CSH | ExpatWoman.com
 

CSH

CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 February 2016 - 09:44
Century Tailors, next to Bombay Silk - just along from the Jaidah Flyover is good. There are a number of tailors along the B Ring road. If you want fabrics, go to the material souk (Souk Al-Asieri) or there is another one opposite Al-Rawnaq which has fantastic evening materials. There are some tailors in the material souk as well, fine for everyday stuff.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 February 2016 - 09:41
I would definitely go to the Hamad. They have all the facilities/specialist equipment etc. Don't expect any bedside manner you would get at home, but they will look after you. There is always the possibility that if you go to a private hospital, if they can't treat the newborn baby for something they will transfer the baby to the Hamad, but not the mother. The Hamad have experience of delivering thousands of babies every year. Good luck!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 19:54
Dr Adnan - his clinic is just down the road from Landmark (as if you are driving towards Duhail). Private clinic. Will do 3D scan whenever you want - so long as you pay! Very nice guy and is open about choices for delivery - won't push you towards private because he also rates a number of the Hamad doctors.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 19:51
The only thing I would not bring is a thick coat or boots. Otherwise you use all the usual clothing and footwear. If you don't bring it they will only grow out of it! Also, you do need some things for when you go home - leaving Heathrow Airport in December is a bit chilly!! My kids wear sweatshirts and jeans in the winter with trainers otherwise it is shorts and t-shirts with flip flops. Happy packing!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 19:34
I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned the BCG vaccination? I know it is compulsory at some schools here. Babies are given it within a few days of birth here as well as the Hep one. I have used the Vaccination Unit mentioned by Jill - nice queuing system! One problem I had was I needed written confirmation that my son didn't need the chickenpox vaccination as he had had the disease when little. So they did the test at the unit - all fine. Went to collect the confirmation and was told that I had to collect the piece of paper over at the Hamad Medical Council office as they wouldn't print the results there!!! It was a Doha day!! Emotive debate here about vaccinations - personally, I think there are so many germs and bugs here already, that vaccinating against some of them is a good thing.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 22:32
About a year ago we stayed at the W hotel. It was to celebrate a birthday. When they knew it was a special occasion they upgraded us to a corner suite which entitled us to use the extra lounge bar. They even bought deserts to the room later on! Had a great time!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 19:52
It was the expensive done. Jason Vale recommends it in his books. Worth the extra money.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 19:50
Landmark c4. It wasn't displayed at the top but the assistant showed me it as it was stacked on the bottom shelf!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 August 2013 - 17:42
I have just bought a Babyliss one in Carrefour this week. They said it was new in?! It is very good.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 August 2013 - 17:39
I have a Phillips juicer which I bought in Carrefour a while a go. I would thoroughly recommend it. Easy to use and you can put the bits in the dishwasher. It isn't worth getting a cheap juicer. You get what you pay for in my experience.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 June 2013 - 15:07
It's funny you should mention Carrefour as I bought some of the nicest figs and nuts there last week - just in the regular nuts and spices section
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 20:54
I would agree that Regency are good. We have used them for a number of years off and on and they are always reliable. Their prices are competitive as well.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 16:56
A few weeks ago a cashier at C4 put the wrong amount into the card machine (500 riyals more. Luckily I did notice so he changed it. I think it was an honest mistake but since then I have checked the card machines everywhere more carefully!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 April 2013 - 16:04
When we did this (and it was a few years ago now) it was the present sponsor who had to complete the transfer papers, not us. We had to supply paperwork (such as RP, passports, marriage certificate etc. If the maid is here already I don't think there will be a problem. It is new maids coming in from the Philippines where the problem lies as I understand it.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 12:09
Blue Salon - why didn't I think of that! Obvious now you mention it! I did look at the Smythson website as their stuff is lovely. May go back there if Blue Salon don't deliver. Thanks so much for replying!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 12:07
I'm not sure QA want to hear complaints! I complained by phone and by on board questionnaire when my original flight was cancelled with 12 hours notice, my children weren't sat next to be despite being assured they would be and not getting requested meals (all on one trip!) I never heard a thing. I think the QA head office is the best bet as friends of mine sorted out Privilege Club issues there. Another gripe.....why are Doha passengers always charged so much more compared to those flying onto other destinations?? I can't get my head around the fact it is cheaper to fly Heathrow-Doha-Dubai and then fly back to Doha than it is to fly direct to Doha!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 14:22
Thanks so much for your ideas! Found one in Mont Blanc (way too expensive!) and another in Dunhill. Debenhams a much better bet! I did discover that Caroline Herrera (sp?) does have a few nice gift ideas for men as well. Very helpfully Louis Vuitton suggested that I could have one custom made, but it would take six months to come.....shame!! Didn't ask the price on that one!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 18:48
