CSH | ExpatWoman.com
 

CSH

331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 17:46
I thought Dr Bode at Al Ahli was great I have say
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 17:43
Costa coffee is about to open. I would second the review about the little children's shop - lovely German products (Felix etc) perfect for small gifts. Although I did have to knock on the door to get the sleeping girl to open up!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 October 2011 - 19:24
A couple of weeks ago I bought some meat in C4 - when I went to use it the next day it was `off'. I did tell them the next time I went to the shop but they weren't interested!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 21:24
Mine is also the Phillips HR 1861. C4 is your best bet.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 20:08
I heard it was expensive!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 20:07
I am a big juice fan - I juice everyday and it is well worth it. I wouldn't look at a cheap juicer (sorry ccdoha!) as they are just too much effort. The Phillips one is fantastic and is recommended by many juicer gurus who have written books etc. You can get it in Carrefour. It is the most expensive one, but if you are serious about juicing it is worth the money. It goes in the dishwasher easily after use. You can also get it in Al Mana on the Rayan Road. It takes whole apples, carrots, anything really. Be warned though - you get through a lot of fruit and veg! But you will feel the benefits so will any kids you might have!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 21:41
The aquapark has a website with all the details - times, prices etc. Do check as they close for private functions as well. I went for the first time recently and was pleasantly surprised. My kids loved it. It was fine, not as big or as good as Wild Wadi in Dubai but seemed ok. The music was rather jarring - lots of kids music and bizarrely a rendition of `kum bye ya my lord'. Probably best to go early in the day to avoid busy times. Regarding the camel racing, I don't think it has started again yet. It is usually in the arabic press when races are on etc. Ask someone you know who reads the arabic papers. It is worth going when they are on. It should be quite soon I think.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 18:32
Yes - there was a massive thunderstorm around Shahaniya on Thursday afternoon. Lots of water, thunder, lightning etc. Police closed a bit of the road for a bit! It was moving west across the country.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 October 2011 - 19:23
Exactly the same thought ran through my mind AMY77 - I wasn't sure whether to mention it or not. We had friends at the time here who had good friends in Bahrain who lost their lives in that accident. You have to be so careful.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 October 2011 - 16:07
i'm pretty sure it is open after 4pm but that was a while ago.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 October 2011 - 18:18
If you are the Landmark side of town, Shahaniya is only 25 minutes from Landmark. It can take longer than that to get to the airport!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 October 2011 - 20:18
Sorry I didn't leave the phone number as I couldn't find it at the time. I see it has been posted. The lady at Shahaniya is called Peggy - she is a Welsh lady. She will tell you when you can go,have lessons etc. If you just want a look around you could drive up there and see her. If you drive out to Shahaniya. Get off at the sliproad for Shahaniya and then do a u turn back down the dual carriage way. Not longer afterwards you will see an electrical substation, go past that and almost 110m on you will see a right turn for the museum. Take that. Go down to the gate and the gateman will direct you off to the left and you will see it.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 16:15
If you are prepared to go out of Doha there is a stables at Shahaniya which is nice. I have been taking my daughter there. There offer lessons as well as walks. I have seen ladies riding there too.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 16:28
As a veggie I have to say that most of the brunches are fairly similar. I have found that the Ritz is one of the worst for me as it is very meat orientated and most of the salads have meat in as well! The other main ones all have something suitable to eat. I like the Hyatt and the Ramada personally. I did see that the Hyatt are opening a brunch at the Isaan restaurant with a Thai theme - I am looking forward to trying that some time.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 17:25
I would definitely recommend Al Mana (See Emma 123 post below) which is on the Al-Rayan Road going from Hamad towards the souk. It has lots of ovens, fridges downstairs but lots of smaller home electronic goods upstairs. Well worth a look. They are the Phillips and Fridgidaire main agents and supply LuLu and C4. Always ask for a discount there. You get one!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 17:01
Regency on the C ring is just along from the new Versace shop. Driving along C ring with Athletes village behind you it is on the right.Parking outside.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 16:58
Was the receptionist playing a card game on her computer whilst talking to you? She did that to me once! Doha Clnic is ok but much the same as all the others. I really like Dr Abdul Rahman. I have seen him a number of times and had a few minor ops/procedures with him. The only thing I would say is that he cannot offer all possible solutions as some gyne procedures are not available at Doha Clinic. I ended up back at the Hamad where I had a less intrusive surgery which was successful but they don't offer it at Doha Clinic. So it may be worth bearing that in mind when taking his advice. I would recommend Dr Riad at the Hamad - similar to Dr A Rahman in many ways!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 20:30
The main post office is fine. It has a weird car park - you have to go up a steep ramp so be prepared for using your hand brake!! Inside it is all sign-posted. This is also where you have to go to collect parcels if customs stop them, so it could be worth a trip just to see it! They also have a govt office where you can update things like medical cards etc. I seem to remember they even have a coffee shop inside now! Don't do what I did last time - I managed to post my letter without the stamps. Combination of pestering small child, in a hurry and having a Doha day!! There was a silver lining though, the lady behind the counter said she would fish out the letter later on and put the stamps on for me and she did. The letter arrived!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 20:20
As the saying goes 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained!' I would agree with others that the probation rules are worthless. If a company want to get rid of you, they'll do whenever they want. Also, in this part of the world you never quite know what is around the corner politically. Therefore, if you have a family it is always wise to have a 'Plan B'. In our case, we don't rent out our house just in case we need it at short notice. However, I'm sure all will be well and you will love it here! Most people gain something from living here.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 22:28
If you wish to teach in the state system in the UK you need a PGCE or B Ed. You take the MA afterwards. Private fee paying schools have no limitations to what qualifications their staff have. This is different to the US I think.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 21:11
I know a few teachers who trained through the Uni of Sunderland PGCE on their distane learning course - which is basically in school training at the same time as doing assignments etc. They are teaching in Qatar. You can graduate from the University and receive a full PGCE certificate. The Open University is a fully recognised uni in the UK and all employers recognise it, but I don't think they do PGCE.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 21:04
The street where all the curtain souks are - off dhow roundabout. If you walk along there you will see some shops that sell wallpaper. I got some in one of those shops. Sorry I can't be more specific as it was a while ago. It would be worth a try. I needed it for a kids' border.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 14:52
Just to follow up in case anyone else is thinking of this........I got the windows done at Titanium finally - branch in Garaffa not far from Landmark. It took 40 minutes and the result is excellent. They did ask if I had permission from the police on the`estimara' and then they went ahead. I think there has been a police clamp down on windows - people getting it done without permission etc. It makes such a difference to the inside of the car - I wouldn't be without it. However, I am now happy, new car and the windows are done! Yeah!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 19:55
So just to end the saga.......I go to Titanium on the Al Rayan Road and find it closed with stickers from some Ministry of something all over the doors! I know there has been a clamp down recently but really......!!!! Another Doha day!!!!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 19:52
I have bought it in the past in Jarir Book Store - look in the hobbies section. However, I haven't looked there for a while. It is worth a trip. You won't find it in the souqs or Al Rawnaq. I bring mine back with me now - sorry!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 21:35
Those kiosks in the malls which sell phones have generic chargers. Just had to buy one for a Nokia and it was 15 riyals.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 21:33
Thanks for all you replies. For your interest I have just discovered that Titanium have opened a branch just off the Al-Rayan Road - back of Qatar Foundation - go off from the fort roundabout there by the Petra restaurant. So I will be off there. There seems to be very conflicting info out there as to what you are allowed regarding the percentage of tinting. I have got the permission on the Estemara (sp??) from the police - 20QR for what it is worth. It seemed to help on my old car last time when I had to go for the annual check. All I know is that I wouldnt be without tinted windows and it is great to have a good review about Titanium which I didn't use before, but will on my new car tomorrow!! Thanks again.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 21:24
A few years ago when the traffic was getting worse and people were complaining in the press, one solution put forward by the Colonel in charge of traffic, was to ban women driving!! Personally I think the roads would be a whole lot better if only women were allowed to drive!! In my opinion the only way to get around the roundabouts is to take the outer lanes, slowly, and just allow those that wish to cross over or undercut. They are going to do it anyway so why get stressed?! Up until 2006 all the junctions in doha were roundabouts so things have improved if that is any comfort!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 19:46
You can do a distance learning PGCE through the Uni of Sunderland which has a base in Dubai. You can do it here in Qatar I believe, if you have a school to sponsor you. Best to check out their website. I'm not sure if it is for secondary but it is definitely for primary teaching.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 19:41
I have ordered from M & S and had it `aramexed' on several occasions - successfully. However, I want to know why can't we order in the shop here and have it delivered to the shop. In the UK you can order direct!! Perhaps we need to ask for this facility and let M & S take the delivery charge!!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 September 2011 - 18:56
Thanks a lot for the recommendation - I will go with them. When you mention Airport Road I shudder - wrong end of town for me. I think they have another branch but I bet that is Salwa - so both rubbish locations but I will bite the bullet and go for it!! What % of tinting did you go for out of interest?
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 20:29
I am hoping to get my car next week (but with Toyota you never know!) I want to get the windows tinted like my last one. Toyota have got some deal going with Titanium so I thought I might use them. But I don't know what they are like or where they are (looked at web page and nothing on there!) Has anyone used them recently? Or have you seen one of their three branches around town? I haven't noticed them although I'd guess one branch is on Salwa (arrrrghhh!) Any comments would be gratefully received. Thanks.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 17:57
Thanks so much! I knew I could rely on someone on this forum to let me know!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 17:55
If you know anyone that works for QP or other such companies they have their own on-line souks where you could put it.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 17:54
I know my housemaid prefers to get her clothes in the souks. They are cheaper than Sana. Sana's prices can be a bit weird, not as cheap as they were! Having said that they do have a wide selection of the type of clothes you probably are looking for - and you will get everything in one place! She could ask other maids on your compound where they go?
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 17:01
Can u give me exact directions to Zaks please. I haven't been there in ages and someone new was asking. Thanks! Sympathies to all those who have to buy school uniform. Don't get me started on shoes!!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 16:54
See if you can find out who the main dealer is of Moulinex. I know Darwish trading is Kenwood's dealer - they may do Moulinex? They are on Airport road. Al Mana is the main dealer of Phillips - they may do Moulinex. They are on Al Rayan Road.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 16:51
I saw a shelf in the HomeCentre in CC that had a few furniture bits on it that looked like oil etc. I did get oil a long time ago in C4 but it was more of a stain really. Apollo it might have to be!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 September 2011 - 15:35
Thanks so much! I'm off to Toys r Us - much as i hate going there!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 21:29
I think it is 30 days. You could check on the MOI website - it may be on there?
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 21:28
I am always amazed how little children eat at school. Parents pack enough food for a week sometimes! The reality is that there is usually very little time to eat and kids want to play. I would just pack a small snack. Young kids take ages to eat generally, especially without mum to hold it, put it in, unwrap etc. As others have said it is best to include something that has some carbohydrate in (bread roll, sandwich, croissant etc), chopped fruit or veg, water to drink etc. It can be very frustrating spending ages on deciding what to send in only to find it returned in a hot squidgy mess at the end of the day! I still find it hard to get my eldest to eat a packed lunch and he is 16! Just feed them up at home on whatever you choose at the end of the day!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 15:13
They have started the new road from Shahaniya all the way into `Slopey roundabout' past QF. It says it will take 42 months......hmmmmn......that sounds very exact!!! What sounds better 42 months or 3 and a half years??!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 15:09
I hadn't realised he had moved so thanks for that! Nothing stays the same for two minutes here!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 15:07
Hang out for a Dualit one -I love mine. Although I have to confess that I bought it in the UK a few years ago and bought it back in handluggage! I got so sick of the cheap ones you buy here going wrong all the time. Bit like the hoovers you buy but I draw the line at sticking one of those in my handluggage! I have go to Almana in a few weeks so I will look in there for you - they sell some quirky makes for small electronic kitchen bits so they could have them possibly. If not ship one in via aramex as they aren't heavy. MMMMMnnnnm yummy, marmite on toast.......
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 14:48
There is that small furniture place at the back of the Centre Mall (go past the Modern Home bit and the pricey small furniture place on the right) right at the end - he used to sell some nice dining room tables and always had things coming in. I haven't been there since before the summer though. Might be worth a look.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 19:50
Don't bother going tomorrow if it is Eid!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 14:39
I have found that some of the nicest candles are in Lifestyle - just along from Homecentre in City Center - or there is one in Centerpoint. Not sure of the sizes but they have good quality ones.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 01:37
Got mine at Sports Corner - City Center. Much better choice and they have a workshop in case you have a problem later on etc unlike C4. Pick a good make. Well worth the money!
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 01:36
Le Cadre, Salwa Road - near shop called Lords. On the left if you drive down with Ramada behind you.
331
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 01:35
Vienna is a fantastic place. My tip is to fly direct via Qatar Airways - there is an easy quick train straight into the city centre, easy with kids as well. If you stay right in the middle of Vienna you can walk around easily or use the underground or trams. I dragged my kids around the museums but the younger one loved the parks and pedestrian areas. Salzburg is accessible by train and extremely beautiful. Easy to walk around. Lots of nice food as well. Do the Sound of Music thing! There are lots of self-catering places you can look up on the net but you may want a hotel in the city so you can make the most of your time there. Austria is lovely for a holiday at any time of year. Get a guide book and take your pick of attractions that you feel may suit you and your family as there is so much to do! It is a real contrast to Qatar.