amy77 | ExpatWoman.com
 

amy77

amy77
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Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 09:43
Sorry, only just seen this - we drove to Dubai last week and followed the advice in these blogs: http://www.qnhg.org/files/wpro_shared/docs/How%20to%20travel%20to%20UAE%20and%20Oman%20by%20road.pdf and http://wahyuinqatar.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/uae-oman-trip-preparation-immigration-documentation-car/ We used Al Kanz too and they were great. The whole trip was honestly very easy and enjoyable, I don't know why everyone made such a fuss about us doing it!
amy77
487
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Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 09:37
Any chance you could post the info on here? I never get round to going to Landmark for threading (and the woman who does it there is cr*p anyway!)
amy77
487
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 20:29
Allie, post your email address up and I will explain further.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 20:27
I have a feeling they sell them in Apollo on Salwa Road
amy77
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 12:05
Er yes, that is exactly what I said. Obviously there is a limit to what I can say on a public forum but you need to read between the lines of my post.....
amy77
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 18:48
I did find some Carrefour sensitive stuff a while back, but only in Villagio branch - and now I can't find any anywhere. And M&S seem to have stopped importing their excellent laundry liquid so I have been struggling to find anything recently. So thanks for this, tmhadia, very useful to know.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 23:05
My friend used to work in Ras Laffan and said it was a pretty easy commute - he lived just by Immigration Roundabout, so right on D-ring. If you can live as close to D-ring as poss, it's great, as that's basically the central motorway through Doha and you can zip straight through to the north. There is a new road cutting across from this highway towards Ras Laffan, which makes things even better. He did mention that the security gate used to be a bigger problem than the commute itself - apparently security was pretty tight and during times of red alerts it would take him an hour or so to get in! On one occasion, there was a 2-hour queue! This was a couple of years back though, so I don't know how things have changed since then.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 22:51
We're staying here, but we've got family coming out. Have you considered the Ritz or somewhere special for an Xmas day brunch? Or just grab hold of the sad truth hat it's going to feel nothing like a British Xmas and do something completely topsy-turvy and romantic (and unforgettable) like have your own little BBQ on Wakra beach or at the mangroves where the dog walkers normally go (south of Wakra)?
amy77
487
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 22:45
I am indeedy - will get you the number later as I am snuggled under my blanket and it's too cold to move! We pay QR14500 for our little villa, and it is little (by Qatar standards - it's huge compared to our house in England!). It has 3 bedrooms and no maids room. The gardens are huge though and it has a lovely upstairs balcony which is effectively another sitting room for us. We LOVE it here - it's so green and fairly peaceful, although I can hear some traffic from the main road and we can't sleep with the windows open because of the call to prayer from the petrol station. The pool is nice although I hardly ever use it, as are the tennis courts. I've never set foot in the squash courts so I can't comment, and the gym is AWFUL unfortunately. There are 5 or 6 children's play areas dotted around the compound. The main reasons we moved here were: 1. Location - it's as close to West Bay as we could afford to get basically, apart from the Gharaffa area but we didn't really like anything we viewed around there. Also, we are really close to D ring, which means you can be pretty much anywhere in Doha within 30 minutes and it's easy to jump on the highway to the north coast (we like exploring). 2. The feel of the compound i.e. green and spacious. It's like coming home to an oasis. 3. We deliberately set out to find an older villa, as we've heard horror stories about the quality of the new builds. Al Messilah houses are VERY well maintained so we don't need to worry about anything like the electrics or leaking. 4. Maintenance - they are fab - you call them in the morning and they come round within an hour or two. I've never had any problems with maintenance and they even come out to do things like put pictures up for you or change light bulbs! This is worth its weight in gold as far as I'm concerned! I don't know how much the bigger villas are and I don't know where Sherborne school is either, sorry! Can you pop down one day? I'd be happy to show you our villa and introduce you to the manager.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 22:32
If you get a container, which I guess you would need to, weight doesn't come into it. We paid something in the region of QR24000 for a container FROM Britain to Qatar, but that was a full-container shipment i.e. had the entire contents of our house in it - you can pay less and share a container with someone else.
amy77
487
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 22:30
I bought one today in Lulus. It is a 2500W Rowenta and it was something like QR289. I wanted an oil-filled one, as they are more efficient and give out radiant heat, which is nicer and longer lasting than the purely convective heat from the electric blowy type ones. I went for the biggest wattage I could, as our downstairs is large and open plan, and with plenty of fins on it so the heat would radiate more effectively. I also wanted a well-known brand - Rowenta wouldn't have been my first choice, but it's the best of a bad bunch. The Siemens one was a similar spec, but the fins had a smaller surface area so I figured it would be less efficient <do I overthink these things, probably!> The Rowenta also seemed quite 'controllable' in terms of heat settings, which will make it more versatile.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 14:59
There are some roaming around Aspire Park, if you're a good shot ;)
amy77
487
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 11:45
It's not up to the retailer whether or not to use Aramex - it's for you to arrange. You need to set up your own account with them and then they will give you a special address in America which you get your USA internet orders delivered to. It is then automatically forwarded on to Qatar. They have a booth in Landmark where you can sign up. I can highly recommend it - I get loads of things through there. They give you a UK address as well for buying things from British websites. And also a Chinese one, although I have yet to make use of that..... PS It's spelt Aramex, not Aramax :)
amy77
487
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Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 20:42
You didn't miss much, it's a ****** awful place. The only time I ever got homesick in Qatar was when we went there for a meal - it made me really want to go back home to a British curry house! We never ate there again. Try the one inside the tennis centre instead.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 12:00
We use TorFX to send money from the UK to our account here, I don't know if they do it the other way round, but they are brilliant (offer the best rates and great customer service - I found them through the Moneysavingexpert website).
