RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 March 2012 - 11:25
http://globalspin.blogs.time.com/2012/03/08/why-you-should-feel-awkward-about-the-kony2012-video/ and here is another article... I'm not saying this man is not horrific, or that he doesn't deserve to be caught and brought to justice, but there are quite a few facts out there that question Invisible Childrens motives... at the end of the day each of us must make our own decisions, I just think it is best to make those decisions with knowledge rather than only based on a video which was very moving. I was not familiar with Joseph Kony or with the Invisible Children organization until last week, when the film started spreading across fb. i am horrified by the actions of the LRA, and intrigued by the criticism of Invisible Children organization. Again, without any personal knowledge of who they are and how they operate, I was very interested to read their response to the recent criticism, on their website: http://www.invisiblechildren.com.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/critiques.html
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 22:18
We have literally lived all over town. When we lived near the airport he was on the bus about an hour each way. When we lived by Landmark it was about 10 minutes drive.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 22:43
Evolution Soccer is running an Easter holiday camp: http://www.evosoccer.com/
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 March 2012 - 12:16
I got this one a few years ago - and I love it so much that when it got stolen :( I replaced it with the same model. It doesn't have lenses to change but has a lot of flexibility with the build it lense - and fabulous zoom. I'm really happy with it. I have taken a digital photography course, which helped me to know some of the features that I would not have discovered on my own. But even without this its a fab camera. And does great video too. http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cybershot-DSC-HX1-Optical-Stabilization/dp/B001U3ZUWO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330675970&sr=8-1 <em>edited by RachelA on 02/03/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 20:18
Whatever they agree, make sure to get ALL of it in writing. With regard to housing if they offered you an apartment it most likely means they already have the lease on it and so might not be happy to offer an allowance instead. And having just done a housing search, I can advise that the rents in Zig Zal will not be equivalent to a compound villa in most cases. In my experience, when accommodation is provided it usually (but not always) includes utilities, but when you are given an allowance this is expected to cover rent + utilities. There are of course exceptions to these, but having been in both situations this is what I have found. And rent of 9-12K/month is not likely to get you a compound villa -- at least not a furnished one or a very large one. While there is a range, 3 br. furnished villas in compounds with facilities will run from 16-20K and beyond. I think 12K is about right for a 3br in zig zag. In terms of sponsorship for your DH, it is limited to certain fields. Edcuation, Healthcare, and I think maybe 1 or 2 others. And it changes often. When I arrived here 7 years ago it was not hard for a teacher to sponsor her husband. As of last year it was virtually impossible, and even within education it was limited to senior management or university faculty. So it really will depend on your specific position, your seniority level, and the whim of the Qatari immigration system. Sorry to say. I don't mean to sound negative - I am actually quite happy living here - and am also a full-time working mom. But I think it's really important to have as much info as possible going in. Good luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 22:55
I know this wasn't why you posted, but I can't help but ask why you agreed to let your maid take vacation so soon after your due date?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 22:53
I only have firsthand knowledge of ISL which I can definitely recommend. I know people who moved from Newton to ISL and definitely they liked ISL more. But honestly you should visit them both before deciding if possible - it's a very personal decision in the end.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 21:34
I've actually been approached for positions via Linkedin as well, but the name of the prospective employer was always mentioned. Anyway seems there are more than enough signals telling you to stay away!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 20:37
It seems a little strange to me that an employer's representative would approach a candidate via LinkedIn and not give the employer's name. Jobs on LinkedIn as far as I know are not generally presented with the employer hidden - at least not in my experience. If the salary issue wasn't enough, this strikes me as another red flag.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 14:57
That is totally unacceptable - they are playing you. If you are an experienced, qualified UK teacher even moreso. I can understand if as a local hire that does not require sponsorship they might not provide some of the benefits (housing, flights, etc) but the actual salary should be the same as those teachers they recruit from their home countries. I once knew a teacher in Egypt who had a similar experience, and she then flew to one of the job fairs in London and was essentially offered the same job on a full expat package with a much higher salary. Infuriating but true!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 February 2012 - 22:52
The best rate for shipping to the US is through the express mail service at the post office. It was less than 1/2 the rare of FedEx last time I checked. Also if you order shoes from Zappos there is a 1 year return policy. If I buy from Zappos and have to return I wait until I'm going back in the summer.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 22:23
Great minds and all that kiwispiers... :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 22:18
