JillMV | ExpatWoman.com
 

JillMV

JillMV
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 08:02
Just wanted to share that there is FINALLY a mexican 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 steak 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 the word so they do well and stay in business! edited for the ridiculous number of typos! <em>edited by JillMV on 12/06/2012</em>
JillMV
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Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 09:40
and although it will be no help for next year, ASD is now talking about adding an extra class for each grade..... not sure how long that will take, but if I'm still here when baby goes to school, maybe he'll get in, haha!
JillMV
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Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 16:31
officially Yes. in practice..... well they aren't the most vigilant at the airport. Theoretically they should make you leave it behind.
JillMV
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Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 22:23
You would never be able to buy a house full of furniture for what it costs to ship it- so I would say if you think you'll be here for a couple of years, bring everything. I wish we had. I would have thought the difference in price between furnished and unfurnished would be a little less- more like 2-3000/ month, but over a year, that's still more than the cost of shipping your furniture and I'm not that up-to-date on the market My "semi-furnished" only had AC units, but almost all have the kitchen appliances- I'm not sure why ours didn't include them. Some.have built-in closets/ wardrobes and some Don't.
JillMV
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Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 22:12
By the way Pheonix is out of fire extinguishers at the moment- even though they have a bunch of empty ones in their window. They sent dh somewhere in the industrial area where he was able to get them. I used the one in our house earlier this year and we hadn't gotten around to replacing it. If there is anything positive to come out of this tragedy, at least people are looking at the safety of their surroundings more carefully and doing something about it.
JillMV
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Latest post on 25 May 2012 - 09:47
Another reason that it might be better to go through Europe would be if you're going to a destination in the US not serviced by QR (like the west coast). To get to San Francisco, you are probably better going through London than having to deal with your bags and immigration then a connection in the US. Also Emirates services a few more destinations like Atlanta, LA and San Francisco
JillMV
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Latest post on 25 May 2012 - 09:35
Highly recommended. I think it is by far the most comfortable way to get to the states. All the US flight are on the Boeing 777- which means a lot of legroom in economy and a gorgeous business class. The economy seats are much bigger than Emirates. I fly to the US regularly on QR and am always very pleased. The only reason I occasionally fly with someone else is either price or if I have a reason to need to stop in A different city for a conference or tourism. I would say that of for some reason you don't go direct, the second best thing is to fly QR to London, then Virgin Atlantic. Stay away from US based carriers at all costs! (very safe but horrendous service). Yes, the taxes do add up- but when I last paid for my moms award ticket between NYC and Doha, which was economy one way and biz the other- the taxes were around $400-$450. That's still a great price! Although my dh is a pilot my feelings are solely based on my experience as a passenger. <em>edited by JillMV on 25/05/2012</em>
JillMV
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 08:26
We normally bring Maseca (which sounds like the same thing) back with us in the suitcase..... But I swear I saw it one time at megamart- because I couldn't believe it. Don't think I've seen it since:(
JillMV
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Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 19:45
A few years ago we stayed at Meeru. I think the boat transfer was an hour or more, but I think there was a seaplane option. It was wonderful. We stayed in a gorgeous water villa On an all-inclusive package, but there was a supplement for alcohol. The only complaint I had was that the all-inclusive was limited to the main reataurant (which was excellent), but there we 2-3 other restaurants that looked good- but since we had essentially already paid for our meals at the main restaurant, we didn't try the others. The diving and fishing were fantastic very close to the island. It was more of a couple s place than a family place, but it would be fine with kids
JillMV
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Latest post on 19 May 2012 - 10:51
There has been a book club off and on through this website and I have always enjoyed it. It sort of fizzled out when the main organizer moved away. I would love to join a book club again- although I work full time, so I'm a little limited in time...
JillMV
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Latest post on 19 May 2012 - 08:15
Hi Irisjd- yes, you can deduct around 90,000. You do need toe report the housing and utilities, but there is a foreign housing exclusion as well, so I think the QR housing and utilities are completely excluded by that. You do have to report the transportation allowance, school fees etc, but as you saw you won't be paying much, especially if you're renting our your home in the US, you can take lots of deductions or even losses. Just wanted to be sure you were aware you still had to pay taxes out here - a few people seem to think they don't need to. Good luck with the move!
