DebK | ExpatWoman.com
 

DebK

DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 06:33
Wow ladies - thanks for that very helpful. I think you're right about the vanilla essence - it's got alcohol in, so probably a no-no. I'll look inot Mary-Catherine's suggestion to make it. Or I could try using vanilla pods for a change. Never tried that! I'm sure I'll be back with more questions soon. edited by mrsw2 on 20/06/2012 edited by mrsw2 on 20/06/2012 Yes, but Listerine has alcohol in it and all they do is stick a different label over top of the original label. No one bothers to peel it off to see what is really in it.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 21:01
In regards to toys, Early Learning Centre has a decent variety of toys. If they don't stock it in the store you can order it from their catalogue. And BEDH -- I believe I saw vanilla pods in the food area of Marks & Spencer awhile back.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 June 2012 - 18:28
DohaNews is now reporting that Landmark is closed. Although I'm beginning to think the only way people would know for sure is to phone the mall itself and ask as their source seems to be the facebook page for the cinema. (Although you would expect that DohaNews would already have done that to confirm...) http://dohanews.co/post/25361858872/qatar-cinemas-landmark-closed-for-safety-reasons edited by DebK on 18/06/2012 DohaNews just posted a correction stating Landmark *is* open and just the cinema is closed. Seriously -- why didn't they verify before ever posting anything? <em>edited by DebK on 18/06/2012</em>
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 June 2012 - 16:57
Odd... they appeared to be open and functioning on my way past after work. Of course that was a few hours ago (around 1:00 p.m.) I've been avoiding Landmark this week, but do appreciate the heads up in case I lost my mind and decided to brave the crowds! (Oh wait, if it's closed there wouldn't be a crowd to brave ...) Wonder if City Centre will be re-opening tomorrow (or soon) or if it's also still closed.... Not that I really need to go to a mall as I don't need anything, but sometimes I don't mind a walkabout, a movie, or a dinner that I didn't have to cook.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 June 2012 - 16:51
Definitely the trouser suit. Less likely to cause offence to anyone, and more professional than a summery dress even if that dress is accompanied by a blazer. Good luck!
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 June 2012 - 16:48
In regards to the heat, it's going to depend on where you are coming from what you think of it. :) To cope with the heat you just tend to move a litlte slower and enjoy the outdoors at different hours. We walk outdoors all year round, but at this time of year it tends to be by the light of the moon and at a slower pace. When we go visit relatives in the summer they have commented on how pale we are, and we tell them that's our "moon-tan".
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 June 2012 - 06:48
As read on the Peninsula online it will remain closed for an additional two days: http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/197897-city-center-to-remain-closed-for-2-more-days.html "The City Center will remain closed for another two days because installation of new safety equipment is still under way, Center authorities said yesterday. The mall was closed on Friday in keeping with instructions by Civil Defence after faults were detected in its safety system. It was supposed to re-open today. " (17/06/2012)
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 June 2012 - 17:22
MOI did an inspection and decided it wasn't up to safety standards. It is closed until they achieve the safety standards -- which means it might be 2 days or it might be longer. MOI simply stated on their facebook page that the mall is closed until it completes safety requirements.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 June 2012 - 17:17
You can also check listings for royal plaza, landmark, and the mall on http://www.timeoutdoha.com
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 June 2012 - 06:27
Plus if you come on a tourist visa, you can't legally stay with your significant other as unmarried females can not stay with males that they are not related to. :) So you would be best to get married first just to avoid any legal complications.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 20:07
My husband has eaten there and enjoyed it. I don't like Mexican food, but simply asked the employees if it would be ok for me to grab my meal at one of the other restaurants located there and bring it back to eat with my husband. They happily obliged me. For those wondering where it is, if you know where the Family Food Centre that is right next to the Jarir bookstore then you'll be able to find this strip of restaurants. It's on the same side just closer to the roundabout and behind the gas station there.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 16:15
