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DebK

DebK
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Latest post on 15 September 2013 - 16:34
Is your husband's company not able to recommend someone that you could call to walk you through the process? When we got our license (several years ago now) we paid some guy 100 QAR. For that cost he picked us up at our apartment, drove us to the license place, took care of getting everything translated and quickly ushered us from place to place during the process. Then afterwards he drove us back home. It was probably the best 100 QAR we have ever spent. :)
DebK
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Latest post on 15 September 2013 - 06:44
what did you all do on your first week/month here...my DH is already back at work today and I am doing the climbing walls routine already with only a visit to ikea later to look forward to- lol !! Let's see -- day 1 after I first arrived we ate breakfast at our temporary accommodation of the hotel, attended a meeting with other new arrivals where my hubby works before they took us to our apartment. After that they dragged us off to City Centre where they probably laughed at our jetlagged inspired meltdowns over shower curtains. Day 2 - moved in to the apartment. Dusted, cleaned, washed the floors, etc. Yep -- fun stuff. Day 3 - was contacted by a company (even though I had never contacted them) went for an interview and was offered the job. (I had intended to be a housewife for the first year.) Day 4 - started working.
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Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 06:18
I've never lived in Dubai, and honestly never would want to based on visits there. However, every place is only what you make it. If you want to waste your time and efforts of always looking backwards at what you once had then you are going to miss seeing the good of what is in front of you. Sometimes being happy is a conscious decision that you make. When you change your perspective you change your world.
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Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 12:17
I think there are truths to both sides of the debate. Let's be honest with each other -- behind every stereotype is a bit of truth. The problem is in the application of the stereotype to "all" of a particular background as there are always those that defy the stereotypes. In one of the articles I just read on the peninsula online, one of the gripes against westerners was that we are all here for a short time before we will go back to our home countries. That part is true because even those who are here for a decade in the grand timeline of life that is a short time. It's not always true that a westerner is only here because they are trying to get ahead back home. One of the comments towards locals was that they want the plush jobs but are not willing to do the work. In my opinion that statement is insulting. I work for a Qatari woman who is highly involved in her business and puts in long hours. Many of the hours she puts in are behind the scenes and others may not entirely be aware of them. There are many Qataris out there with strong work ethics. I think the questionable work ethic isn't a local thing -- there are young people getting in to the workforce all over the world who only want the plush jobs and are not willing to start at the bottom to work to get to the top. So why generalize this as a local thing when it's more of a global epidemic? As for the cultures not mixing and socializing -- one commenter in an article stated that she has yet to be invited to a Qatari's home. Well, in fair play I have to wonder whether or not she has ever invited any of the Qataris she knows to her own home. It goes both ways. I personally tend to keep a bit of a line between my professional life and my personal life and would do that even back in Canada. Also in one article it talked about two westerners one who had a monthly salary of 1 million QAR and the other 1/2 million QAR. Well -- I don't know about you, but in those cases I would agree that those people are being grossly overpaid. It makes me wonder what on earth they could possibly be doing that is worth that amount. I highly doubt any person in this forum comes close to making that amount per month. It is easy though to pick those at the extremes and talk about them and ignore that the extreme really only applies to a select few. In regards to standard of living, cultural differences that we must adapt to etc, etc -- all I can say is we all consciously made the choice to be here. I did several months of research before coming and quite honestly haven't found it difficult to adapt. I experienced no culture shock arriving in Qatar and we arrived just as Ramadan was starting 4 years ago so were thrown in to the deep end so to speak. I experience culture shock each summer when we go back to Canada. I also don't really feel as though I lack any freedoms as the I don't dress any differently than I would at home, nor have I ever been a big drinker/partier, and I can live without a certain meat that is only available at a certain store. Of course, I accepted before moving here that as an expat it is my responsibility to adapt and not the responsibility of the locals to adapt to me. <em>edited by DebK on 07/09/2013</em>
DebK
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Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 22:01
Perhaps the lack of replies on accommodation is because some of us don't get a choice as to where to live. We are simply told by our employers "you will live here" and that's it. So not everyone has had to search for accommodation. As for health related questions, if someone puts a query regarding a certain condition/treatment/medication people may not know the answer because we have never had that condition/treatment/medication. However -- most of us do have experience buying a hairdryer. We can't comment on what we don't have experience with. After all, posting "I don't know." as a response really isn't helpful.
