mrvm | ExpatWoman.com
 

mrvm

mrvm
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Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 21:06
I heard there's a 10K run in November to the Pearl (from the Corniche?) but have no idea who is organizing.
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 22:55
DH hasn't yet gotten his Qatari license, but he has a valid U.S license and a valid International driver's permit. Will these do or will we encounter problems at the border crossings and/or in these countries while driving around? TIA
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 15:53
thanks blini2: unfortunately I don't really twitter... if you come across her any chance you could get an email or number for her? no biggie if you can't - appreciate your feedback either way :)
mrvm
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Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 21:09
Tower 4 is very central. The first building on your right as you approach the Pearl, next to the Rolls Royce showroom. As for rents, not sure what 1 bedroom apartments go for, as we're in a 3 bedder. I'm sure the realtors will give you a good run-down on prices according to tower.
mrvm
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Latest post on 15 July 2011 - 23:11
Most gyms at the Pearl are well equipped. Towers 1, 4, 5, 14, & 31 (from what I know first hand) have very good gyms and very nice pools. We are in Tower 4 and are very happy here. www.mycoreo.com list a lot of rental apartments at the Pearl so worth checking out if you haven't already. Prices have dropped in the last 6 or so months, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding something in your budget. Good luck!
mrvm
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Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 17:03
Jonners, emailed you back :)
mrvm
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 14:54
Good point RachelA: I think this is the bit that's confusing me too. How do you go about seeking permission to even hire, before embarking on the actual sponsorhip? What's needed there and where does one go?
mrvm
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Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 13:13
ACS Doha International school is opening up in September this year. Purpose-built campus and international IB-type curriculum. They're only offering up to 8th grade this year, but the school is built to cater through to end of high school. Also close to Landmark Mall, just behind Lulu supermarket (off D-Ring). We enrolled our little by into Pre-K and after all the anxiety of placing him in a school in Doha, I must say, I am relieved the madness is over! In short, it's worth looking into. Good luck!
mrvm
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 23:58
Any suggestions of agencies to contact and how much a live-out maid might cost?
mrvm
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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 20:29
GinaM: the drivers are arrogant and totally clueless when it comes to safety, but nothing i do will change that. it seems they have a death wish - and it's very hard to compete with that. i curse when it's really bad (to myself mostly) or ignore them the rest of the time. i was in athens the 8 years prior to moving here and driving in that city is like being in a video game. seems i can't win.
mrvm
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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 11:42
I agree, the sales people at Sephora are hopeless. Faces kinda better, but still. It'd be refreshing to find sales people who actually knew something about the products they were selling.
mrvm
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Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 21:23
kiwispiers: thank you for your level of sanity. i think people need to get some perspective about being in another country and all that entails. of course manners from salespeople would be nice, but there are rude people the world over. quite frankly, if they are annoying you with their behavior, just tell them to their face and make your point there and then. even if their english isn't great, they'll get it. it might not change anything, but you'll feel better! wingeing is what children do and is reminiscent of being in a playground, not an adult forum. expecting PC behavior says more about us than the 'other'. who decided PC is more appropriate and morally superior anyway? personally i find it can be quite disingenuous too.
mrvm
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Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 18:49
ccdoha, interesting comments. so is the a/c on the jeep powerful enough for the summers here do you think? the volvo definitely offers more luxury, hence the heftier price.
mrvm
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Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 23:55
Volvos have a great reputation for safety. In as far as being suitable for Doha, how are they with the heat, are their A/C's powerful? We're just trying to weight up spending the extra money on the Volvo over the new Jeep Cherokee
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 09:46
If you begin the process as soon as you arrive it shouldn't take you longer than 4 weeks - maybe 5 max. Both I and a friend of mine managed to get our RPs in this timeframe. Good luck!
