marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

marycatherine
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Latest post on 03 April 2013 - 11:52
I would advise you to remove the post. Many employers here regularly check forums such as this one and it would be easy to narrow down who you are. If you do a search on the forum you should find a few posts about Newton.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 15:04
Mine were free when I went last week.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 April 2013 - 11:46
The original deadline was Nov 2012 and it was extended to March 2013. Most cars already have the new plates now as they were informed when they registered their vehicles. However, the Traffic Plate Dept is in Duhail, inside the police camp. Go to the CNAQ roundabout, turn down the road towards D-Ring, go through the next R/A it is your first right turn into the camp and the number plate area is on your left - a small building with covered parking.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 18:33
Given the Villagio catastrophe, I would assume (and I am only guessing) the reason why those finished accomodation on the Pearl aren't being opened for rentals is because they haven't (a) been inspected and cleared by civil defense or (b) they don't meet civil defence requirements.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 12:12
If you're not married to your partner, you won't be able to sponsor him and he would have to do regular visa runs. If he did get work at a restaurant - from what I understand the hours are very difficult when you are trying to maintain a relationship but perhaps you are familiar with this given his past work history.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 07:18
I believe you cannot bring a car in that is more than 5 years old.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 12:59
You're probably going to have to inquire if there are any places at these schools. The better ones generally have long waiting lists and I think (not sure so check) neither DESS or Doha College are even taking applications. Hope you can find a suitable place - it is very competitive in the better schools.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 10:26
I heard that IKEA employees were concerned about where they were going to store all the stock they had brought in before it opened - they anticipated a big demand, just not how big. Hopefully once this initial buying spree is over the out of stock issue will become a much smaller problem.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 10:21
Really Gorobattie? I thought I remembered clerics in Saudi had said p!g valves for heart surgery were acceptable? I did a quick search and could only come up with an Egyptian cleric's statement (http://www.islamopediaonline.org/fatwa/ali-gomaa-no-obstacle-use-heart-valve-taken-***-medical-treatments) but I don't know about the accuracy or reliability of the site or the information. Perhaps it is something like other faiths? Some sects accept blood transfusions for example where others don't allow them. I'm not trying to stir the pot, but I do like to be educated so I don't make any future mistakes. My questions are sincere, as I do want to understand. ETA, I do understand why the OP is upset, she has a legitimate complaint as the product was not clearly labelled. <em>edited by marycatherine on 25/03/2013</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 14:37
Try visiting www.etiquettehell.com. It started out about allthings wedding related and grew. It's both informative and mind boggling.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 21:57
There are no public parks which allow dogs. The only beach I know of is in Wakra and if dog walkers there continue to not pick up after their pets, that will be another non starter soon. There are vacant lots where puppy can run around so long as you are considerate of local (not restricted to Qatari) feelings about dogs.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 15:52
He won't be able to sponsor the child. She can't give birth here. She can't sponsor the child. If accomodation is provided by his employer, everyone in HR will know his marital status.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 06:49
He can get them easily at any Carrefour and probably any other hypermarket. If there is a specific make/model you could order them from the UK but would they arrive before you do?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 08:48
My passport clearly states that it is the property of my home country's government. It also states: "If your passport is surrendered to any person or agency outside the X government and is not promptly returned, report the facts to X embassy and the police." Check your passport - I imagine nearly all countries use similar language
marycatherine
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 20:52
I was there this morning too, didn't see any taxis but maybe they have a stand inside rather than the outdoor parking? It was very busy this morning but manageable. The staff is excellent.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 20:51
Last poster we had who was employed there bailed after 3 months (for Saudi I think). Now that can speak to the school or the teacher but it seemed on the surface that the teacher was dedicated but couldn't cope with the admin (a major problem in any education job in the GCC - if the Admin is bad there's not much hope unless you don't care either)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 08:37
Yes, it is illegal to tutor if you are not employed/sponsored to do so (with a valid labour card). However, many people do it under the table. I would be hesitant to provide my contact details on a public forum while soliciting for such. I would also be very choosy about who I tutored - some people can get nutty if they feel their child hasn't been as successful ans they think they should have been, and then you may have trouble if you get turned in. I haven't heard of it happening, but just because it's not probable doesn't mean it's not possible. You should be aware of the consequences if you were to be caught out. Again, if one is discrete, doesn't make enemies, one would probably fly under the radar. <em>edited by marycatherine on 12/03/2013</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 12:46
Do they have a restaurant in Doha? I doubt they deliver from Dubai.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 08:50
If you think or know that your maid is not getting to keep her tips why not give her the occasional phone card? That way she can top up her phone - even transfer the credit to someone else and the shakedown cannot happen.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 08:44
