RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 09:09
And even within those sectors (or at least education) it's gotten more difficult - usually only senior level positions. But there is no such thing as your husband coming on "his own visa." He can either enter on a tourist visa (easier if he's from one of the 33 countries entitled to visa on arrival) or he will need to be employed and be sponsored. Without sponsorship and residence he will not be able to have his name on bank accounts, car registration, lease, etc. I would try to speak to someone higher up with your new employer and see if there is a way to push having your husband under your sponsorship.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 20:57
I'm sure I've already suggested this Jill - but your plan should be to hold big sis back from graduating for a few years so that her baby brother will get sibling preference! Just a thought... ;)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 10:16
More on the new Intercon -- they have 50% off on the buffet dinner on Tues nights -- same night as Ladies Night at Hives. Haven't been to either, but it's a good combo for those looking for drinks and eats. I have been to Strata. Amazing views. Incredibly delish cocktails and food. Outrageously expensive. Seriously outrageous.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 June 2012 - 14:22
We were looking at the Juke recently and I really like it! In the end we went with something bigger, but for the size, cost and features I as very tempted.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 June 2012 - 11:43
If you're using Shop and Ship then the vendor is not going be shipping to the UAE -- they'll be shipping to your S&S address in UK or US.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 June 2012 - 11:23
It seems to vary by school -- some keep skeleton staff on site, others close completely. You might want to give them a call now (while they are all still open) and see who will be around when you are here. But you should NOT be waiting until July to make application -- get the applications in now, which is already very late to be honest.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 20:09
Only wives? :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 19:57
Do share Pink Ginger! You never know who is going to need to know the answer tomorrow! It's the EW way...:cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 10:31
This was posted on FB earlier today: https://www.facebook.com/groups/162857450511323/ "We are collecting donations for the families of the victims of the Villagio Incident and for those injured. Donations collected will be passed to the different embassies." Specific names for who to give donations to are listed on the page. Hope this helps.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 10:31
This was posted on FB earlier today: https://www.facebook.com/groups/162857450511323/ "We are collecting donations for the families of the victims of the Villagio Incident and for those injured. Donations collected will be passed to the different embassies." Specific names for who to give donations to are listed on the page. Hope this helps.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 00:28
GoodMorning I'm feeling exactly the same. I have a few friends who have said that they are usually there on Monday mornings (for C4, for children's activities, etc) and for assorted (and fortuitous) reasons they all had last minute changes of plans this mornings and didn't go there. It's going to be a long and restless night for people in Doha -- and people all over the world with friends in Doha. A senseless and unforgivable tragedy.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 00:18
Doha is reeling from the shock and grief tonight. The officials at the mall have much to answer for, although too late for those who tragically lost their lives, and for the families and friends whose lives have been forever changed.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 21:01
Check out QatarSale.com -- loads of SUVs for sale there!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 18:42
I know that for the visa on arrival it can be extended for an additional month without medical. Not sure if that applies to everyone -- possibly age restrictions?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 18:40
Sorry doha123, I understand it's already been sold.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 18:18
My brother (who was a stand-up comic for a while) send me the link. Made me smile... :) There was another article in the NYT yesterday as well: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/us/houston-community-college-helps-expand-educational-options-in-qatar.html?pagewanted=1&emc=eta1 The 2nd one is about the Community College of Qatar and it's relationship with Houston Community College. I did a lot of work with the College here in the years leading up to it's opening -- found this to be a most interesting read. <em>edited by RachelA on 27/05/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 09:14
Hopefully someone here will have some information for you. I just wanted to say how very very sorry I am for your loss.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 09:14
Hopefully someone here will have some information for you. I just wanted to say how very very sorry I am for your loss.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2012 - 23:23
Christmas in May! Totally appreciate your "yay" -- and only slightly jealous... :(