JillMV
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Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 18:36
We came here initially for dh's job. Career-wise as a pilot, the middle east is the place to be and as irisjd said, pay in the Americas is pretty bad for people in early-mod stage of their pilot career. What we gave up- being physically close to family and green. What we gained- I have travelled the world in the past five years. I eventually found a job that I really like in a great company. I have fantastic friends and my husband just achieved his life-long career dream of being a captain of a big plane. My stepdaughter is in a better school than el Salvador and has had a world of opportunities that she never would have had if we had stayed in the US or El Salvador. Thats not to say its all hunky dory. The first 6 months were really tough for me. I couldn't find a rewarding job initially and I didn't have much in common with the first people I met. We seemed to have banking problems daily and little frustrations at shops. From what I've read, you have a brief honeymoon period, then between month 2-6 you can really have a difficult adjustment. If you make it past that tough time, you will settle and fin your life.
JillMV
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Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 18:26
Irisjd- just in case you don't know, you still do have to file taxes and you might need to pay a little bit, but not too much. You may be responsible for some state income tax as well. We don't pay too much in taxes, but if you report everything that an F/O earns including housing and such, you will have to pay a bit (but nothing like if you were earning that much in the US).
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 23:06
Lalala- al Muftah rent-a-car. Sorry lost their number on my phone, but as I recall they have a website. As for GPS, we have one that came with the car. It was very helpful when we first moved here and I still use it sometimes. A lot of times I use it to mark friends' houses after I go the first time so that I remember how to get there the next when so many compounds look the same. Unfortunately, most map software can't keep up with the changing roads, but I still think the GPS is useful.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 15:21
Through a proper company, a driver ro drive your own car is about 2500/ month. But, if you're comfortable driving in Dubai, you should be fine in Doha. I think it's a little crazier here, but it's ok. Most drivershave only been driving for a few years or less anyway, theyre recruited here with no experience! Personally I hate taking taxis because I always get frustrated with the drivers. I would suggest keeping a map with you in the car and exploring Friday mornings to find your way around. The challenging thing about navigating Doha is that everything sort of looks the same, but I'd you get to desert or sea you've gone too far and need to turn around. <em>edited by JillMV on 17/05/2012</em>
JillMV
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 15:12
I haven't used Doha Bank, but haven't heard any complaints about them. HSBC was horrendous when we banked with them- so bad that we switched to ibq. And couldn't have been happier. We had SO many problems with HSBC and so have so many other people I'm amazed that the franchise hasn't been revoked.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 16:07
Pink ginger- ASD does not have a passport prefence, but DESS certainly does for Brits and I believe the French school does for french passport holders. I'm sure other people can comment about some of he other schools.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 12:15
Thank you for all the ideas and directions! I had thought about using the insides of a cheap pillow, but it seemed so wasteful. Not sure whether I'll go that route or go on a shopping adventure:) at least now I have some options. Thanks! <em>edited by JillMV on 13/05/2012</em>
JillMV
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Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 07:31
Thanks. I had looked in Daiso- but I only saw a tiny bag. Getting a few small bags is easier than trying to find a new place though.
JillMV
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Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 22:57
I don't know - my stepdaughter couldn't be admitted to ASD until she had an interview/ took a test... Which meant she had to fly to Qatar. She moved out here without us being sure that she had a spot- which was worrying because we didn't really have any other options in the country. Maybe it varies by school and situation (eg if the parent works for a certain company that has spots reserved)
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 23:34
In some compounds rent is a little negotiable but probably not in most. We were able ro get our landlord to come down almost 10% by asking for a 2-year lease instead of a 1-year. And we didnt really try that hard. A company or group renting a multiple houses together will be able to negotiate. One of my friends got a lower monthly rent rate by paying the first year all at once...
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 09:26
One thing that is nice about most compounds is that the houses tend to have high walls around them, so you have a fenced in area. One of my dogs knows how to open the door- so she lets herself and the other two out when they want to be in the garden. Now if only they'd learn to close the door behind themselves! <em>edited by JillMV on 11/05/2012</em>
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 22:04
There are compounds that don't allow dogs- especially if you rent a furnished place. One compound that we looked at allowe small dogs, but not big dogs. Our current compound allows dogs, but you are not allowed to walk the dog in the compound- you have to walk the dog in the surrounding area. It's not really a big deal, but when it is dark out, I would prefer to walk the dogs in the compound than out on the street that is not well lit. Cats seem to be generally ok, but again some furnished places may charge you for any animal damages to the furniture
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 09:53
I know of a few people who have done this, but I don't know them personally. They were buying SUVs in the US and Shipping because it worked out to be cheaPer, but I don't know how Much money thy actually saved. One thing to keep in mind is that you do not need to pay sales tax if you buy a car in Qatar
JillMV
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Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 01:05
From what I have read sibling priority only works when both are in the school at the same time, but I figure having a sibling alumna can't hurt, right?
