amy77 | ExpatWoman.com
 

amy77

amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 15:34
A 12-week old puppy was found at the weekend near the airport arrivals terminal/Corniche. We are currently fostering her, but she is looking for a forever home or another foster family, as although we adore her, it is incredibly bad timing for us right now due to a family visit. She requires full time care, so someone must be at home all the time. She needs some more work on her housetraining and basic obedience and she needs to be taught to be left alone, but she is very clever and quick to learn. For a permanent adoption, we would ask you to cover all her vets bills to date (QR600) to show that you are serious about having her, and to make a donation to QAWS, and a home inspection would be necessary. She has had her 1st vaccinations, but cannot be socialised or walked until her 2nd lot which are due on May 23rd. She will also need to be spayed in September. Even a temporary foster home would be a big help, as she needs someone to be at home with her at the moment, and we won't be able to be home for her from May 24th to June 2nd.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 13:15
Hi Shaniqua. How did you get on with crate training? I am trying to do it, and she will go in there and rest, but the second I shut the door (even if she's busy eating or sleeping) she goes absolutely nuts immediately. I'm not just talking whining but also howling, biting and throwing herself at the door. I have tried ignoring it, but there was only so much I could take, so I wait for a bit of a lull and let her out again. Everything I've read says to expect some whining or barking, but her reaction is so violent that I don't know if I can persist with the crate training. Do Babyshop still have those pens do you know? Which mall is it in?
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 12:32
Dog has started peeing and pooing in the same spot in the house and I think I need to get some enzymes on it to destroy the scent to stop her doing it again. I don't suppose they sell it over here do they?
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 17:59
Marycatherine, thank you so so much - you would be a real lifesaver! <em>edited by amy77 on 11/05/2011</em>
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 18:11
Ooh thanks guys, that's really helpful. So Apple TV and Slingbox is a no-no for me for various reasons - and we already have a laptop wired up to our TV but I am looking for something more instant than having to boot the laptop up every time etc (call me lazy :D) Kimmac is your Showtime the same as Hyacinth's? (i.e. an add-on to a Mosaic package?). Do you get problems with it too? I have noticed that our internet connection is sometimes slow, and also we are paying for 2MB but only ever record up to 1MB speed. CSM I think I might just do what you suggest for now and get a box from Carrefour or somewhere then leave DH to sort anything else out, although I am reluctant to pay the exorbitant prices that QTel charge! Are QTel the only cable/satellite TV suppliers out there?
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 13:05
I went to see Al Jazi a couple of months ago - it is a beautiful compound, but way outside our price range. He showed me a 3-bed which I managed to haggle to about 18k I think, but it backed onto a busy road so was very noisy and anyway it was still way over our budget. The only villas he had in quieter locations were 4-bed and they were something like 22k+. There is a big oil company withdrawing a lot of tenants from Al Jazi over the next few months, so if it is close to your budget, it's worth calling in and having a chat with the management office to see if you can get a good deal - you will certainly have the pick of the villas.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 May 2011 - 17:16
I could really do with seeing someone about my PCOS, as it seems to have taken a downhill slide since I arrived here in March. We are TTC and I am thinking that Metformin and Clomid might be the way forward. Can anyone recommend any good docs who can help and understand the condition in a more holistic way than most British GPs seem to?
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 May 2011 - 17:12
Busted!!!!! Darn it! Just got a message from Shop & Ship that I have restricted items in my NY box.... they will not bring them here. It is strange because it was only last year that I made my last order and it all came through fine.... Anyway, susy99: where is Markhiya R/A? They've probably had a clampdown on it after the most recent terror plot which involved cargo planes.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 May 2011 - 16:16
I live in Al Messilah which is near Al Rayyan park/US embassy and we love it! It's one of the oldest compounds in Doha, beautiful wide streets, no overlooking from neighbours, great pool and really top maintenance. We pay 14,500 for a 3-bed, and I would expect 4-beds to be around 18 or 20? They only let direct, not through agents, so you have to drive to the gate and ask in the office if they have any available.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 April 2011 - 22:47
I'm pretty sure it is to mark the final of the Heir Apparent Cup which took place this evening near West Bay. Cue lots of hooting and shouting on the Corniche!
