CSH | ExpatWoman.com
 

CSH

CSH
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 16:44
Can you give some more detailed directions - I can't picture where it is and would like to try it. Thanks
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 16:49
I think it was called the `Jive' stroller. It was really cheap. It was literally the most basic umbrella one. It had a little net basket underneath. I actually bought a hood for it with a rain cover when I was in the UK as it rains so much there! It did recline though which was very handy. If you go on the Mothercare website and have a browse it might be more useful than the shop assistant - they do sometimes give more detail about the buggies. I ended up using my so much. It was left permanently in the car as a shopping buggy as my baby got older and I used the `proper' one for longer walks etc. That way I was never without a buggy when I wanted to pop to the shops. Nothing more annoying than getting to the mall and realising you have no buggy.....
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 17:51
Personally I think it will depend on the airline. I took a light weight travel buggy (from Mothercare) on the with BA and they were fine about it. I have also done this with QA once - another time they stopped me! Who knows what the rule is! If you can't get a Zapp the Mothercare one is good - mine lasted many journeys and in the end I passed it on!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 22:49
I am so sorry this has happened to you. I know exactly how you feel. This happened to me when I flew QA from Doha to London when my baby was four months old. The first thing I did was advise them at the airport. They tracked it. I also contacted QA direct in London with my baggage ref number - all by phone. I got the bag back in three days. It had all my baby stuff in as well. Mind you I was very upset and just kept ringing until they were sick of hearing from me! If I were you I would get the phone number off the website for QA Doha and ring until you get an answer. Don' t be fobbed off. They have a very good tracking system and will courier it to you free of charge. I would also ring Vienna QA direct as they were the check-in departure point. Ringing is best. Good luck - I am sure you will get it back. QA are usually pretty good.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 18:27
Download off the internet - try Vuze. There are others. Costs nothing. I watched all of D Abbey the day or second day after it aired!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 18:25
Ask in Bombay Silk - they alter lots of women's dresses and make up the saris.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 18:22
My heart goes out to you. I am sure there will be people who can be of help in some way via this forum. My only thought was that you could contact a local church or religious centre etc.. I know that the vicar/priest of any church would be able and willing to put you in touch with someone here even if you are not part of their church here.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 19:54
We use Doha Bank and HSBC and have found both to be fine. The advantage with HSBC is that if you have an HSBC account in the UK or Jersey it is easy to send money back via the internet and it is instant. Sending back via Doha Bank isn't so easy. i know there have been lots of complaints about HSBC but after quite a few years here we are happy with them - we must have been lucky!!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 19:49
My husband went down this route a few years ago. When he went to the doctor to ask how to get a referral etc the doctor didn't know what he was talking about.....my husband had to spell out what he wanted. That didn't fill him with much faith! However, with my `encouragement' he went to the Hamad clutching his referral letter. He sat for 4 hours waiting to be seen. When he did see the consultant he was told that they didn't do many because there was not much local requirement. Again he was not filled with confidence! Having spent 4 hours waiting on a plastic chair he decided he was more in need of an orthopedic doctor......so.....with further `encouragement' he then went to a local clinic back in the UK where he was in and out in 40 minutes. The Hamad doctor actually advised him to have it done at home as they completed more ops in the UK than here! Later he had to then sent his `sample' back to the Uk in the post to check it had worked! All was well! Phew! So from our experience, wait til you go home!!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 18:45
City Centre may be a pain for parking but you can make one stop! They have Lakeland, Tavola and Table Arts so you are bound to get one! Also they have just begun the shuttle bus to CC from two office blocks, which is free. All the signs are up now.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 16:44
This is really tricky! Over the years I have found different teachers for my kids, but it has been a headache. The Qatar Music Academy have been a saviour (however, they are over subscribed). I would recommend you find the ABRSM website and contact the local rep who may be able to give you a list of local piano teachers. Alternatively contact some schools through the music department and ask who they use.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 16:34
Dr Riad at the Hamad Hospital. He is very experienced.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 16:23
You can never tell how long you will be here! You never know what is around the next corner. I have seen lots of people who wanted to leave and some who didn't! I can't believe we are about to start our 9th year....where did all that time go??! Nothing stays the same here for long, so I guess it makes it more interesting to live and work here.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 18:15
