JillMV | ExpatWoman.com
 

JillMV

JillMV
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Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 08:00
I'd like to go as well when my parents are in town. My plan is to just drive out there, and if nothing's on continue to ft. Zubara or go plant shopping. Supposedly races are listed in the Arabic press
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 15:56
Oh No! I really liked Cha Cha -- we ate there very often... we were there just a few weeks back and the chef didn't mention anything. It really was hidden, I think people just didn't know about it.. what a shame.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 14:39
There are some excellent universities here in Education City, but they are fairly expensive as their tuitions match what they charge in the US. Look at their websites for what they offer and tuition. Qatar Foundation does offer a great scholarship for kids who keep a high GPA and they offer other financial aid/ loans, but I think school in the UK is probably more affordable. [b'>The schools in Education City are:[/b'> -Georgetown -Texas A&M -Carnegie Mellon -Virginia Commonwealth -Cornell -Northwestern - HEC - MBA only - UCL - graduate only [b'>The schools outside Education City are: [/b'> -Stenden University -Qatar University. They recently announced a shift to all-arabic language -College of the North Atlantic. I don't think they offer a university degree though (not certain).
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 14:57
Dhreima Orphanage ROTA - Reach Out to Asia Qatar Charity Red Crescent Think Pink QAWS - Qatar Animal Welfare Society
JillMV
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Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 03:12
In tthe past i have seen them advertised in the Gulf Times Classifieds and Qatar Living. <em>edited by JillMV on 17/11/2012</em>
JillMV
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Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 17:07
I would say either Karwa taxi or Hilton transfer. When you leave the airport, Karwa has a taxi stand on the right, and there are almost always plenty of cars. I think the flag fall is QR 20, then the normal fare on top. If you book ahead, they could pick you up from the Hilton (or Fox limo could too). The hotel itself would also offer a transportation service -- might be easier for going back to the airport, but woudl probably be more expensice.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 10:25
Love the tax rate I pay here -- less than Mitt Romneys! Hate having to re-set up Qtel everytime we have to move.... 7 weeks now with no internet in the house.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 16:57
We used Runway movers and had a great experience with them. You can try Falcon Logistics, but for us, their quote was much more expensive than Runways...
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 16:50
Not sure what is the safest. Some bottled water comes from desalination plants (which in Qatar are mostly NOT reverse-osmosis, but essentially distillation). Al Rayyan bottled water is from the aquifer. The water in your house is desallinated. it is supposed to be better than WHO standards. For environmental reasons, i advocate drinking from the tap and getting a filter --- as long as you keep your storage tank clean. (Temp control is an issue though for legionella if your tank just bakes in the sun- but this risk is in the shower). There are various types of filters you can get including personal reverse osmosis. Not sure about pricing or contacts. That said, I give my baby bottled water, but the test of us drink tap. I seem to remember a while back that people said Nestle was the only bottled one with floride. The tap has floride too. <em>edited by JillMV on 15/10/2012</em>
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 10:15
The only problem I've heard of with food is if there is no expiration date stamped on it. Our company ordered promotional candies to give away, and there was no expiration date so it got held up by the Ministry of Health. I would think if it's shipped thorugh Aramex, you should be fine -- but they might be able to advise on any regulations. When we come back from El Salvador, I bring in 1/2 a suitcase of coffee each time and have never experienced a problem.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 16:03
Gulf Crafts does trophies/ awards and engraving. They're located on Salwa Road. Also a lot of sports stores carry trophies- but i'm not sure how to get them engraved. I don't know if Gulf Crafts will engrave a trophy purchased elsewhere.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 13:16
We moved from a villa with no wardrobes to one with, so we may be getting rid of some soon -- but most of ours are dark wood. I might be selling some once we are more organized. You can find cheap OK wardrobes at PAN emirates furniture and sometimes Home Center.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 23:14
Our daughter took lessons at the place in Abu Hamour near the water tanks -- think it might have been al Khebra, i'm not sure. But they picked her up from the house for the driving lessons and took her back (or maybe she drove back as part of the lessons). I imagine we had to pay extra for that... But that driving school was decent. She ahd already taken a bunch of lessons in El Salvador but didnt' have a license from there. At the school here, she didn't have to take the full amount -- once they saw that she was a decent driver, I think they cut the number she had to take by 10. It took her a few tries on the tests-- but that's because the whole driving test here is so strange. She's a safer driver than her dad!!!
