RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 08:48
We don't live in the Lagoon, but in one of the towers near City Center, so about 5-10 minutes closer to ASD. In the morning it takes anywhere from 1/2 hour to 1 hour. If he leaves at 7 we are there by 7:30. If he leaves at 7:15 we usually don't get there until 8 -- those few minutes difference make a huge difference in the traffic! There used to be a lot of ASD families in the QIPCO compound very close to WB Lagoon, so probably decent opportunities for carpooling.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 May 2014 - 22:51
In general when I shop online I shop from stores/brands where I am either familiar with their sizes or this is a shop locally where I can try on for size. gap.com does regular discounts, so I often shop there based on items I've tried on here. A great site for shoes is zappos.com. They have a 1 year (yes, 365 days) return policy, so on the rare occasion I've had to return, I wait until I'm going to the US (or a friend is going) and use the pre-paid return shipping label.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 May 2014 - 18:58
I don't think the main immigration office is opened on Saturdays, but airport immigration is opened 24/7
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 22:38
brynmawr, I meant to ask in my last post if you are coming from Bryn Mawr as in the Philadelphia main line? I grew up in Philly and went to college at Haverford.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 08:15
The 9 Pearls compound just across the street from ASD is very nice, with a lot of other ASD families. For teens it's definitely walkable -- younger kids too but with a parent as there is a big road to cross. Another compound where my teenage son (also at ASD) has friends is Les Roses -- not as close as 9 Pearls but not as far as Y Village. Al Fardan 2 is also close to Y Village and, like all of the Al Fardan compounds, is lovely. I have a teenage son at ASD and we made the move from a compound to a highrise apartment in the West Bay (near City Center). He was happy to give up the compound facilities for ease of access to taxis, cinema/restaurants at the mall, etc. Something to think about if you don't also have younger kids. Although since you are looking for 4bed that might not be an option. We have a large 3 bed, but haven't seen any 4 bed apartments.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 07:38
While it's a really nice gesture, it probably won't be much practical help. English is widely spoken, and is the main language in most service industries. Spoken Arabic does vary by dialect (in terminology and accents) but some basic knowledge of either classical or modern standard Arabic would generally be understood. There are more Arabic speakers here from other Arab countries that there are Qataris, sothe Qatari dialect isn't crucial. But in general, you can get by extremely easily without knowimg Arabic.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 23:01
The Naots Barbados sandal looks quite pretty and feminine. Wonder what the chances of finding them here are!! I'm guessing the chances are slim-to-none. Naot is an Israeli company.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 April 2014 - 11:42
I have good career prospects as an ICU nurse I have a few friends who are nurses who live (or have lived) here in Doha, and not one of them found it worthwhile to even consider working here. Nurses here do not earn competitive salaries compared to what they earn in US/UK/Europe. Many of the nurses in Qatar come from the Philippines and India. This is not a comment on their professionalism -- just that in the "you are paid according to your passport" world that is Qatar, this tends to drive salaries down. So unless you are already in discussion with local hospitals/clinics and have discussed roles and salaries, you should not assume that you have good career prospects. <em>edited by RachelA on 25/04/2014</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 April 2014 - 20:28
I've also never had a problem with books or movies. Except for the Grateful Dead CDs that were confiscated at the port on arrival into Egypt. That was 17 years ago, and I think they must have thought they were pagan!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 April 2014 - 08:59
I've been to a few Qatari weddings, and it's important for the women to have an Abaya or some kind of cover for when the groom and father make their entrance. If this is also how it's done in the UAE, be sure to bring an appropriate cover. For the rest of the evening when it is only women, no modesty required!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 April 2014 - 08:49
Random things like ... molton brown handwash , and specific perfumes which could be here but I obviously don't look hard enough. BEDH, there's a molton brown shop at Lagoona Mall. Haven't checked prices, but it might be worth checking to free up luggage space/weight.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 April 2014 - 09:40
I know people in the Sidra HR department who are incredibly helpful. If they've already made you an offer, you should be able to get answers to all of these questions from them. Also they should be able to answer the question tamieg1 raised about sponsoring your husband, and schooling for your kids.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 April 2014 - 19:07
Part time childcare services are virtually unheard of in Qatar, unless you bring in an agency maid/nanny on a part time basis. Considering that you need morning and afternoon help, you probably will be better off hiring a full time maid/nanny.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 March 2014 - 01:00
I have nothing of interest to say here at all. Posting for the sole purpose of knowing my rank. EW Master, huh? Can't decide if it's an honor or just makes me pathetic. It's taken me 9 years of living in Doha to reach this esteemed status. How many more to take me to Grand Master? Hmmmm. edited by RachelA on 28/03/2014 <em>edited by RachelA on 28/03/2014</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 March 2014 - 23:49
gem_nadine are you leaving Qatar or just moving to another part of town? If you are leaving the country you are usually allowed to terminate the lease early with no penalty.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2014 - 21:42
Not connected to Hamad as far as I know. There is a map, phone number and hours on the Qatar Diabetes Association website (link in my post below).
