RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2015 - 00:19
There are a couple of Doha-based running groups on FB. Doha Bay Running Club is only open to people who are already here, but there's is also a group called TriClub Doha. In general women who run outside don't wear tank tops -- they tend to wear short sleeves. And running capris that are knee length at least. There are definitely some triathelets in the Running Club, and quite a few who train year-round. <em>edited by RachelA on 12/04/2015</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 February 2015 - 00:41
nabbesh.com is a regional site for freelance oportunities - worth checking out.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2015 - 10:44
Agree with what the others have said. Not an issue -- but best not to advertise it. I have many colleagues who have been to -- and some lived in -- Israel and have had no problems entering Qatar with those stamps. However passport stamps might be an issue if traveling to other countries in the region.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 08:55
Contact Riyaz Bhat http://www.the-rugman.com/index.html I don't know if he does appraisal, but if anyone can direct to to the right place he can!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 December 2014 - 15:04
I would recommend getting in touch with Al Jazi Real Estate -their office is the the main Al Jazi compound opposite West Bay Petrol. They have 3 towers (at least - maybe more) in the West Bay - Al Areen Tower, Al Amal Tower, and Al Dareen Tower. We live in Al Areen and have been pleased with the quality of the building, maintenance, etc. They have both furnished and semi-furnished.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 December 2014 - 22:38
I was in Riyadh last week and noticed that there was a sign on the wall leading toward the women's bathroom stating that boys above the age of 8 are not allowed in the women's bathroom. Don't think I'd ever seen it stated before.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 December 2014 - 22:14
Getting anywhere from the West Bay on National Day is a huge challenge! Assuming you want to be at the airport by noon, I don't think it would be wrong to allow yourself 2+ hours to get there, so I would leave before 10am. We are flying on the 18th as well -- and we also live in the West Bay. We need to be at the airport at 6am -- hoping that the traffic will be a bit saner at that hour.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 November 2014 - 22:48
I have the paperwhite and love it -- reading outside is a breeze. But the new kindle voyage (due out next month) is getting some great reviews. It's pricey, but looks amazing. Davide Pogue's review here: https://www.yahoo.com/tech/either-amazon-knows-exactly-what-its-doing-or-102593981399.html
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 November 2014 - 22:00
I am living and working here with my son while my husband works in another country. Families make these decisions for many different reasons, and while many people do judge, I think it's really no one's place to judge what decisions work for any other family. The permissions that marycatherine mentioned do not apply when you are being sponsored by your work as opposed to your husband. I have never had to get my husbands permission to buy a car, get a driver's license, rent an apartment, etc. I have on occassion needed to get NOC's from my employer, but this is essentially what every employee requires and its' not about being a woman. My son was 8 when we first arrived here, and we did need to hire a full time maid/babysitter from the beginning. That, and finding a school place, were the biggest challenges -- and this was almost 10 years ago! My husband was able to be here with us for a few months when we first arrived and that made the whole settling in process so much easier. If that's an option I highly recommend it!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 November 2014 - 22:27
Really good to know - thanks sarahlou123!! Update: Great advice - sold in a day on Dubizzle! edited by RachelA on 05/11/2014 <em>edited by RachelA on 08/11/2014</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 November 2014 - 06:47
I'm selling an iPhone 5S - please check out the classifieds section for more info. Thanks.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 November 2014 - 20:31
Most of the local apple shops (iSpot in city center, iSpace in Lagoona) have English speaking staff who seem to know their stuff. Perhaps you can ask one of them to come to your home in their non-working hours and help you for a stipend.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 October 2014 - 09:15
I have a multi-exit from my employers and definitely do not need anything else. When I'm traveling for personal reasons (weekend away, travel during public holidays) I don't inform them - just get on the plane and go.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 21:41
Eleonor, as an educator who specializes in private school education and has also worked extensively in Qatar, I disagree. Not every private school is the same and each has the right to establish it's own admission criteria. Some are academically selective, some have language requirements, etc. The private schools in Qatar are heavily regulated by the SEC - many would say too much so, especially as compared to the level of government involvement with private schools in other developed countries. I do believe that what the SEC should be doing is providing incentives to encourage new schools to open here -- keeping quality as a key criteria. New schools face a tremendous amount of challenges when trying to open here, and thus the rate of new schools opening is much lower than it should be to keep up with the demand. Just my 2 cents worth...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 October 2014 - 23:29