I think it depends on the school whether or not there is a microwave available to heat food up -- and it probably also depends on the age of your children. The kindergarten where I work does not heat up food for the children. Parents can easily keep food warm by using a thermos or lunch bag that is capable of holding heat if they want their child to have a warm lunch. We also do not have a refrigerator for storing the lunches of the children but an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack can go a long way to keep food cold. Our students are at school from 7:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. We break for "snack" anywhere between 8:30 and 10:00 depending on the classroom. As a kindergarten we have a bit of give and take in our schedules that have allowed us to choose the snack time that works best for our students. The students in my room were supposed to eat snack at 8:30 but none of them ever had any interest in their food at that time. They were still full from the breakfast they had at home. I find that that the majority of my students want to eat at about 9:15 to 9:30. Sometimes we then eat again at 12:10 depending on if the students are hungry. If they tell me they are hungry than we let them get their snacks. As for what they bring -- that varies greatly depending on the child. Some of them bring meals that are larger than what I would send with my husband to work! I have some students who bring 2 full sized sandwiches+fruit+carrots+cheesestring+yogurt+cereal bar+cookies+2 containers of milk+fruit juice+a bottle of water. (Nope -- not kidding.) Then I have others that I wish their caregivers/parents would send in a little bit more choice because they always only have 1/2 a sandwich and a container of milk. I do think that it is good to provide some choice in a child's meals at school, but in doing so a parent has to be willing to accept that the child may not everything. I think they need some sort of main meal (sandwich, sliced meat, cheese& crackers, pasta, etc), some veggies (baby carrots, green/yellow/red peppers, cucumber slices), something containing milk (either a container of white milk or yogurt), a piece of fruit, and then something that is a treat (cereal bar, 2 cookies, pudding). Some of my students bring things like corn on the cob, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, rice, pasta, cereal and milk, pizza.... a lot of cheese & jam sandwiches ... We have water coolers in our classrooms, so although the children tend to bring a bottle of water with them it's not a necessity as we always have water available.... but a lot of this will depend on the school where your child goes.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 19:55
A lot of it actually depends on the employer. The employer that my husband works for brings out the families as a unit all at the same time and there is no waiting until the spouse has their RP or for the employee to have 6 months of bank statements from Qatar. If that was a necessity then no one employed by my husband's employer would ever end up bringing their family out because they are not paid here in Qatar but are paid back in Canada to a Canadian bank account. The only reason that any of the employees open up a Qatar bank account is to receive their per diem which would never amount to enough for them to sponsor anyone. The best place for a person to get answers is from the HR department of the employer.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 09:12
Hi, I'm arriving in Doha next week, and very reluctantly leaving my husband and 2 children behind...... (for 2-4 weeks according to HR) They can follow once I have a RP, passed the medical and found a place to live... phew!! Is 4 weeks realistic? Apart from work I will have no other distractions when I arrive so I intend to start the process on day 1. I've never left my children before and while I can see the logic behind it I'm worry that I'll be a constant blubbing wreck! Would appreciate any input! Thanksx P.s any ideas for shipping a few boxes from UK, only about 6 (70x50cm)? Hi UK-mummy -- 4 weeks is realistic, and it is quite possible it could be faster than that. It's been a few years since we went through the RP process, but ours was completed 3 years ago during Ramadan and it only took 3 weeks. I remember we had assumed it wouldn't be completed in time for us to go away for the Eid break so we hadn't planned anything and then we both had our RPs in our hands in time for Eid. There are also some times during the year when they are busier with RPs and visas. Doing your RP now you should avoid the rush that comes with all the new hires that work in education that tend to arrive at the end of August! From what I have heard, 4 weeks is also a realistic time frame for finding a place to live. Most agents tend to not want to show places to people who don't want something more immediate. (I've had friends who have experienced agents refusing to show them something because they wanted to look now but move in 2 months time. They were told to come back when it was a 1 month time frame.) I can't offer any advice on shipping as we came with only 2 suitcases each. (Which I don't regret at all. Our accomodation is supplied and fully furnished -- which makes a difference. Plus we were given an an allowance on arrival to purchase other things we might need like dishes, bedding, etc.) Good luck! Your first few weeks are going to be busy with adjusting to a new job, new country, etc. So by the time your family arrives to be with you you'll be feeling a little more settled and will be able to ease the way for them.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 06:43
