nole | ExpatWoman.com
 

nole

nole
109
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 22:22
The Pearl Ladies Networking Page is still there, but its now a secret group. You need to know someone in it and have them add you to it. =)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2014 - 21:49
We used E-movers for our move off the Pearl. They were reasonably priced and were on time. (actually they were early!) lol. Would highly recommend them!
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2014 - 21:10
We live there. LOVE the apartment, but absolutely HATE that I have to drive to Porto Arabia or risk my life by playing frogger across the Pearl Highway. Also, it's really difficult to explain to people how to get here for deliveries, taxis, and such. On a positive note, it's much quieter and has a couple really great beaches. :)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 16:37
Found this on another part of the IRS website: Like Share Print Foreign Housing Exclusion or Deduction In addition to the foreign earned income exclusion, you can also claim an exclusion or a deduction from gross income for your housing amount if your tax home is in a foreign country and you qualify for the exclusions and deduction under either the bona fide residence test or the physical presence test. The housing exclusion applies only to amounts considered paid for with employer-provided amounts, which includes any amounts paid to you or paid or incurred on your behalf by your employer that are taxable foreign earned income to you for the year (without regard to the foreign earned income exclusion). The housing deduction applies only to amounts paid for with self-employment earnings. So it seems to me that yes, you get both. (again, waiting to hear what others have to say as well.) =)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 16:31
I have been wondering this also Travel5. We just use turbotax for our taxes...(but we also have pretty simple ones) The way I read it on the IRS website is that yes, you get both the foreign earned income exclusion PLUS the foreign housing exclusion. This came straight from the IRS website: Since the foreign housing cost amount exclusion is in addition to the foreign earned income exclusion, if you choose to exclude a foreign housing cost amount, you must figure the foreign housing exclusion before you figure the foreign earned income exclusion. The way I read that, was that you get the housing exclusion in addition to your earned income exclusion. I am not a lawyer however so please somebody correct me if I am wrong as I am about to do our taxes for this year.
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2013 - 19:25
do you know how much they charge? like per truck or per hour? TIA =)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 12:34
We have been looking around at new places to live and all the rental agents have told us that our rent is not allowed to go up by more than 10% per contract term. So, if you sign one year it can go up 10% after that year, but if you sign for 2 years the price will stay locked in until the 2 year term is up. Having just done a quick google search online however after reading your question, I have to admit that I can't find that written down anywhere. I guess we will just ask for that to be put into the contract? We have said that we will move though every time they raise the rent on us. The rents are ridiculously high anyway and most of the time what you are getting for them is not that great. So we have refused to stay in anything in which the rent gets raised. (might not be the most logical plan b/c of moving costs, but it makes us feel better) I have read in a few articles that all places are raising their rents this year. I can never understand how this is possible. How can they keep going up? Even if its only 10% raised, that is still quite a bit!
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 19:40
As of right now, there are 3 areas of The Pearl you can move into: Porto Arabia, Viva Bahriya, and Qanat Quartier. Porto Arabia is the first circle of tall buildings and townhomes you see when you first drive on. About half of Porto Arabia now has restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream stores, clothing shops, etc. It is also the most heavily populated of the 3 areas. There is also a private beach residents can use near tower 31. Viva Bahriya is further down and there are only a few buildings and townhomes finished. The positive to these places are private beaches with every building, however there are no shops and restaurants in this circle. They do however have the best views (in my opinion). The third area is Qanat Quartier, also known as the Venice area. Very close to Porto Arabia circle, just on the opposite side of the road. They are brightly colored low rise buildings and have apts and townhomes just like the other two. These do not have many people living in them yet, however more and more people are moving in to them everyday. There is a canal running through it (hence the Venice reference) and will eventually have restaurants, coffee shops, clothing shops, etc like Porto Arabia. However, as of today none have opened up. They also do not have gym or pool amenities as the other areas do, but you are a 2 min walk from the beach there and they will eventually have a giant clubhouse with a pool and gym, but I am not sure if that has even started being built. There is one Spinnneys in Porto Arabia and one bigger one opening up in another area (not yet opened) which will have MORE shops and apts in the future at some point. :)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 21:35
I'm sure everyone on here has already heard the latest update, but in case you haven't here it is! http://dohanews.co/post/44137527134/ikea-doha-opening-confirmed-for-march-11th
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 23:05
Great. Thanks kimmc3! Will head over there and check them out myself and speak to Mr. Ajith. I am just craving a little bit of greenery so a little is better than none! =)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 22:28
ah ok, just googled mapped it and I see what you mean. Besides being small, are they nice though? and do you still get use of the facilities in the compound? I am looking for a family friendly compound, but we don't need a huge villa. I just want a green compound that is between 10,000-12,000. It looks like on the map that there is some greenery around the two rows, but is that the case or is the aerial view deceiving?