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2014 - 10:25
Yes, you need a transformer. In my experience, NOT WORTH IT!! Especially not for appliances that are motor-driven. When I first moved to the middle east I used transformers with a few appliances - including a food processor and a microwave. Worked fine for a while, but eventually the motors blew out. Not sure how long you are planning to be in the region, but my advice would be to buy 220 -- I tend to buy from Amazon UK -- and then sell when you're leaving. Many electronic devices are now dual-voltage so whenever possible I look for those. If you are already here and have the Kitchen Aid with you already, I'm sure someone can advise as to where to purchase a transformer.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2014 - 13:11
Cambridge Park House Gulf English School Qatar International School Compass International School Sherbone Qatar In no particular order -- links can be found on the schools section of this site: http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/monthly_schools_doha_list_6031.aspx
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2014 - 23:54
http://www.qda.org.qa/ Amazing resource for Diabetics in Qatar! All services are free, and they have a foot clinic. I would give them a call or go visit. If you need treatment different from what they have, I'm sure they can point you in the right direction! When I was diagnosed with Type 2 some years ago, they were an incredible resource for information and support!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2014 - 18:50
There are loads of small mobile shops on Al Nasr Street -- on both sides, between Doha Clinic Hospital and Family Food Center. I had a screen replaced at Galaxy Phones, but this was about 3 years ago.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2014 - 22:59
Doha Bay Running Club (DBRC) is your best source of info, support and fellow runners. Find them on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dohabayrunningclub/
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2014 - 19:43
We have lived in 3 different compounds as well as 2 apartment towers that were owned/managed by a company (ie not individual landlords) and we have never had to pay for any maintenance - ACs, washer/dryer, etc. As hoobs mentioned, if you are responsible this should be clearly stated in your lease.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2014 - 12:30
FAB - thanks for heads up. I have had a look and would like to order a dress - I have a shop n ship account so can get delivered to NY - however its asking for a telephone number - how do you get round this? you put the phone number given to you when opening your SnS account. I order from gap.com pretty regularly. Log into your SnS account - there is a phone number listed for each of the addresses. Just use the one for the USA address.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2014 - 12:29
I'm on the site now -- shopping cart filling up nicely. I'm seeing a notice that there is a 30% discount by entering "SAVE" at checkout. I'll certainly try the SAVE40 code -- an extra 10% is always welcome!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 07:28
I have gotten visas to Saudi numerous times -- no medical or anything of the sort. The organization I was going to visit had to initiate the application, processed through the Saudi Ministry of Interior. Once approved, the inviting org. sends me a copy of the official visa request from the MOI, and that has to be submitted to the Saudi embassy in the country where you reside (in my case Qatar) along with your passport. I've had female colleagues denied the visa based on being too young (early 20s). In my case that was clearly not a problem! I've received the visa 3 times in the past year.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 March 2014 - 08:19
Since RuthM started her list with DH passport, visa and ID, it would seem that her renewal was indeed done on her husband's sponsorship. Her list seems pretty comprehensive -- what more are you looking for?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 March 2014 - 00:16
This isn't uncommon -- a lot of organizations do this to make sure that the hire passes through the medical and receives his RP before paying out for family flights/accommodation. Of course you can try to negotiate this -- you never know. But in the event they say no, you can still come along if you want. As US passport holders you can come in on tourist visas (you can get these on arrival). You will be issued a 30 day visa which can be renewed for an additional 30 days, after which you'd have to leave and re-enter. But if in that time the company is only supplying a single hotel room or a small serviced apartment, you might have to foot the bill for a larger place. And you might also have to cover your own flights. You could ask if they would reimburse you for these (rather than wait and fly out later on their tickets)?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 February 2014 - 00:54
Rafelisia, I'm looking at mid-career/senior level positions. I've got over 6 years of experience in my field. Sorry to say, but 6 years experience is generally not enough for a senior level position. Most of the senior level roles that I know of across a range of industries require closer to 10-15 years of professional experience. This might be a matter of managing/adjusting expectations.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 22:54
I had to get letter from my son's school verifying his enrollment -- this is needed in order for him to be eligible for his Egyptian ID (he is 1/2 Egyptian). The Egyptian Embassy said that the letter needs to be stamped by the SEC and then the Qatari MOI. Can anyone tell me which office within the SEC will stamp the school letter? Ironically I used to work for the Private Schools Office in the SEC so I should have access to this info, but it seems that everyone I once knew there is gone and I'm having no luck getting a direct answer. Thanks in advance for any help out there!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 February 2014 - 18:14
I'm a lifelong fan and I agree - this was an incredible show! They've still got it - so glad they still want to share it!!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 February 2014 - 08:35
