Rubsty

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Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 18:52

Hi there, Just wanted to offer you reassurance really - moving country is a major event and you're bound to feel a bit anxious - but I don't think the concerns you've got will turn out to be much of an issue. Life in Doha is different from the UK for sure, and it takes a little while to figure out where everything is and how things work but you'll be on your feet and into your new routine in no time, I'm sure. Regarding getting about with baby to do food shopping - as the other ladies have mentioned it's pretty easy to find a regular driver here. Lots of people use them, and as previously advised you could leave the car seat in the car while you shop or check it in at the bag drop at the supermarket (most of the big ones have this facility here). If you've got a British license, I believe you can use an international driving license for up to 6 months when you arrive (you can get them from a few different places here, or in the UK - that's what I did when I was first in Doha) or yep get a temporary Qatari one. I prefer the freedom of driving myself around but might be good to have a driver to start with while you acclimatise. The baby formula I'm not sure - bring as much with you as you can and as a last resort you could always order online??? Also... For making friends and as a general all-round awesome resource I also highly recommend joining Doha Mums. You need to physically attend an event with them to initiate the membership process but once you join you'll have access to their very useful website forum, connecting you with an amazing network of mums in Doha. I'm sure someone on there will know about the availability of the formula you use. Plus they organise a heap of events for mums and kids, or just mums - a great way to make friends. Like most places in the world, there is unfortunately some racism here - at times it is very obvious (for example the way some police officers may deal with an incident involving a Qatari versus someone of Indian origin or the plight of low-income workers) but at other times I'd say Doha has a more cosmopolitain and accepting atmosphere than a lot of places in the UK. If you go along to a Doha Mums event for example, you'll find ladies from all over the world getting together happily sharing their experiences. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is I guess it depends on what scenario you find yourself in, but for the most part, with native-speaker English communication skills I think you'll be fine! You can get the pill OTC or even on the shop floor shelves in some chemists - no worries - no questions asked! The only thing I've found is they don't always have the brand you're used to from home (you can't get microgynon, that I was using previously, but I just switched and it was fine). You can get alcohol in the 5 star hotels - both bars and restaurants - and there is a fair selection of different ones to try in Doha. Agree with previous poster that it's not particularly cheap though! And yep, once your husband gets his RP it is possible to get an alcohol license so you can buy booze for home from the government off-license. Best of luck for your move. You'll be fine. See you at Doha Mums! :)

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