JillMV | ExpatWoman.com
 

JillMV

JillMV
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Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 13:12
Dan Lou - Great - I've just sent you an email.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 09:37
Rachel - you can renew your Hamad card online these days - although I'm not sure if you can change locations online.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 09:33
The Aspire Torch is finally open!?!?! Anyone know anything about it? What they serve? Are all the restaurants rotating?
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 09:28
Sounds like a great idea. I'm up for evenings at Aspire - could go around 6:00 or later...
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 17:05
As I understand future medical by villaggio also does well woman/ well man check-ups.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 17:04
There are a lot of great restaurants off Al Saad and Also Al Mirgab, which are both very close to Al Waab. Plus all the places in Villaggio and the restaurants in grand Regency and Millenium hotels. Ramada is pretty close too...but of all the areas mentioned only ramada serves alcohol.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 11:51
Amy- my husband took a regular plastic bin and then screwed it onto the inside of the cupboard door. So then, when you open the door, the trash comes out with it, but otherwise, no doggy access. Also, what about the type of trash can that you have to step on the foot lever to raise the lid? Some dogs can't figure them out - but some are clever enough to figure them out in a minute!
JillMV
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Latest post on 15 October 2011 - 17:47
Of the dhows I've been on qit- Qatar international tours has been the one I woul recommend.. They atleast have lifejackets and attempt to acknowledge safety. Not sure how many people per boat- but have gone out before with two dhows that left together and moored together.
JillMV
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Latest post on 15 October 2011 - 17:43
Long term is qr 2/ hour according to the sign in the lot.only hassle is that then you have to taje a bus from arrivals back to the lot which is by departures. The lot is sort of behind the regular departures lot- near the mosque.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 17:17
Thanks! Although I also went to Dr. Sonia before there was any reason for congratulations
JillMV
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Latest post on 12 October 2011 - 16:31
Also, if one sibling is accepted into the school, then the other one (where the spots tend to be harder to come by) tends to move up the list. So if this family has an older child in a year with spaces, then the other one would get preference over yours:(
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 22:15
The gas cylinders at Woqod are different than the ones you get in town or on the back of the trucks -- they are made of a different material that is much lighter - I suppose that's why they are so much more expensive. We switched over a year or so ago because they are lighter, Woqod is always in stock (and close to the house) and the canisters look like they're in better shape... some of those blue metal ones that we had looked like they had more rust than metal!
JillMV
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Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 11:11
There's a Yellow Cab at Parco Mall? Is it on the same floor as the grocery store? or one up??? i didn't even realize there is a food court! Also wondering about malls -- there's another one (relatively near this Doha Mall) being constructed on Mesameer road on between the petrol station and the Aramex R/A.... any gossip on what will be there? As for the Festival City Mall -- I had heard that that would be the one with IKEA , Ace Hardware, and all theAl-Futtaim shops that are in Festival City Dubai. <em>edited by JillMV on 10/10/2011</em>
JillMV
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Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 09:40
Dr. Sonia is my doctor and she's great. You usually don't have to wait too long to see her - but mornings are better than evenings. I also had a good experience with Dr. Rafah at Al Emadi, who I saw when Dr. Sonia was on vacation.
JillMV
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Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 17:22
I also used the Mesaimeer Vaccination Clinic and had the same positive experience as Nik_172 :) I plan to go there next time I need a tetanus shot or other vaccine.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 09:30
My understanding is that yes, if you are forced to leave the country because you lose your job, your lease is autimatically nullified... but I would check in the contract. Also check the other lease ending terms. In our current lease, if we want to get out for some reason, we just pay a month's rent and we can cancel at any time. However, when we were looking at other villas, some of the escape clauses were terrible terms for the occupants and fantastic for the landlords -- saying that you had to pay out the majority of the rest of the lease, etc - regardless of who initiated the termination.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 19:13
Some of the towers in the Pearl allow dogs- but they have a size limit... I think have to be under 25 pounds or so.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 19:25
The first few years we did them ourselves just using TurboTax. I think we used the deluxe (medium level) edition as it had the stuff for overseas income. We now use PriceWaterhouse Coopers- but only because it's a service at work. I have found the turbotax pretty easy. Also rememberthat you are supposes to fill another form out and send to the dept of the treasury stating bank infoif you have a total of more than $10,000 in any combination o banks outside the US (checing or savings),
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 14:14
great thanks!
