off as I have not seen this advertised. The G&S will be open as public holidays are busy days for retail etc Sorry, I don't know if it is written somewhere but all my friends will have this date off... Thanks for the reply about the Gold souk!
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Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 10:14
Looking for the same info... I put a glass of red wine on the white marble floor and it made a dark stain... what to do?
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Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 10:12
Ladies, it looks like everybody will have Sunday, the 26th of October off. I wonder if the Gold and Diamond souk in Deira will be open on this date??? I'd like to bring my visitors there on this day...
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Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 10:08
I moved to Dubai from Qatar a couple of month ago and I can tell you, dear ladies, that the maids are really spoilt here. And spoiled by you, the Western expats. In Doha they work hard for less money and feel thankful for being able to work for you! Always respectful and polite, attentive and ready to serve. Here all these games "we are all equals, my maid should not work more that 8 hours a day and have her hair cut and nails made once a month..." don't do any good. In fact I am shocked by the behavior of the help here, they really take us for stupid cows. All these Asian nations live in strata societies. It doesn't help they at all when we try to smash the stratas. We are not equals. Just respect them but don't spoil them!!! <em>edited by marykar on 12/10/2014</em>
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Latest post on 11 October 2014 - 23:56
Ha! Dear ladies, do you really think that the courier delivery works better in Europe??? 4 years ago we were living in Scotland as an expatriated family. How many times my parcels were delivered to the neighbours without even to inform me???? Every time when the status was "delivered", I had to have a long walk around my posh district of Aberdeen looking for my parcel as a stupid girl. I was living in number 10, but had to do all the street from 4 to 18 to find my shipments. The funny thing about Scots and Brits is that they will never come to you to give you your parcel :) Once I sent a BDay present to a little girl in Manchester. 10 days after the birthday I found out that the parcel was delivered to the neighbours and they never informed my friends about it. So, don't complain about local Araxex; it is world wide :) <em>edited by marykar on 11/10/2014</em>
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Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 06:49
I don't know this particular doctor but I would not rely on the revues of the French people. I don't want to offend anybody but I spent 9 years of my life in France and didn't manage to find a good dentist there neither for common treatments nor for crowns and implants. Every times I asked my French friends to recommend me a dentist, it turned out in a catastrophy for my teeth. So, I would not trust a French dentist. Those who are strong in their field are Russians. They do amazing job. I use Standard Medical Clinic, Dr Maria in particular. <em>edited by marykar on 01/10/2014</em>
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Latest post on 30 September 2014 - 20:41
I wonder what will happen if I sign for their post paid 24 months plan with the Iphone 6 and will have to leave the country definitively because of the job transfer in 10 months? Any ideas?
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Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 12:22
Thank you very much, ladies! It is exactly as you've said! I called Hertz. We can drive the rental car to Oman, just need to pick up an Oman insurance from the nearest Hertz office!
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Latest post on 21 September 2014 - 14:12
FairyDust, this topic is about swimming with dolphins in Atlantis, not about protection of the animals. You should not be too aggressive imposing your points of view. Create your own thread and express yourself there. And yes, I dream to obtain an alligator bag! And I've got a mink coat already :) <em>edited by marykar on 21/09/2014</em>
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Latest post on 21 September 2014 - 11:05
Looking for somebody sharing her experience in DOING it :) not somebody asking NOT to do :)
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Latest post on 21 September 2014 - 11:02
I ask this question because we have just moved to Dubai from Qatar and there in Qatar it is forbidden to cross the boarder by rental cars. Moreover, if one has a bank loan on one's own car, it is necessary to get a non-objection paper from the bank!!!!!! So, I just try to be careful with the local laws and policies...
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Latest post on 21 September 2014 - 01:16
MrsMozz, and what are your "old favorites"? :) I mean brunches entertaining the kids...
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Latest post on 21 September 2014 - 01:09
Please, those who have done it, share your experience! My friends are coming to visit us with kids and want to do it, I was thinking to follow them with my 4 yo daughter! Please, tell us about it!