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 22:04
Thanks so much BEDH, thats exactly what I was looking for. Will have to head over there and talk to them to see if/when any of them will be coming available. =)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 16:14
REALLY PEOPLE!?!? Are you seriously giving the OP a hard time over her grammar and spelling!? She asked for a little bit of help and you all bombard her with your OCD grammar problems? Maybe she was on an ipad or iphone or blackberry or half a dozen other hard to type on programs. She is trying to get information in order to make a possible life-changing move, so how about cutting her a little bit of slack. We all remember what it was like when we were first moving out here and how stressful the whole process was, so how about a little common courtesy? I have plenty of friends back home that are primary teachers that might not be the best in spelling, but are some of the most amazing teachers and have won awards and received national certifications. Pilot's wife - please ignore those comments. Not everyone out here is that hostile. As far as your original question, I know people who have gotten teaching assistant positions without any experience. Also, I have seen postings for teaching jobs that just require a Bachelor's degree with no mention of experience. So, I think if you went around to the schools once you were here that you would have a pretty good shot.
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 18:43
oh strange. it was less than a year ago I had seen her. Here is her website though...I think there is a contact form at the bottom of the page. Maybe you can get in touch with her that way. http://expatdoctormom.com/bio/ <em>edited by nole on 02/02/2013</em>
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 16:40
I've seen this Doctor before. I really liked her and it looks like she does all ages. http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=180895
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 14:50
Belgian Cafe in the intercon and The Cellar in Oryx Rotana are our go to places. If its just girls we usually always head to The Cellar, it's not in West Bay, but definitely one of my favorites.
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 January 2013 - 23:35
I know, I was pretty shocked when they told me no english children's books. He mumbled something about being sold out, but who knows if they ever actually have them. I'll check those other two places you mentioned as well. Thanks. I am seriously missing my Barnes and Noble and Borders right now!! Can't believe someone hasn't figured out how well that would do here with a little coffee shop in it yet! Oh well, I'll keep looking and then I'll just resort to ordering some from home if I have no luck, lol.
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 January 2013 - 21:49
There was an article in Doha news about this a few weeks ago. It will be closed for quite a few years as they are expanding and making it into a safari park. Sounds like it will be much better for both the visitors and the animals when it finally does re-open.
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 16:01
There is also a nice cigar store on the ground floor of Lagoona Mall. Its directly below Carrefour Market. They have a nice selection of cigars and cigar accessories.
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 00:55
I can't get on it either. Just get a bunch of error codes. Although, I did find the Qatar IKEA website is up and running and it says early 2013. (not sure if this site has been up for awhile or not, but this was the first time I found it) Either way, it seems to be getting closer! =) http://www.ikea.qa/
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 14:42
Have you tried Beach Towers? They have a rooftop pool and if I remember correctly only part of it is covered. Also, try Falcon Towers. They have a pool on the ground floor that is uncovered right on the water. <em>edited by nole on 27/11/2012</em>
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 13:09
There are A TON of dogs/cats out here. The summers are hot, but ive never met anyone that has had an issue with their dogs because of it. Lots of great organizations, vets, and meet up groups to take your dogs to. Not really any dog parks unfortunately, but hopefully that will change as I think more and more people are getting pets out here. There is a beach that a group of people go to in the early mornings during the summer and then anytime I suppose during the winter. Not sure on any of your other questions, but I think it is just hit or miss as far as how long your RP takes. It only took my husband about 6 weeks and then mine it only took 5 days....ive heard it being longer or shorter for other's though. =)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 16:23
Becky, did you find out where and what time this is at? Might go one of these days if so. =)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 23:55
I've seen both at Qatar Veterinary Center, think its around 30 or 40qr for a 2lb bag. =)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 01:47
We live at the pearl and although we don't have kids there are TONS in just our building alone. Early evenings are very popular times to see the families out walking on the boardwalk or in the pool and the play areas. So those are definitely good times to check the apts out to see who lives here. We are planning on having kids sometime in the future and intend on staying here at the pearl until we have two and they are older and need a yard to run around in. I agree with some of the other posts though as you should definitely invest in window locks as ours open completely. (although a good idea no matter where you live I suppose) We were in a compound before here and although the compound has benefits when you have kids, I also think the pearl does as well..so it's just a matter of what you like more and what you think is better suited to your life style. Check the compounds out as well as there are some nice ones, but know that there are plenty of families here with young children that are very happy! :)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 20:18
I've found cards in most hypermarket stores, I just was looking for ones with the arabic numbers. I am assuming cards are ok as you can find them a lot of places, but I know things like poker chips are banned.
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 00:47
Hi Sunflowers, We used http://interglobalsystems.com/ from the US. We shipped about 8 big boxes of stuff, but no furniture. I am blanking on how much the total was because dh's company picked up the tab, but give them a call as I'm sure they could give you an estimate. The shipment was picked up directly from our house in Florida, shipped to Chicago and then flown direct on QA into Doha. Once the whole process started it was only a matter of days until we got it. HTH! :)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 July 2012 - 13:42
I know Champions has been showing the games, but I have a feeling its going to be packed tonight. You could try and call for reservations and see if they have any availability though. (and confirm that they are actually showing the game, lol) They really need more sports bars here! The other option is to find someone with the Al Jazeera sports package and go to their place and watch it. Thats what we are doing!
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 23:13
Between 1 and 2 I find the traffic to be bad, although sometimes that can go a little later as well. I get off at this time as well and usually don't have too much of a problem getting home. It will take longer getting home though than going as there are more people on the roads. Heading out that way at 2 though is a different story and I would avoid it, if possible. Since you will be heading back to the Pearl/westbay like me, you should be ok. Everyone's traffic tolerance is different here though, so when you get out here make the run a couple times and make sure your ok with it. :) Like I said before, I don't find it to be a big deal and prefer to live out here and drive a little more but everyone's different and you may find you like it somewhere closer! :)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2012 - 16:55
Hi usaus, I live at the Pearl and drive close to that area for work. (although Al Udeid is still another 10-15 mins further from where I stop) If you need to be there at 6:30 then I would say from the Pearl, leaving an hour early should be PLENTY of time as there is not much traffic that time of day. (another hour later is a different story though) I usually even have time to stop for a coffee on the way. I need to be at work by 8 and will leave here at 7 during the week and 7:30 on Saturdays and during the entire Summer as there isn't traffic then. You will get a lot of people here saying that you should live much closer to where you work, but I think honestly it just depends on how happy you are by where you live. Most of the people I work with live at the Pearl and we all make the commute into the Villagio area daily. Its really not that bad and we honestly love living out here. The only time you can expect to hit a lot of traffic are the usual school run times/work times. Which is actually earlier out here than back home. (im assuming are you from the US, lol) If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 18:38
Its not really a bookstore, but there is a book buy/swap at the Qatar Veterinary Center. They have a couple hundred books in there that people donate and then you can buy for 5qr each and then the proceeds go to Dogs in Doha. I've gotten quite a few from there and many of them are some I would never have read before, but for 5qr I figured it was worth it to try! I usually just donate them back afterwards so someone else can buy them. They are all just kind of thrown in there and you have to scrounge around, but its not a bad place if you just want a book for cheap. I think they are going to be putting in proper shelves in the store itself once they have more donations.
