marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 May 2017 - 07:45
You should double check with the venue you choose. Often it is a dry day before Ramadan is called.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 May 2017 - 14:16
It would probably help if you posted your credentials/certifications.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 May 2017 - 12:53
Are you aware of Qatar requirements to set up such a business? You might want to ask about those as well.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 February 2017 - 13:12
Are there written proocols in place for such things? If yes, get rid of her, it will not improve. If not, set some up by consulting with staff. You don't have to agree with any or all suggestions but they should be consulted and informed going forward.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 January 2017 - 23:15
Is she registered with the ME for tuitions? If not she may be open to fines
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 January 2017 - 12:26
Here is a link to a website that lists controlled or banned drugs in the UAE (not Qatar) though I imagine they are similar. http://www.uaeinteract.com/travel/drug.asp I am not familiar with your medicine either. If it is considered a narcotic or has some narcotic component to it I would be [b'>very [/b'>careful about bringing it in as described above [b'>without [/b'>first checking with the Qatar Ministry of Health for guidance Good luck
marycatherine
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Latest post on 10 January 2017 - 06:17
Try checking on the UK amazon site for the instant pot. The voltage won't be a problem. But check the description carefully, sometimes on the US website they offer European voltage small appliances.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 December 2016 - 20:19
Try the cleaning aisle, baking soda is often offered as a cleaning agent in a box (arm and hammer) or in a plastic jar in the veg department
marycatherine
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Latest post on 16 December 2016 - 08:39
Miss Kim this is the Qatar forum not Dubai. Career and Uber are both available here. I have colleagues who rent corolla or similar between 1800 to 2000 per month but I have no details on names. As for a driver, ask around at your workplace, nearly everyone has the number of a casual driver.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 16 December 2016 - 08:35
The Central Bank oversees all banks
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 November 2016 - 08:23
Dr Lubna is a very good dentist - I have been going to her for 8 years. She studied at Marquette University in Wisconsin USA. She fixed up a crown/implant for me that hadn't been done correctly in North America. Very thorough and patient.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 17 November 2016 - 07:51
Have you considered any of the animal rescues QAWS and 2nd chance etc.?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 31 August 2016 - 09:20
You are under the Qatar thread Regine - Wizzy is in error
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 August 2016 - 14:13
If it isn't time sensitive, you could always purchase a bank draft and mail it to your account in Oz. A friend in Dubai used to do that rather than pay electronic transfer fees.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 August 2016 - 23:49
Have you tried the bulletin boards at Mega Mart? There's always Qatar Living but you would probably get some of the sillies there too. If you have contacts at the universities in Education City or QU or CNAQ they usually have an in house classified set up for staff to use. Maybe a friend can post for you there?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 15 August 2016 - 14:04
I can't help on a specific daycare (I don't have children) - but please be sure that the one you choose is registered/licensed and meets the safety code requirements. In 2012 there was a tragedy in Doha in a nursery when fire broke out. I don't want to scare you but you should educate yourself thoroughly on where and with whom you leave your children in this part of the world, often corners are cut and standards are winked at - I know you want the best for your baby and I don't know how long you have lived here or what you know.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 15 August 2016 - 14:00
The law is about adultery. In the GCC adultery is having s exual relations outside of marriage. You are not married, you are pregnant, ipso facto, you have committed adultery. There is no way around this unless you can produce an attested marriage certificate acceptable to the authorities.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 11 August 2016 - 18:10
For people who help me with my bags to the car at the hypermarket, between 5 & 10 QAR depending on how many. Maintenance people in my building who are earning a regular salary maybe 10 if they've done a good job (and tidied up any mess) or more if the situation was urgent. My cleaning lady gets one month's salary once a year plus extra if she comes into look after my pets when I am away.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 August 2016 - 17:16
Sorry to burst your bubble, but it won't start to get cooler until towards the end of September (it's the humidity that kills, I can deal with the heat without the humidity). Holiday Villa is fairly close to the school (the area is called Najma/Mansoura).
