IrnBru | ExpatWoman.com
 

IrnBru

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 February 2014 - 23:01
I also got my RP and ID card renewed a couple weeks ago.
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 17:02
My FitnessPal app is the way to go. I lost 2 stone and now two dress/jeans sizes smaller, my husband 3 and a half stone and a friend a stone. I now maintain the weight loss no problem. Just keep filling in the My Fitness. I do lots of walking and go to gym couple times a week. I am in UK at the moment and its even better using the app here as there are so much food items that you scan the barcodes and the calories are all worked out for you. I still eat out, get takeaways now and again as the My Fitness has a lot of meals in it that you get at restaurants. It's the only thing I have used that has made me lose weight and more importantly keep the weight off. The draw back in a good way is that I now have had to buy a whole new wardrobe as the clothes I wore before just hang on me now. :)
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Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 22:00
I have been in Middle East for 10 years and still standby that if hubbies company did not pay for rent, school fees, electric etc then we wouldn't be here. We are in a very lucky position and have a decent enough lifestyle here. Lots of people have degrees but at the end of the day I still think its experience that matters. ;)
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Latest post on 27 July 2013 - 15:49
I used to use Skype but now prefer using Facetime for contacting people. I also have daily contact with people using Whatsapp too.
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Latest post on 26 July 2013 - 19:00
Hi I see no one has replied to your post and even though I am not from Somerset just wanted to say welcome to Doh-haha :)
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Latest post on 26 July 2013 - 18:57
I had a mammogram and ultrasound scan at Al Ahli hospital a few months ago. I have family history so went to a GP there for a referral. All very straight forward. Only thing is the mammogram and ultrasound appointments were two weeks apart.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 14:22
So sorry for your loss. It's makes it so hard being away from home when something like this happens.
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Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 00:43
Must admit the old vino calapso, Mr Smirnoff and Mr Grey Goose keep me sane here in Doha lol
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Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 20:33
Agree with you guys in many ways. After living in Abu Dhabi I was gutted when we moved to Doha. Have been here 21 months now and have grown to put up with it. It is so far back in the dark ages compared to UAE. I do enjoy my nights out here as some great places to go but the traffic and shopping is really dire.
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Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 09:28
Spice Market @ W or Vine @ St. Regis are my two favourites.
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Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 07:35
I bought risotto rice at Spinneys on The Pearl a few days ago.
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Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 13:14
Thanks for that Maple will try there. I have tried 4 beauty salons today without any luck and each time I have seen my visitors getting a bit more disappointed. The things we do to keep the guests happy ;-)
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 09:16
The Intercontinental have a Ladies day on a Tuesday and Wednesday. Ladies 75 rials for the day, think the kids prices much the same. Tel No. 44844852. Remember you need id card/passport to gain entry. ** This is the older Intercon on the beach not the new one in the city <em>edited by IrnBru on 12/03/2013</em>
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Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 23:11
Ahh am I too late to join as notice your email addy removed :(
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Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 18:02
I am a Pearly too, no kids here.
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Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 19:43
I just downloaded some books today no problem. My account is UK. Might just download some more just incase though.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 08:54
I hear ya too. I got my hair done when home for Christmas and now my roots are beginning to show and I am dreading trying someplace new. All the others I have tried so far haven't been great even with recommendations so won't be going back.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 08:50
Rony Nacouzi salon do eyebrow threading. There is another new salon open Kaira Beauty next to Noodle House, I got shellac done last week and asked about eyebrow threading, they don't do it as yet but plan to.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 08:11
Lots of semi/fully furnished apartments/villas here. I looked at a few and some had furniture that was fit for the skip and some had really nice furniture. You might pay slightly more for a furnished place.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 08:02
Driving on the right side seems more natural somehow, you get used to it pretty quick. As for the crazy driving you just have to expect the unexpected and have eyes everywhere.
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Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 07:55
Ahhh good to see lots of suggestions, thanks to all. A few new places to try I think. @Jonners - went to ipanema with hubby when we first moved here and we did enjoy but thought it would be more fun with a group of people. @lulubaker - stayed in Ramada oops Radisson Blu for two weeks and think I tried every restaurant except Maxims, may have to go back to try the steak diane though. @tamieg1 - I haven't been to Pampano in ages but walk past it most days and it's never busy. Have a good weekend everyone and if you are out trying someplace new this weekend remember to report back please :)
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Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 08:14
Wish we had a like button. Must try the Spice Market brunch, I have only eating there in the evenings. Yeah Trader Vics one of my favourites too. Hakkasan that's in St. Regis? Have been to Hakkasan in Emirates Palace and it was lush so better try the one here too. I quite like Gordon Ramsay's Opal at St. Regis, worth another visit anyway. I have my pal coming to town soon so that usually means a few girlie nights out :)
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Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 15:42
I used to think the Qatar forum was quiet & boring until I moved here! I posted a question about Friday brunch a few weeks back, asking for recommendations. Lots of people read it and NOBODY replied - don't people go for brunch here? Somehow, I think they do. Come on ladies - this is a valuable resource, make the most of it and help your other ex-pat friends. I did reply when I looked in forum but noticed you had already been out for your brunch. :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 15:39
There is a good bookstore (or used to be when I lived in Abu Dhabi) in Marina Mall which you will find at the end of the Corniche (Emirates Palace end). I cannot remember the name of it but it is on 2nd floor on left handside walking towards the food court.
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Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 09:54
Fairmont or Shangri-La were my favourites for Friday brunch when I lived in Abu Dhabi.
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Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 10:16
Thanks, Mustard.... at least one thing I don't have to buy... I'm having a look at Facebook page for selling 2nd hand items in Qatar, and seems to be that electric heaters are necessary, is it ok? Is it cold in winter (because of the humidity, I suppose, as in the Spanish coast...)? Thanks again and excuse me for so many questions... No Problem ask as many as you need, we haven't got a heater but I am freezing I've been wearing OH's sweatshit in the evenings I do have a heater and have had it on in the apartment most of the week. I find the floors are freezing at this time of the year. Certainly not as cold as it was last year though. I live in One Porto Arabia and love it, great pool area and gym. Handy for everything but not so handy for the beach but am not a beach person so that doesn't bother me. The maintenance is quite good even had a water leak fixed with a bit of garden hose and top of a water bottle lol. Housekeeping twice a week so that saves me having to clean which I loathe. When we first moved in we used to have a cafe/bar but once the alcohol was banned it closed but yesterday we had a food survey round as they are planning to open the cafe up again but sadly no alcohol still ;)
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Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 11:56
I live on The Pearl too and glad I live here than any other place in Doha. We have a great pool area and gym. Having a Spinneys is handy for popping into for some supplies when I am out walking. Lagoona Mall a few minutes away with a Carrefour supermarket (express). West Bay just 10 minutes away where we tend to go for nightlife. The new road construction will be a pain but hey ho you have to live somewhere. Tried the recently opened Royal Tandoor on The Pearl over the weekend and thought it was very good. Picked up their delivery/takeaway menu as think we will be using that quite a bit.:)
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Latest post on 25 December 2012 - 00:50
Don't know about racist but you will find all the pubs (mostly in hotels by the way) you have to show ID card or visitors have to show passports no matter where you are from.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 10:47
I usually go to Dip Club but have also had manicures and pedicures at the Roni Nacouzi salon on The Pearl.
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Latest post on 30 November 2012 - 11:07
Not so much daycare more of a kids club in tower one. Might just be for the residents of the tower though. I don't have small kids so can't comment on how good it is sorry.
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 01:05
The cigar shop on The Pearl has a good selection :)
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Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 16:41
Aren't we always left to finalise everything??? Doha does grow on you. I wasn't so keen on it in my first few weeks but once all paperwork, RPs, driving licence etc is done and found my way around it was fine. It is much colder here in the winter than it is in Abu Dhabi. I have been in the Middle East eight and half years and had to buy a heater for first time last year and will buy a second one this year as one was't enough. Oh and I miss being able to jump in the car and driving to Dubai within the hour. Apart from that it is home until we move again.
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Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 15:32
Hi I moved from Abu Dhabi to Doha this time last year. Think you will find the import duties on your cars depending on their ages will still be cheaper and less hassle than selling them in Abu Dhabi and having to buy new cars here. We sold most of our furniture in Abu Dhabi as we decided to downsize from a villa to a furnished apartment here on The Pearl and that was a wise decision for us as to be honest I wouldn't want to stay anywhere else in Doha. Some good places to have a few drinks and meals out here, that was one of my main worries before moving ha ha.
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Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 16:34
Thanks for getting back to me. Seems the Opal gets a good write up so might give it and try and will report back.
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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 21:44
Lakelands in the City Centre Mall.
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Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 10:03
You can get the vacuum storage bags in Lakeland @ CC. They also might have the larger ziplock bags too.