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 07:54
We moved last month. We used Runway. And we very happy with them. They were very professional, did a good job, showed up on time, etc.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 09:43
Rachel - There's also an Aramex shop and ship pick up in the Education City Rec Center -- so if they're able to send things there it might be closer for you...
JillMV
445
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 09:53
There are also apts in the Dar Asalaam compound -- it's in Abu Hamour next to the new Carrefour Market.
JillMV
445
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 13:59
Definitely try to book in the same hotel as the conference-- makes life a million times easier and you will also then meet some other people who are at the conference and staying in the hotel and you might feel less on your own. Try to look on the bright side - no making the bed, no cooking, a few days of luxury!I've stayed in a lot of hotels on my own -- i actually sort of like it-- it's like a little vacation from my regular responsibilities/ daily routine. I've stayed a few times on my own in hotels in Dubai and have felt very safe. From the airport, if you take a taxi, the lady taxis are right outside -- but you can also pick up the metro at the airport -- it's cheaper and it's really nice and clean. But it sort of depends on where your hotel is to determine which to take. Most of the conferences are in hotels on Sheik Zayad Road -- in which case, metro probably makes the most sense. You might even reach out the the EW Dubai board...
JillMV
445
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 11:39
I have... what are you nervous about? If you're nervous about safety-- one tip I've heard before is that when checking in, also provide a copy of your husband's passport and say he'll be joining you later -- so then it doesn't look like a woman is in the room by herself. I've never actually done that at a hotel, but I heard it somewhere. Also, if you want there are lady taxis if you would feel more comfortable in them -- and the metro is really easy to use. If your hotel is on Sheikh Zayad, I would take the metro.
JillMV
445
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 August 2012 - 05:44
The 10% was a law at one point, but I think it had a time limit on it- like 2008-2010'or something. Supposedly all the rental laws are written in the real estate law of 2008- but I haven't been able to find a copy of the law itself. When we renewed this June, there was no increase, but prices have been going up this summer and I've been hearing that people have been asked to pay more. Some have been successful negotiating with the landlords to keep the rent the same- others not.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 09:58
Dh's work told us we could sponsor 1 female maid/nanny and 1 male driver- but we could not sponsor two female employees. So I think on that front we're ok. I hope.
JillMV
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Latest post on 07 August 2012 - 23:05
Is it pretty much the same process as sponsoring a maid? Anyone know the going wage? I thought my husband told me I had "gone loco" when we first talked about the idea, but no, he said I've gone local."
JillMV
445
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 August 2012 - 07:55
Ace Hardware is in Dubai:( but it is supposed to open up here in the same complex as IKEA sometime. The veterinarians sell cat stuff. Do you know where they are? There's also a pet store somewhere near the wholesale market - never been myself- but if you do a search on the forum, I think you'll find directions.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 August 2012 - 16:23
now it sounds like it's a contractor for Kharama or Ashgal who has told the landlord they need to do something -- so it's not the landlord being greedy. Any idea if that changes things? My one friend said if the govt needs to take over your house (owned or rented) they pay you for the inconvenience... has anyone experienced that? or is it an urban legend?
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 06 August 2012 - 12:01
Thanks Lalala. Well when my friend talked to someone else who works for the landlord, and he said something about plumbing and water supply problems... but they were going to get back with more details. So I don't really know what's going on. We have never had any problems and as far as I know the other houses on our row haven't either -- but the city does frequenty dig an enormous hole right behind our house to reach water mains, then fills it back in again... I'm trying to find out if it's a city thing or a landlord thing. I'm confused but I'm hoping my friend can get more details for me. I pulled out my lease and i don't see any clause that covers this sort of situation, but for "all conditions not specified" in the contract - it refers to Real Estate Law 4 of 2008.... So I'm hoping a google search will find this in English for me. <em>edited by JillMV on 06/08/2012</em>
JillMV
445
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 16:42
You can buy both the capsules and the machines at a store called Blue Saloon on C-Ring Rd. I'm not sure if they carry the full range or not -- if you have the space, you might want to bring yours. I seem to remember that the capsules cost about QR 100 for a 50 capsule sleeve. I don't know how that compares to the UK.
JillMV
445
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 July 2012 - 16:01
You can get the gas tanks from Woqod. Then you can take it there for exchange when it's empty. There are lots of other places too-- and trucks that go around delivering gas- but Woqod's probably the easiest. grills are in the store VRdoha listed plus Apollo Furniture on Salwa Rd usually has a good choice.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 July 2012 - 21:28
Well we tried the vinegar trick and last night and for once there was no meowing at the door. But in the morning a new cat was sitting on top of the car! <em>edited by JillMV on 24/07/2012</em>
JillMV
445
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 July 2012 - 21:19
Don't know about the Nuvo Ring- but the pill is available at every pharmacy. You don't even need a prescription- its considered over the counter here. I'm not sure which particular brands/ hormone combinations are available, but two that I have seen are "gynera" and "Diana" but there are lots more. They're also cheaper than the US, whih is nice.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 10:14
That wouldn't be a very pleasant commute to the airport... For the airport and Sherborne you might want to live close to the d-ring highway, since the two places are pretty much on opposite sides of town.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 10:10
Those sound easy snd worth trying! The cats definitely never come to the back garden where the dogs hang out! The front area isn't enclosed though, so the dogs can't roam free there. <em>edited by JillMV on 23/07/2012</em>
JillMV
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Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 09:13
We have a very small patch of garden in front of the house. Apparently there's something very attractive about it to cats because in the last three months two different mamas have decided to birth and raise their kittens there. I was so happy when the first group moved elsewhere- but then they were replaced with second family! Although the kitties are really cute, they're driving my dogs insane because they're just outside the door meowing--- which then gets the dogs barking- and in turn sometimes wakes the baby. Does anyone know of a good humane way to discourage these cats from making a home at our front door? Any herbs that I can sprinkle on the soil or something? Have the dogs go to the bathroom there?
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 July 2012 - 09:42
Got one a few years ago at one of the furniture stores on Salwa Road... Don't remember the name though:( but it was on the same side of the street as Apollo -- think closer down toward wholesale market. the store sold only office furniture.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 08:06
Carrefour market in Abu Hamor had pool noodles this weekend.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 20:06
I'm in education city- as far as I know, my uni is doing a six hour work day across the board regardless of religion or exempt/ non-exempt status. Within our depts we are working out schedules to have coverage for the whole day, with some coming in late and others leaving early. Just closing early doesn't work so well when you have to talk to people in the US daily. But there are plenty of people who seem to think that Ramadan hours only apply to Muslims and others who say it's only for hourly workers. I'm pretty sure that the law of 6 hours is for everyone. QF is working 5 hours - 8:00-1:00. Most govt offices are similar.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 06 July 2012 - 08:20
Frazzle - you're not wrong. Govt offices have very short days during Ramadan and everything seems to take longer. Also- I've really only heard good things about starfish lane. We visited starfish lane 4 yesterday to check it out for my son and it looked great.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 07:31
Thanks for asking. He's fine now- back to normal. We didn't end up taking him to the vet because he was getting better and better all day yesterday. Hopefully he's learned to not to eat anymore geckos!
