Maple | ExpatWoman.com
 

Maple

Maple
394
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 06:53
I have seen a really nice sofa cum bed at IDesign in the Mall. It was a two seater couch with a pull out bed which felt comfy too. From what I remember it was close to QR 3000. Hope that helps
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 06:49
Hi Margarita. Just saw your post and yes I am still interested. I am in Canada for the summer but will be back early Sept. Let me know.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 00:59
I got my driver's license in May 2011. I took the classes at Al Rayah driving school, had a male instructor and was able to learn in an automatic car. I passed the test in my first attempt (ladies are given four attempts) which I was told does not happen often but I think its more of just hype than truth. The school was highly recommended to us from DH's colleagues etc and I did not face any problems taking the classes. I hope that helps. Good Luck!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 01:50
I am in Toronto and was working out everyday for a month till Ramadan started. I tried to continue by choosing classes where I could manage w/o water but gave up after a few days. I am trying to control what I eat so that I dont put back the little that I lost but its hard with such long fasts. We all seem to be in the same boat!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 07:07
I should add to what I wrote earlier that I have no maid/house help and yet I do want to have baby #4 so I dont think that having more kids in the Middle East is all to do with being able to afford maids.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 20:15
We were in Atlantis last year at Christmas and it was fun for the kids.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 20:13
We had not planned my third pregnancy although we knew we wanted to have one more baby in the hopes of having a girl. We now have three sons aged seven, five and two and a half. The boys are great company for one another and since there's not much of an age gap they really have a good time (as chaotic as it can get). I really want to have baby 4 but DH wont agree as he worries about schooling expenses etc. I am still trying to convince him though. Good Luck with whatever you decide.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 22:24
Great ideas ladies. I am in Toronto for Ramadan so we are yet to complete the first fast. Plan to have dates, home made pizzas and fruit salad for iftar. Mum's going to take care of dinner which as of now looks like rice and minced meat. Ramadan Kareem to all
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 19:45
Moved there recently and so far have had no major problems. Maintenance is good and prompt in responding. There are a lot of kids in the compound and with the recently built park everyone seems to be there in the evenings. Have you checked for availability coz DH's friend was told a week back that there are no vacant villas at present but please check yourself. Good Luck.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 19:30
Marycatherine, I would also be interested in joining the group when you start and biweekly meetings sound good. I have recently started watching what I eat and working out but I think its going to be a long road to my weight loss goals.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 10:43
We stayed at the Kumarakom Lake resort two years ago and it was one of our best holidays to date. The rooms are in traditional decor with all facilities such as hot water etc. We got upgraded to the villas with a private pool as they had overbooked the other ones. Have a wonderful Ayurvedic Spa with an Ayurvedic doctor on site to recommend any specific treatments you might want. For the last two days of our trip, we hired a houseboat from the resort itself complete with chef etc and went into the backwaters. I could go on but let me just say that I would love to go back there. I cant remember the exact year but apparently this resort has won the best resort of India award someitme in the last 3-4 years. Good Luck with whatever u decide.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 19:05
Thanks for the replies ladies. I managed to go buy a beautiful Turkish wall plate this afternoon but will check out the Museum gift shop as well. I love the idea u gave TeePee but I leave this weekend so I dont think I will have the time. Thanks!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 00:16
Good Luck to your son and I think its great that you are supporting him.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 00:13
I am in Doha but I am assuming certain laws might be the same. We desperately wanted to leave our previous apartment due to maintenance problems etc however we could not break the annual lease. I think the contract can be broken mid way only if you are leaving the country. We also had to give two months notice prior to the end of the contract that we intended to leave....our LL sure felt like he was from **** without going into the details of what we suffered even after we left the building. Coming to the rent committe, we were asked to vacate our first apartment due to some problems between the LL and the real estate company. Were given 3-4 days to vacate etc etc but were not given our deposit back. DH filed a complaint which was then taken to court but guess what?? Its three years now and there's no news; the case kept getting transferred from one court to another added with court holidays etc and of course the real estate company no longer exists. We have accepted that we are not going to get that deposit back but I wish u better luck in Dubai.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 14:14
Yeah I went on the glass bottom boat with my sons. It was fun and hardly takes a few min.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 May 2011 - 13:29
