RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 22:33
I've seen random products in random places at MegaMart. Sometimes by the salad dressings. Can't remember where else, but I know I've thought to myself "I would have NEVER thought to look here!" Sorry, not much help I realize!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 20:49
Al Areen only has 3brs available now - the 2s are all rented...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 22:08
I recently bought a single bed in Najma, and there are tons of shops there that sell mattresses. Interestingly they also have them upstairs at Lulu Gharafah, even though they don't actually sell beds there.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 00:01
To be honest, I think you are going to have a hard time finding what you want on that budget. I was recently looking for a place with similar requirements, and didn't see anything even close to 10K. You can probably find a 2br for that. Hopefully others have different info and can advise accordingly - that's what I was finding.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 January 2012 - 18:31
Seems that most of the staff there have either been moved to the Salwa Road salon or to the salon in the Marriott Renaissance (in Jean Louis David). I was at the Renaissance branch a few days ago and the receptionist told me that all of the former Landmark customers should be receiving an email or text with a voucher for 25% discount at their other branches - has anyone received this?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 07:38
Champions Sports Bar in the Marriott Courtyard could be an option - not too far from the Pearl, and I'm sure they'll be showing all of the games.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 07:37
I was also told that we could not receive Shop and Ship packages at Landmark. I'm wondering if they had an issue with people NOT picking up on the same day and then having no storage space? I'm pretty sure you can arrange to have the Education City branch as your regular pick-up location, but that is probably only an option for people who work there. With regard to home delivery, Aramex does this but NOT for Shop and Ship deliveries. Aramex is a courier service that anyone can use for local and international deliveries, apart from their Shop and Ship service. The rates are much higher than the Shop and Ship rates. I think its ridiculous that they can provide the home delivery service for Shop and Ship in Dubai but not here.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 00:33
LOL! Better than crying, right? :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 00:30
Jarir has them.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 20:50
A friend of mine bought an unlocked on in the UK and got it here to find it wasn't actually unlocked - had to be activated via a UK carrier, and he ended up returning that one and getting one here. We got our iPhone 4's here last year - the first time I actually have a factory unlocked iphone. It's worth having a factory unlocked one (rather than one locked to a carrier that has to be unlocked via software) because with the factory unlocked you can update the software via itunes (or actually now do it directly from the phone via wifi), but the ones that are unofficially unlocked can't do software updates without then locking up again (and having to be unlocked again, usually for a fee).
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 23:17
Sorry to hear this. There is an agency that is called something like "Protection of Children/Women" and at one point we were advised that schools should contact them if they suspect any kind of abuse or neglect. I don't have the info, but I can get if from a former colleague and I'll get back to you.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 23:03
I wouldn't worry about it Bally. This is the Qatar board, so unlucky the OP spent any time actually looking for the place!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 23:00
I'd recommend contacting AAA (Arabian Autotmobile Association). They have 2 levels of membership, one at QR 250/year and one at QR 500/year. I think the higher one might include towing service, and they both include general roadside assistance. I have had to call them a few times over the past couple of years - batteries, tires and the like - and they have always been quick and efficient and helpful. The numbers I have for them are: 44810500 and 44810400. Good luck.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 22:56
Believe it or not Jonners I might have one for you!! For give-away, not for sale, as I'm not sure it's actually functioning. But I figure with ccdoha's offer it might be worth trying to revive it. I've send you a FB message - be in touch... :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 January 2012 - 19:23
I didnt get any emails!! Same address for you? I'll check my junkmail, but if you have the same address I doubt they'd be there. Weird! I'll send you something in a bit. It totally matters which straightener you use. I've had others in the past - they weren't disastrous (no burnt toes...) but I got a ghd last year and man-o-man!!! If I was still in your 'hood I'd offer you mine to try, but we moved a few weeks ago - not too far, but not up the block anymore. :(
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 January 2012 - 15:42
Sorry I have no answer but just wanted to let you know that your description of your battle left this EW laughing! And while I'm here I'll add that my straightener has changed my morning hair routine from 30 to 5 minutes! Oh and great to hear that you're finally starting back to work... :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 January 2012 - 00:36
I think you'll be okay with Aramex. A friend recently did a big order for a nutritional system that included shakes, cleanse powders and a bunch of different supplements, and it all got through with Aramex. This was in October, and I think she might have even done another order since then. I think the only thing you need to worry about is certain prescription medications - but vitamins and supplement seem to be okay. Maybe do a small order as a test run, so if there's a problem at least you won't lose much?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 January 2012 - 17:13
