RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 21:23
Yup that's right. 1 card -- the one with the chip. E-gate needs to be activated, and then the same id card also functions at the e-gate booth.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 21:21
We spent the weekend at the Hilton soon after it opened and really enjoyed it. Lovely pool and beach. Not sure what it's like, but there's a kids club that might appeal to the 6 year old.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 November 2013 - 23:32
I bought my 4S a couple of years ago from Micro at MOE -- facetime works fine. I've used the phone in the UAE and Qatar. When I'm in the US I buy a local pre-paid SIM (have used AT&T and T-Mobile sim cards) and all worked no problem.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 23:01
You should absolutely create on! A group of us from EW Qatar did that about 5 years ago -- and these have become some of my best friends in the world!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 21:16
There's also a branch of the same shop in City Center, for those who dare to brave the traffic and parking...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 November 2013 - 08:37
I've gotten them from Bobbi Brown before -- but it's hit or miss if they have the right shade.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 November 2013 - 08:35
I was doing a clear-out yesterday and found my sony diskman! You are more than welcome to it -- but I'm in Doha so not sure if there's an easy way for me to get it to you. I have friends heading to Dubai for the half-marathon but that's not until next month. If you know anyone coming to Doha I'd be happy to pass it along!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 October 2013 - 01:25
Cara. While I was waiting for a new ring to be finalized they took all my old rings and polished them -- came back looking like new!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 October 2013 - 00:53
I have friends who are very happy with settings and stones from Joe Stones (Tribal Gems is the actual name I think) and Shine, both in the Gold Souq. But when I was ready to buy the ring of my dreams I waiting until I was going to Dubai and went to Cara. The service is incredible, as is the quality and selection. I love my ring, and am extremely happy with the price I paid. Can't recommend them highly enough!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 23:30
It's my Halloween vice! Please let me know if you've seen it anywhere? I'm thinking megamart is most likely, but don't want to head there only to be disappointed. Thanks!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 17:39
Don't think it's even been released yet! When it has, any of the big electronic shops (Sharaf DG, etc) or Virgin should have.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 17:30
There are random shots here and there that have a few items, but nothing of the quality that you can find in Karama, and generally more expensive even. My friendsin Doha and I do Dubai weekends just to hit Karama -- there really is nothing comparable here!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 00:29
You might also want to look at ACS Doha. This year they expanded to 10th Grade, and next year will continue to 11th Grade. Newer school (American and IB) with quite a good reputation.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 18:54
I have quite wavy hair, which frizzes like crazy in the humidity. I've done Keratin (Brazillian Blowout) 3 times, and I could not be happier. My hair is smooth and straight, and even in the worst of the summer humidity it's frizz-free. Each time it has lasted about 4-5 months. I use the Brazillian Blowout products (shampoo, mask, daily smoothing serum) and that seems to help a lot. <em>edited by RachelA on 24/10/2013</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 18:41
I have lived in 2 compounds both of which charged (for use of the hall/party room -- not for use of the regular clubhouse facilities like gym or pool). I currently live in a highrise tower, and they don't charge for use but do charge a QR 500 deposit against damage or cleaning, which is returned after the event unless of course there is damage or need to do serious cleaning.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 08:16
I was going to post the same when I first read this request (but seriously could not be bothered logging in AGAIN. Note to Mods: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give us the option of just staying logged in? Is the "remember me" box just for show? But I digress...) To the OP, the rents you are looking for are totally out of whack with the current market, unfortunately. A quick look on propertyfinder.qa confirms this. I have a colleague who has a furnished 1 bedroom in Bin Mahmoud for QR 7K -- an area with rates far below those on the Pearl. Sorry.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 22:40
There are only 3 airlines that fly between Doha and Dubai: Qatar, Emirates, and Fly Dubai. No travel agent has particularly good deals, and prices are comparable although Fly Dubai has the best rates if you buy in advance. Keep in mind that with Fly Dubai you pay extra for checked baggage. You can use the QNB credit card for all 3 sites for online bookings, and of course any travel agent in Qatar will accept it.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 22:18
I use the Bobbi Brown BB cream and absolutely LOVE it. I have a pretty oily t-zone and generally use oil-free products. This one does not add any shine, and has great natural coverage. Not the cheapest on the market, but a little goes a long way!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 October 2013 - 10:10
We use the Nestle delivery and it is totally worth it! Used to get it from the local market, but this is so much easier. Gray Girl I'm pretty sure they will deliver anywhere in Doha. I don't have the number on me but am happy to dig it up and post it if you want.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 October 2013 - 20:19
I recently replaced my iPad2 with an iPad mini, and am loving the mini! I was reluctant, thinking the size would put me off, but it's been just the opposite. I tend to use it a whole lot more than I did the iPad2.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 October 2013 - 20:07
