marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

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Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 19:54
I'm of a certain age where I should be checked for cataracts and glaucoma - anyone know of a good eye doctor here in Doha?
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Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 19:52
If the traveller is booked through to his destination (and his luggage is too) he should be able to get off at terminal 1 and go to terminal 3 afoot as a previous poster mentioned. I travel from North America via 4 countries back to my GCC destination. Once I clear customs in my first country I never see my checked luggage until I arrive in the 4th country. This is possible because my ticket is booked with one airline for all the flights (not all the same airlines but code shares). The traveller should check with whoever issued the ticket to see how this affects the handling of his luggage.
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Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 13:07
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/health/guidelines-to-help-travellers-avoid-bringing-in-banned-medicines-to-uae-1.90447 The MOH link in this article no longer works unfortunately. It was a good list because it gave the medical and the commercial names of many medicines. Codeine has been classified as a banned substance in the past - even in OTC medicines readily available in other countries. Check with the UAE embassy in your country for verification of your drug. And while it's not likely you'll even be stopped it's up to you to decide what you want to do. From past news articles, those likely to be stopped/tested tend to be those that are causing some kind of problem (drunk, loud, loud and drunk, obviously under the influence of something).
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Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 18:21
As a long shot, but maybe not so long, have you tried Sana at Sana R/A (same little strip mall as Rick's Country Kitchen and a small Giant store)? They carry lots of kids clothing, mostly seconds and ends of lines (If you go for yourself and go regularly you can often get high end stuff from last season or the season before at discount prices). Worth a shot?
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 21:57
Sounds like a fraudulent transaction either at the bank level or Etisalat - which means an employee would have to be involved from either venue - pursue this diligently with the bank. The bank and/or Etisalat are responsible for ensuring the transaction was legitimate - if you don't get satisfaction within a week, report it to the central bank- there is a link on their website. Dubai wants to be a financial hub for the region, the central bank will follow up on complaints promptly <em>edited by marycatherine on 05/02/2012</em>
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 19:59
I've bought it at Spinney's in the past, but haven't been looking for it for a while.
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 10:11
I was at Aramex this morning to pick up my latest parcel. I was there yesterday morning but the lines were so long I left. No request to see my ID, no extra charges. I set up my account online several years ago and I'm sure I didn't give them my ID at that time either.
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Latest post on 03 February 2012 - 21:27
Hi Sue, wondered when you'd show up LOL. No I'm not on commission LOL. But I recommend people who are in a legitimate business who have provided an excellent product and customer service. BTW, adding LOL at the end of all your posts is not LOL
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Latest post on 03 February 2012 - 20:55
Sorry Spiritgunner but I have to take exception to your remark. Buying anything in any souq is up to the purchaser to make their best price that they are comfortable with. It is also up to the purchaser to do some research and get recommendations. Should the OP take my recommendation at face value? Maybe not. But if the OP asks around she will discover the following IMHO. The gentleman who owns Sheba Carpets is just that, a gentleman. The shop has "real" carpets, he sells them as such and has been in business for more than 10 years (that's the limit of my personal acquaintance with him and his cousin and uncle - I have friends who have done business with him longer than that). The carpets are not cheap, because he doesn't carry cheap copies. He also educates his customers and is just as much a gentleman if you walk out without buying as if you walk out with an armload. I do agree about going with someone who has experience, local or not.
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Latest post on 03 February 2012 - 18:44
Sheba carpets at the Blue Souq in Sharjah (offically called the central souq). There is a wide variety available, Iranian, Afghan, various - ' stan countries and they are all beautiful - and come in a wide variety of sizes and colours. I've been doing business with him for 10+ years, and he is a real gentlemen and trusts his customers. (I've walked out with several thousand dollars worth of carpets to "try" in my home - no problem, but then I know this gentleman and he knows me). However, beware, this is a very good sales technique, once it's in your home they're hard to take back they are so beautiful.
