marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

marycatherine
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 01:49
So the municipality checks at the souk - how about where the food is prepared before it arrives there?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 15:14
Hope the parking and traffic challenges have been anticipated and planned for adequately.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 15:10
If you think/know the amount is not yours/incorrect - and you move the $$ (why would you do so if it isn't yours) it may be viewed as theft. As a banker, I know of cases where deposits were made to the wrong account, the wrong account holder knew it, took it, spent it, and was charged with theft. If the bank insists that the transaction is correct, ask for that confirmation in writing - preferably with a breakdown of the conversion. If it does turn out to be a mistake on their part - then they've got nothing to come back at you for.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 23:40
QIC will switch over for a nominal fee - however, they may only extend 3rd party (even if the original policy is comprehensive) based on your nationality (not usually an issue for those holding Western passports). Ugly but it happened to a colleague in June. She sold her car and when she informed the insurance company the first question was "Is the buyer Asian"?
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 23:31
Hamilton is a separate city, but the lines are blurred with Toronto and other towns in between.
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 14:12
Toronto and surrounding "suburbs" (Oakville Port Credit etc.) have an excellent public transportation system into Toronto proper called the Go Train - in the mornings there are express trains with fewer stops from some of the more distant areas. If you're working downtown and looking for an easier pace and lower rents, check out those areas served by the Go Trains (you can probably find a map and timings online) - I used to live on the border of Etobicoke and Missisauga and took the Go Train to Union Station - 20 minutes tops. I preferred using the Go Train over the subway system. <em>edited by marycatherine on 14/08/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 03:29
It is illegal to hold someone's passport -- it belongs to the government that issued it, and hence to the person it is issued on behalf of.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 03:27
Sorry, the US one means you have to sit the test (but I don't think you have to take the lessons)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 03:24
I have a Bosch which I love but both oven and stove top are gas (which I also love)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 23:36
another shoe online website is shoebacca.com
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 21:46
Sorry katkalls, thought you meant a permanent DL not a temporary one.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 15:02
Try Lulu
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 15:01
Go to the doctor, probably a benign cyst but you need a medical opinion not anonymous diagnoses from people you don't know and who don't know you.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 15:00
Perhaps you and DH should make a promise to each other not to discuss certain details of your life together with anyone else (including YOUR mother). If you are free to discuss such things with your Mom because "she doesn't nag" then it's not fair he can't discuss things with his Mom just because she feels free to toss in her two cents worth.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 14:57
Have you tried Spinney's? I used to get the veg stock cubes there.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 13:51
You can't switch your license until you have your RP. As for driving 6 months - unless, as you say, it's changed recently - you could only do that if you were entering on a business visa otherwise it was as the rental clerk said.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 19:59
As you mention the skid marks, I think in Canada he would have had hard questions to answer to the police about his speed - and in some accidents they would be estimating based on the skid marks how fast he was actually going and perhaps charging him with reckless driving. However, we're not in Canada, the UK or even Kansa for that matter. When you do get a new vehicle, do what a UK friend of mine does in UAE - install an air horn. I use the horn on my car all the time, and it's a good 'un. It scares the b jeezuz out of Land Cruiser drivers (and I'm not afraid to use it either) driving badly (and every other idiot driver who crosses my path and irks me). The air horn is a step up and it REALLY gets their attention.
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Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 13:52
You can buy step down transformers for North American appliances but they only handle up to certain wattages. Most items it's not worth bringing with you. If there are items you can't live without (food/toiletries) I'd suggest you make a list of them and ask here if they are available and ball park prices - then you can decide what to bring or leave. You can buy vanilla beans in Carrefour and make your own vanilla with vodka if you like.
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Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 00:35
Sorry about the accident, I decided to take a look at RA "rules" at least for Canada (because we drive on the same side of the road as here in Qatar) and it looks like the police were correct in their decision. Here's the info I found: Roundabouts require entering drivers to give way to all traffic within the roundabout, regardless of lane position, while traffic circles typically allow traffic to enter alongside traffic circulating in an inner lane without consequence. Drivers in the left lane inside the circle have the right of way. Drivers in the right lane inside the circle should be exiting the circle. In point 1, I mentioned that you could use either lane to navigate the circle but that the left lane should be used if you are heading to an exit that is past the 2nd one. [b'>If you chose to use the right lane, you MUST yield to traffic that is in the left lane that need to exit the circle.[/b'> That said, in Canada the police would also take into consideration which driver had "the last clear chance" to avoid an accident (i.e. a car entering the highway from a ramp - a car in the lane the first is entering should move to the inside lane if it is safe to do so even if the car driver entering is an a$s). Hope the car is fixed sooner rather than later.
