marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

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Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 16:04
I'm not sure why you would expect your employer to fly you in and give you a campus tour unless you are very, very, senior in the organization? As for some things I like - I don't pay for my accomodation or utilities and I have a private office. I don't like having to visit 4 grocery stores to get everything on my list (some stores carry certain things/brands - others have better fruit and veg than others, etc.) As for my colleagues, they are the same as everywhere in the world, some good, some bad, some warm, some cold, some competent, some not so much.
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 18:59
If you can find a Kong brand chew toy they are indestructible. You can put a little peanut butter or spreadable cheese (only a little, if there's too much it can cause the runs)deep inside. They will chew and mouth that for a long time so long as they can smell the treat. As a bonus, chewing also tires the little fella which helps him expend his energy in an acceptable way. Kongs can be thrown and they bounce at crazy angles, he's a retriever, he will enjoy the game too.
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 18:47
There is satellite TV, google OSN for a look at packages and programming. Keep your shoulders and knees covered and avoid spandex in public. You will still be stared at by some segments of the population no matter what you wear. Behave yourself as you would in any large Western city - a woman alone is a target to a certain extent ANYWHERE. You take precautions in London, Tokyo, Los Angeles or Mumbai - do the same here. Doha is safer than most of our home cities in that the penalties are huge for those who harrass women - and most of the harrassers are not used to women who are assertive and are willing to call the police on them (note the word harrass, not assault). That said, we have received advice from our employer's security people that should we (women) be sexually assaulted and are able to do so, get on the first plane out to a country where you can receive proper and empathetic medical care. Medical personnel are required to report rapes and (especially) if you are not white/western, you may be arrested until the facts of the case can be ascertained. That warning stated, in 12 years, I have only known of 1 "unsuccessful" assault on a white western woman personally. However, she was also married and was accompanied by her husband to the hospital/doctor so while the police were involved, she was not considered to be an "Eve tease", a term often used in the GCC to try and blame the victim. Also be aware that certain cultures view what we would consider being friendly (saying hello in the elevator or passing in the hallway of your apartment) as a come on if it comes from a woman alone. Not everyone, but enough that you should be wary. I'm not trying to scare you, but you need to be aware of where you are and who you are with and how people from cultures other than your own view women. It's not better or worse than our own cultures (I have no idea what your own is) it's just different.
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 18:35
I would like to try it for my 3 hooligans. On another sharing offer, I often split my houseplants as I hate tossing something living just because I already live in a jungle. If anyone would like some baby plants of various types, including peace lilies and ABC spider plants (already been chewed - the cats like the babies especially as they are very tender going down and coming back up ):\: I will be back in Doha next week and can arrange to either pick up the cone or to have baby plants ready.
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Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 23:19
Why not take your dh's offer of a small allowance and demonstrate your fiscal responsibility? You were (previously) a self proclaimed spendthrift - show you are able to live within a self managed budget.
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Latest post on 14 August 2013 - 14:02
It's not a matter of whether you will need the herbs/spices - your shipping company will tell you NOT to pack them because they may attract or contain pests (that you are unaware of) and the Canadian inspection authorities will disallow them anyways for the same reasons.
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Latest post on 13 August 2013 - 23:51
Don't bother with any small appliances as Canada's voltage is 110v. Don't bother with your TV either if it is not a multinational one as it won't be able to receive signals/convert the cable. Send large furniture by sea - no food, no herbs spices or plant material of any kind (i.e. seeds).
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Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 22:49
Your RP # is on your driver's license, your car registration and on your car insurance. I would be very careful to check out whether or not cancellation of the RP itself nullifies not only your driver's license but also whether your registration and insurance would still be valid - as it is Doha, you don't want to be driving an uninsured vehicle with your children inside it.
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Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 13:14
I too developed rosacea after 7 years of living in the GCC (I think mine was triggered by stress which can be a factor as well as climate and genetics). I [i'>finally [/i'>found a dermatologist (not in Dubai) who recognized it for what it is and exactly how to treat it. The initial course of antibiotics and now I use Metrocream 1% in the mornings. It's well under control with very few problems ever. The Metrocream is not available where I am now (Qatar) and I get a script filled every time I go home. My Dr says that this cream is available over the counter in other countries (mentioned Turkey specifically). The Dr has no idea why it isn't available even with a script in the GCC - it's a topical antibiotic and you can't eat it.