DebK
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Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 07:40
How is health in Doha? Do you find that the weather and general living conditions are good or bad for health? Also, what are doctors/clinic like? Have any of you had experiences with these? Are there Western doctors and how does the medical system compare with Western countries? I'm scheduled to come next week and I now feel sick with the flu or something so I'm thinking about health issues. I wouldbn't want to get sick as soon as I get there. How awful would this be! Thanks so much! Sasha, like anywhere else in the world you can get good health care service and you can get bad health care service. Quite honestly, I have received better health care service from Doha Clinic and Al Ahli hospital than what I have received in Canada. (During the summer went to Urgent Care at a hospital in Ontario, Canada and waited 7 hours just to be taken out of the waiting area. When I compare this to an experience in March when I went to Urgent Care at Al Ahli because where I was immediately taken in to a room, and within 25 minutes blood tests and a few other tests were completed, I was hooked up to an IV and they were on the phone with my insurance company to admit me. Within 45 minutes I was in a room on one of the floors. -- so in my opinion this is superior service to that available in my home country.) For me the only downside of health care here is that epi pens are not available in Qatar. So if you have any allergies that cause anaphylactic shock bring a stock of epi pens with you.
DebK
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Latest post on 29 August 2013 - 14:00
If having 6 months of bank statements from a local bank were truly a necessity than there would be some people who would never be able to sponsor their spouses as they do not get paid through a bank here in Qatar. As for whether to remain under your husband's sponsorship or allow a company to sponsor you it is a personal decision but I know that many women choose to remain under their husband's sponsorship although it sometimes means that they will be paid a little less and is not entitled to all benefits that others under the company's sponsorship may have. The main reason cited is that a woman under her husband's sponsorship does not require an exit visa to leave Qatar. This means that if an emergency were to arise (whether back home or a political situation in the region) I would be able to get my flight tickets and board a plane as quickly as possible. To remain under your husband's sponsorship and work the company has to acquire a labour card for you which must be renewed annually which means having to get a Conduct Certificate/Police Background check from your home country each year. (Which can be a nuisance if you have lived outside of your home country for an extended period of time.) If a woman is under the sponsorship of a company then she requires an exit permit from the company allowing her to leave the country. Some companies are more forth coming with exit permits and will process them in a speedy manner, others not so much. Really it is a personal decision, but for many the ability to exit the country quickly if necessary outweighs everything else.
DebK
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Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 08:52
As to whether people find life stressful here or not is again a rather subjective question. Personally, my life is less stressful here in Doha than when we were living back in Canada. Of course, it would be easy to stress yourself out if you let all the little quirks of life in Doha get to you. :) Things here happen when they happen and there's not a whole lot that can be done to hurry things up. You learn to be patient whether it's waiting for your RP to come through, contract renewals, getting your phone/internet hooked up, or having repairs done to your living accommodations. Sometimes you just have to let things go and accept that you can't control the schedule of events. A lot can depend on the job that you have though. My husband and I are fortunate that our jobs here allow us more time together than our jobs back in Canada did. We also have more holiday time together ... and so there is the perk of travelling during our time off. I think the key to being happy in Qatar is actually found in the opposing views that people have on life here. It can help prepare you for the quirks that you might encounter. Probably one of the things that poses a lot of frustration for people is the condition of living accommodations. Standards here aren't exactly on the same level as they are in Canada. If I was in Canada there are things about our villa and the apartment we had previous to this that I would find completely unacceptable, but the company provides it for us and it's free to us ... and because of the different climate here compared to Canada some of the things aren't as important. You really can learn to adapt to things. For example, when soap bubbles came up out of the floor every time that I did the dishes I learned to simply do the dishes and then give the floor a quick mop each night. Far less stressful then throwing myself on the floor and having a fit. ;)
DebK
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Latest post on 23 August 2013 - 18:48
You can often find Velcro at many of the stationary shops, Al Rawnaq or in the section of Carrefour with the pens and stationary. The quality may vary though. :)
DebK
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Latest post on 23 August 2013 - 02:04
Like any other destination in the world whether you like it or not is really a personal thing. I remember when I moved to Qatar 4 years ago I was accused of being overly optimistic, but I still love it and we have signed on for at least three more years. That does not mean there are not moments of frustration, but those would exist no matter where we were living. :) My favourite thing about Doha are the experiences I have had teaching at one of the British Kindergartens. I adore my students and I enjoy the multi-cultural staff at the school. I have met some wonderful people, and have been fortunate enough to find a wonderful employer to work for. My not so favourite thing would be how some nationalities have no respect for my personal space and get too close for my comfort when in lines at the grocery store. I have certainly learned how to "claim" my space over the years.