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Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 19:47
While it's too late this time, it might be best in future to keep "intimate" details such as TTC private between you, your DH and your medical practitioner. Your MIL just happened to be the relative who felt it OK to give unwanted and unsolicited "advice" - (we all have at least one relative like her - not always the MIL). If you're doing what is necssary to avoid problems with the cats - shrug it off, pretend you never saw the email and get on with your life with DH. <em>edited by marycatherine on 11/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 10 August 2011 - 22:42
the closer you are to the Jewish quarter means nearly everything is within walking distance. Prague is wonderful. If you go to the cathedral up at the castle go early (as in when it opens) as it gets crowded quickly with tour groups. I took a 2 or 3 hour trip on the river which was also very good. Suggest you try to eat in one or other of the little restaurants off the side streets where Prague residents go to eat - the menus are usually in English and you get another side of Czech life than the touristy ones on the city hall square.
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 23:17
However, if you have a valid driver's license from another country for a certain number of years, - just like here in UAE - you can get a Canadian driver's license in exchange. As for insurance - get a letter from your insurer here detailing the #of years of no claims and Canadian insurers [i'>may[/i'> take it under consideration. Having a Canadian driver's license is seen as one "tie" to Canada which may have an impact on how Revenue Canada views your non-residency status. Renewing it may raise flags with them. Email your province's Dept of Motor Vehicles and ask about exchanging a valid UAE license for a Canadian one should you return for example, tomorrow.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 13:25
You can switch your UAE drivers licence for a Canadian one when you go back - did it in 2005
marycatherine
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Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 04:37
Actually smoking (like drinking or eating in public) during Ramadan can get you a month in jail in Qatar. I've never heard of anyone being actually jailed because of it though. <em>edited by marycatherine on 08/08/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 04:34
Like the previous poster, have never locked checked or hand luggage. The former because security always has the option of breaking into your bag in any event, locks are pretty much useless anyways if a professional criminal has access to it and most are soft sided - a pocket knife gets access. As for hand luggage, it's never out of my sight anyways - and if it needs to be checked - see the first 3 reasons.
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Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 16:56
I can totally sympathize with those who wish to shut these types of operations down, but it would be more productive IMHO to work on getting the authorities to put proper animal protection laws (including import issues) in place AND ENFORCE THEM, including a proper SPCA. You shut one of these ops down, another appears overnight - get laws in place that stop them, fine them, and hopefully jail them in abuse situations. That doesn't take away from the pain and suffering of these poor creatures - but until and unless the authorities are prepared to do something about it - and public pressure can help in that respect - it will continue to run rampant.
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Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 16:45
It may not be "worth it" to have a business license but technically it is illegal and you could (not likely as I said) be subject to prosecution and probably a substantial fine at the very least, if someone decides they don't like you and turns you in. I'm not trying to frighten you but you should be aware of the legal requirements and possible consequences (no matter how remote) if you are reported. <em>edited by marycatherine on 07/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 16:44
Your passport belongs to your country - they cannot hold it legally if you are allowed to remain in the country legally. You can take this to the MoL or the police.
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Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 14:38
Technically if you're doing anything for profit, you're supposed to have a business license (and a sponsor) - however, there are those who do things similar to what you are doing. Only problem I can see is if someone is jealous/vindictive and make s a complaint (not very likely IMHO).
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Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 14:34
I knew it was a substantial amount but not that grotesque! I agree about offering the reward (I would pay anything I had to get my baby back safe and sound) but it's a fine line/decision to make about announcing $X specifically. Those who were involved in that particular "dog napping" drove up the "price" if I recall the newspaper reports correctly because they knew or expected a Western expat to (a) be able to come up with that amount and (b) be willing to pay it. I don't know what I would do in such a situation specifically, never having been there (and never wanting to be of course) - it was a suggestion for consideration only.
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Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 14:14
You might want to tell him too that if he knows where the other partners can be found, he may be able to use this information in his negotiations (if it gets to that) with the collector - why should he be the only one trying to do the "right thing" in settling these debts? Sounds mean I know, but it's business, not personal.
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Latest post on 06 August 2011 - 23:37
In the first post, it was the business that was bankrupt, then the OP says "he is bankrupt". Which is it?
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Latest post on 06 August 2011 - 22:42
I'd still recommend buying extension cords etc. in the UK. Yes, a lot of the stuff you buy anywhere in the world is made in China - but in the UK they have stiffer examination/inspection procedures requirements, even if it is on a random basis is still better than what is available here. I've been using the stuff here for 10+ years and have experienced meltdowns and smoke etc. Not often, but often enough to try and get stuff that has a fuse for each outlet in a multiple extension cord etc. Not foolproof, I'll admit, but at least I feel I have some buffer against substandard equipment.
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Latest post on 06 August 2011 - 22:39
He may still not be safe if the asset is transferred to the spouse or a "cheap" sale, the collector can then file a claim that he is hiding assets in order to avoid a lawful debt. He definitely needs legal advice. He should have gotten good financial advice before entering into the whole mess.
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Latest post on 06 August 2011 - 21:58
Actually, they do - because now the debt is now owed to that entity. They can take steps to recover the money through the legal system. He still legally owes it, he now owes it to the UK entity. Just because the debt was incurred abroad is not necessarily a barrier to them recovering the money. It can be done, it is expensive for the collector, but if the money is significant and they see a real chance of recovering at least some of the money to make it worth their while, they can do so. edited by marycatherine on 06/08/2011 <em>edited by marycatherine on 06/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 06 August 2011 - 21:39
The OP mentioned this man has business partners (you can't get at assets in the wife's name) and that's who I was referencing. However, OP also mentioned HE has a house - they can go after that if it's in his name. He can't be put in jail but assets in his name can be seized and sold, his salary garnished etc. <em>edited by marycatherine on 06/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 06 August 2011 - 18:36
Selling delinquent debts to banks/collection agencies is not restricted to the UK - it can be done anywhere the UAE bank can find a buyer for the debt. So the partners aren't off the hook either if the bank(s) can track them down.
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Latest post on 06 August 2011 - 17:09
If the UAE bank sells it's delinquent loan to a UK collection agency or even to a UK bank, the agency/bank can go after him. It's called factoring and done all the time internationally for accounts receivables etc. It may be an empty threat for the smaller delinquents, but if he owes significant money, he may be in real legal trouble. He has UK assets now they can attach if they follow the legal channels and if he doesn't declare bankruptcy or other "legal protection" he may find future wages being garnished and future assets seized (probably not likely, but a possibility). Like was suggested before, he needs to consult a lawyer to look at his options. edited by marycatherine on 06/08/2011 <em>edited by marycatherine on 06/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 06 August 2011 - 14:20
Your friend is right to be nervous. If the bank(s) sell his debt to a UK based collection agency he may be faced with real legal problems in the UK. They can't arrest him (unless fraud of some sort is involved and this doesn't seem to be the case), but they can go after his assets. As N8 said, he needs good legal advice. http://www.federalmanagement.co.uk/news/tag/dubai/
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Latest post on 05 August 2011 - 03:39
If she was really oldfashioned, most boys looked like girls in my parents' childhoods. My father's oldest brother had the most beautiful long blond ringlets!!! Unfortunately, it appears on the surface at least, to be a control issue. YOUR and YOUR HUSBAND's Children are under YOUR control, not hers. If she can't or won't comply with your wishes, then she can't be trusted to be alone with them IMHO. <em>edited by marycatherine on 05/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 05 August 2011 - 03:36
As the OP doesn't say the job category or employer - it is hard to say what is the "norm" - it is still the norm in many postings to receive all the benes including education allowances depending on what your job is AND how badly your employer needs/wants you, not just 10 years ago. Tertiary education postings being a case in point, managerial positions in financial services, oil and gas, etc. Again, it depends on your level, qualifications, and sadly, sometimes your nationality or the color of your passport
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Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 23:08
Personally, if the package didn't include annual tickets, medical and accomodation and an education allowance I wouldn't consider it. Education only gets more expensive as the children get older. Housing right now is relatively low compared with 4 - 5 years ago - but it won't last unless oil is replaced by something else.
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Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 23:05
Will it grow back? Is it something you want to have as a cause of a family rift? Did your son agree to it (I don't know how old he is - does he have input into his own appearance)? Be miffed, I probably would be too, but it's also something that will remedy itself over time. However, I would tell MIL that such decisions should be discussed with you and DH in future and your decision will stand.
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Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 22:40
Some people believe they should be able to dress like tarts no matter where they are - it's inappropriate here, it's inappropriate in the mall back home IMHO. There should also be an age and weight limit on spandex, lycra, and speedos. <em>edited by marycatherine on 04/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 22:37
You can't get a work visa until you pass the medical and security checks. So hubby is probably coming in on a temporary visa until the work visa can be processed. Once that is done, he can sponsor his family's residency visas, in the meantime they are either on a visit visa or temporary visa pending a residency visa being issued (no idea of the time lines involved). His employer's PRO and HR department should be advising him on these issues - they're not difficult but it helps to have the PRO who should know who to see and when to present what piece of paper doing all the running around.
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Latest post on 03 August 2011 - 23:34
It might be an idea to rethink actually giving the amount of the reward (just including "reward offered for safe return") as there have been incidents in the past where at least one pet was "dognapped" and a handover was made upon payment of QAR10,000 (which the owners had offered and willingly did). Good luck - I hope he's home safe and sound soon.
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Latest post on 03 August 2011 - 21:48
The store is on B Ring road - if coming from Megamart direction towards the corniche - go "under" Jaidah flyover and turn right at that round about. Go thru one set of lights, it will be on your right just before the next set of lights at Muntazah Road (a short block - if you miss it first time, take a right at the second lights, right again, and again). I believe the name is New House Complex - it has a lot of serving dishes etc. in the front window so I always call it the platter store - windows are ceiling to floor glass and jam packed with all kinds of kitchen and serving items.
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Latest post on 03 August 2011 - 18:40
Giant at Hyatt Plaza has carried it and FFC at the airport as well.
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Latest post on 03 August 2011 - 17:48
ccdoha - have you tried the OPI kiosk in either Villagio or Landmark (can't remember which mall sorry)? They have quite a selection of shades but perhaps not the one(s) you've looked for. For myself, (and it is just myself, no SO or kids) I don't use a dryer and didn't in North America either. If your accomodation comes with a combination washer dryer, be prepared to wait literally hours for the dryer function to dry anything, let alone heavier items like towels. Like the others, I use drying racks in a room (I don't live in a villa with a garden anymore) with the AC on, usually everything except stuff like jeans is dry in 4 - 6 hours. However, it is unattractive and if you don't have the room to spare can be a pain to set up and put away. I buy all my dishes and cookware from a store that caters mainly to the restaurant trade. 90% of the stuff is all white but comes in a lot of different sizes and if I want only 1, I can buy 1, or I can buy 17 of the same item if that's what I want. Lots of variety in glassware too. I usually get a discount (it's very sad when they recognize me when I walk in the door, something like Norm on Cheers) because I visit so often. I also buy silverware the same way, but that can be done at Carrefour. If you have a specific brand of tea or coffee that you prefer, you might want to tuck in a week or two's supply (I know people who pack tins of their favourite brand to bring back after every holiday home because the brand is not available here) to tide you over until you can either find a new supply or a new brand that suits you. You may also want to bring UK safety standard extension cords. Electrical outlets can be scarce (picture one per room in some villas) and the electrical extension cords here can be questionable as to their safety standards (most come from China).
marycatherine
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Latest post on 03 August 2011 - 13:11
You and hubby are both right about drying clothes. It can be too dusty at times but they'll dry just fine most of the time BUT be sure to wipe down the line with a damp cloth to remove dust before hanging the clothes out. You shouldn't have to pay any duty on household items - I didn't, the container will be opened and inspected though. I think personally, I'd take the chance on getting the IKEA wardrobes. Selection of any kind of furniture here is marginal at best and much more expensive even than surrounding GCC countries. People go to UAE or Saudi IKEAs to buy furniture, pay transport AND duty to get the stuff into Qatar. I'd also suggest you set up your computer(s) with both Sky petech and a Vir Pri Net (use the initials) if you want to watch UK TV online - technically both are disallowed here and can be problematic to set up and maintain while in country. There are people who manage to set them up fairly easily but I'm tech challenged.
 
 
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