RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 February 2011 - 17:18
If you don't mind Maple, that would be great.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 February 2011 - 00:09
I've looked too ccdoha, and the only thing I've found is that if you insert a sim card from a network that allows facetime (like almost anywhere else in the world) and update the phone software, then facetime will "appear" - but that if you then do another software update with a local sim, you'll lose it again. I have't downloaded the app yet to my macbook - but did you find it any different than doing a skype video call? Just wondering. Oh and btw skype does now work over 3g, which is completely awesome in my opinion!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 13:06
Facetime is a video calling app (much like skype) that is native to the iPhone, and allows for free video-chats between iPhone users. The iPhone 4 has 2 cameras (front and back) and Facetime was one of the new cool features that got lots of people excited for the iPhone 4. I was really hesitant to get one without it - thinking why spend so much $$ on a tech gadget that doesn't have one of the key features. But when I realized I could use Skpe in the same way, I decided to forego it. I have heard that facetime does have better quality than Skype, but obviously can't confirm.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 11:20
As of last night (when we got ours - hooray!) here was the situtation: In stock at C4 - at least at the Landmark branch. But they were selling fast. They came with Vodafone sim and package, but can easily be changed to Qtel after purchase (see Sam EW's comment below). They told me that the stock had only just arrived in yesterday evening. Vodafone - they told me on the phone yesterday afternoon that they had stock, but Vodafone Landmark had none and said that they are all out of stock until end of Feb. Starlink out of stock - getting them in soon but won't say when. The ones that Vodafone and C4 sell are factory unlocked, but do not have facetime. Best price around. The starlink ones are much more because apparently they DO have facetime - also factory unlocked. We decided not to go with the Starlink ones since we realized that skype video calls would still work, and since we were buying a few (me, DH and DS) the difference in price was sizeable. And then there was the fact that Starlink didn't actually have any stock. So Tills if you're reading this, get yourself to Landmark C4 and hopefully they'll still have some left!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 19:11
Thanks Sega - too kind of you!! And it was okay as I needed a few other things anyway, so it wasn't a wasted trip. DH is here...:cool: <em>edited by RachelA on 09/02/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 18:42
There were 3 - and I left them all! Two factors influenced my decision. 1) They were QR 43 apiece. And they were bigger than the mini-tubs, but not all that big. Last week I was feeling silly paying QR 23 for a container of 0% greek yogurt (a container about the same size even) but QR 43? I couldn't bring myself to do it. 2) In WW-speak, it was still 2 pts per 1/2 cup, or a whopping 5 points for a cup. If it had been a better deal in WW points, I might have talked myself into it. But I think I'll stick with the 0% greek - a better deal on both counts. Dan Lou, they're all yours!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 15:07
Well I'm back to say it was a total BUST. I'm a huge fan of Aspetar - have gotten excellent treatment there on way too many occasions. But this online appointment request - not happening. I sent my request in, then nothing. And more nothing. And in the request I did list my Aspetar file number, and mention that I was a returning patient coming back for a follow up. When I called there about a week later they didnt' have any appointments available that suited my timing needs (needing to go in after work). So in the end I emailed the doctor directly and he fit me in the next day! So Jonners to answer your question - this was the least efficient way of getting an appointment that I can imagine. Oh well...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 15:01
Oh yay!! I am SOOOO heading there on my way home from work! :)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 13:30
Thanks Maple. I've just contacted them for my next move. Would you mind sending me your name - I'd like to mention that I've given them some referrals - between that and the fact that I'm moving for the 2nd time in less than a year will hopefully yield me a bit of a discount. If you don't want to post your name here, could you send me an email. Thanks! <em>edited by RachelA on 13/02/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 12:55
So much for that - I was going to recommend Glow (West Bay branch). :(
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 12:54
How recently Bechamel? I'd heard she wasn't working there anymore - but I might have heard wrong.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 09:07
Sarah, I can't find your email. Will you send me one and I'll be in touch! Hope all is well with your family too. Amazing and unsettling times... <em>edited by RachelA on 08/02/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 09:05
You're most welcome Maple! It was actually SamEW who first recommended them to me, so really this was just paying it forward (love that expression)!! I'm actaully going to be moving AGAIN next month, so will be going with them - again. Question for you both (or anyone who has used them): When I moved last time they didn't unpack all of our closet stuff or playroom stuff completely - but thinking back that had more to do with my own exhaustion and just saying "that's enough - you can go now" cause we all needed to shower and sleep. Did they do a good job on the unpacking end for you? Thanks.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 19:55
That's the reason I've put off getting one! My son is about to turn 14, and I've heard the official age is 18. But I've also heard that if there is someone official standing by at passport control for arrivals, they will sometimes let the kid slide through if the adult has the e-gate card.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 14:20
Oops. I hadn't heard that - and 13+ years later his gums seem okay, so hopefully no lasting damage caused. :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 12:58
I used to take the gel-filled teething rings (available in most pharmacies or baby shops) and pop them in the freezer - the cold seemed to take the edge off. Good luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 00:27
Exactly what Expat Mum said - that's 100% my experience too!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 February 2011 - 14:09
I have the Qatar links across the top, but down the right side they are all the Dubai links. For what it's worth.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 February 2011 - 12:53
They are near impossible to find in Qatar either, so I ordered one from Amazon. In the end the shipping probably made up for whatever markup I would have paid if I'd manage to find one here. Trying to use it more these days! The allrecipes.com website has a great collection of slow cooker recipes btw...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 February 2011 - 12:14
Another vote for shipping it via shop and ship! I do it all the time from US and UK Amazon sites, and more often than not the shipping via Aramex is cheaper than if I'd had it shipped directly here from Amazon. Enjoy your voucher!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 February 2011 - 10:45
I just had my boss gain 50kg and then lose 50kg. He looked more pathetic scrawny :D LOL!!!! Off to check out the skinny me... :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 February 2011 - 10:42
Diagonally accross, in the parking lot where Chili's is. I think.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 February 2011 - 10:39
Personally not loving the new look all that much. Way too much beige. Because really, don't we have enough beige in our lives here? And it is a bit annoying that with all the reshuffling we still can't do a search based on location. All that being said, I still love EW - this forum (and many of the women I've met through it) are lifesavers time and again...:cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 February 2011 - 19:29
Thank you Sega. As far as I know everyone I know is okay. I've been speaking to DH daily and more, and at the moment am FB chatting with a niece who is now back online. So much tension. And uncertainty. And hope. And unnecessary bloodshed. And confusion all around. DH should be back in Doha early next week - think I'll feel a whole lot better then!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 14:24
You shouldn't need DH's work to do this. You can apply directly at your nearest medical center, or directly at Hamad I believe. You should bring some kind of evidence of where you live, and also copies of your RP and 2 photos. I think. It's been a while. Fees are QR 100/person/year. They'll give you a receipt on the spot which you can use while you're waiting for the actual cards to come in.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 07:25
Not sure why anyone would be offended by your comment/question, but I also don't think that the lack of comments on this forum suggests that people aren't thinking about Egypt. Personally I have been glued to Al Jazeera, and I have a lot of family and friends (including my DH) who are there right now. It is pretty much the only thing I have been focusing on, and it's all over my FB for example. I have a lot of friends who are regular posters here on EW, and we have been talking about the situation there all week. Just not discussing it here. This forum (which I LOVE btw) is for questions and comments about living in Qatar. I can say 100% that right now my body might be here, but my heart is in Egypt!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 22:02
Uh oh. I totally missed the ball on that one!!:\: <em>edited by RachelA on 01/02/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 21:57
Yay!! I was at Landmark this afternoon - can't believe I missed it!! Guess I'll be going back soon!! :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 12:56
The type of accomodation you are provided will depend on your contact and their policies. And of course your preferences. There are apartments and villas, stand-alone and compounds, furnished or unfurnished, etc. There is no single "good area" to live. Expats (and Qataris) are scattered throughout many areas of Doha, so hard to say what good is. What part of town will DH be working? Some people like to choose housing based on commute times, and since schools isn't an issue now, think about DH's work commute. There are a few malls here - I think only Villagio is new in the past 5 years. Landmark, City Center and The Mall are the other ones. Official EW coffee mornings have been stopped, but I believe that many women are still meeting on various days for "unofficial" EW mornings.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 11:35
Also Dr. Makki's Surgicenter. And there's a new center that has recently opened on Al Waab - can't remember the name.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 20:31
Yup. :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 17:59
Well in order t activate any iphone you need to sync it to an iTunes account. So assuming already have one (us or UK) you just sync the iphone to the computer where you have iTunes installed, and make sure you are logged in to your account. If you are getting a factory unlocked phone from the UK it should have FaceTime already, and no reason it won't work.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 14:13
lol blini! Shelly, I'm guessing that JLT is in Dubai? This forum is for Qatar. Oh well.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 10:38
Really? No one's mentioned Philadelphia? Okay technically not on the coast, but oh so close. I'm a Philly girl originally, and still think it's one of the greatest cities! Worth a look...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 10:26
Cyclone T good for you!! Not only for completing the 30 days, but also for maintaining your 50kg weight loss for so long!! I'm in the process of losing what will hopefully ultimately be 63gk - have been hovering close to the 1/2 mark for way too long. I started the 30 day shred a couple of months ago but didn't get past 5 days. You've inspired me to restart it!! How many days a week have you been doing it? Thanks for the inspiration!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 10:17
