Maple | ExpatWoman.com
 

Maple

Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 16:56
Legally its not allowed to have someone you dont sponsor come clean/iron etc for you is what I have understood from all the threads on this website and Rachel's reply. However people around me still seem do it but I dont know what the consequences are in Qatar if caught. I dont even see how its possible to get caught but its scary when you read the Dubai forum. The legal way to have someone help you with household chores is to go through a cleaning company like Qatar Maids etc. Whatever I have said above is just my understanding of the topic...perhaps someone else can correct/elaborate.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 13:44
Had not read today's Dubai forum..wow so I guess I was right in thinking that its probably illegal. Ok back to cleaning now.:(
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 12:57
Thanks ladies for all the valuable advice. Will be starting the classes in early April as the waiting list suggests. My lovely but paranoid Dad always said that 99% of drivers are stupid and thats why I should not drive. He used to convince me by saying that I would be the best driver but some other crazy person would make a mistake and he could not afford to let anything happen to me! ;)
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 13:10
The only reason I want to start driving is to do the school run. We have had a private driver since the boys started school but every single day we worry until they get home. Recently moved very close to the school with the plan that I get my license and I can then drop/pick the boys from September. But the flip side is that I am nervous about putting the kids in danger with me being new on the roads. I guess I will go ahead with the initial plan but not do the school run until I get some confidence. And it does not help that a few days back, a parent from the school offered to give me a ride home coz the Karwa did not turn up and she was a mess on the road. There was a landcruiser behind us and she got so nervous that she just stopped and I mean totally stopped on the road and let him go past. Fortunately there was no other car directly behind us or I can imagine what would have happened!!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 20:30
Getting nervous just reading this thread...am supposed to start driving classes soon in an attempt to get my license. :(
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 20:29
Went to The One and actually liked something but it was damaged and they were willing to go down only 15 percent. Anyway we probably wont find similar glass here in Doha to replace the damaged pieces so its back to looking around. Thanks for the suggestions.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 20:26
Thanks ladies, at least I wont have to wait to go home to get a bottle of TUMS.:)
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 20:25
I have been meaning to ask the exact same question ccdoha. It does get confusing when you read the threads as I have esp on the Dubai forum and there seems to information different to what is happening on ground. I have also been wanting to start something small from home as that gives me the flexibility to still look after my kids but I was not sure if its legal. At least Expat Mum's reply gives some insight.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 02:50
Can anyone give directions to Al Jazi 4?
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 15:21
Try Royal Tandoor on Al Sadd (also have a branch in Souq Waqif) and Khazana (chef Sanjeev Kapoor's chain of restaurants) for authentic Indian food. Khazana is pricey and food tends to be rich so maybe better for special events but Royal Tandoor is by far the best Indian we have had in Doha so far. If you do try Shezan be careful with raw salads as a friend was very sick after eating there.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 15:17
Margarita, I have sent you a mail. Thanks
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 18:17
I had a request from SIL last year and I just ignored it. Subsequently asked by FIL whether I am active on Facebook, I said that I am on there to be in touch with friends and not family!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 22:11
10 years of marriage and MIL has finally succeeded at bringing in differences between DH and me. She is on her fifth "don't talk to me" phases and this time I dont think I want to make up. Edited for terrible grammar; I must be really upset responding to this thread. <em>edited by Maple on 13/03/2011</em>
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 12:20
ccdoha, I will be signing up for the driving classes soon so if I get a book I will post back here. I so need to get a license...just about had it with paying the private driver for school runs!!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 12:15
Gray Girl, the Sri Lankan embassy has fixed a maid's salary to be QR 900. I think this is just a minimum amount that they have and of course most poeple do pay more than that so QR 1200 seems fair to start with. I really dont think that you should worry about the English, some of them are quick learners and may pick up fast. My friend's maid hardly spoke English when she got here two years ago but now confidently answers the phone, takes messages etc and she has learnt from just conversing at home. I think you could decide once she gets here based on how much she is able to communicate? Good Luck!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 14:45
Ok I have never heard of Al Rayah which is why I guess I confused it with Al Rayyan. Anyways I will try to find the number and get further details from there. Thanks again.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 12:32
Thank you EW ladies as always. I know I will never pass the test if I have to learn on a manual car so perhaps Al Rayyan is the one to go for. Bubblewrap thanks for the heads up on the instructors; will definitely ask for a change if that happens. Oops just reread your post and u have said Al Raya? Did u mean Al Rayyan?
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 19:18
If you are looking in the Landmark area then there are quite a few compounds but there is only one that I know of which is for QR 12000 (Jeliah Complex). There's a small compound with about 8 houses behind Riviera compound but the rent is QR 13500 or that was the case when we were looking two months back. We found the ad online (justlanded). Just drive around the Duhail area and ask security at compound gates or get in touch with real estate agents who specifically work in this area. Good Luck!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 19:09
Thanks a lot ladies. I will pass on the information.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 21:27
Rachel, I sent you a mail last night hope u got the info.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 21:26
I used Runway about two weeks ago for our move and was very happy with the price. overall they did a good job with the move although it happened over two days rather than one. Also if you do decide to go with them, make sure they unpack the boxes coz we did find them wanting to leave that for us to do.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 21:23
After going everywhere possible we had to go for the Home Centre gate even though its quite expensive coz they are just not available anywhere else! Perhaps u can ask the carpenter in the new place you are moving to to make one for you?
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 21:21
We left our old apartment recently to move to a villa and our previous landlord has brought the rent down from QR 9500 to QR 6500 (over two year period) for a good size three bedroom apartment near Mannai R/A. So I think it would really depend on the area you are looking at but definitely rents have fallen in Doha. Good Luck!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 February 2011 - 03:05
Sorry Rachel, did not see this until now. Do you still me to send you an email or have already finalised with them?
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 11:39
Due to some miscommunication between the management and workers, our move happened over two days. On the first day I found that they had left most of the boxes unpacked. They had assembled our furniture and then left and I was too busy trying to keep my toddler away from the stairs to really notice. However they tried to do the same on the second day saying that I would probably want to organise things my own way etc but I told them to unpack crockery etc which could immeditately be put away. We chose not to have books, files, toys unpacked as we still needed to put up shelves etc to put them away. So I think you should probably insist on getting the things unpacked as this does seem to be one aspect that they try to avoid doing.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 08:26
Take some lukewarm drinking water, add some salt to it and dip a soft cloth in it. Use the cloth to massage the baby's gums twice a day. I have only done the above for my three kids and its worked to ease the pain. HTH if u decide to try it.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 08:22
I got mine at Marks and Spencers and as far as I remember it had a UMF 10 rating
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 23:44
RachelA, it was supposed to be the new law last year but we were also asked to give post dated cheques for 12 months when we signed our new contract a few days ago. We were told that no one is following the new law??!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 23:42
I had the same problem last year and did not want to call pest control because of young kids at home. I used the Heliose's recipe for roaches (google it) and it actually worked wonders. Also backed it up with Combat (used to be available in FFC and Carrefour) which I changed every few weeks. Oh yeah boric powder can be found at most pharmacies as u will need it to prepare the Heliose formula. Good Luck!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 January 2011 - 14:56
I have been here for four years now and never felt uncomfortable when out. I do know what it feels like to be stared at etc as I have lived in another middle eastern country before and never had that in Qatar. The Qatari people from what I have experienced are polite and friendly. Cant comment on the driving as I do not drive (yet). Everyone's perceptions are different so maybe its best you come with an open mind and judge for yourself. Good Luck!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 January 2011 - 00:35
Tim Hortons all the way!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 January 2011 - 00:32
I also felt that Oprah's show today was not fair to Nadya. Her choice to have so many kids may be right or wrong but I felt that Susie was especially rude and biased. Having said that I do think that there were times when Oprah was still trying to balance the act but overall the show came across as unfair.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 20:54
ssen you have mail.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 12:58
Will send you a mail. Thanks
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 12:56
It just says in our contract that we have to return the house in the condition in which it was occupied (does not specifically state any of what he is demanding). This was a new building two years ago. I think he is taking undue advantage of holding the deposit cheque because the apartment is in good condition and even the wear and tear of paint is only in areas where we have put furniture. And to think that he has never maintained the building and our basement parking spot has been blocked by a water tank requiring repair since November. I guess we will have to go with what he is saying because we want the deposit cheque back. Thanks for taking the time to reply ladies.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 00:11
Is there any chance that you still have any pots and plants for sale?
