RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 04:35
Just to add that Riviera absolutely do have gardens - and pretty big ones at that. We're there, and have a lovely back garden and a small but most definitely grassy front yard. In 6 years in Qatar its one of the lushest compounds I've seen in terms of greenery.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 13:40
Dr. Tareq Sheikh, head of the Internal Medicine department. Number at Al Ahli for scheduling appointments is: 44898888 <em>edited by RachelA on 11/05/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 13:39
There are quite a few on Al Saad, in the area between Royal Plaza and Centerpoint (on your right if coming up from C Ring Road). Not too far from where you'll be.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 19:01
For spas with beach and restaurants you are looking at the big hotels like Four Season, Intercon, Grand Hyatt, Marriott, Sharq -- and none are going to be cheap. Other than the cost factor I've heard great things about all of these!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 09:56
The key is to rinse them thoroughly, then dry them. I dried them out in the microwave, then put them on a hot frying pan for a few minutes to get the rest of the liquid out.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 08:55
I don't think they are horrible at all. If you are trying to cut back on carbs they are a good alternative to pasta as they absorb the flavor of the sauces. There are lots of good recipes (and tips for preparing the noodles) on the hungrygirl.com website.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 08:50
Not sure as I'm in Qatar. But I downloaded it via iTunes on my macbook and then did a sync, for what it's worth.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 08:49
The ones I have found aren't exactly 0 calories - but at 20 cals/serving its the next best thing! They take some getting used to...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 08:41
Converter Skype Facebook Weight Watchers C25K Nike+ GPS RunPee (so cool - tells you the best times to take a bathroom break during movies) Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Whats App IMDb
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 May 2011 - 21:06
Thanks carathop. A friend confirmed that that's where it usually is, but as luck would have it there were none there today. I just used a combo of eggs and whites for my recipe, so it was fine.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 May 2011 - 15:27
I second Dr. Tareq. He is amazing - has literally changed my life!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 May 2011 - 12:30
And speaking of Lulu Gharrafa, does anyone know if they carry egg substitute? And if they do, where would it be? Thanks!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2011 - 21:01
I've not used it personally, but have heard very positive feedback on Basecamp.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 08:43
Some of the US carriers offer sims with pay as you go options. I get an AT&T sim every summer (think it costs about $10) with pay as you go plans. I think there is one for about $60 for unlimited calls, but there are less expensive ones if you don't expect to be making or receiving lots of calls while you're there. Definitely a less expensive option than international roaming!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 12:54
We got a hula hoop years ago at Toys R Us.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 12:42
Al Fardan Gardens is not part of the government housing. Some government agencies (including my former employer) used to have some individual leases there, but those days are long gone. To know more about your options, it might be worthwhile to go directly to the goverment housing office (behind the Center) with a a letter from your husband's employer detailing what he is elegible for, and Arabic speaker and a LOT of patience. When I was being moved (when the leases at Al Fardan were cancelled) they had no sympathy for the fact that I wanted a compound with facilities (gym, pool, etc). and were only concerned with finding a villa suitable to my family's size. Good luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 May 2011 - 17:39
I actually asked Al Ahli, as the problem was exactly that they were out of stock of some of my meds. They didn't give me any recommendations, but later I was at Landmark, and the pharmacy their was also out of stock, and THEY directed me to Khulood. So glad I found it!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 May 2011 - 12:32
Is this to replace a lost passport? If so, you probably do need some kind of proof of your residence status. I think the issue is that the passport will have no record of your entry into Qatar. One suggestion would be to go directly to the airport immigration office (located behind the parking at the departures terminal, near the long term parking) with the emergency passport and your Qatari ID and see what they advise?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 May 2011 - 09:53
Burger King roundabout. The pharmacy is actually just across the parking lot from burger king. I was there for the first time yesterday, and was going to come on here and post that it is the greatest pharmacy in Doha! Huge, and really really well stocked. I was looking for meeds that the 3 pharmacies I went to first were all out of stock, and they had everything I was looking for. Plus lots of things I wasn't looking for! For new/expectant moms, I noticed a nice supply of Mustella baby products. I loved them when I was pregnant, and don't think I've ever seen them here before. Plus I have to say that the pharmacist was extremely helpful. All around a great find!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 May 2011 - 00:20
Fudruckers for fish and chips?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 07:47
Government housing is limited to those compounds which they already have on their list (@ the Government Housing Office). I recently moved out of Laffan Compound which is all government (near the Marriott). The compound had nothing to offer but the villas themselves were nice, big and well maintained. And pretty acceptable furniture too. 4 bedrooms 3 1/2 baths. The downstairs bedroom is en suite and most people use it as a maid's room. Even though it has no gym or pool, its proximity to Marriott and Sharq make these great options for membership. <em>edited by RachelA on 03/05/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 17:29
I am a very satifsfied ISL-Q parent. Facilities could be better, but they don't get in the way of what I consider to be excellent teaching/learning. My son is in secondary, so can't comment on the younger grades, although I have heard good things.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 17:27
Thanks for this! We use firefox and google chrome, so I'm feeling a bit less vulnerable now.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 00:41
Yes - thank you!! We are a mac household, so I'll be sharing this with DS and DH!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 00:39
