marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

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Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 04:02
Are you getting married in Sharjah or Dubai? Get your hubby to be to go to that court with the documents you have already and ask what else is needed. No one here can give you an authoritative reply, only the relevant Emirati court (Sharjah or Dubai depending on where you will marry) can do that.
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Latest post on 22 July 2012 - 03:41
Yes, actually I do ask for the staff to intervene in cinemas, etc. We are all paying the same price, except not being held to the same standard of accepted behaviour. Why should I pay to listen to someone else's child carry on? I am not referring to illness or pain, but to plain poor behaviour that I am expected to endure because it's on an airplane? Sorry, but in a cinema or on a bus I can get up and leave if it becomes unbearable. I can't do that on an aircraft. I am not expecting the crew to do anything, I am expecting the parents to do what they can,and that means buying a seat for and keeping their child confined to as best they can instead of using mine as a punching bag. Parents are able to buy discounted seats or carry their children (under a certain age/weight limit) on their laps - why can't I expect the same privilege if I must be seated next to them?
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Latest post on 22 July 2012 - 02:28
I wish business class was the solution, but I've had to ask the crew to "return" children running amok to parents there on my last three flights. ETA Not LOL <em>edited by marycatherine on 22/07/2012</em>
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Latest post on 22 July 2012 - 02:17
I do not mean empty seats, but those of us who are paying the same fare as the parent, with another human being (albeit a small one) on their lap and being expected to accept putting up with a child who is not having a good day or unhappy during a long flight who is infringing on our space, or otherwise being disruptive. We aren't expected to put up with a fare paying passenger behaving badly or being disruptive. Why are we expected to put up with a 2 year old as opposed to a badly behaved 22 year old? I have rarely been on a flight where anyone could be moved elsewhere (guess I travel at busy times of the year) to accomodate either the infringers or the infringee. If passengers can't afford a seat for their child, perhaps they should try flying at less crowded times (when empty seats will be available) or staying at home? This is not being mean, but I pay for a certain amount of comfort and peace and quiet when I pay full fare for my seat. I do not pay to listen to other peoples' children screaming/crying or have them kick my seat or pull my hair, no matter how "cute" they are. If I am expected to put up with being abused (and that's what it is on a long flight especially) I expect to get a monetary discount. Yes I do expect to accept a certain amount of some noise/disruption especially at landing and take off, but it isn't only children, I've had adults who felt it was perfectly acceptable to lean on my seat ( and pull my hair as a result ) as they "relaxed" in the aisle. I've educated most of them. But unhappy (not all) children (and their parents) are a whole other story when things are going sideways. For some reason, their reasons (or consequences) of pro-creating are made my issue on an airplane. <em>edited by marycatherine on 22/07/2012</em>
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Latest post on 22 July 2012 - 02:12
Fireworks during Ramadan and Eid are imported activities - they are not Emirati per se.
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Latest post on 22 July 2012 - 01:42
Not only that Captain, but shouldn't those seated next to those flying with children who need the extra space get a discount of some sort (at least half of the fare they paid)? Sorry, but they have chosen to fly with their children, I have not.
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Latest post on 20 July 2012 - 18:55
While there are always a number of strays around my home, they never use the cat/dog flap - but then I have a dog! It's an option, but maybe not suitable for your home. And as a further question to pet owners - why did it take my dog 2 days to learn how to use the flap and the cats 2 minutes?
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Latest post on 15 July 2012 - 23:18
Sorry but wasn't Mr Al Baker born in Doha? I'm pretty sure he and his sons (I've met one of the latter) hold Qatari passports. As for the ownership of Skytrax, it wouldn't surprise me that QA owns a majority stake. I can't imagine how they could be voted no 1 once, let alone again.
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Latest post on 14 July 2012 - 15:16
I activated my new Qatar ID card/egate pass last week at the airport as I arrived to board my flight. While it's not an egate card per se, it seemed as if they were still processing them there.
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Latest post on 13 July 2012 - 04:35
200 kgs is equal to 440 pounds. As a comparison, on a transatlantic flight you are usually allowed 2 bags of 50 lbs each. So that is 4.5 times the regular luggage allowance.
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Latest post on 13 July 2012 - 01:14
Ask your employer what it means. If it is indeed 200KGs Air freight - WOW!! Check with the airline you are travelling with and see what their air freight charges are for the size and weight of your shipment - then forward that amount to your employer and ask if you will be reimbursed. DHL is a courier, that sends things by air. Air freight generally is with a particular airline or freight forwarding company. <em>edited by marycatherine on 13/07/2012</em>
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Latest post on 11 July 2012 - 22:36
You can pay traffic fines (speeding) online. I think it may require a trip to the police station if points are involved.