I bought a SportsArt treadmill from Sports Corner about three years ago. It is excellent. I went to the shop at the top of City Centre. I would recommend them because if you have a problem with it they have their own workshop. I had to have the belt replaced and they were really efficient. I rang the workshop, got an appointment, they turned up on time and completed the work without an issue. Miracle! Out treadmill is used a lot by myself and my husband and my elder son.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 20:56
I don't know about the number plates but when I have been to get the car checked for its annual check in the industrial area I am always in and out. They can't get rid of me quick enough! I have the car registered in my name for that very reason!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 20:53
I did try the online way when it first started and it was useless. I ended up going back to the old system which does work. You can renew at the main post office as well. However, my favourite is Rumeilha hospital - quick and easy. Just did mine last week. In and out in 10 minutes. Even though we have private insurance I have always had the health cards; they are necessary if you need a referral to the Hamad, whatever the department. They have tightened up on it considerably. I f you have a housemaid it is worth getting a health card for her as well.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 April 2012 - 08:54
When you get there ask what the gold price is for that day - it changes daily. If you fancy and item ask them to weigh it and give a price. Then haggle a lot. Gold is really expensive at the moment. I think it has trebled in 8 years. So the heavier the item, the more you will pay. Take care if buying diamonds or gems that you go to reputable seller.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 April 2012 - 08:48
It all depends on how long you think you will be here I think. Personally I shipped all my kids' toys, bikes, personal items and kitchen items. We put our furniture into storage at home and paid a fortune for it. Three years later we got it out and thought `why did we store that' or it looked a bit tatty or outdated. In the end we sold most of it. As others have said furniture shopping here is a trial. It is expensive and you end up buying things you don't really like, but they are the best of a bad bunch. Oh and the furniture doesn't last here. Especially if you have kids jumping on their beds. So if I had to do it again, I would definitely ship all kitchen items and toys and key bits of furniture. Not only is shopping expensive here, when you first arrive dragging kids around furniture shops is pure torture! You have so much esle to do!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 16:55
The easiest way to find the best materials is go to Al Rawnaq in the souk area. WIth your back to Al Rawnaq look across the road and you will see the entrance to the material souk/abayas shops. They have great material. Also there is souk Al-Asiery which is the grey and maroon building on the corner - they have lots of material but more every day stuff. Bombay Silk is great. Also opposite souk Al-Asiery is a shop called Al Dana which is just like Bombay silk so you could try them as well. Don't forget to haggle - especially as you will be buying a lot of material!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 17:32
We have had two of the C4 gazebos. They are ok but you do have to secure them. We attached a rope to ours and secured it to a boulder, It never `took off'!! However, they only last about 18 months. But they are cheap and do a better job than umbrellas. I never found anything much better to be honest. You can collapse them and take them with you camping as well, if you like doing that kind of thing.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 15:26
I saw some reasonable ones in Debenhams and M and S at Xmas time. Just every day ones.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 15:24
You sound like a very nice sister-in-law! This is the place to buy a handbag. You can get everything from very expensive designer to cheap ones in the souk. It all depends on how much you want to spend really. I really wouldn't bother using Aramex. At the end of the day it is all down to personal preference and cost.. Have fun shopping!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 16:19
Dr Sivam at Future Dental Clinic did a good job for my son. He is UK trained. Opposite Villagio.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 20:51
They do have one your side of town. I have used the one at the garage up the road from Landmark and the one at the garage on the Bani Hajer roundabout by Qatar Foundation. Neither helpful for you I know. But if you are desperate you could call in at the one at Landmark and ask? Or call in at Toyota Towers. I'm not sure I would call them `Quick' Service centres. They have got better over the last few years but their appointment system is not the best! Personally I find the one at Bani Hajer much better and quieter and you can make an appointment. The Landmark one - you make an appointment and it takes a lot longer than they say (sometimes a few days...) Sorry I can't be more help.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 March 2012 - 14:29
I have been flying with QA for the 8 years we have lived here. I have to say that I really like them as an airline. The one main reason I stay with them is that they are always forgiving with the luggage allowance (in my experience). I am not a `light' traveller with three kids in tow. However, recently the quality of the food has definitely gone downhill and I never seem to get my requested special meals for the kids. So something there is amiss - they did note down my complaint on the last flight so we shall see if things improve next time! We all have preferences when flying. There is plenty of choice out there so I know I can always book with another airline if I wanted to do. So far I haven't. (PS I'm with you on the `pies/pasties' they serve up on QA - they are truly disgusting!)