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Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 21:14
As for the pet owner who "told off" the security guard. I would have (and have done) said, you brought it, you bin it. You wouldn't leave a loaded nappy in the middle of the road (or maybe that particular person would) - but often if pet owners are called on it, they pick that particular mess up. I always carry 2 or 3 bags with me and often say to people who seem to be moving along - oh so sorry, I've been caught without a bag too, take one of mine. Say it in your best sincere insincere voice and in a cheerful tone, you'll succeed in 95% + of such situations. Will they bring their own bag next time? Who knows? But at least they're aware people are watching and taking notice, and that will work for a certain percentage. Another alternative, which I haven't tried, but would like to, is to run after them, loaded po op bag in hand, yelling "you forgot this"
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Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 20:50
Can you repost Carolina - no link is showing. Sorry my bad, was looking for blue and the link is indeed there, sorry C edited by marycatherine on 30/01/2012 I think C is correct. <em>edited by marycatherine on 30/01/2012</em>
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Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 20:49
Yes it's the same R/A you use to get to QAWS IF I'm correct in the name of the mall and I believe they have a signpost at the exit point (you could do a few circles to be sure)
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Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 19:44
I believe it's the one where you turn into Muthair R/A- you have to take the turn "away" from Aspire direction and go in about 2 or 3 streets. Should be on the right. There is a Mashreq Bank branch at that round about, it should be on the same side of the street you turn off the R/A. Gosh those are horrible directions. This is the R/A after the Zoo intersection and before the equestrian R/A. If coming from the Zoo take the left turn at the R/A. Clear as mud? and I'm still not sure that's the right mall HELP PLEASE
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Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 22:20
simpleabc, was that before or after my initial post? I stand by my last post, ask your guests to remove their footwear. At that point, the OP has an issue to address.
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Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 22:07
OP didn't mention babies, nor did I. It's your home, your rules. Just ask people to remove their outdoor shoes. OP mentioned the carpets no mention of children - children were irrelevant from the get go. You want people to remove their "outdoor" shoes. Ask them to do so. If they won't - then you've got an issue, and another question for here.
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Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 15:09
I agree with other posters, this teacher is not setting a professional or caring example to your child or his classmates. Indeed, s/he is promoting the idea that it is OK to belittle and tease others. In your place, I wouldn't be tactful at all, I would be making a complaint not only to the teacher but to their direct supervisor as well. But then, I'm not a mother with a child who will be at the mercy of the so-called "teacher" for at least the remainder of the school year. So, that said, have a quiet chat with the teacher and gently remind her that because students look to her/him (and her/his) colleagues as examples that perhaps drawing unnecessary (and IMHO unkind) attention to your son's good manners, perhaps s/he should reassess what happened. I'm a teacher, and I've said things a particular student has taken in the wrong way, or I said it in the wrong way - not meaning to hurt feelings etc. - but I always tell my students throughout the year - if I say or do anything that you find offensive, or hurtful, or (insert wrong thing here) - tell me, I may not realise the effect my words have on you. If you aren't comfortable telling me, get someone else (another teacher or the counsellor to tell me - they will not give me your name) but if I'm not aware, I probably won't change - give me the chance to make sure you're not uncomfortable in my class or with me. I don't want to hurt anyone - I've been on the receiving end, like your son, and it does hurt.
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Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 14:37
Just a caveat for the vanilla extract, if it is packed in alcohol, it MAY be confiscated. Is it likely? Probably not - I know people who have brought it in, but any product packed in alcohol is treated as booze under Qatari law and it is illegal to import anything with alcohol in it.
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Latest post on 26 January 2012 - 23:08
why not just ask your guests to remove their shoes? Martha Stewart does it- she also provides slippers. It's your home and your rules. If I showed up with my cat, would you accept that too? That said, be prepared for people to (a) refuse to remove their shoes or (b) refuse your invitations. You are the one who has to decide if your carpets or the pleasure of friends' company are your priority. I'm not judging which you choose, you have to decide that for yourself. I would remove my shoes at a friend's request, others might not. Your call.
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Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 07:37
You can call me at this morning and we can arrange to meet - let me knowwhen you have the number and I'll delete it. edited by marycatherine on 25/01/2012 Nice to meet you - hope your baking is successful and thank you again <em>edited by marycatherine on 25/01/2012</em>
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Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 19:55
I have two bottles worth (trump you Amy!) you're welcome to one of them - let alone 15ml.
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Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 17:39
The adaptors are not local, they're usually Chinese. However, that doesn't address the safety issues. Check adaptors carefully (and even then it's not a guarantee that they're legit) for where they have been made, only put one in an outlet and never leave it unattended. I don't use oil heaters myself but understand many do - if you can buy one with the 3 prongs (2 round 1 rectangular) I would "expect" any malfunction would trip the breakers, but I wouldn't count on it.