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Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 20:54
If the car is more than 5 years old you can't import it into Qatar. Younger than that, yes, but you will also probably have to pay a certain % in taxes.
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Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 07:06
Most DVD players here play both region 1 and region 2 dvds. Check on the box when you buy - if it doesn`t ask the clerk, most of them can reset the player to play both - did this at Emax.
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Latest post on 02 July 2012 - 20:09
I have a friend (male white and not taking any guff off anyone) who, when honked at at lights or round abouts, would put his vehicle in park, get out, and go back to the guilty party and ask politely, "you needed my attention, do you need help?" Of course, everyone behind guilty guy is getting really antsy. But I'll bet guilty guy thought twice before honking (or tailgating again).. BTW this guy also took on off duty police officers who would dangle handcuffs out their window to show how they should be treated until he asked one of them at the scene of a traffic accident they were trying to circumvent "why aren't you helping at this traffic accident if you're a police officer?" <em>edited by marycatherine on 02/07/2012</em>
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Latest post on 02 July 2012 - 18:21
I love the things in Daiso that have labels entirely in Japanese but look like something "I might need" if only I could figure them out. ETA I guess that's the entertainment value for me for a few riyal As for Lakelands, I've found them disappointing beyond buying a Nigella-esque wisk. Other items have been substantial disapointments at a substantial price tag. <em>edited by marycatherine on 02/07/2012</em>
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Latest post on 02 July 2012 - 18:19
maniac never equals logic If someone else is in the car get the number plate number or get them to try and photograph the car and plate. Dubai police have a number you can report maniacs to, and they do follow up.
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Latest post on 02 July 2012 - 10:43
Technically it is illegal for you to serve your alcohol to anybody any where. The license legally allows you to purchase alcohol for your personal consumption in your own home only. Do people serve guests alcohol? Yes. but if there were a complaint made, the host might find themselves in hot water. However, someone would have to do something pretty stupid before the police would take much notice (or someone with some wasta made a serious complaint). <em>edited by marycatherine on 02/07/2012</em>
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Latest post on 01 July 2012 - 16:40
Can you sponsor him until he finds his own work? Only certain professions (for women) and a minimum salary (not including benefits/allowances) of QAR10,000/month can sponsor a spouse to my knowledge. Tech support in most organizations is handled by people from the sub-continent who will work for 25 - 50% of what your husband might be expecting to earn. That said, he might be considered at one of the universities in Education City - might be worth a look at their employment opportunities on their websites.
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Latest post on 01 July 2012 - 16:36
Are you even allowed to sponsor anyone on that salary? From what I understand, there is a minimum salary before they will allow you sponsor anyone (but I've been wrong before, and hopefully someone can confirm or debunk that point for you). Health/medical are also very important as has been pointed out. These services are not cheap if you're not covered in any way. What about if you have to leave? Who pays for your mother's and child's tickets? You won't be saving anything on that salary taking the medical/transportation/visa fees etc. into consideration - so why come and struggle? I'd suggest waiting and applying for a better paying position AND finding out more on what exactly you can and cannot do in terms of sponsorship etc.
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Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 06:34
Laila - City Centre has been closed in Doha for 2 weeks with speculation it may re-open the middle of July but no guarantees. From my recollection there is no Boots in Doha City Centre and certainly not across from Bateel even if there I missed Boots.
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 20:13
And this is the second time in less than a week?!!!? Looks like Hyatt Plaza will either follow Villagio or City Centre's fates.
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 20:12
Plus the two biggest malls are shut down, one due to a tragic fire (19 lives lost) and the second because they haven't adhered to the safety codes. There is little doubt that many of the rest of the malls will have to close to upgrade safety and alarms. So shopping isn't going to be a big issue for months.
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 20:06
The last time I flew (and paid full fare) business class I was, or so it seemed, harrassed by at least 3 crew members to change seats to accomodate a family who hadn't had the foresight to choose their seats ahead of time. While ordinarily this wouldn't have been an issue but this was an 8+ hour flight, I had chosen that seat 6 weeks previously to ensure I wasn't bumped by the trolley or by the children who seem to be allowed sometimes to run up and down the aisles. The change would have meant I would be vulnerable to both, rather than trying to sleep. I refused politely - especially as I wasn't the only single passenger on the flight in business class - to me it seemed they chose to target me because I was the only single female passenger. edited by marycatherine on 28/06/2012 <em>edited by marycatherine on 28/06/2012</em>
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 06:06
One thing that sticks out is you have a job but your husband does not? If that is the case, you probably won't be able to sponsor him (and he needs sponsorship to get a residency permit) and he would have to do regular visa runs which gets old fast and adds to your costs. You don't mention medical or annual tickets home. Medical is definitely something you want covered for both of you. Tickets - well my ticket home costs nearly 9000 Qar - if yours were similar that's one month of your salary gone. As for "is it enough" only you can answer that based on your life style, if you like to shop at trendy places, go to nice restaurants to eat often, take vacations to exotic locales, you can go through that quite easily with nothing to show on the other side.
