ccdoha | ExpatWoman.com
 

ccdoha

ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 02:22
I agree with nole-if possible, stay behind til he's sorted! Its no fun here for the first few weeks! I came day 1 too and we don't even have kids and I was miserable! Depending on the company, you could be stuck in a villa with no Internet or cable and a pay as you go phone! he might not get that sorted until he gets his RP which could be weeks to get a medical appt. Even If you are eligible for visa on arrival, it is good for 1 month, then only renewable once for another 30 days (which you have to pay for). For whatever reason if hubby doesn't get you transferred to a family visa during that time, you and the kids will be forced to do a visa run! I would only do it if he is working for a big company like an oil & gas company, finance or airline! <em>edited by ccdoha on 01/08/2011</em>
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 02:13
Wow sux you had to go through all of this! I guess I never really noticed moving from the US to the UK and now to here because I moved my apple ID to my UK credit card when we moved to the UK and left it on there when we moved here! I had my apple ID long before my iPad so I don't associate it with the device...as it's used on my MacBook, iPhone, etc...and was not aware that there even was a Qatar iTunes out there!! I can only think that the copyrights associated with all the apple content is linked to where you are "resident", being that if you are resident in Qatar, you shouldn't technically have a Uk cc as it violates the term and conditions on the Uk bank unless it is set up as offshore as teepee has...who knows?!?!? Bummer though! Glad you got it sorted somewhat and at least your findings can be passed on to the next person :-) I notice that if you set up your original apple ID with a US address (which it does not verify) and without a credit card, if you go into the UK apple store later to add you credit card, it allows you to give a US or UK (and a few other countries) billing address, just the shipping address has to be a verifiable UK address. Not sure if that helps anyone with anything?
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 01:06
Ahhhhhhh- don't hate me!! I totally got caught up with stuff today!! Will head over there first thing tomorrow!!!
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2011 - 22:38
55532351 mr hari. He is the guy that has the cleaning company but he seems to know quite a few men. If you don't find anyone else, might be worth calling him...maybe good if you have a picture to show him. Just a thought...
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2011 - 22:30
Not sure but will find out for you tomorrow...I live across the street! They do have a shop that sells milk, bread, etc. Loads of food items and toiletries. Also they have a very very inexpensive dry cleaners! 5 qr to have trousers washed and pressed! Nice pool and spa! So don't worry about him!!! He'll be fabulous! City centre mall is only across the street, about 5 min walk so there is a carrefour there for a full grocery shop and pick up any household items to hold him over til you get here! Here is the number to a professional, reliable driver Prakesh 33 8135 17 in case he gets stuck (40qr to go anywhere basically) tell him to keep it just in case! We will be gone for most of august so if it's a case of leaving a care pkg for him to "borrow" at the front desk til he gets to carrefour - no problem! No one should go through what we did, literally had to walk to carrefour the night we got dropped off to buy sheets, blankets,pillows, towels, coffee mugs, milk, ( no one told us there was a shop across the street at Beverly hills)...makes my blood boil just think about it!!!!!!!!! the worse part was I assumed the company would provide starter stuff and I had my stuff being shipped so now I have all the stuff I shipped plus... <em>edited by ccdoha on 30/07/2011</em>
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2011 - 18:13
I kind of assumed it would start late as things tend to be late or early or longer or shorter depending on who benefits. Besides, I'm pretty sure that I read it stars at the waxing crescent moon and that is now not due til 3aug according goskywatch. Actually 2 aug for the moon, was looking at July. Ooops <em>edited by ccdoha on 31/07/2011</em>
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2011 - 17:27
Sorry for the bump but hoping patron will see
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2011 - 14:27
I have heard 25/hr plus transportation. I would ask what they are expecting and the tell them it is based on the work they do...
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2011 - 14:18
Oh yes - I knew about it before...apparently is part of the ADA (Americans with Disiablities Act) and so airline carriers that fly routes to/from the USA are obliged to comply - thus it is only valid on routes to/from the USA. Just wondering if anyone has any inside/first hand info...
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2011 - 00:24
Sometimes it gets really hard to find the buildings when you are driving and they are close up! Chizz- the directions nd gave below are perfect so he will find it this time:) it looks like it's called something else on googlemaps but just have him look up Salam and it's between salam and the intercon. Maybe point out the French school on the map. He probably doesn't know Salam as most men would not...until they get the cc bill ;) and I have been here 10 mths now and never knew there was an intercon over there and I am only blocks away! I have learned to create and save places/maps in google maps and then you can email the links or grab the coordinates...comes in handy!
