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Gray Girl

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Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 22:08
You're correct Rachel - that's my HC and I'd say it's definitely not just for expats!
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Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 18:47
According to this site, Airport HC is the only one dealing with new applications ... http://www.phcc.qa/portal/index/index.php?lang=en&type=2&page=13&id=67 However, before driving there I'd try calling them first. When I got my HC, I picked up the application form from Hamad Hospital (main, not Women's) but that was 3 years ago. I've popped in to renew ours twice now so it might be a better bet trying the hospital rather than Airport HC. The guys at the information desk on the ground floor (out-patients) pointed me in the right direction - they're helpful! Good luck
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Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 15:26
No idea how old this page is but might give you some ideas: http://diningindoha.com/features-view.php?id=80 Also, we enjoy going to the Lounge in the Kempinski and the Spice Market in the W (if you want 'proper' drinks, time it right for 'happy hour' in K and 'sip and savour' in W which means it doesn't cost a fortune). Admiral's Club, Havana's and Level 23 at the Ritz Carlton are nice too. Also noticed Hive in Intercon City has deals through the week. It's worth having a look on the hotel's facebook pages too.
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Latest post on 26 December 2012 - 15:09
My DH bought my engagement ring from Damas. I know he was in the Landmark one as they gave him a tutorial on diamonds re. cut, colour etc and he was impressed they weren't pushy but just let him browse and he went back a few times before buying the ring. Since we're been married, he's bought me gorgeous jewellery from Tzarina in Royal Plaza. It would definitely be worth looking there - the salesman is an older guy and very helpful. I had to get a ring resized recently and got it back from him within 24 hours.
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Latest post on 09 December 2012 - 11:33
Just wanted to send best wishes to you all. We hit the jackpot on our third attempt but sadly they couldn't find a heartbeat but had to wait 3 weeks before I had a partial mc, then emergency d&c back in August. I totally agree with asouheir and confusion too. Babylover, whether you have a mc through natural conception or IVF there's no reason why you would have a higher risk of mc again. I hope you're successful next time. x Confusion, I'm so sorry to hear your news. Don't give up hope. x Nicky1md, lots of luck in your fourth attempt - I really hope it works. I always said I'd try four times ... x JoyceB, I had to laugh at the 'just winked' comment - you lucky thing! From what I remember of previous posts you've made, you have a great relationship with your kids. I'm sure you'll be a great support to your daughter, good luck x
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Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 23:16
My DH did this a couple of weeks ago! This is from the Embassy in Abu Dhabi: " We understand that the Qatari government now requires a police clearance as part of applying for a residency permit. Australian police clearances are issued by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Canberra or by State Police - not by the Embassy. AFP applications forms are located on their website at http://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/police-checks.aspx. As part of getting a police clearance we understand that the Qatari government requires the signature on the clearance to be attested. This should be done by an authorised official of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Australia. You can find contact details for DFAT offices at http://dfat.gov.au/contacts.html. The Embassy in Abu Dhabi can then attest the signature of the DFAT official. If you require this service please fax Nadia Shalabi on + 971 2 4017501 a copy of the Police clearance in advance of the consular visit to Doha, so the Embassy can check the database for the signature, in order to be able to attest the original when it is presented to us in Doha." It was quite straightforward to apply online - it took 4/5 days for the application to be processed. Once you apply, they send a confirmation email with a consent form to be signed and a list of the proof of ID's they require (you can scan and send them by email). The certificate is then sent to a nominated person/address in Oz. You then get them to forward it to DFAT to be authorised, once that's done it can be sent to you here.
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 23:30
Royal Plaza Mall have a Facebook page where there's an ad for their Christmas Market on December 1st. They have pictures with Santa on that day and also on the 16th and 22nd of December. HTH
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Latest post on 23 November 2012 - 14:21
or who could try www.qatcom.com - like yellow pages. I typed in painters and there's a list of companies with telephone numbers you could try. Good luck
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Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 14:47
A couple of years ago, DH and I went to the Ritz midweek for the day and got the use of the pools etc. but can't remember how much it cost. I think most hotels will sell midweek day passes or you can take advantage of the Intercon on a Wed (ladies used to be 50 riyals, not sure how much for men). I think weekends tend to be for members or certainly more expensive. I enjoy Sheik Faisal's Museum - lots of interesting stuff and a few old cars, bikes and trucks which always goes down well with the men! Whilst there, you could swing past the camel race track and catch the guys exercising them. You can hire one of the dhow's on the corniche for a 20/30 minute sail in the bay for around 60 riyals and get some nice photos of West Bay. There's also the derelict settlement on the outskirts of Al Khor which we swing by just so the visitors can see what the houses used to be like - mud and stone herringbone patterned walls and the palm/wooden poled ceilings! I don't think it's that old but still something different to see. They're not here on the 18th are they? National Day is fab! Hope you have a great time :)
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Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 17:56
I agree with Kermi and really, your Doctor should guide you to a decision. If it was me and there were three embyos, I would probably put all three in but if there were four, I'd transfer two now and put two on ice. I think only freezing one would perhaps be a waste but that's only my opinion. From personal experience, I've not been as lucky as you! Twice, I only had one embie to transfer (first time it was a grade 1, 3 day and second time it was a grade 3, 5 day blast) and both times failed to stick. This last time, I had two to transfer and one stuck! The link Alismum has given is interesting reading! Whatever you decide, wishing you lots and lots of luck Hilsbils - hope it works xx
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Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 23:26
My DH was told that expats cannot sponsor a male (as driver, house-boy etc) and that we are only able to sponsor a female as house-maid or nanny. But please correct him if he's wrong ;)
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Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 22:57
Girls, Thanks so much for your touching messages. DohaHW, thank you for sharing your experience - it helps a lot! Here's hoping mine is a late starter too - when I had the scan at 6w5d they said the size was 5w but the doc said that wasn't anything to worry about. At the end of the day, there's nothing I can do but think positive and take it easy (which isn't hard during Ramadan)! My very best wishes to you for the big event DohaHW - not long to go now before you meet your little one, xx
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Latest post on 31 July 2012 - 14:19
You can, but I think they have to be over a certain value and the retailer has to give you a form and receipt to apply for the refund. This should help you: http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000141&propertyType=document
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Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 16:16
How wonderful - I'm sure she'll thrive even more now she's at home with her family. Enjoy spoiling her, what a special little girl xx
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Latest post on 17 July 2012 - 19:09
Girls, thank you for all your replies. I've actually had two blood tests 48 hours apart - both of which were positive (eek!) and after the second my Doctor told me to return in 2 weeks - now one - for a scan. I was convinced that they do more than two to ensure the HCG keeps increasing so was a bit worried! Freaked myself out yesterday (I should throw this laptop out of the window because I keep googling!) as I had period-like pains all morning and was convinced something bad was happening. It's very early days - 5 weeks - and I don't know how I'm going to cope, what with being such a worrier and I daren't get excited yet ... but I'm excited! Confusion, I did my full cycle in Jordan this time (2 unsuccessful performed here in Doha) and it was such a different experience - for the better. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you get your BFP soon xx
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Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 10:17
Jonners, I'm sorry to say that she didn't have any luck in finding one to hire. It might be worth contacting a couple of hospitals/clinics (Doha Clinic, Rumailah etc) or asking at your local health centre - surely they don't expect you to go out and buy a wheelchair? You'd think there'd be a few for loan somewhere... What a bummer - hope you heal up quickly xx
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Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 15:35
I don't know of any :( but would love to hear if anywhere does show MotoGP races! We either watch them on MotoGP website (have to pay for a video pass) or on BBC through private VPN. If your DH is into bikes, has he got in touch with the Qatar Kneedraggers and Duners groups?
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Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 13:05
babyhopes, I posted a reply on the 'when deciding' thread
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Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 13:03
babyhopes, you might want to consider the Farah Hospital in Amman, Jordan. I've almost completed a cycle with them. It's my third attempt (two failed in Qatar) and this year I turned 40 and discovered my egg reserve was very poor. Farah was recommended to me and I emailed them my notes and asked their opinion on whether I had a chance. They told me that I had a very slim chance so we decided to give it a go. I underwent retrieval yesterday and this morning I was told we have two embryos to transfer tomorrow! Both times in Doha, I only had one transferred so we have double the chance this time, insha'Allah. I'd definitely recommend Farah and they're quite happy for you to begin the stims phase in your home country if you don't want to be in Amman for the whole cycle. They're not great at responding to emails so you have to chase them up or call them but it's worth contacting them to find out their opinion. Dr Amal is lovely and the staff are so friendly and caring. Good luck xx
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Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 09:11
Many thanks for the replies GinaM and IrnBru. Not tried Trader Vic's yet but we've enjoyed previous 'outings' to your other faves. I was a little worried we were a bit behind the times and were missing out on some other great venues - phew! ;) Decisions, decisions...
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Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 19:20
Please don't think I'm being flippant but at least you have a (albeit small) choice in the UAE. We have no choice in Qatar - it's Hamad Women's Hospital, take it or leave it! That's an interesting link Daisy16, thank you. We're now in the process of starting a cycle at the Farah Hospital in Amman (my Doc recommended as embryologists are excellent).
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Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 14:59
Hi Anna, I'm in Doha. I would recommend that you and your husband get Hamad health cards (if you don't have them already) and go to see a doctor at your local health centre. I presume they will be able to run the necessary fertility tests and will then refer you to the assisted conception unit at the Women's Hospital. I'm sorry I can't be of more help but I've not had IUI performed but I have tried IVF there (my husband's company have their own health clinic so I went there, they ran tests on us then referred me to the Women's Hosp.) Hope this helps, good luck x
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 15:55
Thanks for your replies girls - hopefully it might help me grow a few more follicles than last time! I've been following your previous posts so, Birchy good luck tomorrow, I hope they collect lots of 5* eggs and Confusion, I really hope they do for you too and you both hit the jackpot ;) All the best, x
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Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 19:11
Jonners and I could have been neighbours - DH and I were at the Full Moon last April too! Although I loved the ocean villa and private infinity pool, I didn't think it was particularly good value for money (we did all-incl too). The resort itself was nice and the short boat transfer from the airport was great but it was close to other islands. Also, to get the better quality accommodation, you lose getting direct access to the beach which was a shame. We've also been to the Royal Island twice - not as fancy as the Sheraton but I'd say we enjoyed it more. You have to take a seaplane transfer (I'm not a big fan of flying but love these and I get a kick out of the pilots wearing a shirt and shorts and being barefoot!) and also ask to be accommodated on the side of the island which has a wider beach (there is some sand erosion). The beach villas are lovely, the food's good and the price is very reasonable compared to most islands. We're thinking of going a third time ... http://royal-island.com/home/
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Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 14:25
I wont bore you with my story but I'll be starting my third attempt (two past fails) next month and already know my schedule and the amount of Gonal F is double to what I was prescribed on my first round (but this is a different hospital to the previous two)! I have low fertility and I'm 40 so they've explained that this is the reason why it's a high dose but 600 sounds scary to me!! If you don't mind telling me, what amount have you been prescribed?
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 17:58
This looks like a great idea ... perhaps worth a look? http://www.trustedhousesitters.com/
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 10:42
yay ... long may the peace and quiet continue chizz!!
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 11:39
If it's any help, they've definitely had felt pads at the Home Centre (Centre Point and Jaidah one) - I've not been recently though! Another place to try is Lakeland at City Centre.
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 18:08
Doretta, There are a few pet relocators here that can help and give you all the information you need. The minimum amount of time in quarantine is one month (but when blood tests are taken determines the time) and you can visit whilst the animal is in quarantine but be warned that Perth is one of the smaller centres so you need to get organised and book in advance. Good friends of ours moved to Perth at the beginning of the year (with their 9 year old large dog). They used http://www.qatarpettravel.com/index.html and were concerned with the long flight but he coped fine (used connecting flights with Emirates via Dubai) and the people at the quarantine centre called them to say he'd arrived ok too. They were very happy with the service Nicky offered - we're more than likely moving there this year and plan to use them to send our pets. Good luck
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Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 18:45
Many thanks for your replies. They are required for a migration visa application - I'll re-read the requirements but I'm pretty sure they asked only for 'certified copies' as they specifically said not to send the original certificates.
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 09:37
I renewed ours at Hamad Hospital. In out-patient department (can't remember if it's first or second floor - ask at the information desk) at the cashiers desk. Pay 100 riyals per card, they give you a receipt and that's it done - no new card given.
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Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 13:04
Just wanted to check that the below info is still correct! ... I've just booked my Maid's air ticket. Do I just have to send DH down to Immigration beside the airport with her passport within a week of her travelling to get her exit permit arranged? I was unsure of the contract registration bit though. Our Maid is Sri Lankan - does this make a difference? Any guidance would be much appreciated.
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Latest post on 21 April 2012 - 14:48
If you're wanting to restore items to white, I'd say you could safely use bleach ... http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Coloring-Washed-in-to-Clothes or, nip to Carrefour and see if they have these in stock (I've used them previously) http://www.dr-beckmann.co.uk/products/laundry-products/colour-run-remover-for-whites/ For future washes, I'd recommend these (and dr beckmann have similar ones too - I've bought them in Carrefour before) http://www.colourcatcher.com.au/key-features.htm Good luck :)
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 18:38
Malaz, I also agree with Dan Lou and PuppyLove2 to move to the compound! I have two friends who each moved into apartments (separate buildings) in al Sadd when they first came to Qatar but moved (your negatives on living there are almost exactly the same as theirs) when their leases were due for renewal. Both moved to compounds - one extremely big, the other much smaller - and they and their husbands had no regrets at all. We're in a stand-alone and have some pretty awful furniture which was given by DH's company and whilst it's ugly and definitely not to our taste, it does the job! We also made do with second-hand sofas and bits of occasional furniture which we bought from expats who were leaving. There are the furniture souqs in Najma area which would be worth scouring - you might find a few bargains and PL2 is right re expat sales. I really think your positives to living in the apartment/villa in the compound far outweigh making do with basic furniture - just having natural light would clinch it for me! Good luck whatever you decide ;)
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Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 16:26
My housemaid wants to buy one for her daughter (she says they're cheaper here than in Sri Lanka) but I've no idea where's best to try. Should we just scout around the big supermarkets like Lulu, Giant etc or are there deals to be had from independant stores? If so, can someone point me in the right direction please?! TIA
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Latest post on 19 March 2012 - 21:17
Thank you nml81! You may delete your address - sorry for not messaging quicker! Will email you tomorrow.
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 13:47
That would be great, thank you. I think she's definitely wanting to get the 'bags' under her eyes done, with the possibility of getting the lids lifted too. Anyone else had the procedure done or know someone who might be willing to share their experience??
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Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 18:15
Just wondered if anyone had good/bad experiences to share. A friend (not me, I'm far too much of a wuss!) has looked into getting it done back in the UK but a friend here has told her it's possible to get it done at Rumaillah. It would be easier (and probably cheaper) to have the procedure here ... but would love to hear any info. Many thanks :cool:
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Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 10:28
I'd also like to meet up again and I'm sure my friend (I don't think she's on here) would want to come along again too.
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Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 18:20
Google "Art of Abundant Living" and email Nicole - she should be able to put you in touch with someone
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Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 00:55
Amy, I'd say no. I used to work as a travel consultant (but 10+ years ago) and the rules back then were that the airline would cancel/assume a no-show for the return portion of your ticket if you didn't use the outbound (unless it was a full-fare, changeable ticket). Obviously, rules may have changed since then but it stands to reason that if you don't use the outward part of the ticket, they assume you have not arrived at the destination and therefore will not need/use the return. Really, the only way of knowing is to pop into one of the offices and ask. Here's hoping I'm wrong :) Good luck
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Latest post on 14 January 2012 - 10:54
Picklz, you can delete your email now.
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Latest post on 13 January 2012 - 22:52
This one too http://www.diningindoha.com/events-view.php?id=817
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Latest post on 13 January 2012 - 22:49
Our lovely housemaid has been with us for 10 months and has no friends here and I would love for her to have someone to speak to/meet up with. But, is your housemaid Sinhalese or Tamil?
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Latest post on 13 January 2012 - 12:23
I'll second the bagel place, PQ and D&D for breakfasts! Le Gourmet at the souq is good. We love the arabic style breakfasts and enjoy omelette with chopped herbs, a bowl of foul and freshly cooked stuffed saj bread. Delicious! Le Notre also have a nice buffet style breakfast and the American Grill too. There's also Johnny Rockets which hits the spot if you've perhaps over-indulged the night before ;) their omelettes are good or english muffin with beef bacon, egg and swiss cheese!!
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Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 16:32
ccdoha, you may already have the details but just noticed in Marhaba: [b'>Qatar Foundation for Child and Woman Protection hotline - 44679444[/b'> http://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/wcm/connect/hukoomi+web+content/hukoomi/directory/sa+directory/individual+agencies/qatar+foundation+for+child+and+women+protection
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Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 17:35
But you'd think that Emirates would know better and ensure they've got the correct authorisation and approval of the Government before announcing their global sale wouldn't you? Hope you managed to get your flights booked Silver6.
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Latest post on 15 December 2011 - 17:10
The bases aren't thin and stonebaked but we still enjoy them. The toppings are far nicer than other pizzas we've eaten. You really need to try them out for yourself though - I've read recommendations for PJ's and PH but I can't say I liked either. Our favourite YC pizza is the garden special with added pepperoni ... which we gobbled up last night!! Enjoy :)
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Latest post on 15 December 2011 - 08:55
katcalls - you may delete your email joos - thanks for that, I've joined their mailing list :)
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Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 09:05
:) Thanks Ausgirl :)