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 13:25
We are also with QA redwine and used to live in the company accommodation, which is fantastic if you have kids. We have moved to the Pearl though and find it to be just what we were looking for. There are quite a few QA people out here and I know a lot more are looking into it as the rents are not as pricey as they used to be. (as long as you aren't looking for a 3 or 4 bedroom) If you have any questions about it here just let me know. It really is not that far either from anything...it really just depends on traffic and the time of day. But without traffic I have easily made it to the other side of the city to visit friends in the old compound in 20-30 mins. I also work on the complete opposite side of the city as well and only have an issue during school run times. Compounds are great as well though, so give them a look and see if you would be interested in them also. We have every intention of moving into one after we have kids that are school age...but for now we are happy here!
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 12:30
Thats great, thanks! We will have a car there so I think we will definitely take a drive into the mountains. :)
nole
109
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 02:45
YES!!! Thanks for sharing! Will be going there this week for sure!
nole
109
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 12:54
great! thanks so much, Good Morning!
nole
109
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 00:59
Thanks AmyAus and Marroosh. Just sent him the Dubai Humanitarian City link and the PCRF info, but he unfortunately does not speak arabic so will have to cross out the UN one. Great links though! Thanks so much! =)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 00:54
Good Morning, that would be fantastic if you could. I'll take it down in the morning, so let me know if you got it and I need to put it back up. =) Thanks! <em>edited by nole on 18/04/2012</em>
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 22:40
thanks everyone! i'll pass all this info on to him! :)
nole
109
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 22:38
thanks guys, will have him check both those places out! :)
nole
109
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 13:59
Anybody know of any not for profit organizations here or within the region that take interns over the summer? Trying to help a family member get some contacts for one as he is having a super hard time in finding contact numbers and email addresses. He is looking for one preferably that does something with human rights. Any info would be great! =)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2012 - 00:21
we used authxperts...website is http://authxperts.com/ They aren't the cheapest, but will take care of all of it for you so we thought it was well worth it. You just send it to them in DC and then they take care of all the state level stamps and federal stamps for you. We overnighted ours out and then got it back in about 3 weeks time.
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 19:08
that must be new the whole facebook and twitter thing. I never had to be a part of either to sign up and I don't log on using it either...just enter my email and password. The benefits are just basically being able to save all the ideas and organize them into your groups. You can also "follow" other people who are always finding good ideas and projects or follow your friends if you want to see what ideas they are up to!
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 21:33
oh no! whats Path!? am I going to be addicted to that one now!? haha
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 16:55
OH! I didn't even think to check there Emma!..makes sense though with all the camping stuff. I just checked all the home and decor aisles, lol. Thanks...will go tonight and see if I cant find some! =)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 16:51
City Center itself has some fully furnished apartments which would obviously be really close. I think Beverly Hills and Beach towers are both furnished (check me on that though b/c we don't live in either) The Pearl which is a little bit further out from other areas of town, but really close to City Center also has fully furnished apartments, but you would need to find the people renting them out so I believe for that you would go through a real estate company. There are lots of nice furnished villas, but all the ones I know are in the Al Waab and Ain Khaled area, which is a nightmare getting to city center during rush hour times, so hopefully some of the other ladies might be able to help you with close villa ideas.
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 16:38
Does anyone know where I can find lamp oil? We have looked in every mall and asked most of the stores in the souk..we bought a candle/lamp that needs the oil to burn, but for some reason can't find it anywhere!
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 00:09
thanks for sharing! looks like they've got some great classes...although all the ones I want to do are only in Arabic! haha of course!
nole
109
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 21:50
Anyone know where I can find a hangable chalkboard or whiteboard. I am looking to hang one in one of the rooms to write notes on it. TIA! =)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 23:51
I saw them a couple weeks ago at the flower store across from carrefour in villagio. Don't know if they still have them or what they cost, but they were there! =)
nole
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 23:43
ugh, just had friends try and go to mango tree for a glass of wine with dinner. They left immediately as soon as they heard there was no alcohol. We as well won't be eating at the Pearl any longer. =( Didn't really go there for the food to begin with...it was just nice to get away from it all with a glass of wine and a nice view.
 
 
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