nole | ExpatWoman.com
 

nole

109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 23:21
Hi! I sent an email as well, but had not heard back. Do you still need a few more members? =)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 15:06
Not sure if this was already mentioned on another thread, but the C4 is officially open in Lagoona mall! Went today and its really nice...a cute little market type store. Reminds me of Spinneys, but I have to admit..I didn't stay long enough to see if they also have all the goodies spinney's does...was just popping in to pick up something quick.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 22:39
Hi execlawyer and lala..thanks for the additional info! execlawyer..Ill tell my brother about your companies website and tell him to get in contact with you. Any information, im sure would be greatly appreciated by him. Lala-he is not fluent in arabic unfortunately, only English. Hopefully, he can find something on just that? Anyways, thank you guys again, and I'll let you know if he finds anything! =)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:59
Great! Thanks everyone! Will be sending him all of these. Fingers crossed! =)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 22:01
oh I love onion powder! Use it especially in spaghetti sauces! =) Just like ccdoha said, it looks exactly like garlic powder and usually can be found right next to it on the shelf. I've stocked up on it last time I saw it..think I was in Lulu's when I found it last.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 12:46
oh fantastic! thanks chizz and kiwi! Will be heading over to both of those this weekend. =)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 20:40
Krasch-the leasing agent that we are going through said that he sees them all the time being walked behind the buildings, but that he doesn't ever really see them being walked along the actual "boardwalk" area by the shops and restaurants. There is a decent amount of grass (for doha at least) around the buildings, so it shouldn't be too hard to walk your little one around! =)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 23:38
alright, we decided on the pearl since they are ok with dogs there. Does anyone know though what happens when you sign a lease here and then happen to lose your job? (praying that doesn't happen of course) The last real estate agent we talked to said if you lose your job here, you are automatically out of your lease. When I tried googling it though, I couldn't find anything on real estate laws here. Anyone know for sure?
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 16:03
Thanks everybody! Will have to check out those 2 towers that do allow dogs. Such a shame though that there are so many places that won't allow them! I would even be willing to sign a dog contract and put a hefty pet deposit down just in case...but oh well! I wonder if they will have a problem filling all these buildings as more and more are being built and so many expats have animals? (and I too hate the smell of cooking cabbage AND brussel sprouts!) LOL!
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 12:22
I did QA to Gatwick and BA to Orlando last year and just told them at the QA counter here in Doha to please check my luggage all the way through. It was super easy. However, once you get to BA I would walk up to the BA counter and make sure that they have gone ahead and released the luggage for the BA flight. Mine had not been released yet and wouldn't have made it unless I told them to. I'm sure its different each time, but just a thought if you don't actually check in at the counter. (like at one of the computer kiosks instead, like I did)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 19:06
check out Al Messilah...don't live there myself, but would absolutely love to if we could. I think if you google it, there should be some pictures that come up. (not sure how it compares to the lakes in dubai, but we came from Miami, Fl..and it would've done for us as far as green goes!) We've also found some really nice compounds near downtown as well, but not as green as we would've liked and SUPER expensive. I'm sorry, but I can't recall the names. The best idea is to take a visit here and drive around and look at the different compounds.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 23:25
got it! thanks! (obviously not sure about anyone else though, lol) If there are any other "Qatar" type artworks you hear of, let us know! =)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 11:37
These are fantastic! I have also been looking myself for something like this and have been having a really hard time finding anything. Will definitely be emailing him to buy one or two! I wish it was easier to find things like this! Ok, can't find a way to get in touch with him. Is there a contact address or number on the site that I am just totally missing? <em>edited by nole on 13/09/2011</em>
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 00:34
Thanks, will check out those places as well. We are not really looking for "happening" places, lol..just a sports bar with a nice atmosphere is all. Does the golf club serve alcohol though? I guess I just figured it didnt, lol.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 20:44
If I remember correctly there was a "think pink" run last year along the corniche? I just tried googling it, but seems there website is down. Maybe if they are still active here in Qatar there will also be one this year.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 20:40
Thanks Steelers, that would be great if you could! We do not live in that area of town, so rarely make it over that way unless its for a specific reason. I really am hoping it is like the Champions back home, which is a great sports bar.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 19:43
Thanks marycatherine, will definitely be checking that one out! Katcalls, I hope they do open one up there...and a real one! =)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 13:40
Most of the flats/villas are given to people in company accommodation, but I do know a few people in some that are not. I believe they pay around 8500/9000 for a 2 bedroom. I am not sure if any of the larger 3 bedrooms are for rent though. They do have really nice villas for rent as well with your own private small pool which I believe run right around 18,000-20,000. The compound is big, but it has every amenity you could want so it depends on what is more important to you. If you have kids, it is a great place to live since almost everyone it seems has kids there as well and they set up a lot of activities for them. Sherborne like Dan Lou said is not close, I know a few people who actually moved out of Ain Khalid Gate to a compound closer to Sherborne since their kids went there. (sorry, can't think of the name of the compound they moved to) After Eid is over, if you are here drive into it and talk to the administration office. They should be able to tell you what is available.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 22:23
Neither my husband nor I saw Doha before we moved here. We were planning on it, but between the interview and the job offer there was just no time. So we decided to just go for it! We moved from Florida in the U.S. and although its very different than home, there are many similarities as well. It is really all what you make of it once you move here. We have been here almost a year now and are loving it!!!
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 12:14
It's not as strict here as everything makes it sounds as far as clothing goes. I basically wear the exact thing I wore back home, minus the shorter shorts. I bought long ones that go just above the knees to wear out here. I usually have long shorts/jeans and a tank top on when I go anywhere. I will always keep a scarf or cover up in the car though just in case I go somewhere I feel its more appropriate to cover up a little bit more. (and b/c it's FREEZING in the malls and stores here!) I have seen other's wearing pretty high shorts, tiny skin tight dresses, and tank tops that go a little too low...but I would leave those behind. They might not say anything to you here, but you will definitely get some strange looks and it can be pretty awkward. It's really not bad though, and I found it very easy to adjust my wardrobe. As far as kids go, I do not have any..but I have seen a ton of people on here recommend "doha mums". I believe they have a website and you can meet other parents, go to playgroups, etc... The driving opinion is more on a personal basis. I know people that hate to drive here and rarely do it and other's who actually like driving here. (if you can believe that, lol) I personally don't mind it, but you do need to keep a close eye on everything going on and have LOTS of patience while on the road. I always say you have to drive "aggressively defensive" here. You'll pick it up easily, but then its just a matter of whether you want to continue doing it! lol.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 02:00
Hi Kel, I think it depends on what country your passport is from. I came with my husband on day 1 and got a tourist visa on arrival. (but I am from one of the 33 approved countries, so it worked for me) Then I just stayed in the country with my tourist visa until his company was able to transfer it over to a family visa for me. In hindsight, I would've waited a few weeks to come out though b/c it was quite difficult to get settled in without having a car or knowing anyone who knew the area. I just sat in our flat all day until he got home from work..not very fun! lol.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 15:16
Thanks everyone for voting!!! and yes, it is the two with the very large beers. :) I am actually in Doha and trying to get votes for them..but they are in the U.S. so that might be where the confusion comes from natalie! If they win, they certainly will owe me a very nice souvenir! :)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 17:47
Thanks for voting chizz!! They will be so excited to see even one more vote up there. There's only 5 days left and they are one of the top ones right now...so I just have to try and help keep them there. =)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 00:20
Hi puppylove, I believe that you will need to have your RP first in order to get your license. At least this is what they told me when I first got here. You can however, get a temporary driving license w/o your RP..but I believe if you do that then you can only drive a rental car and not your own car. We had a friend go this route, and it worked fine for them..but I'm sure some of the other ladies will also be able to comment and help as well. So definitely double check me on that!
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 14:18
I am seriously missing the fireworks as well! I found sparklers though, lol...and these giant foot long birthday candles that throw flames and sparks out. (figured those would have to do for our fireworks, haha)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 14:04
Just wanted to wish all my fellow Americans a happy 4th of July!! Hope you are all getting to celebrate! =)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 20:51
Here is a pdf you can download from Iloveqatar.net. It has a bunch of important and useful phone numbers on it. I looked and didn't see the Magrabi Hospital on there though...unless its called something different as well? Anyways, might not be any use for your question pwb, but maybe it will help in the future! :) http://www.iloveqatar.net/pdf/numbers.pdf <em>edited by nole on 09/06/2011</em>
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 17:49
oh those all are fantastic! Will definitely be looking at attending a few of those. Thanks Baffled and Sam! I am hoping they make me start to enjoy cooking more as well..as of right now, the only way I enjoy it, is with a glass of wine (or 2) as I'm reading over the recipe, lol. :)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 13:37
We use our bank here (IBQ) to wire it home and they don't charge us anything. The only charge we get is a small fee (25usd) by our bank back home for incoming international transfers. I would just call to see what your bank charges for incoming transfers as I believe it depends on bank/country. <em>edited by nole on 22/05/2011</em>
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 20:17
Are you wanting to know about the family visa or RP? RP will take an additional week to get b/c of the medical and all that. (well, again..mine only took a week.) Just getting the visa though should be a fairly quick process and I think its valid for awhile before you have to get the RP. I got my RP right after getting my family visa though just to get it over with.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 17:50
Depends on the company I believe. (seems like that answer is given a lot, lol) It only took us about a week once the paperwork was submitted to my husband's company.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 14:23
wow! some of you have been here a long time! we will definitely be here for 2 1/2 more years, but I have a feeling we will be here longer, although how much past that is hard to say! In the 8 months we've been here we have tried to take advantage of our situation and travel and see some of the region as well, but it just makes us want to see even more now! haha. So we definitely need some more time here before we head back to the U.S.! I love hearing that so many people who have been here awhile also genuinely like it here. We found everyone to be very friendly when we first moved here in September and have a great group of friends now..I think that says something about the people who move here and how open and understanding most people are here. :)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 09:31
I just got mine a few weeks ago. (new one, not renewal) I brought my husband along just in case, but he didn't end up having to do anything. He just waited for me outside, which only ended up being about 5 mins since I was the only one there getting it.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 09:08
I guess I really should've put "How long have you been in Qatar?" lol, sorry to all the ladies in other cities..I am interested for the whole country, not just Doha. :)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 08:19
thanks catonclan! will check those out! I think I have seen both of the ones you are talking about, so hopefully they will be able to do it!
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 22:49
Thai Snack! Great food and cheap!! In LOVE with their spring rolls. :)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 13:43
When my parents were in town we did the Museum of Islamic Art, camel races, drove down to the beach to Al Wakra, drove up to the forts along the northern coast, drove to sealine and showed them the dunes, (would've taken dune bashing, but it had been raining!) and of course showed them Villagio and the Cornich area. Not sure if there are any events going on, but those are always fun as well to take family too!
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2011 - 23:10
I dont think anyone that disagreed with Bechamel was trying to be rude or jump on any kind of "bandwagon." (myself included) I think that when someone brings up a topic on here its normal for others to express their opinion whether it happens to be the same as the OP or not. Of course people on here should be able to rant and just let off some steam after a long day, but it is a public forum and there will be people who disagree. I find it quite interesting to read other's opinion on this topic b/c we are in a foreign country and I actually want to know how other's get along, so I happened to think it was a very good thread. It showed me how other people view things and I appreciate that! I didn't think it was being rude that others also included their views. but again, that is just my opinion..so im sure some will disagree. and thats ok! =)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2011 - 13:19
Agree as well with Kiwispiers! I could care less what language they are talking as long as they are being genuinely nice and trying to help me. I chose to move out here to experience other languages and cultures and NOT to feel like I was still back home. And I especially dont want them talking in english to me while I am getting a pedicure! Just greet me at the door, give me a trashy magazine, and a comfy chair and by all means..PLEASE speak in your own language b/c I want to just relax and be completely oblivious, lol.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 23:25
So, I just googled it and got a few pictures. lol, sorry...I honestly just had no idea what it was, but its similar to a baguette it looks like. (or at least some of the pics looked like that). We actually have bought bread like that here, we get it at a little corner store down from where we live in the Villagio area and I believe its made fresh every morning. Just read that he is looking for German bread...not sure if they sell that there though. <em>edited by nole on 10/04/2011</em>
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 23:10
out of curiousity...what is "European" style bread? I am only used to either white/wheat bread with the crust on..never even knew they sold it without! haha. And we get our bread either at lulu's or C4, but we like the milk bread actually..never even tried it until we came here and its pretty tasty! Although, as GinaM said..it is a little sweeter than what we are used to.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 03:44
snowflake, it took my husband about 3-4 weeks once he arrived in Qatar to have his RP in hand. If your passport is from one of the 33 approved countries you could always come with him and get a visa on arrival. (That is what me and my husband did) and then transfer it to a family visa in order to get your RP. The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days and extendable by another 30 days. I suppose though that you would need to find out where they are putting your husband up in accomodation once he arrives and make sure that is ok for you to also be there with him. If you have to wait 3-4 weeks though its not the worst thing, b/c it will give him time to set a lot of stuff up for you. Coming on day 1 with my husband in hindsight might not have been the best idea, but I just couldn't bare to stay behind!, lol. I have heard that it has taken other's longer to get their RP, so hopefully your husband's company has a dept. that handles all that and can expedite the process. Hope this helps a little! I think everyone's experience is a little different, but ours ended up being quite smooth!
