lulubaker | ExpatWoman.com
 

lulubaker

lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 19 August 2012 - 16:49
If you have a facebook account, join the group Dogs in Doha. They may be able to help you with a dog sitter.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 13:10
yodaisis, just tried emailing you but it bounced back and wouldn't deliver...maybe you can email me and then I can reply. lulubaker@gmailcom
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 12:04
Ladies, I am leaving Doha at the end of August, and very reluctantly, must find a new family for my lovely housemaid. She has been with us for six and a half years, and we are very sad that we can't take her with us to AD. She's 51, Philippina, great cook, good with kids and animals, extremely honest and discreet - in fact, everything you could wish for. She is on our sponsorship, so that would have to be transferred (obviously). I leave for the UK next Sunday 15th July, and ideally would like to get something sorted out for her before I leave.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 12:01
Ladies, I am moving to AD at the end of August, and had hoped to take my housemaid with us. However, this is proving impossible, so VERY reluctantly, I am looking for a lovely family to take her. She is 51, Philippina and EXTREMEY honest and hardworking. Always cheerful and very discreet, good cook. NEVER has asked to borrow money. Good at laundry & ironing. She's great with animals too - I have 2 small dogs & 3 cats who she looks after every time we go on holiday. To be honest, she has quite an easy life with me, my kids are teenagers so no small kids for her to deal with. Whoever takes her would have to sponsor her (obviously) and she won't be available til end of August, but as I'm leaving for the UK on 15th July, I would ideally like to get something sorted out before then if possible.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 01:16
My favourite place to start out is the bar in the Kempinski - lovely relaxed surroundings, and they have happy hour 5-7pm Then you can pop across to the W - Maison du Caviar have happy hour 7-9pm, so carry on drinking there, then up to either Crystal or Wahm. Perfect!
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 01:07
I understand there were rumours going around that Landmark was also closed. Seems it's only the cinema there that is closed for now.....but of course that could all change tomorrow!
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 29 January 2012 - 08:44
I have a very good jeweller who has done many repairs for me as well as make lots of lovely things from scratch. Joe Mohammed (aka Joe Stones) Tribal Gems. He's in the gold souq, in a little 'arcade' next to Shine jewellers. Tel 5539 7578. If you do go and see him, please be sure to tell him that I told you. It may be easier to take your things to Damas - their main workshop and repair centre is in Al Merghab St, opposite Family Food Centre.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 10:58
I bought FOUR iPhones from an Apple store in the UK last year, and had no problem with using them here. Seems if you buy from an Apple store you should be ok. Having said that, I bought my own one from Carrefour (I think they're actually Vodaphone ones) and it was relatively cheap BUT it doesn't have Facetime for some reason, so maybe that's why it was QR1,000 cheaper than Qtel.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 10:56
My advice would be to start driving Wink, or else you will find it quite difficult to get around. It's REALLY not that bad once you get used to it - start off by going out on a Friday when the roads are quiet, just to familiarise yourself with the layout of Doha, and you'll soon gain confidence. Once you know your way from A to B you can begin to go further afield, and you'll be just fine!
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 16:31
My BlackBerry has been 'lagging' when I've tried to do stuff, so I think it just needs a system upgrade, rather than anything being wrong with the service.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 11:42
well it seems there are no hard and fast rules. My son is on his way at this very moment, flying Edinburgh-London-Doha. BMI to London, then QA to Doha. Tickets booked separately BUT he managed to get his luggage checked right through. I guess the check-in lady must have liked the look of him or something! And I agree with LadyD - British Airways planes are definitely a bit sad looking. Worn, dirty, and often the entertainment system doesn't work. I'd rather fly QA but their prices are usually much steeper and I especially HATE that stopover in Bahrain. Grrrrrr.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 12:05
Gray Girl has got it absolutely right. If you book your ticket in one go (ie Doha-London-Aberdeen for example) you can check your bags all the way through. If, however, you book your ticket to London only, and then book a BMI flight separately (for whatever reason) they will NOT check your bags right through, even though they are partners. Don't know why. When my son was flying back to Doha with my husband, his London-Doha ticket had been booked on air miles, and his BMI ticket had been paid for and the girl at check-in in Edinburgh didn't want to put his bags all the way through, even though my husband who was on exactly the same flights and was right next to him could check his bags all the way! Common sense eventually prevailed however and she backed down and sent them all the way. It's a bit of a pain flying BMI and then QA as you have to change terminals - BA is easier as no terminal change and fab shops in T5!