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 09:39
well, green is a relative term in the desert! haha. but for Qatar, it's pretty green.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 07:56
Thank you BEDH for the new number! This seems like a great option especially if for whatever reason you can't sponsor someone (we already sponsor a nanny and the pro at dh's office says we can sponsor a male driver, but not another lady)... Story seems to be, the maid works 8 hours/ 5 days a week. You pay the agency 2000/ month- this covers housing, transportation and sponsorship. You are requested to provide lunch for her. It seems tyou have one lady assigned to the house, so youd have the same person every day. I am probably going to give the service a try and will let you all know how it is. I asked about having someone come for half days (which would be ideal for us), and he said that would be around 1700/ month because the transport costs are still the same. Edited to add: my only real question is how much do the maids themselves earn if 2000 covers some of the food, housing, and transportation. <em>edited by JillMV on 30/06/2012</em>
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 07:46
They accepted our blood group card from another country. Don't know if they always will. For our son we just went to a local lab and had them test his blood, then submitted the lab result. You do not need to donor before you arrive in Qatar, you an do it here, but it might be easier to do it before you come as it will be one less thing to worry about. Just ask a lab for a printout with your blood broil and that is sufficient. Yes, you still have to have the chest X-ray and blood drawn regardless of testing you've done elsewhere for tb, HIV, and hepatitis. If you are pregnant you don't have to have an X-ray, you can request an alternate TB test.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 17:41
I would say you save at least 2000+ QR / month renting un/semi furnished compared to furnished... That money adds up quickly - so I would recommend getting an unfurnished place, especially if you already have furniture you like.
JillMV
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 12:21
yes, I'm excited about the magnolia bakery too! Florenza and a Crocs store are also opening. There is another store with an Arabic name I'm not familliar with.
JillMV
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Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 17:08
I think the closest compounds would be the ones sort of accross from the Marriott and Sharq village. One was called Bayt 1 (but i think has since changed names) and the other i think is called Spanish Villas. I think they would be in that price range. The bad thing about both is that there is a lot of plane noise -- but once the airport moves it might not be so bad. But if your husband is happy with under 30 minutes --- that gives you a decent range of Doha.
JillMV
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Latest post on 26 June 2012 - 14:29
BEDH - I just tried calling the number you listed, and they told me, "no, no, wrong number." Did you have any luck with this number?
JillMV
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Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 14:53
it depends on the company - i work for an american company which follows american rules -- meaning they only will ask about family ifyou have opened the door. It can be frustrating for our housing dept because they might not know which type of accomodation to show the potential employees if the information has not been volunteered. But once the person accepts the job, they obviously have to let HR know for school fees, housing etc.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 14:12
just wanted to note that Georgetown also has a considerable literature selection - in both English and Arabic.
JillMV
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Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 14:09
Well, Landmark semi-passed... They have been given until September to rectify some issues (which I assume are not as extreme as City Center's). For example, Zara in Landmark is temporarily closing (and having a huge sale as a result) to start the work they have to do so it is done before September...
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 07:31
I know someone who won 2nd prize when it was a Lancer from megamart. It was great cause she sold the car on Qatar living and had lots of money to go toward her university tuition. Other than that, another friend won a tv at the horse races and many of my friends have won things at QDC. I am sure I'll never win, but I fill out the things at megamart all the time- I figure for the amount of money we spend at the store, we could have bought a new car by now! Chances sem low, but why not give it a try?
JillMV
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Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 14:23
No photography at the indoor pool we use-- wasn't able to take pictures of my son's first swim :( I understand why the rule is there, but I would have liked to have caught this moment on film.
JillMV
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Latest post on 16 June 2012 - 10:59
We went last night. We got there around 8:15 and were told 40-60 mins. Since there was really limited waiting space we left and came back an hour later. The food was good- it was what I expected. Service was relatively good - because when our sever forgot to bring out one of the dishes the manager noticed before we had to complain/ question and he got it straightened out. It did seem like the manager on top of everything - so if there were problems he was fixing them.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 15 June 2012 - 16:14
A few friends have gone and said it is as good as in the US. We're planning to go this weekend for fathers day- but when I called 180 to get the number to hopefully make a reservation, qtel said the number isn't listed yet...
 
 
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