DebK
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Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 19:00
I am not entirely sure how much more "comfortable" the metro would be than a taxi. The last time we were in Dubai the metro was uncomfortably busy -- I mean you were squished up against complete strangers with your nose in the armpit of the guy beside you holding the upper railing kind of uncomfortable. My husband and I then opted to just use taxis from that point on because it wasn't worth saving a couple of dirham.
DebK
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Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 13:25
Technically according to Qatari law it is illegal for an man and woman who are not married to each other to share accommodation and this does also apply to hotel rooms.
DebK
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Latest post on 24 June 2013 - 20:42
They may not have known at the time that you were at the nursery that tomorrow has been declared a National Holiday. I received notification from my employer at Kid'n Around Kindergarten at about 6:30 p.m. that we would be closed tomorrow and I have since emailed the parents of my students to advise them of the closure. So maybe if you have email communication from them normally you should check your email -- or email them. ~ Deb
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Latest post on 20 June 2013 - 14:27
Please do not generalise about the behaviour of DC's children, there are unruly children in all schools. My DS is in secondary there and we are happy with the level of education being taught and he is doing very well (he is also extremely polite and well-mannered). Manners and respect should be taught at home and not by the school. Well said Kimmc3. I don't have children, but was ready to reply with how manners and respect are things that should be taught at home. It's something that schools should reinforce, but it's not their responsibility to teach it.
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Latest post on 17 June 2013 - 06:13
Yep. I just had to verify... and I hate those stupid verification things with the funky fonts that make you question what it really says. Particularly at 5 in the morning when you're still trying to clear the sleep from your eyes. ;)
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Latest post on 06 June 2013 - 14:33
Hi Natalie, What type of organization are you looking to volunteer for? (That information might help guide people in to what places to recommend.) The first place I tend to think about is 2nd Chance, but I don't know if you are an dog lover...
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Latest post on 04 June 2013 - 16:50
I really like Diva Lounge (either branch) or Essence Spa. ;) Not very keen on Skin and Soul, but I only ever went there once. Although the pedicure at Skin and Soul was good -- it was the massage that didn't impress me much. So I suppose that would be an okay location. A comic book might be a little long ;) How about the comic strips in the newspapers? (Do they even have that here? I used to love reading the Saturday comic strips in my local paper back home.)
DebK
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Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 19:33
Don't take it to heart. Sometimes children are bright and social -- in familiar situations with people that they feel comfortable with. I don't know what occurs in these assessments, but sometimes when a child does not feel comfortable in a situation they don't perform as well as they normally would. (Think of it in terms of an adult going for a job interview -- we have all had those job interviews where we know we didn't do as well as we could have.) We all (including children) have off days sometimes, but failure to perform on a test does not in anyway mean your child is a failure.
DebK
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Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 18:00
To everyone who responded in kind, I would now like to start a magazine club where only the brainless housewives of Doha may attend while getting manis and pedis and then lunch and shopping. You must have read the latest issue of Cosmo and Glamour or you need not apply! We are all in this together...let us be kind to one another. Oh great! I'd even be excluded from this as I don't read Glamour or Cosmo... and manicures never seem to lost long with me.... although my getting a pedicure would probably be amusing for others as I tend to squirm a bit as I resist laughing out loud. (I think I have the world's most ticklish feet and if I did not like the end result I would stick with plain old boring toes.) With that being said, I am going to go finish reading the latest Robyn Carr novel so that I can begin the new novel by Jill Shalvis. Yep-- I'm in the mood for light and laughter instead of something more academic.
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Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 19:03
I am glad to know that I was not the only person put off by the idea of an "elitist" book club. I guess I will just have to wait until someone decides to start a book club up for those of us who would consider ourselves just to be average and not superior to others.
