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Life in Kuwait

About me
Travel Destinations
- The Middle East
  - Palestine
  - Oman
  - Qatar
  - Bahrain
  - United Arab Emirates
  - Saudi Arabia
  - Jordan
  - Iran
- Asia
  - Sri Lanka
  - India
  - Laos
  - Myanmar (Burma)
  - Nepal
  - Maldives
  - Turkey
  - Pakistan
- Europe
  - Austria
  - Belgium
  - Cyprus
  - Croatia
  - Czech Republic
  - France
  - Hungary
  - Ireland
  - Netherlands
  - Serbia
  - Slovenia
- Africa
  - Morocco
  - Egypt
  - Tunisia
  - Tanzania
  - Swaziland
  - Kenya
  - Seychelles
  - Uganda
  - Rwanda
  - South Africa
- Caucasus
  - Azerbaijan
  - Armenia
  - Georgia
  - Russia
- South America
  - Brazil
  - Argentina
  - Paraguay
  - Uruguay
  - Chile
  - Peru
- Central America
  - Guatemala
  - El Salvador
  - Belize
  - Mexico
Teaching Abroad
Life in the UAE
Life in Qatar
- Things to do in Qatar
- Info for residents
  - Getting a drivers license in Qatar (if you already have a license)
Life in Kuwait

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Expat Panda turns 1!

August 6, 2017 28 Comments

Last year on this date I publicly launched this blog. Can you believe its only been a year? I really…

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My first weekend away in Serbia was definitely one

My first weekend away in Serbia was definitely one one I won’t forget 🩷

[Save for your next trip to Serbia]

Here’s a few favorite snaps from the weekend. Photos are in order:

1. Veliki Buk Waterfall (also known as Lisine Waterfall)
2. Kapetan Misin Breg (in Djerdap National Park)
3. Golubac Fortress
4. Driving in Strmosten
5. Braai-ed fish at Lepenska Ribica 🤤
6. Polar & I having a moment at Veliki Buk waterfall
7. Nature 🌷
8. Pamela looking smug because the bread served for breakfast at Guest House Lisinski Raj was warm, soft and the size of her head 🍞 😂

If you want all the details about my trip, find the link to my blog post in my stories or click the latest post tab in my bio!

When I announced that I had moved to Serbia, most

When I announced that I had moved to Serbia, most people were utterly confused as to why I would move to such an unusual destination. But the truth is that Serbia is stunning country with so much of natural scenery to offer. One weekend out of Belgrade took me to so many stunning locations 🤩

After living in desert countries for the last 7 years, Serbia is a LITERAL breath of fresh air 💨

Sit tight and stay tuned as I show off more of this country I now call home 🏠

Expat Polar arrived in Serbia after it took 55 day

Expat Polar arrived in Serbia after it took 55 days to process his entry visa 😒

If he had a stronger passport, he would not have had needed a visa. So when anyone tells you passport privilege is not real, just kick them in the shins and run away 🏃🏾‍♀️

We do not have time for ignorance in this day & age ✌🏾

I have a lot of our adventures to share so stay tuned 🐼🐻‍❄️🐈

FAQ about living as an expat teacher in Belgrade,

FAQ about living as an expat teacher in Belgrade, Serbia 🇷🇸

I’ve lived in Belgrade, Serbia for over a month (wow!). Here are the answers to a compilation of questions people keep asking me in my DM’s:

⭕️ Is it safe?
Yes. I find it very safe to walk outside alone as a woman- even at night. I feel safe getting into taxis alone, confident that I will reach my destination with no hassles. My deliveries are often left outside my door while I am work and they’re always there when I get home.

⭕️ Is there a language barrier?
Yes and no. Most people in Belgrade speak English fluently (particularly those under 40) so conversations are easy. Language privilege strikes again. No one expects me to speak Serbian. But when it comes to reading signs and labels on items, there’s usually zero English to guide you. Local websites are only in Serbian. I’ve learnt to ask for help and use Google Translate for everything.

⭕️ How do Serbians treat you (considering your appearance)?
Like a queen 👸🏾 . Not even joking, Serbians bend over backwards to help you when they can see that you’re a foreigner. It constantly takes me by surprise. And I am here for it!

⭕️ Are the local men attractive?
🤣 Yes. If you favour tall, dark haired, light skinned men. The women are beautiful too.

⭕️ How much of income tax do you pay in Serbia?
I do not pay any income tax on what I earn. This is not a norm in Serbia and is part of a larger discussion on why I chose to accept a job here. It will come later.

Likewise, Serbian food, grocery shopping and banking are separate upcoming reels so stay tuned. If I missed your question/s please post it below! 💚

Struggles for me at my new school:

⚠️ I don’t (yet) have a firm grasp in the IB curriculum after 6 years of working with the American curriculum. Psychology seems to more of a science than humanities subject in IB and that’s… something new for me.

⚠️ Because the students are from so many different countries, I am struggling to pronounce many of their names. Yes I practise at home. Yes I still make mistakes. It’s a work in progress.

⚠️ I miss my classroom in Qatar; it was huge and so reflective of me. Starting from scratch in a smaller, oddly shaped room is awful. I know it will take time to make it functional and cosy. But still.

⚠️ I have to be really mindful and reflective as many students are gender fluid and since a significant number come from diplomatic families, some have strong political views. It’s an adjustment.

If you’ve started at a new school, remember that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed and confused. I hope you are in an environment that’s supportive, non-competitive and allows you to ask questions ❣️

I forgot to mention the most significant part of m

I forgot to mention the most significant part of my week 2 in Serbia which was that I received my ID card after just being in the country for one week. When I think of how I waited 6 months for my ID in Kuwait, I shudder. I remember having no bank account for 6 months, carrying cash everywhere and having to cash a cheque at a bank branch every month. And my school held onto my passport for all that time 🥲

But in Serbia, it was so quick and smooth. The medical exams were done and documents were submitted before I arrived. Once the ID card was in my hand, the school set up our bank accounts, I signed up for a phone contract and could receive my shipment from Doha 📦

Just like most teachers around the world, I wanted more planning time during the school orientation week to sort out my classroom and finalise what I would be teaching. Unfortunately I was trapped in meetings and workshops whose content I have already forgotten about 🤷🏾‍♀️

Nevertheless, I am mostly settled in my home here in Serbia, having figured out my two closest grocery stores, how to walk around my neighbourhood (yes its safe- even at night) and made some friends! 💛

My favourite food finds in Doha, Qatar 🇶🇦

My favourite food finds in Doha, Qatar 🇶🇦

[Save & Share]

My favourite pastime in Doha was to eat. Here’s a few of my favourites that I consistently went back to for great service, good quality and delicious food:

🍽 Little Chef Bear @little_chef_bear
📍Bin Mahmoud
🏆Sichuan Noodles & hotpot

🍽 Shanghai Garden @shanghaigardencitycenter.qa
📍City Centre Mall
🏆Spicy beef soup & garlic broccoli

🍽 Kopi Cup @kopicup.qa
📍Al Mana Hotel
🏆Kaya Toast & chicken murtabak

🍽 Chapati & Karak @chapatiandkarak.qa
📍Katara
🏆Iced Karak

🍽 Jabal Lebnan
📍Al Sadd
🏆Chicken Shawarma

🍽 Ard C’naan @ardcanaan
📍Katara
🏆Chicken Maqloobeh & Chicken Musakhan

🍽 Viva Mexico @vivamexicoqatar
📍Msherieb
🏆Horchata & shrimp molcajetes

🍽 Polka @polka.2022
📍Madinat Khalifa
🏆 Shrimp zapiekanka & herring bites

🍽 One Love @oneloveqr
📍Qanat Quartier
🏆Escovietched Fish & Jerk Chicken

🍽 Ginger Club @gingerclub.qatar
📍Hyatt Plaza
🏆Hot & sour soup

Honourable mentions to @ogstkitchen for their nutty mee goreng and iced milk tea, @yeehwadoha for Kbbq, @vasantha.bhavan for their masala dosa and @hoppersdoha for their spicy chai and mango prawn curry 🍤

Never sponsored and never invited ✌🏾 Happy eating! 😋

The first week living in a new country is always o

The first week living in a new country is always overwhelming 😩

I arrived in the same time frame as 10 other teachers from around the world, hired by my school. During week 1, we were often out & about from 9am-9pm 😴

Meeting new people, seeing new things and exploring a new city was A LOT to adjust to after just arriving. I went to bed fatigued every day 🥱

I have never had an experience like this with any school I’ve worked at before. Usually you’re just expected to report to work after arriving; and maybe- if you’re lucky- you get one “welcome dinner” at some point 😅

How you’re received when you arrive for an inter

How you’re received when you arrive for an international teaching job tends to set the tone for the work experience. I’ll never forget landing in Kuwait in 50 degree heat to find a man with my name on a sign. He was a random taxi driver- not even employed by the school- and spoke no English. He deposited me outside a block of flats with my suitcases and I had no idea what to do 🥲 I left that job within a year ✌🏾

This was a totally different experience and I was really impressed with the attention to detail and thoughtfulness 💚

Yes internet was already installed in the housing when I arrived, no I will not be doing a tour of my home anytime soon and no I did not have my address before I arrived. Other questions are welcome 🤗

Overview of Chai’s flight with @turkishairlines

Overview of Chai’s flight with @turkishairlines (Detailed blog post in my bio for full info):

-Due to Chai’s small size, he was allowed to travel in the cabin with me. Pets AND THEIR CARRIER have to weigh less than 8kg to travel in the cabin. Pet owners book their tickets first and then call Turkish Airlines to add the pet onto the ticket. Cost is dependent on destination. The call centre agent tells you all the requirements based on your destination ☎️

-If you have a pet on your ticket, you cannot check in online. You need to go to the airport EARLY so they can check all your documents. I was there exactly 3 hours before my flight. Give yourself plenty of time as it takes much longer to go through security and everybody wants to admire your pet! 😂

-There are 3 main documents to leave Qatar: export permit from Ministry of Agriculture, health certificate from vet and pet passport. Other documents might be forms/permits for your destination country and a RATT test result (I had to get both of these for Serbia). You cannot board without the correct documents 📑

I provide a timeline, details and costs of what I did in order to move Chai from Doha to Belgrade in my blog post (link in bio!) 💻

Harness: @cat.and.i
Bag: @pawaiihub
Vet: @larchevetclinic.qa

As expats we have to be aware that pets are a lifelong commitment so we have to ensure that we do whatever we can to make their lives comfortable; even when we move! 💛

Leaving Qatar without my best friend was NOT an op

Leaving Qatar without my best friend was NOT an option for me. So I started preparing him for travel as far ahead as I could ✈️

Travelling is always going to be stressful for pets. But, as a pet parent easing their discomfort starts with you. In this video I share what worked for me based on my research and Chai’s temperament 🐈

My goal was to make Chai comfortable in new and unknown situations that were loud and confusing for him. Unfortunately this is very difficult in Doha as it is extremely pet- unfriendly. 90% of places do not allow animals (malls, metro, hotels, restaurants etc.) But I tried within the confines of where we lived, I took him to visit my friends and his vet and we had him in his carrier on long drives 🚙

Proper research and training definitely helped to make travel day smoother from Chai (and me!).

Bonus: Polar appears for 5 seconds in this video- since some of you are obsessed with checking if we’re still married 🐻‍❄️ 😂

Packing to move countries is a BEAST 🙈 I usuall

Packing to move countries is a BEAST 🙈 I usually start by categorising my items and deciding how urgently I need each item. Let me know if this method works for you or, how do you pack to live elsewhere?

P.S. I’ve never used the word ‘stuff’ so many times in my life. I apologise 🫢

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