Haha! I started reading it but have to leave for work shortly so have bookmarked it to come back to when I have more time. :)
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 22:01
We always have our mail sent to us through my husband's employer. I've ordered books through Amazon in the US, Canada, and the UK. Ironically the books from the US and Canada have always arrived within four days from the time I ordered them. When I have ordered from the UK it has taken a couple of weeks or more for my order to arrive. Ordering software through Amazon may require the Aramex address even if you can mail things to yourself through your employer because not all products can be shipped outside of different regions. I was wanting to order a cover for my kindle fire but they can't ship to this region... so instead I'm just waiting and will order it just before we head back to Canada for the summer. As someone else said, things that are available here it's sometimes the mark up that is the killer... but then there are other things that are sometimes less expensive than what I would pay back in Canada.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 21:28
I'm still in disbelief. A single storey building with no clear floor plans, emergency exits not visible, some sprinkler malfunction. :( Sadly such tragedies can occur anywhere. Malfunctions happen. Unfortunately people hear fire alarms and they don't react. I know as a student back in Canada we had monthly firedrills when I was younger. Even the teachers didn't know when all of them would occur and even in the middle of winter you had to exit the building. I remember once having to exit in my socks in winter because I didn't bring my indoor shoes. (Nowadays parents would complain about that!) However, here there is a bit of complacency when it comes to fire alarms. I know in the apartment building I used to live in we had frequent false alarms. It happened so frequently people just stopped getting up and leaving their apartments to even make sure it was a false alarm. Maintenance eventually just turned the whole system off until someone complained to the right person and they finally fixed the issue. I think parents need to make sure that the schools their children attend do regular fire drills. Yes, fire drills can be scary to young children and it can upset some of them to tears but if done frequently enough they will eventually learn to get up and to follow their teachers out to safety. They'll learn the process and if a situation should ever occur where it's not a drill they will already know the routine and be able to get out safely. I know that tomorrow at the Kindergarten where I work that I will be suggesting we have fire drills a little more frequently. It doesn't change the outcome for those children today, but it might prevent a tragedy in the future. <em>edited by DebK on 28/05/2012</em>
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 21:09
Absolutely horrible. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/05/2012528135025997336.html This is one of the reasons why it is extremely important for schools, nurseries, and kindergartens to have routine firedrills and practise exiting the building safely. The article comments on the difficult access and I think this is something that parents need to consider when choosing childcare facilities or schools for the children -- how easy will it be for your young children to get out in case of an emergency. I've often looked at that long hallway and thought it made a strange entrance to a nursery, but wondered if there was another entrance/exit that I was unaware of. My heart goes out to all those affected.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 19:12
We have flown with QA from Doha to Washington and then from JFK back to Doha. Was fine - no problems. Not sure what other kind of information you are looking for....
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 14:51
I would definitely recommend going with your husband sponsoring you. As for the alleged 6 months that people have to wait to bring their spouse, I don't think that is applied to all people. You need to check with your husband's company as to if you can come over straight away. Also, not all companies are paid through a Qatar bank. My husband works here but his pay is processed and deposited in Canada. So if providing 6 months of bank statements from a Qatari bank was a criteria than no person working where he does would ever be able to have their spouse or family here.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 07:43
Thanks for the link! I'm REALLY wanting to go... have seen 5 of the Cirque de Soleil shows in Vegas over the years. Am trying to convince my husband that he wants to go. As I'm not familiar with the venue, can anyone suggest which seats would be best for viewing the performance?