I know this isn't what you were asking, but I try to take a big chunk of my annual leave during the summer school holidays, so that leaves a lot less time to sort out. When DS was younger it wasn't easy - he had at least twice as much time off as I did. There used to be a summer camp at the Doha club, that saved me (and him) more than once. Sadly, the Doha Club is no longer.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 22:06
Most interesting! We live in a tower just next door, and the other night when we were out walking the dog we wandered up to the door of the new Intercon to ask when they were opening - and the doorman said "March 1st." But people seemed to be driving in, so I'm thinking they've just done a soft opening. Will most definitely be checking out out!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 20:41
Some schools keep lists of tutors. For A-Levels, it might be worth contacting Doha College and see if they can recommend any.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 01:46
51 East is the auhtorized repair center for Sony, but not for Apple, so there might not be any major benefit buying it there.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 09:45
You might want to check iSpot (branch in City Center, not sure where else) as I believe they are the official apple distributor here. But C4 and Virgin both come with warranty, and I'm pretty sure both have the service done elsewhere. Checking C4/virgin for price comparison would be easy at either Villagio or Landmark since both stores are in both places. We've have 4 iPads in our family over the past couple of years, and none have ever required any after sales service. Two were bought here (C4) and two at the apple store in the US. When I was comparing about a year ago C4 had the best prices.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 16:43
Well I'm soon to turn 49 and for the past year almost its been a total guessing game. 28 days, then 20, then 40... And the intensity varies month to month too. From the reading I've been doing and talking to friends who've been there done that, it seems that anything goes is the new normal. Fun, huh?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 15:33
These are all very good schools - and not easy to secure spaces at any of them. I would advise getting applications in at all of them, as it often happens that someones first choice isn't available. It's important to not that the International School of London does not follow the British curriculum - they follow the IB from the start (PYP in the Primary school) while the rest are all British Curriculum schools. Since your kids are not starting this coming September you will have time to visit all of these schools and make your own impression - at the end of the day the choice that is right for you and your family is a very individual matter.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 22:35
What and where is Park and Shop? Oh and good going!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 12:23
Did you look in C4? They have solid T's in the boys section (near the underwear I think). Also the uniform shop (Zaks) has a lot of solit tees, but not sure if they have any writing on the back.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 19:55
LOL! I'm okay with the street names, but tend to get left and right wrong! Maybe we need to join forces lalala - either we'd be stellar, or nobody would ever get where they're going. One or the other!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 00:02
Just a quick correction to lalala's directions - it's C Ring (not D-Ring) from Toyata Towers toward the West Bay/Corniche direction... D-ring dead-ends at the airport.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 17:08
Salam Plaza - near City Center - has an extensive camera department, and might even be the local Canon authorized dealer.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 January 2012 - 23:29
I have a few friends who live in China - with their teenage kids. The friends are all teachers in international schools, and their kids (14-17 years old) all attend these same international schools. These particular schools are English language medium. I would suggest that your friend look into French schools there - if they exist that would be a great place to start to inquire about life for French teens. LIkewise they could inquire at some of the English international schools (British, IB) if they provide ESL support at the secondary stage. It's important to know that the local schools are for the locals only, and the expats generally go to international schools, where locals are actually not allowed. So if the child's mother is working as a PA would she have an education allowance? The fees at many international schools are quite high, so being able to pay should be a serious consideration.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 January 2012 - 14:41
I've also had work done by Damas. Despite the fact that they carry quite a high end (and expensive) range I found their repair work to be quite reasonable. You can bring it to any of their shops - I also brought mine to the one at The Mall - and all the work gets forwarded to their showroom on Mirqab as lulubaker mentioned. I've also brought things directly to the Mirqab shop so that I could speak to the jeweler in the workshop upstairs, when my request was a bit complicated.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 January 2012 - 16:38
Bump...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 20:59
Especially looking at ones with private villas (for 2 families to share) but would welcome any recommendations really! TIA.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 12:52
They recently opened in Renaissance (by City Center) and they have branches on Salwa Road and in Royal Plaza. Not sure where else...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 11:41
K3 Nails in Landmark closed at the end of the year. :(
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 11:39
I was going to pop on earlier to ask the same questions about the C4 Market @ Lagoona Mall - but was already out and so I took my chances. I got there around 9 and it was open, so in case anyone is wondering, its' opened Fri morning before the prayer. A lovely little market too!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 January 2012 - 19:43
So glad to hear that it all got done - and that they were helpful. I knew they would be!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 January 2012 - 15:14
Nails in Landmark is no more...but all their other branches do it.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 January 2012 - 14:42
Shhhhhhh.:cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 January 2012 - 14:10
Most likely nowhere! Not accepted culturally, and maybe even illegal...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 23:06
Well I know there was going to be some re-shuffling of office space so I'm not sure to be honest. I don't think its the Private Schools Office that actually does the attestation - there is, as far as I know, a separate dedicated department for that. But I was just thinkign that if you were being given the runaround (sadly a very likely occurrance) and you made your way to the PSO, they would at least be able to point you in the right direction. iI'm going back to edit the names out of my earlier post. Again, good luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 21:52
I'm not running, but just wanted to say good luck to all the runners, whatever the distance. A special shout out to the runners from the Doha Bay Running Club who are making their way over to Dubai for the weekend! Enjoy!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 21:43
To follow on what JillMV has said, my employer provides private insurance and so do not pay for or organize our Hamad cards. We opt to have them in addition to the private insurance, so have sorted it (and paid for it) on our own.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 21:37
7:30 - 2 are the official hours. But to be on the safe side, best to assume 8:00-12:00. Good luck! edited by RachelA on 25/01/2012 <em>edited by RachelA on 25/01/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 21:45
A hint when booking with Dr. Tarek - try to book the first appointment of the day. Otherwise there WILL be a wait, guaranteed. I've been a patient of his for almost 3 years, and feel more comfortable under his care than any doctor I've had in the States since my childhood pediatrician. <em>edited by RachelA on 23/01/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 21:35
I went there in Nov when we were looking for a new place, and was told there was no availability. Hope that's changed...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 07:58
Hi Wink. Just out of interest do both these towers only have fully furnished apartments or do they have semi furnished? FYI, Al Areen Tower will rent either FF or SF, and I believe Amaal Tower will do the same (both are managed by Al Jazi Real Estate).
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 09:50
Ooh thanks! Would never have thought to look there. :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 January 2012 - 21:21
I had brunch at the Ritz today, sitting outside in the garden, and it was absolutely lovely! The food, the view, the overall atmosphere.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 January 2012 - 21:14
iTunes! Seriously, there used to be a few places that rented DVD's but I'm not sure any of them are still around. There are shops that sell DVDs for very nice prices (if you know what I mean) scattered around town, and I think most people tend to buy rather than rent. Or download.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 23:15
If your son is in Grade 10 and has two more years to go before university, this is more or less equivalent to the American grading structure, which goes through Grade 12. I would suggest looking closely at the American School of Doha and also at the International School of London in Qatar (ASD and ISLQ). Both schools offer the IB Diploma in the final 2 years, and they both have quite a few Spanish speaking kids (many that I know of are from Venezuela). School spaces are a challenge here, but there tend to be more spaces available in the upper grades, so you might not have as much trouble as families that come over with young children. I would suggest contacting the schools as soon as possible to get the process started.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 19:15
Al Areen Tower in the West Bay has FF 3 bedroom apartments still available - I don't think too many though. You don't need to go through an agent - you can come straight to the tower and ask someone from Reception to show you around, and then they will put you in touch with management to discuss rental terms.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 January 2012 - 20:16
Don't waste you're time looking for it babapapa, it's in Dubai!! :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 23:14
I got ones like you are describing in Daiso in Doha. Is there a Daiso in Dubai?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 22:40
The ticket would have the maid's name, not the sponsor's. And the credit card details should only be known to the person who booked it, not the person who is traveling. In other words, when I book my maid's flight ticket for her travel home, she does not have the credit card info that I used to book it. I print out the e-ticket and give it to her so she can present it with her passport at the airport. If you (or the sponsor) sign up for the Metrash service via MoI you will get an SMS when the maid goes through immigration, indicating an exit transaction. Assume that once they have gone through immigration then they will be getting on the plane. I think the bigger concern would be if you (or the sponsor) has cancelled the maid's RP and is expecting her to leave the country. In the event that she doesn't leave I believe that the sponsor is still somehow responsible even if the RP was cancelled.
 
 
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