I have a kindle registered to my Amazon US account. I have a US address, but no US credit card. All of my Amazon.com purchases (including my Kindle books) are with a Qatar credit card. I also have the lighted cover - from the US - and so far so good. Hope I'm one of the lucky ones! One of my favorite features is that I can enlarge the font so as not to need my reading glasses. And having hundreds of books with me at once. And not using precious luggage space/weight on books when traveling. And being able to find almost any book that I am looking for, despite the fact that I live in Qatar (with it's 1.5 book stores). I got an iPad as a gift this winter, and definitely prefer the kindle as an e-reader. One fabulous thing about the iPad is the ability to buy/read magazines. I have an app called "Zineo" through which you can purchase loads of magazines. The bigger, brighter color screen is closer to the glossy magazine experience. But happy me can still enlarge the page and do without my readers...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 19:02
Well like many phobia's, I'll admit that this one is completely irrational. Marycatherine, you are completely welcome to come and get him and take him home. Win-win as far as I can tell!! :)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 18:36
Last year there was a section for "2nd hand goods" along the lines of a flea market or boot sale. No mention of it on the registration form, so I'm assuming you're not doing the same this year? Last year's was excellent - looking forward to this year's as well. Thanks!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 17:21
Eeeew. Remind me to check my shoes before putting them on...! I'll go with the box idea and hope for the best. Thanks to you both!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 16:13
I posted this on the Qatar forum, but thought I migth get some good advice here too since there are so many more of you in Dubai. Any advice is appreciated!! We have a gecko that has made out guest bathroom his home. I'm assuming it's totally harmless, but I'm a bit of a wimp with creepy crawlies, so would be happy to have him go far, far away. Any ideas of how to trap it? I'm not interested in doing it any harm (or killing it) so my son's suggestion of throwing a heavy boot at it is NOT being considered. I would love to trap it somehow and move him outside, far from the house. Ideas? Please???? :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 15:35
We have a gecko that has made out guest bathroom his home. I'm assuming it's totally harmless, but I'm a bit of a wimp with creepy crawlies, so would be happy to have him go far, far away. Any ideas of how to trap it? I'm not interested in doing it any harm (or killing it) so my son's suggestion of throwing a heavy boot at it is NOT being considered. I would love to trap it somehow and move him outside, far from the house. Ideas? Please???? :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 April 2011 - 18:26
Can't remember the name - but the seafood restaurant in the Souq Waqif hotel has excellent fish and chips. Also the Golf Club. Those are the 2 I've had, and highly recommend both.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 21:13
You've just opened a world of new possibilities for me. Thanks!! :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 13:25
I'm heading over to Lulu now. I've been wanting to try these for a while... Thanks for the heads up Twinnie!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 13:14
I thought Aramex won't do creams and lotions? You've not had any problems HEF?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 13:08
But now it's done!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 14:05
Nope - it was really quick and easy! :)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 22:02
I had a girls lunch at the W just today - and it was fabulous! AND I ran into some of lulubaker's gal pals lunching there too!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 07:39
marycatherine the OP mentioned that the exit permit was stamped in his passport. Since this isn't how exit permits are issued from Qatar, I guess it raised the question as to whether he actually had an exit permit, or just thought he had one. I have known of people who were not allowed to travel even with an exit permit, but that is only if there were ongoing legal issues (ie defaulted loans). And this has happened to residents with exit permits and former residents who re-entered on tourist visas. But I have never heard of a situation where someone is not allowed to exit due to having had their RP for less than 6 months.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 06:45
QIS and Gulf English are British Curriculum. They both have a very high % of native Arabic speakers - moreso than the other schools you are looking at. QIS has the stronger academic reputation of the 2. I'm pretty sure that the ISLQ fees are listed under the admissions tab on their website. I'm another ISLQ mom. My son is in secondary, and I have been very pleased with the teaching and learning.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 21:38
Not true. I recently changed jobs and sponsorships, and was able to travel barely 2 weeks after the new sponsorship took effect. And like GinaM said, exit permits are not listed in the passport. They are issued electronically, and a paper copy can be given but is not needed. When I travelled 2 days ago I did not have the paper copy, but since the exit permit was processed electronically it was listed in the system when I went through passport control. Some employers will not issue an exit permit when an employee is on probation - and this is typically 6 months. Seems like a more likely explanation.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 09:40
I've seen what look like corn brooms (but might be synthetic) at the Omani Souq.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 02:05
I ended up booking us for noon. Hoping it'll still be amazing, even though we obviously won't catch sunset. Our schedule is a bit crazy, and this was the only available time on the day we are free. Will go another evening to catch the fountains - I assume they're better at night?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 01:55
SuzyQS I downloaded the 30 Day Shred off of iTunes.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 01:09
Thanks - that was a quick reply! And seems I've already waiting too long - sunset-ish times are already booked for Thur/Fri/Sat evening, and we're leaving Sunday afternoon. So that being said - morning or night? Which would you recommend?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 23:16
I have a friend who has had both of her kids there and has been really pleased. She's a regular on these boards, so maybe she'll chime in with specific feedback.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2011 - 23:35
I think (but not 100% sure) that if you take your passport with the original RP stamped in it to the central post office, you might be able to get a replacement ID. I recall it costing QR 50 to replace an ID, but again not totally sure. Good luck - and do let us know so when the next one of us loses our ID, we'll know for sure! :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 13:50
Win-win-win!! EW comes to the rescue once again... :)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 16:29
My teenage son loved a day of snowboarding lessons and time on the slopes at Ski Dubai.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 16:14
I only did a quick read through this thread, but didn't notice anyone posting about Katara (Cultural Village). Worth an afternoon - or evening - I think.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 09:08
That is actually the misnomer used for something else - can't remember. Speeding? Parking? From what I understand, generally it's a losing battle. But if you have the time and patience, go for it!!
 
 
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