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Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 07:03
I think I will pass on the book club PurpleHaze. I was more interested before you started talking about it being "elite" and interviewing people to deem whether or not they met your idea of an ideal member in terms of work, education and background. Personally I think varied background help inspire interesting conversations.
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Latest post on 30 May 2013 - 06:04
I had joined a book club last year, and it soon fizzled out as people were not bothering to read the books. What type of book club are you thinking about? I think that whether some people might be interested or not might be determined by the genre of books they will be reading. Another determining factor of interest might be what area of Doha the meetings would occur in. There are several of us that just can't be trekking to the opposite side of Doha as what we live in...
DebK
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Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 06:19
I can't exactly say what kinds of things you will wish you had brought over with you, but I can tell you the things that I stock up on each summer when we go back to Canada: - bras & underwear (hate the selection that is available here) - jeans/capris - shoes - some over the counter medications (like Tylenol products) and ointments (like polysporin) - BOOKS! The clothing thing might not be as big of an issue when you are coming from the UK as we do have Marks & Spencer, BHS, and Debenhams ... the prices though will be much better back in the UK. :)
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Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 06:10
Thanks for all your replies. We have decided to travel together so will be doing the visitor visa route. I will be looking for work out there and if i am lucky enough to find a job soon after arriving, would you know if the company employing me would then sort out my work permit? Also what documents should I bring with me? I've been told to bring my university and marriage certificate. is there anything else? For someone to legally employ you it is necessary for you to first have your RP. If you are going to stay under your husband's sponsorship you will have to have him fill out a form giving you permission to work. (After being here for 4 years this still makes me chuckle.) You will need to have your university degree authenticated in the country it was issued (which requires the official transcripts as the actual degree isn't legal proof of education.) It will also be much easier for you to get a police clearance (also authenticated) from your home country before you move here. I am not entirely sure of the process of authentication in the UK, but in Canada it involves everything first being notarized by a lawyer then sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs, and finally sent on to the Qatar Embassy in Canada. (A process which I discovered was a royal pain in my backside to get done from over here.) What kind of work is it that you do? -- and good luck with the move!
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Latest post on 11 May 2013 - 08:15
I have never heard of this school. As you said it is "supposed to" open in September, I would actually check to see if it has SEC approval for opening at that time. What often happens here (and schools are no exception) is that anticipated openings are delayed. The school that I had been hired to work at was "supposed to" open in September of the one year and it was December when staff were allowed in to prepare things, and March before they were allowed to take students. I also know of places that opened without all the approvals in place and then were forced to shutdown until they obtained everything necessary. <em>edited by DebK on 11/05/2013</em>
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Latest post on 25 April 2013 - 15:19
It would depend on what type of massage you are looking for.... If you're after either a Swedish or Thai massage then Diva Lounge (they have 2 branches one not far from the Toys R Us Store and another in Gharaffa.) If you are looking for a Balinese, warm bamboo, or a hot stone massage then I would recommend Essence Spa on Al Waab. They also do a nice lymphatic drainage massage.
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 17:15
MunchkinMommy -- I think it is intended as an information gathering thing for parents and to increase the awareness of what schools are out there. I wouldn't think it would be a great time to drop off a cv as you never know who is manning the booth or if your cv will make it to whomever it needs to go to.
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 16:21
If you are coming this weekend, then a good option for seeing what is out there in regards to schools would be by going to the Supreme Education Council's exhibition at the Exhibition Centre. There are many schools that will have booths there. It might be a good way to ask questions at a larger number of schools and then later in the week arrange visits to those that you feel meet your needs The event takes place from Wednesday the 24th to Saturday the 27th April. Timing from 10am-8pm except on Friday it's from 4-9pm. (This is at the exhibition centre near Katara)
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 16:16
For those who are still looking for spots in schools, the Supreme Education Council has an exhibition going on starting today and running through Saturday at the Exhibition Centre. All the schools were advised that the had to have a booth (although I have heard some have ignored SEC's "request".) Anyway... if you are still looking for a school, you may wish to check out the exhibition centre (near katara) to see what is out there. The event takes place from Wednesday the 24th to Saturday the 27th April. Timing from 10am-8pm except on Friday it's from 4-9pm.