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 August 2016 - 17:09
Saralou you're on the Qatar forum, not Dubai
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 August 2016 - 17:08
I would advise you do a quick search on this forum for some school info. The biggest challenge people seem to face is finding a spot (and in your case at least 3?) for all your children not only in the school of your choice but in the same school. Another big consideration is deciding where you will live in relation to the school as traffic is awful during the regular school commute times.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 10 July 2016 - 04:10
Salwa Road or Salwa Street? I know the former but not the latter and it's a very busy commercial area leading up to the industrial area, so I may have missed the school. The school will advise if they can get a visa for you, no one but your employer/sponsor can do this legally.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 09 July 2016 - 19:14
Short answer, you're not qualified to teach at any school you would want to teach at. I've never heard of Stafford International School and I've lived here 10 years, but then I don't have children. Good schools that provide a decent salary and benefits (and visa, medical, etc) require and get teachers who have a teacher qualification (in Canada, that's a B. Education) and usually several years of post grad experience. You can google all the schools you might be interested in and see what qualifications are needed to be considered. Good luck - do your research
marycatherine
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Latest post on 02 July 2016 - 11:42
Does DESS have a website where it might be posted for families of children attending the school? Spinney's and Megamart each have bulletin boards in their locations. Putting the word out amongst your friends and business associates? Word of mouth is often more successful than formal advertising. There is a facebook page, buy sell swap Qatar and a Qatar page on Dubizzle too. Good luck. Would it be OK to let the guards at the gate know that if someone makes an inquiry that your villa might be available (offer them a financial incentive - say 10% of one month's rent).
marycatherine
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Latest post on 02 July 2016 - 11:39
You would be spending at least QAR1000/month on taxis to and from work. Rent on an apartment for yourself would be at least QAR5000/month (one that has reasonable maintenance and hopefully closer to your work) so that leaves you with 2000 for food and other. You need to do some more research on the cost of living before making the leap here - it is expensive to live in Doha. There would be little or no money for any extras or the occasional treat (i.e. eating out at a nicish restaurant).
marycatherine
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Latest post on 30 June 2016 - 00:49
Applying for a family visa usually does require 6 mos of bank statements. However, some employers are able to skip this step - I know mine does, but your DH should check with his PRO for details. I'd be more concerned about when your children can join a school. A few years ago, the MoE said that students were not allowed to join mid-year. Check with the schools you have applied to.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 16 June 2016 - 17:46
Actually it's not. I have only been to Apollo once a long time ago so it slipped my mind. This shop is almost next door to Studio Qatar (which has excellent framing services)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 14 June 2016 - 21:06
It is probably too old. 5 years is the standard.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 14 June 2016 - 06:34
IKEA is here as are Home Centre and Homes R Us. The One has some higher end pieces. Coming at Christmas may mean there are some sales going on but no guarantee. There are the OTT gilt and curley cued shops, and if you go to Salwa Road there is a large shop which name escapes me that has European/modern furniture. There is also another next door to where I get art framed that has some high end couches I like. So it is possible to buy decent furniture and depending on your tastes, it may be at a price though, this is Doha. Would it be worth it to come for a weekend to poke around? Only you can decide. You may also be able to buy some second hand pieces from expats moving on.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 08 June 2016 - 19:54
How old is your car? There are restrictions on the age.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 07 June 2016 - 20:42
Why would you have a dog if you didn't walk it yourself regularly?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 June 2016 - 06:51
Hasn't the employer stated answers to your questions? Part time rarely receive benefits such as you are asking about. In my experience you will have little to no room to negotiate unless your quals (you say you're new to teaching so experience doesn't factor into it). You should ask the school your questions about the benefits.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 May 2016 - 21:20
And here we have the naive attracting the sharks
marycatherine
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Latest post on 12 May 2016 - 07:15
Do you have written, attested/embassy authenticated permission from your daughter's father to bring her to Doha? Without it, you won't be able to sponsor her. Are you getting an allowance for schooling? Check to make sure it will cover the actual costs. The more desirable schools are expensive (IF you can even get a place with your choice). I don't know what the annual fees are but perhaps someone else can provide firmer information. Housing is expensive in Doha - a decent 2 bed flat will probably run between 8000 - 10000/month depending on location. Most flats will not allow dogs, be sure to check before you sign a contract. What about transportation? Public transport here is not very reliable in terms of timing and the routes are not very useful for many. Renting a car will run between 1800 to 2000 per month for a small car (Nissan Tiida or Sunny).