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Latest post on 21 September 2014 - 01:04
Tiny tots ballet on Saturdays at Impact (Control tower, Motor city).
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Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 08:05
House Hunters were helpful for us and never deal with Forest agency!!!
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Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 08:01
Thanks you, ladies! I will try. I was living in Qatar previously and found the international issues of Hello weekly in every Carrefour. Strange that here there is only Middle east version...
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Latest post on 24 August 2014 - 17:22
Thanks a lot, ladies! I guess that an agency sponsored maid costs more expensive. Do you have an idea about the cost in comparison with the classical way (sponsored by us)?
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Latest post on 24 August 2014 - 13:45
Our family was relocated to Dubai this summer but for one school year only. In July 2015 we will move further to KL (the job of DH obliges...) I have two kids and a cat and desperately need a live in maid but I don't know what the option is for me. Can I bring a maid from abroad (by an agency) and make a sponsorship for 10 months only? If not, what could I do? Thanks a lot in advance if anybody will be able to give me an idea of what to do...
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Latest post on 24 August 2014 - 13:40
Thank you!
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Latest post on 24 August 2014 - 13:39
Thank you, ladies! We've got one! :)
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Latest post on 24 August 2014 - 13:36
Thanks a lot, ladies! I was in touch with Grand Hyatt and booked a room there. Do you think that it will be the right location for diving or it is too far from the diving spots? Shangrila didn't reply to my emails concerning the booking, I was not impressed by their customer service although the hotel looks to be amazing... Oman is such a magic place, I planned to spend 3 nights there but I think we will extend our stay for one more night...
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Latest post on 22 August 2014 - 16:45
My DH really needs to change his eating habits :( He has at least 20 kg of extra weight. He is ready for it and asks me to find a good nutritionist for him. If you could recommend me one, I would be very thankful...
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Latest post on 13 August 2014 - 19:02
Look for "Doha accueil". There are plenty!
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Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 08:33
I wonder if it takes long or not to get certified the exeat school certificate? It is already in Arabic and I guess that the next stage should be the supreme education council but which office? In west bay or on the c-ring? Do they do it the same day? Then the ministry of the foreign affairs I guess? If anybody has this experience, please, share... Thanks!
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Latest post on 04 June 2014 - 21:08
I applied for GEMS Wellington in November 2013!!!! When they were unrolling. I paid the registration fees and sent all the required docs. They even never wrote me back!! when I called them in January 2014 they said that OF COURSE they have no space but they will keep my daughter on the waiting list for 2 years :) My advice : forget about Wellington and consider the 2 new GEMS opening in September ( the first point at the villa and metropole at Motor city). Finally I took a villa in victory heights that is near to gems metropole. Good luck!
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Latest post on 30 May 2014 - 10:06
Ummmuhammad123, Thank you for your post, it is really informative and useful. Wickedangel_78, thanks as well! It is good to know that the law sates 8 hours of REST per day, not 8 hours of WORK :) it looks much nearer to the reality. Also it was good to know that not everybody pay extra hours to their maids for the bbsitting that is just ridiculous in my point of view. Chickadee2, you say that you recently lived in Qatar, paid 2000 to your maid and she never worked more than 7 hours per day. Well... I can tell you that you was one of those dream employers that the cunning Philipinos are hunting among the western expats. Your maid was really lucky, she was certainly treated like a local hero among the other Filipinos of the area :) The salary range here is from 800 to 1500 and the maids work as many hours as the employers ask them. Dear all :) I see that some of them look to be a bit shocked by my vision of maid service. But you can't but agree that the westerns often don't know what to do exactly with their maids. They are overexcited by the idea to have cheap help at home, something that they wold never effort to have at home in Europe, but at the same time their ethical background perplexes the way they deal with their maids. We are a French family and we have never had maids. Qatar was our 2d expatriation (the 1st was Scotland