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 13:48
thanks darinaw for Intercon info. Might check them out.
mrvm
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Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 17:54
ladynorth: I too used Wella products back home and even brought some with me (my colorist wrote down the mixture for me and I just had a go myself) but would like to find someone here who uses Wella. So far I haven't had any luck... Ladies, any info you might have, please provide. TIA
mrvm
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Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 09:24
I just had some curtains made by a very nice Indian man. He came to our apartment with samples, measured and in 4 days came back to fit them. Simple curtains with blackout lining that hang off hooks that attach to rings on a rod. If you need his number email me: maryr89-at-yahoo-dot-com.
mrvm
56
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 09:20
Do these picture framing places have a good selection of glass? One of our prints was damaged in the move and all the glass needs replalcing (the frame is fine). Thing is, it had a special, non-reflective, non-UV type professional glass. Will I find something like this here?
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 13:31
Bechamel: I know of a medical centre just before Landmark Mall (and have called in once), called Al Esraa Medical Center (44989811). I believe they're associated with Future Medical near Villagio. Anyway, they offer health cards but not the public card you may be after? If you want to check them out they are on the service road that runs along Al Markhiya Street - between Al Fardan Car Service and Landmark. They have a huge green crescent sign out the front.
mrvm
56
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 13:04
Nole: We live at the Pearl, and my DH rented our apartment before I even got here. I looked at lots of places online before moving here and really liked the idea of being able to see the water. The Pearl is lovely in that it is quiet, traffic around this part of town is very tame, and more and more people and families are moving in as time passes. This is only my second month here but with a little boy of 4yrs I find I can take him for walks, sit and have a coffee and feel perfectly safe, and civilized to the point I might almost forget I'm in Doha. I did say almost :) DH company pays our water and electricity so I have no idea what those may come to. AC is on us, but we have not yet received a bill. Mind you, we're not running the AC this time of year. Vodafone provide internet (only) and the Pearl offers an optional satellite-tv package that I thinks comes to about 2000-2800 per annum depending on the package you choose. Maintenance issues are usually dealt with promptly. Most apartments come unfurnished, although you can find furnished too. UDC has the nicest towers in terms of finishes and aesthetics (those being Tower 4, 5 & 31... for now). Prices at the Pearl dropped in the last 6 months and we found that for the price of 18000 for a large 3 bedroom + maid's room it was hard to beat. Most villas in compounds that were half decent were upwards of this rate and I guess it all comes down to what works best for you and your family in terms of living. Some people love compounds but we just weren't lucky enough to find anything available in some of the compounds we would have preferred. So far, no regrets living at the Pearl. Anything else you may need, feel free to ask. Happy to help out.
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 15:07
Did you have to have the test, or just convert your current license? I have an Australian driving license and was told all I need is to have an eye test and then I'd get the Qatari license. I assume there is a fee for this too??
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 14:03
thanks GinaM, that all makes sense :)
mrvm
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 11:53
Bechamel, I am currently waiting for the No Objection letter too in order to go back to Immigration for my RP. I went without it the first time (I totally forgot, probably cos I was so excited I was so near the end of the process!)... Let's see. I also have a little boy, just under 4. Does he get an RP too? I got him blood-typed, showed his paperwork when I went to get my medical at the Medical Commission, someone entered his info in a computer, but no one has asked me about him since! A little confused about his status... Also, do we need exit permits to leave the country, or not? I read somewhere that since my DH is our sponsor, we don't need anything. Trying to verify this is the case. TIA everyone.
mrvm
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Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 14:03
Sorry JoT, thought I was on qatarliving website, where you can email people direct. Could you please provide me with your contact info. I will get the person in mind to contact you.
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 14:02
JoT, I might have a work colleague interested in the flat you mention. I will send you a message, so check your inbox.