I was thinking to post the same lulubaker. It is actually shocking to me that the clinic stayed in business after those 2 dentists were exposed. Once might be forgivable as a one-off mistake, but twice just seemed to scream out poor judgement on someone's part!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 January 2012 - 18:44
Don't know of any, sorry. But I can highly recommend the GP that I see - he is the head of Internal Med @ Al Ahli. Not American, nor did he train there (UK trained I believe) but he's excellent, thorough, and overall quite holistic in his approach (treats the patients not just the disease, if you know what I mean). He speaks perfect English also. I've been seeing him for the past 3 years, and really have only great things to say about him. Dr. Tarek Sheikh. I realize it's not at all what you are looking for, but thought I'd share anyway, as an alternative. Good luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 January 2012 - 17:58
A few years back I was working with an American consulting group and many of our team members went there, thinking they'd find American doctors. They didn't. That being said, I don't remember any complaints about the quality of care.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 January 2012 - 03:39
Thanks to you both - I'm blushing! Sorry for your loss Baffled - hope you were able to spend some time with her when you returned home.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 December 2011 - 16:43
This will be our 6th NYE here, and I've never known of fireworks. Big celebrations at most of the big hotels - from ballroom gala's to more casual dinners, but sadly no fireworks...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 December 2011 - 18:08
amy77 that's exactly the question I have. Are the discounts based on rack rates? If so, are the deals any better than what we get on booking.com or other travel sites? Sincerely curious...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 December 2011 - 17:33
ccdoha I knew you'd come through for me!! You don't by chance have the phone number to said supermarket, do you? I know it's a rather pathetic search, since Woqood, West Bay Petrol and C4 are all within a km of me, but when there is no milk left in the house and we're all in our pj's, the pathetic in me wins!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 23:16
Exactly! A lot of sponsors won't even consider issuing multi-exit permits. I worked for a government agency whose official policy was "at the discretion of the supervisor" but the unofficial policy was "no way no how no way!" The problem (as far as I know) is that under the sponsorship system, the sponsor is liable for any debts that anyone under their sponsorship leaves behind. So as long as that is the case, it's somewhat understandable that a sponsor would be weary of people taking off and leaving debts behind. But to those of us caught on the other side of this equation, it just plain s*cks.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 20:28
I tried for ages - I think in the end I just added an extra digit and hoped for the best. Can't even remember if the ad ever got posted. The whole EW site is pretty much geared to Dubai - most days it feels like we are at best an afterthought!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 20:25
Well if there was a provision at the airport for issuing exits w/o the sponsor's permission, wouldn't that kind of defeat the purpose of having the system in place in the first place? The real answer, IMHO, is to do away with the system all-together!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 18:54
What grade is your daughter in? For American the only real choices are American School of Doha (ADS) or ACS Doha, which will go through 9th grade as of September. More choices for UK curriculum, but again which schools depend on which grades. The 2 best options for UK, DESS (elementary only) and Doha College, give preference to British passport holders. Other choices would be Park House, Doha British School, Sherborne -- or International School of London for IB.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 16:06
As lalala said, the exit permit requirement is one of the toughest restrictions about living/working here. Your DH's employer should have a PRO who is available 24/7 in the event of emergencies. It is also worth asking if his company would issue a multi-exit permit (unlimited exits for a period of 1 year). The multi-exit costs QR 500 is is entirely at the discretion of the sponsor. I worked for many years without one, and while generally I did not face any issues when it came time to travel I was once in the very unfortunate position of being denied an exit permit to attend my grandmother's funeral. It took a lot of pleading and interference from quite a few people before the incredibly unreasonable administrator who was making the decision finally authorized it for me. At times like that the inhumanity of the exit permit system is really clear. Keep in mind that a single exit permit is valid for 7 days from the date of issue. If you (or DH) ever has reason to expect that travel on the weekend might be needed, he can try to obtain the exit permit at least a few days in advance.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 December 2011 - 15:17
Kathyt that would be quite a far trip, as the original question was posted in Doha, Qatar!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 December 2011 - 14:11
I was looking for a nano the other day and saw shuffles everywhere but no nanos! I'm sure I saw shuffles at Virgin Landmark, and I think also C4 Landmark.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 December 2011 - 14:10
uh-oh spaghettio! I SOOOO don't need to know this!! :\::)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 December 2011 - 14:17
Does anyone have any suggestions for where to go for a fun-filled NYE dinner? Can't be a 21-only place, since we have our teenage son with us - but not dry either. So I guess we're looking for a fun dinner at one of the hotels. That is of course if we're not too late to actually get a reservation anywhere. Ideas welcome...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 December 2011 - 16:22