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 21:55
I would second EXACTLY what kiwispiers said.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 15:23
Thanks but unfortunately our dog passed away last night - unfortunately it seemed that there was a lot more wrong with her than just the e collar :(
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 15:38
Thanks Blini. It's not essential, as she will eventually get used to it - I'm just trying on the offchance really.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 12:54
Ahhh another urban myth bites the dust then, a bit like IKEA opening in 2012! :D Thanks for the tip for the deli sausages - I have always given them a wide berth, but maybe I will give it a go.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 12:51
I think I saw sushi rice in Lulu Gharaffa last week - I've definitely seen it somewhere and that is the only shop I can think of where I might have seen it!
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 10:39
Of course I wouldn't ask her to smuggle drugs, it's hardly comparable! It's just that a couple of people I know regularly bring bacon and sausages back from England and they have been here over 20 years and they do it at least twice a year. They don't attempt to hide it either! So I just wanted confirmation that more people have had the same experience, or whether they get away with it because they have friends in high places. Anyway I don't think I will ask her to do it because it will stink her clothes out. I'll wait till the rumours that the QDC is going to sell pork soon come true!
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 19:23
My Mum is coming out next week from England and I am really craving some chorizo - I used to cook with it all the time. If I asked her to bring some out with her, could I get her in trouble at the airport?
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 15:35
Hi Catonclan, We're in the middle of unpacking now and have lots of boxes for you! It would be great if you could come and collect one lot today or tomorrow (as we're running out of space for them) and there may be some more available at the weekend if you still need more. We're at Al Messilah and I'm here most of the day. Amy <em>edited by amy77 on 20/04/2011</em>
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 09:21
Ooh great ideas, thanks. My Dad loves boats, and although he's not into art, he loves old cars so Sheikh Fasal's collection is another good idea.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 08:50
I've been wondering the same, as my Dad is coming out in a month. My mum is coming out sooner than that, but she's been a bit easier to plan for, as my Dad is a bit more travelled and adventurous: For Dad, all I've come up with so far is: - visit to the camel races (although this scares me a bit and I would like to go with someone who's been before!) - visit to the inland sea, either in convoy with others or through a Black Pearl tour (depending on how he feels about camping maybe an overnight visit) - Visit Lusail as he is a big motor sport fan - cycling on the Corniche, as he's into cycling (he wants to go out into the desert, but I am going to say no!) - Singing sand dunes - Drive up the coast and see some of the more traditional parts of Qatar - Souq Waqif (goes without saying really!) Any more suggestions gratefully received!
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 15:33
As it turns out, the BAR/IMMI protection is no use whatsoever to us now, unless we are prepared to leave our container in Doha port for months and months while the administration is sorted out. As a result of not being prepared to wait that long, we are having to pay the local agent here directly ourselves (more than QR3,000) to get our container delivered. It's been a painful lesson, but I will be glad just to get all of our stuff back. It is possible that we may be reimbursed in the future as creditors of the liquidated company, but I'm not holding my breath.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 14:52
Sorry just realised that quite a lot of that was jibberish, as I was a bit panicked! Basically, if you have a shipment currently in transit through EVL, don't panic as you are covered, but get in touch with this lot ASAP: http://www.bar.co.uk/consumer/contactus/ If you are about to move out to Qatar, please make sure your removals company is part of the BAR scheme and covered by the IMMI guarantee: http://www.evl.co.uk/immi-financial-guarantee.htm
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 12:46
Just a warning if anyone happens to have any shipments currently in transit with them. They are covered under the BAR/IMMI scheme. We are in the shi*ski at the moment - our container is stuck at Doha port and unable to be released until the local agents (SWIFT) have received their payment. I'm not really sure what to do, but BAR are being very helpful indeed - if you are in a similar situation, please get in touch with them ASAP.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 18:58
I had mine done by Sophie Thorpe in London and she warned me before I left to not get them done over here - here exact words were "they use horrid pigments abroad". Because they don't need doing that often, I wait until I am back in the UK for top-ups. She is really good and she does feather-like lines to resemble actual hairs (unlike some of the solid colours you see over here!). I can highly recommend her if you go to the UK at all. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20000326/ai_n13945674/
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 12:35
Reiss are really good, but they're expensive in England, so dread to think what prices are like here....