JillMV
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 16:59
There is another American curriculum school that opened this year- it's called ACS. I think they offer an IB program. Actually ASD also offers optional IB classes in the high school (a well as AP).
JillMV
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 14:08
I haven't been to the W brunch, so can't comment on it, But I've been to both the Ritz and Marriott a few times. What I prefer about the Ritz is the grilled seafood and meat station. This alone makes it my husband's favorite. Some people miss it because it's outside. What I prefer about the Marriott is the variety (although there are so many options, it can be overwhelming!) ANd it's not just the quantity of food - it is tasty too! edited to add: no matter where you go, there is a TON of food and you will eat and drink too much! <em>edited by JillMV on 06/05/2012</em>
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 10:54
We Initially came for 2 years. Now we're at 5 1/2. We now have plans to stay for two more at least.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 23:10
Just to add- at megamart it's not by the other milk- its in the last dairy case near the fish with pillsbury rolls, whipped cream, etc
JillMV
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 23:08
You can almost always find fresh organic cow milk at megamart in the centre and UHT organic milk at megamart express. When I've looked for organi milk at the barwa megamart they have not had it- but I havent been there in a long time.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 23:05
Wow that page is very out-of-date. It would be cool if palm tree island still operated. The actual island of palm tree island is there, but all of the trees were removed before the Asian games along with the restaurant and amenities. The island itself is in the middle of the bay- but no reason to go there and this is not the island that you go to on a show cruise. I'm not sure if you're even allowed to go there. Aladins kingdom used to be by the intercontinental, close to the entrance for Katara, but I think it was closed in 2006 or so....
JillMV
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Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 17:39
Did your husband's Employer say that you can't sponsor anyone for six months? Because its not a Qatari rule.... Perhaps at his work there is a probation period do the company won't sign off on sponsoring dependents until the probation is over???
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 22:47
A few years ago we went from Zurich to Geneva on the panoramic sightseeing train (or a similar name). It stops in three towns - Lucerne, Interlaken and I forget the third. As I remember you can get off at any of the towns then get back on another day. We stayed in Interlaken and it was gorgeous. The whole train ride was absolutely magnificent - through the mountains and lakes. We spent a few days in Zurich, I think 24 hours in Interlaken and a few days in Geneva. I wish we had spent more time in Interlaken or one of the other small towns. We pretty much just rented bikes (or maybe they were free) and rode around the town/ country side. We were there in mid september and the weather was perfect. For us it worked out because we had to get from Zurich tongeneva anyway, but it might not make sense if you're flying in and out of the same airport. I think this particular train was more expensive than a regular train because it's sort of for tourism...
JillMV
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 23:09
For people who like maps or addresses- it's on b-ring just before the intersection of B-Ring and Muntazah st. Coming from jaidah flyover toward the airport, it's on the right. There are enormous pots and silver plates in the window- from the road you might not think they sell nice crockery but they do. Believe it or not, they even have a website with a phone number. Again, the website shows ornate china that is not really indicative of what's in the store...
JillMV
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 20:19
I'm sure I'll sound stupid- but what are nappy sacks? Are they just trash bags for diapers? Are hypoallergenic baby wipes hard to find in Doha or just expensive. My husband wanted to bring wipes back from the US, but i thought he was crazy! And with the ergo carrier- when did you start using yours? We got the infant insert, but baby does not like it at all. I'm hoping he'll like it when he's a little bigger. Sometimes he likes the sling. For breast pumps- the one I have is 110 voltage or battery operated, so I have been thinking I might need to get another in Doha if mine dies. They are available, right??? It's just the replacement part that are hard to get?
