CSH | ExpatWoman.com
 

CSH

CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 18:53
I'm wondering if Aramex have tightened up on their rules recently. I have been using them since they opened and have never had a package stopped until last month. It was the same thing - pay up 55QR or it is destroyed! I have had the same thing shipped without problem before and this time it gets stopped...arrrrgh! Flammable....hmmmm....probably a candle knowing how stupid they can be!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 18:44
Haven't they moved next to Bombay Silk - just up from the Jaidah flyover?
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 18:41
Even when I was in the UK having a C section they never put the baby on me - he stayed in a cot by the side. In the Hamad they show you the baby after he has had the test and hepatitis jab then he is put in a cot. Your friend/doula can then stay with the baby at all times until your surgery is over. My husband was just outside the door and I could speak to him. He saw the baby very quickly. After surgery you are up in the ward and you get the baby quickly with you.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 18:41
Even when I was in the UK having a C section they never put the baby on me - he stayed in a cot by the side. In the Hamad they show you the baby after he has had the test and hepatitis jab then he is put in a cot. Your friend/doula can then stay with the baby at all times until your surgery is over. My husband was just outside the door and I could speak to him. He saw the baby very quickly. After surgery you are up in the ward and you get the baby quickly with you.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 January 2012 - 13:17
With your experience of UAE medical care and given you want a C-section I would definitely go the Hamad. I had a C-section there and it was better than the UK. Yes, there are issues with waiting, queues, lack of bedside manner etc but they have the best care for mother and baby. As others have mentioned, if there are any problems with the delivery you would have the very best care at the Hamad. If you go to any private hospital for a C-section and there are problems the baby or you (only the sick patient) would be transferred to the Hamad anyway as they are the ones with the facilities. The Hamad is free if you have a health card. However, to make the experience a little easier you can go for a `private' appointment which is in the evening after 5pm which costs 100QR a time. You then get to see the doctor of your choice each time. You can also book a private room after delivery at around 800 QR a night. Hope this helps. Don't be put off by any scare stories of the Hamad!! They deliver over 14,000 babies a year so it can't be all bad!
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 23:23
Of course you used to have to get your exit permit at the airport before you left and that really was a pain......don't ask for that back!! You had to take your sponsor's paperwork to the office by the departures terminal and get it stamped before you flew.......so although it is still a pain to get the exit visa, it is still better than it was. Baby steps and all that......!!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 22:57
I know there has been a big meet in the UAE recently so maybe they are all there!! I haven't heard anything from the arabic press/friends either. I think there will be more big races in the New Year as we head towards Feb/March time.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 22:55
At this time of year you can camp in Zikreet without problem. If you drive through the village and then follow the track so you are driving with the coast on your left and keep going - you can choose your spot. There are lots of permanent camps set up just now. The track is fairly hard and stony unlike the Inland Sea. You can camp where you wish really and close up to the sea. You will get more privacy there than on Dukhan beach.
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 17:30
Sorry this may be too late - did you look in Jarir upstairs?
CSH
331
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 17:29
Every time we have our car serviced we have to hire a car (at our own expense!) It always takes longer than they say and it seems as if they are doing us a big favour just to service the car. Big sigh........what can you do??!! I'm afraid it is normal here and something you just have to live with. We did get a call once at 11pm to ask us to come and collect our car after it took the garage three days to service it - the answer wasn't very polite from us!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 December 2011 - 20:40
Thanks for that! I found him.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 16:42
I am in this situation with three kids. I can honestly say I couldn't cope without a live in maid. She is more of a `facilitator'. I can't be at home to meet kids off the bus, put them on the bus, have time to do the cleaning, washing, ironing, sandwich making, taking deliveries, house maintenance, baby-sitting etc. In order to make your life easier I would strongly recommend you get a maid. There are responsibilities of couse but if it works out it is the best solution. Good luck with school places! As someone already said you need to get that sorted out asap.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 December 2011 - 15:00
Our sausages were fine. They are the `cook from frozen' type so that may make a difference?