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 22:33
I had a friend who used to go to Beauty Express all the time (she has since left) and loved it. Said they did a great job. I always go to Nails - they have branches in Landmark, 4 Seasons and Zai boutique in Salwa road. Probably the most expensive place to get mani/pedi in Doha, BUT always very clean and the girls are lovely.
lulubaker
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 16:25
The letter was sent out by the Principal of Doha College. He said the police are aware and will be monitoring the situation.
lulubaker
309
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 10:46
DebK - not everyone who has a drink is stupid enough to drive! I ALWAYS take a taxi, not worth risking everything for the sake of a QR50 taxi ride.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 21:57
do you mean the super tasty & calorific toffee spread stuff? Sometimes Carrefour stock the Bonne Maman one, or I've seen it in Family Food Centre on Al Mirgab st.
lulubaker
309
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 21:46
When we moved into our villa, it came with a little UK style front-loader that took AGES to wash anything so we pulled it out and bought a big US style LG toploader. It's great - washes a load in about 30 mins and you can stop it mid-wash and add other things (you know how you always find a sock that you dropped en route?) However, it is quite harsh on the clothes as it has one of those rotating pole things that seems to shred fabric! But still better than the other one.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 21:36
Personally I love the Ritz. Food is great, service is good and LOTS of fizz. However, I must say it's gone downhill a bit recently (although still good). I was there a few weeks ago and they no longer have a cheese selection, as they used to. I had to ask one of the waiters, who duly obliged with a nice plate of mixed cheeses. If you like sushi, they have a great selection. I've heard that the Oryx Rotana is very good too, with unlimited fizz AND spirits. Really popular though, you have to book couple of weeks in advance. And the Marriott is good too.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 10:12
Definitely not amy77 - I have it straight from the horse's mouth. F&B manager & head chef have been fired, and they are having to get outside caterers in to cope with the events they have booked. Bit of a nightmare for them, to say the least.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 22:50
Seems the municipality is having another 'purge'. The Golf Club kitchens have been closed down for hygiene reasons, so no food being served there at all for now. Remember a couple of years ago when Paul's, Thai Chi & Cold Stone Creamery were all shut down for several weeks? Guess it's reassuring to know they're doing their job though.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 13:03
I've recently been to Queen Medical Centre in Villaggio and saw a very nice Egyptian lady, Dr Enas Attia. You could try her. Tel 4419 0888
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 08:19
I feel your pain! A few years ago one of my South African friends (who is resident in Dubai) was coming to visit me with a couple of other girls (one Australian, one English) and the ONLY way we could get her in here was by organising a business visa. I don't suppose that's an option for your parents if they're retired.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 18:14
They are HORRIBLE! I call them 'sticky flies' because no matter how many times you swat them away, they just come straight back and stick to you like glue. I agree with you amy77 - I am super-duper animal friendly, but I have absolutely no compunction at all in killing these pesky insects.
lulubaker
309
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 18:01
I'm pretty sure it will be dry, being part of 'Sports City'.
lulubaker
309
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 08:27
I think the hairdressers at Glow are ok, but just ok. I suppose it depends on your type of hair. They kind of have the monopoly here regards 'Western' hair salons, and I think they capitalise on it (of course!) I also don't like the fact that so many different girls are part of the process - one to wash, one to cut, another to dry, etc etc. And I REALLY resent the 'tip' advice sheet at reception! If I want to tip, that's for me to decide thank you very much - who and how much. Being bl**dy-minded, it makes me do the opposite and not tip at all! Quite frankly, I think Glow is very over-rated and the prices are outrageous - I wouldn't expect to pay that much in a top-notch salon in the uk. I always have my hair cut & coloured every time I'm back home, which is quite frequently at the moment, so I'm a happy bunny :)
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 08:20
There's also the new Grand Heritage Hotel behind Aspire, and the recently opened Aspire Torch hotel. Haven't tried either of them, and both dry.