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 15:51
Ladies, you made me laugh! I can relate to the Australian summers, as I grew up there. Mind you, Melbourne isn't as hot as some places, but that sun is a scorcher. I agree, the ozone hole is right over Australia and NZ. Meanwhile we spent the last 7 years in Greece, where 45 is not uncommon in summer. The evenings though are usually cooler and quite pleasant. I guess the biggest issue in Doha is the humidity. Something I hate with a vengeance. When I first met my husband (who's from Miami, FL) I made him promise me we'd never visit FL in the summer -- because of that awful humidity. So we only go at Xmas :) But it seems I'm destined to deal with it here. I can't even begin to think about my hair... I'll just look like a frizz ball. Argh!
mrvm
56
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 23:27
We have the 'where do we put a maid, if and when we get one' dilemma too. Our apartment has 3 bedrooms and a maid's room. But the maid's room is not somewhere I'd put another human being. Not only is it too small in my opinion, all the power and data equipment is in there, resulting in a constant humming noise. Unfortunately our 3rd bedroom is an office, and we need it. So again, where to put the maid. I really don't want to have her sleeping in my son's room. Would a sofa bed in the office do, or would both she and we feel uncomfortable sharing this space? I really don't know what maids expect in terms of their own space and how much they bring with them...
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 23:45
Thanks Bechamel. I'll take something coming up in Arabic as a good sign. Will try and get my prints done soon... How will you find out when your RP is ready, are you going through your husband's company? I am not, so need to figure it all out for myself. Hence any tips are welcome on navigating through the system. <em>edited by mrvm on 19/01/2011</em>
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 16:31
Bechamel, I got some part of the way there (I think) but not sure. Once in Resident's Gateway I clicked on E-services. Is this right? Then I clicked on RP Application tracking & printing. I was prompted for a visa number and ID no but then a page came up in Arabic!! Doesn't sound like what you did... If you can enlighten me a little further... I just couldn't see an on-line queries section. Maybe it's just me!
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 16:21
Bechamel you're a star!! I'm going to get on that website now and check it out. Sounds very encouraging. Keep me posted on your progress... I am not far behind you!!
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 16:14
Hi Puppylove2: coincidentally I visited this school only a couple of days ago, as we are in the middle of finding a school for our 4 year old for September 2011. Look, I keep hearing Doha College is a great school in terms of it's curriculum. Maybe it is. But upon inspection I found the actual environment the little ones are in very cramped and run-down-looking. The classrooms looked small and generally I didn't feel that children had much space to explore and run around. To me this is just as important to a child's state of mind, and development as what a teacher teaches in the classroom. Of course I had also been to the American School of Doha an hour earlier, so the difference was night and day. Maybe the US curriculum isn't as top notch as the UK's but in terms of facilities and what-not, I haven't seen anything better. Amazing really - made ME want to go back to school!!! However the fees of one and the fees of the other are also night and day. But I am still looking at all this from an outsider's perspective, so maybe hearing from those who have children at DC is more relevant. edited by mrvm on 19/01/2011 edited by mrvm on 19/01/2011 <em>edited by mrvm on 19/01/2011</em>
mrvm
56
Posts
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Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 19:19
I was under the impression that I would get an SMS a few days after having done the medical so that I can proceed with fingerprinting... so far (it was 4 working days ago that I did the medical) no word. Any idea how I will know, or how I find out when I should go do the fingerprinting? What do I need to take with me to do the fingerprinting in terms of paperwork? I'm at a bit of a loss as to the next step...
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 20:16
NewbieDoha, you were lucky! My DH company provides no back-up for me. So will have to see what I'm told, perhaps at the fingerprinting place. Getting info out of people tho is like getting blood out of a stone.
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 17:52
I'm happy to say I drove myself this morning to the Medical Commission and got my bloodwork and x-ray done. Pretty straightforward actually! So now I'm told they will SMS me in about 3 days so that I can then go and do my fingerprinting. For those of you who've done all this, basically I'm curious what happens after the prints. How long does it take to get the RP and how is it issued? Are more steps involved, or do I go to pick it up from somewhere after I've done my prints? My son, who is just under 4 only got logged into the system at the Medical Commission. Does he get an RP too or is he added onto mine? Sorry for all the questions, but I'm totally new to all this and doing it alone as DH company is not taking care of it, or me :(
mrvm
56
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 16:46
RachelA thank you for all that info. I will probably have to start with an agency and see how I go. Any pointers on which ones are good? How do I find out if it's at all possible to bring over of former nanny. She's currenly in Greece where we left her but she's from Georgia (Eastern Europe)?