JillMV
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 19:28
Thank you ladies! Baby will be about 8 weeks when we get there, so I'm not to baby food for a while, but I have intentions of making my own - we'll see if that happens. I was wondering about storage bags for expressed milk. I thought they might be hard to find. I'll be sure to stock up! I'll be sure to bring the items listed below. And I was planning to bring our changing pad (we even bought a changing table here we're taking back cause we didn't like anything when we were looking in doha!) BUt what is special about the IKEA high chair? We have a high chair in Doha that I think looks pretty good.... The one thing I am most curious about is whether nipple shields are available. (small piece of silicone that goes over the nipple when breastfeeding). Baby had trouble latching initially and we are now dependent on them. I bought quite a few extras thinking they'll be impossible to find, but if anyone knows if they're available, it would be great.
JillMV
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 19:01
Hi Shellshuk- I have been in the Dar Salam compound as it is right around the corner from my house and i was quite curious to see it once constructiom was completed. It has very nice convenient amenities--- but, with the size of the compound and all the apartments, I think the pool, the gym, and play areas are way too small for the number of units. The back yards are pretty small so you'd want to spend a lot of time in he communal space. Number of units per communal space is just another aspect of compound living to consider. As for location, we live practically next door and find it convenient to the main places we need to go (airport, ASD and education city).
JillMV
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Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 21:21
I'm about to come back to Doha with baby. Are there any baby items that people struggle to find in Doha that I should bring from the US? I know I should probably ask this on Dohamoms but have never been to one of the events....
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 21:16
New House Complex is the best- I only wish we had found it sooner.
JillMV
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Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 21:14
We went to the one I'm Garaffa on a Saturday mid-morning and it only took 5 minutes. My husband went in while I waited in the car, but he said it was very disorganized (ie- lots of people crowding around the desk- no proper line) and that it would have been easier if I went in instead.
JillMV
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Latest post on 19 April 2012 - 14:38
Thanks kiwispiers!
JillMV
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Latest post on 19 April 2012 - 12:00
The link below seems to be disconnected. My son is having his first set of shots just before we leave to come back to Doha. Do doctors in Doha usually have people follow the schedule set in their home country? Has anyone found any differences between what is recommended at home and what is suggested in Qatar?
JillMV
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 23:34
There is a gold souk- it's in the same area of town as souk waqif and Fanar.I think there are directions to it in the Marhaba. Otherwise, it's right next to the bus central terminal which is sort of behind AlFardan exchange on grand Hamad street.I'm not sure about prices- I think they go by the international trading price of gold each day.
JillMV
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 23:29
Malaz- I know you say you're only planning to be here 1-2 more years. Do you have an actual strategy and plan on moving back? I just say this because we've been planning to be in Qatar for 1-2 more years since 2006! when we bought our furniture 2 years ago I was worried that it was a waste of money, but now I'm sure we won't be moving away until at least 2 more years... And in retrospect I'm glad we bought what we did.
JillMV
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 16:53
There are still lots of stand alone villas and yes, many of them post signs on the wall with the phone number. I can't help with an agent - you might want to check the Qatar living classifieds of the gulf times classifieds.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 16:48
I think Party kingdom offers princess entertainers.... Their store is near jaidah flyover
JillMV
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Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 19:18
There is a definite need for more counselors, but I'm not sure about legal requirements. I am pretty certain there is a professional group of clinical psychologists in Doha that meet regularly... All of the universities have counselors on staff who might be willing to fill you in on how things work here and I know the American school has a list of recommended counselors as well. Perhaps you could start with either that list or one of the university counselors to find some information. Hamad hospital has a mental health Unit - I think they call it the psychiatric dept, but they have clinical psychologists who do children's and family counseling there as well. <em>edited by JillMV on 12/04/2012</em>
JillMV
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Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 19:53
Have you reregistered your car recently but have not received the new plates? With luck that's all it is...
JillMV
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Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 23:23
yes, you can get it in Qatar - that's where I downloaded it. It works on Iphone and blackberry, and I assume any other "smart phones." you can send free text messages to other users and you can also send them pictures and files. I use it instead of SMS with many people as it doesn't cost any money.
JillMV
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Latest post on 15 February 2012 - 17:37
a friend of mine was reported for this and was told by the police and a lawyer that he could be deported. In the end, the person who accused him never showed up to court (or something like that), so he did not really get in trouble, but he was definitely very scared while he was waiting for the trial.
 
 
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