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 14:41
snowflake, I cant comment on the school fees as we dont have kids, but for housing allowance and keeping leftovers it really depends on your husband's company. If we decided to take the allowance from my husband's company (we are just live in their accomodation right now) then we would be able to keep any and all leftovers from it. However, we have a few friends who work elsewhere and they do not get to keep the extra so they just normally find a place that maxed out the allowance. As far as day to day living and saving money, everyone is different but we find daily life to be cheaper than back home. (we are from the US). The only exception is the liquor store here...everything is at least twice as expensive than back home for us. (although, we have a lot of european friends and they say its pretty similar to what they used to pay) so I believe it also depends on which country you came from. So overall for day to day living we end up saving quite a bit compared to what we used to pay. Even the health insurance for us is like a dream come true, as we paid a ridiculous price back home. But again, it depends on where you came from b/c I have seen some women on here bitching at how expensive it is! For working, I am not and don't know many wives that do, but I believe there are a bunch of women on here that do work. For me, its a personal choice not to work as I want to travel with my husband whenever I can and since we might not have the opportunity for me not to work when I go back home, we are taking full advantage of it now! Not sure how many part-time jobs there are here, but some of the working ladies might be able to help you out with that one! Good luck with your move!!
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:25
katcalls, do you have your passport on hand? if so, you can just take it to the main post office along the corniche and have them print it in there for you. I think you just need some sort of piece of paper from your husband's work...cant remember exactly what I had, but it took about 5 mins to get it once I was there.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 12:48
oh fantastic! Thanks Jill! Will be heading down there sometime this week then.
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 14:48
Masha, what part of the city do you live in? I think there are different meet-up groups also in different parts and there is the Qatar Professional Women's Network that does meet ups once a month. (I believe that is how often) and a women's tuesday morning at the Ramada...but I am not sure which Tuesday of the month it is on as I have never been. My husband and I are also in our 20's and we have found meeting people here is very easy as everyone is very friendly! Welcome to Doha btw!
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 14:15
Hi Stricklands, I am no expert on the salary guide, but there have been a couple threads posted quite recently on just your question. There was one really long one just a week or so ago, but I am having a hard time finding it right now. I believe the OP was a single woman as well, so if you could find that it has a some good advice on there about salary for a single person. I think it really depends on what job it is that you were offered. As far as nightlife, I have never been to Dubai..but my husband and I both grew up in Miami (I suppose similar to Dubai as far as nightlife goes) and lived there again after college and we find Doha to be fine for nightlife. (We are also in our 20's with no kids) Although, to be fair we prefer house parties over bars/clubs so haven't been to a ton of bars/clubs here. The only headache is having to make a reservation for a taxi everywhere if you are going to even have one glass of wine/beer. I am assuming this might be the same though in Dubai? There are also lots of social groups/coffee mornings/girls night out groups that are here you could be involved in to meet people as well. Do you know what area of town you will be living in? I believe there are different groups in different areas, although you could always drive to any part of town for the groups. I know some people hate driving here, but we find it to be not so bad and don't mind driving far for different things to do. So, if that is the case for you as well than you should have a bunch of options! =) Hope this helps at least a little!
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 14:07
Hi MsShowbiz! Capt's are usually given a villa in Ain Khalid Gate, although there are a few other smaller compounds around the city that they are sometimes put into. We have a friend who is a captain living in one and we have been inside his villa...which is very nice. It is an open floor plan (large open kitchen as well), lots of space, and a little garden area in the back. The compound itself is also very nice with basically every possible amenity you could want. Gym (including sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, squash courts, tennis courts), mini movie theatre, couple large pools, women's spa (for nails/massages/facials), coffee shop, lebanese restaurant, general store, dry cleaners, car washing service, playground for the kids. Basically, very nice! Good luck to your husband and maybe we will see you out here in Qatar shortly! :)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 20:02
Thanks ccdoha! I will definitely be checking out that link and the schools on there as well! :)
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 19:47
lol, well in my case..beggars cant be choosers. I have already tried some of the non-profits and they never got back to me. I have been sitting on my lazy butt for 6 months now and need to start doing something. Plus I don't want to work for pay b/c I am going to start to travel a lot and don't want to have to worry about getting time off. At this point, I will volunteer my time for anybody that is in need. (Non-profit or not) :)