BEDH | ExpatWoman.com
 

BEDH

305
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 July 2015 - 05:58
Very frustratingly it makes the settling in months really tough. It will depend the wasta of your company and the effectiveness of the PRO to whether you can bypass the 6 month rule. There are agency maids who can come fulltime but they are not allowed to live in. My employer suggests bringing a family member intially. Most nurseries do not have work friendly hours either so check carefully when applying .
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 July 2015 - 18:12
Doha College ( British ) is right next door to Samyra . Entry applications for your child's age (Pre School ) open in December and you will need a nursery report so look for a nursery asap. American curriculum ASD is only a 5 min walk and starts a year later . Good local nurseries are CESK , Apple Tree , Bunny Bunny , Busy bees and Tots corner . Sunbeam is a small , often overlooked one within walking distance of Samyra (in cooler weather) . Nurseries are only licensed to 4 years so if you miss a Preschool place you need to find a Kindergarton from the day your child turns 4. TEK is popular one . Doha College along with DESS ( primary only ) is the most desirable Britsih school. ASD easily the best US one .
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 July 2015 - 14:06
Our fantastic live In , long term nanny/housekeeper will marry next month at her embassy here. She is just been back to her home country but unfortunately her fiancé wasn't due leave so it will be a while before she can celebrate with her family there and have a church blessing . Any Ideas how we could acknowledge her celebration ? She has asked if I will take the children to the service which will be lovely but I'd like to do something else for them as a couple in the way of a gift or treat rather than money . Just a nice gesture really . My husband though a night in a hotel but I'm not sure they would be comfortable with that .
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 November 2014 - 06:49
Not related to weight but like me you may find you have a UK (holiday )wardrobe and a separate one for clothes worn in Qatar. I wear looser, modest but more colourful clothes in Doha and keep fitted ,black items and warmer things for trips back. I hardly ever wear heels to work which I was never without in London. Of course you are free to wear what you like on your own home and visting friends but it's easier to adopt a "modern islamic "style elsewhere.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 November 2014 - 22:19
Have a look at the fab stuff made by CREU Qatar out of wood including recycled pallets . I've not got any of there stuff myself but have solid wooden outside furniture that oiled twice annually has lasted 6 long hot years in the gulf . I think most materials have a pretty hard time in the heat so need a bit of tlc to last. Obviously there isn't anyway to preserve plastic other than covering it . The thick ugly sunloungers round our compound pool only seem to last a year but the woven ones even less.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 October 2014 - 20:42
Investigate what is on offer at Child development centre here in Doha. I believe they are both an educational and therapy centre .They have a facebook page and website.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 20:40
I work at one of the schools and my children go to the other. They are different in many ways but both are full of happy interested children and super teachers, so if you managed to get places at both, I could only suggest flipping a coin <em>edited by BEDH on 12/10/2014</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 August 2014 - 21:10
It's worth trying if you have a trusted person who you would like to bring in . We managed it You need your RP in place and return the potential employee to her country of origin if she is currently with you elsewhere . Cost was less than using an agency and although it took multiple trips to to immigration, we have someone we trust to care for our home , pets and at times kids .
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2014 - 07:19
If you are happy and settled in Australia I would only consider a move if it is substantially career enhancing or financially exceptional ( Doha is expensive ) Many families who haven't travelled much use the experience as a way to see more of the world as Doha is and Dubai have flights everywhere. Personally ,as I came with a 1yr old , shortly followed by a newborn, I found having house help and the family friendly hours that my husband works, a huge plus. But now that my children are 3 and 4 , I have started to see the limitations of living in a exceptionally hot and developing country.It gets harder and harder to come back after holidays with family and lush green spaces and from places where its ok to wear shorts !
