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EWmums

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Other families in Holiday Villa apartments?

21

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 23:47

OH has just been allocated company accommodation in the Holiday Villa apartments. I will be moving there to join him with my two DD's in the next couple of months. I am worried that most people with children live in Villas rather than apartments, and just wondered if there were likely to be many other families also in Holiday Villa. It would be fantastic if my girls could make friends with other children living there.

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68

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 22:43

Welcome to Doha, as you earlier stated that you hated the cold with passion we thought we'd turn up the heat for you a little bit lol. Seriously though, hope you have a few quiet days to unwind and get your bearings. Make use of the pool to chill a wee bit, enjoy seeing your husband again and all the best for the start of your new life in Qatar.

52

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 20:19

Well best of luck it is all very exciting and scary! We were in holiday villas for about a week over Easter and now we are back home in UK until the summer. Over Easter holidays we managed to sort out a villa and school. Hopefully we can meet up sometime.

21

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 18:33

We're here! Arrived this morning! A bit overwhelmed by the massive change of lifestyle, but looking forward to meeting people and moving forward with our new life!

52

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 14:00

I think we will plan to arrive after Ramadan which I believe ends around the 7 th August. I know from visiting last year and viewing some compounds at the end of August that it appeared to be very quiet. Wanted to arrive a few weeks before school etc started back in order to get bearings and set up house etc. I am not looking forward to the heat. Thank you to everyone for their posts.

68

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 13:24

I think the only bonus to arriving in July or August is the chance to get your bearings and start getting some driving experience before the traffic goes totally bonkers again in September. Having said that I also agree with the posting of others - it's stiflingly hot and pretty lonely if you don't have your support network yet. Good luck with your move.

28

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 11:33

Totally agree with the previous comments, Doha is a very hot lonely place in the summer with not a lot of things to do.

309

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 09:26

Totally agree with Catonclan - Doha in the hot summer months can be a lonely place, especially if you're new and have no friends or support network. Years ago, when we were first ex-patted (to Venezuela) my husband was very anxious for the kids and me to join him asap. So we moved at the beginning of July. And everyone else promptly left! It was really difficult for me, and I spent many unhappy weeks thinking I'd made a huge mistake. Ended up loving it, of course, but my advice would be wait until end of August.

21

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 23:39

Catonclan - I guess I know deep down you are right, and it would be more sensible to come towards end of August. It's just sooooo long to wait!! The weather here is not helping either - I hate the cold with a passion!

124

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 15:32

Just a suggestion. Doha gets really quiet at the end of the summer term, as far as families go. It gets so very hot, and a lot of the school age kids go back to their home countries to visit. End of Aug everyone arrives back. Not saying everyone leaves, I would certainly concider whether arriving early summer is a good idea. There is also Ramadan to contend with. As a mum, I found it quite hard to keep the kids entertained without coffee shops, restaurants etc during the day. And not being able to drink publically in the heat. Life in the summer is an indoor only experience, which gets quite tough, and requires organisation. Swimming pools are an early morning and late afternoon thing. That leaves quite a lot of day to fill. Good luck with your move.

21

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 14:56

I think realistically more likely to get there at the beginning of summer, but may come for a brief visit around Easter as I have never been there myself yet! I really appreciate the help and support from you lovely ladies. :)

28

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 09:06

Look forward to seeing you at Easter

52

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 23:44

Tailgate, Scottishzimbo I would love to meet up with anyone will be there at Easter. Keep me up to date x

52

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 23:42

I know not looking forward to the heat went for visit end of August and it was a heat unlike anything I have experienced before! I have not applied to DESS simply because I want all three children to be in the same location. I have applied to DC (older two due to take test at their school this week) but think the chances are slim. Doha British School and Parkhouse so fingers crossed we will know something soon...nightmare. Have you visited Doha before Scottishzimbo? Are your children excited by the move?