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 April 2016 - 18:49
Car seats are a good idea as regulations in different countries vary and the GCC is behind the times in this respect. Some OTC drugs and supplements are not allowed. Poppy seeds being a case in point. Do your research.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 April 2016 - 14:39
OK original Shreddies. Mosquito repellant with Deet for the adults. Chipotle pepper powder. Good bras.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 April 2016 - 07:58
I'm assuming that if your instagram account has followers (in this case from a specific geographic area) it will pop up at the top of any search list because of it's (in this case pseudo) popularity with others in the same location. It's a way to fake your way to the top of the search list. Not very professional or very honest IMHO -
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 April 2016 - 07:55
You're better to ask if such and such is available in Dubai. If there is something you or your toddler cannot live without (creams, toys, non-perishable food, etc.) then ask about them specifically. If someone has seen it, they are usually very helpful in posting about where and approx. cost. We don't know and your family, your tastes or habits and while we'd like to help your question is very broad.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 April 2016 - 12:08
I would offer a lesser position on a reduced salary (if you feel they are capable of being successful in the new job). You can always take them back up at a later date by offering them the original position once they are ready for it.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 April 2016 - 10:28
Neither your husband or yourself (if you are employed and sponsored on your own) will be able to sponsor your children for residency without the explicit and usually attested consent of their parents. I don't know about the UK, but in some countries, it may be illegal to remove them from their home country without the other parent's consent. In Canada, we have always carried a letter from each other if crossing any international border without the other spouse but with the children just in case we get stopped.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 14 April 2016 - 16:02
Try Virginia Commonwealth university
marycatherine
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Latest post on 14 April 2016 - 16:01
If you're not married your partner can't sponsor you and you will not be able to get a residency permit. Living together unmarried is done but it is considered adultery which is illegal. Be aware that anyone could dob you in and you both would risk arrest and deportation. Just be aware of the risks and consequences. Some employers do offer a transportation or car allowance. It is fairly common in some industries but being cut back because of the economy. A small car Honda Civic or a Corolla would rent for between 1600 to 2000 per month.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 08 April 2016 - 11:34
Sorry DT. A colleague and his wife were called into CID because they purchased a nanny cams online for use in their home. Their residency permits were cancelled and they had to leave. Perhaps the rationale was that the nanny cams does not discriminate between the nanny and anyone else entering your home
marycatherine
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Latest post on 08 April 2016 - 05:18
It is illegal to take pictures of anyone without their knowledge so placing cameras is a no go. Marking items is an option.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 March 2016 - 05:41
If Canadian immigration officials decide you are trying to use your baby as a way to circumvent immigration rules or process you may be denied entry. What effect it might have on your application I don't know.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 08 March 2016 - 19:37
Tessa this is a 4 year old post.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 February 2016 - 11:44
@cruiseaddict - I use Russet potatoes for mash and baking - they are "drier" than other potatoes. Sometimes I cook some carrot or turnip or parsnip and mash that in with them to make a change
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 February 2016 - 07:38
Your boyfriend cannot sponsor you or your son. Full stop. It will be difficult to register your son in school unless he has a valid RP. You cannot sponsor your son unless you have a valid residency permit usually provided by your employer. Will you be working for your boyfriend? He would have to look into the ins and outs of hiring an expat employee (you) in the free zone. It is less complicated if you and your boyfriend were married because of the sponsorship laws. You would still have a few hoops to jump through because of your son, but they would just take time to process. Don't expect too many responses if you call the first reply stupid. Lots of people do get married before they come to UAE because of the sponsorship laws and adultery laws.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 February 2016 - 20:41
Most animals travel in the cargo hold. KLM still allows the pet to fly as excess baggage which is much cheaper than cargo rates. Call KLM direct.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 03 February 2016 - 20:43
Finland
 
 
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