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 August 2014 - 19:15
Leaving the UK alone will be a great experience for your son . Being on the ground with presumably RP's in place or in process gives you an advantage over those yet to take the plunge . A huge proportion of expats in Doha won't be in the schools of first choice and waiting , emailing , phoning and drumming fingers on desk for THE place . After a few years they get over it and either make do or go home. [b'> DO NOTE that both DESS and DC welcome applications from academically excellent children and providing you have the supporting documentation, reserve the right to offer such" stars "a "slot in their sky" over others on the wait lists. [/b'> <em>edited by BEDH on 19/08/2014</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 18:00
My DH calls me the Minister of the Interior and Qatar has been quite frustrating for my decorative pursuits but... 1) Habitat has opened on Salwa /D ring corner under Al Mana . 2) Pottery barn in Dubai Mall can arrange trucking to Doha but you have to pay in store and then go and pay the freighters but it is definitely do able. Other Dubai interior shops also offer the service. 3) Check out Creu Qatar on facebook. They are currently constructing me a copied from Conran ; kids platform playhouse bed and a bakery table . They do bespoke pieces so you have to put a bit of thought into it but it is very well priced . 4) Marina is coming to Lagoona . . edited by BEDH on 28/06/2014 <em>edited by BEDH on 28/06/2014</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 14:59
Ooh Marycatherine plse share the location. In 3yrs I haven't diacovered a coffee roastry just ones that do nuts.Thanks
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 June 2014 - 21:59
Well you can get hUgE tins of Nescafe everywhere and there plenty of ok for shot cafes. The trouble with alot of coffee for me ,is it is either weak or arabic style. I got a great swiss bean grinding coffee maker here in Doha and it is my saviour. If you are genuine caffeineaddict I would bring your own beans because they are so expensive . Last month I brought Lavazza beans in 1kg bags in London for £12 and the same espresso ones here are 150 -190 QR !!!!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 14:41
I had to get a police clearance from the UK embassy ( I hold my RP in my British passport ) and my first and teaching degree and transcripts notarised in the country of issue (NZ) then sent to the ministry of trade and foreign affairs to be attested /authenticated and they are currently with the Qatar embassy in Canberra. When they are processed and sent on to Qatar , I will need to have them attested here also. This is the CURRENT process, it is , as ever in Qatar , subject to change.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 14:32
I have documents with the embassy in Canberra right now. Be sure to check out their address before you sent anything to them . They moved a few months ago but hadn't updated their new address when I had my papers couriered over early this month. Result ; the envelope sat for three weeks at the old address and after a big panic I had to get another courier to collect and take to the new address. If you have been waiting ages , this is where your documents may be too. The concierge at the previous address stated they had a LOT of mail for Qatar embassy. New address: 10 Akame Circuit O'Malley ACT 2606 P.O.Box 664 Woden ACT 2606 Australia <em>edited by BEDH on 27/05/2014</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 22:53
There is a few Boots shops but stock in limited to the basics. Like many , I tend to shop at home where possible. I rarely ship things here and only buy minimally in Doha. Here, in for example M&S , the price can be double of the UK price . I have just been back in the UK and bought lots of makeup and clothing mostly because of more selection as well as price. Did lots of shopping on the internet as well as the highstreet and updated all my undies , shoes, swimwear and gym stuff. .I have a 2yr old and a 4yr old who will both be at a uniform wearing school from September , so as well as clothes ,got school shorts, socks , shoes , new lunch bags , drink bottles and trainers much more reasonably than here. Also bought toys and books for their birthday gifts. Raided Tescos baking isle for cake decs and bought lots of coffee beans ( half price of here ) .
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 May 2014 - 21:12
There is no official ban on new visas for Phillipino maids but they are much much more restricted than previously. Talk to your HR at the Doha company , they may be able to swing it by setting her up as an employee and transferring to your sponsorship at a later date. I have heard of this being done recently for a senior oil and gas guy. Depends , like everything it Qatar on the wasta of the people in the company. You will have to send your maid home before she can be employed though.She cannot be directly sent from Dubai.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 May 2014 - 18:14
10,000 QR is a really good salary for a nursery teacher. If you are expecting to entertain yourself with trips to Dubai, bruch ,club ,bar hop and shop every weekend it won't go far. If you are happy with sale shopping, taking taxis with friends, eating in more than out and enjoying lots of free in Doha , you can save. To put it in perspective , a nanny may earn 2000QR a month and send 75% or more home to support family. You won't starve on 10,000.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 18:13
I don't want to bear you with more stress but honesty the challenges you face now will be good practise for life in Qatar. It isn't a place of ease and the systems are strange and ever changing . I've done 1027 days , not that I'm counting .....
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2014 - 08:17
Download your collection to a hard drive . Makes them much more transportable. Donate orginials to a charity shop. Watch them here by connecting the pc to your telly.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2014 - 08:12
I used the big upholstery shop next to Al Saad stadium (right off Al Waab, pass Al Bayyan gardens, left at the small roundabout and then first right) They did a great job but I provided my own fabrics bought in Sri Lanka and UK. I have also had bean bags made there and a big office chair and some stools recovered .
