shellsuk

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Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 11:23

Hiya...Yes I too met lovely and genuine people in Dubai...but they are here too I promise! ;-) But about things like bills, tv, nurseries and all that, I'm sorry I don't know...still a newbie about all that and so you may want to start a new thread...good luck both with everything! I'm leaving for the summer in a few days and so won't be on here...hope to meet you both though sometime in September!

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Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 11:16

Hi NN...we used Zeeshan from Fookis. He's a very nice man and took us around a few compounds although we ended up in Y village, which we found from this forum, but since he took us there, as we didn't have a clue about anything, we paid him commission (can't remember how much). If you want to check out Y village you definitely don't need an agent you just go to the reception and they will show you round. Directions are : past Villagio on your right, past Hyatt Plaza, straight on at TL's, at the very first roundabout you come to go left, all the way to the end T junction, go right and Y village is 4th right in front of a white washed house. As for other compounds, there are loads, but many didn't have vacancies when we came and so we were quite limited and not knowing anything we decided to be near Aspire and Villagio, which were kind of where lots of kiddy and mum things were happening, Now I am driving, if we had had the option of taking a villa or apt for a month or two before choosing we would have with hindsight...Y village is beautiful but not the cheapest. But hey, you live and learn and we were in a hotel for two weeks with a 6 month old and we were desperate to move. Take you time if you can and don't rush...thats just my advice.

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Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 12:12

NN - YES! Well if you lived in Bahrain for sure you know exactly what Doha is like! My hubby too started expat Middle East life in Bahrain for almost a year, just as the recession hit unfortunately and he was made redundant after about 7-8 months and then we moved to Dubai. I visited him in Bahrain (Brit club memories ha ha!!) a couple of times and oh my it was sleepy! It was similar re the 'buzz' if you know what I mean..it was like "where is everyone?"...but you did 3.5 years and so I am sure you will be fine here!! How long have you lived in Dubai? Oh yes and by the way, my hubby is loving his job and that makes him happy which makes us happy!

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Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 11:40

Hi ladies, I know exactly how you must be feeling moving from Dubai. For us it happened so fast we didn't have time to think really, but in my husband's industry (planning pre construction), everything was moving this way and there was nothing happening in the UAE. I loved my life there, I was teaching yoga, had loads of friends, great social life, loved Dubai Mall...sigh! ;-) Listen I think I have to tell you something to help with your transition to Doha...Doha is absolutely nothing whatsoever like Dubai! Nothing AT ALL!!! It is really important that you realise this now, accept it and be happy about it. It is like comparing London or New York with a sleepy town in the middle of America or UK. There was a mall called Villagio which was modern, nice and everyone went to and you may have heard that tragically there was a fire and 19 people died including 13 children...this has broken many hearts and rightly so has made people very aware of safety..or lack of it. The mall is now closed and who knows, may never reopen. There are fire's going off in tower blocks on the Pearl (new development), smoke alarms, fire alarms, etc don't work, malls are all closing due to fire hazzards and lack of training of personnel, etc. It is NOT DUBAI or UK. It is Doha and you have to really take responsibility for yourselves, where you live, where you go, be alert, aware and don't drive like the crazy people (who are from all over the place..even Westerners who should know better..one said to me the other day "buy a bigger car and drive like they do"...err, no I don't think so!). I had a driver for the first couple of months, but being let down by him a couple of times I decided to drive. I am fine, I stay relaxed and avoid trouble. If someone wants to cut in front of me to make themselves feel better, good on ya! I don't do stress and I don't do road rage (I am pregnant and a yoga teacher who meditates....negativity and stress don't fit in with my life at all). There is no SZR but maybe Salwa road is the closest. There are lots of roundabouts and bascially people don't know how to drive round roundabouts it's that simple. Just ignore the honks as people just honk cos they feel like it I'm sure, just take your time and be safe, keep your eyes peeled all the time, If you are not going too fast, you can avoid most collisions, although I know from people I have met that accidents can happen for no reason at all. I have met some really lovely people. I joined a baby class, music class and Doha mums coffee mornings. You have to get out and meet people. I know when the weather is better we will go Aspire Park which is v nice and green and head to the beaches and walks around the Pearl. There isn't really a 'buzz' in Doha, whereas there for sure is one in Dubai (my opinion). Our compound is our life at the weekends and it is beautiful...beautiful pool area, restaurant and tennis courts. We eat out less as it's not so easy or convenient (and with a baby), so the villa had to tick all the boxes and we were lucky that this compound does tick all the boxes (it's called Y village). I do think the majority of people in Doha are here for the money rather than in Dubai we just loved the life! We lived in the marina and so I didn't need to drive as I had the metro and a taxi every two minutes stopping by. The taxis are not like in Dubai and there is no metro. The malls are small and few and far between. Life is quiet, more relaxing, but am I happy? I'm happy as long as I have my husband and my baby. It takes time to make friends, but I'm getting there as i have met some really nice people...everyone here wants to make friends, there is for sure a community spirit. Try to stay positive, forget about Dubai apart from when you get to visit and think of Doha as a new adventure in your life! I am sure you will need help with the compound...people are happy to help you on here I know, but it's not an easy one as it depends on so many factors. Once you are here it will be easy for you to meet people and ask. I hope I have helped a bit and my final word has to be, try to remember why you became an expat, for the adventure, to do something different and to meet people from all over the world, visit new places...looking forward to meeting you both I hope in the future.