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 11:55
Could you not get your hubbie to drive you across the border into Saudi and back? It's only an hour to the border, so it's got to be easier than flying anywhere? You would need to get Saudi transit visas though, so a bit of a hassle I guess.
amy77
487
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 11:53
I went in a shop recently and saw quite a few bikinis in the corner - even though the shop was heavy with winter stuff, I guess they were catering to the local market/winter sun seekers. Unfortunately, I can't remember exactly which shop it was, but it was one of: Gap, Top Shop, H&M, Banana Republic, Next, Mango, Zara, Warehouse or Oasis - sorry that's a bit vague, but I was wondering around Villagio and Landmark looking for a new top and remember being surprise to see a corner of bikinis in one of them. I have a feeling it was Banana Republic for some reason. I also went in Monsoon, Massimo Dutti, White Company, Mexx, Reiss and Esprit, but I don't think I saw it in any of those! (Yes it was an epic shopping trip....)
amy77
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Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 23:07
I think you will need to sort it out for her - just go down there (if you can find it!) with a copy of her passport and flight details.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 21:16
Haha no, he gets up, and I come down just before he leaves for work so the dog isn't on her own - there is always a cup of tea waiting for me when I come down. :D &lt;smug dance&gt; And then me and the dog both go back to sleep again on the sofa. <em>edited by amy77 on 30/11/2011</em>
amy77
487
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Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 13:05
I've just bought a GORGEOUS floor length silk skirt from Banana Republic for the Xmas season, which can be dressed up/down. I bought a top in Karen Millen to go with it, but you could also try Evans which is a British chain specialises in larger sizes - I know you are not a big size by any stretch of the imagination, but if you are shopping for just your top half, you will find them cut better for bigger boobs.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 22:09
Oops, sorry - this is actually the first time I have ever bothered to look at their actual website :D Expensive, but worth it - I go to Wakra beach most days* and I just love watching them zoom along the water. *[i'>to walk the dog, not to perv at men in wetsuits[/i'>
amy77
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Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 22:02
No worries, DD. Hubby has bought ratchet straps today; something about 'tying the mattress to the roof of the car'...... Have visions of National Lampoons-style Nissan Pathfinder delicately picking its way across the desert back towards Qatar on Saturday.... Look out for us on the Salwa Road around 4pm (probably minus our mattress). Sorry to hear about your delayed move, hope it all goes OK eventually :) edited by amy77 on 29/11/2011 <em>edited by amy77 on 29/11/2011</em>
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 21:59
You could also try Ecco in Centerpoint mall near Sports Roundabout.
amy77
487
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 21:58
We had a similar problem with my brother-in-law's Polish girlfriend. You CAN'T sponsor her yourself, as you're not related, so she has to have a hotel booking to get a visa. This hotel is your friend ;) http://www.qairawanhotel.com/ Will cost you QR650 for the privilege - they are very helpful.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 21:52
Hey Ozzies, check this out: http://iloveqatar.net/forum/read.php?28,31877,31877#msg-31877
amy77
487
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 22:45
How much are they?? Where did you find this info out?
amy77
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 22:40
The short answer is...........no..... It took me ages to find it. I have added them on Facebook and they give proper info there, but it still wasn't much help once I actually got there! http://www.facebook.com/petsandmoreqatar Whoever designed the place has put the parking space canopies right in the line of your view (as a driver) to the shop name signs, which I must say is a stroke of genius, as you can't see the shop names unless you pull over and get out of your car!!! They also only label the building numbers seemingly at random. What I can say is that it was on a 'vertical' road (one of the bigger roads leading down towards the Wakra-Doha Highway, at 90 degrees to the highway) as opposed to the 'horizontal' roads which run parallel to that Highway.
amy77
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 22:30
445am? I thought only those poor souls who had to do the morning call to prayer would be up at that time! &lt;Rethinks plans to have kids in this country&gt;
amy77
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 19:12
7.20?? Is that an actual time during daylight hours?! Jaysus. Can you tell that I'm not a morning person?! :) No seriously, I am really not a morning person and neither is the dog - I have to drag her out of bed at 8am. Also the traffic at that time of the morning is so awful that on the one occasion I actually decided to get up early and take her out, I ended up coming straight home again after spending 40 minutes trying to get across the roundabout by our compound! I don't suppose you would consider dog walking before the school pick up in the afternoon would you? If not, thanks for letting me know about it anyway - I will definitely go over and check it out for myself one day soon :)
amy77
487
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 19:09
You can 'like' the group 'Edgeriders Qatar' on Facebook. I have, with the intent of booking some kitesurfing lessons with them soon, but I haven't quite got round to it yet!