lulubaker
309
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 October 2011 - 16:01
I've never had a spray tan here but I know that Nails Salon in Zai boutique, Salwa Road do spray tanning.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 30 September 2011 - 10:52
Tried that GoodMorning, but still couldn't get anywhere near. And yes, I suppose I could have parked behind the store and walked, but I really didn't fancy doing that in this heat & humidity, nor did I fancy carting heavy tins & paraphenalia any distance to my car! Never mind, will send my husband.....
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 21:01
CSH the reason you can't order directly from the store and have it delivered here is that all the shops here are franchises, so not under the control of the parent company.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 11:47
I agree mumindoha - there's a lot more to this story than susy99 is telling us. It's illegal to hold your maid's passport, and it's illegal not to give them time off. I wonder how much her salary was? Somehow I doubt it was the $400 required by law..... I know of 2 runaway maids who were employed in a house close to mine by a local family - husband was Qatari, wife was Omani. They had 5 children and another on the way, all under 8 years old. The maids (one Philippina, one Indonesian) had worked for the family for 7 months and not received ONE PENNY of their salary. When they asked for money they were told 'well run away, what do I care? I can get another maid tomorrow'. The had to sleep on the floor of the children's room and worked from 5am - midnight. No time off at all. So in desperation, they DID run away, and sure enough, the were caught by the police a few days later and thrown in jail. And guess what? Their family said they had stolen from them. Well what a surprise. They have done nothing wrong, but they're suffering for it and are guilty until proved innocent. It makes me SO mad at the way these poor women are treated. They are here to try and make a better life for their own children, and they sacrifice so much to do that. Why oh why do people have to be so horrible? Why, when you can afford to treat someone well, would you choose to treat them horribly? Oh and I should add that their salary was QR700 per month..... <em>edited by lulubaker on 15/09/2011</em>
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 19:09
NewbieDoha - Thanks for the great recommendation. Tried the little Thai place in the MegaMart carpark, and you're right, the food is fab! Ordered a few things, went & did my supermarket shopping, and picked the food up when I was done. Perfect. The Phad Thai & larb kai were SO good - probably the best I've had in Doha. Will definitely be usin git quite a lot!
lulubaker
309
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 18:53
MLI - thanks for the input, but we're in Qatar! Bit of a long way to go for eyelashes...... ;)
lulubaker
309
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 11:20
Try Glow salon. Don't have the number to hand, but there is a branch just off Salwa Road and another in West Bay. They have European & US stylists so know what we like. Quite expensive though, but nice salon. Not sure if they do Shellac, but Nails (in the Zai building on Salwa Road) definitely do.
lulubaker
309
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 11:15
Where is it? Always good to know of a decent food shop.
lulubaker
309
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 10:58
Oh I agree! Your first time shopping in Doha for school uniform is quite an experience! When I arrived here 6 years ago, we had to buy uniform from VIK (Very Important Kids, what a cheesy name - should have been a warning....) which is a TINY little shop in that weird Town Centre mall opposite Al Ahli. OMG! What a culture shock that was. It seemed to be the only uniform shop in Doha and it supplied ALL the uniforms for ALL the schools, including local ones. How can I put this without sounding nasty...............that was my first experience of being elbowed and pushed out of the way and generally treated like a second class citizen by certain individuals. You know who I mean? It was hideous. Now I go to the uniform shop (as Raimah suggested) before summer holidays when the place is virtually dead. But of course, if you've only just had school places confirmed, that's not an option. Next year though. And believe me, once you've been living here as long as I have, you won't take any nonsense from anyone. Sharpen your elbows and get in there!!