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 12:46
Most people (guys) with dh's company have rented sunnys or tildas for around 1600-1700 qr/mth so I'm thinking the civic is a bit more, probably closer to 2000. They've used Petra car rental. I think since they were renting for several months at a time they paid a 1 time ins waiver or deposit.
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 12:38
For those that are new, I just wanted to mention the store skate shack on salwa past decoration r/a. It has bikes, skates, kayaks, etc some stuff teens might like (or might not of liked before but might be willing to like now given the current situation...). I think the kayaks for 2 people started around 4000 qr and would be great at the beach at wakra!
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 01:16
Sorry the others will be better at prices etc as DH is semi govt and we just live where they tell us (basically) and got lucky with this place :) I think everywhere around here is going to have a bit of noise from time to time but I am a very light sleeper too and I'm ok...I do have good ear plugs from the US for the times they are doing something really crazy at night (not often) ~*staring evil eyed out the window towards the Sheraton*~ Loads of people walk along the corniche :)
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 01:02
Went this morning (Thursday) crazy I know, and the signs actually said "closing aug 1 or the first day of Ramadan, whichever comes first" :)
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 00:52
Yes, I got confused, I was thinking of Doha mums I guess...
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 00:49
Sorry just reading this now... First of all, what exactly isn't working and did it ever work? Does iBooks work at all? can you open any books? Try opening a PDF on your iPad to see if iBooks is working if you don't have any books saved on it Do you mean the app store doesn't work? What does it say? Does it let you update or download anything from the app store? I think the others are asking where is your apple ID registered to? I've heard of this being a problem with kindle but haven't heard anything with iTunes but you never know... Do you sync to a PC or a mac?
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 00:35
Patron - what do you mean "provided doc has permission in the system"???? The situation kind of reminds me of someone being on an F1 student visa in the US...you can only work 20 hrs a week on campus, you can appeal but if you try to convince them that you need to work more hours due to financial hardship, they can cancel your student visa (and send you back home) saying you can't afford to go to Uni there in the first place...
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 00:15
I don't know if it's actually "good" for the hair but I think that the "smoothness" of a "silk" pillow case allows your hair to move more thus allowing it "freedom" while you sleep- as opposed to getting mashed down by your head, thus keeping your hair styled the "next day". That's what I have been told ;) <em>edited by ccdoha on 29/07/2011</em>
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 21:40
Definitely a problem! Stock up!
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 July 2011 - 15:31
Ok sorry I don't know the first thing about mussels but I just happen to notice them Ha- just got "mega bucks"
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 July 2011 - 15:24
I live in an apt in west bay and there are loads around us so I'm not sure what you consider "the centre" but this side of town is very central to a ton of things. I am opposite city centre mall and can walk to the 4 Seasons, the W, Kempenski, city centre mall, the Sheraton, corniche, etc. It's probably about 15-20 minutes to drive from the pearl to city centre/grocery store or about 25 min to landmark. The traffic is much more relaxed then some areas of Doha. Our apt has 2 large baconies. Gas bbq's generally aren't safe for balconies but charcoal grills should be fine. We keep our grill down by the pool so anyone can use it.
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 July 2011 - 15:13
I saw mussels in a little box by the caviar and vacuum packed salmon last night at spinneys. Only one box. Not sure if they were vacuum packed though.
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 July 2011 - 15:09
It is very quick and not painful. Just quick little pin pricks About a dozen or so each arm. It is really over before you know it. I have a very low tolerance for pain but I could handle this. Def worth it. In the US it was covered by healt insurance. <em>edited by ccdoha on 26/07/2011</em>
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 July 2011 - 14:31
Yes and no As far as I know they only have this at the Hamad psychiatric hospital next to megamart and you will be hard pressed to get it out of them! I am sure they have it at Hamad for certain circumstances but I was told only at the psychiatric hospital. I have found that it is available on Egypt OTC... FYI - private doctors/psychiatrists/consultants do not have access to it either, already checked. If you want to compare notes... Email me ccdoha @ hotmail. co. uk
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 July 2011 - 10:13
Went yesterday and was a total let down. Very small and more perfume then panties! There were only about 10 different panty styles. There were a couple of lacy things on the shelf in red and black (not exactly signature colours from VS) and then there were "men's style" satin like PJ's but I couldn't help notice that both looked of very poor quality. Oh well!