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Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 10:04

I am sure it is different for everyone, but I can assure you that we are British and arrived two months ago with a baby and my husband has his RP, but has to have 6 month payslips before we can get ours. There was no way we were waiting in the UK either for 6 months (anyway we moved from Dubai) and so we came and my daughter and I are on tourist visas. The visa is stamped for a month (company reimburses the cost) and then they extend it here for a month. We then have to do a visa run every two months (it's only 3 though) which the company pays for (most go to Bahrain and back in half a day but we went to Dubai as the cost was the same and we have friends we can stay with). I have been able to get a temporary driving license (again because I am British) which cost 150 QR and has to be renewed everytime we get a new visa. I am pretty sure after only being here for two months that this varies for everyone and so it is best to ask your company, but it's not so bad really. A visa run is an easy thing to do and would never be enough to make me have stayed away from hubby for 6 months.

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Latest post on 29 June 2012 - 21:51

Thank you! Can you give me an idea of the size of yours plus roughly what you paid in case I need to barter...they always see me coming! ;-)

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Latest post on 29 June 2012 - 21:44

Hi NN! Well I think NS has pretty much covered everything. We have been here just over 2 months. We did a visa run to Dubai after two months which was great to see our friends again and do some shopping. Our shipping didn't take long, as soon as found a villa it was here within a couple of weeks with nothing damaged. We used the companys shipping company and I can't remember the name and neither can hubby at the moment. We had to get 3 quotes and then they told us who to use anyway. We had sent the stuff then spent a month in the UK and 2 weeks in a hotel here, so it was at a port waiting to be released. We had to wait for hubbys RP to get internet which was probably the biggest pain. I now have a temporary driving license which lasts as long as the visa. You get a month stamp when you arrive and then it is extended a month when you are here, I guess HR sorts that out at hubbys work. Same as NN we bought a car and the rent is paid monthly with just a months deposit and so that is much better for sure than UAE. I am sure you will have lots of q's so just ask away, but I'm not on here that much, but there are loads of people from Dubai here and loads of people willing to help...everyone was so helpful on here to me when we came and so I will help if I can! When do you arrive?

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Latest post on 26 June 2012 - 21:38

I just put a post up about this... Should have done my search first! I'm really interested too in the cost. None of the previous posts in any thread mention the cost. Any idea of the cost for two or do they vary in cost and size? Many thanks

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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 16:59

Thanks everyone...so very helpful and so many options. I am still thinking Quinny Zapp as I can buy it here and the original plan was for me to use it to get back to UK via Frankfurt in July with a 6 months preggy baby bump...one last question though, does the Zia fold up and go in the overhead bin on the plane? thanks again everyone, so very helpful!!

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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 16:58

Thanks everyone...so very helpful and so many options. I am still thinking Quinny Zapp as I can buy it here and the original plan was for me to use it to get back to UK via Frankfurt in July with a 6 months preggy baby bump...one last question though, does the Zia fold up and go in the overhead bin on the plane? thanks again everyone, so very helpful!!

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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 16:52

thank you! I will let you know the outcome!

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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 15:14

flydiver...yes, my DD won't really sleep in the pushchair any more, only if she's asleep in my arms and then we put her in it...the petite zia sounds like a good idea though thanks..now I need to figure out how to shop and ship...do they not sell them in UAE?

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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 15:11

Thanks all! Even without customs label filled out do you think it will turn up? I thought the main post office was Karama? Where is it on Al Wasl? Kelly - happy birthday for Saturday! Hope your cards arrive!!

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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 10:24

Oh thank you Smarti...fingers crossed then. Kelly - I would imagine it's the price difference. £35 plus minimum charge for Fedex v no more than a tenner with Royal Mail...stingey I know, but the fedex is sometimes more than the gift...unless you know something I don't know? I have now asked my family to give us money and specify a gift they want to buy, e.g. recently they kitted hubby out in new gym gear, whereas last year it was clothes sent via royal mail and the postage was about £30 - almost as much as the clothes! (well they were from H&M!! ;-)

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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 09:21

Banana...how did you get on with it not reclining? My DD is 8 months old. Do I need it to recline for her to sleep in it? ck30 - does Zapp extra fold up to fit into overhead cabin?

