RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 13:27
Steelers43 I just sent you an email (before even seeing this post!).
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 13:05
Thank Jill - I just might!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 13:04
I was at Heathrow a couple of weeks ago and saw quite a few people walking around with GHD bags. Think one of the shops there must have been running a special. I had a friend bring me one from the UK last year. Better prices than locally, and guaranteed authentic.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 August 2011 - 22:49
I feel a whole lot more foolish than you 007elbow, I promise. I actually dragged my family to Katara. No one else wanted to go, but they indulged me as I'm a fireworks nut. I was soooooo ****** off when the security guy said "no ma'am, the fireworks are tomorrow." My chance of getting DS and DH there again are slim to none. Hope I didn't mess up anyone else's plans!! :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 23:27
Thank you Sam!! :cool:
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 20:49
Eid has been announced for tomorrow in Qatar!! Eid Mubarak one and all!!
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 20:15
Not yet. DH says they will likely announce after the Aisha prayer, which is any minute now.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 20:25
We used to rent from Al Suleiman - they have an office on the C ring across from Toys R Us. This was quite a few years back, but they had pretty competitive prices at the time. <em>edited by RachelA on 28/08/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 19:45
Drop Dead Diva
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 17:46
Each iTunes card is affiliated with a store in a particular county, so you ca only redeem them through that store. You need to have an account through that particular store. I'm in Qatar with a US iTunes account (but not a us credit card). I buy iTunes cards for the US store and make my iTunes purchases through that store whether I'm in Qatar, the US, UAE or wherever I might be traveling. In Qatar I've found that Jarir has a lower markup than a lot of other stores. If theres a Jarir in Dubai it might be worth checking there.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 14:53
Love Kate Spade. Love love love the Kate Spade outlets! I was at an outlet mall a few years ago in the States and could not believe that while the coach outlet had a line around the block, the kate spade outlet was virtually empty. Beautiful bags - and at the outlet, incredible prices!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 14:04
Wow Jill, really? Congratulations!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 09:06
Worth mentioning that the compound she is referring to is Beverly Hills Al Rayaan. There are a few (6 maybe) BH compounds on and around Al Waab - NOT so close to Sherborne. Also worth looking in the area around Landmark. We're in Riviera Gardens, and while I've never driven there at peak hours I've been told that it's about 15 minutes to Sherborne. <em>edited by RachelA on 27/08/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 19:53
There are plenty of us who live very happily in Doha, with families and without. There are some excellent schools - DESS definitely one of them - but as marycatherine said, spaces at all good schools are at a premium. And quite expensive too, so her package would need to include school fees to make it worth considering. If they have shared custody, is she allowed to move out of the country? How would that work?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 16:37
Thanks - but as we are in Qatar those are probably a bit too far to travel for iftar...:\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 15:50
All that non-complaining seems to have worked. As we were getting ready to leave today, our management announced that instead of beginning on Tuesday, our Eid break will officially begin on Sunday - so as of today we are off! And we still don't go back until Monday the 5th. Not missing the government so much at the moment!:):cool::):cool: <em>edited by RachelA on 25/08/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 14:26
We stayed at the Citymax Al Barsha for a few nights soon after they opened last year - it was absolutely fine, and a great deal.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 13:45
I thought that Paracetamol was essentially the equivalent to Tylenol.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 01:10
Like all things in Doha, the answer is "sometimes." I've definitely bought it at both C4 and Lulu in the past. Was actually looking for it at Lulu Gharafa today - no joy. But tomorrow the bins might be overflowing... That's just the way it is. You will probably find it at Megamart or Spinneys for an absurd-to-ridiculous price. <em>edited by RachelA on 25/08/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 21:59
Thanks ladyluna - this is very helpful. I've sent them a request for a quote and/or additional information. Yes, do let me know how it ends up for you, as we won't do anything before Eid for sure. Anyone else?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 21:21
We have a group in Doha that meets regularly - some doing WW and a few doing other programs. We've been at it for 2.5 years, and we call ourselves the Doha Fat Fighters (from the Little Britian sketch with Margery Dawes). We've all lost weight, are much healthier than when we first got started, and ALWAYS ALWAYS have a good laugh! Feel free to use the name - it works for us! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3QDKVxpuCE
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 15:01
I have a friend who is no longer in Qatar but she once recommended someone she said was excellent for family counseling. I'll try to get the info from her, and will pass it along if I do.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 15:00
100% what marcatherine said!! So essentially both 2 and 3 from your original choices. Happy travels!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 09:20
I bought a new 308 in 2008- and now 3 1/2 years later its still wonderful. I'm in Qatar, with a similar climate to UAE. Like the previous poster, the only serious work I've had done is new tires. I've been really happy with it. <em>edited by RachelA on 23/08/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 14:58
*BUMP* Anyone?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 19:12
I did order mine from the US, but cannot remember the shipping cost. Think it was pretty low, as the Kindle is pretty light. But, something else to keep in mind. Even though the charger is dual voltage (works for the US 110 - UK/UAE 220) the shape of the plug is different. So if you are buying for friends who go back to the UK for holidays, they might prefer the UK plug. I recently bought one for a friend in Qatar who is from UK, and I decided to go with the UK Kindle for this reason only. it might seem like a small thing, but when I'm visiting the US I generally don't have my laptop so I tend to charge the kindle via wall socket rather than USB charge.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 16:16