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 18:56
It's not two networks. One network -- just two outlets... So having the second router upstairs does improve reception for wireless. I know pre-fibreoptic I could get 1 or 2 bars in the front bedroom but no reception at all if I was in the back 2 bedrooms. Now I have full bars no matter where I am in the villa, but it is all the same network.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 20:51
Why did we move here? Because the petroleum processing plant that my husband worked for in Canada closed its doors and the employment prospects in Canada were not cheery. I was actually the one who encouraged my husband to take the job in Qatar and willingly quit my job to come here with him. I was excited about it all before leaving Canada, and have loved it ever since arriving. I had no issues settling in and had someone approach me and offer me a job 4 days after we arrived, and one week after arriving I started to work. My husband had a bit of a harder time settling in. It took him about 5 months before he started to enjoy himself. We have been here three years now and I still love it. That does not in any way mean that life is pure perfection, but life wouldn't be completely perfect even if we were back in Canada. I do know that I enjoy my job far more here than I did in Canada.... and I am far less stressed than I was in Canada. Perhaps it heps that my husband and I have far more holiday time together which means more travelling. :) We have also learned that we don't need to surround ourselves with as much material possessions to be happy. (In fact, when we go back to Canada and visit relatives I always feel as though I am about to suffocate in their homes with all the stuff that is in their houses.) I think sometimes you just have to change your perspective and appreciate the differences and the challenges. For example, in our old flat every time I did the dishes soapy water came up out of the floor. It could have been a frustration, but instead I just accepted that I had one of the cleanest floors in my kitchen because every night after doing dishes it also got washed when I mopped things up. When our villa recently flooded it meant that I got to meet some of the neighbours that I had not spoken with before.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 18:10
I know that at Compass' Gharaffa campus they EYFS program is in portable classrooms. Not sure I would be willing to pay their high fees for my child to be in a portable. ACS -- all I know is that the parent of a child at our school works there and was going to move her child to ACS. However, she later decided to leave her child with us and in September her daughter will go to Compass instead. If someone who works there isn't even willing to put their child there then it wouldn't make me feel inclined to put mine there.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 18:13
Check out http://www.vacationhomerentals.com For example this place in Faro, Portugal is $2578/month http://www.vacationhomerentals.com/vacation-rentals/Faro-Algarve-Portugal.html In the Netherlands this place is $2771/month http://www.vacationhomerentals.com/vacation-rentals/The-Hague-Netherlands-vacation-rental-apartment-proID-38110.html Istanbul, Turkey $2707/month http://www.vacationhomerentals.com/vacation-rentals/Istanbul-Turkey-vacation-rental-apartment-proID-29452.html A place in Spain for $1546/month http://www.vacationhomerentals.com/vacation-rentals/Santiago-de-Compostela-Spain-vacation-rental-bed-breakfast-proID-63716.html Another site you can check is http://www.homeaway.com/ or http://www.vrbo.com/ ~ Deb K
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 06:44
Working in education with two months off in the summer helps... plus not having kids also helps a lot. Destination can also play a big part in affordability. There are some destinations where it is quite affordable to rent a villa/apartment for a month or two. We are also quite lucky in that while in Doha we have practically no bills. Our expenses are limited to Qtel, transportation, and groceries. Means that we live off my salary and save every penny my husband makes throughout the year and therefore we can travel frequently. :)
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 17:59
Well, Qtel phoned yesterday and set up an appointment to come to connect the fibre optic stuff that was previously installed. The appointment was for 4 p.m. (or later) and they showed up at 12:45 p.m. (good thing I was finished work early today.) It took the guy probably about 2 hours to get us switched over. Downloads seem to be much faster, and buffering to watch videos online seems to be much faster. My only complaint is that because of where they installed the outlet for the cable, I had to move all the furniture around on my main floor. The guy who was here was kind enough to help me move the tv and the tv stand, but probably only because he seemed appalled when I went to move it all by myself. LOL Then at 3:50 the doorbell rang again and it was a different guy from Qtel coming to switch it all over. I told him it was already done by someone earlier in the afternoon and he had to come in and check because he didn't believe me.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 05:52
By the way DebK I'm intrigued by your jetlag comment - Rome is only an hour behind Qatar time isn't it? Yes, but my husband is always concerned about jetlag. I never tend to get hit by jetlag no matter where we travel or how far it is. However, I am not arguing with his wanting to stay in Rome for a few days because I loved Rome the last time we were there.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 19:39
Amy -- this year our plan is to go to Italy for a month. We don't have it planned entirely yet but will spend the first few days in Rome to get over the jet lag. (We spent a week in Rome a few years ago, so don't need to see too much there this year.) Then we will head to Tuscany for a week. After that we are not sure where we will go ... Thinking of going to Switzerland for a bit and also maybe Paris. We try to balance it out with sightseeing and relaxation. We had also considered going back to Portugal for the summer. We spent some time in Albufeira at Christmas time and we absolutely loved the area. I could definitely see renting a villa there for a month or two.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 17:44