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 19:01
actually, it said they would validate if you spent over 100 QR so if I want to pop in for something for dinner...I think 50 QR would have been fair!!
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 18:59
I just wanted to revisit this topic and say I had the Brazilian Blow out and it was FABULOUS for about 3 weeks and then start to go down hill. In week 5 it is back to normal to blow dry my hair but it does still last a bit longer than before...just a little as, in the humidity doesn't seem to affect it AS MUCH. The advertised 10-12 weeks is pushing it I think. I purchased all the products, I don't swim and I only wash my hair 2x a week so I don't know what I could have done better :( My friend had it done the same week I did and she had the same result. I'm going back to England next month so I will probably get the blow out that Toni and Guy or RUSH offers to see how it compares... This is not a rant, just wanted to share my experience...if I could afford it every 3-4 weeks...I definitely would get it done over and over because the results were amazing for that short period.
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 10:41
I found this old thread but any updates... http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=140443
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 10:30
I am not sure but if you go to megamart, check by where they keep the splenda next to the health items like the cough drops, bandaids, etc up towards the front near the registers
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 21:13
I think the nursery is closed down...have you looked at Golf Gardens in WBL? It is a little more, I have read 18K but I think the villas are a lot nicer and newer. I can't comment on the atmosphere but they have a nice pool and a convenience store on site. I love being on this side of town!
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 21:08
the woman at glow west bay that does the basic mani is a filipina lady, I think her name is maria but not sure but very sweet!
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 13:54
thanks sissy for all the info, I figured as much about the blood typing because they didn't ask for my paper either...
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 13:44
There is a place upstairs from one of the make up shops in Landmark, I don't think it's above Sephora but might be the other makeup shop, (It was Dec so don't remember) I paid 150 or 165 for a manicure only and it was not very good at all... the tech said to me she couldn't trim my cuticles because I might bleed????? At Glow West Bay I paid 45 for a mani and it was very basic (file and polish) but definitely worth 45. This was before they were set up to do other nail services so you should check them out. I know they have a new girl there that is western (maybe British) doing the shellac and acrylics so I am sure she knows the standard that we would be expecting. I have also had a mani at the medical spa in Villagio the first week I arrived. I asked how much the mani was and they said something like under 100 QR. It was pretty basic, nothing out of the ordinary, then when I paid it was almost double and they explained the polish was extra...
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 10:46
PPL2 This is the guy we worked with and we did not need RP Jasper Baluyut Imports Coordinator Gulf Agency Co. Qatar (W.L.L.) P.O. Box: 6534 Doha State of Qatar Tel : +974 4420 5600 Dir : +974 44205796 Fax : +974 44205601 Email : [email protected]
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 21:11
PL2 - reference the commute - you did mean Al Jazi in West Bay, yes? I don't think it's going to be too bad actually because you are avoiding the "inner city" area...and staying on what I call the "outer rim" of Doha. I used to go from West Bay as far as Madinat Khaifa by going past Al Jazi and then going all the way down Khalifa street and get on the new highway. I used to leave at about 6:15 and get to the new highway ramp in about 15 minutes - that r/a is the problem area and you have to get there before 6:30'ish...I imagine to go to Sherbourne, you go straight through that r/a and I really can't imagine it being that busy heading "away from the city" if you know what I mean...you're commute will be a little bit faster than mine because I used to get held up at the Arch r/a before passing your house from all the traffic coming from the WBL. I can tell you that if I left any later than 6:15 it was a totally different story... Now, the first few weeks of school don't panic about the commute time. Last year, apparently the buses don't start until a few weeks in or something so there are TONS more cars on the roads for a couple weeks and then it gets better :) Hope this helps a little :) <em>edited by ccdoha on 19/07/2011</em>
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 20:52
I'm going to the QPWN event and I am bringing 3 other ladies with me!!!