Like so many people I had been eagerly awaiting IKEA opening....how long have we been waiting??!! But I was so disappointed to find that many things I wanted to buy were already out of stock! I didn't want to go in the first week as I knew it would be busy, but I wasn't anticipating empty shelves. I asked the staff why the stock was so low and they said they had been overwhelmed by the response. I could have predicted that!! The management obviously hadn't done their homework.....oh well, having waiting this long I guess another month or so won't matter. The old saying `buy it while you see it' in Doha is still relevant in IKEA. Shame.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 18:08
Whilst most expats do use the Al Alhi and Doha Clinic for pregnancy because they want their husbands with them, do not rule out the Hamad Hospital. It is the public hospital and has up to 17,000 births every year. So they are experienced and have all the equipment should anything go wrong. They do not try and fleece your insurance for every penny! If it is not your first child, then you would be fine. I had a baby there and it was the best delivery I had out of three. I can't help with compounds, but the Pearl may not be the best with small childre - no parks and lots of water! I would look for a villa near the school you like - save the driving and awful traffic. Some of the older compounds are better, more spacious and have a garden already! Good luck!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 18:01
What about the Aquapark? You would need a driver as it is about 20-25 km outside Doha, but it would be a daytrip and probably just right for your age range. My kids like it. It isn't as good as Wild Wadi etc but fun as a day out! Katara is quite pricey but it has lots to do and is clean and of course in Doha. Indoors there are also things like Jungle Zone which they may enjoy if they have never been there and of course Gondolonia in Villagio is always a hit - especially the the trampolines! The Ceramic Cafe is popular at The Mall, have a meal and paint a pottery model which you collect a fewe days later when glazed. There is always ten pin bowling (National Bowling Centre near the old British Embassy) is good, better than the Malls - so you should be able to keep them busy! Have fun!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 20:31
I have a juicer which I use everyday. I don't know if it is the type you want but it is a Phillips juicer which I bought in Carrefour. It came recommended and it has been brilliant. I have had it for three years now and it has been used a lot. It makes great juice. It is a bit pricey but I think you get what you pay for when it comes to juicers!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 February 2013 - 16:36
The Grand Hyatt is really nice with kids - good beach and pool. Plenty of food options, handy for Lagoona mall and City Center and the Pearl.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 18:27
I bought some minced beef at C4 a while ago - when I used it the next day it was clearly rancid. I took it back to show the manager of the butchers' section and he couldn't have been less interested. To my knowledge c4 have had their meat section shut down twice for unhygenic standards, so your story does not surprise me. Sloppy practice and disinterest in customers is a recipe for disaster. I don't buy meat or deli produce from C4 for this reason.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 16:36
I don't think it affects housemaids here (present contracts). When the housemaid goes on leave she has to get a stamp in her passport and a contract filled in from you, so that she can return easily. If she doesn't get that, she can't get back.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 19:39
Just a word of warning about the road. They are upgrading the road from the Emir's palace to Shahaniya so there are lots of roadworks/diversions (all clearly signed). There is a new speed limit which it is worth sticking too as there are speed cameras and lots of idiot drivers......
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 19:17
Did you go to Jarir in Al Rayaan or Jarir at the Ramada lights? I was at the Al Rayaan shop a couple of weeks ago and they had quite a few kids books (Well, it is all relative!)
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 18:45
I saw it in Villagio last week - it was great!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 19:57
My maid has the same thing. She flies to Manila and then gets a plane to the far south. What I do is book her a flight to Manila (usually direct as I feel she has so far to travel anyway). Then I look up the cost of the local flight on the net (easy to do) and give her the equivalent in riyals. She then gets the local flight booked by a family member. I have done this a few times and it works well. It means she gets the flight she wants and you don't have to get involved. She usually gets to Manila a day or so earlier and stays with `friends, cousins..' in order to make sure she is there for the return flight to Qatar.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 16:53
I seem to remember that there was a stampede when the Jeddah Ikea opened and three people died..... I have waited so long for Ikea that a few more months really isn't a big deal......HomeCentre must be pleased!!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 January 2013 - 15:10
As well as the huge issues regarding laws and rights for expats - which are ever changing - with global warming the Pearl maybe a little bit under water!! Or with the poor quality of the build will they still be standing in 10 years!!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 January 2013 - 15:07
The Ramada hairdresser (well, the Radisson Blu now!) Tariq is very good. Reasaonable and good.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 22:14
C4, Dean and Deluca and MM stock the German rye bread which I buy. It keeps for ages in the fridge.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 22:12
I have bought spirulina from GNC quite recently. I have also bought wheatgrass capsules there as well. There used to be a booth in Villagio which was GNC - has it moved to somewhere else in the same mall? The main shop is in CityCenter. I have also aramexed in some things from amazon and they have arrived safely as well (but it is expensive!) The staff in GNC are usually helpful.There used to be a diet and fitness shop opposite Al Alhi hospital but I don't know if that is still there.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 17:57
If you don't have any luck in Debenhams I would look in Bhs in Landmark. They have plain sheets and some more western styles. Also, The One has lovely sheets etc - bit more pricey (in Landmark or Villagio.)