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Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 17:35
I've fed the mozzies in 3 different emirates and never encountered one in Qatar. One friend had a mosquito netting over their bed - but often I find it's the noise that disturbs me more than bites. For myself, mosquito repellant (which I bought in Canada while at home) seemed to be most effective. The noise was there to a certain extent, but I wasn't bitten. Netting seems to be most effective for keeping a distance, the biting and the noise at bay. As for fly screens - I don't know where some posters live but there can be as much a .3 cm between the screen and the other window. Ample room for the critters to invade.
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Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 19:24
get baby gates - leave a space for kitty to scoot under if he doesn't have time to make the leap - keeps litter boxes and food dishes separate too. If your post is less than 4 wks after the introduction of the puppy, your situation is not unusual - no unusual after 8 weeks either. Puppy and Cat have to learn to at least tolerate each other. Youngest is still in play mode - oldest (incumbent) is p!s$ed. Time will tell. Cat may never "love" dog, but will probably learn to tolerate it. Patience. Separation of the two is good for a short period, escape hatches for kitty for the longer term are essential - hence the baby gates. They have to mingle to a certain extent (even if it is on opposite sides of baby gates). I've used baby gates to keep the cat dishes and litter boxes away from the dog (and have done so for years). They get along much better if they both know they have a way to escape. <em>edited by marycatherine on 21/01/2012</em>
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Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 15:26
So I send a picture of Angelina Jolie - it's a phone conversation, not a match making service from what I gather from the OP - I can chat and pretend I look like Angelina.;) <em>edited by marycatherine on 21/01/2012</em>
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Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 10:31
Daiso sometimes has them
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Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 08:59
Why is a photo required if the job is only on the phone?
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Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 08:39
Try Giant at Hyatt Plaza - they often carry it. <em>edited by marycatherine on 21/01/2012</em>
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Latest post on 20 January 2012 - 16:17
If you have a contact with one of the American Univerisities or CNAQ - they often have websites or an internal for sale network where you can deal with people who mostly look after their vehicles and provide records of same. That said, get the maintenance history (the car "book") and GO TO THE WORKSHOP and check it out. I would only buy from someone who did their regular maintenance from the dealer - they have no horse in this race by telling you the truth. I bought mine from a Brit who maintained his car at the dealer (which I checked before I bought). Like everywhere, it is buyer beware when buying a second hand vehicle, and there are evil Westerners out there the same as anywhere - DO YOUR HOMEWORK before being separated from your cash. You might also check with the traffic department to see if the vehicle has been in any reported car accidents.
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Latest post on 19 January 2012 - 20:43
If one (or both) are foodies, how about a kitchen/baking related gift. My SIL bought "brie bakers" ceramic cheese dishes (you could also bring a round of brie inside it. However, if they're food specific (in that, they may like to concentrate on a certain cuisine) that may not be a great gift - but if they like to try different cuisines, getting a kitchen gadget or ingredient (that can be stored for later use) may be an idea - if you know they like pizza for example, a pizza stone?
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Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 21:04
Who cares? It's one of the least believable sites on the internet as anyone can add, amend or adjust entries.
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Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 21:02
The last time this happened (I returned to find a flat flat after my summer vacation) I went across the street to the petrol station, got 2 guys and a jack in a taxi and took them home to change the tire. Not an option for everyone, but it worked for me.
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Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 21:00
Short answer - yes. You have to decide that you are prepared to pay fines etc. if you get caught/reported.
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Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 19:27
Anth, if you are not working you cannot sponsor anyone to my knowledge. Nor do you get a working visa before arriving and going through the medical and security checks again (no matter how many hoops you have jumped through prior). If you are coming to work, you get a pre-work visa, go through the medical/security checks and then your work visa is issued. If your spouse is the working partner, the spouse sponsors the rest of the non-working family. Sounds like you have a job already, but you won't get the work visa until you jump the hoops after you arrive - everyone you can sponsor can come with you while the process takes place - but women are sometimes limited in who they can sponsor (type of your employment, amount of salary, nationality, etc.). At any step in the process, if you or any family member is rejected, they will have to leave. I've seen husbands get the RP and work visa, but the wife has been rejected for various reasons, (mostly medical - scarring on lungs, unable to get viable fingerprints, etc. etc.).