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Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 02:43
It means that your nationality/passport will heavily influence UAE authorities on whether you can sponsor your child IF you can provide satisfactory ( to UAE authorities ) documentation. As a UK national you might be given preferential treatment but not necessarily. It will also depend on your occupation, marital status, income, and medical/health coverage. Based solely on your posts you need to do a lot more research on what it means to live outside the UK. Sorry but your posts come across as naive at best. edited by marycatherine on 11/08/2013 <em>edited by marycatherine on 11/08/2013</em>
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Latest post on 09 August 2013 - 23:21
Reputable breeders are unknown in the UAE and in the GCC for that matter to my knowledge. Backyard breeders abound and you have no idea how these animals have been treated or what breeding stock they come from. I would ask at the various vet offices if someone (for whatever reason) is looking to re-home their pet that the vet has personal knowledge of and can comment as to health and behaviour.
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Latest post on 09 August 2013 - 20:02
If the father won't provide written consent, your child won't be coming with you. It doesn't matter if his name is or is not on the birth certificate - the government requires the father's written consent in a prescribed format. No one but the parent(s) can sponsor a child. Even the best paying teacher's job won't be attractive if housing and education are not part of the package. As another poster said, rents are high and going higher, education costs are also expensive as is quality child care. <em>edited by marycatherine on 09/08/2013</em>
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Latest post on 09 August 2013 - 17:20
I would check the answers to the following questions: Can the children remain in school without residence permits (on visit visas)? Can you continue to rent your accommodation without a residency permit? With no RP your Qatar driver's license may be cancelled - which means your car (if you own one) will not be registered. You can only drive a rental for a limited period on a foreign license so far as I know.
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Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 21:20
Hi K. Thanks for the clarification. Most economy class passengers on any airline are allowed only 7kgs max each for carry on luggage. I would think from the descriptions provided by posters that this stroller falls under that limit. My query was trying to address the point as to whether or not everyone travelling (including the child) had already reached their max carry on allowances [i'>before [/i'>the stroller was added to the equation. I think the demo idea is a good one - however, there are always over achievers to be found on ground staff who will refuse to budge - hence, my agreement that best to carry it over one's shoulder to avoid possible confrontations. edited by marycatherine on 06/08/2013 <em>edited by marycatherine on 06/08/2013</em>
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Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 02:57
If you've left UAE before the requirements are generally the same. Close bank and credit card accounts, pay off loans and utilities etc. Your DHs PRO should be advising you. As for your lease what does your contract say? Your DH will also need an exit permit so all your documentation especially with financial obligations better be in order.
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Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 19:06
Have you asked a neighbour? Sometimes you can find a manual online too. Asking the neighbour would start a conversation (and maybe find a new friend in the process).
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Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 15:25
1. Find out what the requirements are for importing to the country of destination. Most countries have this information under their Dept of Agriculture section of their government websites. My country requires the export country's Dept of Agriculture vet cert stating the animal has the required and current vaccinations for the import country, that the animal has been examined and found to be healthy and that it has been microchipped. Usually the vaccinations have to be done within 3 months of travel. 2. Check with your airline what they require for transporting your cat (it may differ from the country) especially in regards to the size and type of crate. I've done this a few times, it's relatively straightforward if you have the time to run around and get the exams done and the paperwork sorted. Call your vet to see if they can get the paperwork started for you and do the physical exam
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Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 15:20
Communal areas are technically public. Like so many things in the Gulf, this is subject to perspective. If one neighbour doesn't "like" someone else's drinking around the pool, it only takes a phone call for the police to arrive. Check your liquor license, it specifically states that alcohol may only be purchased, directly transported to your home and consumed by only you [b'>in [/b'>your home. That's the law. A compound pool area is not considered your home as it is shared by everyone on the compound. I wouldn't be the first to test the waters (so to speak) at your compound pool area. It only takes one person to take offense and file a complaint. <em>edited by marycatherine on 05/08/2013</em>
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Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 12:28
No one is permitted to have a carry on weighing 20kgs - I don't travel with children but I would assume that weight is assigned to a checked bag. However the OP's solution of folding it before getting to the boarding gate and carrying it seems as if it would be one that would work - goodness knows there are enough people loaded down with duty free [i'>and[/i'>their allotted carry on allowance who breeze on board.
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Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 01:54
Was it because it was a stroller or did you and your DH and baby have other carry on luggage that already met the limits? I understand that having the stroller at hand when you disembark is a great advantage for your family - perhaps the issue was the number of carry ons (including the stroller)?
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Latest post on 03 August 2013 - 19:09
I second the big rocks (and if need be, put tin foil underneath and then the rocks, you can poke some holes in the tin foil for watering purposes). Be warned though, my boy likes to lift the odd rock out of the pot and "play" with it on the tile floors - make quite a racket.
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 21:44
The only one I'm aware of is nearly 10 years ago. A UK nurse stopped at the scene of an accident to assist between Al Ain and Dubai, the victim died of their injuries. The authorities placed the nurse in jail for a few days to protect her from the victim's family until she could be flown out of the country not because she had done anything wrong.