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 13:31
This is also a good one http://www.sparked.com/
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 13:28
This link explains how to get a police clearance FROM Doha to go back to work in the UK I believe. Also, in that post I believe Sega misunderstood what I was saying...in England specifically, different companies that require a police background check will either ask for a Disclosure Scotland or a CRB check. The Disclosure Scotland has nothing to do with being in Scotland, working in Scotland or being Scottish. As far as I know, it is just the name of the company! My husband worked at Gatwick and he is British and he had to provide a Disclosure Scotland to BAA. He's never even been to Scotland! The CRB check I think is a bit more extensive and it is what schools ask for in England. I also did freelance work in England and they asked for a Disclosure Scotland. http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=139815 :) When I worked in Doha in a school, they asked for a police background check and they said the Disclosure Scotland was fine but it has to be no more than 1 year old. However, I am not sure that school followed all the rules so I am not 100% that it is sufficient for what the OP is needing.
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 13:17
I think Al Jazi is too expensive for most of us!!!! ;) I haven't been to any of the villas but they have a special restaurant at the club house which is convenient.
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 13:15
Thanks SISSY for clarifying this process, is good to know as our company PRO is on holiday for the entire summer as of Thursday! Question...at what point did you give the blood type results and to who. And did you get the letter from DH's work, the one that you attach your photo? I am just curious as I know the normal way to do it having your PRO do everything but I am hoping that us wives can be a little more self sufficient from now on. <em>edited by ccdoha on 20/07/2011</em>
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 23:19
I'm sure others will be more helpful but while your waiting for replies, look up "disclosure Scotland" and "crb check". Those are the things we needed in the Uk when I worked as a teacher and when my DH worked at the airport. Both can be done completely online, however there might be some stipulation that you need to be resident in the Uk. Hth <em>edited by ccdoha on 19/07/2011</em>
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 23:02
After waiting 2 hours only to be sent away due to 1 xray machine down, I would happily pay the 610 qr if you're in a hurry to get anything done. Also - we did not need rp to take shipment. Dh has someone new at work and his appt is aug 8 also and we are semi govt so I think they are just backed up. Sissy - do you mean the family visit visa or the family resident visa? Did you get a stamp in your passport or a full page sticker with your photo? And did you get the plastic ID card? <em>edited by ccdoha on 18/07/2011</em>
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 15:42
I think ginger ale is pretty much an American thing so they probably can only get it from there...
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 15:40
BTW I was at the med comm today and 1 of the ladies xray machines was down so they eventually told us to go home and come back tomorrow for that but so - if you are planning to go tomorrow--I would reschedule because it is going to be busier than normal!
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 15:39
This is the routine for the spouses so I am not sure if the time frame is the same... Go and get his blood typing done now so when he has the medical you can turn in the sheet from the medical and the blood typing to his company at once. It should only take about 3-5 days to get in the system, then the company will give you the paper to sign, attach photo and get finger prints. You cannot get the finger prints until they tell you everything is in the system and they give you the paper. Once you get the finger prints you turn in the paper that is signed and photo attached and hand in passport and it should be back 1-2 days.
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 13:41
You should be able to go to the garmin www and see if there is a software you need to load to your computer to then load maps on to the gps. Either way, it will tell you how to load downloaded maps (regardless of where you got them from). I don't download pir@ted stuff (too much hassle when it goes wrong) but you could probably just google "garmin maps"...or look on a site like pir@tebay. You will have to have the cable that goes from your Garmin to the computer and it will probably need to be plugged into a power source as well, once I had to sit in the car, in the driveway, with the laptop, using the wifi because I was too cheap to go buy the power cable for the Magellan I used to have. My magellan also required a sd card with so much space on it.
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 13:33
Thanks :) What about an 11 YO boy? Do we take him to the medical commission? If so, can he go to the ladies side?
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 16:08
I think in the USA, Fat Tuesday marks the last day of the mardi gras celebrations which means it's the last day to indulge before lent...food or otherwise ;) Thanks for the BD wishes :)
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 16:04
I have only found OB and the Boots store brand. :(
ccdoha
697
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 00:33
I didn't know anything about the eggs??? Not that I am aware of except a lot more shopping done in view of the extra family celebratory meals for the breaking of the fast, etc. As opposed to Fat Tuesday, Fat Chance, I'm afraid :(! *Should have added that I am unaware of any food which should not be consumed during Ramadan, i.e. the point of Fat Tuesday being to clear all eggs prior to Ash Wednesday. edited by Baffled on 15/07/2011
 
 
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