RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 23:21
Trying REALLY hard not make a comment...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 19:01
Sega I was puzzled too - how is someone looking to home in Dubai or Doha? Dubai or AD I understand, but Doha seems a bit far if the cats in question are in Dubai...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 18:58
You know I will. Think I'm 90% there - so far so good!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 16:08
Was just coming here to suggest the same as GinaM. Government offices are closed on Fridays, so probably only the traffic police are opened, but not licensing. You can definitely do this a few days early.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 22:42
What ever happened to those lovely rumors that Qatar was going to abolish the sponsorship system? Would love to see that one come true!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 09:45
I agree with GoodMorning, the exit permit isn't fun. If your prospective employer will agree to a multiple exit permit (even if you have to pay - cost is QR 500/year) that would be great. I think that yes, if you leave their employ they will have to grant an NOC for you to return to your DH sponsorship and/or a new job. I have a few friends where the husband and wife were sponsored individually by their respective employers, and it was a good thing as when the husband was laid off he was able to move under his wife's sponsorship. I know that many companies will pay benefits (tickets, etc) but will stipulate that this is based on it not being provided by DH. You might want to ask them about it, and see if you can have a single ticket to US and have DH's company remove you from his benefit. And many companies will also not allow "double dipping" with housing allowance. It would seem to me that if the salary is the same (whether or not you go under their sponsorship) you need to see if you will actually benefit from the allowances. But then again, if going under their sponsorship is a condition of the employment, is it worth turning down the job for?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 March 2011 - 20:12
cinabon I would be very careful about posting name and phone number of someone who is doing this on her own, as this is highly illegal and grounds for deportation. Probably best to delete your post, or at least her name and phone number. A few of us here on EW know a woman who was deported for this very reason not to long ago.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 14:42
Just wanted to report back, as the process is moving forward. I went to the US Embassy to pick up the packet and get the request for fingerprints on 20th Jan. Got the fingerprints done on the 24th and sent them to the FBI on the 25th. Today (11th March) I received my FBI report. The Embassy said it would take approximately 10-12 weeks, but it actually took just over 6. Now I have to bring the report back to the Embassy and then on to MoFA here in Qatar. Hopefully that won't take more than another week or so.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 21:18
The last Warden Message on the US Embassy site was from May 2010! I've heard about this alert from a few British friends. I've also heard that there were demonstrations scheduled last week but they never took place cause hardly anyone showed up. Just what I've heard - NOT verified.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 17:17
And to build on carathop's excellent explanation, my limited exposure to the IPC (international primary curriculum - newer program being implemented in quite a few British curricuum schools) is also very focused on theme based interdisciplinary teaching/learning. Compass does the IPC, and at least a few years ago Park House was introducing it - but don't know if they are still using it.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 15:07
Not to be a fear monger, but a while back (maybe a year - or more?) there were a few incidents of dogs being poisoned at Wakra beach, and the popular opinion was that it was being done intentionally. It was incredibly sad. Worth looking into this to be sure that it is now considered safe. I'm thinking that QAWs might know. There used to be a Dogs in Doha group on FB and they would know too - not sure if they are still an active group.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 13:39
Probably depends on where you are ordering from. My most used vendors are Amazon, Gap.com, oldnavy.com, and lands end. The only one who ever sends catalogs is lands end, and I've requested that they don't and haven't had a problem. Now that I think of it, the catalogs we used to get were from textbook vendors when we were using the account for some work related purchases. All in all it's not a problem, and such a great service!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 12:04
I got a few pieces of junk (ie catalogs) from vendors I'd ordered from in my first year. I promptly informed them all not to send anything to that address other than orders I placed. No more catalogs coming through. I've seen people at the counter at Aramex say that certain items were "junk mail" and request that they not be billed for the shipping. From my eavesdropping on these conversations it seemed like the Aramex staff were happy to comply. But I might be really off on that.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 12:01
Assuming its a matter of days and not weeks, I would suggest starting an active search now in hopes of signing a lease starting on or around the 11th. That way you can get in and clean, and get it ready to move your things in as soon as they clear customs. Just a thought...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 11:58
Maybe check out the online site? http://www.timeoutdoha.com/ It's not clear if this has been updated to the March edition, but since there is Oscar coverage I'm thinking maybe? I didn't have the feb one, so I can't tell if the articles are new or not.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 11:55
No Sega, I actually missed this one! CornishGirl beat me to it. Guess we can think of this as a group effort? :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 08:47
Not to worry - we are used to it! Lots of EW's post on this board thinking they're in Dubai. We're used to it - and even have some fun with it! ;)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 22:59
I don't have any firsthand knowledge, but I have a good friend who has been searching for places for his triplets who will be moving here before next school year - grade 3. He made the rounds of a lot of schools, and was extremely impressed with the reception and information he received there, and with the Head.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 22:56
Shop and Ship has been one of my lifelines! It's an amazing option for those of us who like to shop online!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 22:55
patty ASD has the IB Diploma Program which is for the last 2 years of high school. The OP's daughter is 5 years old, so we're focusing on schools with the PYP (which is the IB Primary Years Program).