The question I would ask is why, if your child is already enrolled in an excellent school (as both of these schools are) would you be looking to make a change? If you don't prefer one curriculum over the other, and assuming he/she is settled and happy where he is, why make a change?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 October 2014 - 23:24
I have friends with kids at each of these schools, and all are very happy. These are considered to be 3 of the top schools in Doha. If your company has guaranteed spaces your best bet would be to visit all 3 and get a feeling of how each school suits your family, and arrange for assessments ASAP. School choices are very personal -- what works for one family may not work for another, so hard to rate them against one another. All 3 employ highly qualified teachers and actively engage parents -- two key criteria for me.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 September 2014 - 21:32
A good friend of mine is considering a position at Al Khor International School (British Stream). I don't know much about the school to share with her, so am looking for feedback from parents and or teachers. Appreciate anything you can share. Thanks.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 23:17
If you entered the country on a 1 month tourist visa you can extend it for an additional month at the immigration department (airport immigration being the easiest as people have mentioned below). After that you have to do a visa run, and can do the same again. In essence, you'll need to do a visa run every 2 months until the RP comes through. Once the RP is in process you shouldn't leave until it's completed.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 23:14
Sorry but I just have to ask - she's married to a Qatari and is working as a maid?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 23:09
I set up my account and downloaded the app on Sunday morning, then used it for a ride to the airport. It was perfect! And the list of cities worldwide where you can use it is pretty extensive -- will make traveling a lot easier. The other thing I did was redeem some nojoom points (from ooredoo) for uber credit. After my first ride I got an email with a link and following explanation: [i'>[b'>"Sharing your invite link is the easiest way to rack up free Uber rides. Every new rider who signs up with your code will get their first ride free, and you'll earn a free ride (up to QR40) for spreading the word. It's the ultimate win-win." [/b'>[/i'> So if anyone out there is thinking of trying it and hasn't yet set up an account, feel free to do it through this link: https://www.uber.com/invite/uberrachelawad123
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 00:48
Thanks Mindi. As I wasn't sure what the story was, I decided to give uber a try. It was a great experience, and a service I will definitely be using again. And meanwhile it's great to know the status of long term parking. Question -- when you take a taxi to the long term lot do they not give you grief for the short trip?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 September 2014 - 11:09
Does anyone know what the story is? Is it still free? Is it far from the terminal? I have to be away for 5 days and am trying to figure out if this is a practical option. I know when the airport first opened it was free. The website only has info on short-term parking. If anyone knows anything please share. Thanks!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 11:29
My eyebrows have virtually disappeared in the past 10 year -- all on their own, not from over-plucking. I've thought about tattoos and have friends who've done it (with Michelle) very successfully, but between the pain and the "what if it's not right?" I've been in a holding pattern for years. I have been using eyebrow pencils etc. and recently discovered this: http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/gimme-brow Game changer! Goes on quickly and easily and looks as natural as can be. For those who are hesitating, check it out.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 September 2014 - 16:29
I live in a West Bay tower (Al Areen) and love being able to walk to restaurants and bars at the local hotels. Also walking to work - I work in The Gate too. Why are you looking at serviced apartments? You could probably find a 2bed in one of the other WB towers for a comparable price to a 1bed serviced. Just a thought. I have friends who live on the pearl and love it -- but I love not having to deal with any traffic except of those days that I have to venture to other parts of town -- a couple of days a week at the most.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 22:16
It's my understanding (but I'm no legal expert!) that if you are doing this as a non-commercial venture, then it's really just friends getting together and baking, so you should be okay. If you are charging money it's absolutely illegal. Similar to hairdresser or beautician -- if you have a friend who comes to your house to do your makeup or cut your hair without charging, just as a friend, that should be okay. The minute she charges for these home services it's technically illegal. People do both here as home-based businesses, but it's not legal.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 September 2014 - 00:13