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 March 2012 - 14:20
I think we have to accept that this kind of inappropriate dressing is going to increase, what with the amount of tourists on stop-overs and with the general increase in population. However, I have seen many women (old and young) dressing in skimpy tops and shorts in the malls. Just today in Lagoona mall there was a family all in what I would consider `beach wear' - obviously from the hotels. Not only was it completely insensitive, they must have been freezing!! I was there with my jeans, scarf, long sleeved top etc!! It is a shame that some people are ignorant of the local customs and don't have the common sense to read up on place before they visit. Their behaviour is embarrassing to those of us who have lived here a while and shows a basic lack of manners in my opinion!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 18:41
I remember seeing them at Al Mushiri. Go left at the roundabout under the Jaidah flyover if you are coming from the Ramada. The shop is on the right.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 18:31
The Hamad is very good for a Csection. Your husband cannot be in the operating theatre but he can be just outside. The key at the Hamad is opening a file (just go along with all the documents) and get a first appointment. Just walk into the outpatients clinic and ask, you may get lost a few times like I did but you get there eventually. Once you have an appointment card you will be fine! From then on you can make a private appointment and pay to see the doctor of your choice. And go in the evening. However, I understand that they are changing the appointment system at the moment at the Hamad. Stick with it though, it will be worth it! Even after you have the baby keep the appointment card - it is like a golden ticket! If you ever need to see a Obgyn again you just use the same card with the number on it and it is so much easier!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 18:24
There is also Dr Adnan who is based around the corner from Landmark in a newish looking villa (just drive out of the back exit from the underground carpark, drive away from Landmark and you will see a red crescent sign. His clinic is there). He used to be in Al Miqaab. He is very good. You can take away a Dvd of the ultrasound to keep if you wish.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 17:59
I have always found Damas good. I used to go to the one on Electricity St (now demolished!) but there is the one in Landmark and Al Sadd. They have good diamonds and usually have a sale twice a year. I think they have one around May but I may be wrong. The use Italian designs as well which many westerners like.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 March 2012 - 17:15
I have found Skateshack to be the best - their Trek bikes are excellent quality and very solid. They have some accessories as well.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 18:53
No it is no normal. I understand that the Indian schools pay about 4 -5 a month and that is normal. It is certainly not right for UK qualified teachers. Stay clear. A friend of mine was offered a job a year ago with a good school and it was for 14,000 and she was local hire. Don't sell yourself cheap!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 12:59
I have used Aramex to have wheatgrass and spirulina sent out (before I could get it here). There was never any problem. I just ordered them on line from a UK company and had them sent to Aramex. Best to check with Aramex or DHL as they have guidelines. Things change all the time here so best to check with them!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 12:56
I may be wrong but I thought the Al Mana on the Salwa Rd was just offices. I go to the Al Mana shop to get supplies and usually buy white goods there as well. It's an excellent shop. They have big items downstairs and kitchen items upstairs (such as kettles and hoovers). I have definitely seen Siemens kettles there but don't know about hoovers. I'll try and give directions! If you drive past the old British Embassy on your right (it was opp the National Bowling Centre) you come to a roundabout and join the Al Rayan road. At the roundabout turn left towards the souks. Go down there for about a couple of 100 metres and you will some shops and parking at the front. Al Mana is at the front on the right set back from the road. Parking can be a headache sometimes. If you get to the traffic lights you have gone too far. They may not open in the afternoon, I'm not sure!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 20:00
There is a repair centre somewhere down in the industrial area (well, there used to be). Ask in Jumbo as they were quite helpful with repair centres when I needed help. Also there is the Panasonic shop - is it still open - on TV roundabout?