Kerboo, here is the number of the agent who got out Saudi visas for us. His name is Ihsaan and the number is 55513959. His office is in Souq Asiery. Hope that helps you!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 May 2011 - 01:29
We drove from Doha to Dubai in Dec for a 10 day vacation and it was a smooth trip which took us just under seven hours. To start with you will need to get a Saudi transit visa as you rightly mentioned. This can be arranged through an agent who will require certain documentation and the fee per person is QR 100 from what I can remember. It took us a little while at the Saudi border coz there were separate lines for ladies and gents for fingerprinting and then they also do a car check. We took the UAE visas at the border and much to our surprise it did not take more than 45 min (involves an eye scan). Unfortunately I dont remember all the details about the paperwork as DH handled it. Maybe you can post your email add and I can ask him further and write to u in the morn. The only problem we faced through the drive from here was the lack of clean washrooms and food. Make sure you pack something esp if u have kids going with u. Coming back from Dubai there are plenty of good places to eat/grab a coffee and of course washrooms so no worries. Another important point is to get a Salik card as soon as u cross into the UAE border as that will take care of the toll fares or else they apparently make u pay when u leave UAE. We were unaware of this and only purchased the card 2-3 days into our trip so just giving u a heads up on that. Good luck and have fun!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 18:39
The Taj like Barbiedoll said have lovely properties in Goa mostly with private beaches. We stayed in Benaulim for 7 days and hired a motorbike to move around. If your bduget allows I would definitely recommend the Taj as u can enjoy the luxury as well as the nightlife.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 18:33
DH and I had discussed before marriage that we would have two and then adopt a third child. But fate had different plans for us as we had an unplanned third pregnancy and of course we now have three boys. I yearn to have a daughter but DH wont agree only due to financial reasons. Redrec Tangle, I know exactly what you mean...when I was told during the ultrasound that it was a boy third time around I could not stop the tears. I love my boys but it was the realisation that I may never have the joy of raising a girl, having the type of closeness that I share with my Mum etc. But I am grateful that the boys are healthy and happy!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 20:43
ccdoha, I did have to buy a book at Al Rayah driving school which also contains a small booklet inside with only the road signs and a CD. The book is 185 pages long and costs QR 25. Never did get the time to go through the book or the CD but the booklet helped me to pass the theory test. Hope that helps!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 23:26
Look up Tripadvisor as well for reviews.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 23:22
I think it was on the Dubai forum that I had read sometime back, that it helps to first keep flour in the freezer before storing in bottles to avoid weevils. I have been following it and no problems ever since.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 23:21
Thanks RachelA, I can call and ask there tomm about what products they use. At least I have a starting point!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 18:09
I use a steel scraper like the one used in salons for pedicures once or twice a week. Also recommend Scholl heel cream.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 00:12
My grandparents were cousins and had six children all of whom are without any abnormalities. The chances are increased slighty as compared to the general population who marry outside the family is what I have heard.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 00:09
Haven't posted since there is nothing much to say unfortunately. Called five times on Sunday to speak to someone in the Complaints section and finally got hold of him to be told that my complaint has been forwarded to a "board" in the company who would take action. Upon much persuasion managed to get the number of "one of the members of the board" who was also away from his desk three out of the four times I called. Turned out to be quite a grumpy guy who did not allow me to say much...yeah he literally kept cutting me off. I decided to wait to hear back from him as he assured me he would respond in a day but there's no news so far. Its pathetic to say the least!!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 15:35
Will be four years in July. We love the mix of different aspects of life Doha gives us and if all goes well plan to be here for 3-4 years more Inshallah!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 14:08
I have mentioned in the past on a separate post that I too have children in QCS and am happy with the school. The teachers are dedicated and very approachable. Yes the school is small and facilities are limited but really cannot fault the teaching and overall welcoming atmosphere in the school.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 23:53
We have used kerosene to keep away snakes (they were more of sea snakes though). Just used to have kerosene poured around the perimetre of the house every evening and our house was one of the few that did not have any unwanted visitors so I am assuming that did the trick. Have u tried googling it coz I guess these are desert snakes u are referring to? Wonder if it has anything to do with the weather warming up so much? <em>edited by Maple on 15/05/2011</em>
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 14:15
Thank you all for your replies. We have called the Police and have been told that we have to go in personally to the nearest police station and have the complaint formally written. I have no idea where the police station is in Duhail and as of now am too stressed about my driving test tomm morn. But I will take action because as Blini said I am sure there would be no hesitation if I had been in my home country. I also want to hear back from Mowasalat on how they are going to handle this situation. For everyone's info which most likely you all already know is that its free to call 999 from the mobile. I did not call the police last night thinking that it would not go through as I had no balance on my phone. I would have liked to see the Police deal with this guy in front of me. Also to be fair to Karwa, I have used them innumerable times as I dont drive and have never had a problem. Sure there have been times a booked cab has not turned up but nothing more than that.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 01:11
I have already reported him to Karwa office and got a complaint number from them which I will follow up with on Sunday. My dilemma is whether to take the matter to the police!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 00:24
I got into a Karwa at 10 pm from Landmark to be told by the driver that he would not take me home coz its close by. I told him I would not get down as Karwas cannot refuse a passenger at which he said it would cost QR 25. I refused and asked him to switch on the metre which he again refused to do. He then told me that he was going to take me to "Doha" as thats where he wanted to go. I threatened to call the police for the manner in which he was speaking to me to which he replied that he did not care. Can you believe the cheek of the guy that he actually took me onto the main road heading away from home? He was also verbally abusing me in Arabic at this point so I was scared. Had no balance on my mobile (talk about timing) so literally opened the door while the cab was moving. Got down and managed to get his cab number before he sped away. I have called Karwa and lodged a complaint but will only know on Sunday what they will do as their complaints section is closed for the weekend:\:. DH is very angry and wants to give a written complaint to the police tomm morning. I dont know whether I want to go to the police becoz on the one hand it was a horrible experience but I dont want the guy to loose his job (I have no idea how the police would handle this). Have been using Karwas since we got here four years ago and this is first time I have had such a negative experience. Ladies, advice needed!!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 12:25
I think Kiwispiers' suggestion is good and also got me thinking that I should clarify that DH's department is made up of people from different nationalities; Arabs, Asians and Westerners. Everyone was on board when DH suggested it two years back and if there is someone who does not want to contribute thats fine too. DH collects the money first so really the tea boy does not know if a particular person is not contributing. Also in my opinion maybe it will be harder to get people to do it on a weekly basis...try biweekly or once a month. Your intentions are good no matter what way you choose to execute them.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 17:51
DH started this about two years ago at his office where he and his colleagues all contribute a certain amount each towards the tea boy in their department. Its not a big amount that each one gives but firstly since there are so many of them in one department it adds up to a decent amount and secondly everyone continues to contribute every month. The present teaboy is from Kenya and was in tears the first month when he recieved the money as he was not expecting it. Once he knew he would be getting it regularly, that money now funds his younger brother's education back home. Maybe thats something u can think about doing although it does not really contribute to improving their living conditions here.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 16:39
Wow Kaussie, I think its great that you have been able to loose 9 kg. I admire you for making it to the gym, as I mentioned earlier I have access to the compound gym which ironically faces my villa. Everyday DH asks me to go but I am just so conscious. I see so many women around the compund who are fit and jogging/working out everyday and somehow I feel I cant do it although it should work the opposite way. One important thing I have learnt from your post is to set a realistic time frame as I cannot drop the pounds overnight. Hang in there and do come back to let me know how u are getting along. My walks are supposed to start tonight once the kids are in bed.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 16:39
I have no idea what the couch to 5K program is..will look into that
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 00:31
Cyclone T, thanks a ton as u have just picked me up from the dumps. DH keeps telling me it is possible to loose weight if I watch what I eat and walk everyday but there's so much conflicting info out there that it was just seeming impossible. He is very fit and all he does is run 5 km anytime he feels like he's gaining weight. I would probably pass out at 1 km!! I consider it an achievement that I have not had any chocolate for the last two days;I figured I might as well try to save it as a weekend treat. I have twenty stairs at my new villa so I make a lot of trips up and down coz kids are always wanting something or the other. I sleep around midnight so your point about lack of sleep also makes a lot of sense. Basically u have just got me to look at this in a positive way so thanks. Will start my walks from tomm.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 07:50
Thanks for your replies. Unfortunately I dont swim (got far as floating when I tried to learn in University). I do have access to the compund gym so will try to see if it has a cross trainer. Cant go for Bootcamp yet as I want to at least get my body used to walking first.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 10:57
Thank you all for the suggestions. I agree two weeks is not that long and its probably better to try see one country properly than move around too much. Your replies have given me a starting point and much to think about too. Thanks again.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 May 2011 - 19:04
Well Dubai-Mum you can add me to the list. We fight now more than we ever used to and most of the time I will sulk. DH is usually the one to make up but the time between the fight and the making up is slowly increasing. Not good signs I know but we have too much emotional baggage from the past which always seems to find a way into our present lives (the main issue is inlaws). We have been married almost 11 years but have been together since high school days. Your observation on cultural differences is interesting although I think a big part is do with with the personality itself.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 00:45
xptmmm, I am very sorry but I called the lady and she has stopped doing henna due to a neck problem. Hope u are able to find someone else.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 00:43
Thanks for the replies ladies. The bike arrived a day ahead of schedule and is in the garage with a sofa cover on it for the time being. But I have a terribly worried DH who is popping out every few min to make sure his dream bike is ok and its driving me nuts. We have guests arriving tomm and the bike is all he's concerned about. Very close to feeling like there's a mistress there instead!! Ok I have given more info than anyone would care to know about so let me get back to work. At least now I know that my DH is not as mad as I thought...there are other men who also store their bikes inside the house.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 10:15
U can take off your add now.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 00:31
From this forum I got in touch with a real estate agent by the name of Vik and his number is 55345041. I only spoke to him over the phone as we came across something ourselves soon after but he seemed to be polite and willing to really listen to our requirements. Try calling him and good luck!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 00:27
There is a lady I know of who does Henna but I dont know about black henna specifically. Can u post your email add so that I can ask her and then send you her details?
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 02:26
We spent 10 days in Dubai recently so some things that I can suggest would firstly be to spend a day at Atlantis or Wild Wadi. When we went, a lot of rides at Wild Wadi were closed so we ended up going to Atlantis and it was good. However from what I gather reading the Dubai forum is that Wild Wadi has better rides so perhaps ask there as well with a mention of teenage boys with you. Secondly the Dubai mall is good for shopping (there are stores different from the usual brands you find in Doha and different prices ranges) and the Dubai Aqaurium is worth a visit. If your boys are interested they can feed the sharks there (I think u can book the same day, cant remember rates). Thirdly the Burj khalifa (tallest building) is a nice way to spend an afternoon and make sure u have a meal at one of the restaurants in the Dubai Mall which faces the musical fountains. As others have mentioned Mall of the Emirates has Ski Dubai which is supposed to be great but we had no time to make it there. U could also go to Ferrari World (about 45 min drive) which my DH really enjoyed. HTH and have a great time.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 03:32
Willow, my kids are in QCS and we are happy with the school. I have had my moments of uncertanity due to the negative impression that some seem to have about the school (Google it and there does not seem to be anything positive said about it) but other parents who actually have children in the school seem to be happy with it. It definitely is a small school which could have more extra curricular activities but the Alberta curriculum which the school follows, the staff and overall atmosphere cannot be faulted according to me. The school is in the process of getting international accredition as far as my knowledge goes if that makes any difference to you as your friend's son will only be in the Primary years. I would however suggest that your friend applies at the earliest because we were on a waiting list last year for my son.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 23:02
We also used them when we moved two months back and I had posted back here to say Runway did a good job. However one of our dining table chairs was broken so we gave it to them to repair. Brought it back after 4-5 days and although its not perfect, it will do until we change our table. Inform them and I am pretty sure they will have it fixed for you.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 00:45
Thank you ladies; at least I got that off my chest. I hope it gives people something to think about before they go preaching whats right next time.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 20:36
Just reading the various threads over the past few months I find that people are so judgemental about everything...taking kids to the movies, what time other nationality kids go to bed, screaming kids in malls etc etc etc. I know most of my references have been to topics dealing with kids but those were the first that came to mind since I have three of my own. Why are we so judgemental? Of course we all have opinions on matters but to strongly condemn/dislike is just beyond me. Shows a degree of self centredness that we cant look beyond ourselves, our own cultures and just judge others different from us in a negative manner. Sad!!
 
 
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