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Latest post on 08 September 2012 - 22:00
I live on The Pearl and love it BUT I don't have kids. We have a huge balcony but would be on tenderhooks all the time with young kids. There are plenty families in the tower I live in though so must be doable.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 21:09
I have tried the salon at the Diplomatic Club and Roni Nacouzi at The Pearl. First time I went to Diplomatic Club I was really pleased with cut and colour but the next time I went back colour fine but the cut was awful. I then tried Roni Nacouzi salon and the colour and cut was excellent but was charged a whopping 950 rials!!!! that included some hair treatment as well. I thought I was going to faint at the price. I have since managed to hang off and get my hair done the couple times I have been in UK but already dreading trying somewhere else in Doha in a few weeks time. Might try Roger @ Sheraton next.
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Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 11:42
1st of Never :/
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Latest post on 28 July 2012 - 18:47
hi rachela, unfortunatley as puppylove2 says, the hotel cant help if they are over the age of 65. puppylove2, neither of my folks have a degree, so that option isnt open to us :-( however there is still a glimmer of hope as we are going to immigration first thing in the morning (again) and we will try to get the signature of the guy who makes these sorts of decisions. in fairness, the first signature was a matter of 30 seconds with one of the captains downstairs at immigration, it was just the 3 hours of queueing before that to get to him............ as my parents in law have been here previously with no problems (british passports) it never occured to us that there would be an age limit on visit visas!!! so thought i would put it on here in case anyone else needs the info Not sure if I have read this right is this rule only for South African passport holders or do you also mean British passport holders over 65 too?
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Latest post on 22 June 2012 - 13:34
DVD box sets and lots of cocktail hours. :)
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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 08:33
Depends what everyone likes doing really. A visit to the Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souk also stopping at the Sultan's palace, drive out to Shangri-La for lunch some amazing views. Take a trip up Jebel Akdhar, Snake Gorge, Caves, Nizwa fort. The weekends in Muscat are Thursday and Friday so everything be open a bit later on the Friday. <em>edited by IrnBru on 13/06/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 09:29
Just wanted to share that there is FINALLY a mecian joint in Doha (that doesn't cost a fortune since its not at a hotel or on the pearl). It's call Cha Cha. We ate there last night and it was good. It's near Education city- behind the woqod on Al Rayaan (next to McDonald's, burger king and a couple other places) They have burritos, tacos, quesedillas and some sides. I had a steal burrito and it was very good. It's not really fast food- but we got our food quickly. Anyway, just wanted to share because I've been waiting for Mexican here for five years and I'm so excited!!! It's a bit of a hidden location, so when we went there we were the only ones- I want to spread te word do they do well and stay in business! Wish we had a "like" button. Thanks for sharing.
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Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 21:16
I like the Belgium @ Intercon, Trader Vics and Wahm @ W. Maybe need to start venturing to other places just incase I am missing out on anything. <em>edited by IrnBru on 04/06/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 21:12
I won't risk it then my shampoo and conditioner are too expensive for them to be taken off me. I will go and get a couple of the small 100ml bottles. Thanks
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 08:24
Trader Vics is in the new Hilton next to 4 seasons....heard one good review so far! Not had enough coffee this morning I meant the Hilton not Holiday Inn ha ha :)
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 08:13
Oh didn't realise it was open. Might have to pop in over weekend as Trader Vics in Abu Dhabi and Oman is fab. Great for casual meet ups and also great for steaks. Err just had a thought was Trader Vics not opening at the Holiday Inn?? <em>edited by IrnBru on 24/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 15:44
YAY on Ipanema!! I was there this past weekend with some girlfriends and we would all highly recommend it! It is in essence a buffet with a focus on meat (steak and lamb, and a some chicken) but rather than get if from the buffet, they bring it to you -- huge skewers of amazing meat. All was incredibly yummy. There is an actual buffet with soups, salads and breads, and then they bring other salads and fries to the table. Food will keep coming until you say stop -- and it's hard to say stop! I've also been to Champions -- a sports bar with an okay menu of American bar food. Have heard great things about the steak house (but pricey) and have heard mixed reviews of Cuccina. Great thanks thats a good enough recommendation for me. Ipanema it is then and will try out the others in the future too.
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 21:39
Have never been to any of the restaurants at West End yet, any recommendations? Would like to try Ipanema the brazilian place. Yay or nay? TIA :)
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Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 19:23
I had always lived in compounds but never liked it as too many noisy kids going about. Now my daughter is all grown up and away from home we have downsized to an apartment and I love it. Always meeting new people of all ages at the pool, walking through reception areas, in the lift, coffee shop etc. <em>edited by IrnBru on 30/04/2012</em>