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 00:06
We had looked at Al Jazeera 4 a couple of weeks back and one of the main reasons we did not take it is because of the location. We were concerned about what changes may occur in that area with the stadium being so close...sorry this is not a direct answer to your question ladies but you have someone else on the forum who did consider taking a villa there.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 00:12
Novice reading your post took me back five years to my first born. DH and I often remember those days and regret being so hard on ourselves and on our son in the sense that we would get anxious every time he did not eat, jump out of bed if there was a small cry from his crib etc etc. Meal time can be hard and although not the best solution long term(since u have tried giving him another spoon etc) can you distract him with books? If he enjoys looking at the pictures he may be distracted enough to eat? Taking the focus away from food might help so maybe try that. If he is refusing foods he ate upto a few days ago why dont u try giving him something new/different texture? If he doesn't like milk so much give him yogurt/cheese/banana smoothie. Just try to work your way around regular meals as long as he is getting some form of nutrition. Is it possible that he is teething and hence has loss of appetite? Our son never slept through the night and with no family support it was only DH and I who had to manage so I can relate to you. We kept him in our bed because he would wake to see us and instead of crying to be picked up, would fall back asleep. He's six now and sleeps in his own room so dont worry these habits dont stick forever. my advice to you is to try not to get stressed and dont be hard on yourself/on him. I only realised this after having my other two kids and wish I had known it earlier. Good Luck!
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 15:13
We stayed in Arjaan Rotana in Media City for a week in December. We were holidaying in Dubai and I cant recommend it enough. The bedrooms are nice size and the housekeeping is great. We used the kitchen to fix quick breakfast and used to be out for other meals so cant really comment on the restuarant although there is a food court which has a few decent places in the adjoining office building. It was confusing for us too as there are so many places but we decided on Arjaan after reading the reviews on tripadvisor. HTH
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 20:11
Having recently returned from a holiday in Dubai, I can say that variety is much more there and so that might be a better option for shopping. Cant comment on prices though as I dont know.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 20:07
My kids saw the fireworks from their bedroom window about 45 min ago...no idea what they were for but they were good and I have two happy boys in bed now.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 20:05
We went to Bandos with our two young boys two years ago for a week. It was good fun and there were lots of families (mainly from the UK) there.
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 20:01
I can completely understand what u are going through. I have had Egyptian neighbours for the past 10 months with two young boys. Every night the kids kept crying, father shouting and sometimes hitting...all went on till about 4 am. It used to disturb me a lot (had posted on the Qatar forum)but I could not do anything. For the last few weeks, I hear the kids leave/return from school and they are not up so late at night. Its very hard and I felt helpless so I can relate to your post. I had other neighbours from down the hallway come and ask me why my kids were crying so much but when I told them it was next door nobody wanted to approach that family. I hope that the little girl starts school soon and things improve. Take care
Maple
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 January 2011 - 00:18
Looking for villas in Duhail and hoping someone might be able to suggest an agent/compound that they know has availability? Can anyone give me feedback on Jeliah compound? Is it a nice place for young kids? Thanks
 
 
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