Good luck. If it is your landlord building a new villa you might be able to talk to him/them and get some satisfactory resolution. I have known people to call the police, who will come out if they're not busy but usually the noise just starts up again. Technically, they're supposed to have a special permit that allows them to work around the clock, however it is rarely checked and rarely ever enforced to my knowledge. I would talk to my landlord in any event, he may be able to reason with the owner next door more successfully than anyone.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 20:02
Seeds (known as Iponema) used to be found at C4
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 20:01
Check the roof tank and be prepared for grossness. Sometimes the cap isnot tight. I will not add more details. Depending on what you find have the tank thoroughly cleaned and capped.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 19:55
Occasionally get mould and wipe it down with bleach on the gaskets then run an empty cycle with bleach. Wipe it again run on an empty load only water and wipe the gaskets dry and leave the door open until completely dry. I try to remember to leave the door open after running a load. I do not use the dryer function.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 10:53
I bought a Moulinix about 5 years ago that has glass jars. Sorry can't remember exactly where <em>edited by marycatherine on 04/03/2013</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 16:21
You do. In almost every country in the world if only for insurance purposes no insurance co will touch you
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 20:56
Dubai is a long drive from Doha. There is a place called Green Door that might have what you are looking for. You can find them on google.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 19:02
Montreal is about a 12 hour drive stopping only for pee or gas stops. I mentioned Annapolis Royal before that is about 2.5 hrs from Halifax, Joggins about 1.5 hrs and Lunenburg nearly an hour. Cape Breton is a minimum 4 hr drive plus the days (yes plural) spent on the Cabot Trail. Also bear in mind that the times are for natives tourists may take slightly longer. Canada is really big even in a small province like NovaScotia google the song by the same title by the Arrogant Worms. Here's a link I really like the song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_RPp4dbam8 Also, despite what the film Argo depicts (and it is a great movie) the Canadians involved in getting the Americans out of Iran were by no means sidekicks. <em>edited by marycatherine on 25/02/2013</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 12:08
Halifax is a very walkable city (if you're good at hills;)) with lots to see and do in the downtown core. You can take the ferry (runs every 15 minutes at peak hours) to Dartmouth and visit the Quaker House - it's the cheapest cruise going and takes about 15 minutes each way. Besides the Citadel, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Nova Scotia Museum are both worth visits. The Public Gardens. The Canadian Museum of Immigration. Shakespeare by the Sea (outdoor performances) and the International Tattoo (you can buy tickets online for the latter. If you have a car short day trips of interest might be Grand Pre and the Habitation in the valley - both early settlements, Grand Pre is where Evangeline is "from" (Longfellow's poem) and based on the expulsion of the Acadians in the mid 18th century. The Habitation is a recontruction of the original settlement built by the French in the early 1600s. Both are near Annapolis Royal where there is a nice botanical garden. In fact, it might be worth an overnight trip from Halifax to take in a number of these places and take your time. Joggins is a bit of a drive but it and Lunenburg (diametrically opposite directions) are both Unesco World Heritage Sites http://jogginsfossilcliffs.net/. Your son would probably like the former better - and you would get to see the world's highest tides there too. There's lots more to see and do depending on how far you venture from Halifax, the Cabot Trail is always spectacular but I don't know if it would be interesting from a 10 year old's perspective for very long. But there are stops that can be made along the way there too. Good luck
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 February 2013 - 21:22
Sorry Louise but where does the OP state she has any experience in this region? Having limited finamcial resources and an extremely limited timeline = disaster unless she is unique and very desirable which I don't get from the post.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 21 February 2013 - 15:12
Another suggestion is to "train" your cat to a certain sound. Whenever I feed my cats the good stuff (they get a spoonful of quality tinned food every morning and evening - or even tuna on special occasions) I always tap the can with the spoon. It has been helpful in locating them in the garden in the dusk and to get them into the house if they need to be locked in for whatever reason. It doesn't always work but I would say it does 95% of the time - the other 5% they are generally taunting me from the top of the wall but strategically placing the tuna in a place where I can make a grab usually works after a few minutes.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 14:32
I didn't get a chance to respond but I worked with a lady who was able, as a single parent, to sponsor her son (she was never married) from a 3rd country. She had a lot of hurdles to get over and our organization's HR and PRO were very good and helped a lot. I don't think she could have managed it all alone though.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 20:15
Did you file a complaint? Have you consumed/used water? Good luck if you turned on any taps in trying to fight DEWA. They win if there is a leak underground you can't see let alone actually consciosly using the product/service for 6 months.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 12:58
Check the voltage on your computer's electrical connection (it may also be on the bottom of the compuer) if it shows 110~220 it means it can be used without a step down transformer, you just need an adaptor to plug it into the electrical outlet - the adaptors are easy to find here and cheap. In my experience, nearly all computers are the above but I don't have a Mac.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 16 February 2013 - 20:16
Isn't it also a conflict of interest for someone already paid to do their best in the classroom to also provide a separate similar service? Yes, some children need extra help - my teachers did that within the scope of their job description, not for extra payment.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 16 February 2013 - 20:12
Youtube cows with guns - you will start humming the chorus hth
marycatherine
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Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 13:32