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 December 2011 - 14:59
The driving is already mad! They seem to get very excited about National Day about a week before. It has got worse since they moved the day from September a few years ago. The traffic is awful and the driving is worse than ever. The `hanging out the sun-roof' thing is quite scary as is the sword waving!! The fireworks are always great but you can watch them on tv from the safety of your own living room. Maybe I have been here too long and am getting cynical but it really isn't worth venturing far this weekend!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 09:23
You spend the first year settling, the second year enjoying and the third year thinking about moving on!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 09:15
There used to be a few shops that sold it in the curtain souk area. Just walk along and look in. It is the street off the dhow roundabout, third exit if you are coming from the gold souk/Al Fardan building. I don't know if they still sell it though. I bought borders in one of the shops and wallpaper paste.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 16:45
I think companies like RasGas run a commuter bus for people from Ras Laffan into Doha, morning and night. WB is your best bet but it is not impossible to live elsewhere. The traffic is not as bad as London, it is the driving that is terrible!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 16:38
I was in the Toyota showroom not long ago buying our car and sat at the next desk was a boy of about 13 buying a Landcruiser!! I expect it was a present for his mum........!! Sweet.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 16:35
I would definitely go to the New World Centre in the souks (just off Grand Hamad Street by the swords if youa re driving towards the corniche), or there is a branch on the 4th floor of City Center (It is called something else but is the same shop). It is like a cheap department store. They sell all kinds of women's wigs and are far cheaper than the `party outfit' wigs you can buy. I have bought a few for parties and they are fine! I have even found clothes there which are perfect for parties where you have to dress up in a costume! Cheap and cheerful!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 21:09
They are open all day - quieter in the afternoon.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 21:08
Never heard of them! I have seen Bernina, Elner and Brother. Sorry, not much help!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 21:07
I laughed Gill when you mentioned the rain in 2006 as I remember going to the Asian Games and it poured with rain! All that holding of breath whilst the horse slipped up the slope!! It was supposed to be the coldest winter for 40 years or something. I haven't used our radiators since then, but this winter has got off to a similar start. It rained a lot in 2006. I think the main problem here is that once the houses get cold (floors etc) it is hard to warm them up again until the outside temp changes. It can be very windy during December and January as well. The last two winters have been very mild so we have been lucky. I am actually enjoying the change of weather - sorry for those of you with visitors coming for some sun! At least it isn't grey and miserable all the time like the UK!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 December 2011 - 19:50
There is a small place in Landmark if you don't want hundreds printed. It is a stall in the middle of the walkway not far from the foodcourt towards C4.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 December 2011 - 19:49
Saw some in Sun, Sand and Sports in City Center today. Quite a full range including shorts.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 December 2011 - 19:48
I always renew ours at Rumeilha hospital. It is the easiest place to go. I fell foul of the internet system once as it took 9 months for them to send the new card. Now it is easier as you keep your card. However, at Rumeilha the cashier is just next to the entrance and you just walk in hand over the cards and money and then you are done! At least that way you can be sure your cards will work. Rumeilha is easy to find. Turn off the C ring just before the underpass if you are coming from Ramada. Go down to the next roundabout and do a u turn. The entrance is just on the right. Parking can be a bit hit and miss.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 22:29
Another easy recipe involves using vol-au-von cases - which are cheap here. Defrost and stuff with mincemeat (not so cheap here!), cook.....enjoy!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 22:25
The Jarir in Al Rayyan is easy to find. It is next to the Family Food Centre and just down from Al Rayyan roundabout. It has a good section of books upstairs and I think it is better than the one at Ramada lights.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 22:20
Modern Home or whatever it is called now (East 51?) sells Clarks kids shoes. You can see some in Centre Mall where Megamarkt is. Also other branches. I'm afraid you have to do your own measuring here and bite the bullet. They have no idea. On many occasion I have asked for a shoe in my size and they have come back with the shoe in a smaller size.....which leaves me muttering.....I'm not flipping Cinderella and my feet haven't shrunk!!! ARRRRgh. I have had to measure all my kids myself - you get to be an expert if you stay!! Having said that I always stock up on shoes when I am home (I know not much good to you right now!) The shop in Landmark (was called Brantano and is opposite the pharmacy) may be called Shoesomething does have a measuring mat which I have used to get me started when I have no cllue what size the kids' feet are. Good luck in your search.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 12:55
If you want a digital piano I would go for a Yamaha (Modern Home now called 51 East is the agent). They are the best make. If it is for a child just starting the piano/keyboard you can get a cheaper brand, something like a Casio and you can find them in City Centre Mall - third floor opposite Chicco baby shop - it has lots of arabic household bits (part of Al Shaheen). Sometimes people are selling pianos second hand.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 21:13
I saw this advertised in the paper. Anyone know anything about this? It said it starts on December 1st. Could be interesting?
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 21:10
It doesn't take much to please us, does it??!! Got my tickets and am off to do the `shopping' at the weekend - the fridge may well be empty by then of course........