I'm a member on the US site, with a US address and a Qatari credit card.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 10:30
So it seems I'm lucky that we're getting 4 days. I'll stop complaining now... ;)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 08:59
Can't you transfer the funds that are in the account now to your home account, close the UAE account, and ask your employer to send EOS to your home account? <em>edited by RachelA on 21/08/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 08:16
Happy to report that mine worked great coming back into Doha last night... :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 23:56
I was at the Customs desk in Heathrow recently to process some receipts for VAT refund and the information there clearly stated that VAT refunds apply to good only, not services.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 14:50
Silver6 I got mine a couple of weeks ago (first week of Ramadan) and while I expecting to have exactly the expperience you described, I was pleasantly surprised to be in and out in 10 minutes, with pleasant smiles the whole way. Maybe early in Ramadan is better than later? I have travelled twice since I got it. The first time the e- gate machine wasn't working when I departed but it worked like a charm coming back into Doha. This past Friday I left again, and while it worked great for my friend, it didnt recognize my fingernprints. Hope I fare better on my way in this evening! It seems to be a hit or miss thing all around...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 14:42
I think any baby shops that you'll find in Qatar will already have branches in the UAE.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 10:13
I'm coming to Dubai for the weekend, and really want to find Cirlce - craving my H&H bagels! If I'm taking a taxi (we're staying in Diera) any pointers on what I can tell the taxi to be sure that we find it? Advice needed!! Thanks.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 09:56
HEF I was going to ask that exact same question! My instinct tells me it's the former, but would be good to get it confirmed. Either one of those is closer to me than Burger King r/a...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 20:36
I wish!!! But sadly, no... Oh how I miss my bumble & bumble!! :(
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 20:08
I think, based on my experience and most of my friends, that most of us came without any prior visits. Where are you moving from? I was in Egypt before we came here, and I expected Qatar to be more of less the same. I could not have been more wrong - but part of the adventure is getting to know the place on its own terms. We thought we would be here for 2 years based on my contract, but 6+ years later we're still here. I know a lot of people who are the same - here for much longer than they'd originally planned. So don't fret - and get ready for an adventure! This board by the way is a wonderful resource. It's a bit quiet these days as so many folks are away for the summer, but come September it'll be busier and you should be able to get answers to most any question that you can think of. Good luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 09:21
I brought a few pair of pants recently to the tailor at Burger King roundabout, near Kholoud Pharmacy. It's a men's tailor, but since I already knew the length I didn't need to try them on or measure (they were actually pants I already had, where the hem had come undone. Anyway they were quick and did a perfect job - no complaints!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 07:30
If you're a cinema girl, get RunPee. Not Dubai specific, but BRILLIANT!! Tells you the best points to run to the bathroom during a movie, and exactly what you miss when you're gone.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 14:28
It's toward the bottom of Nasser street - near the C Ring Road end. It's on the same side as Thai Snacks, but I think maybe a block or 2 before. That would be the opposite side from Doha Clinic, but further down toward the C Ring Road.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 09:44
It's on the D Ring road. Coming from home (I know where you live!): Head up to the highway - head left toward Doha. Follow the signs toward the airport - eventually that veers off to the right. You'll come off the highway there, and go through 2 roundabouts (which both have traffic lights as well). This is the D Ring Road. The 2nd of the 2 roundabouts is "Mall" roundabout. As soon as you pass through that one, stay on the right and the parking for The Mall will be on your right. Hope this makes sense. Rachel
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 00:55
When does your son arrive? Mine is back in Doha end of next week, so drop me a line and we can try to connect. <em>edited by RachelA on 27/08/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 00:52
Qatar used to do a summer fun festival - can't remember what it was called, but it took place in the malls, and parks, etc. - a nice bit of entertainment especially for those of us who stayed here in the summers and had younger kids. This almost sounds like the updated version - and it sounds nice! The traffic around the convention center isn't pretty during big exhibitions, but it actually isn't nearly as bad as I would have imagined it to be either, so don't fret...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 23:46
I don't have a US credit card, but our account is with the US iTunes store. We buy all of our apps (and movies and music) with iTunes pre-paid cards.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 21:45
Immigration NEVER closes - the branch at the airport is opened 24/7/365. And it is very unlikely that government will close a full week before the Eid. Are you talking about the September Eid or the November Eid?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 00:05
I don't think Sam comes back from her holiday for at least another few weeks. Just FYI.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 23:05
Great info - thanks everyone. And good to know about AXA vs. QIC. I've had QIC since I moved here, but have been thinking about AXA. Never actually put a claim in with QIC on the car insurance, but I did once put in a claim on QIC travel insurance, and they denied it and were completely unreasonable.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 18:12
I am purchasing a used car, and have a question regarding the insurance. Does anyone know if it's possible to transfer the existing policy into my name, or would I need to purchase a new policy? Any info much appreciated.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 18:09
Are you talking about Eid Al Fitr (immediately following Ramadan?) That is likely to begin on 1st September. No way will it be on or near the 20th, as Ramadan only began on August 1st.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 17:22
Last time I checked they had a minimum charge of QR 100/person - at least in the evening.
 
 
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