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 20:08
Hi Catonclan, do you still need boxes? Our container is at Doha port and we are waiting for customs clearance before it can be delivered. I am *hoping* it will be this week. If you still need boxes, we will do our best to save as many as we can - I think there were 130 in total!
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 23:02
Hi MashaV - the man is on 55343189 - sorry I don't know his name, I just have him listed as 'curtain man' in my phonebook! His English is quite hard to understand on the phone, so I would just arrange to meet him as soon as you can as it's a bit easier in person. He is really nice and extremely helpful. Kimmac - the cross trainer is about the only decent bit of kit in the gym (the treadmills look OK too). The gym is in the building marked as 'Al Messilah Nursery School' - just the other side of the tennis courts to the squash courts. A coffee once we've all moved in would be lovely :) We're at 103 Sunset.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 22:58
There are some more as well (copied and pasted from an email my husband sent me about it): First ring 123, choose your language, and follow the voice prompts. Once that’s done and you’ve hung up, type in the following codes (removing the square brackets) **67*124[mobilenumber'># CALL (sends calls to voicemail if you reject it / you’re engaged) **61*124[mobilenumber'>**[X'># CALL (sends calls to voicemail if you don’t answer, where X = number of seconds to ring before going to vmail, in divisions of 10 seconds) **62*124[mobilenumber'># CALL (sends calls to voicemail if your phone is out of reach or switched off)
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 13:35
Thanks all, just to update: We got the man recommended by veelynn out, but he quoted QR9,500! Got him down to QR6,500, but only with a compromise on materials (and a couple of the materials were already poorer quality than I had chosen before). The original man is now doing our curtains for a price of QR6,000 all in - ouch! However, he is replacing all the rails for us for free - I think he had the same concerns as Hyacinth has quoted! Can't wait to see you both on Al Messilah - we will be moving in just as soon as our container is released from customs :) By the way, have either of you tried the Al Messilah gym yet? I went on Monday and was hugely disappointed with it - the equipment is **** and really bad ergonomically. It is badly maintained and you can't perform smooth movements on the weights machines or the bicycle. One of the weights machines is labelled as being for abductors/adductors, but it isn't the same machine as indicated on the sticker! The blokes who use the gym leave their freeweights all over the floor or leaning against the machines and they are too heavy for me to sort out (I use freeweights as part of my routine, but couldn't even lift the ones they had left lying around in order to change the weights on them). I was pretty disgusted with the state it was in. That's my only complaint though - I adore the compound!
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 22:28
I came over approximately 2 months after my husband, but only because we were tied to a house tenancy back in the UK and I also wanted to stay working until they paid me my bonus. I'm not sure I could have coped with 6 months! 2 months was good though - it gave me time to sort everything out such as selling our cars, so DH went off without having to worry about things too much. DH had no luck whatsoever in negotiating with his employers, but you could try and ask for more housing allowance - I would want 15k ideally if I had a child. Those 7k apartments you have seen, I would hazard a guess, might be in the old part of town (e.g. airport area) and quite a trek from West Bay, but I am sure I will be corrected on that if I am wrong! I think apartments in some of the nicer compounds nearer to West Bay are about 11k or more for a 2-bed. You can get a 2-bed in the zig zag towers for about 12k I think. If you have a furniture allowance, could you not spend that on shipping instead? It would easily cover the costs of shipping a 20ft container from England, and I imagine it would be cheaper from Portugal. I'm not sure what the word 'allotment' means in this context, so I can't comment on that specifically (is it an American word?). IF (a big IF I know) you have savings, it doesn't really matter when they pay the furniture allowance etc - we have had to dip into our savings quite considerably in order to move out here, but we intend to pay it all back once we are settled. With regards to the beds etc, they are just rock hard (so is the sofa) and it actually gave me back problems after a week of being here. We bought a mattress topper for about £150 and it's much better now. I don't know what beds in Portugal are like, but I know some European countries have hard beds too, we are just big softies in Britain! By the way, there is some hope on the horizon that an IKEA is opening here next year, but don't hold your breath :D
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 16:14