I live in Al Areen Tower(part of the Al Jazi Real Estate Group). I live in a 3 br, so not sure what the price of the 2brs are -- I think around 14K. Ticks all your boxes.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 September 2014 - 08:24
A few girlfriends and I have a lot of items we are looking to sell (clothes, housewares, electronics). We all live in apartment towers so no compound yard sales to join. Can you please let me know if you know of any school boot sales coming up (and share a link if possible)? Would love to get a table or two. Thanks!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 September 2014 - 08:22
There are also quite a few lovely towers in West Bay (in the City Center vicinity) which are worth checking. Even better commute and while it's not The Pearl, walkable to plenty of restaurants/bars in nearby hotels, and of course to C4 and shops in City Center. Worth considering.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 23:01
If you find school places in Al Wakra you might want to think about looking at Al Fardan 1. It would cut the travel by 1/2 or even more, and it's a lovely compound - on of the nicest in Doha.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 12:10
I checked in with a former colleague who is part of GEMS senior management, and he confirmed that the license has been issued and they are set to open. I imagine that the lack of info on fees means they are still waiting for SEC approval.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 03:38
I got a duvet cover today at Zara Home -- they have a great selection and carry for King and California King (extra large). I had gotten one a few months ago and then decided that the pattern was too busy for my liking -- so I sent that one to the guest room and got a calmer one today. Was happy to see that when I checked the website the prices at the store in Qatar are pretty much the same as the UK prices. The store here is really well stocked, so assuming the store in Dubai will be even more so. Here's the one I got today: http://www.zarahome.com/gb/en/bedroom/bed-linen-c1089049p4320100.html And here's the one I got originally, now in the guest room: http://www.zarahome.com/gb/en/bedroom/bed-linen-c1089049p4320105.html <em>edited by RachelA on 21/08/2014</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 August 2014 - 19:31
Bin Mahmoud and Al Saad are the closest areas --quite close by and lots of apartments.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 22:31
Anything from jeans to maxi dress to cocktail dress would be okay -- anything goes!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 August 2014 - 20:23
No school is allowed to operate in Qatar unless it's licensed by the SEC. The webiste only lists government schools not private schools or international schools.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 August 2014 - 07:30
There are plenty of full time maids who are live-out.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 August 2014 - 05:29
We used to live there (now live in West Bay) and I found Gharrafa to be a really convenient area. Landmark, Ezdan Malll right there, Ikea close by, big family park near Landmark. It's a very quick drive to West Bay or The Pearl. and pretty easy to get to Al Sadd and Al Wabb from the D-Ring highway. Also quite a few local neighborhood shops. We only moved because of the housing from work -- loved living there. Is it a stand-alone villa or compound? If a compound, which one? Maybe someone will have specific feedback.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 July 2014 - 18:19
Assuming Chooksgirl is looking for salons in Doha... Haven't been for a while, but the spa at the Marriott (the "old" Marriott near the airport) used to be quite good for waxing. Also Bliss at the W -- but quite pricey.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 July 2014 - 19:31
Admin I'm sure you're only trying to be helpful, but for users on the Qatar forum links to the Qatar jobs board instead of the Dubai one might be a bit more useful...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 15:34
I don't think you can do it in advance. But on the Metrash2 app you can do things like exit permits for family/staff under your sponsorship, so maybe you can actually do the exit permit that way while you are away?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 July 2014 - 19:50
Gems is only going up to 5th grade. There is a decent change ASD will come through -- less demand at the upper grades. ACS has a good reputation and ISL is fine too -- but if a space comes up at ASD I say grab it! If you're daughter is planning to go to university in the US ASD has an excellent college counseling program. My son is heading into 12th grade at ASD -- transferred from ISL in the 9th grade. For US college prep I can't recommend ASD highly enough. Given that your husband will be in the Industrial Area, you might want to look in Al Waab. Lots of housing options. Not too far from ACS. Further for ISL -- but then pretty much anything except Gharaffa will be. When my son was at ISL we lived in Riviera Gardens -- only about a 15 minute drive to ISL. D-ring toward the Industrial Area would be doable, but not sure how long it would take.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 July 2014 - 15:54