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 07:01
Chardfan (one of the EW Qatar regular posters) has mentioned that they use it - hopefully she'll pop in with a comment. <em>edited by RachelA on 07/03/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 00:22
Gembo you're not going to find anyone here for that one - we're in Qatar!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 00:15
There are a range of salaries for teachers at international schools, depending on many factors. Qualifications, years of experience, admin duties, and of course the individual school. I would say the range for an international hire can be anywhere from 10-17K depending on these factors. And benefits also vary, but generally should include: accommodation and flight tickets (which you've already mentioned), international health insurance, transportation allowance, telephone allowance, professional development support, free or heavily subsidized tuition for children attending the same school. The question that I would ask (and this is not specific to teachers) is how the package compares to earnings at home or in other international settings, and also how the savings potential compares. Also its really important to know the context. Has she ever taught at schools outside Canada? Teaching in an international school is a vastly different experience - for some it's a wonderful experience, and others don't do so well under the "strained" circumstances.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 00:08
Well the 3 that you've listed (QA, ISL and Al Jazeera) are the only ones doing the IB at the primary level (PYP) so there's not much else to advise really.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 14:52
A, D, J still have me stumped! This was fun!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 13:35
Careful with the shipping. I know that Aramex for example won't ship in liquids or cosmetics, so I've avoided ordering any beauty or skin care products. Not sure about shipping through other means. Too bad the staff at Sephora here are so useless. At home I find they can really provide guidance to products that suit individual skin types.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 10:36
Welcome (in advance) Sooz! There used to be regular Girls Night Outs arranged by EW which were great for those of us who work, but unfortunately EW has changed their role in Qatar and there are no longer any organized EW activities. BUT a great resource is the Qatar Professional Women's Network (QPWN) which host mothly networking evenings and a range of other activities throughout the year. You can find them on Linked In. You are right in that these kinds of social and networking get togethers can be a great source of support and info - espcially if DH won't be around for a while. This site is great for all kinds of tips and info, so post often and you'll get some great advice.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 February 2011 - 12:47
When I registered for my free zinio account I could choose 1 of a bunch of magazines for a free trial subscription. I chose "Elle" and got a free trial of 3 issues - didn't have to provide any cc or other payment details. Fun! Oh and speaking of magazines, the US app store has a free version of the Martha Stewart Everyday food magazine, which includes 1 free magazine download. I'm downloading the Jan/Feb edition as I type!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 February 2011 - 12:44
Hope this doesn't sound stupid, but do you know if the friends in question have a housemaid? Many expat families with young kids do have full-time help, and the parents are often able to leave children home in the evenings. I have many friends with young kids who go out regularly at night, although they try to limit it to after they've put their kids down to sleep. It may not be as big an issue in that case.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 12:55
gill I have no idea as I've not actually used it yet! Don't think you could use it on Kindle - not that I saw anyway. Its' always bugged me that Oprah Mag isn't available on Kindle since she's such a Kindle fan, but funny that is IS available for the iPad. I'm note sure I'd want it on Kindle actually as color photos in magazines are half the fun. I have looked at Newsweek on Kindle a few times, and it's okay. If you were still here I'd suggest that we meet up and I could give you a little Kindle tutorial... ;)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 11:58
I'm a huge fan of bookstores too, but for expats living in the land of extreme mark-ups, e-book are an amazing option. LOVE my kindle. I've just discovered a world of magazines also available in electronic format. Again, SOOOO not the same thing as a paper magazine, but considering the mark-up on magazines here (in my case Qatar, but assuming similar to UAE) I'm loving this option. And on the iPad they are still full color and glossy! http://www.zinio.com/index.jsp I'll save the paper magazines for my flights back from the US. :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 09:15
