RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 06:53
Its my understanding that the accreditation by the Alberta education authorities can only happen once the school teaches the full secondary (high school) program, through to the final grade. That's what I was told a few years ago when they only went to grade 8 or 9. Not sure how accurate that is - or what the furthest grade at the school is currently.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 22:59
Can't comment on the German school, but my son is at ISL and we're very happy. He's been there since he started in Secondary - this is now his 3rd year. Whether it's too far out really depends on where you are (or will be) living. We used to live near the airport and it wasn't close - but even so it generally took no more than 30 minutes each way. We now live close to Landmark and he's there in 10 minutes!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 21:50
Until recently I lived directly across the highway from Sharq, and the planes were practically in our living room. During peak take-off times it was pretty much impossible to be outside, or keep windows open!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 21:48
I don't have any specific feedback, but I do know that no school is allowed to operate in Qatar unless it is licensed by the Supreme Education Council, which would mean it is recognized by the Qatari educational authorities (as that's what the SEC is).
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 21:43
Jonner's I've got one to sell! Haven't gotten around to listing it in classifieds or QL but I keep meaning to. It's a 2 year old Acer - 15". I'll have to check on the specs - but it's a decent model. Not top of the line or anything. It wasn't used much as it belonged to my son who went Mac soon after we bought this one, so it's mostly been sitting unused for the past 2 years. It has a built-in camera and I'm pretty sure it already has skype installed. I'll get it cleaned up over the weekend. Email me: rachelawad at gmail dot com
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2011 - 21:44
Maybe we've moved to Dubai and someone forgot to tell us about it?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 14:12
I got one a few months ago at Punta Roma in Villagio, that I absolutely love!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 14:09
I went for a tour of the Sharq spa last year, and I'm pretty sure that the answer is yes. But not a bad idea to call and double check...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 08:03
Just to add that it was a couple of years ago that I was there. If there have been changes to the location since then, I hope someone will come along to update the info!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 22:09
Yup! Near the equestrian club, not far from Hyatt Plaza. Coming up Al Waab, pass Villagio on your right. Go through the intersection after Villagio, and then at the light just after Hyatt Plaza, take a right. Go through the 1st roundabout, then right at the 2nd, and guys with trucks will be hanging out there.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 21:05
And don't forget, we've got a bunch waiting for you at my place... :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 20:31
Things that broadcast on free-to-air channels are sometimes edited. But on the paid satellite channels pretty much anything goes. And like GinaM said, internet censorship is pretty arbitrary and often silly!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 14:12
If you are looking for something a bit more authentic than Sharm, I suggest Dahab. It's about 90km up the coast from Sharm - much more low key and much much more beautiful! And extremely safe!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 13:50
I actually know 1 person who managed to successfully book her tickets yesterday! Unfortunately for me neither the dates nor destinations work, so I'll be passing on this offer. :( Happy trails to everyone who's going somewhere...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 13:19
This is potentially very good news for newly arriving expats! I've passed it along to our HR department. Thanks Baffled! :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 08:15
And don't forget, the iPad doesn't have a USB connection. Once you convert them you will need to save them into iTunes, and then sync from your computer to the iPad. Might be a bit of a rush on the day you are travelling. Definitely convert the movies in advance, so that when you first initialize and sync the iPad you can transfer them all at once.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 07:45
I'm just curious why you would need to go with a fake ip? Can't you just turn the cellular data off (so then it's either wifi or nothing)?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 22:22
Last time we renewed we used the photo shop in Villagio - next to Patrice Salon, behind The One.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 20:24
All of the hotels are either along the Corniche, in the West Bay, or in the center (Ramada - Al Saad area). Not sure about serviced apartments, but the ones I do know of are in these same areas.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 20:22
Check at your local Health Center or at Hamad Hospital. Government was providing them last year, so if they are available the public health centers should know I would think.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 23:12
Despite some great singing (Callie rocks!) the whole thing just didn't work for me!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 23:03
Maite, be very careful about posting names and numbers. Doing beauty treatments outside a licensed facility is HIGHLY illegal and grounds for deportation. You might want to think about editing your post.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 21:02
To be safe (and assuming it's a US passport) While he's there he should do an expedited renewal. He can do it early based on the need to have 6 months validity. Then he can re-enter with BOTH passports together - the cancelled one which still contains the valid UAE residence, and of the course the new one. Once back he can have the residence transferred into the new passport. Hope this helps.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 20:22
I'm a Philly girl, so not much help on rural western PA cities. My guess is it will be a bit isolated and limited, given how far it is from Pittsburgh.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 19:11
Darn darn darn!! I was so excited, thinking we could use this for friends who are wanting to visit from the US! But then I read the small print in my email: "Offer does not apply for customers wishing to travel: Between Sao Paulo and Bueno Aires, and from Houston, New York or Washington to Doha" :(
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 00:07
I highly highly highly recommend Raquel at the Marriott Spa. And she came highly recommended to me. I've only had basic bikini although I know others who've gone all the way. I'm a professional wimp so not sure I can go there - although I've been contemplating it. I've seen a few references on the Dubai boards to the Emla cream - does anyone know if its available here?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 13:24
I think that there are still coffee mornings taking place on Wednesday mornings at Columbus Coffee, Villagio 10am. Someone correct me if I'm wrong! It's a nice way to start to meet other women.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 21:02
Qmiles are the mileage you accrue based on the distance you travel, and you redeem them for flights or upgrades. Qpoints are also accrued based on your distance, and these are used to determine your membership level. You need 150 Qpoints to obtain or maintain Silver status, and I think 300 points to get to Gold. The higher the level, the greater the benefits. This is all explained pretty clearly (I think) on the Privilege Club website.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 18:57
And don't overlook Aspetar. It's a sports medicine hospital but they definitely see patients whose injuries are not sports related. Both my son and I have been seen by orthopedic surgeons there, and I have a friend who has had 2 knee surgeries there. All extremely positive experiences!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 18:52
You get bonus Qmiles when doing online bookings, so in that case you would want to book the tickets separately so that you both get the miles. When multiple tickets are booked together only 1 person gets the miles (for the online booking bonus that is).