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 11:05
I've posted this question elsewhere, but since you're on the subject of maids, I was wondering if it's possible to find someone here who we can hire NOT as a live-in? 5 days a week from about 12noon - 6pm to do a little housecleaning but mainly look after our 4 year old when he returns from school. How realistic is this? staying alive: are the agencies you mention the best way to go about finding home help? We had a great woman when we were living in Greece but she is from Georgia (Eastern Europe) and I'm not sure if it's at all possible to bring her over. I've heard some countries are almost impossible... True?
mrvm
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Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 10:59
I figured this is a bit of a tall order :( So don't worry carathop, I appreciate the honesty! Not really keen for a live-in. Really only want someone at the house from noon until about 6pm. A little ironing/ housework and mainly to be with my 4 year old when he gets home from school.
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 17:48
lala: thanks for that. I did finally get someone on the phone today at Westbay Clinic, but due to a communication breakdown, had no idea if they could see me and my boy. So I went to Al Ahli instead. I don't have an RP yet. I assume I need one in order to get myself and my son the Hamad Health Card? asma sheikh: thanks for the info on Al Esraa. How is the English of the staff/doctors here? I assume this clinic is private? generally, are these clinics open 24/7 or only during specific times of day/night?
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 17:35
Phokoje, try Vic on his email address, as he does travel a fair bit. I think he does a lot of work in Bahrain or Dubai, so is not always in Doha. But he'll get back to you via email. Riviera Gardens sounds nice, even though I never got to see it firsthand. They didn't have any vacancies when I was inquiring so we ended up at the Pearl instead. I still am curious about it, so may check it out at some stage. Good luck with the house hunting, school hunting, etc. It all works out in the end. I found it more daunting before I arrived because it all sounded so abstract. This forum was a huge help!!
mrvm
56
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Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 17:08
Phokoje, we moved here last month and had a great agent who listens to what you want and won't waste your time on irrelevant properties. You can contact Vik on +974 5534 5041, [email protected] His office deals in West Bay, etc. We too are struggling with schools for our little boy (he's almost 4). We live at the Pearl and send him to a nursery called Busy Bees 2. Now we're trying to figure out a school for Sep. Not easy, let me tell you!
mrvm
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Latest post on 09 January 2011 - 23:00
DH dropped in to ISL Qatar and didn't get a very warm reception or feel for the place. I've since emailed them and haven't even heard back. Not a good sign. They too are on the high end of the fee scale for a school that isn't very established. Any feedback on ISL from parents would be useful though...
mrvm
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Latest post on 09 January 2011 - 16:12
thank you ladies for your feedback. the whole school thing is so frustrating... if there any other families at the pearl with young kids i'd love to know what schools you take the little ones to and how the you battle the commute.
mrvm
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Latest post on 09 January 2011 - 15:23
thanks patty. i'm not sure about compass either. it's conveniently located but the fees are ridiculously high in my opinion. and the facilities look so 'temporary' given what one pays! i am looking into ASD and Doha College. i think i've come to accept that we're going to have to commute to school from the pearl no matter what...
mrvm
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Latest post on 09 January 2011 - 11:47
thank you hoobs. will make a note of this for when the time comes!!
mrvm
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Latest post on 09 January 2011 - 11:45
Do these people also do repairs? Our old persian rug has a hole that needs fixing, but we need to find someone who will do a good job in matching the colors and thread.
mrvm
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 20:54
thank you ladies. carathop, can you give me a rough idea on cost?
mrvm
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 19:28
any advice on a good place to get tinting done to car windows?
mrvm
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Latest post on 06 January 2011 - 17:37
Can't find anything relating to the Medical/x-ray place on Wholesale market street. I do see something called the Medical Commission just north of W'sale Market street, on Rawdat Al Khail St but not sure this is the place. Anyone able to give me location and times open for medical testing?
mrvm
56
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2011 - 17:25
Dr Fady sounds fab!! Where exactly is the clinic located?
 
 
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