RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 09:39
I've been on the boards since March 2005 -- same username the whole time. So not too far behind you irooni... But I'm usually on the Qatar forum -- does that count?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 08:24
Is the cost of SUV's here in Qatar really THAT much higher than in the US that the cost of shipping wouldn't offset? I don't think I know anyone who shipped a car over from the US. Seems like it might be more hassle than its worth...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 23:15
Does the sibling priority thing only count if the older sibling is still in school? If, say, there was a sibling that was set to graduate in the next year or two, you could consider holding them back a few years. That would be one way to secure a spot...! Just kidding of course. and WELCOME BACK!!!! Sorry I don't have any practical answer - we were already 1/2 way through primary school when we moved here. But given the lack of school spaces, it's not nearly as crazy a question as it sounds. :\:
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 22:34
You are right - that one was absolutely hateful! I say "was" but maybe still is. I've managed to avoid it for many many months...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 21:39
Who is the "they"? It's not being organized by the government as far as I know. It's one corporate developer (who may or may not include the staff on their own projects as needing this aid) along with a local charity. For those of us who work or have worked in aid and development, this is an ongoing issue: the need to address change from a policy perspective, with the simultaneous need to deliver aid to those impacted by social and/or political and/or economic disparity, or natural disaster.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 21:34
GoodMorning I'm picturing basketball and soccer -- but I'm also thinking there are more than 2... I generally end up sitting there for 10+ minutes... longest lights in town! Next time I'm there (probably tomorrow) I'll try to remember to look up and check out the images. That just might help to pass the time...!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 22:55
GoodMorning The Mall roundabout is no longer - glory days!! I used to live in Al Fardan and that roundabout made me CRAZY. And if I'm not mistaken, that whole stretch of road is now 4 lanes in each direction. Now if they could just do the same with Sports Roundabout, I'd be oh so very happy!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 22:49
Agreed. 100%. But it is what it is, so we do what we do... I'm just wondering (more curious than anything) if the sponsor of the appeal and the sponsor of the workers who are benefiting are one and the same. My gut tells me "not" but guess we really don't know at all.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 21:53
Do we think that Musherib Properties are doing this on behalf of their own staff? I would have thought their PR machine to be a bit more saavy than that. And since it's being done with Qatar Charity, I would think that it is not targeted toward the staff of any single employer. Regardless, there are people in need who are benefiting, so the motives of the organizers is, imho, not the primary issue.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 09:59
I've ordered from the US store and had it sent via Shop and Ship many times. Their clothes and swimsuits are excellent quality!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 09:58
The OP had asked about British schools, and ACS is an American school. British schools that go the whole range include: Doha College Park House Sherborne Qatar International School Compass Doha British School Gulf English School Other schools that cater to the full range of ages and might have spaces (but aren't British): International School of London (IB) ACS (American/IB)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 00:03
I think you might be able to find an apartment around Al Sadd for that price fully furnished, and that's quite close to Hamad.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 11:44
How many are you? Looking for villa or apartment? There's a whole range out there, but it would help to know a bit about your preferences.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 11:44
How many are you? Looking for villa or apartment? There's a whole range out there, but it would help to know a bit about your preferences.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 11:43
I think what she means is that on the Washington-Doha leg there is a stop in Dubai but if you are continuing on to Doha you don't get off the plane. and the Doha-Washington leg is direct, without a stop is Dubai at all. On BA's flights between Doha and London it stops in Bahrain in both directions - but if you are continuing on to Doha (or to London, depending on the direction) you don't get off.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 15:54
I have a friend who has enrolled his kids there and he is extremely pleased.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 09:07
But it goes via Dubai - a bit of a nuisance IMHO.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 10:13
I used to use hotel business centers for faxes pretty regularly with no problem. They have standard rates, and you can pay cash so it doesn't matter if you are a guest.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 10:08
Well, we came for a 15 month contract, and then extended for an additional year. We just passed the 7 year mark, and no plans to leave any time soon!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 07:41
If Amazon won't deliver the item here directly you can use Shop and Ship. Usually ends up being a lot cheaper than Amazon's international rates anyway.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 00:22
Palm Tree Island (as a destination) and Alladin's Kingdom were both long gone by 2010. Palm Tree Island was a great place to spend the day -- miss it loads. Alladin's Kingdom on the other hand was the worst excuse of an amusement park I'd ever seen...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 18:17
Thanks to you both!! Tried to go to the Jaidah Flyover branch earlier - forgot they close mid-day. Will be heading over to CC later this evening so will check them out there.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 17:00
Just curious as to why you think he was intentionally ripping you off. Was there a way for him to know that the motor would burn out? Given that he offered for you to run on it before you bought it, and that was presumably the last time it was used, seems that if you had in fact taken him up on the offer to test it out the motor might have died then and you would have known not to buy it. In general when buying used goods its a "buyer beware" kind of transaction. For a big ticket item like a treadmill, testing it out is always a good idea!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 10:03
They are available for purchase on iTunes if that helps...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 07:34
You mean the one who cannot pronounce a singe word correctly GoodMorning? Drives me NUTS!! But not as nuts as Bernie Lyons in the morning does -- worse way to start the day!!! Oh what I would give for some decent alternatives...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 23:27
Jill, when mine was a baby we had this instead of a full high chair, and it was BRILLIANT! No idea about the Ikea one though. http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Healthy-Care-Booster-Green/dp/B004C43JJ4/ref=pd_cp_ba_2 I know it's probably not a priority today since it'll be ages (or so it seems) before he's sitting, or eating, but it's a great item to keep in mind. We would use it either on the floor, on a chair as a more typical high chair, and later on a seat at the dining table without the tray, as a booster. It was really easy to move around, great for travel/outings, and really easy to clean. We never actually had a "real" high chair, and I have friends who used this and then just stopped using their high chairs. Ours wasn't by fisher price -- I think it was from First Years -- honestly can't remember -- but it was essentially this same thing.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 09:45
We got new cards because they had changed the type of cards and we still had the old ones from 7 years ago. Great to know that now we can renew online and it's done and dusted! I haven't renewed for the past 2 years for no reason in particular, but it always seems like a sensible thing to have just in case, even though we do have private insurance too.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 21:46
Last time I did this I did it online and paid an extra QR 50 to have them delivered to my office. I think the other option was to pick them up at the central post office. I can't remember if the renewal was via the Hamad site or MOI. Hopefully someone else can advise.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 16:53
The key/shoe repair place in City Center can do this. For the time being they are in a kiosk on the lowest level by the elevators (the ones that go up to the cinema).