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 April 2014 - 18:23
My understanding is as her sponsor you are legally responsible to either return her to her home country (you can cancel her visa at immigration near the airport before you send her home) or pay immigration 1800 QR to transfer her to another sponsor . If you don't do either you are breaking the law and this is clearly stated in the initial sponsorship papers issued when you take on a maid.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 April 2014 - 18:50
On trips back to blighty I stock up on clothes and shoes, especially havaianas and sandals,tops and dresses with sleeves , underwear and swimwear. Random things like certain makeup stuff ,eyebrow tint , molton brown handwash , and specific perfumes which could be here but I obviously don't look hard enough.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 April 2014 - 14:44
We have visited Sri Lanka twice when our boys were 8mths and 2yrs and again when they were 18mths older. It is lovely and we definately enjoyed it more the second time as were more mobile. My eldest contracted Dengue fever on our last trip which was very frightening. There is no prevention or cure , so definatley used plenty of repellant and nets at night.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 March 2014 - 18:49
i always bring them from the UK as I have never found them here . When I once ran out I got some puppy poo sacks in LuLU.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 14:29
What I find frustrating is that you can only apply to Preschool in Doha in the year the child is due to commence. We, like many others have children born in Doha and wish it was like other places eg Dubai and Bahrain , where you can join a waitlist as soon as you have their residency . Later these schools, do assessments prioritising the first children on the lists. I'd have loved them to go to DESS as its practically on my doorstep , but missed both the Preschool and Reception drafting due to huge numbers applying. I'd aimed for missing the first year but now think we'd be very lucky to get a year one place in 2015. When we arrived , a British passport got you into DESS but now it's like a lottery. <em>edited by BEDH on 13/03/2014</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 22:28
There are a few foreign companies employing in Qatar who have excellent PROs and will make all the headaches mere mortals suffer relocating just disappear. Fingers crossed your DH is working for one. Good luck .
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 17:32
To complicate matters further and make schooling here even more of a nightmare, there is a new law which prevents children who arrive in Qatar from entering school at anytime other than the beginning of the school year. It will be possible to transfer from school to school within Qatar ( providing it is the identical curriculum ) but from the new academic year new to the country pupils may only start in either August or September . So of your children are over 4yrs you will need to be trying to get school places now and be over here ready to start .The bad news for many year groups is the best regarded schools have already allocated places for 2014/2015 and have long waitlists. <em>edited by BEDH on 06/03/2014</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 March 2014 - 19:50
There are many reputable tailors in the first row of shops behind Royal Plaza on Al Saad street. I have used a few of them for alterations.You are measured by a lady but the sewing is done by a men. ( I have found mostly male tailors here in Doha and they won't measure ladies ) These shops seem to be popular for making elaborate gowns and evening dresses so can be trusted with expensive fabrics. <em>edited by BEDH on 03/03/2014</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 January 2014 - 21:11
The Taliban Store has the best haberdashery selection in Doha. Tons of ribbons, buttons , braids , beads etc .Google it for a map and photographs.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 January 2014 - 12:01
I live on BH10. We are planning on handing our notice in soon, our 3-bed is QR13.5k/month. Are you coming back to join the Messilah massive ?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 December 2013 - 16:53
About a year ago I heard of nurseries telling children who were turning 4 to leave whilst others were still teaching over fours that were already enrolled , other still took four year olds. Typically the rules touted did not seem to apply to every establishment. I think it is something to do with different bodies licensing under fours and over fours. Now it seems every nursery ( not Pre-School or Kindergarten) won't take four year olds and pupils leave when they are four. I also have a summer born boy . He will be three in August 2014 when the school year is over at his British curriculum nursery. I am also curious to know whether he can stay at nursery until he is four when strictly speaking he will is eligible for Pre-School in the British system from Sept 2014. <em>edited by BEDH on 21/12/2013</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 December 2013 - 22:09
Yes she does but will resume in March as although pool is heated it is outdoors. I know there are also classes indoors at Riveria Gardens with another good teacher. ppost your email and I can send details .
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 December 2013 - 06:56
Its called Colour Note and is on the same side of Al Marqab Al Jadeed Street as Doha Clinic but further down toward C-ring .The signage is small and its open 8am-12.30pm, 4pm-9.30pm but only 4pm-9.30pm on Fridays .Its cheaper than Jarir but has a smaller selection.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 December 2013 - 21:08
If the bridge from Qatar to Bahrain ever goes ahead Doha will totally empty at the weekends. Going out in Manama is half the price and much much more fun
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 20:17
Can I come too ? We had some super years in Bahrain and I taught at BSB. Life was so much easier and cheaper than Qatar.We lived in Adliya and loved that we could walk to bars , cafes and licensed restaurants . The housing is wonderful and there are huge gardens and pools with many of the villas. My eldest was born there and proudly tells everyone he is Bahraini . My of my fondess memory of living there was at the airport when my sons RP stamp had expired .I asked "Is there a fine ? ". " Madam it is fine " said the Bahraini officer "We will get the captain to come and help , it is fine " edited by BEDH on 02/12/2013 <em>edited by BEDH on 02/12/2013</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 November 2013 - 19:19
Lets hope they put in family counters in the new airport . My boys won't be eighteen until 2028 and 2027 !