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 11:35
There used to be (and I assume there still is) a distance program run by Lehigh University from the States. It is a Masters of education. They have some module classes at Qatar Academy plus some distance element and then you have to do a few classes in the summer in residence in Pennsylvania. I'm sorry I don't have any contact details, but I think if you contact Qatar Academy, they might be able to put you in touch with the program coordinator. I think the program is more aimed for people who are already teachers, but if you check with them, you can find out more.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 17 September 2011 - 17:06
i'm pretty sure we got our down pillows from Home Centre.... on pillows-- anyone know where you can get a body length pillow? Have only looked at Homes R Us and Home Centre so far.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 17:33
If you do find a Brita in town can you please post where you find it? We brought one back from the states last time we were home and will run out of filter refills soon.....
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 09:38
I haven't used it at landmark, but have at Giant and Centrepoint - both have been fine. You fill out the form online, then you get a text message to your phone. you have to go with your phone and Qatar ID to the customer service area of the store, then they give you a voucher. I think you might have to show your ID when you cash in the voucher as well -- so in theory perhaps your husband would have to go with his ID.
JillMV
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Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 15:40
It's on Haloul Rd - parallel to Salwa between D Ring and the Aramex R/A. It's closest to D-Ring - if you happen to know where "Mamoura Complex" is - it's right in front of there. The store doesn't have the same selection as a Megamart or Spinneys, but is more affordable and tends to have better fruits and selection than Carrefour... plus, up til now, it has never been too crowded.
JillMV
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Latest post on 09 September 2011 - 12:31
Yes, it is open. It's not huge - not even as big as Center Point, but it has a very nice grocery store that I go to pretty often(Food World). I haven't looked too much at the other stores - but I know on the top floor there are some kids clothing stores and toy stores. There are also all the usual suspects of money exchanges, electronics, jewelry, etc.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 17:25
While it is possible, I wouldn't come to Qatar counting on being able to get the allowance. They do make exceptions, but as far as I know the rule is that you have to live in their accomodation unless you get approval or have had the allowance for years. We got an exception - we were essentially kicked out when they semi-banned dogs last year, and I'm SO happy for it, because I can live in a big villa with a yard instead of an apt, but I know plenty of people who have requested to leave QR accomodation and have been denied.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 14:07
Al Rayes does regular laundry and pressing as well. They are all over the city. Most likely you also have a croner-laundry store by your house that does it too :)
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 06 September 2011 - 19:01
Since the Holiday Villa is semi-hotel, i would think it could be pretty easy to get a tour around. Ain Khalid security depends on the day and the time. If you pull up in a taxi, they'll ask you where you're going -- but maybe tell them that you want to see the management office about a potential apt, then most likely the management can show you around.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 06 September 2011 - 18:59
I'm not sure that it's really in the Philippine's interest to pass such a ban... if Saudi and Qatar are the 1st and 3rd largest employers of domestic workers, where are their citizens going to get jobs if they can't work here? And who's going to send all of that money home to support the many unemployed and the children in the country? Some ridiculous percentage of their GDP is based on remittances. I highly doubt the Philippine govt will go through with this. They don't want to alientate such a large employment base.
JillMV
445
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 September 2011 - 15:04
In addition to the events listed below, Texas A&M hosts the "Run for the Ring" sometime in November I think.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 11:31
LucyLou- I don't think it is currently an option for you not to live in the accomodation.... The policy changes from time to time, but a few years ago they made it mandatory to live in the housing if you did not already have the allowance (although they have made some exceptions). Most FOs live in Ain Khalid Gate or Holiday Villas (a hotel/ apt complex located on C-Ring, pretty close to the airport). Definitely try to take a look at both, although i'm not sure that you'll really have much choice in where you end up at first. Also, remember at Ain Khalid that the apts are not all the same size. Even among the 3-bedrooms, the sizes vary quite a bit.