As my husband and I both work in education, we both have the summers off. Our first two years here we did go back to Canada for July and August, and because we had sold our house before moving over here we had to stay with relatives. Staying with relatives can be a difficult balancing act. Two sets of parents to please, and in the end no one ends up being pleased including yourself. I suppose it might be different if you have parents that respect your space and know a few boundaries, but I found it rather uncomfortable to have my mother-in-law walk in to the bedroom we were staying in whenever she pleased and just sit down on the bed and strike up a conversation. Not to mention having parents that tried to dictate to us what time we would go to bed, what time we had to be out of bed by, when we would eat, etc, etc. At my husband's parents house the tv was always showing shows like Murder She Wrote, while my parents watch the reruns of The Waltons and both would expect us to sit down and watch it with them. Last summer we thought we could balance it all out by doing some side trips to break up the time we were at my husband's parents house. Loved Hawaii, Vegas, Utah, and weekend trips to Toronto, Windsor, or Detroit area... but I didn't really love the time in between. At the end of last summer I told my husband we were not going back to Canada the next year. And so far I am sticking to that! It can put a lot of stress on the relationship of a husband and wife to have no privacy and have one set or the other set of parents interfering with things. I think we'll be much happier with our alternate summer plans. There is a remote chance we might go back for a short visit... but it would be two weeks, and on the weekend in the middle we'd be doing a weekend excursion. It might be the way to maintain sanity. (Oh and for the record, all the excursions, weekend get aways etc last year had us spending MORE money than if we had just rented some place for two months.) ~ DK
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 15:00
CrossRoads at the Renaissance Hotel (City Centre) has a breakfast buffet. I have not been myself for breakfast but a co-worker has said it is very good. I have been to their Friday brunch and although the selecton does not compare to that of the Marriott, it is good food and tasty. At brunch they still have waffles, pancakes (griddle cakes, hot cakes, whatever you prefer to call them), an omelette station and fresh fruit.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 21:58
City Center was absolutely insane today. It hasn't been that busy in a long time! Braved the lines at Max to buy some items that I need for my students for costumes for our year end show. I have to admit that if I was buying something for myself I would have put it back and left. Stood in line for more than 30 minutes to pay! Then went to Home Centre which was a little less insane, but after that I couldn't even bring myself to go to Carrefour for groceries... Early afternoon on a Friday City Center is fine ... but the later it gets the busier it gets. I can recommend a couple of spas for you: My absolute favourite at the moment is Essence Spa. http://www.essence-spa.com It is located on Al Waab on the same side as Villagio and Hyatt Plaza. Go through the lights just past Hyatt Plaza then take the first right on to the side street running parallel to Al Waab and it's just down a bit on the right. They have a good selection of different types of massages and treatments. Another spa that I go to is Diva Lounge on Al Kinana Street (same street as the Toy's R' Us. They have a more limited selection of massages and treatments but they are quite good. I would not recommend Skin & Soul though. Had a massage, pedicure and manicure there a few weeks ago and was absolutely disappointed. It was the worst massage of my life, the atmosphere was disappointing, and within 2 days my pedicure/manicure was chipping off. However, I do know people who have good experiences there -- I just won't be going back.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 16:35
I would recommend buying earplugs to use when you are sleeping. Then the noise won't disturb you.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 06:14
Yes cockroaches are common in the Middle East and I have had one cockroach show up under the sink in my kitchen... but I never serve cockroaches up to my husband in his meal at dinner time. (Although maybe I should so he would stop expecting me to cook for him. :) )
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 17:28
Hi Lisa, I think a lot of it simply depends on how social the people in the building or compound are. I actually met more people when we lived in an apartment building than I have since moving to a compound. At the apartment building we had a few people who actively organized activities for people in the building such as trivia nights, bbqs, potluck dinners, and movie nights. Plus every Thursday evening people gathered on the roof to socialize. Here at the compound I really hadn't met many people until our villa flooded the other week. However, a lot depends on the people living around you.... or if you're a very social person it could be you who does the organizing. :)
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 18:29
Wow, what a great way to torpedo a restaurant based solely on hearsay. I would rather listen to someone's warning based on their own experiences than to eat at a restaurant that would serve food that contains a cockroach. It's right up there in my mind with seeing restaurant workers use the toilet and leave the restroom without washing their hands before returning to the kitchen. I scratch those places off my list of places to eat too. Why take the chance?
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 17:36
The problem is you can see into the kitchens at Noodle House and they look very clean, as do the dining areas of the restaurants! The Pearl branch has not been open so long (as far as I know) and I haven't seen any roaches at all around here...then again it only takes a couple of the things to breed and you have an infestation on your hands......It had def. put me off returning there though and yes, the OP should report them so that they can be ordered to fumigate and refresh their food hygiene qualifications! (if such things exist here??).. edited by chizz on 29/04/2012 Oh well if you can see in to the kitchen ... I guess I will just completely scratch this restaurant off my list of places to try. I'll stick to Chi Zen instead. (I love their Sweet and Sour chicken!)
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 16:39
Well, I guess I know which restaurant I will NOT be trying. Or maybe I should ask to see the kitchen conditiions before I try it. ;)
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 15:13
Came for three ... and just signed on for another year. We're actually quite willing to stay here as long as the college keeps renewing my husband's contract. :)
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 08:41
I have been told that the first one usually refers to illegal parking.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 20:55
We went camping one weekend and returned to a similar situation however ours was the same little hose pipe on the second floor. When we opened the door our stairs were flowing like a waterfall. Needless to say the whole house was soaked. One miracle though was my daughter Mac laptop. They always leave them on the floor rugs to charge. Can you believe we walked into the room nd it was as if a little dry island had raised up on top of which was her laptop! However, my husband spent the next few days hanging out all their school books and paper to dry. The moral to the story is that we always tun off he mains water if we are staying away rom the house. I was incredibly thankful that the leak was on the ground floor instead of upstairs! From this experience we have learned to not leave anything on the floors. Everything needs to be up ... Live and learn! But yes, after this I am sure that even if we are going away for a weekend we will be turning the water supply off. After all, Sunday's disaster occured in a space of 4 hours between when my husband left for work and I came home from work.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 14:55
The cause was a little valve on the pipe for the toilet (clean water) came off.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 06:21
The area rug is still outside in an attempt to dry it out. So whether it ever gets to come back inside is still to be determined. (If we don't replace the area rug, then maybe we won't need to replace the vacuum... LOL) From talking to the neighbours I did determine though that flooding of the villas in this set of compounds is not all that abnormal. Some people told me how they've had 3 floods since they have been there. Although most of them were due to hot water heaters exploding and coming off the wall or backups in the sewers that caused sewage water to come up out of the floor. Yuck! The greatest lesson learned is that we should invest a little bit of money into power bar stands at Daiso to raise the power bars up off the floor, and NEVER leave anything on the floor. I also give credit to the maintenance team because one guy was here on his little bicycle within 5 minutes of my husband calling, and the others arrived a short time later by bus. The inside of the villa is dry on the surface, but underneath that it is probably still wet. Every fan and a/c in the place is on to keep the air circulating. I am also VERY thankful that this happened on a day when we were here in Doha and not in the middle of a time when we were out of the country. I don't even want to imagine coming home to a villa that was flooded and the water had been sitting for a week or so! Oh... and if you were ever wondering how to get rid of that constant layer of dust on the floors -- flood your villa. ;) My floors have never been more dust free! LOL ~ DK
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 April 2012 - 13:15