amy77
487
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 14:06
Thanks Jill. Time will be of the essence, so I will maybe chat to them before we start buying stuff. Good to know though, thank you very much.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 13:29
I wouldn't mind coming on Wednesday morning, although I'm not a Sherborne parent - I am always on the look out for new dog walking places, and to find somewhere without litter would be an absolute bonus as our dog hoovers up everything she can find and frequently gets upset tummies as a result. Plus, she gets extra tired if she has other pups to play with, which is always a good thing!
amy77
487
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Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 21:10
See http://www.facebook.com/ZajelCenter?sk=app_4949752878
amy77
487
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Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 15:56
Thanks everyone, some great suggestions there :)
amy77
487
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Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 15:43
Just the vets (QVC, Park View) and the two main pet shops that I know of (the one near Wholesale Market and the one at Barwa Village). They all tend to stock exactly the same ranges at the same prices, so it doesn't really matter which one you go to! If you're after something specific, Aramex is your friend :)
amy77
487
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 11:59
We live in Qatar, but we are driving to Dubai next weekend. I was just wondering if there were any really good pet shops we could check out while we are there so we can stock up on things for our dog - the pet shops in Qatar are pretty useless. I am specifically after some agility training equipment as I would like to do this with her to keep her busy and focused, but any cool pet shops would be worth checking out, even if they don't sell it. Our only free day is going to be on the Friday - do you think it will be OK with shop opening hours and National Day celebrations? Many thanks
amy77
487
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 11:53
There's probably only 1 importer of Yamaha anyway, and if our experience of buying a new TV is anything to go by, prices are the same wherever you go... I would recommend the Lagoona Mall branch of 51 East just because it's such a fab music shop! It has a soundproof room where you can try out the instruments and you can have a tinkle on the grand piano in the window (the one you can see from Losail Street).
amy77
487
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 10:33
51 East in Lagoona Mall has a fabulous music shop.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 10:32
Has anyone got any vouchers going spare for Dubai? We are going next weekend.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 09:27
Would you consider donating them to Cats in Qatar? I'm sure their foster carers could make good use of them.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 09:26
It's widely available - in fact it's all I ever use! I get mine as part of my weekly shop at Lulu. Body Shop butters are lush but expensive even in England (not far off £10 a tub!)
amy77
487
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 21:13
Thank you, I will be signing autographs in the lobby after the ceremony.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 12:22
Desertdiva, is your bed a divan? If so, I think we may be interested in it (without the headboard and nightstand) as I have just measured the car up and we won't get an IKEA mattress and double bed in it. So now I think we are going to have to buy a plain divan bed in this country and get the rest of the bedroom furniture in IKEA. So annoying, as our Nissan Pathfinder is only about 6cm too short - if only we had the Nissan Armada! Doha4Now, I don't suppose you have a car which is bigger than a Pathfinder do you?! If so, I would be happy to go in convoy if you could put our bed and mattress in your car, and we will carry all of your purchases in our car! By the way, just to update, getting the Saudi transit visas was easy - we used Al Kanz near Landmark.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 12:11
&lt;Steps up to accept award for Least Helpful Post Ever&gt;
amy77
487
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 09:57
I've read about this somewhere and it's really bugging me where. It's not TimeOut, as I've just had a quick read through it. But I have definitely seen an article about it..... <em>edited by amy77 on 23/11/2011</em>
amy77
487
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Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 12:00
Wow, that email from QDC makes them sound super-organised, I'm impressed. I'm even more impressed by the possibility of the Italian shipment &lt;does little dance of joy and hopes the gardener doesn't see&gt;
amy77
487
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Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 18:25
Hi Desertdiva, sorry for not replying sooner. I am keeping your offer in mind - I have been without my car for a week, so I've not been able to measure it up to see what we will be able to fit in from IKEA but I am keeping your offer in mind. We should get the car back tonight, so I will make a decision tomorrow.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 18:23
Thanks Carathop, that's really helpful - we will be buying one this week.
amy77
487
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Latest post on 18 November 2011 - 19:15
I feel like taking over the construction myself. How hard can it be to put up a big blue and yellow metal box and stick some arrows to the floor????
amy77
487
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Latest post on 17 November 2011 - 09:53
Oh no, what a nightmare :( I'm afraid Al Rabban tower management are pretty categorical on the 'no pets' thing. Out neighbours had a cat, but there's no way you could get away with a dog. We had the chance to foster a kitten during our last 2 weeks there and I had a meeting with the management to try and persuade them, but they said a definite no. I think Beverley Hills Tower allows dogs and also the one that ccdoha lives in (not sure of the name of her tower but I know she has a dog). Personally, if we were going to do the apartment thing, I would live on the Pearl, as there is enough dog poo in the grass to prove that plenty of (inconsiderate) people walk their dogs there and there are also rumours of a new dog park being set up there (I'll believe that when I see it etc!).
 
 
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