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 17:18
I spoke to the vets and they will do all the paperwork for you. Apparently the pet has to have a photograph! So you have to take the animal to the MOE. If your pet already has a micro-chip the MOE just scan it. So I don't see that it is possible to do it online - but I may be wrong. Has anyone done this by themselves? The vets charge about 500 Qr to do all the necessary bits. I am tempted to get them to do it all!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 21:17
You can buy Essie nail polish in the ladies salon at the Ramada Plaza. They have a cupboard full of the range upstairs.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 18:40
I think that there are lots of foreign bugs here because there are so many people coming from the west and the east. Also I think it depends if you have kids, their ages etc. You are exposed to more bugs if your kids go to different schools, are different ages etc. Also once you have been ill your immune system is a bit low and you are probably more likely to catch the next thing going around! Dose yourself up with fresh juice and echinacea! Get well soon.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 18:36
Definitely try Salam as they are the local rep for Canon.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 January 2012 - 18:52
There is also an on-line souk for Qatar Petroleum where lots of cars are advertised. If you know anyone who works there you could ask. Also we sold one of our cars through an advert in MegaM, there is also FFC. The advice about rear ac is worth it. You don't have to direct it straight at the passenger but it is so hot in the summer you need it. For information, I have had two Toyota Prados over time and they both had excellent rear aircon so don't be put off - it is an excellent car! When you sell/buy a car here it is normal practice to take it to a small garage and get it checked over. They give you a form which is stamped and signed of course! Usually you go with the seller to have it done if you are buying. There are loads of these places off the Salwa Road.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 18:54
I have seen them in Daiso (cheap Japanese shop) but they are the sort of thing that come and go. We used some a few months ago and it was absolutely fraught lighting them!! When you read the list of instructions and warnings on the side you wonder when you can ever light them!!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 18:52
I got one in Jarir bookstore a while ago. They have/had a hobby section. That might be worth a try. There is one at the Ramada lights and one in Al Rayan. In case you don't know, they shut for the afternoon and re-open at 4pm.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 16:32
I would second Le Cadre - excellent shop. The other sign is the Lords shop - that is large! It is right near that. I struggled to find Le Cadre the first time as it is so small and driving along the Salwa Road is hard at the best of times without looking for a shop!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 January 2012 - 15:30
There is a some sort of Falcon `convention' (for want of a better word!) going on at Katara this week. It is at the far end next to the Music Academy and the Falcon dome. They might know?
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 January 2012 - 16:16
Sorry to disagree but on some airlines (Qatar Airways for example) my housemaid and my son have been asked for evidence of the credit card - ie a supporting letter. It seems to depend on who is checking them in. I book my flights months in advance. It is best to be safe than sorry and the letter doesn't cost anything.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 January 2012 - 09:11
As mentioned before the ticket is in the maid's name. I take our maid to the check-in and right up to the immigration gate. I then wait until she is through immigration - you can just see and I have the MOI notification on my husband's phone so I know she is through immigration. If you are wanting your maid to return she will need a letter from the airline confirming that the ticket is paid for by you as the maid obviously can't produce the credit card when she checks in at her home country. The airlines are used to doing this. If your maid is leaving I would definitely take her as far as you can through the airport to ensure she goes through immigration! If you were worried about her not getting onto the plane you could used Marhaba who escort people through the airport onto the plane!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 22:01
I sat at the Al Ahli for 4 and a half hours at Obgyn and was with the doctor for exactly 9 minutes. The service can be worse than the Hamad. Even the Hamad has comfortable chairs now. Kiwispears you sum it up exactly. Don't forget the bit about hitching up your skirt/trousers in the bathrooms whilst trying not to touch anything......
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 21:57
Last week I posted something about how agencies were now inspected by a government agency and given a rating. This appeared in the arabic press. I will try and find out the name of the government body that does the inspecting if I can. You could start there. If you know someone who speaks arabic they may be able to find it in the press for you.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 11:01
When I was breastfeeding my first son years ago I was having lots of problems and I went to see my wise and experienced doctor in the UK. His advice to me then was ` boys don't care where their beer comes from, on-tap or from a bottle!' I remember feeling so much better that for the first time I wasn't made to feel guilty that I was stuggling with feeding my baby. I am very pro breastfeeding (and fed my daughter up until she was 2 and a half) but I would never advocate it as the only option. Better to have a happy mum and a healthy baby! Enjoy your time with your baby.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 10:57
I have heard that Philippino maids go to their embassy and they provide a safe haven.
 
 
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