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 09 July 2011 - 01:08
Maison du Caviar in the W hotel is good on Wednesday evenings - they have 2 for 1 drinks from 7-9pm, and then you can go upstairs to either Wahm Bar or the Crystal Lounge. Admiral's Bar at the Ritz is always good too.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 22:01
I have Botox (in my face!) regularly with Dr Makki at the Plastisurgery Centre, between C&D ring roads. Don't have the number to hand, but he's very well known and listed in the Marhaba guide.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 20:12
Starlink won't touch anything that wasn't bought there or has their warranty (as I found out to my cost when my iPhone died) but they sent me across the road to a shop that does all repairs. Can't remember the name of it, sorry, but if you go into Starlink, they'll probably tell you where to go! Sadly, they couldn't repair my iPhone, but didn't make any charge for looking at it.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 19:27
Try the W hotel - the Market restaurant does a fantastic 'express' lunch for QR85. Three courses with a choice of about 6 different things for each course. Lovely surroundings, great service, and of course you can partake in a glass of vino should you choose to do so! Definitely my favourite place to lunch with the ladies. La Maison du Caviar have also recently started doing the same thing, but haven't got round to trying it yet. Another great restaurant is Le Notre, either in Villaggio or Salwa Road. And don't forget Thai Snack for THE best Thai food - cheap and cheerful!
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 11:26
Maple I had friends who both had Harleys, and they got the carpenter on their compound to build them a bike 'garage' which was essentially just a big, lockable wooden box! Ask around - someone will know a carpenter who is capable of doing this. Good luck!
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 10:35
Nik_172, I think the problem here with Mac is that it's a franchise so they make their own rules. Same as Gap - it's their worldwide policy that if you buy something and it goes on sale within (I think) 6 weeks of purchase, if you return with your receipt they'll refund the difference. Can you imagine trying that here??
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 12:57
There's a good little computer shop right next to the filling station at Billboard traffic lights on Al Waab. Can't remember the name, but they've done a few repairs for me and always found them reliable. It's in the garage forecourt, next to the car accessory shop.
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 09:29
Mac Mac and only Mac! I agree that some of the sales assistants can appear a bit snooty and scary, but there's a lovely little Philippina girl in the Villaggio store who's a real sweetheart and will give you great advice. Their range of eye shadows is the best, lipglosses are fantastic too and they have a fabulous range of foundations. I use the 'Mineralise Studio Fix' which is a creamy compact foundation, and it's the best foundation I've ever had. Glides on in a minute and gives great coverage. Happy shopping!
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 11:43
Spice Market in the W is great. And I love the express lunch they do in the Market weekdays - 3 courses for QR85. Can't be beaten!
lulubaker
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 09:36
I thought feta cheese was made with sheep's milk?
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 18:14
Sky News will definitely be giving it wall to wall coverage
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 13:37
I know that Nails does home visits, but I have no idea how much. The number is 4416 3348
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 19:26
I find the sales assistants in Zara to be THE rudest ever. Like Blini, I bought something from Zara and the sales assistant didn't utter ONE word to me at all. Nothing. When he handed me the receipt, I said 'Can you talk? Do you realise you didn't say one word to me at all during that transaction?' I just got a blank stare and shoulder shrug. They simply don't care. Makes me so mad. In the immortal words of Edina in 'Absolutely Fabulous' when confronted with a snoooty sales assistant in a designer boutique 'Drop the attitude sweetie, you're only a shop assistant'. Oh and PLEASE don't have a go at me for dis-respecting shop assistants!!!!! It's a joke......:)
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 08:59
If you're a nervous driver, my advice would be to go out and drive around Doha on a Friday - the roads are virtually deserted and at least that way you'll familiarise yourself with the road systems, etc without being hassled by rude and impatient drivers! As Blini said, be on your guard at all times and just expect all the other drivers to do something stupid and you'll be fine. When I learned to drive, my instructor gave me one piece of invaluable advice 'Assume that 99% of other drivers are idiots'. How true that is here! However, having said all that, I actually quite enjoy driving here, and every summer when I go back to Scotland, it takes me several days to 'calm down' and obey the rules!
lulubaker
309
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Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 16:51
I definitely saw it on the shelves in Boots in Villaggio a few weeks ago - however, that's not to say it will still be available now! Might be worth asking for it by name in some of the other pharmacies though. I always find the lady in the Tylos pharmacy in Hyatt Plaza to be very helpful.
 
 
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