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 November 2013 - 20:43
Can you get e-gate passes for children ? The long immigration waits I've had trying to tether two children lately have been ****.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 November 2013 - 19:10
Gray girl and I cross posted !
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 November 2013 - 19:09
There is a road which runs parallel to Al Waab (salwa side) between Al Bustan and Wholesale market streets. Galiya is at the end of a small road which runs off this road , directly opposite the mosque. On google you will see it in the mist of the Al waab city bulid . It has a odd clover shaped pool.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 October 2013 - 13:34
sent her details- let me know you got them and delete yr number :) <em>edited by BEDH on 28/10/2013</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 October 2013 - 13:26
Can anyone suggest swim lessons in al waab area for 2 yr old? TIA yes- we go to a group on Monday mornings 8am in a Al Mirqab compound pool - post your email or phone no (then remove ) and i will send you the teachers no. <em>edited by BEDH on 28/10/2013</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 October 2013 - 12:13
Ask at any Damas store and they will direct your to their workshop branch if you want to be there for the process . I think it is in Al Saad. Damas insurance covers loss anyway. I gave them two rings which were sent to Dubai for stone replacemnet and before they went, got a signed valuation from them and assurance for loss. I thought as these chaps deal with jewellery worth a load of dosh they aren't likely bothered nabbing stones out of a regular ring .
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 10:53
I used my sister's and it is really good and tiny ( fits in a suitcase ) . Buy it off eBay thought as not worth paying full price IMO. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/phil-and-teds-t2-travel-cot-/131025585778?pt=UK_Baby_Baby_Feeding_Bibs_Muslins_LE&hash=item1e81bbc672
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 October 2013 - 18:57
Can anyone recommend a printers who would do a short run of photograph invitations on card. I have a design that I would like printed on postcards. <em>edited by BEDH on 06/10/2013</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 October 2013 - 14:42
We visited twice at the weekend afternoons but drove as far from the families and groups as we could . Obviously we strayed into the "bad " end of the beach where guys were doing tricks in 4x4s. I was quite horrified that a family slowed down to let their kids throw a can at our pets. There was also a lot of litter and carrion in the tidal wash and on the sand. It wasn't pleasant at all. Maybe its changed since but I prefer to go to Furwairit where there is plenty of space even on a Friday .
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 September 2013 - 14:18
There is a good group of dog owners who have a FB page Dogwalkers in Doha. I'm afraid Doha isn't anymore dog friendly than Dubai. I saw lots of dogs on leash in the marina on my last visit .Doha forbids dogs in public places . My experience is as an owner of two little dogs here in Qatar but I have had bigger dogs elsewhere so am aware of a pointers exercise needs. I'd advise a standalone villa as most compound houses do not have enough outdoor space. Ours does but dogs are fairly much to be neither seen or heard. We are not suppose to exercise them in the compound but can take them to wasteland outside . Some compounds will not allow dogs at all. I have not heard of any type of daycare but the owners of Pampered Pets are great and run a boarding kennel on a farm outside Doha. I relocated using Nicky Rofferty at this end .She is the most well regarded relocator In Qatar. People walk dogs within the suburbs on leash but there really aren't many paths . To go off leash we go north to a beach which is about an hours drive.and stay clear of locals and other beach users. For this we need a 4x4. We tried Al Wakra which now could be a 45 min drive south but haven't returned since we came across dog fighting and had stones thrown at us from cars. <em>edited by BEDH on 26/09/2013</em>
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Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 14:34
Doha Netball at the Rugby club starts 4th Nov. Post your email and I will forward the details . There is also another group training currently I think its on Sundays or Mondays . Ladies football is also starting at Al Raayan. I saw rhat on the FB page , where ,why,how Doha which is worth browsing especially as a newcomer.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 September 2013 - 14:35
I can't actually help with the area but a lot of of the towerblocks in West Bay allow pets. I not actually aware of one that doesn't (although I'm sure they exist). I don't see why Al Saad would be any different. Given what my cat has done to the sofa, I'm not convinced a fully-furnished place with cats is ever a good idea (I bet I'm going to have to pay a fortune for the flipping sofa) but some apartment blocks will take the furniture out. LaLaLa Brands for Less on Salwa road has things that cover the ends of sofas to avoid cats wrecking them. They have quite a good selection of random pet items much much cheaper than the vets . Kimbo Beware of properties with wrap around balconies and ledges that envelop the buliding . I have heard horror stories where cats on Pearl properties have been stranded for days and worse . CID don't rescue them like Fireman Sam.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 September 2013 - 20:58
One of the characters of Winnie the Poo bought it with black marker in kids colouring book I saw in Jarir bookshop . They don't sell Percys in M&S , not even the vege ones .