tamieg1 | ExpatWoman.com
 

tamieg1

tamieg1
676
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2012 - 14:31
Also nothing is particularly far in Doha - most people get the schooling sorted first and then decide where to live based on that.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2012 - 11:53
Don't know how accurate it is, but have you tried http://www.qatarhappening.com/cinema ?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 19:33
Hi Kels, I'm assuming you have UK passports as you've mentioned the UK. I'm afraid that you will need to be married unless you are willing to be here on a tourist visa and do visa-runs every month. You also need to be married to have a baby in a hospital here (and home births are not legal).
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 19:29
Also keep in mind that not all insurance companies cover elective c-sections (we are with Bupa and it is not covered), so this may affect your decision making. Good luck!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 June 2012 - 10:57
Brilliant thanks!! [Email removed'> <em>edited by tamieg1 on 09/06/2012</em>
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 16:59
I believe it is now a standard rule that the visa holder must have their RP for 6 months before being able to sponsor their families. It started being enforced at the end of last year.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 16:12
Sorry to hijack, but Emma do you have any boxes left from your move?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 16:12
They're also advertising this on FB today!!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 10:58
I used the Excess Baggage Company to send 1 box and 3 sports bags from the UK last year. They collected it from my house in London and we picked it up at the cargo terminal here, it took 2-3 weeks. It's priced by weight, think it was around £300 at the UK end, then a few hundred riyals (definitely not more than 500) in customs and "handling fees" at this end. It had to be sent in my husband's name though as he had an RP and I didn't, but worthwhile checking if they'll accept your work visa instead of an RP to start the process.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 10:04
I've just seen on FB that the new Intercon has ladies night on Tuesdays, and a wine & cheese night on Wednesdays (all you can eat and 3 glasses wine for qr180) in their Hive Lounge. Strata on the 55th floor has just opened there too - anyone been yet?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 18:03
Try efinancialcareers.co.uk, they are advertising quite a few roles in Dubai at the moment. They also have a weekly newsletter which is quite helpful regarding banking-job-hunting in general. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date as well.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 16:17
I think officially it still stands... but I haven't been queried about water bottles in a while if that helps
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 11:22
Dr Sonia at Al Emadi Hospital has a very good reputation, but I can't speak from personal experience. Good luck!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 13:38
Depends on where you're trying to get to. A black cab into central London can be around £100. I usually get the Heathrow Express (~£22 I think) and then a cab from Paddington.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 11:51
I've picked up baby shower decorations at the party shop opposite Mothercare in Landmark. I believe the Ritz does a nice afternoon tea, but it might be worthwhile checking with some of the dry hotels like the Wyndham Grand near Sports R/A or the new Movenpick
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 08:49
I haven't used a travellers cheque since the 90's! But you used to be able to cash them at hotels, has he tried that?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 08:47
Semi-furnished means fridge/oven and I think washing machine included, that's it. For $3,500 difference in shipping cost (if that's what those numbers are - not really clear), I would bring everything. It will give you more choice if you can look at semi- furnished as well as fully-furnished. One month is not a lot of time to find a villa and buy everything.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 08:40
Hi - I'm after a part for mine Thanks! <em>edited by tamieg1 on 30/05/2012</em>
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 15:08
We liked Crystal Hotel in St Germain, but it's a few years ago now
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 23:37
Can't help re the P.A.N. despite being Australian, but we found spray oil at Spinneys (Mall one) about 6 weeks ago <em>edited by tamieg1 on 23/05/2012</em>
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 03:14
We're not even on the list of areas to be done by 2014!! (BHT, although your side of West Bay might be luckier!)
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 18:02
One thing to keep in mind if you're bringing Fido with you, is that Qatar is not generally a dog-friendly society (for religious reasons). Dogs are not allowed in public places (ie parks), so you will have to be trekking out to the beaches or mangroves for a decent walk
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 18:00
Also if you were to ship a car over, you would need to make sure that particular model can be serviced here and that spare parts are available - especially if it were a few years old. You also need industrial strength air conditioning and dust filters in your car...
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 09:52
I think you'll find they are more common than you realise, it's just that many people don't want to talk about it. I think you also take more notice when you are TTC.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 09:48
I had colour done at the George V Spa in Beverly Hills Tower, but I prefer Glow. There's also Dados in West Bay, one of my friends gets blonde highlights there and it always looks lovely. I've also heard good things about Marie Claire in Salwa Rd, but don't know anyone that's been there recently, it's right in the middle of the roadworks.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 14:38
Maybe you just need to look at it from a slightly different perspective. You can have that LIFE here! You've already said that you are living your career goals; it is SO easy to travel from Doha and you have Asia open to you as well as Europe for only a few extra hours. With travel comes adventures and stories - and what about the adventures and stories just from living in Doha! It's not every day that you see the Emir's camels walking down the Corniche... or out and out Doha Days ie when all the lifts in our 29 story apartment building broke at the same time, or the crazy Landcruiser driver who cut you off at a roundabout, or helped dig you out of a sand dune! There are always arts events going on here, sometimes you just need to look a bit harder for them - and in any event there is always Dubai if you can't find something here... Then there is chasing boys and partying - everyone is different and it depends on what you're looking for - but there is plenty of that here as well if you want it. After I moved away I found that my friends back home were stuck doing the same things they had always done and what I had always thought was a great life, was actually only a fraction of what I was now experiencing
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 01:00
Elle bear in mind that most places in the UK are rented fully furnished, and it can be hard to get LLs to remove bulky items such as beds.... Speaking from experience of shipping my entire flat from Oz and wishing I hadn't...
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 15:27
I'm pretty sure I saw Mustela in the pharmacy opposite Carrefour in Villagio this week
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 12:02
I'm sure QAWS and/or Cats in Qatar would be grateful for donations - contact details on their FB pages
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 00:18
GM we got a new station, QF Radio! That makes 3!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 22:01
Two things I've heard of people struggling to find lately are the bags to store expressed breast milk and swimming nappies. Congratulations on the new arrival!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 14:40
I've just seen Dr Razan for some dodgy moles and was very impressed with her. She's currently booking appointments for the end of May, so it may help to go in there to beg for an emergency appt if you can't wait until then. Dermatology clinic is on the 2nd floor.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 April 2012 - 15:10
I think it also depends on what you will do with your furniture from the UK while you are here. I rented my house out furnished, and put most of the rest of my belongings in storage, just bringing 2 suitcases with me. However at £130/month it would have actually been cheaper to ship them as I'm here for at least 3 years...
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 April 2012 - 15:05
Also keep in mind that the airlines have different cut off points, and realistically you won't want to fly after 28 weeks, so you and your partner will be separated for quite a long time... It then takes time to get a baby's passport, and I wouldn't want to take a newborn on a germy plane unless I absolutely had to... I would also be wary of being pregnant and something going wrong where you need medical treatment - as Lalala says you will get treatment but there would be repercussions...
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 19:49
I had a relatively painless experience for the same at Al Ahli last week. I rang the internal medicine reception number at about 9:30. When they eventually answered, I got an appointment for 4pm same day. I turned up half an hour early, barely waited at all, and was actually in and out by 4pm. They didn't, however, have the [what I consider fairly bog-standard'> antibiotics I needed at the pharmacy....