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Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 19:21
I lived in Al Jazzat and commuted to University City - close to the school - at that time it took about 15 minutes (and that was when it was a big roundabout at the theatre etc.) I liked Al Jazzat, while I was close to the big mosque where the R/A used to be, they had a caller with a beautiful voice and I get up early anyways. There are quite a few stand alone villas in the area. I had a great landlord (the villa was old but he maintained it well and followed up the same day - if I let him - on any issues). Good luck.
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Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 20:37
While never having been pregnant here, the only advice I can give is - take her out for her long (and poop prevalent walks) early in the morning and late in the evening (which you will do anyways from your posts) and take her out for quick pee walks maybe 2x a day. Yes it is hot (for both puppy and you), but I have found over 12+ years, puppy doesn't want to be out any longer than I do. And like your hubby, I used a key phrase "hurry up". Of course I did toilet training in Canada at 2 am - it was a phrase that came easily, and so did pee (not necessarily poop) once she associated the words with the act. Good luck with EVERYTHING.
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Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 20:31
Pick one of those listed: (a) depends on the PRO at your husband's employer (b) depends on how MOI views your husband's employer (c) depends on who gets your application (d) depends on you or your husband's nationality (I could have put this in two separate entries but I'm going to bed soon (e) who knows? Patience is one of the first thing that experienced people suggest newbies pack. It's good advice.
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Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 18:12
Try looking for yellow dahl - it is yellow split peas - in the dried legumes section.
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Latest post on 13 January 2012 - 14:36
Do you know of a family nearby with a 13/14 year old daughter who would be willing to take on your 18 month old? Of course, she would have to be someone you're comfortable with, but a big bonus is that you would be immediately available should baby need Mummy ASAP.
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Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 20:46
This is a recipe I've followed with my dog with great success - except I didn't cook the chicken (which is what I exclusively fed her, whole, cut up into 8 pieces, chicken - frozen on special from Lulu or Carrefour). I always fed rice (because it's easy to do in bulk) and usually a combo of carrots and a green veg (beans or brocolli). My dog did very well on this diet - smaller stools, whiter teeth, much better dog breath and a healthier coat. It requires a once a week commitment to getting everything ready to go. I also had a separate fridge, as my dog was asize that required double the amount of the recipe issued. Not cooking the chicken was the route I took because cooked chicken bones are brittle and can get stuck anywhere from the mouth to the digestive tract. Uncooked bones - if the chicken has been jointed into 8 pcs or more - are digestible, including bones and provides a built in teeth cleaning facility. I would defrost a frozen chicken about 2x a week (for my sized dog) and cut it up and put it in a plastic container, I used a digital scale to ensure she was getting the right amounts at each meal. I mixed mine up at every meal - container for starch, container for protein, container for veg - combine in dog dish and serve. HOMEMADE DOG FOOD By Stanley Coren Generally speaking, commercially produced dog foods, especially those that have been certified by national veterinary societies, provide a good, safe and convenient way of feeding your dogs. However, some people find that their dogs are sensitive to some of the preservatives in these foods and want an inexpensive alternative. Other people worry about what they should be feeding their dogs at times when they have let the dog kibble supply run out, or are in some circumstance where commercial foods are not available. Some other people simply don't feel that the monotonous diet of the same kibble all of the time is good for their dogs, while others worry about trace nutritional elements that might be missed any one set diet. Actually a nutritious and balanced diet based on “people food” is easy to prepare. A 12 oz portion is suitable for one day’s ration for a 20 lb dog. 4 oz (1/2 cup) protein – any meat, chicken, fish or eggs (all cooked). 4 oz carbohydrate – for example cooked rice or grains, pasta, cooked cereals such as oatmeal, potatoes or even bread (packed tight when measuring). 4 oz vegetables – any cooked vegetables (obviously not potatoes or other high carbohydrates). Carrots, broccoli, turnips, green peppers, green beans, etc., but not onions which contain high sulfur content which is bad for dogs. Simply mix the contents together or not as you choose. While this basic diet is balanced it can be improved by some simple supplements. To mix the basic supplement use 1 cup debittered brewers yeast 1 cup wheat germ 2 cups powdered milk ¼ cup powdered kelp Mix together and store in a cool dry place. To improve the diet quality add 1 tsp of the basic supplement for each 12 oz portion of the food mixture and 1 tsp vegetable oil (I prefer corn oil or flax oil since they have high content of linoleic acid which is good for the dog’s skin). 12 oz of the basic diet is appropriate for a 20 lb dog, you would double this daily ration for a 40 lb dog, triple it for a 60 lb dog or halve it for a 10 lb dog. Watch the dog’s weight and adjust portion sizes accordingly. © Copyright Stanley Coren, reproduction by permission only.