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Latest post on 19 July 2013 - 02:46
You need a step down transformer that can handle the wattage of the appliance. I have transformers than can handle 500w 1000w and 1500w. I bought them here. It is not recommended that if your appliance is 1500w you use a 1500w step down, you want some margin of safety. I don't know if there are any higher wattages available. Sorry.
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Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 21:29
I use Fox Limo when I need a reliable car and driver. If your schedule is regular, it would be quite easy to arrange transport with them. Rates vary on distance/time usually. If you have a regular arrangement with them I am sure they would quote a monthly or weekly rate for you. I don't have their number handy but can post it if you want the info.
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Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 13:01
RP processing depends on a few things, not least is the competency of your DHs PRO at work. Another issue [i'>may[/i'> be if the MoI requires 6 months of bank statements from your DH in order to process the family RPs. This second one does not always apply to everyone. In my organization, a family RP can start to be processed as soon as the sponsoring spouse has their RP. In my organization, this usually takes 2 or 3 weeks from everyone arriving in country. There have been exceptions due to issues with the medical/blood/fingerprints not being accepted initially. Bear in mind that this is Ramadan so the process may be slowed. If it were me, I'd book refundable tickets just in case - if the RP process is interrupted by you leaving the country, you start over again (at full cost) at square one. So far as I know, all family members on the family visa including minor children are able to exit on the sponsoring spouses authority. Hopefully someone else can provide details I would book refundable tickets to be safe.
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Latest post on 14 July 2013 - 22:06
For a variety of good cotton fabrics, try a men's tailor - they usually stock a wide variety of colors/some stripes and polka dots etc. not too frou frou. They usually also have good quality linens but the color range is fairly limited. They also carry some lovely lightweight summer wool fabrics that are great for suits/jackets. HTH
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Latest post on 12 July 2013 - 13:08
Over reaction? I am home alone, an uninvited man (whether I know him or not) lets himself into my home, and asks for money? No. I don't know the OP but in 12+ years in the GCC, no one has ever entered my home without permission and yes I've had gardeners and various maintenance people on the property for 6 years. None have ever attempted to enter the house unless I let them in for work purposes. I would dismiss anyone who was doing work for me in my home country for doing the same.
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Latest post on 12 July 2013 - 03:54
Another thought, is the gardener Muslim? I would have thought a good Muslim man would not be so cheeky (for lack of a better word), in fact, would not impose on a lady alone in her home without male protection. I wouldn't give him the money and I would ask the landlord (if they are employing him directly) to dismiss him. This is a security issue, not a matter of charity.
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Latest post on 12 July 2013 - 02:42
In an emergency, I can contact my HR department (we have an emergency contact #) and get a permit within hours. I can also pay for a multiple exit pass (with my employer's permission - this is required) so that I can take spontaneous trips. <em>edited by marycatherine on 12/07/2013</em>
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Latest post on 08 July 2013 - 11:39
Which is exactly what I do for friends and family coming in - go to the airport a day or two in advance and pay the Al Maha and the visa fees up front. If I remember properly I had to show my QID to do so which is probably why you can't do it online.
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Latest post on 06 July 2013 - 12:24
They won't have to pay if you pay for the visa upfront when you book the Al Maha - and it means they get priority at immigration and someone to guide them from the moment they step off the bus to the exit from the arrivals hall.
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Latest post on 30 June 2013 - 20:18
If the 2 cans involve alcohol then I am sure you are aware this is illegal even if you have an alcohol permit (read the terms and conditions). I don't care one way or the other, but you and your DH and his mates should be aware that consuming alcohol in a public place = the desert = is illegal and if reported, a big problem. Finding a small tin carrying bag isn't an issue they're available nearly everywhere, drinking in public illegally is - sorry but this seems a wind up
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Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 06:00
If you are going home to Canada with a ticket that takes you directly there (i.e. no 2 day stops in London or Amsterdam etc) then you won't have a problem. You're a Canadian citizen travelling on a Canadian passport to Canada.
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Latest post on 24 June 2013 - 20:42
As it will probably be too humid and hot to celebrate outside during Ramadan this year the backyard is moot IMHO. There's nothing like 40C and 100% humidity to kill an outdoor party in July in the GCC. As for celebrations indoors, so long as it isn't obvious (drunken guests falling over themselves leaving, too loud music too late in the evening, although that probably won't be a big issue after sunset during Ramadan) that you're enjoying grape, or malt beverages you'll be OK. Don't advertise yourselves and no one will come looking
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Latest post on 24 June 2013 - 20:38
I've been in 3 GCC countries over the span of nearly 15 years. Never heard of an orange card in any of them for insurance purposes. I would strongly advise you visit a reputable insurance company/broker and get professional advice rather than rely on here say information from "someone". <em>edited by marycatherine on 24/06/2013</em>
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Latest post on 24 June 2013 - 20:34
Does your daughter have a confirmed place at either school? They're both very sought after and many find it difficult to find a placement. That will figure in to where you will live as traffic is dire in Doha, especially so during school run times. Once you determine where your daughter will be going to school, then you can cast around for compounds that meet your criteria.