Hi Snowflake and welcome! Don't worry, we've all worried about similar things. With regards to pre-school, I don't have any children myself, but my friend has expressed concerns that her daughter isn't talking enough English at her pre-school because there are so many nationalities there, so I don't think it should be a huge concern. With regards to housing, we were given an allowance of 12k. When we first arrived, we took out a short-term let on an apartment in Al Rabban tower http://www.alrabbantower.com/ which is 12.5k per month fully furnished. The furnishings are OK, but the beds and sofa are very uncomfortable and the kitchen equipment is pretty **** - I can't wait for our shipment to arrive next week! I started looking for houses about 3-4 weeks ago and we looked at a few compounds before taking the 4th or 5th house we saw, which we fell in love with. We could have had it straight away, but we took it from April 1st (although they actually gave us the keys earlier than that). We still haven't moved in yet as our shipment isn't due to arrive until Wednesday, so we're paying rent on 2 places at the moment. It is much better to view compounds in person, as estate agents aren't so great at email/internet, and you can avoid agents' fees by going direct. That is why I think our strategy of taking out temporary accomodation when we first arrived was a good one. Our 3-bed in a compound is costing 14.5k, which is more than our housing allowance, but worth the extra as the compound is really well maintained and peaceful, and in a good location. We didn't want to live in an apartment, so I don't know how much they are, but I don't think you could find a nice one for 9k- I think you would probably have to look at 12k minimum, especially if your husband needs to commute to West Bay. I have heard, but I don't know if it's true, that rents are higher for apartments than villas - perhaps because there are lots of shiny and new apartments being built everywhere. I think you would find it easy to get a part time job here - I have already been offered one in a school, but turned it down as I don't want to work yet (and that was without trying!). My friend is a supply teacher, so maybe you could consider doing that? With regards to what you should ship over, well, originally we planned to sell all of our furniture except for our sofas and an old dresser we have (and love). We wanted to bring them to Qatar so that we would have something to make us feel at home. Also, I was told that the furniture out here was awful (and it generally is!). So, we had quotes from various shipping companies, all of whom said we would need a 20ft container for those items plus all of our personal belongings (books, clothes, etc). However, we would only fill the container to just over half-full. So I asked the shipping company how much it would cost to fill it completely - they said it would be just £100 more. That changed everything, and we decided to bring out as much stuff as we could - i.e. all of our personal belongings (including bikes, tools etc). I also spent about £2,000 in IKEA to fill the shipping container! I am SO glad we did that. Qatar is home now and we want it to feel like home, plus the furniture out here really is ****/tasteless or expensive. The ladies on here were SO helpful in helping me decide what to bring, and for that I am eternally grateful - I can't wait for all of our stuff to arrive next week, as I have missed everything from comfortable sofas through to garlic presses and nice big mugs!
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 12:44
Thanks. It was a bit of a struggle to communicate (the man I dealt with was arabic) but he came out this morning. He is struggling to match the hot pink I fell in love with from 1st man's samples, so he's coming back later with another sample book. Also he only had polyester samples with him and I wanted silk for one of the rooms (probably why my 1st quote was high I admit!) so I'll see what he comes up with later. Thanks for the rec, it's great to have another quote to compare with :)
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 12:38
Shaniqua does she use cloth strips? Elma cream sounds great, but not sure I trust things which don't have a license in the UK! Plus, a good therapist will do a painless Brazilian anyway if she uses the right wax.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 12:07
I think some places use the term 'Brazilian' for Hollywood. I have the Bliss Spa menu in front of me and their menu says 'bikini wax', 'in-betweeny' and 'Brazilian - everything off' so I presume that the 'in-betweeny' is the Brazilian equivalent, and the 'Brazilian' is actually a Hollywood! I need to get mine done soon, but have been putting it off as had some really bad experiences in England and ended up being very loyal to a salon in Oxford even after I moved am hour away from it! The girls were French and not at all shy and v thorough and I find it hard to trust anyone else! I am going to give Bliss a go - they do at least use the special wax which dries on like playdough and is then pulled off by hand - this is much better than strip wax for sensitive areas. Bliss is in the W Hotel by the way.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 19:56
Thank you hbs, that's really helpful. I do want someone to come out to the house though, as I don't really know what to ask for (I know that sounds thick....I'm not very au fait with curtains!). We have these weird triple rails already fitted and I'm not sure how best to use them. So, veelyn, thank you times a million - I will give him a ring tomorrow. How is his English? I've been having real problems understanding the man I had the quote from before.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 12:25
I got my RP within 24 hours of fingerprinting, but then DH's company are very efficient and the whole process took less than 2 weeks start to finish.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 12:22
Is it the one I think it is (opposite Al Rabban tower, which is where we are living temporarily until our shipment arrives)? If so, hubby thinks it is managed by the same company who manage Al Jazi gardens, which bodes well. The location is great as well - we love being able to walk to City Centre. However, the noise from the neighbouring building site is really bothering us at the moment - it never stops and is especially noticeable during the night. I am really sensitive to noise, although hubby isn't and he's been saying in the past couple of weeks that it's been bothering him too. Also there is another construction site next door which will probably start up again once the other one finishes. If you were on the other side of the tower (Dunes hotel) I don't think it would be such an issue. The prices sound fantastic - we're paying 12.5k for fully furnished in Al Rabban, but the sofas and beds are really uncomfortable.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 20:07
What's the difference between QPoints and QMiles?
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 19:55
I was aware of the Exxon Mobil exodus when I tried to haggle at Al Jazi, but it didn't seem to be a worry for them. However, we needed somewhere by April 11th, and I don't think the Exxon people are going just yet, so it's definitely worth trying them again and seeing if you can get a better deal on the back of it.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 18:10
I've just re-read your thread, and you seem to be in exactly the same position as I was in by the way :) We were looking to get as close to West Bay as possible for hubby's work. We started off looking at Al Jazi, which looks beautiful. I called in to see them and the best they could offer was a 4-bed at 22k. I asked him if he could get below 20k, and he said he could only offer me a 3-bed at that price, but there weren't any available. It is a lovely compound and very close to West Bay and Landmark, with good access to the Pearl, so if your budget stretched to around 18k I reckon you could bag a 3-bedder there with a bit of haggling. We then looked at a few compounds further out (e.g. Landmark area, and Villagio) but we didn't really like the newer villas - they were too big for us and the build quality wasn't great and there were too many building projects going on near them. I went and asked in Al Messilah (which you have mentioned further down in your thread) and I got lucky, managing to snap up a 3-bed which had just been vacated. I managed to get it for 14.5k, which is more than our housing budget, but we considered the extra to be worth paying, as it's such a lovely and quiet compound and they are really hot on maintenance. It's also as close as we could get to West Bay without paying in the region of 20k. Yes, the villas do seem quite dated, but they absolutely gutted our one when the last people moved out and are busy re-decorating it for our arrival (and we didn't ask them to do this - I think they must do it as standard). Actually I quite like the kitschness of it! Could you not do what my husband did, and rent an apartment in West Bay until you have found somewhere more permanent? It certainly took the stress out of things while our shipment arrives from the UK. We are in Al Rabban tower and pay 12.5k for a massive 2-bedder, fully furnished. I can't wait to move into our villa next week, but this apartment has been great for settling in, as I have been able to walk to the mall etc very easily. They were very flexible on the lease period - I think we'll have had it for just under 3 months by the time we move out.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 13:13
Thanks Blini. Where did you get your pots from, and did you use potting compost? Also where did you get the seeds from? I took a look in the Omani souk and neighbouring plant shops yesterday, but I was too scared to go in on my own as it looked very male dominated! Does anyone fancy coming with me one day? Flowers and veg mixed together is getting quite trendy now in the UK - apparently it's a greener way of gardening as certain flowers keep bugs away, and there is no reason why veggies can't be decorative too :) There was a programme on last year about a girl who grew random veggies all over her garden among her flowers and shrubs.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 11:01
Carolina, I wouldn't mind some advice actually. We're just about to move into a villa and I have already employed a gardener, as I am beyond terrible with plants - I can kill any plant in my care just by looking at it! He came round the other day and asked me what I'd like and I have no idea! I just want it to look pretty. I don't know which plants grow well out here. I am quite 'green' so I would really love him to focus on species which don't require too much water or fertilisers to grow - as in the UK I would prefer to focus on native plants if at all possible. Do you know any suitable species which I could ask him to plant? Also, we would love to grow our own veg - do you think we would need to put in some raised beds to do this? Can you compost out here? <em>edited by amy77 on 31/03/2011</em>
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 10:58
Email/internet don't seem to be the way to do things in Qatar - you're better off phoning or visiting estate agents direct, I think. Although I did have many email conversations with Vic from Nelson Park Properties before I came over. He was very helpful, although in the end it turned out to be more productive just to drive around various compounds and ask at the gate if any villas were available. That's how we got the villa we're moving into next week, and I think by the sheer good luck of my timing, we managed to jump the waiting list (and this compound doesn't use estate agents anyway).