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 12:32
Pirelli is pretty good. They have a shop just on the left after the Jaidah flyover (if you are coming from The Centre). They can do it while you wait. We have had our tires done there for many years and always had good results.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 12:18
Glad to hear you found it ok! Yes, the track is long - over 8km I think. It is fully floodlit all night as well!! If you show an interest in the camels most people will be happy to let you talk to them, walk around and look at their camels. Yes, females do get lots of attention! There is also an Al-Meera in Shahaniya on the other side of the main road, should you need snacks, drinks, emergency supplies!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 12:18
Glad to hear you found it ok! Yes, the track is long - over 8km I think. It is fully floodlit all night as well!! If you show an interest in the camels most people will be happy to let you talk to them, walk around and look at their camels. Yes, females do get lots of attention! There is also an Al-Meera in Shahaniya on the other side of the main road, should you need snacks, drinks, emergency supplies!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 11:53
I have found some fairly nice` prints in Homecentre in the picture section which my teenagers liked. It may be worth a look. Or get some photos printed off and put them in large cheap frames? You can get large photos printed off fairly quickly in the malls, while you wait.'
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 18:45
There is also a shop just by the immigration roundabout (under the D ring). If you are coming from Education City take the slip road for the D ring to the right. Instead of getting on the D ring take the slip before for the shops. It is just past a shop called Tamima. You can park outside.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 18:45
There is also a shop just by the immigration roundabout (under the D ring). If you are coming from Education City take the slip road for the D ring to the right. Instead of getting on the D ring take the slip before for the shops. It is just past a shop called Tamima. You can park outside.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 18:45
There is also a shop just by the immigration roundabout (under the D ring). If you are coming from Education City take the slip road for the D ring to the right. Instead of getting on the D ring take the slip before for the shops. It is just past a shop called Tamima. You can park outside.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 16:03
To get to the camel race track you need to drive to Shahaniya. Coming from Education City drive straight past the convention centre (on your right) and keep going straight. When you get to the final roundabout (called Bani Hajer, it has a Teyseer petrol station on it) go straight on again and you are on the Dukhan road. It is a dual carriageway but there are roadworks so take care. Drive for about 15-20 minutes, past the Emir's palace, past the Al-Rayaan stadium (big roundabout) and then you will see a right turn slip road which is signposted Camel Race Track. Take the exit and at the roundabout go right. Follow the signs to the track. Even if you don't see any racing you will see lots of camels. Early in the morning is best. You can drive around the camel areas easily and stop and look. There is a new woqod petrol station at Shahaniya now if you want petrol, drinks, snacks etc so you don't have to go into Shahaniya itself . It is by the main road as you turn off from Doha.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 11:09
Sorry if I misled you - I think there is a closing date for applications which will be in February 2013 for a place in September 2013. That was what happened last year but then again nothing is always the same here! The website will advertise the application process and closing dates, so it will be worth following that.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 18:37
The Qatar Music Academy is excellent (based at Katara Cultual Village). However, it is over-subscribed. They do auditions for all children each year and then offer places. You had to apply for a place by the end of February last year - I think. The audtions were in May/June. They do have teachers trained in the Suzuki method. There are other independent teachers and the music school mentioned already. For more info about the QMA see their website.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 07:30
If the money you are referring to is the agency's fee, then no you don't pay it. The person who contracts the agency to bring in the maid pays that fee. Once the maid is here the agency aren't interested! What happened with us was that the family who had brought in our maid decided to leave after only three months. So we came to a personal agreement and paid them some of the costs as it seemed only fair. There was a small cost for the transfer papers but it was minimal (100 QR?) I can't remember exactly. We were lucky being able to do that. Finding a good maid to transfer is not easy. Good luck in your hunt!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 19:38
I don't know if this is any help, but when we did this a number of years ago, it was the sponsor of the maid who had to do all the paperwork. So in theory you don't do it or go to immigration. Whoever is her sponsor now has to do the paperwork and take your details with him. This may be why you couldn't get anywhere with the paperwork?
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 16:46
Our maid has it in her room. She organised it through a place in the souk and pays a monthly fee (I don't pay that, I only paid the set up fee). I think it is really nice for them to have this. Our maid had been with us a couple of years before she asked for it. Sorry I don't know the place she went, but I am sure if your maid asked on the Philipino grapevine she would find out quickly.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 16:40
You pay on arrival by card, not cash. So you need a credit card handy.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 22:18
Sadly things do happen. However, when it has happened (husband passes away) in my husband's company, it has been the company who has bent over backwards to facilitate the repatriation of the remaining family and sorted out all the money. I have never heard (muslim or non-muslim) of children being put into orphanages etc. I guess it depends on who you work for to a certain extent and the back-up they provide.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 22:11
I know some people get around the rules because they are on annual or two year contracts so can say they still qualify for uni fees. I know a friend has been in touch with some unis and they aren't really bothered. I think it is all a bit of a lottery. In some areas if you have a house and pay council tax you can use that address and apply and that's ok as well. In others it isn't! Regarding children returning, I believe that after the age of 18 for boys you need visitor's visas but it is later for girls - 21 maybe? It should be on the MOI website. But visitor's visas aren't a problem from the UK. I think you best bet is be prepared to pay the full fees - the upside being that often the application is seen as more favourable as the student is paying more and is more likely to get a place!
 
 
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