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Latest post on 23 June 2013 - 20:57
read the labels on whatever you buy. I buy my maple syrup in Canada from an Organic producer (sorry not much help) Chicken here is dodgy even if labelled organic IMHO Tomato sauce, buy organic tomatoes and make your own, not hard and is not time consuming. I make my own bread and eat oatmeal (not quick oats) every morning <em>edited by marycatherine on 23/06/2013</em>
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Latest post on 23 June 2013 - 20:53
No such thing as Ace here. There are various hardware stores on Bring road but none that can measure up to a proper hardware store as we know it.
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Latest post on 23 June 2013 - 20:52
Take it back to UAE and import it properly. I don't know who told you you could drive for a year as most GCC cross border insurance is only valid for 30 days on a tourist visa. To be honest, you should have done your homework. Take it back to UAE and go through a valid import procedure, bearing in mind if it is more than 5 years old, it isn't going to happen.
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Latest post on 22 June 2013 - 15:46
I've bought them from Family Food
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Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 09:12
Be warned as a walk in you may be waiting an hour or more - I've only done it once. The other two quick appointments were probably as a result of the other doctor making the referral. I've been there when the counter clerk has been explaining to the patient or the other doctor's clerk that they have nothing and that the wait will be considerable. Even with an appointment (even if it is the 2nd or 3rd of the day) I've waited for her. It may be easier and quicker to get in this time of year as people have already started leaving the country for their holidays. <em>edited by marycatherine on 19/06/2013</em>
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Latest post on 18 June 2013 - 21:27
Be prepared for a 6 - 8 week wait for an appointment - She's that good.
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Latest post on 18 June 2013 - 21:23
While I don't believe that you were saying I was having a go at the father LT I feel I should clarify my post. There are 2 parents for every child. Each have responsibilities emotional, financial and parental. My post was only to underline while one has decided to bow out, that doesn't absolve him of his responsibility. I recognize both parents have a lot invested emotionally and we are only seeing one side here (not saying OP is exaggerating or misstating her circumstances) One can only post on the information provided - I am a firm believer whether a parent is present 24/7 or not, s/he is still a parent and the child is the priority. Right now, from what I understand OP is unemployed, starting a search for accommodation and one assumes sponsoring the maid. She needs his help too. <em>edited by marycatherine on 18/06/2013</em>
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Latest post on 18 June 2013 - 19:26
As another poster said, it is HIS responsibility to sort our HIS family's new living arrangements (that are acceptable to you and your new circumstances) as it is HIS decision not to try a little harder. You're already under enough stress, have more responsibilities, etc. etc. through no decision of yours. He should step up for HIS family whether HE wants to live with them anymore or not. Otherwise, he's not much of a man or a father.
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Latest post on 17 June 2013 - 06:17
If you do a quick search on schools there have been several threads about them recently. Where your DH is employed and where your child(ren) attend school will probably determine where you would be best advised to live as traffic is dire here especially at school run timings. If you are arriving in summer, traffic will be considerably lighter due to holidays and Ramadan. Once you have a general overview from previous threads it's easier to ask specific questions.
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Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 16:11
get a baby gate and feed them both at the same time on separate sides. They can see each other but getting at each other is a little more work than both would probably want to do at dinner time. Gets them used to the sight, smell, sharing (loosely). Supervised times together at regular intervals. Don't leave them unsupervised until and unless there is some obvious "comfort level" for all 3 (both kitties and you)
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Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 13:50
Nancy29 (a) this is Qatar, not UAE (b) you are not allowed to advertise on the forums (c) you obviously didn't read the original post
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Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 06:20
Sorry, no idea. The PRO at your employer should be able to tell you or find out.
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Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 06:19
You need to get real advice from an experienced PRO - does your husband's company have a competent one? To my knowledge, Qatar does not recognize the relationship of step children. The children belong to their biological father first and foremost under the law no matter who has legal custody (and that includes the biological mother). If you can get an attested letter from the biological father permitting the child to move with you it would probably be a good first step. But again, talk to the PRO, if he hasn't gone through this before, he would be in the best position to inquire at the MOI.
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Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 20:22
It's not easy, it's not allowed technically. Who knows if you will be able to register the vehicle may very well depend on who is behind the counter. Otherwise, it's a drive back to UAE and trying to sell it there.