As a chronic allergy sufferer I would highly recommend investing in some Eucalyptus oil. I had not had a full night of sleep for the past 21+ years and then recently decided to give Eucalyptus oil a try. Had read on the internet to rub it on your temples and the middle of your forehead between your eyebrows. It honestly cleared my sinuses far better than any antihistamine or decongestant I have tried over the past couple of decades. Plus, each night that I have been doing this for the last 6 weeks I have actually slept straight through the night without waking up in the middle of the night sneezing and needing to blow my nose. Sure the downside could be walking around all the time smelling like eucalyptus but I find it a rather pleasant smell personally, and I quite like being able to breathe through my nose again after all these years (well, except during busy times in the fruit/veggie sections at the shops because there's many smells that I'd rather not be smelling!) and I'm enjoying getting a full night of sleep. It might not work for you -- but you can get a little bottle of Eucalyptus oil for about 6-8 QAR (lasts about a month) so it's an inexpensive remedy to try. ~ DK edited by DebK on 20/04/2012 <em>edited by DebK on 20/04/2012</em>
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 15:31
It doesn't matter where you live, there is a chance of discovering cockroaches. It's just a part of living in a desert environment. If you don't have children, living in a compound can have some downsides depending on the set up of the compound. In the compound where we live we have just had to accept that the children living in the compound tend to consider the area around any villa open to them for playing. Our covered parking area often ends up being played in by the kids in the area, as well as on the steps to our villa. They also think nothing of bouncing balls or shooting hockey pucks against the wall of our villa. It can be quite annoying at times and I don't really think there is anything that can be done about it. Good maintenance isn't something that is common to all places. So you might not want to leave that behind. If you are trying to save money then I think the big consideration will be a comparison of costs. Is it really cost efficient to save $500/month on rent (total of $12,000 QAR over 2 years) but then spend that amount of money (and possibly even more) on furnishing a place? Good quality furniture is not going to come at a low price. I'd sit down and make a list of all the furniture you would need to buy and the prices then add it up. It may be cheaper to stay put, buy lamps, and get a membership at a gym or some sort of place you can go to do your running.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 16:59
Favourite Restaurants: Paul's, Chi Zen, Crossroads, The Butcher Shop, Nando's, Paloma Tex-Mex Spas: Diva Lounge -- I have to start using more of the spa coupons even though it will mean trying out new places.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 15:48
If you have an HSBC credit card, they have an Entertainer book for free. Ask at the branch (tell 4 different people why you are there, and wait, but they will give you one;) Really? Is that for only if you get a new credit card? Or does it apply if you already have an HSBC credit card? (Because if it applies if you already have an existing HSBC credit card than it may be worth us stopping in there to get another entertainer book. We've run out of the coupons for our favourite places!)
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 14:37
Buying the entertainer books also let you try things out at various places until you find the place that you like best. :) I went for a massage some place last week that was NOT good at all, but at least it was only half the price because I had used a coupon and gone with a friend.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 14:35
Glad it turned out to be nothing in the end for you.
DebK
453
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 11:51
Amy, I can understand that you are frustrated. However, I have lived here for nearly three years now and a member of the site for just as long. I don't recall reading an abundant amount of "horror" stories as you call them about people being accused of things they haven't done. Nor do I know anyone personally that works with myself or my husband who has ever been accused of anything they have not done. So although these things may happen, I don't think they are as common place as what you may be making them out to be. Secondly, as you have said that all you know is that a complaint has been registered against you but they won't say what or when I don't think that at this time you can suggest that you're being accused of something you did not do. Wouldn't knowing that require knowing what the complaint is? You may actually be working yourself up about something that turns out to be nothing. I have never been bullied here on or off the roads. Plus to be honest, I would have to suggest that the worst drivers on the road are not locals but are actually from a few other countries that I will not name because I do not wish to offend anyone who might be from those countries. Just remember that apologetic will go further than defensive.
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing