marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

marycatherine
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Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 19:26
I use Shop and Ship (www.shopandship.com) They list the goods that are banned from their particular services, liquids are included, don't know about other types of cosmetics. Will give you a place to start. I've only been charged duty once and it was a very expensive item. Most of my purchases are a few hundred dollars at most (for several items). <em>edited by marycatherine on 10/06/2013</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 14:08
Take her to the airport and put her on the first plane back. NOW. She won't care if you have her passport if she can get out of the house. Cancel the visa, place a ban on her and tell her her things will be shipped as and when it is convenient to you. Kiss the visa costs goodbye and count it as money well spent in terminating the employment. This may seem harsh but it seems as if she is playing you, and it will only escalate to your cost emotionally and financially. Cut the cord now.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 June 2013 - 20:47
Humax are available at Carrefour, but without a card, you won't have access to the paid channels.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 06 June 2013 - 18:09
All you need is a clean glass jar, some cheesecloth and an elastic band. Works great.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 13:07
Can she ask for a copy of her contract to share with you (without telling them that is the reason)?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 12:41
Some questions: What does your agreement with the agency say? Is there a penalty for not employing the maid for the full 2 years? Who is sponsoring the maid and paid for her visa? If you are the sponsor named on the visa, shouldn't it be you holding the passport (Not a snide remark, just don't know why it wouldn't have been given to you if that's the case). What does her contract with the agency state about her breaking the contract with them? - it's certainly not in their best interest to send her out to another client if she is unhappy and perhaps unwell.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 06:24
OSN provides the receiver and a card (about the size of a credit card) that identifies your box to their satellite system. I believe there are other satellite services that use the same method. Humax boxes don't come with a card, you just get the free to air channels. Your best bet is to go to one of the smaller satelliteTV/electronic stores and ask about services other than OSN (which is fairly expensive depending on your package) which would access a few more channels at a relatively low cost.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 June 2013 - 10:23
You do realise this is the Qatar forum? Does the OP want a recommendation for Qatar?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 June 2013 - 05:51
Which satellite TV package do you subscribe to? You can get a Humax or similar box (plugs into your TV) and get some channels for free. If you're looking for the Foodnetwork, BBC Living, OSN channels you have to subscribe to the service - www.osn.com will give you an idea of the channels and package prices
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Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 21:28
As I said, it is illegal to employ someone not under your direct sponsorship unless they are an agency maid. Do people do it? Yes. You need to be aware of the consequences. If BEDH was able to do so, it wasn't technically legal. Your call your choice. You would probably be OK - however, if she stole from your home/you or there was an accident with the children - you're SOL legally <em>edited by marycatherine on 01/06/2013</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 20:06
Like Dubai, it is illegal to employ a maid under someone else's sponsorship other than an agency. The financial penalties are similar. Would you get caught? I can't predict (never heard of anyone) but who wants to be first?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 06:26
The word "guest" says it all - guests do not pay when they are invited to any party. An interesting, sometimes entertaining, and often cringe worthy website is www.etiquettehell.com - it covers everything from baby showers to funerals.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 22:43
And my sarcasm has once again flown under the radar.:(
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Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 19:32
I think you may still be in with a chance Cassandra - this is the same message posted on Qatar Living 3 days ago - the poster joined on the same day. So it looks like 2012 may be a typo.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 30 May 2013 - 13:52
Another consideration is - does he have a company parking space reserved for him? Parking in West Bay is dire. I was speaking to a man who works in a building across the street from the Sheraton and he said even at 0530 hrs parking is starting to fill up - most of the QP and other government offices go in for 0630 hrs (some 0700) and there are lots of them in the area. Construction is also an issue with parking as the crews (and buses and equipment) can take up the limited free street parking.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 30 May 2013 - 06:46
uasus is correct - to a point. Here's the info from the MOIs website Temporary License All driving licenses from foreign countries are recognized as valid in Qatar. Visitors who wish to drive in the country are recommended to visit the Traffic Department within 15 days of arrival to verify the validity of their permits. Those who carry approved licenses may drive in Qatar for one week. Drivers may also apply for a temporary Qatari Driving License, which is valid for three months and can be extended. International Driving License Persons with international driving licenses may drive in the country for up to six months. After that, it is mandatory to switch to a Qatari Driving License. Qatari Driving License Citizens of some foreign countries may convert their licenses from home to a Qatari Driving License without taking a road test. For most expatriates, though, a driving test is mandatory.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 14:24
"You can drive a rental car for one week with a valid current drivers license from your country of origin. Within the week a temporary drivers license can be obtained from the Madina Khalifa Traffic Department that would be valid for the duration of your visa." If you scroll down on the Qatar page and look to your right there is an FAQs box - that's where I found this info - it goes on about documentation required etc.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 22:26
KLM is the airline of choice for me and my pets. Not always the best route or price but priceless in the care for both me (peace of mind) and my pets. As nearly all flights are routed through Schipol in Amsterdam, they are taken to the Pet Hotel inspected by a vet, fed, watered, walked/litterboxed and cage cleaned if needed before their connection. While you are not allowed to visit (no matter how long your layover) the info desks will connect you with the hotel for reassurances, the ground and flight crew will also check to make sure your baby is on board and in good health. Good luck
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 18:02
Here's a link that may be useful http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/BringingAnimalToUs.html
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 17:58
Is the embargo based on the time of year? Many airlines suspend pet transport during the hot summer months. Best to get a clarification. Will the pet be travelling with you on the same flights? If so, you could probably do most of the work yourself including clearing US customs/Dept of Agriculture clearances at your first point of entry (just have a good long layover so that you can go through all the steps). I've done this to Canada - my point of entry was an airport not my final destination. I had all the paperwork (vet and govt certs from UAE) and had advised the Dept of Agriculture in Canada of my point of entry. We all went to the Dept of Agriculture office for paperwork and a visual inspection on arrival then loaded onto the next plane for our final destination. Check the US Dept of Agriculture website for info - it's not difficult just takes a little extra time. Nearly all international airports will have a Dept of Agriculture office/personnel if only to take the little beagles along the carousels to check for plant/food contraband.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 21:29
Traffic is improving? Sorry, but it's getting worse if anything. The road infrastructure is not keeping pace with the population and the silly roundabouts at major intersections still don't help. My commute has increased time wise by about double while the distance has been halved. I'm only 13 years out of Dubai but Doha has at least 10 years to catch up in terms of infrastructure and services IMHO and I lived in Sharjah
marycatherine
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Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 19:36
One of the items included in any contract I've had is that I must refrain from discussing my salary with ANYONE. If the new employer pushes, I would politely ask why it would be OK to break that confidentiality clause when it might appear I could not be trusted to abide by my employment contract? I do not divulge my salary, I tell them exactly the above first sentence.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 13:27
Dove and Olay and Mac products are available here, but check for specific items with the ladies on the forum as sometimes companies are country specific for some items. I don't know about Bobbo(y)? Brown Marykar - that poster was referring to UAE not Qatar - we often get people from the other forums who are not looking at which forum they are posting on if they are in a hurry.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 05:54
Better to ask if "XYZ" is available in Qatar, I can tell you any number of things I would bring but if they're not your idea of essentials (or even nice to haves) then the advice is useless. Aveda products are not available here for example. I bring them with me after my holidays home. If you use a specific shampoo or brand of make up - best to bring a supply with you so that you at least have a chance to find an acceptable substitute here. <em>edited by marycatherine on 27/05/2013</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 20:57
The airline you are travelling with should give you this info.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 20:56
It all depends on the HR Dept/PRO. In my company the family all comes on a family visit visa, the Hubby (or sponsoring spouse) gets their RP in 2 - 3 weeks and then the sponsoring spouse gets RPS for the family usually within 2 - 3 weeks after his/hers. If your spouse's employer's HR/PRO can't do this it may be a nationality issue.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 20:49
Not cleared on entry? Sorry, but in 13 years and 5 or 6 imports to GCC and North American countries, they are always cleared on the point of entry by government vets. Having the relevant paperwork (from the Depts of Agriculture both exporting and importing countries) is very important. I've always had a government rep (maybe not a vet but a Dept of Agriculture person) inspect my paperwork and animals (physically) before my pets were allowed to enter into any country.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 19:27
How about a frittata? I generally clean out the veg drawer with finely chopped onion, carrots, mushrooms, peppers, celery, etc. Saute lightly remove from pan let cool. Wisk as many eggs in a bowl as required, add cooled veg and some bean sprouts (I sprout my own, alfalfa is a favourite but mung beans are good too). It may look as if you have too many veg but you won't. Add a few drops of toasted sesame oil (this is key), salt and pepper to taste perhaps some chopped fresh parsley or tarragon. Pour into a frying pan that basically holds the mixture to a depth of 2 - 3 cms. Let brown on one side - then you can either put it under the broiler to cook the top or (as I do) take a similar or slightly larger frying pan and flip it over and cook the other side. Good hot or room temp.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 14:42
I stand corrected.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 06:18
I can only speculate that if it was bad before, it is now worse. There is major road construction (and detours) from the entrance to the Pearl all the way to what was Rainbow R/A that started in the past 2 weeks. It will continue for years. Best alternative, get a small boat - however, probably not very practical. Next best, look for a place in West Bay or resign oneself to a b!tch of a commute both ways.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 18 May 2013 - 21:03
As an FYI - I have travelled from North America (Emirates being the issuing ticket through all points) and paid the USD50 for an extra bag from point of departure to my destination. However, the bag was checked with the American carrier at first point of contact, not with Emirates itself. That can make a difference especially as I had a stop in between my departure before I met up with Emirates in NYC.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 16:57
So far as I know there are no reputable dog breeders in the GCC, let alone in Qatar. Ask around at the vet offices but I doubt you'll find anyone who is registered with a "real" kennel club. On the UAE forum there are almost unanimous recommendations to source a puppy from outside the region but a reputable breeder will probably not sell a puppy to a prospect they have never met in person. If they will, be prepared for the same socialization and health issues as buying one from the animal souq locally generally in the 10s of thousands.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 16:53
gg - homely petz is in UAE or have they opened a branch here in Qatar? To C - I [i'>think[/i'> there is a home visiting service - perhaps enquiring at the local vet offices can scare up a contact and more importantly a recommendation. When I leave for extended purposes I pay my cleaning person to come in and look after my pets on a daily basis. Gives him a continuous income and my pets someone familiar to visit.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 12:03
Usually able to shrug it off but if peeved will ask, "What did you say?" in a polite tone of voice and, should they repeat themselves, "I THOUGHT that was what you said." and then proceed to ignore it (and usually them). <em>edited by marycatherine on 15/05/2013</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 22:20
Another vote for KLM both for the treatment of the animals but also for the parents. Both the ground and flight crews are very empathetic and helpful
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 22:19
broth (can be chicken, beef or vegetable) with chopped carrots and/orpeppers and/or celery and/or tomatoes and/or potatoes/rice etc. etc. Add a little cooked chicken or lamb or beef if desired. When reheating if not using potatoes/rice add thin noodles - cook quickly and add some starch. Can the lasagne not be reheated in the oven rather than the microwave? I understand if for safety reasons you prefer not maybe one of those small toaster ovens you can use on the counter top for reheating things that are not microwave friendly? Chicken nuggets in the micro sorry but ick. Another thought for the toaster oven is a baked potato - regular or sweet - with some toppings?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 22:14
porridge with a little milk and maple syrup
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 21:32
homemade soup? lasagne? stew? homemade hamburger patties or meatloaf? Frozen veg - carrots, peas, swede, corn, etc.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 20:58
Well having a Hamad card is beneficial as supposedly you can be rejected for treatment without one even in emergency situations, although I don't know of a case personally.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 19:38
from what I understand it's only available via Hamad
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Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 12:22
Looks like a Ponzi scheme - the perpetrators use the $$ from the newest deposits to pay off the older depositors. It's a very old method of scamming people who believe the hype
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 07:29
It's probably another of those words/phrases from India - "good name", "do the needful", "parking backside" etc. Often words from one language change meaning/usage when adopted by another country/culture. Thinking of fanny pack - can have different connotation in North America to UK <em>edited by marycatherine on 01/05/2013</em>
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Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 05:54
QP is one of the largest employer's in Qatar. They are well organized in that you will know exactly what is expected of you and what you can expect from them. Like all quasi-government organizations here and around the GCC, employment of nationals is a priority. Some will be qualified and hard working, some will not. If your hubby can wrap his mind around the fact that some of his co-workers will be less motivated (shall we say) to be productive and efficient than he is then he should be OK. Another factor to be aware of is that if your DH's job is nationalized he may be out the door or his contract not renewed. Just read the terms and conditions carefully before signing on. Having said the above, I know of many people who have worked for QP quite satisfactorily for many years. A handful have been ousted because of nationalization - it can very much depend on how vital the position is to the success of day to day operations of the organization and if they need someone qualified, experienced and reliable to keep the op going forward smoothly and safely.
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 11:27
I may be in error, but I believe if you leave Qatar before your residency is finalized, you have to start over again including medical and fingerprinting, not to mention fees.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 21:10
Sorry I did specify Northern Ireland at the beginning of my post.
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Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 20:42
This link may help to understand why banks outside the UK and Ireland are reluctant to accept pound notes issued by Scotland and Ireland. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banknotes_of_the_pound_sterling while Wikipedia is not a gold standard source - as a banker, I can see why countries outside the UK and Northern Ireland don't recognize these notes at par. Despite what you may think, these notes are more expensive to handle for any bank, and difficult to "turn over" in that there is little demand for them outside Scotland and Ireland, thus handling fees are more expensive. Banking is a business like any other and if the product is more difficult to authenticate and turn around and sell it - yes, it has less value to the buyer.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 15:52
how about one of the portable AC units you can buy? That way you might direct it at a wall or the doorway - so there is a residual effect in the room (and air circulation) without it blowing on the children directly? Also, a ceiling fan with the AC on low at a reasonable setting makes a huge difference without having the AC on full blast. Am I missing something on investing in a humidifier? Wouldn't you want a dehumidifier instead? The humidity will reach 90% in the summertime, why add to it?
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 14:56
Felt in Doha - not strongly but felt nonetheless.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 14:55
Was sitting on my couch when it started moving as did my hanging ornaments? Was there another earthquake in Iran about 1:47pm today? Or do I need stronger meds? ETA apparently felt in UAE too. <em>edited by marycatherine on 16/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 10:23
Also keep in mind if the employer provides the accomodation instead of an allowance, everyone around you will be aware of your marital status. As BEDH says, you only have to annoy one person and you could be reported to CID, or the employer which would mean losing the job and residency and a ban for 2 years.
 
 
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