marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

marycatherine
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Latest post on 30 September 2011 - 08:45
I will never fly Qatar Air again - their ground staff and flight crews are uniformly rude and unpleasant in my experience - they reserve 5* service for business class. The airport in Doha is under construction and will remain under construction for years to come - so the bus rides to terminals that have very poor facilities will continue for the foreseeable future. The new arrivals terminal is fairly pleasant - immigration line ups are dire.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 22:41
If you are really ready to help (and have your own funds to do so) catch the bin cats and get them neutered on your own. Many vet practices will give a discount for such efforts. In any event, do what you can, when you can afford to. You can't save them all, but you may be able to save one life. What goes around comes around.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 22:35
as for the person honking behind me. I have occasionally got out of my car and walked back to theirs and asked them civilly what they wanted (which irritates the drivers behind them). Usually the response is, to "get moving" to which I respond civally again, there is no break in the oncoming traffic (or whatever the reasonable response is) and get back in my car and proceed. The beeping stops. But I am a white European middleaged tubby female. I know that is an advantage in such situations. <em>edited by marycatherine on 29/09/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 20:37
Sorry Mrs M but I hate that hand gesture. A personal preference I know. However, I have found being direct and to the point effective. I will look directly at the person I either want to do something (that they should be doing anyways - like helping me with my luggage or my shopping) and tell them what to do - I'm not rude or dictatorial about it - I just say something like - take that and please put it there - thank you - and turn away as I expect them to comply (taxi drivers take the unsubtle hint right away) I am also very profuse in my thanks and a smile (and a tip if I have the small change and felt that their help was willing instead of dragged out of them - in the latter case, if I am peeved, I will say - I was going to tip but you were rude, etc. so not this time). As for the idjits behind the wheel while I am crossing the street I stop (and this was a local lady) and stand in front of the car and ask why she is honking at me - it's a great feeling.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 06:44
And don't forget the price of spaying/neutering them when they are old enough - spaying is usually more expensive than neutering.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 06:41
I would have thought the primary cause of stomach complaints and health issues among residents is poor diet choices in the first place, too much starch, fast foods, processed foods, sodas and sugary drinks and not enough fruit and veg, deep frying anything that moves and of course alcohol comsumption. Could you point me in the direction of the source of your arsenic poisoning etc. news Pomegranate - I'd be very interested to read up on this - thanks.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 18:05
A lot of the veg I buy is from Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Jordan etc. - while it might not always "look" as good as the stuff from Holland etc. - it tastes a lot better because it's grown to eat, not to travel. Tomatoes from Holland are almost always tasteless. Oman also grows melons etc. (which I've found weird as the rainfall here is so low) but the fellas line up at the roundabouts to Hatta with their wares.
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Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 11:25
According to one poster on trip advisor, they needed to show their passports http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g295424-d478912-Reviews-Hatta_Rock_Pools-Dubai.html
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 15:25
Would suggest you remove email addresses as spammers troll sites like these - also suggest you don't give info like the names of this garage as technically they are breaking the law and could face some difficulties.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 07:38
Is it a jurisdiction thing or a bank thing (no matter where the bank is located)? It is standard bank procedure (and the law in most countries) if a account holder dies - all his accounts are frozen until there is a legal disbursement of the estate. In many countries, if the executor of the estate has the proper paperwork and presents it to the bank, that is sufficient. Ask the bank.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 19:05
Al Aqah is separate from the Rotana your link only states as being located on al aqa beach - google al aqah beach resort, you'll get a different hotel. It's a Meridian property, not a Rotana. <em>edited by marycatherine on 25/09/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 06:55
True the degree does not have "online" stamped on it, but a cunning HR Dept would clue into the fact the dates of study encompass a time when the applicant was in Doha and not the UK - and perhaps wonder how such a talented person (with the ability to be in two places at once) managed it? I know in the UAE the MoE refuses to recognize any online degrees no matter who issues them, reputable or not. The MoE there covers all K-12 schools - would the private ones recognize these degrees? Do the schools here in Qatar recognize them? I don't know which is why I suggested the OP go to her preferred potential employers and ask before she spends a ton of money and puts in months of effort.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 19:48