Yes you do need the RP To the OC - I really don't know the answer to your question as I've never come across your situation. It could be worth a shot to try it though and avoid the American test requirement.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 22:44
Also be aware that if you have had residency less than 6 months you may not be able to sponsor a maid - however, I understand that sometimes exceptions are made under special circumstances. Presenting yourself and your 7 months pregancy in person may help make your case if all else fails.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 14:58
Another consideration is whether the program is recognized by schools you would like to work at and/or the SEC. Some distance programs are not recognized - for example in UAE - the Min of Higher Ed recognizes them while the Min of Ed does not. Saudi rarely recognizes distance masters' degrees to my knowledge. Certainly I stand to be corrected on any of these points. Sorry I don't know about Qatar. The OP should also be aware that employers in the GCC have been known to check forums like these to follow up on applicants/employees. <em>edited by marycatherine on 08/02/2013</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 10:14
I seem to remember a thread a year or so ago where the government provided accomodation does NOT allow animals - will they provide you with an allowance so that you can avoid the government accomodation and go out and look for your own? If not, you may be stuck. I would clarify this issue NOW and IN WRITING with your employer. You don't want nasty surprises after you land. The employer is responsible for looking after your RP - if they have a decent PRO who knows the hoops to jump through, it can be as soon as a few weeks, probably closer to a month on average. We're all waiting for IKEA to open to get away from the poor choice, poor quality and grossly overpriced furniture available here for the most part.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 20:24
Agree with your dh on timing but with you on ambiance. But I go to sleep before 2200 hrs and find digestive process and sleep are not always sympathetic.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 17:11
Yes really Nole. Sorry but if you want to be an educator or educationist you had better develop a thick skin. There are a lot of teachers on this forum and they can be nit picky. Yes she asked for help, but aren't these comments helpful to a certain extent? BTW generally I post from my phone and I second check for typos. I recognize not everyone has the time to do so and as you say, she may not have had that opportunity. As for the original question, as someone else asked - what is the practical teaching component and is the program accredited?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 15:21
Check your employment contract. Nearly all of them prohibit double dipping and will claw back if it is discovered you are doing so. Even if the spouse is working under the other's sponsorship the contract is still registered with the MoL or is supposed to be. If discovered it's not only expensive and or embarressing it might mean termination - although in 12+ years I've only seen it taken to stage 2
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Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 18:33
I bought my last one at C4 it can handle up to 1000 watts. This was 4 years ago and of course the continuity of supply of anything in the GCC is iffy at best. ACE Hardware also carries them but again, wattages and supply can vary.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 07:37
E and foodnetwork used to be shown on 2 separate channels each. One was regular the other HD.Now the regular has been dropped leaving only the HD and you have to change your subscription package to get the HD version.I imagine the same goes for NG.
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Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 15:15
The heat is one reason why I take a cool box with several ice packs with me in the hotter months when I go grocery shopping. Not least, I hate soupy icecream, let alone meat possibly turning on the way home. I still buy frozen chicken and fish at Carrefour - mostly because I can't see these items being any different from any other shop in terms of the odds of thawing refreezing etc. Definitely "inspect" your meat, poultry and fish purchases carefully = if you even suspect they are off, bin them. At least the bin cats will get some good out of them.
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 21:06
I don't know your cultural or ethnic background but I would have stopped this "in laws get preference over me" unless of course the alternative was solely MY family.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 19:56
2x! try at least half a dozen at each outlet not counting the times the fish counters or the vegetable stands have been shut down at any c4 outlet by the MoH in the past 5 years. I would not buy minced anything anywhere including my home country - I mince it myself so I control what and the quality of the product.
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 18:37
If recognition of the day is important to you why is it all up to him? Why don't you surprise him? From my own experience is that I get a lot of joy out of delighting someone else with a welcome unexpected gift or experience - a win win situation!
marycatherine
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 17:10
I despise ironing too - and to over the guilt of having someone else clean etc. I arrange not to be home. Also doing a real clean here includes accounting for all the dust that rapidly accumulates here daily or hourly if the wind picks up!
marycatherine
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 10:35
I would think the 30 riyal rate is for someone with limited or little experience as a nanny per se as an expat would expect - more a maid who has child care experience (perhaps her own in her home country or a family here). One thing to be careful of NEmom is that the person you hire is legally allowed to work as a maid/nanny (that they are employed as such by an agency). Even local sponsors are not allowed to permit their sponsored employees to work for other people - and guess who gets fined if caught? Do lots of people hire illegal/grey area maids/nannies? Yes, but you need to be aware of the consequences. The only way that I know to hire a maid/nanny legally that YOU do not sponsor is through an agency. I know in Dubai the authorities often do sweeps through various residential neighbourhoods to "catch" the illegal maids (and their illegal employers). From what I understand, you have to be here at least 6 months before you can legally sponsor a maid/nanny yourself - which is a pain for most as the reason they want the help is because both parents are working.
 
 
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