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 20:11
I would agree with all the others regarding the shops. However, supplies can run low. For example sometimes you can't get cooking chocolate for love nor money or self-raising flour. So if you bake regularly it is worth keeping your stocks up! If you can buy vanilla extract here that would be a first! I always bring it back with me in my case. Also glycerin - you can get it but not always when you want it! Watch the expiry dates on the self-raising flour as well. The other thing i bring back is cake decorations lin little tubs as they are expensve here if you use them regularly. They are light to bring back as well.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 November 2011 - 21:46
We had one of these bunny clocks - it was great! Can really understand your desperation as well. There are a few light shops on the road to the souq area. If you drive from Jaidah flyover down towards the souqs, over the lights. Have you tried in there? Otherwise some of these small hardware shops have a surprising number of little bulbs. Or you could try some of the small electronic shops in the souk area near Al-rawnaq if really desperate, they might know somewhere? Hope you find it!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 November 2011 - 21:37
The dhow exhibition is fab. Went this evening. Very interessting. Lots of dhows you can climb on - take care limited railings on the jetty! Around the edge small displays of equipement used on dhows, models of them, pearls etc. A really worthwhile exhibition to go to. I think we were lucky as it wasn't busy today. There was a show of music and traditional dance etc as well.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 21:36
If you are desperate you could always borrow Singstar and a PS3 from someone!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 21:35
QIC offer decent house insurance btw. So sorry to hear of this family's news - it could be any one of us at any time!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 21:33
The ELC has plastic ones - they are fine and functional if not very `pretty'. The other place you could try is Royal Toys - they have a lot of Chicco bits - they used to have the chairs, tables etc and you can order them. I hate to mention the IKEA word -but - they do sell lovely little wooden chairs and tables!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 10:32
You can't beat the view from the Sheraton even if the food isn't as `splashy' as some of the other hotels. Quiet, calm and civililsed.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 18:50
I had the same problem with ours and just sewed it up with a darning needle and thread. These needles bizarrely are hard to find here. If you know anyone that does tapestry they would have one. Or try the Singer shop (on the roundabout just after Al Fardan building going towards Doha City.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 18:40
Get a large LG machine - they are great. You have so much washing here with the heat and dust it is worth it if you have the space. Clorox is not very environmentally friendly but it works on kids' white shirts for school!! Vanish is good too.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 18:35
I have used QA cargo in Heathrow and contacted them direct. I found them to be fine. You need to find the right person who deals with your type of cargo and then go from there. As the previous post said - moving is stressful of course and you will have other days like this in Doha!! Deep breaths are often needed!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 16:22
I would definitely agree with you regarding the price - very expensive for kids. We were lucky and had been given free tickets for the family. I'm not sure we will be rushing back I have to say. The kids did enjoy it - that sort of thing is not my `cup of tea' anyway. The food was pretty awful. I'm not surprised it was cold. The lifeguards did look incredibly bored and I'm not sure how good they would be at enforcing the rules on a busy day - when we went it was very quiet and I could only stand it for two hours! The music........arrrghh. Did you notice it??
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 16:11
It seems to me that the stuff in Home Centre just gets worse and worse.......I bought a few things a number of years ago and they were fine but when I looked recently it wal all awful. The quality has got worse (if that is possible) as well. The One has some ok bits of furniture at times but even that is over-priced. What about ID design? Not been in there for a while though. I hope IKEA does come as it would solve all our problems! So many times I have bought furniture here which is ok but I don't really like it and have had to pay a fortune for the privilege!!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 20:39
No camel racing advertised in the arabic press for this week btw.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 November 2011 - 13:03
Thanks for that. I did see that on the website but I don't quite trust the websites here - it could always be referring to last Eid, or any Eid for that matter!! Sometimes they just shove a note on the door to let you know these things. Nothing is predictable here.....!!I guess we will just take a chance.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 November 2011 - 13:01
The water temp was fine when I went. With the rain today I believe cooler temps are forecast for this week, so I am guessing the water will be colder.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 November 2011 - 11:20
Does anyone know what days/hours the Islamic Art Museum is open this week? I know it usually shuts on Tuesday but with it being Eid I was wondering if the opening times were different? I have a visitor and I don't want to plan our day and get there and find it shut! Any help gratefully received!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 November 2011 - 21:10
I had a problem with Dr Abdul R Lilla (not because of his work etc) as he is really nice. But when he recommended a procedure my insurance company refused to let him go ahead because he is not one of their `regular' doctors (they give it a name like special consultant or something) so I couldn't have the surgery. I wasn't prepared to go to another doctor there just for the surgery! Dr Lilla was the doctor I wanted to do it. If you only want a small procedure it may be ok. But I thought I would mention it as it seemed to be an issue for my insurance company! The doctor wasn't very happy either.
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 November 2011 - 21:06
There's a nice shop in Villagio which I think is called Bendon, or something similar - along the canal on the left before M and S. Anyway it sells Elle McPherson underwear which is really nice. You will know it as it is the only lingerie shop along there!! Also it is worth looking in Highland as they have makes like Gossard etc - good makes. I think they have a sale on right now so you may get a bargain!
CSH
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 21:48
Yes they are. Contact: [email protected]
 
 
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