For online degrees I would check to see where and when they are acceptable to education authorities (and individual schools). In the UAE for example online degrees are acceptable for some schools (under the Min of Education) but not for others (Min of HIgher Education) - I don't know how it works here but it would be prudent to find out before rather than later - although, I don't think there is a separation of the 2 levels of education here at the moment.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 19:44
Perhaps if more people left and demanded their money back (including any snacks purchased) because they are unable to enjoy the movie management would take more notice? Wouldn't help in the "current" situation but might help in the long run.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 07:34
I stayed at Angels Garden Hotel halfway up the hill from all the seafood restaurants and the Grand Bazaar last time.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 20:11
In 12 years I've never had a heater - then again, in Canada, I sleep with the window cracked open in January. As someone else mentioned, it's how much YOU mind the cold. I just put on socks, slippers, a long sleeved T-shirt and perhaps a sweater. Others shiver year round.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 20:07
Istanbul is one of the best cities in the world. I have stayed near Topkapi and near Taksim Square. I prefer near Topkapi because there is so much to see and do in terms of sight seeing - all very walkable, and trams or taxis (last resort IMHO because of the traffic, not price) are all easily accessed. Loads of excellent restaraunts, the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, the Spice Bazaar etc. etc. If you are looking at only 5* hotels don't. I usually stay at 3 or 4 * hotels (check them out at tripadvisor dot com) and while not luxurious, they have hot water for showers/baths, good sized rooms, and usually include buffet breakfast.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 20:35
I don't know if this is the case for the OP, but many cinema goers are arab speakers and "read" the movie - they don't have to listen. I try to go on Saturday mornings at 10am - less likely to meet up with this lot.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 20:30
OK DL - if I see them again, I'll try and post same day
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 11:02
If you're stuck Dan Lou - I can let you have half of my package - I don't use them that much.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 20:01
The coffee is nothing to write home about. Hopefully, unlike in Canada now, the doughnuts will be made and baked in store (they've done away with that in Canada now, they're all sort of "par baked" in Ontario and shipped out across a country it takes 7 days to drive across - gross, and the result is gross). That said, I know people who pack bags full of Tim's coffee to bring back to the Gulf to tide them over until they can get home again. And before I get jumped on. I am Canadian, I have bought Tim's Coffee and doughnuts (and I went for the chocolate double double) until they started this cr@p from Ontario. Although usually I bought my store bought coffee from a local "chain" which had better coffee beans. If you like Tim's, I don't and I can't see a marketplace that has so many really good coffee places (granted the doughnut scene is barren - God save me from Krispy Kreme or Dunkin' Donuts - they're worse than the Ontario Tims' prebaked ones - hard to conceive) but the pastry scene in the GCC is pretty dire anyways unless you enjoy drowning in sugar with every bite.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 19:38
In my experience, baby cat can take a beating if left with big cat unsupervised and it took at least 2 months before big cat stopped taking a swipe (or stalking) the little one. As I said, both my female cats never showed a "maternal" instinct with a strange kitten. Good luck
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 17:52
There is a quilting "guild" here I believe they have a listing on qatarhappening dot com
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 17:51
Has your current cat just lost a litter? If not, she almost certainly won't be "fooled" into thinking a strange kitten is hers. I've introduced very young kittens to my cats (both females) and neither were very receptive for the first few weeks to the newcomers. But perhaps you know of a way to get adult cats to accept strange kittens that I don't know of (and I wish you would share in case I get another tiny orphan showing up at the door to tug at my heart) :cool: TIA
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 12:23
http://www.fairtrials.net/press/article/list_of_controlled_pharmaceutical_substances_in_uae here's a link to a list and it specifically mentions poppy seeds used in baking as a "narcotic"
marycatherine
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 10:09
I recently saw them in the little Mega Mart at the petrol station on Rayyan Road - they were on the shelf with the organic and gluten free products (same as the potato chip aisle). The bag I purchased I got some time ago at the big Mega Mart - same location - organic barley, flaxseed, etc. Haven't been there in a while so don't know if they have any in stock.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 21:47
Got them at Mega bucks
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 20:30
Use your mirrors (as you were taught) and just get out of the way of the the truly stupid IDJITs - often I come up beside them stopped at the intersection they were so desperately going to be first at - I smile at them - the younger Qatari men have the grace to look embarrassed.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 20:25
One of the public schools I referred to has at least one teacher armed with a camel stick who "rounds up" unruly students first thing in the morning - it's the way that school got classes in for the morning.
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 20:06
I've been in the public schools (as and educator) and had the misfortune to live near a public boys middle school. Until and unless the teachers are supported as disciplinarians and the parents are held accountable for their child's behaviour/misbehavior it's no wonder so many of them "graduate" (and I use the term extremely loosely) with no self control/discipline and no discernable skill set. I feel badly for the teachers, they want to keep their jobs (as would I) and until and unless they find a viable alternative to their current position or given systemic support on an ongoing consisten basis, - they move little terror Ahmed on through the system. (or, more likely, move him on because the terrors that are his parents - because little Ahmed can do no wrong of course) <em>edited by marycatherine on 19/09/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 19:59
OK there's a couple of questions to try and address (both here and from the email address). Thanks for the responses ladies. OK, I think we can have the best of two worlds (but not more than that because my brain is getting older and spreadsheets need to be updated). One poster mentioned her time constraints, - I think these can be worked around by allowing some (who have similarly busy lives) to weigh in on a longer time frame - say every 4 weeks but required to do the first and last weigh ins with the group at whatever venue we decide. For those, (like me) who need to be held accountable more often, to do so on a weekly basis. Tomorrow I'll post the website with the suggested rules for consideration - however, having worked in large organizations (and knowing our individualistic prefererences) for this round (we can continue afterwards) I'm being the dictator and setting the rules. I'm hoping to set up pages on the website with a sharing of our personal success strategies, a commiseration page when we eat the whole bag of crisps (for example), what we do to inspire ourselves, recipes, etc. Please note, if we start this on Friday Sept 30/11 - 14 weeks later is January 6/12 - which means we have to be good through Christmas and New Year - very dangerous times of year for people watching their weight. If you have any other suggestions that you feel would help you and others, please let me know.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 15:18
Strange because I can buy organic poppy seeds in Qatar - perhaps it's just UAE they can't be sold?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 14:11
Finally go my act in gear and am setting up a website to help facilitate this If you are interested in getting support (and being held accountable) for your weight loss efforts from other women here in Doha let me know. b i g g e s t l o s e r c h a l l e n g e d o h a g m a i l c o m
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 11:44
Sorry to be late getting back to you Linda it is no spaces and the usual symbols Let me know when you have it as I don't like to leave it on the forums too long for spammers to discover <em>edited by marycatherine on 19/09/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 11:37
I'd be wary of buying a used car seat unless you know that it has never been dropped or in any kind of accident - if you know the person this may not be an issue.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 06:55
Guess you win Chocs
marycatherine
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Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 21:25
A lot of dog behaviour has to do with YOU and how YOU deal with it. The behaviourist can be very helpful. At least do a some research on your own. My nephew used to play with a 40kg German Shepherd (the dog was there first) and a tea towel. They would each hold onto one end of the towel and play tug of war and of course an 18 month old went flying (not the dog) during this game. But the baby crawled back up onto the sofa and went back at it with a dog that outweighed him nearly 4 to 1 and kept on playing. The dog was older (by about 5 years) than your dog. But both baby and dog can learn - the baby gates keep them in the same room but safely apart. Close supervision is needed at this point in the relationship (especially as puppy is young too even if he looks grown up). But puppy does need to learn he's the bottom of the food chain no matter what. Professional advice can make this a lot easier for everyone involved.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 21:16
I've used a Black & Decker 2 slice (with a button to make to toast pop before the timer goes). Probably cost me less that AED40 10 years ago - used it this morning - it's great - all I want is toast -not burnt, not warmed up, just toast. And it works. Dont' overthink toasters. <em>edited by marycatherine on 18/09/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 17 September 2011 - 20:26
Sorry, but as he's being a pain, I'd choose the place I want to go and will enjoy - at least it would be memorable for me.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 17:11
Sorry but I have to ask - are they pet ducks? Very bad taste but couldn't resist.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 17:06
Sorry Di - but I will have to ask you to lean a little closer to your computer screen so that you can be slapped for having a Western moment of logic.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 08:21
The last time I was at his home he had other artwork by other artists on display as well - I imagine it's still the same - they would have informal exhibits/sales in his large villa a few times a year.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 22:36
did you complain or just leave? You have to complain ( to management) and point out if any municipal laws have been broken (don't know from your complaint). If municipal laws have been broken, file a formal complaint. Even talking to the venue management has little effect unless and until the municipality starts asking questions.
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 21:19
Fabulous - I know you are feeling very relieved, (I was when my kitty came home) make sure she has lots of water and maybe feed her canned food cut with water for a few days to help her get hydrated again - if she is wobbly on her feet - take her to the vet for sub cutaneous fluids. Elderly cats can often have thyroid issues that dehydration brings out - if in doubt, take her to the vet.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 20:46
You can open an account for any minor - so long as it is a savings or similar (no cheques etc.) and you sign as the parent/guarantor. This can be done at any bank.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 19:56
Fabulous - I know you are feeling very relieved, (I was when my kitty came home) make sure she has lots of water and maybe feed her canned food cut with water for a few days to help her get hydrated again - if she is wobbly on her feet - take her to the vet for sub cutaneous fluids.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 19:54
Have an address for him no quotation marks and no spaces and the at is the usual ampersand. I also have a phone number but don't want to publish it here - if you give me an e mail addy I can forward it to you directly. Hope that helps. Let me know when you've got it, and I'll remove the email address to help protect against the spammers. edited by marycatherine on 15/09/2011 <em>edited by marycatherine on 16/09/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 18:58
I've sent an email to his work address (don't like to publish it here) will report back
marycatherine
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 18:56
Houseboys and maids can be a real help - especially if a reward is involved. I lost my cat (in another country) on a weekend and I suspected she got into someone's car garage and locked inside - she did make her way home a week later but was very weak due to dehydration (it was a good outcome BTW). However, in your flyers, ask people to check any enclosed spaces that may be accessed on weekends vs during the week (toys, gardeners, etc.) HTH
marycatherine
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 14:55
Getting professional advice is a very good idea - he's a young dog and still working out where he is in the pack level, he has to learn that all the humans are at the top of his chain of command (no matter their age). From your description, he's doing what he would do to a younger dog who "annoyed" him - unfortunately, your DS wouldn't understand and neither would you as a mother (nor would anyone expect you to) if he actually made contact, no matter how small or minor. Get some advice and go from there.
 
 
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