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 14:23
I've deposited a US check into my account at Doha Bank. Like Steelers43 it took about 6 weeks to clear. I actually don't recall there being any fee at all.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 22:19
I also have low Vitamin D, and I'm in the sun plenty - and not covered. My Dr. (in Doha) said that it's a growing problem even among people who get plenty of sun exposure, and he's convinced that environmental factors have changed the sun's rays and the way we can absorb them. It's really worrisome! Definitely see a Doctor and get a full blood work up. Hopefully they'll identify something easy and straightforward and you'll be back to your energized self in no time!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 21:45
This doesn't require a sponsor if its an extension of a tourist visa for someone who was eligible for visa on arrival in the first place. One month is given at the airport and then you can get a one month extension at the airport immigration branch (the building by the long term parking near the departures airport).
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 21:39
Al Ahli has a "Well Woman" package - one for under 40 and one for over. I think most women who do it see an obgyn, but I did it and saw Dr. Tarik Sheikh (who is the head of internal) as he is my regular doctor. He's very holistic in his approach. I don't know about bone density, but he would definitely follow up on vit. D and diet.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 08:38
;)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 07:59
Sorry I don't. But if you give them a call (or go there to book) and explain its for a young child, I'm pretty sure they'll connect you to a Dr. who treats kids.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 07:45
If it's a typo, then it's in fact TWO typos - because it says 31st June 2013. If it was 2 years from Jan 2012 it should say 31st January 2014, no? I suggest you ask either a labor lawyer or MOL which takes precedence -- the statement that it's a 2 year contract or the actual dates listed on the contract.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 21:40
amy77 sighing huge sighs of relief for you!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 21:38
Where's kitsune hiding? She is in the know with regard to Ikea!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 21:36
I use the US iTunes store, and since I don't have a US credit card I buy iTunes gift cards when I'm home in the summer and use those throughout the year. You can google "how to set up a US iTunes account without a credit card" and it'll walk you through the process - I'm sure you can do the same with a UK account. For iMessage, you have to go to Settings -- Message then activate iMessage. If you are having trouble getting your mail set up, is it one of the default mail options that shows up under settings? If not, you also might want to google adding your specific mail service.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 09:21
I would head to Maghrabi (the hospital, not the optician) on D Ring Road. They are opthamology specialists, and the times I've been I've seen many young children. Have been treated there myself as has DS, and I definitely recommend.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 20:27
I did it at Glow (West Bay branch). I know they also do it at Frank Provost in the Renaissance. Not cheap, but if it lasts the 3-4 months its supposed to, I'll be okay with the spend. These salons that I mentioned do the official Brazillian Blowout treatment, which inlcudes aftercare products.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 23:53
If you can the skype phones online (which I recall you can) you might want to order from skype UK to be sure the electricity matches. These days most electronics seem to be dual voltage, but if you're not sure then UK is a safer bet.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 23:32
I was a total devotee of ghd straightener -- until I recently did the brazillian blowout. Two seconds of blowdry and my hair is now straighter and smoother than it's ever been! And NO FRIZZ!!! Don't think my ghd is going to be seeing too much action any time soon... :cool:
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 23:25
Hi neighbor! Just sent you a text... ;)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 17:08
I've send you an email - you can delete your email address now.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 17:00
Is there any way the PRO at DH's work can look into it? Just to ease your mind...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 16:59
Update (and a gentle bump) The BlackBerry is sold. iPhone 4 still available. Excellent condition, and a fabulous phone! Let me know (email below). Thanks!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 09:54
Thanks. I had inquired once about the tattoo and have a friend who did it with Michelle and looks fab! Have had tinting done in the past - it makes a huge difference. But would love something more permanent. Does anyone know how often the tattoo needs touching up?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 09:50
I heard back from my friend. She had trouble logging in to EW but she also recommended the same fb group that Picklz mentioned. If you can post your email I'll send you her email - she's happy to answer any questions.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 09:06
For the initial service? 200 or 2000?