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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 21:50

Banana thanks a million! That is exactly what I needed to know...and thanks M...hopefully it's on this weekend, will check it out. Thanks both!

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Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 16:39

Hiya, ahh yes, now I understand...esp about the bags ha ha! I feel fit enough, so maybe I'll give it a go with the carrier, but yes, I see what you mean, take it just in case...many thanks and I'm sure you're advice will come in handy again once number two is born seeing as you have smallish gap too! Many thanks!

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Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 15:19

Thank you, yes I will call Lufthansa and check. CSH - which model did you get from Mcare can you remember? There are so many...I asked the guy which one I could take on the plane and funnily enough he suggested the most expensive one... Lalala - I would take the carrier but I'm going to be 6 months pregnant on the way and 7 months on the way back..with a 4 hour transfer in Frankfurt and a hefty walk between terminals (I've done it many times) for sure I need a pushchair...maybe they'll have sympathy with me being pregnant with a 9 month old and just let me take it on as a special case...funny that you have a thing against pushchairs? Dare I ask why?

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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 09:45

Sorry Katniss I don't understand what you mean...you mean you can get off in Dubai or stay on for Washington? I was thinking about it some more and I think that as flights tend to start boarding about an hour before the long haul flights, it would seem unlikely that they would make you get off and go through transit...I think I will call UA and ask. Thanks all for help though!

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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 20:00

Hi ladies, we're planning a trip to the US next year, it was planned when we lived in Dubai for a special family occasion, although a long way off, we need to book flights pretty soon. Looking at flights, if we took the United flight, the schedule says it will be in Dubai for 1h45, do you happen to know if you would have to get off and go through transit, or just get off and wait in the gate area like some flights do when it's the same plane carrying on? Also, Joos, when you say they are partners with Qatar airways what do you mean? I am using up some airmiles from Star Alliance with United but I can't see that QA is part of this group...unless United are partners with several award groups maybe? We are debating whether to go direct with QA and pay or go via Dubai on United using the airmiles. What are your thoughts/advice having done this trip. Our daughter will be about 16 months when we go...TIA

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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 19:28

Oh thanks so much Emma! That was quick :-)..so...err do they just wee in the pool? I guess that's what the chlorine and chemicals are for...

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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 19:13

Hi Claire, ..we are moving tomorrow so hopefully it's been cleaned...was your villa clean and everything sorted when you moved in? Electricity all up and running and everything? We are hoping we can just move the stuff from the fridge here into the fridge there...what do you think? I'd invite you round for a cup of something, but we have no cups! Hopefully our stuff will arrive Sunday or next week anyway...although I think we might have to stop off at Carrefour for a few mugs/glasses!! Looking forward to meeting you! <em>edited by shellsuk on 11/06/2012</em>

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Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 10:08

Hey Claire, that's great about the tennis! <em>edited by shellsuk on 11/06/2012</em>

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Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 21:06

yes please Emma that would be really great!!

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Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 20:16

Thanks for that kiwi. Really I didn't know that about baby rice...I am giving her ceral/banana for brekkie, just veg (mixture) at lunchtime then rice and fruit for tea. Should I just drop the rice? How about the cereal for brekkie...although I have to say constipation has not been an issue in weeks...she poos non stop! :-). I am going to start on the meat when we are in our place (hopefully this weekend)...she's almost 7 months...any advice appreciated!

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Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 13:16

We had an agent but that was because he had shown us a lot already during the week. I am sure you can do it yourselves there as they seem pretty professional in their management style. Having said that, we have found it easier with an agent as he just tells us what to do paperwork wise and we do it.

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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 21:53

Thank you Fruit! I only just saw this reply - so much going on I forgot about it! We ended up at Al Ahli hospital this morning for my daughters vaccination. It was fine really as we got there just after 8 am as had been advised by someone, so we didn't really have to queue that long. I had tried all week to make an appointment but no-one ever answered the phone. I will check out Future Medical Center though as I am not too keen on hospitals for baby vaccine type stuff, I like something a little less chaotic like a clinic type place.

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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 21:48

Thanks DesertBoot, we made it there ok and bought some supplies and the milk was there thank goodness. V - thanks for the advice as it wasn't the biggest selection so will check out Barwa village next weekend. There was no baby rice or cereal for first stage weaning which is also what I needed. As an aside (maybe another post entirely)...can I buy organic cows milk here (even if UHT)?

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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 16:35

Thank you so much! More than UAE? gosh! They were already a lot higher than UK...we just moved from Dubai...I think we had this conversation...you moved from the Marina a couple of years ago am I right? Sorry! My head is all over the place at the moment with finding a villa and this hotel living!

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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 15:57

Hi All...looks like we'll be joining you in Y Village soon! Any luck we'll be in next weekend (our stuff is in the port in Dubai so I hope it doesn't take too long to get here)....I have an almost 7 month old baby girl and a hubby looking for tennis partners (anyone??) <em>edited by shellsuk on 11/06/2012</em>

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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 15:36

Thank you so much! Where is Megamart? (Only been here a week!) :-)

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Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 08:44

Hi Ladies, I'm new to Doha also and am from the Midlands in the UK...Can I ask approx price of Y Village?,..but hope to meet some of you at some of the coffee mornings I'm planning to go to...! edited by shellsuk on 11/06/2012 <em>edited by shellsuk on 11/06/2012</em>

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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 21:01

Hi Emma! OMG! That is so funny! Bizarrely I said to my husband earlier, are there any guys from NZ in your office with a wife called Emma...I was joking!!!! How mad.. not only Doha but the world is a small one! That's really made me laugh! So...yes please do lets exhange emails via our hubbies...you will see that my name is not Shells... that was our cat's name (tell him not to mention that to my hubby as the cat died..and he might cry...;-)......I don't have a mobile at the moment but I will try to get a SIM tomorrow from somewhere... Thanks again for the advice, we will have a good look at those you recommended, as I really feel like I don't know where to start and trying to do it with a 6 month old is not easy as I can't do it when she's awake as she needs entertaining and I literally have to type in the bathroom so as not to wake her!!! We are going to have to compromise on something as moving twice is not an option as our stuff is in the port ready to be released and I just couldn't face it...it's good hearing about your garden and things though...it's just nice knowing how it is here and what you can and can't have realistically...so thanks again Emma and speak very soon and see you on Thursday!

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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 19:59

Hi All, thanks again for the great advice...all very good and appreciated! @allthegoodnamesrgone - what a coincidence! I was planning to go Sunday so yes, see you there! So we looked this afternoon at a few more and there doesn't seem to be much available for what we can afford. Tebah gardens we liked, but there was nothing available and the one we went to view had gone this morning. Oriental gardens was quite nice but the only ones available had v small back yard and the living room was v dark with small windows. Green Gardens (I think) was HUGE villa, great garden, but right on the main road and so v noisy (and out of our price range at 18k but for a great garden and facilities we would have considered it). I feel like I'm being fussy and now I'm concerned abour Dar Salam bases on what JillMV rightly says, I hadn't even thought of that and the garden is a concern. So...does anyone have any suggestions of compounds where they know there are gardens and villas available and in the region of 15/16k...don't worry if you don't, I know it's a long shot, but anyway, we will keep looking and I will hopefully get chance to meet you on Thursday and Sunday for a good chat and hopefully some more advice. I would like to ask though...do your children/toddlers use your garden a lot and should this be a major factor for us in the decision or would the facilities be enough? Thanks so much for all the help!!

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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 15:41

Thanks desertdiva that's great about the kids classes!! And thanks for the living advice too...I wish it was that easy to live where we want to live...it's so hard as we simply just don't know anywhere..pros/cons etc...but thanks and hope very much to meet you on Thursday!

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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 14:23

Hi Emma...thanks so much for the lovely welcome! You have brought a smile to my face. Looking forward to meeting you on Thursday and asking you my million questions ;-) Congrats on your second pregnancy! How many weeks are you? Hope it's all going smoothly!! Thanks for the advice on the organic foods, that sounds perfect...and yes Villagio malll...fancy removing a taxi rank...that is a bit odd and for sure we won't make that mistake again. I just got back actually from viewing a few places. One in Al waab was Villa d'este. the facilities were ok, but compared to the 2 compunds in Abu Hamour he showed me, well they won hands down...but I wonder what your thoughts are? Our budget is 15 k max. None of them had a garden to speak of, which I kind of wanted for when my baby starts toddling, but do you find you have/use a garden for your toddler or mainly go to groups and things? The Abu Hamour one was Darsalam and there was one other. Both had amazing facilities and Darsalam had a shop, great pool, gym, etc and when he brought me back to Al Sadd it took no time. It seemed close to Al Waad too and he said 15 mins drive to Vallagio. Where are most of the baby classes held in Al Waab? I want to start those asap as I feel with moving and being home for a month I'm not doing any of those baby classes and swimming classes that my friends in Dubai were doing and I'm desperate to do with her... Anyway, can't wait to meet you and the other ladies on Thursday and thanks again for the lovely message!!! <em>edited by shellsuk on 24/04/2012</em>

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