QIS is one of the oldest international schools in Qatar, and has always had a decent reputation (ups and downs as administration changed). However, selecting a school for your children is an incredibly personal and individual matter, and I don't think it's for anyone to judge what a particular family sets as a priority (whether this be about the 1st language of the students or staff, the curriculum, the philosophy of learning, etc.). There are parents who swear by the approach that Choueiffat takes, and others who steer clear. There are those who maintain that ASD is the greatest thing since sliced bread, and others who have pulled their kids out because it wasn't the right fit. Unfortunately in Doha these choices are usually made around availability rather than personal preference, and so parents want to get as much feedback as possible on the schools that might not otherwise be their firt choice.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 13:35
If you are from a "visa on arrival" country I'd suggest cancelling them now. I think (not 100% sure by close) that when your husband comes to cancel his RP, you and your daughter will need to be cancelled first if he is sponsoring you. If you don't happen to be here when he's doing that, it might be an issue.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 13:33
http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/monthly_qatar_classifieds.aspx This is the link to the Qatar classified section here on EW. Another decent site for selling is the "buy it, sell it, swap it Qatar" group on Facebook.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 October 2013 - 21:52
After searching for years for cowboy boots, I got these last year on Zappos.com and I absolutely love them! Incredibly comfortable, well made, and beautiful (IMHO). There are loads of other models, but I recommend the Ariat brand 100%. The great thing about Zappos is that they have a 365 day return policy. I generally head to the US in the summer, so I know that if I buy something and it's not perfect I can return it via local shipping when I'm home later in the year. http://www.zappos.com/ariat-heritage-western-j-toe-black-deertan
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 October 2013 - 21:41
I've not ordered from New Look, but have ordered boots and shoes from various other sites - especially zappos and amazon. Delivery via shop and ship, and never once paid customs. Only paid the standard shop and ship delivery charges.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 September 2013 - 21:21
Another option, if you don't want to wait the 6 months, is to see if the potential employer would sponsor you. For some people this isn't ideal, but if the employer is willing and it allows you to begin working 6 months sooner, it might be worth considering.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 September 2013 - 18:31
I recently booked a ticket from Miami to Doha, and I used Expedia. I got a lot of options, many included transfers via Germany. If she puts in her preferred airlines (KLM and Lufthansa) she should get quite a few options. Once the choices are listed you can sort by price or duration or number of stops. Let's you see the full picture.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 September 2013 - 13:25
http://dohanews.co/post/62229944202/good-news-and-bad-news-traffic-in-qatar-continues
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 September 2013 - 11:29
I use my work POB for all personal mail -- many people I know do the same. The driver at work goes to collect a few times a week, and all my mail is brought straight to my desk. My less hassle than renting a box on my own (which I used to do) and having to collect it from the PO myself. For packages I generally use Shop and Ship, which get delivered to their facility near the Wholesale Markets.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 September 2013 - 16:06
It ultimately is the school's discretion. Some schools will allow enrollment while RP is in process, but there are many who are now following the strict SEC rule on this. Definitely check with the school.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 22:47
I've been in Doha for 8 1/2 years and this is without a doubt the worst I've ever seen it. :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 September 2013 - 21:20
If she chose to pursue Master's in History, I would hope she already had some ideas of what kind of job she wanted out of it? Couldn't agree more! Most people who pursue an advanced degree in the Social Sciences or Humanities are generally either on an academic track (heading toward a PhD and a career in university teaching/research) or combine it with a secondary teaching certification to teach specialized high school courses. What was your daughter thinking about when she decided to go for a master's degree in history? What are some of her peers from this program doing post-graduation?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 22:08
Government dates are usually much longer than those for private sector. Many schools (maybe all) have the full week of the 13th off. At my workplace (which is private but tends to follow the Qatar Foundation dates) the assumption is that we will have that week off and possibly Thursday the 10th as well. Most people I know are planning to travel over the weekend. Some are leaving as early as Wed. night and if we don't officially have Thurs. off they'll take it as part of their annual leave. As sarahou123 said, we don't expect to know the actual dates until the week before.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2013 - 16:10
What you are describing are referred to in America as "gum drops." These are actually gummy candies, not chewing gum. Sometimes you can find the boxed ones (called "Dots") in the supermarkets -- these ones are not sugar coated. But the more traditional candy stores in the US sell the sugar coated gum drops.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 20:13
No private message function. Post your email, and then delete it once ozdoha confirms that she's got it.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 20:12