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Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 15:28
I have had a similar problem at Lulu. The royal gala apples I had them weigh (3 apples) showed a price of 1075.50 QAR. I handed them back to the girl and said to her that I know that fresh fruits can be expensive, but that they most certainly aren't quite that expensive yet. So it doesn't matter where you go, you need to check that prices are right.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 16:02
According to Dohanews the ripple effects were felt even at Landmark this time. I live not far from there near Gharaffa stadium and again felt nothing. Sometimes we complain our lives are dull and need to be shaken up a bit, but I don't think this is what people are wanting.
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 15:23
You also need to remember that even if you and your partner maintain separate residences they may not be close to each other. Some employers tell employees where they will live, and others give an allowance. If it is an allowance, you need to be careful because housing can be very expensive here. The housing allowance provided by a nursery may not be enough for you to live in an area that you want to live in. Also, in response to someone else's post non married females can not legally share a residence with a male to whom she is not related. So it doesn't matter if someone is in a platonic or a romantic relationship.
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Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 18:49
When you say "partner" do you mean husband? With the wages that are paid by nurseries here it is highly unlikely that you will find one that can actually sponsor you. They tend to employ people who are under their husband's sponsorship. In which case you would need to have them obtain a labour card for you which involves you having a form filled out by your husband that gives you his permission to work. Additionally you would need a police background check done in your home country that has been authenticated by your home country, its department of foreign affairs and the Qatar Embassy in your home country. You also need to have all your diplomas authenticated in the same way. Once here you can only get the labour card once your residence permit has been given to you, and you may or may not need to have fingerprints done. I have also heard that some people working in nurseries have had to complete a physical test to show that they can lift a certain weight. Good luck! Deb
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Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 17:09
I didn't feel a thing here in Gharaffa area ... but I imagine for those who did feel it that it was startling. (Now I'm not sure I want to head out for dinner in the areas that did feel it in case there are any after shocks that also get felt.)
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Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 19:08
Go to the Dubai Marine resort spa! They do a great job but expensive It's awfully expensive to go from Doha to Dubai just to get you hair done!
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Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 19:06
Chi Zen at the Oryx Rotana is where we go for Chinese food. Unfortunately no delivery and as it is a hotel it's a little pricey, but I'd rather pay a higher amount for something I will enjoy then pay less and walk away completely unsatisfied. I know that someone I work with does get Chinese from another place that she said is comparable to ChiZen but I will have to get the details for that once I am back to work.
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 17:36
Which roads are you referring to? (Just so we know where to avoid as I'm assuming that not every single road is blocked.) Perhaps the Emir or someone in the Ruling family is passing by.
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Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 20:37
I am not 100% certain, but once you get residency I don't think you are able to drive on an International driving permit here.
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Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 20:36
You should have paid attention here when those of us who went the first few days it was open were saying it wasn't that busy. ;) Between my husband and I we've been 4 times since it opened! Admittedly we haven't been shopping for any big furniture items at this point. (Although there is a bookcase that I'm planning to buy in the near future...and I do have a few other items on my wish list...) I find that the perfect time to go tends to be midafternoon... I've only ever had to wait in line once and even then there were only 2 people ahead of me. :)
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Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 15:01
I will also be away -- sorry! It's the beginning of my spring break from work.
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Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 12:53
Hi Aussie182, Unlike many other countries, schools here don't tend to have anything officially put in place to handle learning difficulties. ADHD in particular I don't think you are going to find any built in support at the schools. It's more likely to be a matter of hoping to get classroom teachers that have experience dealing with ADHD students and a willingness to work with the child and parents to provide the best support that the teacher can to the child. Plus, ADHD can manifest itself in so many different ways in a child that it's really an individual thing. For some of the children they still manage to succeed academically but will have social and behavioral issues, and for others it can also affect them academically. Also because the schools here tend to decide who gets in and who does not based on an interview procress and testing, I have to admit that if I had a child with some learning difficulties I might be very picky about what type of information I would share during the interview process. As a teacher it irritates me to admit this because I hate surprises -- I would prefer to know about a child's individual needs straight up so that I can deal with them, but I have heard of so many parents who have been straightforward that then struggle to find a spot for their child at a school.
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Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 12:45
I believe there is also a store that sells party supplies in Royal Plaza ... and you never know what you might find in Al Rawnaq that could be useful.
