amy77

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 11:29

Sorry Catonclan, I usually check in on here on my phone which makes replying and copying/pasting a bit of a faff. The ship is due in on April 11th and we will get our stuff delivered ASAP after that - I will make sure we try and save as many boxes as possible. They do offer an unwrapping and packaging removal service, but I am such a control freak that I would rather do it myself anyway :)

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 11:27

Oh no CC, what's up? Is hubby's company messing you about again? Stay strong x

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 12:54

I would venture that Iran are merely seizing an opportunity (given the West's dilly-dallying over what to do over all of these unrests), rather than having someone in the inside, and I expect that the protestors are protesting off their own backs without any input from Iran (after all, their protests have been ongoing for a while now, not just in 2011). The Iran issue does worry me though, although I am sure many long term expats stuck it out here throughout previous Middle East unrest. <em>edited by amy77 on 17/03/2011</em>

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 11:15

That was quite interesting. I found myself reading it looking for holes to pick in the story, or the usual broadbrush generalisations that the Daily Mail seems to favour. Then, when I got to the end and couldn't disagree with any of it, I found myself questioning my own judgement! Mind you there was a hint of the usual "Islam=fundamentalists" type of scaremongering....

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 10:44

Our boxes are arriving in mid-April (fingers crossed) if you're interested.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 10:43

Thanks Rachel and Lalala, but we've already taken out a lease on a villa in Al Messilah compound. I will see if anyone from hubby's work is looking for temp accomodation though - there are a lot of new starters at the moment and they only get a week in a hotel before they have to look for somewhere of their own.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 20:49

Hi JillMV, Just to re-bump this thread, are you still interested in getting back into swimming again? I could use a buddy if you're still up for it. I met H2O Swimclub at the American School Spring Fair, and they weren't very welcoming to be honest, also asked me to fill in a form on their website which doesn't make sense for someone who wants to join their adults section. I've also tried and failed twice to find the pool at Aspire! I'm still interested in trying to find a club and/or sea swimming and would love to have a swim buddy! Amy

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 11:55

My husband just informed me that the Corniche has been shut. Thinking about it, I guess it is the natural place for any demonstrations to take place anyway. It's where Qataris go to celebrate things like the World Cup, and it also links Government buildings to the financial centre of the country.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 11:53

Well the XC90 is meant to be excellent...and if it's good enough for Jeremy Clarkson! http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article5531208.ece

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 19:11

Thanks Katie :) We don't really need a maid, but I wouldn't mind someone coming in a couple of hours a week just to give the floors a clean. Do you have one who could fit this bill?

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 18:03

Hi ladies, Just wanted to say a massive thank you for your advice. - it was really helpful. We went back this morning and signed the lease at the asking price, as it was too good to miss out on. Really excited about moving there in April :) Amy

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 09:30

Thanks Gina. I did get quite a strong vibe that there would be no point haggling with him, but I'll go and see him later and see what he says. It is a really lovely compound.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 11:15

CCDoha - yes it will be a long drive, and he said the other day that he wouldn't want to live out that way, but now he's in panic mode and has changed his mind....I dunno. I guess the more we go and see the more we can at least get a feel for what's out there anyway, so there's no harm in looking. He absolutely won't compromise on the outdoor space issue (caveman thing of wanting to BBQ I think!) and with the backing of Blini I won't be compromising on the noise thing, so it's going to be a tough search!!!! Where are Kirsty and Phil when you need them?!

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 10:45

Hi guys, I've not been on here much as I've been so busy villa hunting! I got a car yesterday and spent 4-5 hours driving round EVERYWHERE getting to know Doha! I happened to drive past Al Jazi gardens, so I popped in and got them to show me around 3 villas. The reason we were so interested in it is because hubby has heard a rumour that allegedly 130 villas are going to be vacated by one of the oil companies soon, so we thought we might be able to get a good deal. However, I spoke to the lettings manager and he wasn't budging below 22k on a 4-bed. He would have done me a good deal on a 3-bed, but the only ones he had available backed right onto a main road and the noise was quite noticeable. He didn't give any hint at all that he was facing 130 vacancies, so I think that was just a rumour. I don't even think there were 130 villas there! The manager then sent me off to look at a villa in Al Areen Gardens near Landmark, but I wasn't very keen on the living room layout and again it was REALLY noisy. Hubby is starting to panic now (he has a habit of doing this - he's the same with cars! It's why he's **** at haggling!). So I am worried he is going to take the first place he sees next without really thinking about it - he's putting real pressure on me to compromise on the noise thing. Personally, I think we'll be OK - I hope! There's a few weeks left until we need somewhere and I'm sure we will end up finding somewhere nice through word of mouth. Two of our friends live in lovely, peaceful older style villas and pay less than 12k so there must be some out there somewhere! *STOP PRESS* Just checked my emails and hubby has just found out that 12 units are going to become available soon at Al Zuhoor compound near Aspire. We're going to see them tonight apparently!