The private message function was sadly removed years ago. Most people post their emaill and then remove it once the other party confirms that they've got it.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 20:10
We've done it 3 times (one for each of the 3 of us in my family) and it's pretty straightforward (as opposed to the embassy in Cairo where it's a virtual nightmare). The appointment is tricky in terms of time, because there are multiple people booked in at the same time, so once you get there you still need to take a number and wait. Safe bet might be to ask the driver to come back in say 1 1/2 hours, but it might in fact take longer. Depending on how far away the driver is, you can retrieve your cell phone from security once you're done and call the driver then. In all 3 of our cases we had the new passport in hand after 2 weeks or less -- never more. Hope this helps.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 17:11
You're most welcome. And on the "We used to live in Dubai and compared to that we hate Doha" line of thinking, today I ran into a colleague who moved here from Dubai earlier in the year. His wife and kids just moved over this summer as they were waiting for the kids to finish out the school year. So I ran into them, and met the wife for the 1st time. I asked her how she like it here, and if she was finding it okay after Dubai. She replied "It's a totally different place -- why compare? I'm here now, so will find things I like and keep myself happy." Such a refreshingly great attitude!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 16:56
We have all sacrificed a lot to be here... for some our standard of living has dropped... Personally I am not too worried about the stereotypes - and I think DebK makes some excellent points. My question to the OP is -- why would anyone (expat) want to be here if it's such a sacrifice and a drop in standard of living? As an expat of almost 20 years, in my experience people make the choice to live as an expat because they are getting something out of it, be it higher salary, better professional opportunities, adventure, new perspectives -- the reasons vary and are quite personal. But if it was a sacrifice and a drop in standard of living, why do it?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 September 2013 - 21:03
Anyone sponsored by an employer needs an exit permit to leave. This is issued by the employer It's not fun, but it's the way it is here. There's always talk of abolishing the system but so far it hasn't happened. For a wife sponsored by her husband, no exit permit is required to leave. For a husband sponsored by his wife, it's required sometimes but not consistently. There is an option for a mulitple-exit permit which allows unlimited exits for a year, and this is totally at the discretion of the employer. Some allow it, others don't. If you don't have an multi-exit, you can't save a single exit permit for emergencies. A single exit permit is valid for 1 week from date of issue.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 September 2013 - 20:26
I know the supermarket by West Bay Petrol (near Rainbow roundabout) has because I saw someone buying a few bags of ice there the other day. So I'm thinking maybe other smallish markets have the too? Do the big supermarkets (C4, Lulu) not carry them?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 23:17
It was definitely an SEC directive -- can't blame the schools for this one.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 August 2013 - 23:11
Not to worry Itaymom, it happens all the time!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 August 2013 - 21:13
From the phone number it seems like this is a recommendation for a tailor in Dubai. Hoping we can find someone as efficient here in Doha where the request was made!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 August 2013 - 15:16
They should be eligible for visa on arrival -- QR 100 by credit card when they go through passport control at the airport. You can also arrange the Al Maha "meet and greet" service and opt to pre-pay for their visas as part of that if you want.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 August 2013 - 20:29
Vappiano at The Gate is fresh and (relatively) healthy. All they have are pasta, salads and pizza. All made to order, with fresh ingredients.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 August 2013 - 20:25
I'm also under company sponsorship -- have been for 8 1/2 years (through 2 different employers). I currently do have a multi-exit permit, and it's a huge relief. At my previous position I didn't, and it caused a lot of stress. You might want to ask your new employer what their policy is. I know of a few who will provide it but not pay for it. The cost is QR 500/year -- so even if you have to cover it yourself, well worth it. One of the many ironies of life here is that while a woman under her husband's sponsorship can travel without an exit permit, a man under his wife's sponsorship sometimes does require one (the rule seems to be applied very inconsistently. I and a few of my colleagues sponsored our husbands at various points, so I have lived this one.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 19:18
Sorry to say but it's highly unlikely that ISLQ has any vacancies for those year groups. Most (if not all) of the British curriculum schools -- in fact most of the international schools in general -- are all oversubscribed. <em>edited by RachelA on 28/08/2013</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 19:14
I've used both the places mentioned below. There's also a photo shop at Villagio in the corridor by The One which I've used before, as well asone next to Chillis at Ramada Junction.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 August 2013 - 22:51
I use Bobbi Brown BB Cream and I absolutely love it. I used to use her tinted moisterizer but the BB is lighter and smoother. Like the poster below I also use it as foundation/moisterizer and concealer. And I swear that the very first day I used it I got a few comments from colleagues saying that I looked younger or that my skin looked great!
 
 
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