marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

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Latest post on 01 January 2013 - 07:28
You can get direct flights from London to Halifax with Air Canada - which I would prefer because Halifax is a smaller airport and generally clearing customs is quite quick. The airport is only a 20 -25 minute drive to downtown Halifax and an airport taxi is about CAD60. BTW there are 5 time zones in Canada (but the fifth wouldn't be on your itinerary as you haven't mentioned Newfoundland). TBH I wouldn't bother with Toronto if I had to ditch one of your destinations unless there's something you really want to see there.
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Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 14:34
Fly to Halifax then fly to Toronto then fly to Vancouver otherwise you will be in a car (rented) for most of your trip. Jetlag is minimized going east to west. You could fly to Vegas from Toronto or Vancouver. Be aware internal air travel in Canada can be very expensive relatively speaking.
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Latest post on 30 December 2012 - 19:14
How long is a piece of string? It is dependent on many factors including those beyond your employers control <em>edited by marycatherine on 30/12/2012</em>
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Latest post on 30 December 2012 - 18:54
Has it changed then? I thought it was only good for a week unless you had an international dl? ?? <em>edited by marycatherine on 30/12/2012</em>
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Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 20:53
Not strictly legal = being a little bit pregnant. If you hire someone illegally you have no recourse in case of theft, accident, or injury. There are significant fines for you as well. Do people do this? Certainly, but you should be aware of the possible (maybe not probable) risks being run.
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Latest post on 28 December 2012 - 08:14
There was something in the news in the past few weeks that rents are expected to rise in 2013 (they had come down in 2011/12). Something else to keep in mind while you're looking. Unfortunately, generally landlords here don't seem very interested in attracting and keeping a stable, reasonable tenant base. One that looks after their property and often improves it. It's the almight Riyal that keeps the pot bubbling for most and if they decide to increase the rent at the end of your contract you probably won't be very successful in negotiations to keep the rent the same or even a minimum increase.
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Latest post on 28 December 2012 - 08:11
I have found an email address of their distributor in Dubai and have sent them a message asking if they can ship to Doha. Will let you know what I find out.. Thanks ladies.
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Latest post on 25 December 2012 - 17:46
You won't have to fine one if she's in heat, that is if you're not picky (she won't be). Responsible pet owners spay/neuter their pets to avoid increasing unwanted pets (and that's what happens 99.99999999% of the time)
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Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 18:54
Assuming you will be doing the school run - 20 min to in the morning closer to 45 getting back after dropping jr off - reversed in the afternoon.
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Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 14:03
Get a letter from your Qatari insurer when you leave of no claims (presuming you have none) - it is worth presenting to your Canadian insurer to help ingetting a lower premium - however there is no guarantee
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Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 21:57
In Dubai a back pack and a ticket home won't get you very far in supporting another adult, let alone getting legal status and accomodation.
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Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 21:21
Sorry but why are you here without a job that gives you a viable financial footing let alone bringing in someone who doesn't have a job at all? You both need to look at what your circumstances are here, what they are in your home country and where you will get any support (and I know you won't get it in UAE). Frankly you're both naive at best.
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Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 21:16
The GCC is very different if you've never lived here before, but same same in many respects if you have lived abroad before. unfortunately, Doha employers seem to put newbies in accomodation that is less than desirable and try to push back on you for being "picky" instead of you being reasonable in expecting clean. I have my own issues with my landlord and my employer's employees who handle accomodations. I am here over Christmas so if you have any immediate questions feel free.
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Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 17:15
I renew it when I'm home, I don't think there's a way to do it from offshore.
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Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 17:11
If you've never lived in the Gulf before, yes it's normal. For a hotel with a pool and smallish garden that should be semi-affordable close by is the Radisson Blu (on C ring). It is also the former Ramada Hotel and the Junction is referred to as the Ramada junction. If you are taking a taxi, they all know it and you want to go to the "old" section which is the one with the large steps, fountain and covered entry way. If you are driving, take the right turn at C ring and you will go through 1 set of lights and then come to a large intersection with a Dairy Queen on the opposite side of the road, you want to go left but stay in the right hand lane for the left turn because you'll want the first right just at Al Ahli Bank. Just google Raddison Blu in Doha and you should be able to call and make enquiries as to pricing (sorry, can't help there). It's not on the beach but the garden/pool/recreational area is quite attractive. Try to relax and remember patience is a BIG virtue here. Merry Christmas edited by marycatherine on 23/12/2012 <em>edited by marycatherine on 23/12/2012</em>
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Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 11:33
To be respectful, you might wear a pashmina or jacket to cover your shoulders until you get to the venue (if alcohol is being served, one presumes it's at one of the 5* hotels and once inside you're fine). As for shortness of skirt, I've seen the extreme just covering the bum cheeks (I don't know how they sit down or get in or out of a vehicle, they must practice) - which, if you don't mind attracting stares from some men - also goes in the big hotels. Yes, you'd probably get stared at at home too, but the staring from some of the fellows here is prolonged and speculative in the extreme. If it's a private party, dress for the company being kept. <em>edited by marycatherine on 22/12/2012</em>
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Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 11:30
Having asked the clerk the question,"I don't have any other Canadian government issued photo id except what you hold in your hand. What do you want me to do?" After a big conflab in the back office with lots of gestures etc. they released the passport to me. I also had the receipt they give you when you hand your old passport in with the new application so perhaps that helped. So I got a new DL just in case I need a Canadian ID - It would probably be helpful should my passport be lost or stolen while I am travelling and I have to visit the Canadian embassy/consulate. I also email scans of my passport to myself so that if I need a copy, I can get it anywhere there is internet service.
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Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 12:20
Another reason why I keep a Canadian DL is because when you go and get a new passport/renew - the Passport people require you to present a Canadian government issued photo id to pick it up (my city has a passport office so I do mine in person). The last time I went my Canadian DL had expired (I still had it) and she refused to accept it because of the expiration. I then proceeded to present every bit of Qatari issued photo ID which she also refused to accept. I then told her the only piece of Canadian government issued ID I have that is valid is what you are holding in your hand (my new passport) - perhaps you could check the photo?
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 18:29
I think you'll find that storage is at a premium in most accomodation. Some may have adequate closets or a spare room that you can use for the purpose, but it doesn't seem to be the priority most Westerners/European expats put on it. Another thing to consider with fully furnished is that many landlords will NOT allow you to remove anything from the flat (nor will they remove it). It's a pain in the rear as the furniture is often inappropriate (not useful) or excessive or the mattress is literally a pain in the back (and the mattresses here are usually that). If you decide to go fully furnished - get it in writing that should you wish to remove anything that the landlord/property manager may do so without any penalty to you. <em>edited by marycatherine on 20/12/2012</em>
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 18:26
you could also add chicken stock (especially nice if you make your own) or there are cartons available to top up the gravy available. The previous recipe is very nice and works very well too - and is probably preferable if you've got a turkey with all the gizzards/heart/liver and neck If you want to make your own chicken stock, (no it's not turkey but it is better than packaged) I use a package of chicken wings and a package of drumsticks, simmer with enough water to cover with a few carrots, celery stalks, one or two onions on low heat (barely at a bubble) for nearly an hour - strain out everything and use the broth to eke out your turkey drippings.
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 14:06
Most of the shops in the Gold Souq do this (in various styles) usually they advertise it on the door but just go in and ask - they nearly all have samples on hand.
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 21:24
You cannot avail of any provincial medical care anywhere in Canada and maintain non-residency for tax purposes. And I'm not from Ontario so you could check to make sure but I know many Canadians from various provinces and no one has mentioned they have kept Canadian health care + had non-residency status.
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 18:47
UAE and Qatar are similar in many respects however here is one item that caught my eye Drink permit - 1000QAR one time charge (about 250CAD but this is refundable - unlike UAE which is a yearly fee) Others may spot some more discrepancies - it's not that the list is not useful, but in a few cases may be comparing apples to oranges so if others have the chance to review it they can comment on specifics
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 18:36
I didn't give mine up, I told CRA on the form that I needed it to rent a car if I visited Canada. While it is one of the questions on the form, it is not a deal breaker with CRA. You can use your Canadian DL to get a Qatari DL - it used to be just a matter of going in and showing it to them (along with all the paperwork, permission from employer, in your case, permission from DH etc.) So far as I know that is still the case with Canadians (Americans have to jump a few more hoops).
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Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 19:16
Not to mention the fact that many businesses here do not sterlize their instruments between clients. So whatever fungus or infection Client A of the day has, can be very easily transmitted to B, C, D, etc.
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Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 19:13
The Irish Village in my past 12 years experience (and granted I don't go often) is horrible on any day of the year. I can't speak to Christmas because of my poor experiences on "regular" days. I don't like the place, the menu is very limited, and the serving staff are poorly trained - management is no better.
