RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 April 2013 - 09:06
Years ago Great Wall (behind The Center) used to deliver. I called them last year for delivery and they told me "minimum order for delivery QR 400." I went into the Chinese restaurant in City Center (not Noodle House -- the one on behind the cinema) and they told me the same thing.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 19:27
norak I recently got the paperwhile and it's FABULOUS! I used to have the keyboard one, and the difference in screen/e-ink quality is unreal. I got mine from Amazon, but noticed that they are available at Virgin (in Qatar -- assuming also in UAE) for not a horrible price.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 18:59
If you say Lulu Baker most everyone in Doha will know who she is. And will smile at the thought of her... :cool: Miss you loads lulubaker!!!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 22:04
Definitely it's for the Arab League -- loads of regional dignitaries and diplomats from the 22 Arab League countries are here or on their way into town!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 12:59
Not sure how much help I'll be -- but I'll try. Looking for a very particular fabric for my FIL -- DH is the one with the details/specs. I'm sure there are others here who can guide you to the best shops but for sure I'll post what I learn.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 12:42
That's what I thought -- but glad to know for sure. Thanks fhasnat!
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 01:15
I've been thinking about this one, and have come up with a possible solution. If you have the kindle reader on your computer (mac or pc) you can open the book there and take a screen-shot to print. A bit roundabout, but still could do the trick.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 22:32
Exactly -- there are 2 "AAA" batteries that go on one side (there's a slot on one of the ear pieces) and the chord attaches/detaches from the other side. They seem to last quite a while before they need changing. There are the ones I have. Not cheap -- but they've saved the day (or night) on many a long flight. http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/headphones/noise_cancelling_headphones/quietcomfort_15/index.jsp If not Virgin, you can try the Bose shop at Lagoona. edited by RachelA on 18/03/2013 <em>edited by RachelA on 18/03/2013</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 16:32
I have the Bose noise-cancelling headphones which I bought a few years ago at Virgin. They work whether or not they are attached to a device. I often use them on planes without the chord attached at all. There is an "on/off" switch on the headphone itself, and as long as it's on the noise cancelling feature is activated. The problem is that these are over the ear, so might not be too practical when sleeping in a bed (as opposed to sleeping in an airplane chair). I have serious construction noise too. I sometimes use the foam twisty earplugs that I picked up at a local pharmacy. And sometimes I use my klipsch in-ear buds, which aren't noise cancelling but do a good job of dulling the noise. And when I reach the end of my rope I turn to Tylenol PM.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 13:37
I understand. I was only suggesting that if the process for employees is followed, he could avoid the whole issue altogether.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 09:45
If a new employee is arriving then the employer should arrange a visit visa or business visa in advance -- a new employee shouldn't have to enter the country on a tourist visa at the airport.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 09:44
As far as I know you cannot get repeat prescriptions. I ask my doctor to write them out for 3 months and then when the pharmacy calls it in I explain that I do a lot of business travel -- they have always approved it. I see a Dr. at Al Ahli but I always fill my prescriptions at Khulood (Burger King Roundabout). They are much better stocked than Al Ahli and in the case of my insurance there is a co-pay at Al Ahli pharmacy but not at Khulood.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 00:48
Last year Asia Live at the Marriott was in the Entertainer book. It's not reasonable, but if there's a coupon in this year's book then it is -- and it's delicious!! Our favorite for no-frills reasonable is Korean Garden at Ramada Junction -- menu is split between Korean and Japanese.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 18:45
I second Khulood at Burger King Roundabout. The Al Ahli pharmacist told me ages ago that they are the best stocked -- so if these exist in Qatar, you'll likely find them there.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 18:54
I'm not sure how much you can expect to cut down the time since you are doing a combined school run to Starfish and DC. And you are not likely to find anything that compares to West Bay Lagoon anywhere else in Doha! We live in West Bay (near City Center, not WB Lagoon) and my son is at ASD (right next to Doha College). His school run takes about 20-25 minutes. If you moved to Al Waab for example, you'd be close to DC but still probably 20-25 minutes from Starfish and your husband would have a good 30+ minutes to work. Given that work, nursery and school are in 3 very different areas, I don't think there's an "ideal" area for you to live. Since you already live in such a great area, I would think twice about moving. How old is your son in DC? Would the bus be an option?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 February 2013 - 07:59
You should keep in mind that the "basic salary" - salary before benefits -- is often quite small as compared to the overall package. As a local hire you might not be offered housing and flights (as others have said) and other benefits. These are a huge part of the full package. And as others have said, the types of positions you are talking about, a lot of companies would automatically look to recruit internationally rather than locally. I'm in Qatar which isn't 100% the same, but close enough to compare. Here I know people who have identical positions with the sole difference being one was hired locally and one hired internationally, and the difference in overall package is substantial. I would absolutely think twice before doing the job-search from Dubai.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 February 2013 - 22:45
Hilton is also lovely -- might be a bit less than Intercon.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 23:58
If the other buyer doesn't work out somebody should definitely jump on this -- it's a great deal! About 3 weeks ago I sold a 13" macbook pro with the exact same specs other than the size -- for QR 2500. So QR 2250 is a great deal for this machine. And having recently bought a used iPad from eflowers, I can give her a thumb's up as a seller -- it was in perfect working order! <em>edited by RachelA on 19/02/2013</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 22:11
I've travelled to Casablanca for business -- not sure there is a few days worth of stuff to keep you entertained. I would recommend Marrakesh over Casablanca as a tourist destination! Sorry I can't realy recommend family friendly accommodation in either city, as my travel to both has been business travel. But found much more to do of interest in my down time while in Marrakesh.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 20:29
That price sounds a bit right. There is a separate maids quarter behind the villa, not a part of the villa. Villas are I think 3 and 4 bedroom -- I don't think there any any 5 beds.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 20:27
My kindle account is set to US even though I use a Qatari-based credit card, and I download books here all the time. You might need to go into your amazon account from a computer an make sure under "manage my kindle" that you have the country set to UK (it's been known to switch automatically when I open it in different countries). If you can do this, you should at least be able to purchase books to your computer and then drag them to the Kindle documents folder when you connect the kindle to the computer via USB.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 23:27
It doesn't have to be a choice. The kindle app itself is free, and there are loads of free and inexpensive books available for it. In general I find the prices on Amazon for kindle books to be better than the iBooks prices -- but you can always check both and go for whichever has the best price on the book you want. Both are good apps, but as an iPad and a kindle owner, I prefer reading on the kinlde 1000%!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 22:38
MacBooks are all dual-voltage, which means you can definitely plug them in here with no worries. You will need an adapter so they'll fit the local plugs. These can be bought here easily. For the iPhone, assuming it's an AT&T since it uses a sim. These are generally locked to AT&T, and depending on the model it can be easy or complicated to unlock. Apple sells factory unlocked ones now in the US, so maybe you can go to an Apple Store and see about trading yours in for an unlocked model.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 08:20
Here is a link to a lovely and talented photographer who lives here. I'm pretty sure she's Australian. She doesn't hang out on EW -- she does group lessons in photography and photo-shop, which she advertises through her FB page. http://www.lydiashawphotography.com/ <em>edited by RachelA on 17/02/2013</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 08:17
Many people use the term "nanny" when really they are talking about housemaids. I'm not sure there is a separate employment category for real nannies -- but I think it would be highly unlikely that you could employ yours directly. The only people I know here who have proper nannies are Qatari's -- and there are totally different rules about who they can sponsor. I think that for expats the only positions we are allowed to hire and sponsor are maids and drivers. If your or your husband's work is willing to sponsor her (in a position other than nanny I would think) that might be a way. If your employers has a good PRO who knows the system, it might be good to ask him.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 February 2013 - 23:27
Aspetar isn't on your insurance list because Aspetar doesn't work with ANY insurers. But check with your provider if they would reimburse you. While it's always easier to go to a hospital with direct billing to the insurance, in the case of orthopedics its worth it to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed if you can see someone at Aspetar. By far the best in town in as far as orthopedics goes.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 23:40
Not meaning to pry -- but as you said "partner" and not "husband" it's worth noting that it is not legal to be here together unless you are married. That is the only way he will be able to sponsor you -- and the only way you can legally live together. Doha Mums has regular activities for moms/kids, so that's one nice way to meet people. http://www.dohamums.com/ And of course moms from your daughter's nursery or kG...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 February 2013 - 20:42
Hi. I have a friend who was looking for a 2nd hand iPad -- let me check with him I'm pretty sure he'll be interested. Assuming it's wifi only and not 3g? You have the charger too? Thanks! <em>edited by RachelA on 09/02/2013</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 22:04
A few years ago when I was working for the government (and in government housing) we lived -- with our dog -- in a compound across from the Marriott called "Laffan." I can say for sure that 2 years ago Laffan 1) Was in the government housing pool; and 2) allowed dogs.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 14:55
I was actually going to post a reply which was the whole OP message written out with correct grammar and punctuation. I know this wasn't a formal letter or document, but still disturbing that someone who intends to teach primary school has such a poor command of written English.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 01:24
ASD is also a non-profit school. QA is heavily subsidized by QF, which is what helps to keep the fees lower. A study a few years ago showed the actual cost of educating a student there to be along the lines of ASD -- but ASD doesn't have the subsidy. Both are excellent schools.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 22:57
It comes in full fat and low fat varieties -- should be marked on the package.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 08:49
But we're not in Dubai, we're in Qatar. We tend not to see may of those tiny tiny shorts... At most compounds regular bathing suits (one or two piece) are fine. But based on the make-up of the residents, some do tend to be a bit more conservative. In any case you should bring what you have, because at the hotels you can certainly wear your usual swimwear.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 01:30
Loads of families with kids live in apartments all over Doha. My building is full of families with kids of all ages! I don't know about Holiday Villa in particular, but rest assured that not all families with kids live in villas! God luck with your move.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 20:47
While he's not an endocrinologist, Dr. Tarek Al Sheikh, Head of Internal Med. at Al Ahli, seems to have this as one of his areas of specialization. I know a number of diabetics (including myself) who see him regularly. He's the kind of Dr. who treats the patient rather than the symptoms -- I recommend him highly.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 13:48
Thanks PuppyLove! Two other friends (in FB) recommended the same cafe, so I'm good to go! tamieq I passed it the other day when I was dropping him off. If you are heading to EC from Doha, take the right after the convention center. EC Housing is on the left so you have to go until the roundabout and then make a u-turn so it's on your right. There are signs telling you where to turn right for EC housing -- and it's along that road on your right.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 11:47
I have to bring my son to the EC Housing compound for a team practice that will last a few hours in the early afternoon (today, Friday). Am hoping there's a cafe where I can sit with my laptop and get a couple of hours of work done, rather than driving back and forth from the West Bay twice. Any recommendation? Thanks!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 11:34
No updates other than the fact that I'm still sad... :(
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 21:45
Cal_Hob don't throw it out unless you have a reason to suspect (see or smell) that it's gone bad. Like kimmc3 I've been buying mince at C4 for years -- never had a problem. <em>edited by RachelA on 31/01/2013</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 20:31
That's the same one that does the vaccinations. Are you sure it's for expats only? That just doesn't sound right...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 09:29
30 AED per hour PLUS rt flight to Doha? :\: This is a Qatar thread...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 08:19
I know a few people who do this. In their cases they have decided to accept positions in Doha and leave their families in Dubai so as not to disrupt schooling, so they cover their own costs of returning to Dubai every weekend. I'm not sure what you are asking -- the easiest or the most cost-effective way? Easiest is obviously online, through either Qatar Airways, Emirates or Fly Dubai. If cost is not a concern go with whichever one you want the points for. Fly Dubai is definitely the cheapest, especially if he books far in advance. One of my colleagues actually flies in on Sunday mornings, gets to the office a bit late, but stays late during the week to more than make up for it.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 04:58
Glad to know I'm not the only one Dan Lou!! And since I started this thread a couple of weeks ago, I'm STILL logged in!!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 22:14
Hoping someone with HMC experience can answer -- but I'm thinking that with regard to school fees, that should be stipulated in his contract.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 19:01
Glo in the Renaissance is good -- a bit mellow but nice.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 18:59
I don't know of any. Doha British School used to have a Montessori approach in early years, but not sure if that's still the case. But no stand-alone Montessori nursery schools as far as I know.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2013 - 09:30
The reimbursement depends on your insurance provider. I was in physio for a while and my insurance (QIC) would only reimburse if I had been referred by a medical dr. Best to check your coverage!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2013 - 08:41
There is a marine supply store in that same area (but not right near the Souq) which is the official Garmin supplier in Qatar. I can't remember the name (but Marine or Marin Supply) is definitely in the title) so google should help guide you. C4 also sells Garmins, so may also have chargers -- easier to check there if you are going to be there anyway.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 09:18
I have Prime and I'm in Qatar -- it's not a problem. I think you have to have a US address in the system. And for my kindle account my account is set to the US. I don't have a US credit card -- only use a Qatari card for all my amazon purchases. I don't use a VPN generally, but would need to in order to access the videos I think.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 22:46
That car ad is classic -- I just posted it on FB -- too funny!!
 
 
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