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 10:33

My husband got his within 10 days, it might have been even less than that. His company are really fantastic though and have their own special internal mini-immigration department.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 15:41

Thanks all. Yep, we will definitely be checking out the proximity of local mosques as part of our criteria! Although by the sounds of it, I am going to have to invest in a pair of earplugs anyway and not let the noise get to me - there are pros and cons to living in a city and noise is one of the cons but there are plenty of pros to weigh up against it. Does anyone know about Al Jazi gardens? Hubby has had some inside info that some villas might be coming up for rent there, and it seems close to West Bay. I've also emailed a couple of people from Qatar Living classifieds, and will give them a ring tomorrow as well when I'm feeling more human again.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 12:33

Thank you, that's fabulous. I will go there tonight when hubby gets home from work.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 12:31

Thanks ladies, that's quicker than I was expecting. Fantastic, I can't wait for it all to arrive and get properly settled in! Let the villa hunting begin....

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 16:25

We're also on the lookout for a 4x4 for me to run around in too. A KIA Sportage or similar would be great. Sorry to butt in on your thread Fabby! We've been to see a couple on QatarLiving and I would also recommend the vehicle inspection place - the 'German car centre' on Salwa Road was recommended to us and we found them to be very helpful (NB they don't just do German cars - in fact most of the cars they were inspecting were Japanese when we went in with a KIA).

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 16:22

To those of you who've tried to volunteer at QAWS, have you been down there to see them in person? I did on Saturday and they seem to have plenty of volunteers to walk the dogs, but I'm sure they would benefit from some help in other areas. If you've seen their 'facilities', you may understand why they maybe don't reply to emails - I was pretty shocked at what a tight budget they are having to run on. The people I met were very friendly, and I fully intend to start helping them out with dog walking as soon as I get a car, and then maybe trying to get know their staff a bit better and seeing if there is anything else I can usefully do for them in the longer term.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 16:18

Hi CC, I'd be up for this :) Hubby has been out here a few weeks and has already bought himself a LR2 which I am told should be OK in the desert, especially as he is a pretty good driver. I've just moved out here and am up for meeting as many people as possible! We do have friends out here who've been out here for a number of years, and we did some dune bashing down to the Inland Sea with them back in 2006 when we came out to visit them, and hubby did a grand job driving, although I chickened out at the time! They have invited us to go again this weekend, but I'd like to go with your group too so that we can meet some new people. When were you thinking of going? I think we've been invited to a brunch this Friday, but I need to check with hubby. Amy

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 15:33

My husband's just had one done at the hospital and he was really impressed - it was much more thorough than English ones and they explained something which has been bugging him for years about one of his eyes. I'm not sure which hospital it was though - his employer arranged it.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 00:42

I'll stick the playing cards in my hand luggage then. Do they really go through your shipped stuff in that much detail? Are they going to open every single box and properly rifle through everything? I'm a bit worried about that, as a large proportion of our boxes is flat-packed IKEA stuff and I don't want them tearing into it and losing all the screws and bits. Also, any tips on how to avoid import tax on the IKEA stuff? Removals men advised me to open and re-seal all the boxes, which I have done, but it still looks brand new, as they're all sellotaped up anyway when you pick them up from IKEA so they don't exactly look any different now.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 21:51

Thanks all, especially ccdoha :D

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 17:09

I'm flying out in 2 weeks to join my husband permanently in Qatar :) Just a quick question - can I bring food with me in my hold luggage on Qatar Airways? I know pork and alcohol are banned, but can I bring things like tea bags and chocolate? Is anything else banned that I need to be aware of? Also, do you know if the shipping company will let us put non-perishable food stuffs into our container? I'm trying really hard to eat as much as I can, but I am going to have pots of spices left over and an unopened bag of rice, among other things.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 02:20

I used to SWEAR by Mitchum, until I discovered Dove Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Cream. It's just as good and the cream is really easy to use. I think it's called Dove Clinical Protection Cream in America. I'm not in Doha yet, so I don't know if you can buy it out there, but it's worth looking out for. In England it comes in a cardboard box. There is a Sure equivalent which is basically identical (same ingredients, same packaging, made by same company) but with a stronger and less feminine scent. Mind you, when I was out in Doha in November I had to make an emergency deodorant purchase and picked up a fairly normal looking Dove stick. As it turned out, it was super strong, despite not being branded as such and when I got it home, I discovered it had the same ingredients as the stuff which is marketed in England as being super strength! It worked really well for me, I was amazed.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 25 January 2011 - 02:17

Wow thanks MonkeyMagic (awesome name by the way!). I cannot wait to come and volunteer, although I have added QAWS on Facebook and am already in love with at least half of your animals....... I am coming out to Doha in early March, and coming to see you at QAWS will be one of the first things I do. See you soon!

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 22:36

Oh blimey......I sent hubby off on an expedition to Homes R Us.....he has sent me pictures. Let's just say that I can see why everyone is so excited about the possibility of an IKEA! But 2015, seriously? They'll have even managed to build the flipping bridge to Bahrain by then! Lol!

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 02:11

aargh, I'm so sick of the beige! and I'm a neutrals kinda girl, million watt lightbulbs wouldn't go amiss. But what I meant really was don't go for cool tones, (blues and cool reds etc) we bought a beautiful taupey/grey coloured couch but it looks really wrong against all the beige. The windows are all tinted to cut the light out so even the daylight becomes beige coloured! Yeah I like beige in England, where we have tiny rooms and cosy cottages, but I am definitely thinking bold colours for Qatar. I'm not sure what sofa covers to get - I was going to go for quite a dark grey actually, and set it off with bold curtains, rugs and cushions - do you think this would work? I want a dark coloured sofa for practical reasons.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 02:10

I would suggest you think colour....lots of it. Everything here is beige. Beige outside and beige inside. Rooms are often dark due to small windows and window coatings to keep the heat out. So you often end up having lights on during the day. Ooh yes, I was definitely thinking colour - I had kind of toyed with the idea anyway for our next house, whether that was England or wherever. As soon as I found out we were moving to Qatar that kind of pushed me into thinking of some really bold colour schemes. I am going for dark furniture, not the plain white stuff we have now (which is great in tiny English rooms but would look horrible and cold in a big white villa). I am also loving the idea of lots of hot colours set off against the dark furniture - hot pinks, oranges, teals etc. I feel like really having some fun with it. (I know it's a risk with the floor colours, but I'm prepared to chance it). The colours will all be in the soft furnishings, so it will be easy to change around. I always find villas in hot countries can look quite cold and clinical, so I want to use lots of colours to make it feel nice and cosy.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 02:06

I am soo jealous of your container! Plain cushion covers (if you are not into sequins and tassles), plain white/black empty pictures frames, art in general, books, a decent vacuum cleaner and a years supply of bags (because you honestly can not buy bags here without huuge hassle and the bagless cleaners don't cope with the dust). If you ship a bed also ship the sheets as the sizes are funny here. The power point plugs here are the same as the UK so any appliances should be good but you can buy that stuff here easily. Plain lamps from Ikea though, houses are dark in general. The more minimalist your taste the more you should bring, any extra space use to bring food! Anything from Ikea sells like hotcakes here so you will have no problem on-selling anything that you don't end up needing. When picking your colours for rugs etc, walls tend to be painted warm whites, creams, beige etc and you will often have peachy terracotta floor tiles to deal with so you might want to go for warmish tones or neutrals. Thank you Kiwi, that's brilliant info. I was thinking that maybe I could get cushion covers made in the souk? I do prefer plain but not sure on colours yet and they're something I can live without for a while I think. Peachy terracotta floor tiles....mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 00:42

Aaaaah charliedog, thank you so, so much for that :) You have totally validated what I was thinking of doing anyway, that's really helpful. I've been looking at rugs and thinking 'should i'? It's so hard without knowing the house I am buying for, but I guess I can bank on them all being pretty big rooms and I will kick myself if I don't bring something I end up really needing. And I guess it would be easy to sell stuff onto other expats if I find it doesn't fit or suit the house?