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Latest post on 15 March 2013 - 07:18
I have been to and liked Dr. Thelma at Majestic Dentist near Burger King Roundabout. Phone numbers: 44181509, 66865433 -- I had part of a tooth extracted by her and a crown put on a tooth. As for costs -- I don't remember as it was awhile ago and I had insurance that paid for most of it. That is if she is still here! That's the hard thing about living here sometimes is that so many people are really here on a "temporary" basis and sometimes the next time you want to go to them you find they have moved on. If it's an emergency though he may have better luck taking a chance at the dental clinic at Al Ahli or Doha Clinic. I think that Hamad also has a dental clinic but not sure. edited by DebK on 15/03/2013 <em>edited by DebK on 15/03/2013</em>
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Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 18:39
There currently is not a taxi stand there -- but I'm sure that once everything else opens up at Festival City (whenever that will be) they will have one. I went today around 3 and it was not busy at all. When I checked out I didn't even have to wait in a line -- walked right up to the checkout. Yay! Now... if only I had a nice big truck to have transported everything that I would have liked to have bought. (I'm pretty sure they probably have delivery, but as my husband wasn't with me I decided that I probably shouldn't buy the bookcase that I wanted ... or the dishes ... or the .... yep, the list could go on and on!) Despite there not being a taxi stand, I did manage to get a taxi outside as it was dropping someone else off.
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 17:40
Thanks, kimmc3. I don't actually plan to go until maybe next week or the beginning of April but as I don't have my own vehicle it's always good to know if I'm going to have to phone a driver or if I can just get a taxi from where I'm at.
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 16:18
I was wondering if anyone noticed whether or not IKEA has a taxi stand.. ?
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Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 13:25
Get out more!!! Ive had a bad back, had a death, and here I thought Doha girls were alot nicer lot!!! Nah didnt think so. I was told there is a great support network here?? just made my day, thanks Kimmc3. salsB, that must be incredibly frustrating for you to be in a new country, dealing with a death and not feeling up to par. Hopefully you will find a solution for your sore back soon that you will be able to get out and explore a bit. It's hard to keep up to date on who is who on the boards at times and keep track of who the people are who have just arrived. I think we take for granted that there are certain places that people are familiar with such as the major malls (Landmark, City Centre, and Villagio) and tend to assume that people know where these are when we make references to places nearby. And of course, it's highly unlikely that any of us is privy to knowing all the details of your personal life that have prevented you from getting out and about. For myself, I'm going to assume that everything is getting you a bit down and that is the reason why you seem to have taken kimmc3's post which was intended to be lighthearted in the wrong way. We all have bad days (sometimes they linger for a bit and spread over a few weeks.) Hope you are feeling better soon. Perhaps by then the initial IKEA-craziness will die down and you'll be able to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the store. ~ Deb
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Latest post on 09 March 2013 - 19:01
Just because it was returned does not mean it will end up back on the shelves. Sometimes it is more cost effective for a business to refund the purchase price to the customer, keep a customer and put the non-returnable items in the trash.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2013 - 17:49
I don't think there is any one supermarket that has the most reasonable prices. In fact, recently I have noticed that the prices at MegaMart don't seem to be that much different that Carrefour or Lulu and occasionally are actually less expensive. For the most part I tend to buy fresh produce at either the D-ring Lulu or the AlMeera store that is near Compass school. The quality just tends to be a little better than at the Carrefour stores at Landmark or City Centre. Bread I prefer to buy from Carrefour or Megamart. For meat I tend to buy it at Lulu on D-ring, but occasionally buy it at Megamart. As tamieg1 said you can save a lot of money by comparing the prices of produce and meat that is available from different regions - however, sometimes the quality of the taste is not the same. Strawberries from Egypt are much cheaper than the strawberries from the US but are often flavourless. Saudi produces some of the best tasting watermelons in my opinion. Saudi potatoes are more starchy tasting than the potatoes from Australia ... You get the idea. :)
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 06:36
Hi Sophie, I can't help you with information on accupuncture but I know that I was experiencing back pain here on a daily basis for over a year. Then I spent nearly 700 QAR on a memory foam mattress topper from the Homecentre to put on top of the mattress (despite the fact that I could have bought the same thing for less than $50 CAD back in my own country) and my backpain has now completely disappeared. Best 700 QAR I've spent! (A good night's sleep is priceless!) Taking a look at the mattress on your bed might be a good first step at helping to eliminate backpain. Cheers! ~ Deb
 
 
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