16 June 2015
| Last updated on 16 June 2015Research to Avoid Culture Shock
Meet Nyla Maharaj-Ramkalawan who has lived the breath of the globe. She proves that doing your research makes for an easy transition.
I’m living in:
A bit about me:
I am a native Trinidadian who's enjoying the Expat Life with my husband and 2 sons, aged almost 10 and 14 respectively. I enjoy traveling a lot so this lifestyle affords me the opportunity to visit lots of different dream destinations whilst we are living in a particular region. Since leaving Trinidad in 2001, we've lived in Mexico, Malaysia and Denmark.
How long have you lived there?
We will celebrate 4 years of living in Doha on September 1st this year.
Why did you move?
There's always been something alluring about the Middle East and I really wanted my family to experience what so many were talking about. It was also time for our sons to be educated in an internationally accredited and much more established school than they were attending at the time of our move. It is very important to me that my sons have as much exposure to the differing cultures, traditions and lifestyles as these will only strengthen and prepare them for their futures.
What’s the accommodation options where you live?
In Doha, the options range from apartments, luxurious and not-so luxurious; stand-alone villas and compound living. We live in Al Rayyan Village, which is very comfortable, convenient, safe and perfect for families with children.
What do you have any hobbies or interests?
I manage my very own event coordination business, catering to the A-Z of events. I am a Certified Balloon Artist, one of the only 2 in the whole of the Middle East Region; and have been wowing
people with the phenomenal trends in balloons they were not in Doha before I arrived. I am also the President of the Parent School Organization at the ACS Doha International School, entering my third year in this position; and thoroughly enjoying the work I contribute to the school.
What is the temperature like at this time of year?
Too Hot! 38-45 degrees!
Do you observe Ramadan?
No. I do not observe Ramadan personally
Do many people observe it where you live?
Yes.
How long is daylight in Ramadan where you are?
14 hours
What is the hardest thing at this time of year?
The fact that my sons are mostly confined indoors as it is simply too hot for them to play outdoors for extended periods of time.
What do you enjoy about Ramadan?
I admire the dedication of practicing Muslims as it is after all, a sacrifice for what they believe in. I am certain that it is not always easy, especially with the heat in this part of the world, but they persevere....
Does you city/town change much during Ramadan?
Oh yes!
What do you wish you’d known before you moved?
To be quite honest, we were very well informed before moving to Doha, so we've not experienced much shocks!
What would be you one top tip for anyone who might be moving abroad?
Never expect 1 place to be exactly like another, or like your home country! Each place, like individuals, is unique with its good and its bad!
Anything else you’d like to share with us about your expat experience?
I feel truly blessed to have this expat experience and enjoying every moment of it.