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 17 January 2011 - 00:29

Haha thanks everyone, but I don't think I will count on IKEA opening any time soon ;) Catonclan, I definitely don't want a furnished villa - I would really prefer to have our own furniture, although white goods would be useful. JillMV - thanks for the useful info, that's really helpful. I will try and get some wardrobes out here and bring them with us.

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 16 January 2011 - 02:16

Hubby and I were only planning on bringing 580 cu ft of stuff with us when we move out to Doha, but the smallest container our chosen shipping company does is 1,000 cu ft - so they've said we can fill the whole thing for just £100 more than their current quote, which is a really good deal. Originally, we were only planning on bringing 3 sofas, a dining table and chairs, a Welsh dresser and a desk and chair (this is all included in our 580 cu ft). We're definitely selling off all our current beds and bedroom furniture before we leave for Doha, as we don't think they will survive another house move. However, now we seem to have an extra 420 cu ft to play with, I am thinking of buying new bedroom and lounge furniture here in England to bring out to Doha with us, so I have a few questions. 1. Is the furniture in Doha really that expensive/naff to make it worth bringing our own stuff out? We are particularly fussy about quality..... 2. Are all the villas the plain white, flexible, spacious dwellings I imagine them to be (with big rooms)? Therefore, if I buy all the stuff I am thinking of, I will definitely be able to find space for it all? 3. Do most villas have built-in wardrobes, or should I include wardrobes in my shopping spree? 4. Does this sound like a reasonable shopping list, and will I be able to fit it all into most 'typical' 3-bed villas? LOUNGE: Coffee table, book case, side table(s), console table for TV. BEDROOM: Super king size bed, 2 x bedside tables, chest(s) of drawers, wardrobe? SPARE ROOM: Not sure if it is worth kitting this out now or leaving it until we get there? Is there anything else I've not thought of which would definitely be worth getting here in the UK before I come out? I figure I may as well make use of the space in the container! Amy edited by amy77 on 16/01/2011 <em>edited by amy77 on 16/01/2011</em>

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 16 January 2011 - 01:59

Aww thanks everyone :) I feel bad for moaning about my 7 week separation when some of you have had to endure months or even years apart. I know it's good that he's got a head start on things, although to be honest none of that stuff really phases me - we have friends out there so I know what we're up against in terms of bureaucracy and I would honestly rather be out there now to help him through it all, especially with him starting his new job tomorrow. Anyway we're not getting a villa until I come out, so all he has to do is find a nice serviced apartment which will see us through the first few weeks - I've given him my list of demands, although I'm not expecting them all to be met given his housing allowance! So I will still have a lot to sort out when I do come out. He seems to have settled in really well - we've chatted on Skype a couple of times and he's been to City Centre mall this morning to sort a few things out, and then over to a friend's for a BBQ this evening. I just wish I was there with him! I cannot wait to come out and throw myself into it all. Oh well, only 6 or 7 weeks to go......

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 00:00

Thanks everyone, especially JillMV for the tips. I would really like to try and set up an outdoor swimming club when I come out - it may be a bit ambitious, but I'm willing to try! Maybe in the more medium term however.... I think an open water swimming session would really appeal to triathletes too, and from what I have read there is quite a big triathlon scene in Dubai, so maybe it could catch on here too? Anyway Aspire and Qmotion definitely seem worth a look in the short term, and Cultural Village. Thank you so much, Amy

487

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 21:19

Oh that's disappointing. Although I can live with men staring as long as they don't do any harm. I would normally swim in a rash vest as well, so that might help on the covering up thing? Anyway I won't go alone - so maybe it will have to be a weekend hobby unless I can set up some sort of club. I have found a Masters club at the American School - is anyone on here a member? http://www.h2oswimclub.com/Masters_Programme.html

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

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