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 09:31
Phokoje alot of companies have the allocations already done. Many just have them as standard, and do not need to apply for every individual new hire. For what it's worth, we set up our bank account within days of arriving, well before RPs were done. We brought a letter from employer stating that RP was in process, and the bank set up a current account or us. This was QNB. <em>edited by RachelA on 23/03/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 09:27
Gina hope you're doing okay! Are you sure this applies to maids? I know the labor law is not the same for domestics. If this is really the case, it'll make a lot of lives much easier!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 23:21
Fabby that's really helpful - thanks! Where exactly on Salwa are they located?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 21:28
We're moving tomorrow, so most of them should, hopefully, be empty again by Thursday afternoon! Give me a ring (I sent you my mobile number, yes?) as I don't expect to have working internet for a while. They should be yours by the weekend!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 17:05
GinaM where are you? I have a feeling you might know the real scoop! ;)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 16:34
Sega's right. Only a company or business can apply for a business visa for him. The office he will be working in in Qatar needs to sort it out.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 16:31
I found these directions posted by NewbieDoha a few months ago - they got me there perfectly! Salwa Road - go straight after Qatar Decoration roundabout (coming from Ramada junction). You have to pass 3 roundabouts then go over the bridge, take the first exist after the bridge...200 meters or so you will see a BIG building, you can't miss it...thats the place. There's a sign on it but I can't remember the exact name, something in the line of Investigation/Forensic etc.. The fingerprinting is the second gate on the right side. Good luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 13:07
As far as I know it's completely illegal - but still widely done. The thread on the Dubai board was pretty scary. I've heard that similar penalties exist here, but really not sure as I don't know anyone who's been caught.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 09:43
Raising Hope.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 21:19
I googled. I learned something new. Nice... :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 13:11
Deep breathes... We once had a new staff member arrive, and she got on a plane back to the US (without telling anyone) 2 days later. The company definitely ate the cost of her r/t business class ticket. No visa costs as she hadn't even begun that process, but still. I've never seen a clause like that in a contract - not sure if it is legal.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 10:01
ID Design in The Mall? Quite pricey, but they occasionally have a good sale.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 04:40
I think (but honestly can't remember for sure) that I've had Tums in a past Shop & Ship order. Don't think it says anything too medicinal on the bottle, does it?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 14:46
Are you looking for specific car dealerships? They are scattered all over town...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 21:56
catoclan I've just sent you an email. We're moving next week, and the boxes are yours when we've unpacked if you want them.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 07:59
I don't work there, but having been there often (as a patient) I can say that the staff seem to be happy. They are a lot more relaxed and friendly than most of the staff at Al Ahli, for example. It does seem that the majority of the staff there speak Arabic and French (when they are speaking amongst themselves) so one or both of these languages might make it easier to integrate.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 13:21
I got an Internet update from a friend there this morning, so I assume that means that at least Internet is still working. For now. Not good...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 13:06
Update: The location below is correct, on C Ring between Muntaza and Gulf Cinema signal. I got there around 8:45 am. Hardly anyone in the women's section. I was out by 9!! So my police clearance from home is ready to turn in to my new employer. Now to finish with the NOC from my current employer - but thats a subject for a whole other thread!! :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 12:53
Not at all - it was about the 1st reply. I think she meant "cousin" but thats not what she wrote... Just having a bit of fun. Good luck in your search.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 07:55
I just found this on Qatar Living. Apparently the office of attestation of documents has moved to the C Ring - I'm pasting the directions exactly as found. Heading there in about an hour - will update on the location and process. "If you're coming from Muntazah traffic signal going towards Doha Cinema traffic signal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation office is on your right side, beside audi cars showroom,approximately 200 meters before Doha Cinema traffic signal and be there as early as 8:00am except Saturday." <em>edited by RachelA on 16/03/2011</em>
 
 
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