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 May 2012 - 09:19
Another fan of Apple TV here! We have a few macbooks in the house so we can choose to watch anything from any library without having to connect individual devices. And since I tend to play on my iPad while I'm watching movies, it's win-win. My son has a subscription to nba.tv and we can't watch it direct via apple TV because it's an international subscription. But he can play it on his iphone or ipad and then "send it" to the apple tv via airplay. Next I need to get a decent speaker system for the TV, then we'll be using it for music too...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 May 2012 - 08:10
Not a great idea to post the name and number of someone who is selling food products from their home on public forum. I'm just saying...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 May 2012 - 08:08
IMHO one of the better airlines out there... And I believe the only one with non-stop flights from Qatar to the US. I always prefer a direct flight rather than having to change in Europe and then having to go through security again! Keep in mind that when you are redeeming Qmiles for tickets departing from Qatar the taxes are absurd, making the free ticket a far cry from free! If the ticket begins and ends somewhere else the taxes are much lower...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 May 2012 - 08:08
IMHO one of the better airlines out there... And I believe the only one with non-stop flights from Qatar to the US. I always prefer a direct flight rather than having to change in Europe and then having to go through security again! Keep in mind that when you are redeeming Qmiles for tickets departing from Qatar the taxes are absurd, making the free ticket a far cry from free! If the ticket begins and ends somewhere else the taxes are much lower...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 22:44
I popped in to ask the same question. Figured it was an Australian thing when GinaM posted it, but if Ausgirl doesn't know it either (and I'm figuring you're Australian too) then I'm guessing I was wrong. So what it is GinaM? Do I want some?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 21:55
Seems she sent you the wrong info, as Fujairah is in the UAE... :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 21:55
Seems she sent you the wrong info, as Fujairah is in the UAE... :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 21:50
YAY on Ipanema!! I was there this past weekend with some girlfriends and we would all highly recommend it! It is in essence a buffet with a focus on meat (steak and lamb, and a some chicken) but rather than get if from the buffet, they bring it to you -- huge skewers of amazing meat. All was incredibly yummy. There is an actual buffet with soups, salads and breads, and then they bring other salads and fries to the table. Food will keep coming until you say stop -- and it's hard to say stop! I've also been to Champions -- a sports bar with an okay menu of American bar food. Have heard great things about the steak house (but pricey) and have heard mixed reviews of Cuccina.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 20:00
kitsune, are you sure the message is referring to storage on the ipad itself and not your iCloud storage allotment? Depending on your settings music and I'm not sure what else might be stored on iCloud, which I think is about 5gb per user. You can check your available space on your iPad itself by going into Settings/Genera/About and it should give you info about the capacity and how much space is left. And in case this makes no sense at all, there's always iSpot! ;)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 May 2012 - 22:28
When my son was in his first year of formal schooling he had a hard time transitioning from the pre-school world of play. I told him that even if he didn't [i'>[b'>want[/b'>[/i'> to do his homework, the homework police make random visits and its always better to be finished before they drop in. Eventually he caught on to doing his work on his own, and years later he said "OMG - you made that up! There is no homework police, is there?" He's now in high school, and every once in a while I wish he still believed...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 May 2012 - 20:34
desertdiva, I have a friend who is leaving end of June and is selling an Infinity QX56. She's away at the moment - I've written to her to ask if it's still available. No idea what they are asking for it. I do know that she loves the car and is sad to sell -- but they are leaving Qatar so she has to let it go. Here's the basic info: [b'>[i'>[i'>2008 Infiniti QX56. 48K km. loaded with new tires. Never been dune bashing all records available[/i'>[/i'>[/b'> I'll let you know as soon as I hear back from her -- and if your interested and it's still available I'll give you her contact info.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 20:34
Loydence is not a temporary school - they are expanding by adding new grade levels each year. I dont know if they will be primary only or if the plan is to move up to include secondary -- but I've heard that communications is good so a call or email might yield some answers. Perhaps the feedback referred to the fact that they opened in temporary facilities -- a converted villa - until their permanent building is complete? <em>edited by RachelA on 17/05/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 20:26
I don't actually have the inside scoop any more -- I am no longer working at the SEC and no direct involvement with private schools (other than as a parent). I can certainly ask, and whatever I learn I'm happy to share! GinaM is right about English Modern School. It's a UK curriculum, catering primarily to English speaking Arab nationals. From what I know the standard of education is fine. My son has a couple of friends who are Arab and grew up in the US and/or Canada who are there -- I think there is a decent portion of kids who are essentially native English speakers. As with every school, a visit is the best way to get a sense of the school and the fit for your own kids. ETA: Someone on another thread mentioned that it is an Indian school. It's a bit confusing as there is a large Indian school called Modern English School (MES) which is easily confused with the school currently under discussion which is English Modern School. <em>edited by RachelA on 17/05/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 20:21
And is is "unofficially" opened before that?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 10:40
I think the school GinaM is thinking about (the new one) is ACS -- it's an American Curriculum, British management. It's new this year, and getting some very good feedback. Located in Gharrafa. I've also heard some very positive things about Loydence - a British school -- think it goes through Year 4 or 5 at the moment. I have passed their location in the West Bay -- not too far from Rainbow Roundabout -- and have heard mention of another campus in Gharrafa as well.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 22:48
Frazzle, just as Dubai has it's parallel highways from the coast -&gt; inwards: E11, E44, E311, D611.. Roundabouts are less frequently referred to by their names, but, instead called "Decoration" roundabout, "Civil Defense" roundabout, "Sports" roundabout. Even main road junctions / traffic lights have some sort of reference, i.e. Crazy signal, etc ;) Or even better, sometimes junctions that USED to be roundabouts are still referred to by their old roundabout names, even when the "artwork" on which the name was based no longer exists. Who remembers Parachute roundabout? I still call it that, even though there is no roundabout, and no parachute...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 21:51
I've banked with Doha Bank and while it wasn't awful, it certainly wasn't great. Have since moved over to Commercial Bank, and I've been 100% pleased. Even if your DH's employer has direct dealings with Doha and HSBC, they shouldn't have an issue paying salary into other banks. My current employer uses QNB and loads of us have accounts with other banks. Everyone I know who banks with Commercial is as happy with the services as I am.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 21:47
Lori, I'll trust you know more than I do (in this case at least ;) ). When I paid the fees for this quarter I asked the woman in the business office when we will pay for the next semester. She told me that we'll receive the invoices before the end of the semester, and payment is due before school starts. So I was just passing that bit along. It would be a big help if we have until a few weeks into the semester to pay - it's a balancing act for sure! p.s. I suppose I should be honest with myself here -- you know more than I do about a whole load of things...! :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 21:26
I've also put in an inquiry with some former colleagues in the Private Schools Office - will let you know what I learn.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 09:18
Given the imbalance between the need for school spaces and the available spaces, I do not think that any school really runs the risk of having empty seats even if people leave over the summer. And again, it would be worth checking if there is a policy about this from the SEC. I will try to find out...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 09:07
You should check with the Supreme Education Council (Private Schools Office in the Education Institute) if this is allowed. I know that ASD requires that payment be made prior to the start of the semester in late August.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 07:49
You're right tamieg1 -- I got brave and checked the Qtel site: http://www.qtel.qa/QODPPortal/portal/qodp_portal_consumer_detail?_nfpb=true&detailId=DP_FTTX_AVAILABILITY_EN&lang=en&CSRT=15789922134106091151 Our building is in the "coming in 3 months" zone. BHT isn't color coded at all! Guess I should consider myself lucky?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 23:02
Has anyone in an apartment tower had any news? We're in one of the towers in the West Bay. I'm imagining that asking Qtel or our building management will get me nowhere, so I've not bothered.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 21:52
I used to live there as well, and pretty much agree with everything that Vee wrote - although thankfully we didn't have a sewage truck nearby. The maintenance guys tried their best but we also had ongoing problems with the AC's - more often than not they blew hot air. There are plenty of young kids around -- I had neighbors on both sides with 3-4 year olds, and they were always playing outside. I don't know about availability, but if you find there is, there is room to negotiate. I have a colleague who is still there and they are leaving at the end of August, so for sure there is at least 1 villa coming opened! Also there is a nursery school in the compound which might be great for your 1 year old. Where will your kids be at school?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 21:54
GinaM I think that is only if they are already living in Qatar. I know a lot of people who were granted admission from overseas.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 21:52
I'm not aware of any Indian schools that are offering IB (they might be out there - but I don't think so). However the schools that do offer IB are very international and certainly have Indian students. International school of London is just IB (no other national curriculum). ASD and ACS offer American and IB. I think Al Jazeera Academy does British plus IB. Qatar Academy offers IB, but these days they are primariy admitting Qataris (although not exclusively). One way to double check is to go to the IBO website and see which schools in Qatar are authorized in to offer the IB Diploma. With the exception of International School of London I'm pretty sure that the rest that I mentioned are offering IB for the Diploma only -- not PYP or MYP.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 07:57
I agree completely with GinaM and weekfirst. But on a lighter note... I was at Sports Roundabout last night, and caught 3 of the 4 images. Soccer, javelin and basketball. So GoodMorning seems we were both right... The 4th one was harder to catch - traffic was moving more quickly and there wan't any light on it. It kind of looked like tennis, but I couldn't tell for sure. That was the one if you were coming up from the C Ring Road heading toward Rayan (should anyone care to glance up if you're heading in that direction...)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 07:51
I'm pretty sure that in this case the landlord is correct. I don't think the 1 month notice means you can cancel before the contract expires. Most leases have a renewal clause, and the 1 month notice generally means that you have to inform the landlord (or he inform you) 1 month before it expires of your intention not to renew. Otherwise the lease would in essence be a month-to-month rather than an annual lease. It is my understanding that the 2 situations where you can terminate prior to the end of the lease without penalty would be if 1) landlord is in breach of contract, or 2) you are leaving the country. I have heard that there is some kind of rent dispute board here -- hopefully someone will have more information. In any case you probably want to get official advise as this is a legal matter rather than one of opinion. Good luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 07:39
If you are from one of the 33 countries that is issued visa-on-arrival at the airport, then visa runs should not be a problem. Technically schools are supposed to only register kids who are already resident, but the reality is that most schools will admit students while the process is ongoing. At least that's the way it used to be -- please someone correct me if I'm wrong on that one. With regard to school spaces, while the schools might tell you now that they are full for September, there is no way to know what will happen for term 2 or 3. We moved here (albeit years ago) at the start of term 3 when my son was in Year 3, and while there were no spaces a few weeks prior, spaces opened up due to kids leaving mid-year. I would get your applications in to every school you are considering and follow up regularly especially as your move time approaches. I agree with PuppyLove, feedback on Sherborne is consistently positive, and this is not the case with Newton. Another school you might want to consider is Loydence Academy. A relative newcomer, but again I have heard consistently positive feedback from parents. Qatar International School is another one you might add to your list.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 07:28
It's more about timing than distance, so hard to answer the question by distance. Nothing in Doha is very far if you base it on distance, but a 10 mile drive might take 15 minutes or 40 depending on the time of day and traffic patterns. Rayyan to ACS shouldn't be too bad -- I'm thinking 20 minutes during morning traffic times. For ACS (which is in Gharaffah) I would think Rayyan, Medinat Khalifa, Gharaffah, Duhail would all be areas where the drive should be okay. I live in the West Bay and work in Gharaffah, and my drive to work is usually about 15 minutes - but this area is mostly apartment towers and not too many compounds. There are so many factors that go into the housing and school decisions, and honestly it's not always possible to align them. If you have a housing allowance rather than housing provided directly by work, and the allowance is generous enough to give you flexibility in terms of where you look, and you have school places secured before you have to move, then by all means being close to school is fabulous. But there are plenty of kids (in Doha and all around the world) who spend 30-60 minutes getting too and from school and live to tell the tale... If you hare here doing test runs make sure to do them during peak school-run times if you want an accurate sense of the time it will take.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 22:09
We lived in 3 different compounds with our dog -- all in fully furnished villas - and it was fine in each one. I think that's more the rule than the exception. When we made the move to an apartment tower it was a whole different ball game. Finding one that met all our needs including allowing the dog was a serious challenge.
 
 
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