RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 October 2012 - 08:19
Hello????
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 21:27
We live in the West Bay and my son is at ASD which is next door to Doha College. Depending on the time of day the drive can be 15-20 minutes or as long as 30 -- I've never found it to be longer. So in my opinion, doable.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 20:48
We were at the Meridien Terrace last weekend and it was great! Packed -- but all seats are in good view of the stage and close to the buffet. Great setup, fun music, great food -- QR 219 for unlimited food and drink. Highly recommended!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 18:53
Yup. Tourist visa (at least for visa-on-arrival passports) can be renewed at airport immigration for 1 month -- the low white building across from the parking lot at the departures airport.
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 18:47
We haven't bought them for a few years, but always had good luck at Party Kingdom by the Jaidah flyover. They have a lot, from really simple to quite elaborate -- with prices in similar ranges.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 12:08
If you haven't already, you should check out the used furniture souq in Najma.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 12:07
If they are on the waiting list, presumably this is because there are currently no spaces in these grades? In that case, the availability of spaces will depend on families moving out -- which is of course not possible to predict. You should speak to the admissions office and ask them how many names are ahead of yours on the waiting lists for these grades. My son was admitted to ASD (high school) last year second semester. I was told that it's a good time to be applying as there are far fewer people seeking admission at this time. Stay in close touch with the admissions office.
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 22:12
This was in the information on ASD's newsletter in the section about cub scouts: [email protected]
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 22:52
I think the answers here have pretty much covered it (no pun intended). But I just want to add that IMHO Doha is definitely NOT Dubai. I was in Dubai over the weekend with a few girlfriends all from Doha, and we were shocked to see what some of the women were wearing when having dinner (buffet, nothing too fancy) at one of the hotels. Dresses so short that they were more like t-shirts -- barely reached the bottom of the underwear. They looked great -- but I would never expect to see anything quite that short in Doha.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 08:00
We've used Runway a few times. Better rates than other companies quoted, and always have done a great job.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 05:15
Roosha, you should know that the British curriculum i NOT a year ahead of the US -- they just have a different naming system to the grades/year groups which are 1 number off. But it evens out by the end as the US system goes through grade 12 whereas the UK system goes through Year 13. A great example is actually ISL, which switched a few years ago from the UK year group names to US grade names (all the while using the IB curriculum and not a US or UK curriculum). Students who were in Year 9 one year were in 9th grade the next year (the year of the switch) and now the school ends after 12th Grade instead of Year 13. A decent comparison chart can be seen here: http://www.associationinternationalschool.org/38/9/US-Grades-vs.-UK-School-Year-Comparison If your son would be starting 1st grade in the US, he would NOT be starting Year 1 in a UK school, but Year 2. And say you are here for a few years and he ocmpletes Year 4 in a UK school, when you return to the US the next year he would be in 4th grade, not 5th. Hope this makes sense. I only mention all of this as you had said you are looking at UK schools so that your son would essentially be a year ahead when you returned to the US, and this is not the case. Also, you should know that Doha College (and DESS) give preference to UK passport holders, and if your son does not have this you stand pretty much no chance of getting space at either.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 00:01
I know it used to be the case that the Hamad clinics would give treatment (including vaccinations) without RP -- do we know if that's still the case? I recently read somewhere that Hamad Hospital is no longer treating patients who don't have RP. I have no idea if that's true, and can't remember where I read it. But worth putting the question out there. Does anyone know?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 08:57
I didn't even bother calling, as I was at Landmark and the kiosk isn't there anymore. It's really frustrating that they don't deliver here when they do in Dubai for the same service. Oh well...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 20:01
[b'>[i'>Visa on arrival in Qatar is available for the residents of these countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, The Netherlands, USA, UK, Vatican City. [/i'>[/b'> I believe the cost is QR 100, which must be paid by credit card, not cash. For the full info, check out this link: http://www.qatarvisitor.com/index.php?cID=413&pID=978
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 19:51
Thanks tamieq1. Guess I shouldn't be surprised! I'll be at Landmark tomorrow so will wander over to the Kiosk and ask just for the **** of it. But guess I'll be driving out the the main office anyway. If I learn of anything different, I'll post an update.
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 23:58
There is no single standard on which to compare. Every school has its fans, and one family's "best" could be another families "no never!" Criteria varies so much. A better approach is to maybe describe what you are looking for in the ideal, and let people share their experiences as they relate to what you want. For some people, class size and mix of student nationalities matter. For others, nothing matters other than university placements. And still for others, it's the teacher's qualifications. And so on and so on... "Best" is, at the end of the day, a very subjective measure.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 07:49
I think you will have more options with apartments than with villas in that range -- apartments on the pearl, or in one of the many towers around City Center. For villas some of the compounds in Al Gharaffah would be worth a look -- still quite close to the West Bay. Hopefully others can post with specific compound recommendations.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 23:08
I think the closest we have is Carrefour. Which is to say... NO!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 22:13
All the hype of opening on Dec. 12 2012 (12/12/12) is apparently a thing of the past. I actually heard the new opening is planned for early 2014 -- but I have no idea if that's actually the plan or not. But -- (and here's the really important part) as far as I know Ikea is still on track to open around the end of this year. Yay!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 22:07
There are 2 Spinneys -- one on the Pearl and on in The Mall (that's the actual name of the mall) on the D Ring Road. If you are coming up the D ring Road with the airport behind you, you'll come to The Mall roundabout after you pass Lulu on the left. Make a u-turn at the roundabout (heading back toward Lulu and the airport) and take the 1st right to The Mall parking lot. I've heard that the Spinneys here are not nearly as good as the ones in Dubai, so hope you're not disappointed. There's no waitrose here.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 22:05
Are you coming with family or is it just you and DH? If you give us an idea of housing budget, we can give you some suggestions of compounds or areas to live. I know you'll miss your friends, but Doha is great for a down to earth kind of gal! And EW is the perfect place to start! Welcome in advance...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 20:08
I have some swimming ones that are pretty good -- but not comfortable for sleeping. But they are not made of wax, so the Ozone ones might work better for my purposes. I live next to City Center and work next to Landmark, so I should be able to get to both places easily. And LadyD let me know what you learn from your son. I'm happy to order online if they are will do the trick! Thanks all!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 20:02
I love OPI Bubble Bath -- one of my all time favorites in fact. I heard today from a woman who has a business in Villagio that they are planning on re-opening in a matter of days. Assuming the OPI stall will still be around.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 20:50
I do understand that -- but I think even unintentionally it does send a message.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 16:01
Both are under control with meds, and I'm feeling so much better than when I was first diagnosed. I have a lot of weight to loose and hopefully that will make me less dependent on meds. I am determined not to let the diabetes progress to the point of insulin, to the extent that I can control that. kitune, I've sent you an email -- assuming the address I have is still current? Let me know if you don't get it. And hope you find a workable solution through on of these doctors!
RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 14:03
momoyum Dr. Tarek is the only Dr. I see, and he treats me for both issues. He has me do ocmplete blood workup every few months and monitors my blood pressure -- as far as he is concerned, all of the issues are interrelated (and all tied in to weight as well, which he also monitors). I'm with QIC for insurance and except for some small co-pays (which are an issue between QIC and Al Ahli) my visits and tests are all covered. I get my prescriptions filled at an outside pharmacy, because at Al Ahli they are only covered 85%, but at other pharmacies in QIC's network they are covered 100%.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 19:44
You can definitely go to the main appointment desk at Al Ahli to book an appointment with him. Make sure to specify Dr. Tarek Sheikh in internal, as apparently there is another Dr. Tarek in another department. He's not an endocrinologist but I do believe that hormonal issues are one of his specialities -- he does treat quite a few paitents with diabetes, and I really recommend him highly. If you share your frustration with regard to other doctors, he'll be really understanding (I had a really bad experience before I saw him and he was great about it). And he will absolutely listen to you. The other Dr. that amy77 mentioned is wonderful also (I know her as a friend, never been treated by her medically but I wouldn't hesitate!). I'll send you her email. Good luck!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 09:20
I suffered from migraines for years -- you have my total sympathy. About 3 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, and am on meds for both. Since going on the meds, i haven't had a single migraine. I never actually discussed it with my doctor, but I am pretty certain this wasn't just random coincidence. I see Dr. Tarek Sheikh at Al Ahli -- he heads their internal med department, and has a very holistic approach (ie treats the person, not just the symptoms or the disease). He doesn't specialize in migraines, but I would recommend a complete physical and blood workup as it just may reveal an underlying cause. Hope you get it sorted!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 06:38
Qatar is not a part of the UAE so I doubt that the visa time for Abu Dhabi is really going to tell you much. A lot has to do with the specific employer -- it might be good to look for someone who is already employed by DH's new employer and see what their process was. When I came we had the business visas (for the whole family) in a few weeks, and those were converted to RPs in about a month's time. But that was 7+ years ago, so probably not much more relevant than the Abu Dhabi timing today. Hopefully someone will be able to respond with more recent info for Qatar.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 23:30
It was excellent - thanks! I only just realized from another thread that you ShopGirl12 are the previous Good Morning and Guten Morgen! We didn't go to Egypt this Eid as we only came back form the US in the middle of the Eid break, so just spent the time unwinding. Already planning for the next Eid, which also won't be Egypt - thinking someplace in Easter Europe. Although I do have some business travel to Egypt in the next month or so, so I'll get my fill! :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 00:08
When I took out a car loan I made sure that the repayment terms did not exceed the length of the contract I had at the time. So by the time the contract ended the loan was paid off, which was 1 less thing to worry about when I did finally change jobs. Before I was able to get final clearance from my old job (and as a prerequisite to the NOC) I needed, among other things, a letter from my bank stating that I had no outstanding obligations. Definitely see what the bank says, but also find out if there are conditions from your DH's current employer with regard to clearance and NOC.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 23:56
Maghrabi is as state of the art as it comes with regard to optometry in Qatar -- I would definitely recommend. And for podiatrist I personally recommend Dr. Tanner at Aspetar.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 September 2012 - 19:26
For sending mail out, I've used the Express Mail Service (called Mumtaz) through the General Post Office. It's fast and reliable, and generally 1/2 the price of the courier services. I definitely recommend it.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 01:04
halfpatbxt, I actually am here with my family (DH and 1 teenage son) but my DH is away more than he's here, so sometimes I do feel like a single mom. I've been here about 7 1/2 years, which I NEVER imagined would happen since we first came on a 15 month contract. One of the biggest challenges, especially for newcomers, is that so many activities are scheduled during the workday and/or revolve around kids (thinking coffee mornings and school-related functions). Those of us who work full time have a tougher time meeting new people (outside of work of course). Arranging to meet up with people with shared interests and similar schedules makes a world of difference. I assume that any single women who are here are here for their own work, so one thing I can suggest is the Qatar Professional Women's Network (QPWN). They host networking events every month -- of course these are always in the evening, outside of regular working hours! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Qatar-Professional-Womens-Network/300921385237
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 23:34
Again, whether it's okay or not is totally up to the individual school. As with most things in Doha, the answer that seems to be the most logical and reasonable is sadly often not the answer at all. In many schools decisions do not in fact rest with the principal, but with the school owners. But as saraomar said, even if a school rep does tell you that it's not possible, it's always best to ask to speak with the person who is responsible for the decision, be it the principal or someone else. At the end of the day, there are as many exceptions to rules as there are rules! :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 22:36
Unless there has been a major change, ACS offers an American curriculum, in conjunction with IB programs (they are now a candidate for MYP and DP authorization from the IBO). They are a relative newcomer to Doha, but have quickly earned quite a positive reputation. If they are expanding their enrollments it is certainly worth a look!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 00:54
It's actually not nonsense (although it is totally ridiculous IMHO). The residency requirement is the official policy set by the SEC, and while many schools are willing to bypass it as long as they are convinced that the residency is in process, other schools do things more by the letter of the law. In the end of the day it's the school's discretion.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 00:50
Essentially, anyplace that is officially classified as a bar requires a passport or Qatari ID in order to enter. Sometimes the criteria seems pretty random. As lulubaker said, the Belgian Cafe (in the Intercon) is considered a restaurant so no ID required. Champions (in the Courtyard) is a bar (even though they have a pretty full food menu) so no getting in without ID. One suggestion might be to do a Friday brunch as your bday celebration. All of the big hotels do them, and most are lovely. The Marriott is a personal favorite, as is the Ritz. You pay a set price (set lower if you're having food and soft drinks only, and more if you want wine/beer/bubbly included). Time Out Doha did a nice review of all brunches last winter -- worth a google. Welcome to Qatar. And happy birthday in advance!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 10:49
A friend of mine uses a tailor in City Center for alterations and hemming. I'm not exactly sure where it's located -- I think on the same level as the cinema. Will ask her -- or maybe she'll see this as she does pop into EW sometimes.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 23:30
Welcome to all the new arrivals! I totally understand why singles would want to connect with other singles as it is indeed a different day to day life than those who are here with family. And I really get the idea of meeting up with other women -- I've made my share of great friends through EW. But I've got to ask -- why would any of you feel the need to identify your skin color? Strikes me as very odd. <em>edited by RachelA on 27/08/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 22:50
Lovely GM! Once again you've manged to make me smile on my vacation! Have a wonderful eid!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 August 2012 - 04:00
On the US and UK Amazon Kindle stores there are loads of free and/ or cheap books. Sometimes they are new authors trying to gain an audience, and some better known authors just on special limited time deals. You can actually sort by "top free books" on either site. Also, books published before copyright restrictions are all available free, and this includes many classics. Many on Amazon. If you google "free books for kindle" you'll find quite a few sites in addition to amazon as well. I have a US and UK amazon account, and regularly switch my kindle account between the two. Often there are free or cheap books on one site that are not available on the other, so it's worth checking both.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 August 2012 - 17:06
For podiatrist I highly recommend Dr. Tanner at Aspetar. Not easy to get an appointment, but he's excellent. <em>edited by RachelA on 07/08/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 August 2012 - 01:03
Al Fardan 3 and 4 are both much closer to Park House than Al Fardan 5.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 August 2012 - 07:04
I don't think you can buy any local health insurance in Qatsr withou an RP. Hamad Medical is the public (national) health scheme which any resident is able to obtain for QR 100/year. They will certainly treat non-residents in the emergency rooms and mauve even the local clinics. There are a number of private insurance companies based in Qatar. QIC (Qatar Insurance Co) is one of the bigger ones. I don't think that non-residents can purchase a policy though. I do believe that by local labor law every employer must provide health insurance, either through Hamad or a private provider.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 August 2012 - 21:04
RDT SA=South Africa Louise can DH's work bring you in on business visas while his rp is being finalized? Alternatively, tourist visas arranged through a hotel? Just a,few suggestions... <em>edited by RachelA on 01/08/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 August 2012 - 21:03
Aramex definitely does do door to door delivery in Qatar, just not for the shop n ship service. It's very common for shipments to spend some time at the port or airport for customs clearance. Can't you just send it either as air freight or excess baggage on your flight? Sounds like its a number of boxes, not a container.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 August 2012 - 16:56
Hi Picklz. If you go to the US Embassy they have a "packet" for the fingerprinting/police clearance. You can take it to the CID Fingerprint place beyond the Industrial Area (just after the big overapass on Salwa Road. The packet includes all of the instructions for the stage at which each party needs to stamp it, including the US embassy, FBI, Qatari stamp (from I can't remember which department, on C Ring Road not far from Toyota signal). It was all pretty straighforward -- took about 10 weeks I think all told.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 August 2012 - 00:41
I know it's not exactly the same, but we tried to bring my husband's niece to Qatar. She's Egyptian, works for Saudi Air (with KSA iqama). Usually in Qatsr any GCC resident can get visa on arrival, as can airline staff. The rule didn't apply in either case due to her being Egyptian. We ended up getting a tourist visa through one of the hotels. A bit of a nuisance and expense, but doable. Good luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 July 2012 - 19:28
I have a former colleague who used to teach courses for Walden -- the quality of instruction seemed excellent from what I could see. One of the things to check is if the program you are looking at is accredited. If it is, by a reputable accreditation body, then that tells you something about the quality of the program.
 
 
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