28

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 23:40

Hi , we live in Holiday Villa with our 12 yrs old daughter and are happy here. My girl started in Doha College in year 7 in sept so a convenient location. My girl was at DESS before that, if they have a place for 1 child then the sibling take priority on the waiting list.When you come have a look at the drive to your preferred school from your accommodation as driving is very congested here. would love to meet up with you when you arrive . My hubby is also QA staff. If I can b of any help please ask and happy to meet with you when you visit.

21

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 11:43

We were kind of thinking we should relocate in summer too, but I am worried about landing there in the height of the heat! Schools wise we have so far applied to DESS (they said they may have space for my older DD but not the younger one), Doha British School, Park House, and put them down for DC in Sept 2014. I am still wanting to apply at one or two more, but not sure which ones to go for. Compass is rather out of our budget, Sherborne I am worried about the distance. Loydence seem to only go up to year 4.

52

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 02:30

My husband has been away for a few months, this type of move is all new to us so it has taken a bit of getting used to!!! I know many of the ladies on this forum have much more experience than me at relocating and will be able to answer most of your questions. I can understand you wanting to all be together as a family, we have decided to wait to relocate until the summer for a number of reasons the main one being that my eldest two wanted to complete their final year at primary school also I wanted to ensure that my husband was settled in the job before moving ( although nothing it seems is permanent in Qatar!!!) . The school issue is a major consideration ...if you have not already applied then you really must do so now. I hope all goes well with your plans.

21

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 00:48

I'm, from Aberdeenshire, but was born in Zimbabwe. :) I'm hoping to get there by Easter, but my DH seems to think I should wait till end of summer! :O I want to come now! I hate living in limbo!

52

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 23:49

I have twins aged 11 boy and girl and my youngest is a girl. If you are around during Easter break let me know and we can meet up for a chat. I notice that you are Scottish where about do you come from? I am originally from Edinburgh . If you are not around at Easter perhaps would could meet up in the summer.

21

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 23:21

Ooooh goodie! May just be seeing you there! Do you have boys or girls? I have two girls agd 7 and 10.

52

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 21:31

My husband currently staying at holiday villas myself and children will next be over at Easter before moving permanently in the summer, it is our plan to rent a villa , Children are 11, 11 and 6 soon to be 7. Would love to meet up with any mums over the Easter break.

25

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 19:07

Yes DH is with QA too. If you are interested in moving over to Ain Khalid Gate , ensure that your hubby gets his name on the waiting list ASAP. Schools are a very sore point in Qatar i am sure you have read the related threads. To me, this issue is past sore, let me give you an example. Doha College had an entrance exam last Saturday for entry into year 7. Per the names listed on the notice board there were about 160 students sitting the exams and there isn't more than say 15 (if so much) places available. Most schools are currently accepting applications for the next academic year so ensure your DH submits the applications for your girls and keeps in contact with the schools to follow up. Looking forward to meeting you when you get here.

21

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 18:37

Thanks JA Girl. Are you with QA too? I think we will also probably apply to move to Ain Khalid as soon as we can, partly also to be nearer to schools rather than in the city centre. However we have not got the girls into a school yet anyway! I look forward to meeting you and your boys. They may still get along with my daughters, as they are very similar in age. :)

25

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 09:38

Hi Scottishzimbo, Myself with my two sons aged 11 and 7 with DH live at the Holiday Villa. Your daughters will be able to make friends easily with the few families that live here and plus side to it is, the other families mainly have girls as well. Most of the QA staff that were allocated at the Holiday villa with children opt to move to compounds that are company accomodations, namely Ain Khalid Gate so that their children would have a play area and be able to make friends. The Holiday villa does not have any sort of play area only a swimming pool that is sometimes used by the residents.

1326

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 01:30

Loads of families with kids live in apartments all over Doha. My building is full of families with kids of all ages! I don't know about Holiday Villa in particular, but rest assured that not all families with kids live in villas! God luck with your move.

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