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 14:36
There is apparently an English style caf that will do a version of a full English... but I've never been and can't find it in any of the old threads... anyone know?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 11:58
Yummy brummy don't worry Doha's not too backwards! Most of the 5 star hotels serve alcohol. A few months back Time Out (Doha) did a review of all the brunches if you want more info, but I second the Grand Hyatt and really like the Ritz. The W is also very good (both Market and Spice Market) but there is no kids area. The Intercon (the City) has just opened and just started brunch last week, the St Regis may now be doing a Friday brunch too. I would adjust your expectations of "free flowing" though, many of my friends who have moved from AD/DXB have been disappointed by the speed of the refills of glasses. Hope you have a great trip!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 15:43
The Brookings Doha Center or Georgetown University School of Foreign Service might have some human rights-related leads
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 15:48
From a safety perspective, on the whole I feel safe here. I think it's like anywhere else in the world - there are certain areas that you do not go to, especially at night, on your own. It also depends on what you intend to do at night! For example, I wouldn't go running in the park at night on my own, but many people play (team) sport at night and it's fine. Similarly, I wouldn't walk around the back streets near the rugby club, but there are cabs readily available from the front gate. Bars are in hotels, and while you might get some unwanted attention, that is no different to any other place. You've probably thought about this already, but 12-18 months is a very long time to have a long distance relationship. We did 14 months long distance (from the UK) before we got married and I moved over, but as I was working from home at the time, I was able to come over every few weeks.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 18:20
I had assumed it was an April Fools!!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 17:42
I lived near Portobello Road (Westbourne Grove) and commuted to Canary Wharf for the first two years I was in London... it nearly killed me!! When the tube was running smoothly it took about 45 mins door to door (average commute time really) however it was usually over an hour. I was much happier in East London, living in Limehouse (15 min walk along the river to CW) and eventually bought in Greenwich (1 stop on the Jubilee line). Rents are also significantly cheaper in East/SE than in W London.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 10:55
I've only been to Neo and Sushi Minto (not for the buffet). Sushi was good and fresh, however I wouldn't call either of them reasonably priced. Neo has a good selection of non-Japanese food for the non-sushi fans, while Sushi Minto also has teppanyaki upstairs.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 March 2012 - 11:02
I call my parents' landline (and a few friends who refuse to join the 21st century) using Skype Credit. The cost is based on the country you're calling to (UK/US/Oz all same price), and whenever it gets down to £1 left, it auto recharges and puts another £10 of credit my UK credit card. This works out to about every 6 months for me, so is cheaper than buying their unlimited call packages.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2012 - 13:03
Congratulations Momoyum! Glad to hear all went well!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 15:28
I got mine in the gold souk here last February. DH kept tight control over the bargaining, so I couldn't tell you how much he paid per carat, but he had also looked in Dubai and was happy with the price he paid (final price included both wedding rings). Most of the certified diamonds they had were half a carat, and there wasn't much choice over 1 carat (however they had a list of pieces they could fly over from their Bahrain and Dubai offices). Make sure you get the certificate number and check it online before purchasing - and once you have it set, check that it is still your diamond in the setting (I know people, although not in Qatar, that have had their diamonds replaced with others).
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 March 2012 - 07:16
Adverts on Efinancialcareers dot com seem to be picking up again
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 13:21
As you're finally leaving, wouldn't it be easier just to pay the 109 and close the door on what has not been a terribly happy experience for you? QR 109/month is less than you will likely be paying when you go back to the UK, even with a meter (don't get me started on Thames Water and meters...)
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 March 2012 - 12:42
Hiya, Jonners provided this link when I was looking last year. I ended up going to Oz and getting DH to do all the work, so don't know if they're any good/still there... http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=151069
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 15:51
No they don't allow husbands in for caesarians (but have a search through the forum as I've heard a rumour of it occurring at another hospital not mentioned here :) ). Also Al Ahli has a NICU, although I believe it does not provide the same level of intensive care as Hamad's.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 13:08
Sorry this isn't very helpful, but I've sworn off Samsonite now after the last two got severely damaged the first time I used them!! Had never had problems in many years of extensive travel, think they have downgraded their quality/workmanship. Anyway. There are a bunch of sofa upholsterers just behind the souq (at dhow roundabout go down al asmakh st towards A ring road and they're in on the right). Or perhaps the luggage shop in Hyatt Plaza may have a recommendation?
 
 
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