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 09:57
My friend is the manager of Ronautica on the Pearl and I have one of their leaflets in front of me. The boats listed in the leaflet are all captained, so I don't know if they have any you can drive yourself. Their number is 4495 3894.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 09:27
Ahh OK it kind of makes sense now (I think). We will normally always travel together, as DH doesn't go away for work or anything. He's booking flights for us both today so we can go back home to England in September. Will we both be able to accrue points from the one booking, or would we have to book completely separately to do that?
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 22:59
Thanks Marycatherine, that's great to know :) I will go and book it in person. Is their desk in Arrivals or Departures?
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 17:07
I should add as well that the water chemistry issues apply just as much to gold fish as they do to tropicals. I don't know why it is considered socially acceptable to mistreat goldfish in our culture as opposed to any other animal! The only difference between coldwater fish and tropicals is whether or not they need a heater (or indeed a cooler in this part of the world!).
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 17:04
Hi, I'm just having a browse in here (I normally am in the Qatar forum) and just wanted to say that I have over 20 years' fish keeping experience and I am more than happy to try and help anyone with keeping fish. Please don't take on fishkeeping lightly - when I was 11 I read books on the topic for about 3 months before getting my first tank as there is so much to learn. It is very difficult to keep tropical fish alive without understanding the various water parameters which have to be maintained. Also, with the water being desalinated in this part of the world, it won't be suitable for keeping fish - you will need to buy 'RO' water from the aquatic shops for water changes, or have an RO (reverse osmosis) unit installed at home. Fish do suffer and feel pain if not looked after properly, so I would be more than happy to advise anyone by email if they need any help in getting into the hobby. If you do look after them successfully, they may well live more than 10 years, so please don't take it on lightly. It is a great way to teach science to your children, especially chemistry, so I can really recommend it as a hobby if you have kids of secondary school age. As well as reading up on maintaining the water chemistry, you will also need to read up on the species and make sure they are compatible and of the right size for your tank. As a rule of thumb, the total body lengths of all of the fish as ADULTS when all added together should not exceed the total length of the tank. For cold water fish, which need more oxygen, you should halve this. When you first buy a tank (and this applies to cold water fish too) you will need to get the filter up and running for at least 6 weeks before putting fish in. The filters work through harbouring colonies of 'good bacteria' which break down the fish waste (ammonia) to nitrates. It takes a while for these good bacteria to get started - you can speed up the process by adding household ammonia solution to the water daily, and testing the water to see if the ammonia has started to break down into nitrates yet. If you add fish straight away without doing this, the ammonia levels will spike in the water within days, and the fish will most likely die - this is probably what happened to EmilyG's fish and it's not a very nice way for them to go, as they are basically drowning in their own c r a p. Even if they don't die, they will suffer. Even with a filter, you will still need to change about 20% of the water every 2-4 weeks (or weekly with smaller tanks) as the nitrate levels which eventually build up can also make fish sick. My email is amybambridge at hotmail co uk if you need any help.
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 10:38
I thought someone said on here that IKEA was being built across from Landmark? Oh well,either way, if it turns out to be true then yay! So is this friendship bridge to Bahrain back on again now then?! Seems like a great idea at the moment......
amy77
487
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 17:31
Where is he going to be working? If it's in Qatar Financial Centre, they have their own internal immigration department and the RP gets processed within 10-14 days.
 
 
Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose