RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2011 - 14:14
I know that I have friends who like the one at Centerpoint, but not sure about the ages.
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2011 - 14:11
007elbow that's an awful lot of family to have visiting all at once - best of luck to you!! ;)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2011 - 12:20
Phokoje, most of the women I know here (inlcuding myself) are really happy to be here! Personally I came for what I thought would be 15 months, and that was almost 6 years ago! Still here totally by choice. Qatar is definitely a "what you make of it" kind of place and not everyone loves it - but then not everyone loves NYC or London either, do they? I've never once been groped - with the exception of a less than pleasant experience at The Cube (nightclub at the Ramada) that was not at all typical of my day to day experiences. I work with Qataris, and like people everywhere, some are wonderful and some not so much. Happily more of the former than the latter. From jwal's comment it seems that you are now in Dubai? If you are, you should pop on over and check things out for yourself. Best of luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 11:21
I agree with GinaM - the sun here, however hot, is not as strong as it on the east coast of the USA. I can sit at the pool or here all day and not get 1/2 the sunburn I would if I were sitting out at home for a few hours, even though it's much hotter here. I've always found that to be a bit strange, but I'm sure there's a logical explanation out there somewhere... ;)
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 07:09
July, Aug. and September are the worst. Miserable really. 40-50˚C (100-120˚F more or less) and grossly humid. Survival strategies include staying inside as much as possible. Pool time can be great [b'>[i'>IF[/i'>[/b'> you have access to a chilled pool. We tend to wait until after sunset to do any errands - but with the humidity, it's not really a whole lot better then. I first arrived here in April. I worked with a Qatari gentleman who was very worried about how I was going to handle the summer. By the end of April the temps were creeping (but not yet too humid) and he said "Hot enough for you? Just wait." Then in May he repeated the same line. And again in June. And July. Seems that just when you think it can't get any hotter or more humid, it does both! But then, as you see now, we get what I find to be the most amazing winter weather. Winters where, apart from the occasional rain, you just want to be outside all of the time. In time we do learn to acclimate. Almost 6 years in, I still find the summers to be hard, but not quite as hard as that first summer was.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 17:36
Mine came from the US, and I bought my son one at Carrefour. They are identical. In Villagio I checked at C4, Virgin and Emax (kiosk right in front of C4) and C4 was the cheapest - again for identical products. There are 3 different memory capacities (16, 32 and 64 gb) and either wifi only or wifi with 3g (the 3g requires a subscription plan through vodafone or qtel). 3g is more expensive than wifi only, and of course more memory = more money.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 14:14
On the road leading from Gulf Cinema Signal (C Ring) and Mall Roundabout (D Ring) opposite the Woqood Petrol Station.
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 11:59
I have a few friends who go to Dr. Makki's Surgicenter and are happy with the results.
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 10:43
Given that 2 storey villas are more common, you might have more options if you just put in a baby gate! Mothercare sells them - and I believe that some people have had local carpenters make them as well. The single storey ones that I know of (including maids rooms) are in Messeilah and Riviera Gardens. No idea about vacancies, or prices.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 10:36
I have a friend who was living here in a 2 bedroom apartment. They had a young child (he was 3 months old when they arrived) and they had a full-time live in who shared the 2nd bedroom with the baby. It was not an ideal situation, but they were clear with her before they hired her, and she was okay with the set up. There were only 2 bathrooms, so the guest-bathroom (which had a shower) was also the maid's bathroom. Personally, I was contemplating moving to a villa without a maids room at one point, and our maid would have used the spare bedroom. I much prefer to have the separate maids quarters as it does give her much more privacy during her non-working hours. If your children are still babies it would probably work better than if you have older kids, as in this case they would be sharing a bathroom. So yes, it's possible, but not the ideal situtation as far as I'm concerned. Hope this helps.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 23:24
Thanks!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 21:46
What about a medicine ball? I have a DVD that calls for one - but says a kettlebell will be okay in the alternative. Anyone spotted medicine balls anywhere?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 17:06
You can get a micro-sim from either Qtel or Vodafone and use it on the same line (ie same number) that you already have through them. I have my iPhone on a Qtel plan - it's not a special iPhone plan. I use one of the post-paid Shahry plans and then for an additional QR 50/month I have 3g internet service. The guy at the Qtel shop in City Center input the Qtel settings - but I don't think it was particularly complicated. Mines a 3GS so no facetime - but I have friends who have brought them in from other countries where apple sells unlocked phones and they have facetime working here. No idea about the activation - mine is linked to my US iTunes account and I download from iTunes with no problems. When I'm ready to go for the iPhone 4 I'll definitely be asking a friend in the UK or NZ to get it for me - I want a factory unlocked on AND I want facetime. Let us know how you get on with it.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 11:43
That's very disheartening TeePee!! I've been at mine for 3+ years (so far!) and my contract clearly says that I am entitled to gratuity for every year of service. If for any reason they try to deny me this, I will be a VERY unhappy camper. I do know others who have received it, so am hoping that at this particular agency it's not going to be an issue. Fingers crossed...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 19:15
Gotta love EW! I was driving around Salwa trying to find the fingerprint place this afternoon, and suddenly remembered this thread. I pulled over, pulled out my phone and found NewbieDoha's directions - which were PERFECT. Got there around 3:30 and it was so quiet. Sadly I need the inked fingerprints (need them for something at home) and they only do those between 6:30-12:30, so I'll have to head back there next week. But I never would have found it without EW - it has moved at least twice since I first arrived in Qatar and went for my RP prints. :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 11:48
I don't have direct experience with the gastroenterology department, but the Internal Medicine department at Al Ahli is superb!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 11:45
Sam my son left Park House 3 years ago and the road works were going on then. They are STILL not finished? Oh and to the OP, my son was there for Years 3-6 and was generally very pleased.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 11:43
Best wishes to you Joyce! And safe travels...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 07:46
Hi Sega, I'm not sure at all, but here are a couple of suggestions: Does the mum have a disabled parking think (sorry can't think of the word) from her home country that she can bring? I know in the US they don't do stickers - they now do these hanging permits (sort of looks like a "do not disturb" one that you would put on a hotel door) that goes behind the rear view mirror, and can be moved to other cars. If she does, I would suggest she bring it. That might be enough. Otherwise I would suggest checking either with a car rental agency (they sometimes know interesting info re driving here) or else with the traffic police. Also maybe check with Hamad Hospital or one of the private hospitals?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 19:22
In what ways do the labor laws not apply to government employees. I'm a government employee and as far as I can tell we get more than the minimum required on most matters. Considering that we generally get a week or more off for each Eid, for example. What benefits do we NOT get?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 18:43
Some employers count working days and others count calendar days when giving leave - it should be specified in the contact. I've had both, and in the end the actual leave time was exactly the same.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 08:56
I think all of the Carrefour's are open in the morning. And a few Cafes. And the wholesale markets (Omani, plant, fruit/veg). It's a great time to start driving as the roads are very quiet - nice way to ease your way in. Saturday early mornings are also not too bad traffic-wise, and lots more things are opened.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 08:53
Got it! Thanks so much JoyceB!
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 06:56
A friend of mine leads a Girl Scout troup in the US, and she has asked me for help. They have chosen Qatar for their "Thinking Day" Country and would like to get in touch with Scouts/Guides here. Can anyone point me toward the group here, or give me contact info for the leader? If you don't want to post the info here, feel free to send me an email. Thanks! <em>edited by RachelA on 19/01/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 18:11
I'd love some recommendations for some lower cost (budget?) hotels too. For a few adult males - no kids. Clean, safe, and central location would be perfect. Thanks!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 14:43
Ouch!!!
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 14:42
Unfortunately it is a bit more complicated since you work for the same sponsor. Husband's sponsor has to sign off on his sponsoring you, and in this case they might not agree. You can probably work while being on your husband's sponsorship, but it might not be so easy to GET on your husband's sponsorship in this particular case.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2011 - 18:52
Thanks for sharing this Sam. I've had the honor of working with quite a few Queenslanders over the past few years, and I'm so inspired by the way the community there has come together to pitch in and help. It'll be nice to have the chance to help out from here.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2011 - 17:05
There is no school in Qatar that won't yield you mixed reviews. Especially as not every parent has the same priorities in rating and choosing a school. It might help to know what you consider important. ASD is considered by many to be one of - if not THE - best schools in Doha. Every school has its strengths and weaknesses, but I think that ASD is heavier on the strength column. DBM is undergoing a change in Senior Management, so a lot will rest on who the new Head is as to how good the school continues to be. If you are looking for a British Curriculum have you considered Sherborne? Less expensive than ASD and Compass.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2011 - 13:01
Supreme Education Council - they have a Private Schools Office which oversees Private Education, including fees.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2011 - 09:26
I got travel insurance locally from QIC last year for my son who was going on a school trip. It was really reasonable as far as I recall.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2011 - 09:02
Just wanted to let you all know that Aspetar (sports med/orthopedic hospital at Aspire) has an only appointment request system. You don't actually make the appointment online - just give them your details and request one. I just put a request in, so no idea how efficient the system actually is - I'll let you know. In my opinion if you have an orthopedic issue that's not an emergency, its worth getting into their system. You might have to wait a while for the initial appt, but its typically easier to get follow ups once you are in. The one downside is that they don't work with any insurance providers - you have to pay cash and then seek reimbursement. Just an FYI...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 January 2011 - 23:27
I don't even think there are 80 regular posters on this board! GinaM if they've gone to Al Khor it's most likely through Hamad - I know a few people who have gone that route as well. I also know a few who have had surgeries with Dr. Makki (tummy tuck, breast augmentation) and I haven't heard any complaints!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 January 2011 - 23:14
I am SO with you silver6 - I LOVE it!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 January 2011 - 10:55
WAIT??!!! Ikea opening here in April? How come this is the first I'm hearing about this? I mean I've heard rumors over the years that Ikea might open in Qatar, but I've never heard anything definite. Do we have any more info? If it's opening in April that should mean that construction is well under way - any idea where? I know I'm silly to get so excited, especially given the rumors over the years of all the great stores that are coming here but never actually have (when I first arrived, almost 6 years ago, I heard on very good authority that Saks 5th Avenue would be opening in Landmark in 6 months. Enough said?). Anyway - and apologies to the OP for hijacking your thread - any news on Ikea is most welcome!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 23:42
That's SO EXCITING Jill! Have a wonderful time, be safe, and be very proud of yourself!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 16:54
ABBM this is great info - unfortunately not for the OP. This is a Doha thread.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 14:23
Still better than NOT having them at all though... ;)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 14:21
Are rice noodles wheat free? That might be another option. Also it might be worth contacting the Organic Supermarket in Dubai and seeing if it's possible to order items to be shipped here? Parenting a toddler is challenging enough... best of luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 23:03
You should totally get your own group started!! I posted here (well, on the Qatar boards) about joining Weight Watchers online and wanted to get a group of us together. A decent response, we made a plan to meet, and the rest, as they say, is history. That 1st meeting was 2 years ago next week. The group is still going strong, and we've had a lot of weight loss successes! Good luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 19:38
No idea on agencies. For the nationality, is the PRO at your or your husband's work any help? Otherwise maybe check directly with the Labor Department, as I think they are the ones who approve the nationality.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 16:17
What about Beverly Hills Al Rayan? It's not too far from the Embassy.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 12:44
Don't know about play areas, but if you are talking about the "Enertainer" coupons, these should specify any dates or days that are excluded, but otherwise it should be valid all the time.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 11:32
Well essentially you have 3 options for live-out help. Two are legal, one is not. 1) Sponsor a maid/nanny, but provide her with outside accomodation. I knew one person who had done this before - her maid shared accom with a few others, and my friend paid her QR 2000 on top of her full time wages. This is legal, but is quite expensive. 2)Part-time help via an agency. which is also legal. Most agencies as far as I know have a 4 hours minimum, which doesn't sound like a problem for you. I believe the going rate is QR 25-30 and hour, so based on QR 25 at 6 hours/day 5 days/week which comes to double what most people pay for full-time live in. Of course for full time live-in you are also paying for flights, sponsorship fees, etc. so the difference is a bit less dramatic. But still more expensive as far as I can tell. 3)Part-time help from someone individually, who has sponsorship from someone else. Definitely done. Definitely illegal. And I think about the same rates as you would pay an agency. If I'm wrong about any of the above please feel free to correct me anyone. I posted on another thread that it might be worth giving full-time live-in more thought - but of course that's just 1 person's opnion. Good luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 11:25
I know it's a bit hard to get your head around the idea of having someone live in your home - it certainly was for me. But given that part time help can be harder to find, much harder to find legally, and can be much much much more expensive that full-time live in, many of us consider it more than we thought we would. When I first arrived in Qatar my son was only 8 years old, and I had a lot of meetings and work obligations in the evening. So we quickly realized that full-time live-in made a lot of sense. And I have to say, while it was certainly an adustment, it has been amazing having help at this level. Over the years we have had great and not so great experiences, but in the end it has been wonderful. I no longer need the child-care aspect, but coming home to a house that is always spotless, having my clothes ironed and hung in my closet without my having to deal with it (ironing is my most hated task!) and of course help in the kitchen (I cook but she does the prep and clean-up) is fabulous, especially as a full-time working mom. I have many friends who feel the same way. So yes, it's an adjustment. And its not for everyone. But it can be a wonderful experience all around as well. So give it some thought. Personally I'd be lost without my maid, and I NEVER imagined I'd ever say such a thing.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 07:38
endless.com (affiliated somehow with Amazon) is an online shoe store. If you search for boots, you can select from a bunch of options (heel height, boot height, etc) and of of the options is wide calf. Brings up many great styles!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 January 2011 - 22:38
I have been invited to a conference in Syria later this year, and received the following info from the organizers regarding visas. Note that the info refers to the Four Seasons, as that is the conference venue. I would assume that many hotels can provide the same. [i'>[b'>Visas to Syria Arab nationals do not need visas to travel to Syria. All other nationalities must apply through their embassies. The Four Seasons hotel arranges visas for guests of all nationalities except US citizens, who need to apply through the Syrian embassy in their country. To obtain a visa through the Four Seasons in Damascus, please send a copy of your passport and reservation confirmation number to [email protected]. The cost of the visa runs between SYP 1,000-2,000 or USD 20-45.[/b'>[/i'>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 January 2011 - 22:07
They had the chives and the (yuk) pineapple, but both were full fat. Still on the search...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 January 2011 - 20:54
I was at Lulu D Ring twice in the past few days (and it was a miserable experience both times, but that's the subject for another thread...) and sad to say they only had regular cottage cheese, not low fat.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 January 2011 - 20:50
Many years ago my DH (who is originally Egyptian) became a naturalized American. At the time the US had a "don't ask don't tell" policy about maintaining ones original citizenship, and DH didn't tell - and he was never asked to renounce either one. He is very proud to be Egyptian and would never give it up, but he is also very pleased to be able to vote in US elections, and to travel with a lot more ease than his Egyptian passport allows.
 
 
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