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Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 19:07
It doesn't matter if it is furnished or unfurnished - furniture here is garbage, plain and simple, for the exorbitant price you pay for tasteless and tacky (I say again) garbage. IKEA will be a step up for most of us in furnished accomodation. I'm also not a fan of the Pearl for traffic and safety issues/concerns (one road in, one road out - high concentration of population). Be aware also that if you enjoy an alcoholic beverage with a restaurant meal, the Pearl, like much of Doha, is not going to accomodate you. You do not have to be an alcoholic to find this irksome. There is one liquour outlet in the country that is difficult to access at the best of times due to location and traffic. Should you wish a beverage with your night out, there are several 5* hotels nearby, but be aware that there is a 0 alcohol tolerance so you need to take a taxi or limousine to/from your dining establishment - at the 5* hotels they cost about CAD20 for a one way trip and if you use the local taxi service (and I use the term loosely because they are generally regarded as useless) you will have to book at least several days in advance, and expect to be stood up. I don't want to discourage you but you should be aware of both the pluses and minuses of living in Doha in order to make an informed decision. <em>edited by marycatherine on 18/12/2012</em>
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Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 15:43
As in Canada, some ads on gulftalent.com will have a salary some won't (at home those that do seem to be mainly government). Furnished versus unfurnished means all or nothing. And here that can mean you will need to purchase a/c units. 75000 is a good allowance, however, furniture here is generally poorly made, grossly overpriced and ugly to many Western tastes. That said, IKEA is supposed to open at the end of next month, judging by most reactions, it should be sold out of everything in about 6.5 hours the first day. You will also need to purchase appliances. Another consideration is utilities - unless they're included in the rent - this can be an especially considerable expense at both Zig Zag and the Pearl from what I've heard (though agents may try to tell you differently). edited by marycatherine on 18/12/2012 <em>edited by marycatherine on 18/12/2012</em>
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Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 07:52
As you mention the salary being tax free, I am assuming you are aware of Revenue Canada's requirements for you to be considered non-resident for tax purposes - you have to complete a 4 page application to outline how you have no ties (no house, no pets, etc.) to Canada. And they take their own sweet time making a decision. If CRA decides you're still resident for tax purposes, then you can kiss your savings goodbye - and they will include all the allowances in your package as taxable earnings which may mean you're worse off than you are now. Schools are expensive and the better ones have loooongg waiting lists. I suggest you do a lot of research about which schools will best suit your children and your pocket book and start applying now. The cost of living here depends on your needs and wants - fresh veg from Europe or from Lebanon and other closer countries? The price difference is substantial.. A family membership to one of the hotels/beaches is about $5000 per year - there are no public beaches in city limits. Look at gulftalent.com to get an idea of what your services might be worth. Be aware there are lots of similarly qualified people from the subcontinent and asia who will be willing to do the same work for less than half what you were quoted. That's not to say that you would be offered that salary if they decided they wanted you. One's salary here often depends on skin colour and the passport you hold. No matter where you live, traffic into and out of Education City can be a bear the closer you get to it because there are long lines of trucks using the roads leading there as well as the students, faculty and staff. But then traffic in much of Doha is a bear for most of the day. Good luck
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Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 20:16
You also have to consider when you can sponsor a maid or nanny. Officially it may require 6 months residency but a PRO may be able to assist
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Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 20:13
The problem with supermarkets in Qatar (and much of the GCC) is that you will probably need to visit several to get everything you need/want. If your DH is working at education city and you're looking for shopping options Al Gharafa may be a good compromise. you get Lulu (major hypermarket) Landmark Mall with Carrefour and 2 other malls which are supposed to open soon - they were supposed to open months ago so they're practically on schedule
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Latest post on 15 December 2012 - 08:04
Most have in home help - maid/nanny. But if you take a quick look through the thread here there have been mentions of some after school places, but where they are located and how much they cost I can't assist on.
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Latest post on 15 December 2012 - 08:00
I thought you had to get your permit from the police in the emirate which issued your residency (i.e. from RAK if that's who issued your RP)? ETA I just read the witchie info - you still need to visit the police in RAK for a NOC - seems like it would be just as easy to get the permit from them. <em>edited by marycatherine on 15/12/2012</em>
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Latest post on 15 December 2012 - 07:56
That's too bad if the decision stands. Such rules usually get put in place because of a very few idjits (and I'm sure you and your husband are not in that group) who either refuse to pick up after their pet or have no control over them either on or off leash. It's usually poorly behaved pet owners that ruin it for the responsible ones. Hope you find a solution.
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Latest post on 14 December 2012 - 14:56
Go to MoI's website - on the right hand side choose traffic violations enter your number plate - Voila!
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Latest post on 13 December 2012 - 18:07
Yes, people with personal gripes do come online and vent about perhaps trivial issues. However, one also has to bear in mind, they are here on the ground experiencing them (which may be trivial issues). I don't mean to take anything away from NEmom and her husband's research and contacts, but their input is as good as anyone else's at this point in all concerned's positions. I've lived in 3 countries in the GCC and have learned in nearly 15 years, you will get all kinds of feedback/advice/opinions. You have to decide which has the greatest weight or importance to you. I have no horse in this race in any respect, I don't have school aged children so I don't know anything personally about any k-12 schools. I DO KNOW that the better schools generally have long waiting lists and can be selective - that can change from the year you need and the passport you and your children hold. Good luck to you in any event and to NEmom and her family.
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Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 16:52
If your rp is Sharjah you will probably need (and only qualify for) aSharjah permit. If unmarried you need an noc with your salary from your sponsor/employer and a few passport photos. If married and working the same and a letter of permission from your dh. You pay a fee for the permit as well. When I got mine you went to the police station near Al Zahra hospital round about. There is an application form to fill out too. The permit can be used in all other Emirates including MMI etc in Dubai
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Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 08:34
Most of the 5* hotels offer Christmas lunch (the Ritz Carlton has theirs listed on their website). And the 5* hotels are your only choice if you're looking to be on a beach/water and/or want to enjoy a malt or grape beverage. Some are VERY expensive but you may find one to fit your family's budget. Suggest you google 5* hotels Doha and visit their websites to see what's on offer.
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Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 15:59
Very kind of you to ask LD, but I don't live near either neighbourhood and I have a cat caregiver who comes in and looks after my moggies when I travel. However, I'll leave the door open in case they are not available. Thanks again.
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Latest post on 08 December 2012 - 20:50
British Short Hair (cat) - <em>edited by marycatherine on 08/12/2012</em>
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Latest post on 08 December 2012 - 20:49
My mother is non-discriminatory. She'll rearrange anyone's kitchen cupboards if she is there for more than 4 days. Also, as she is barely 5 feet tall, all "her" necessities are in the lower cupboards. My SIL and my sisters are still looking for things my Mom rearranged 20 years ago.
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Latest post on 04 December 2012 - 12:13
You could try Mega Mart - sometimes they carry it.
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Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 22:07
Here's the expat woman's link on info http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/monthly_qatar_guide_Drivers_License_6185.aspx would suggest you liaise with your hubby's PRO for definitive info - if you drive on a license that is not valid and there is an accident where you are at fault it can be very expensive if not horrific (in case of injury). Get good info before venturing out.
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Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 21:59
I love the albums from the King's College Choir at Cambridge, not exactly sing along for most tracks but very beautiful The various "don't they know it's Christmas" charity albums are also good. Favourites of mine, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir - similar to my first choice but perhaps more sing along friendly?????? I tend toward the traditional
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Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 06:52
I know that OSN has a few Philippino channels. You should be able to google them and look at the various packages to see which are available. This is satellite TV so there is a monthly fee.
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Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 08:19
You won't be able to get a Qatari driving license until you have your RP and that depends on how good your husband's employer's PRO is and how motivated employees are on the day at the Ministry. Usually 3 or 4 weeks. You will need to go for an xray, blood tests and fingerprinting to get the process going. Your husband can't get a liquor permit until he has his RP and after that it's a straightforward sameday process. The downside is there is only one liquor outlet in the country and it's located in an area that can be a royal pain to access during school/work run hours. You can get a glass with a meal at most 5* restaurants but it can be really pricy depending where you go. YOu will need your passport or your Qatar ID to get into most bars. You should be able to find a reliable driver (I like Fox Limo) they have a pretty professional set up, you can ask for a van. They are more expensive than a "private" arrangement but you don't have to worry about things like insurance etc. There is a thread on here with various younger expats with kids who have made informal arrangements to meet at Jones the Grocer (I think) on a regular weekly basis. Bring some of your son's formula - if it has a specific name/brand, post it so that those who would know better than me can advise if they've seen it. You can buy goat's milk if that's any help. Same with the pill. As for the racism - yes it does exist but I would expect with a confident attitude and with a British accent you will have little trouble. If you're really stuck on the food shopping, I might be able to help as I will be starting my holidays after next week and I have a station wagon. Just post a message for me here and we'll arrrange something. Often you need to visit 2 or 3 shops to cover everything on your list. Good luck.
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Latest post on 30 November 2012 - 16:13
I had all mine removed when I was 16 as when they started coming in, my jaw wasn't large enough to accomodate 4 new big teeth. They were removed under anaesthetic (a valium solution so I was not "under" but very, very, very happy) in a hospital in case of any complications. No big deal, the stitches dissolved in about a week. Was eating mostly normal foods in 3 - 4 days (jello, milkshakes, mashed potato, soups for the first little while). No big deal for me - my brother went to a party the night of his extractions, my sister spent a week in bed with a very bruised face. Depends on the individual.
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Latest post on 30 November 2012 - 16:08
I think you're looking for ham hocks especially for pea soup, bacon doesn't have bones to my knowledge but I stand to be corrected on this.
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Latest post on 30 November 2012 - 16:05
Be glad it didn't happen in Doha - QAR6000 (yes those are 3 zeros) fine for running a red light. The amount is meant to deter those with deep pockets from flouting the rules. So I guess there is a good side to this?
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Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 18:47
No problem