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Latest post on 26 June 2012 - 18:54
Is it the RP being in place or the bank statements? If the latter, will the government accept another country's (in the GCC) bank statements? Might reduce the waiting time for sponsoring so might be worth asking about?
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Latest post on 25 June 2012 - 15:27
Be careful that the information shared is accurate - and even if accurate, it is illegal to defame (say anything negative about) a person or company publicly even if it is true - that is Qatari law. Better to report the offendor to the proper authorities so legal action can be taken. Recommending those who do comply with the law might be a better option. <em>edited by marycatherine on 25/06/2012</em>
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Latest post on 25 June 2012 - 15:25
Art - I have a beautiful (now framed) batik from Sri Lanka - likewise a mask that's supposed to protect against sickness (unfortunately, I had the worst cold while travelling with it, AFTER I bought it). A stone elephant, a mosaic from Vietnam, a painting on silk from Malaysia, decorative plates from Turkey, a beautiful piece of pottery from Cyprus, etc. etc.
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Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 15:22
Well mentioning specific products and stores will almost certainly mean they'll be pulled sooner rather than later. Same happened with poppyseeds that Megamart used to stock
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Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 12:37
Real vanilla and almond extracts are packed in alcohol - that's why they're not on the supermarket shelves here. You can make your own vanilla extract with vanilla beans and vodka (you can google umpteen recipes). Never did a search for homemade almond extract though.
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Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 07:52
I don't know what your job is but in Qatar women can only sponsor their husbands (don't know about children) in specific jobs - I believe teaching at the tertiary level is one of them. I'd be asking the PRO/HR dept at your employer some very specific questions (and getting the responses in writing) about the legalities of this as it may mean your DH doing monthly visa runs which gets old fast.
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Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 21:32
muffin tins are available at Giant at Hyatt Plaza and Al Meera for two places. I think I've seen them at Family Food too. You can only buy the imitation vanilla extract here because real vanilla is packed in alcohol. Buy the beans and make your own with vodka - google has lots of recipes. Food colouring is something you might want to bring - I can't recall seeing it in my grocery travels, but I rarely use it so may have missed it.
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Latest post on 18 June 2012 - 22:17
In light of recent tragic events at Villagio and subsequent fires in various parts of Doha - I would NOT consider the Pearl as a desirable residence unless I was on the ground or first floor. Like so many reclaimed land projects, getting into and out of the Pearl (or Jebel Ali Palm or the Palm Jumeriah in Dubai) it has only one route of access for emergency vehicles and only one route of exit for residents. Same goes for Zig Zag Towers or any high rise building in West Bay above ground or first floor levels only. Until or unless the building has been cleared officially by Civil Defence and they are taking safety issues seriously. If I couldn't depend on the architect/engineers/construction company to meet Qatari safety codes (and Villagio illustrates they haven't) - I want to be able to jump and risk a broken leg rather than suffocating. <em>edited by marycatherine on 18/06/2012</em>
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Latest post on 18 June 2012 - 06:53
VCU offers a continuing ed program in both the fall and again in the spring - lots of different topics from watercolour/oil painting to working with graphic computer programs to fashion/interior design. I don't think you get a designation or a credential of any sort from them but you can learn a new skill and get out with new people. Visit their website to get an idea of what they've offered in the past. CNAQ offers some accredited evening programs in HR and maybe accounting, I believe they also do some first aid/CPR certified courses? Check their website for their offerings. It may be worth visiting some of the other US University websites to see if they have any programs on offer as well - I haven't heard of any by that means nothing. As for the heat - many people will venture out very early in the morning for walks (avoiding the sun and high heat of the day), if your local pool has a chiller, it may be worth a visit if there is shade to sit in once out of the pool. As for everything else, it's like living in North Dakota in February - go from a heated home to a heated car to a heated office/shop - just substitute the word air conditioned for heated.
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Latest post on 17 June 2012 - 19:32
If it was Friday morning, Spinney's is always the only shop open - the rest of the mall is cordoned off but opens later in the day. If it was later in the day or Saturday - then it looks like CD is seriously inspecting these places for safety rules/law/standard conformity - good for them.
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Latest post on 16 June 2012 - 14:28
She may just be taking a well deserved break. Baby if he was sort of mobile albeit shakey would be left alone in any event while she went about trying to sort out food and drink. Hopefully he's tucked away safely waiting for Mum
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Latest post on 15 June 2012 - 07:05
So who will look after the parrot for the next 50 years? That's how long African Greys can live. Who will arrange for its care when you and your roommate leave on holidays? Rethink the bird. I would recommend goldfish - their lifespan is not so long, they don't make any noise, they are stress relievers (just sitting and watching them swim around) - if you leave on holiday, they are easy for someone else to look after. They're probably easier to rehome too.
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Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 19:50
No there is absolutely nothing like fresh bread baking (or tasting!) I keep my yeast in the fridge whether or not the tin has been opened. I do that at home in North America too (even when the temps are -20C). Maybe because it is a consistently dry environment and at a consistent temperature that I've had better luck?
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Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 18:01
She could very well have moved on - if there are other feral cats around she might have felt threatened or maybe she found a better hidey hole. The only suggestion I have is to leave water out in case she doesn't have easy access. The food is up to you, I wouldn't because you might attract "undesirables".
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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 19:01
Most cats will have all their kittens in quite close order - so if it has been at most longer than 48hrs, I wouldn't expect to see anymore. Because she is young she may only have carried one to term - however, street cats tend to be smaller because of their environment anyways so she may look younger than she seems. When the kitten(s) (if you have more than the 1 you've seen) are big enough to take on "real" food. I would strongly suggest you get Mum fixed - I've had luck putting food in an open cat carrier for several days and standing closer and closer to the cage until I can swing it shut on her. I usually do this early in the morning, take Mum to get fixed, and most vets realizing it's a feral cat will use soluble stitches and Mum is back with babies late afternoon. Then you just have to get hold of junior! Good luck.
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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 18:54
Yeast can be tricky in this climate mostly because of heat issues and poor storage. 1. Check the expiry date 2. Buy from a store you have found to be reliable with other food storage, yeast cannot be "overheated" without possible negative results - I don't know if that's the issue with this particular yeast or not. 3. Personally, I use the regular yeast in the small cylindrical cans (with a little chef on the label - sorry, don't have one handy for the brand) and have had very consistent results. 1 sachet = 2 + 1/4 tsp of the regular yeast. 4. I've never had happy results with the fast rising yeast - I think I'm fast rising yeast challenged :(
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Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 13:53
Just an FYI in case you don't already know. This is illegal for the maid, the sponsor and for you. She is not allowed to work for anyone other than her sponsor - her sponsor is responsible for the maid (should she steal from you or be injured while working for you) and you would find it awkward to report her for theft etc. to police. That is not to scare you, that is to give you the legal facts so you can decide what level of risk you are comfortable with. Do people hire part time maids they don't sponsor (and are not sponsored by a maid/cleaning agency) yes. But it is important to be informed about possible consequences no matter how remote the possibility.
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Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 19:25
So there are no good Iranian/Persian wool rugs? Only silk rugs are considered good/best? Does one put a "best" Persian silk rug on the floor or is it considered art? What about hand knotted Persian wool rugs, are they more valuable than a machine made silk rug? <em>edited by marycatherine on 05/06/2012</em>
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Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 19:23
The police? If it is illegal to use such cameras without people knowing, wouldn't you need to notify the police and get permission to do so?
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Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 21:46
Not all "proper" Iranian/Persian rugs are made of silk or are they?
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Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 16:16
It's not the airline that does the screening, it is airport security. I doubt if they discriminate by airline here in Qatar when they are looking at your toiletries - anymore than secuity would in the UK US or Japan for that matter. You can always decant into smaller bottles (Daiso carries 100ML bottles)
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Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 21:00
Here's the website. 10 ..9...8....7.....6
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Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 20:58
Yes I know Sue62, but there are a lot of people who don't know the difference between a chef's knife, a carving/slicing knife, a boning knife, a paring knife, etc. - many people squash their bread (especially fresh bread) by using a carving knife for example - including myself if I'm in my mother's kitchen.
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Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 20:53
I always understood hidden cameras were not allowed? In that, you are not allowed to film/photograph anyone without their permission (unless you are the police of course).
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Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 09:43
For slicing bread - use a serrated knife if you have one, it makes it much easier to get the job done.