It might be worth bringing them with as excess baggage. If you have someone help you when you leave the US you'll be rid of the bags as soon as you check in. On the Qatar end you can hire a porter easily to get your bags off the belt and load them onto a trolley. Might not be as bad as you imagine even while traveling with kids. Oh and welcome back!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 July 2014 - 12:18
lemondrops, there is definitely a pharmacy in the departures duty free area -- it's in the back close to WHSmith. In the arrivals area there is a small duty free shop but it does not include a pharmacy. If you are transiting through Doha you should be able to access the duty free in the arrivals area, so you should be able to get to the pharmacy there. I didn't notice if there was a pharmacist on duty there - probably depends on the time of day.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 11:56
Hi RhiRhi131, Neither issue (mixed race or newlyweds) should be a problem. Qatar is in fact also a very diverse and multicultural place, with expats (from all over the world) outnumbering locals). Mixed race/mixed ethnicity couples are not at all uncommon. I know plenty of couples who came to Qatar within weeks - or even days - of getting married. There's no time requirement. Just make sure to have the necessary paperwork ready.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 00:53
For those of us in Qatar during Ramadan, here is some useful info regarding Ramadan hours - public sector, banks, supermarkets... http://www.justhere.qa/2014/06/guide-working-hours-ramadan/
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 June 2014 - 18:52
Been here for 9+ years, and here's what I've got: Likes: 1. Amazing friends 2. A job that I love (most days) 3. Winter (when the weather is close to perfect) 4. Full-time help at home 5. Amazing friends (there are enough of them that I'll count them twice!) Dislikes: 1. Sponsorship system (including exit permits, etc). 2. Summer weather 3. Discrimination based solely on nationalities 4. Expats who spend most of their time moaning that they would rather be someplace else. 5. Movies that are edited to death (ie cutting out the kisses in Frozen).
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 20:46
I was in a similar situation quite a few years ago, and we decided to give her a bit more time to get used to being away, being with us, etc. We asked her if she would be willing to give it a shot for 1 more month (she too had decided after a couple of weeks that she wanted to go home) and in the end it worked out great. We promised her that if she still wanted to leave after a month that would be fine -- but to give the situation a bit of time before deciding. She was with us for years. If she does go back home, I would definitely pay.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 21:25
Good point. In Doha they have just started requiring this so people who have been here for a while might not know either.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 20:57
Mumtimes3 this is a question best asked on the Dubai forum -- this here is the Qatar forum.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 May 2014 - 03:52
Girls, let me tell you that I am shocked! You have live in maids, you pay for the sponsorship, their medical insurance, tickets back home and vocations, salary plus supplementary hours (!!!), phone calls, internet, food allowance, clothes allowance, what else did I forget? ...Don't you think that you are too nice and pay too much for the small effortless job of 8 hours per day??? SERIOUSLY???? Where to start? Every employer by law pays for sponsorship, medical insurance, tickets home, vacations. And many pay overtime. Does that entitle them to exploit their employees? No. Not legally and not ethically. If it's such a small, effortless job than we would not all be hiring maids now would we? marykar you came to this thread asking suggestions about exactly these issues: working hours, days off and food allowance. And then you seem shocked that some people have set working hours for their maids and agree to pay extra for extra hours. You say you've never had live-in help before. From your attitude I would say that's a lucky thing (for the maid)!!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 23:47
I'm a bit perplexed by the words of kiwispiers: " Also agree in advance what you will pay her for any after hours/baby sitting work. (i.e an hourly rate or time off during the week in lieu)." I was thinking that live in maid will be on my service any time when I need her, except her day off. What is the reason to have a live in maid if I have to arrange for the late babysitting with her????? Also 50 hours of work per week doesnt seem a lot for me for a maid! Assuming she has 1 day off a week, a 50 hour week means 8+ hours/day. That's a full time job, and the salary you pay her should cover a full time job. If you are going to ask her to work overtime you should be prepared to pay her additional -- unless you agree up front to a salary that is high enough to include babysitting a few nights a week. The idea that because she's a maid she should be expected to work extra long hours is, in my opinion, very unfair. In my own job I often work 12+ hour days -- but I am a senior person who is paid to get the job done and not watch the clock. The more junior staff come in at 9 and leave at 5 and are not expected to work extra hours just because I might have more work that needs doing. If I do ask them to work extra they are not paid extra, so I generally give them time off in lieu. Fair's fair.
 
 
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