JillMV
445
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 09:47
At Souq Waqif all of the spice & candy shops sell Saffron. They have various brands/ qualities available.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 19:43
And Evolution soccer was running a womens team a few years ago- not sure if it's still around or not.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 16:16
Aside from the touristy stuff, (Katara, Souq Waqif, Corniche, Pearl, Dune Bashing, Museum of Islamic Art) I would recommend: -visiting some compounds, particularly Qatar Airways Accomodation -visiting the mall/ grocery store so you see what you can buy here and what you might feel like you need to bring -Drop by a coffee morning and talk to other ladies to get the skinny on life in Qatar (I think some people still do these informally through ExpatWoman?)
JillMV
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Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 10:52
now i don't feel bad that I couldn't go last night! Hoping to catch them tonight. Rachel if you can't drag out the guys, you can come with us!
JillMV
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Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 10:51
you might also call Darwish trading - which is on Airport rd. They tend to carry hard to find kitchen appliance brands.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 10:49
might try PanEmirates furniutre -- it's between decoration R/a and the PC/One on the same side as Apollo (so get off on the slip road instead of taking the overpass). I have found some nice modern things in there- - but there are some really crazy things there too, it's a bit hit or miss.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 09:40
If you open the marhaba, they have a section on day trips with directions to each place. I've been to a lot of them, and think it's fun to get out and explore a bit! Also, check out the Qatar Natural History Group website - they post summaries of their "rambles" around Qatar, which might help you pick a destination. Just remember most places will be hot and as they're outdoors. <em>edited by JillMV on 29/08/2011</em>
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 09:36
We often use Al Mustafawi based at the airport and find that at least for daily and weekly rentals they are usually cheaper than the others and have pretty good service. We used them for a 2-month lease when we first got here, but that was 5 years ago, so have no idea on prices now. I have a lot of friends who use baseline, sydney and al muftah for extended leases.... I think all of them provide you with replacement cars when maintenance is needed.
JillMV
445
Posts
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 13:47
I would love to take them off your hands:) <em>edited by JillMV on 27/08/2011</em>
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 13:45
I know a bunch of people who live there. The houses are nice and the compound has a great community of families --- BUT I don't think they rent out individual villas, it seems to be made of just a few corporate clients that have a bunch of villas each.
JillMV
445
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 15:45
In the past, I've seen futons at Homes R Us... I know it's not quite what you're looking for but it might work.
JillMV
445
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 15:55
we have Tues 30/ Wed 31/ Thurs 1... Rachel welcome to the non-govt sector!!! Still can't complain :)
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 23:22
We only pay a straight salary. We think that she should be able to budget her money to cover items she thinks she needs.
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 13:47
last night the one in villaggio opened at 7:30....
JillMV
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Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 10:05
I was at Villaggio last night at 6:45, and all of the restaurants were open and people looked like they'd been there for a while- were well into their meals. I imagine they're all open at iftar time...
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 06 August 2011 - 16:52
when i was at the villaggio today, it looked like most retail stores are open until 2:00 then re-open aroud 7:30, so I'd guess it's the same at most of the malls???
JillMV
445
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Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 15:42
For next time I woudl try the physical building where your husband works with St name or your compound with street name. a lot of companies won't deliver to PO boxes, and somehow they manage to find the buildings....
JillMV
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Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 10:02
Yes, the name is New House Complex. They're FANTASTIC. Great selection of everything. They have a website with phone number- but the website is misleading, because it only shows glittery gold things, but in reality they have tons of plain white tasteful dinnerware and all sorts of crockery/ cooking items. The store is huge.
JillMV
445
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 August 2011 - 18:20
You can find it, because I have it in my pantry, but unfortunately, I don't remember where I got it.... I THINK I got it at Giant in Hyatt Plaza, but I'm not 100% and it would have been a while ago.
 
 
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