All of the devices you listed are dual voltage, so you won't need a converter -- that's a huge plus! The Apple TV should work just fine. As for the actual televisions, you'll need to confirm that they are multi-region, as the TV signals are different. In the Middle East (and most of Europe and Asia) the standard is call PAL. In the US it's NTSC. I don't know the difference, but know that unless a TV is multi region is will only work in one or the other location.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 February 2014 - 23:20
For a while I was getting packages to my shop and ship box that were meant for someone else -- they got the numbers mixed up and put my box number by mistake. I explained it to the Shop and Ship staff and they were able to find the right person and get them their packages.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 19:06
My son's RP was also renewed last week. The new RP is in his passport. My PRO told me that he is now eligible for an ID card due to his age, but that they have run out of cards so the card will be issued later.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 January 2014 - 10:41
ASD definitely checks and is quite strict about it. I was just speaking to a mom who went through quite a negotiation with them regarding some vaccines that she did not want her daughter to have.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 January 2014 - 00:10
I have nothing to say re the main subject of this thread. Okay, I lie -- I have PLENTY to say but going to refrain... I just came on to thank Snugs for posting the link -- awesome sight and I'm bookmarking it! Will definitely be buying... Thanks!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 January 2014 - 21:11
There are plenty of students at Education City univerisities who came from international schools in Qatar. These are primarily expats, with the majority (but definitely not all) being from other Arab countries. While they are in the minority, there are definitely expats from US, UK, Canada and Europe at these universities as well. There are a few regulars on here who work for EC universities (JillMV, Lori_S, Jonners -- are you around?) who could probably give a bit more insight. And you should definitely contact the admissions offices as well. <em>edited by RachelA on 09/01/2014</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 16:24
I got the 5S from jadopado a few weeks ago -- very happy with it. It's a little bit lighter than the 5C, and I love the look and feel. And love the touch-id more than I thought I would.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 03:34
I love paperless post. They have free or paid options, with our without photos. I've used them for birthday cards and invites -- I'm sure they have holiday cards too. http://www.paperlesspost.com/
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 December 2013 - 01:09
First of all, that was NOT a spolier! I watched it (after reading your post) and was pretty stunned -- even though somewhere deep down I expected that to happen. Seems that when the show comes back in Feb quite a few folks will be angry about one thing or another...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 December 2013 - 12:42
Not sure how it compares as I'm not familiar with the Dubai center, but this is a great resource for info and support: http://www.qda.org.qa Good lick with the move.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 19:29
I've had a few friends move from here to there over the past few years. One had her kids in DESS here and was very happy at BSB. Another had her kids at ASD here and again very happy at BSB. And feedback on the overall quality of life has been extremely positive!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 19:26
Yes -- saw it at City Center on Saturday. Liked it better than the 1st one -- less violent, very intense story line.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2013 - 17:08
Geordie expat I have bought 2 kindles over the past few years and had them delivered to me (in Doha) via shop and ship -- no problems!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 01:15
Definitely go for the paperwhite -- fabulous reading experience! Amazon leather cover is great, and worth it to get the USB charger. Stylus is only for the Fire -- not needed for the paperwhite. And screen protector not needed especially if you get a cover. Enjoy!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 00:49
In a word - yes! I use a Qatar-based credit card, and shop regularly from the following sites using Shop and Ship for delivery: Amazon, The Gap, Old Navy, Zappos, Lands End There are others, but these are my "regulars"...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 November 2013 - 13:30
I've placed this ad in the classifieds, but it doesn't seem to be going through. Please send me an email if you are interested. rachelawad at gmail dot com Thanks! -iPhone 4S 64gb -White -1 ½ years old – works perfectly Original box, with headphones and USB cable and USB adapter (adaptor is a replacement original was lost). -iOS 7 already installed -QR 2200
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 November 2013 - 06:47
Doha, people. We are in DOHA!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 November 2013 - 06:45
Dubaistars when I got my egate on my chip ID the egate had a longer validity than my RP. When I got my RP renewed and new ID, the egate was still active. So you should be okay!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 November 2013 - 22:36
I live in Al Areen Tower in the West Bay, which has 2 and 3 br apartments. I know the 3 bedrooms have maid's room -- not sure about the 2 br. My apartment if fully furnished, but I am pretty sure they will also rent them as semi furnished. The tower (and a few others in the West Bay) are part of the Al Jazi Real Estate group, with the main office in Al Jazi Gardens compounds. I know a few people living in the various Saban Towers in the Pearl, and they are in semi-furnished 3 br with maid's room. Not sure who the rental agent is, but I can ask.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 November 2013 - 21:23
Sadly the minimum age is 18! That being said, I have generally had luck when coming into Qatar going to the e-gate kiosk and then asking the official who is standing nearby if my son can go through the line for Qatari nationals immediately to the left of the e-gate gates. That works coming in. Leaving Qatar it never seems to work...
 
 
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