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Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 10:42
If there is something you use often and aren't sure of its availability here - ask here on the forum. Sometimes products with the same name/brand are different to the ones available in our home countries, and do not always suit everyone - I think disposable nappies were an issue for some mothers with younger children for example, the brand was the same but the quality/fit were not of the same standard. Food items (canned or packaged) that your kids would absolutely panic if they couldn't find them here. I remember my sister's kids were horrified 20 years ago that they couldn't get the type of hotdogs they were used to and the fact that Kraft dinner wasn't available at all was a major tragedy (20+ years ago)
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Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 21:40
I agree with Amy77 - I've taken my dog to a popular beach, she has been harrassed (I know they were only young dogs but 3 on 1 fourteen year old dog who isn't a dog person to start with is too much) by other dog "walkers" usually 4- 10 animals and 2 - 6 walkers who don't have a plastic bag between them is inexcusable. One of them runs a rescue organization to my knowledge and gives "advice" on how and where to take your dog to the beach - it doesn't include dog poo pick up. If you have a dog, you can pick up after it. If you can't or won't I'll warn you now, I bring an extra bag with me at all times and if I spot you with your dog leaving the evidence behind I will stop you and say "I'm sorry you've been caught without a bag, take this one please - the bin is just over there". I've yet to be rebuffed. I've always managed to embaress them, and whenever I've encountered the same dog owner, s/he has a bag in hand. If you say it in a pseudo friendly/sincere manner, they have difficulty in taking offence and as I say, have always, for me, picked it up and binned it with the bag I've provided. ETA and if they do get snarky, I have a ready comeback (which I haven't used but it's a good one IMHO) "OH Sorry, thought you were a responsible dog lover, my mistake, sorry to bother you." and walk away and keep on walking. Say it in a pseudo friendly manner and keep moving, by the time they figure out you think they are a r$eholes by anyone that stupid you should be about 300 - 500 metres away. <em>edited by marycatherine on 11/01/2012</em>
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Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 21:41
I don't want to take anything away from the OP or other posters about their experiences but I find it interesting. I was always nervous in my home country about ghosts/supernatural experiences - one cat always made me think there was an axe murderer lurking over my shoulder (I would put the cat out of the house to avoid that sensation). However, speaking for myself, I don't find myself nearly as nervous here - where I wouldn't want to be outside alone in the dark of night in my home country - I don't mind it at all here. Maybe my ghosts/spirits are all bound to my homeland??? I hope the OP finds a solution to her situation quickly, it does sound frightening. Good luck
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Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 19:37
Have you considered stores that cater to construction? I don't know of any personally, but some laborers have rubber boots (Canadian version of wellies) so I assume that they're available here. And given the fact that some of these guys are so small, I imagine the shoe sizes would be available for younger boys?
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Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 19:35
Get your childrens' names on any school lists NOW - schooling is the number one "problem" for most parents, especially at short notice (waiting lists are long). The second issue is - where the school is located. Traffic during school run/rush hours is horrendous and getting worse. Unless you enjoy driving with maniacs (and it is really that bad) being close to the school is very desirable. I'll let mothers advise you on which school and why.
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Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 19:31
See my reply on the Dubai forum
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Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 19:25
You can only get a visa on arrival if you have a residency permit/visa in another GCC country - otherwise you have to go the same route as any Canadian tourist arriving. Your mother doesn't have residency in Qatar I think? Therefore, she needs a visa and needs to have it arranged before arrival. Check with the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the consulate in Dubai before making arrangements.
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Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 05:05
I believe Spinney's carries some.
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Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 20:33
spotted at Spinney's too.
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Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 15:45
I've used Dr Lubna Kutbe at Family Dental Clinic off C-Ring road near the petrol station. She is Jordanian I believe and studied dentistry at Marquette in Wisconsin. She was excellent (cleaning, filling, and root canal - all work I knew had to be done and she did it very well). I think her brother (who also trained at Marquette) is also working there - Lubna was not available the last time I wanted a checkup and they mentioned him to me. As it was just a cleaning I waited until I got to my home country and home dentist but if I needed to see someone here (other than Lubna) I'd be willing to give him a try. There are not so flattering stories about the Canadian dentist there - some thought that he tried to pad the bill with unnecessary services - I don't know if it is true or not