and I can tell you that I had very very cheap Polish help their but not live in :)) We discovered "maids" in Qatar and decided not to have it at home as my husband's company paid us 18 hours of house cleaning per week and a gardener. We didn't really need a live in maid. The only problem was an evening bbsitting and the cat sitting every time we left for vocations. But I malade to borrow my friends' and neighbours' maids for it. Now we are moving to Dubai. The company will not pay for the housecleaning there. Moreover I will have a huge garden at our villa, so I will have to maintain it. The gardener will be not paid by the company as well. My kids are 4 and 9, they will go to different schools and will finish at different time. I don't want to be stuck at home waiting for the school busses all the afternoon. As well I really want to go out in the evening and take a profit of all that Dubai is offering. Moreover, according to the UAE law the pet animals can travel as cargo only, so I will be not able to take our cat with me every time we go for vocations to Europe. So, I need a constant cat sitter. All this brought me to the idea of hiring a live in maid. That's why I am looking for the information :)
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Latest post on 30 May 2014 - 00:24
I heard that many western expats are the dream employers for maids as they are not familiar to the idea of the help at home and feel guilt inside of them. I have a couple of friends who pay 3 times more monthly than certain locals to their maids ( ex in Qatar an average salary for a Philipina is 1200 and my friends pay 2500, although my Qatari friend pays 800 only). Let's turn in differently. What is the law for the maids and where can I find an original text of this law to know exactly what I can or can't or should do with the maid?
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Latest post on 30 May 2014 - 00:13
Girls, let me tell you that I am shocked! You have live in maids, you pay for the sponsorship, their medical insurance, tickets back home and vocations, salary plus supplementary hours (!!!), phone calls, internet, food allowance, clothes allowance, what else did I forget? In their turn your maids work for 8 hours by day and have 1 dAy off weekly????? Explain me, please, what is the point to have a maid????? I live in Qatar actually but going to move to Dubai. Here maids work 12 hours by day , not always have days off! Because if the maid has a day off, you don't have it! Moreover my friends sometimes lend me their maids but of course I pay good extra for it and provide a taxi to come and go back. What is the point to have a maid at home if she doesn't make hour DH's breakfast at 5:30 am and doesn't bbsit with your kids when you are out in the evening????? Do you believe that locals are satisfied by 8 hours per day work of their maids? Don't you think that you are too nice and pay too much for the small effortless job of 8 hours per day???
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 17:55
I'm a bit perplexed by the words of kiwispiers: " Also agree in advance what you will pay her for any after hours/baby sitting work. (i.e an hourly rate or time off during the week in lieu)." I was thinking that live in maid will be on my service any time when I need her, except her day off. What is the reason to have a live in maid if I have to arrange for the late babysitting with her????? Also 50 hours of work per week doesnt seem a lot for me for a maid! Can I ask my maid to water the garden and do basic gardening (I will explain her what is needed) because I think it is stupid to have a gardener if I already have a maid? How many days off is she supposed to have? edited by marykar on 29/05/2014 <em>edited by marykar on 29/05/2014</em>
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 08:39
I wonder if anybody has any news about the GEMS school in Motor City? Do you think they will open in September? Is the building ready? Thanks :)
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 08:33
Hi, I'm also going to get a live in maid for the first time. And also have questions... First of all, I wonder what is thebesr way to find her - by an agency or take one from smb leaving the country (where to find this type of adds???) Concerning the food allowance, I think it s a good way but what shoud be an amount? Please, girls, tell us HM you give for food monthly? What about the days off? Should it be once a week on Friday? Should it be fixed? How many hours by day should she work? Is there a fixed number and how to count it? This is for a start :)
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Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 11:12
I have a lot of friends working for QA as pilots and ground staff and nobody has never ever said anything similar to this. Although it is true that QA is one of the junkiest companies I know. They are pretentious but it is not based on anything. The tile of the best company of the year they certainly obtained in the same way than the world cup 2022. It is very typical for Qatar upon the whole: show off but nothing behind. Chose other airline if you have choice.