katcalls, unless this is a legally registered/licensed business, might be best to take out his name and number.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 10:39
I'm not sure how relevant this woudl be to grade 6, but at the Jr. High and High School levels, math is tought in a specialized way in the US vs a more integrated approach in many IB schools. Meaning that in US schools students will have a year of Algebra I (say grade 7) then a year of Algebra II (grade 8) then a year of geometry, a year of pre-calc, a year of of calculus, etc. Whereas in a lot of IB schools Algebra and geometry - and later calculus, are taught in integrated cycles throughout many grade levels. And as for teaching methodology, as SarkySue62 said this is down to the individual school, and in many cases down to the individual teachers.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 10:16
Oh come on that's not the ONLY plus. I love the fact that it takes no time to get anywhere as there is no traffic at all. And you can get great parking everywhere. :cool: <em>edited by RachelA on 30/01/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 10:15
Thanks Patron. I will double check with the US embassy. They told me that after I receive it back from the FBI I take it back to the US Embassy here for a stamp, then on to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here for another one. Was your report from your state or from the FBI? The way the Embassy explained it, if I get a State police report I will need to have it stamped by the Qatari Embassy in DC. But that if I get an FBI report then that step isn't required. I acually spoke to the Consul (former neighbor of mine) who gave me the same info. He said that for this reason it is a smoother process to go with the FBI report even though it takes a bit longer. Hope this is right!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 09:29
Here is the report of the ticket nightmare from Al Jazeera English. This doesn't bode well for "expect amazing." http://english.aljazeera.net/sport/football/2011/01/201112921940597529.html
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 09:14
It [i'>IS[/i'>[b'>[/b'> the case - it's just not being made public. Ridiculous, and extremely frustrating. A friend of mine in Qatar is in the process of moving to the US, and was preparing to ship about 20 boxes via cargo. She was then told than she cannot ship from here to the US, and had the same info repeated by every shipper in town. And apparently a representative of the embassy told her that they are not allowed to comment on it. In the end, she had to ship her goods via Europe (in her case Germany) and then essentially pay to re-ship them to the US. Meanwhile, yesterday I shipped some documents to the US via FedEx. I think the ban is on parcels rather than envelopes.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 07:15
Someone one recommended Jotun (the paint stores) for this. In my case it was for outdoor (wicker) furniture. I never actually follow up, but my friend said that's where she got the stain for her outdoor furniture. So maybe? I think there are quite a few of these stores scattered along Salwa.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 13:24
Might help to know your budget? Your son or a friend? Mine turns 14 in a few weeks and is really hoping for an iPhone4. He has an iPad which he loves as well.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 13:03
Last I heard it was illegal to request checks up-front for rent. Wasn't that the new law last year?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 10:50
I thought you meant how do we keep the bag we use daily organized. Mine is a bottomless pit, and I was really hoping for some brilliant suggestions! ;)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 10:47
Unfortunately there really aren't any British schools close to the West Bay, other than Newton's West Bay campus, so if you are committed to living in the West Bay you are looking at a commute to whichever school you choose. Oh there is a newer school, Loydence Academy, which opened last year - also in the West Bay. I don't know much about them, and I believe that this year they only go up until Year 2 - assuming that will increase each year.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 10:06
Was just chatting with an Aussie colleague - saying how cool it is that the finals are the same week as Australia Day. Have a happy!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 10:01
The hospital is actaully called Al Amal Hospital - known to be one of the best cancer hospitals in the region and beyond. http://www.hmc.org.qa/alamal/index.htm It is a public hospital, which means that if you are a resident of Qatar and apply for a Medical Card (QR 100/year) the services and medications would be at very low cost. I recently met a woman who works there as a radiation therapist, and would be happy to try to put you in touch with her if you would like. Contact me at rachelawad at gmail dot com All the best to you!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2011 - 22:28
I've gotten 6 texts from Qtel so far. Six goals? WOW! Thats 1200 more points! Thanks GinaM - you didn't let me down!! :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2011 - 21:36
I would recommend that you post this on the Qatar forum as there might be ladies there who have had direct experience. Yes, the government cancer hospital (can't remember the name, but there's only 1) is well, the only one in Qatar. It has an excellent reputation. I was speaking to my internist at one of the private hospitals here (I'm in Doha) about a relative who had been diagnosed with lung cancer, and my doctor said "if it was my relative, I would try to get them to Qatar to the cancer hospital - top notch!" Last weekend I met a British woman who is a radiation therapist at that hospital. She spoke really highly of the facilities and overall level of care. She's a friend of a friend and I can try to get her email as I'm sure she'd be in a good position to compare treatment options in Qatar and the UK. Send me your email and I'll try to connect you. I'm at: rachelawad at gmail dot com Best of luck to you!
 
 
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