Yay!! I just love it when things work out without a hassle! Thanks for letting us know. :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 16:50
I would hardly call Old Airport or Hilal the back end of nowhere - I know plenty of people who live in these areas (including me not too long ago) and they are very convenient to a lot of places. Worth checking out - and pretty close to the airport.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 13:46
Intercon was SO NOT DRY :\: but last call was at 11pm <em>edited by RachelA on 15/02/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 11:00
Regifting is to take a gift you have received and pass it on as a gift to someone else. I'm thinking no more a verb than to "gift" is in the first place.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 10:57
Another friend has mentioned that it's dry 14-16 Feb, so I think anyone planning on going out should call first to check. The places I called yesterday said 1 day, but seems this might be a moving target.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 14:53
I've called a bunch of places, and EVERYONE except the Ritz seems to be opened tonight until 11, and closed tomorrow. Won't they be sad when they realize that they have to be closed tomorrow in any event, and they could have been opened for most of tonight? Well happy Valentines Day wherever you end up...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 14:49
Think Pink Qatar might be a good place to start. Contact info is on their website: http://www.thinkpinkqatar.com/
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 13:15
So weird - I'm thinking the Ritz misunderstood the "directive." I just called them and they said all bars closed today, opened tomorrow. Then I called the Golf Club, and they said the order they received (from whichever gov't agency issues such orders) is that no alchohol as of 11pm tonight, and tomorrow. Called Ramada and was told the same. Annoyed as I was actually planning on being at Admirals tonight! Grrr.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 12:36
Are you sure Jill that they haven't done this in years past? I honestly can't remember.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 11:46
I have it on very good authority that bars/restaurants will stop serving at 11pm tonight and it will be dry all day/night tomorrow. For anyone who's curious, this is in respect of the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed which is tomorrow.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 10:08
I used to go to the Visa office at the Airport (behind the parking at the now Departure airport - at the area that says "long term parking") to get extensions. Probably worth it to go there and ask - if that way you can extend then and there if you need to.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 13:18
I don't remember the details, but there are lots of organized games and activities, campfire, camping in tents on the beach, sunrise breakfast on the beach, etc.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 10:17
Safa Park - that would be in Dubai, right? Thanks for the info guinness, but this is the Qatar forum... :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 09:27
I have a couple of friends whose teenage daughters do work at various trade-shows and exhibitions (I know they worked at the recent motor show at the exhibition center). I'm happy to ask them for details if you want.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 01:14
Got it - thanks!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 14:44
1I'm not sure how this happened - but I just registered my car - 3 years old - without an inspection! Well technically I didn't register it, I had AAA do it for me (part of their "Gold" membership package). I assumed they would take my paperwork, take it for the inspection, deal with the repairs, etc. But when I called to schedule it with them last week they told me that recently one of the centers wasn't requiring inspections (don't know which, but NOT the main one at Medinat Khalifa). I have a lot of scratched, one serious dent, and a cracked headlight. They took my car registration and a copy of my id, and and the next day brought back the new registration card and the receipt for QR 100. The car was definitely not inspected. I decided this was a good time not to ask too many questions!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 00:22
They sell the mini ones at the Golf Club for QR 15 apiece
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 February 2011 - 17:24
Don't think this has been confirmed, has it? His whereabouts seem to still be a question.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 February 2011 - 17:21
For me, the greatest thing about skype is the 3g access. I have the unlimited calls to the US plan, and essentially this means I can call my family friends in the US from anywhere. Greatest deal ever as far as I'm concerned.
 
 
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