There is a beauty supply shop whose name completely escapes me - but they have a branch on Salwa Road (in one of the centers just up from Jarir - maybe the one where the Citroen dealatership is?) and also one on Airport Road. Not much help I know, but hopefully someone else can fill in with more details. Keep in mind that any hairdresser who is working from home or comes to your home is working illegally, and while they are out there, no one should post their details on a public forum, discretion being the order of the day...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 December 2011 - 10:57
I tried to stay out of this, but I just can't help myself. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with honoring soldiers. And to mention "soldiers" does not mean that others are excluded - it just means that someone is choosing, in this moment, to honor soldiers. What about all of the people who pay their respect to teachers, without specifically mentioning all of the other people who support our kids' education (the TAs, the Admin staff, the custodial staff, the bus drivers, etc...) or people who choose to honor firemen, or volunteers, or whatever. While we're at it, should we NOT say "Merry Christmas" or "Eid Mubarak" or "Happy Chanukah" because by singling out one faith's celebration we are thereby excluding everyone who is of a different faith? What about the posts wishing Americans and/or Canadians a Happy Thanksgiving? I am all for inclusivity, but this does not mean that particular individuals or traditions should therefore not be honored. Rant over. Sorry, I'm just in that kind of a mood... :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 23:56
Any Shahry plan based on calls and SMS usage, then add the QR 50 mobile Internet pack. I have Shahry 200, my son had 130, and we each have Internet add-on. I feel like I access the Internet on my iPhone all the time, and have never exceeded the allotment (can't remember how much it actually is) with the Internet pack. I check mail, fb, EW etc. I generally try not to do serious downloading unless I'm in wifi, but definitely have done so on occasion...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 20:01
Try Maghrabi Eye and Ear Hospital on the D Ring.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 18:14
There is generally much less on in Doha than there is in Dubai, and the Doha Tme Out definitely reflects that. Subscribing to the weekly Doha Nights email is a decent source of info: http://www.doha-nights.com/
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 19:14
Now that we live in walking distance to CC and no longer have to contend with parking I'm hating it a whole lot less!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 17:07
This happened to a friend of mine too. It was early in the day - the car park had only been opened for a few hours, so the maximum she should have paid was probably QR 10 or less. But they charged her QR 100. I always leave my ticket in the car - so not worth the risk of losing it.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 10:28
According to this they start at 8. http://www.ndqatar.com/English/Events/Pages/CornicheEvents.aspx
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 15:57
Thanks for all the info! Unfortunately it didn't work our for us, as not all of us who were planning to travel have RPs (some are here on tourist visa) and therefore can't get the transit visa through KSA. Oh well. Will keep the info on hand for next time though.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 12:26
Commercial Bank has a full,page ad I'm today's Gulf Times scout insurance coverage of all types, including contents insurance. No idea who the provider is, but might be worth exploring. I generally find their customer service to be pretty good.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 December 2011 - 12:03
Al Fardan 5 and Riviera Gardens are both within decent commuting distance to Eduction City (albeit in different directions). Riviera has 3 and 4 BR, and Al Fardan has (I think) 4 and 5.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 10:26
I know on the US site (don't know about others) that some books are approved for lending. From what I remember when I read about it, it is up to the publisher so its a book-by-book thing. When you look at the details for any book (you can do this before you purchase it) under the header "Product Details" where it lists file size, publisher, etc. there is a listing for 'Lending" and if the book can be lent out to other kindle accounts it would say "enabled". Hope this helps.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 23:04
http://www.edgeridersqatar.com/edgeridersqatar/Our_Services.html This is from the edgeriders website - the link is on their FB page that you mentioned earlier amy77! :\: Prices range from QR 800-2500 per student for a 1-2 day course. Yikes.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 15:33
I got the email address and mobile number for an instructor. I'm not sure it's cool to post his details here, so if you send me an email I can forward them to you. My email is rachelawad at gmail dot com
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 21:44
My son is at the school and overall we are pleased. He is in 9th grade, so I only have experience with Secondary.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 08:07
Just a thought - have you asked the bldg folks if they might have one they can install? Or maybe head to the furniture souq where they build closets - maybe they would have? I am thinking of heading there one evening this week to look for maid's room furniture - I could ask. <em>edited by RachelA on 27/11/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 07:02
You can always access the listing of free kindle books on Amazon. If you go to the main Kindle Books page, on the right side there are 2 top 100 lists: paid and free. Also, on the left side one of the items in the main list is 100 books $3.99 or less.
 
 
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