tamieg1 | ExpatWoman.com
 

tamieg1

tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 09:11
I think your options are quite limited. Do you already have school places?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 09:10
Haven't tried them but the Ritz and the Renaissance also do them. We had one from the Radisson Blu at a friend's for Thanksgiving last week and it was delicious!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 09:08
If you have a British passport you don't need one in advance, you get it on arrival for QR100 (~£20).
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 12:52
It is only the Maxi Cosi Mico that meets Australian standards http://www.mynrma.com.au/motoring/education/your-guide-to-buying-a-child-restraint.htm
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 12:05
Firstly don't panic! When you arrive try and find out from your neighbours if they have a driver they recommend. If not there are a few recommendations on here, or just ask for numbers. If you establish a relationship with a regular driver, he will be able to keep the car seat in his car while you do the shopping. Alternatively you can check it in at the bag-check desk at the supermarket. If I am doing a big shop I put the baby in a carrier rather than struggle with the pram and a trolley. I'm not sure about lactose free formula, but the hypoallergenic ones are readily available. I also suggest you go to one of the Doha Mums New Arrivals coffee mornings (you can find the information and timing on their website), then once you join you will be able to access their forum as well. They organise loads of childrens' and mums' activities in all parts of the city and will be very useful for meeting people. Good luck with your move!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 19:32
If it's on your right hand side it could also be your appendix - I had emergency surgery for a suspected rupturing appendix which turned out to be a ovarian cyst, the pain is apparently very similar
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 19:31
With BHT try and convince them to show you a 3BR, the furniture will be exactly the same. Or get Al Asmakh to show you Beverly Hills Al Rayyan, from memory those apartments have the same furnishings. Alternatively you could join a beach club? I think the Hilton have reasonable prices at the moment as it is fairly new...
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 18:00
Have you tried Beverly Hills Tower or Al Areen Tower? Both are fully furnished within that price bracket and have outdoor pools.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 10:59
I use both .com and .co.uk, depending on what it is. Usually takes between 1-2 weeks and yes is shipped from US (or UK)
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 09:59
wishlist.com.au; dstore.com.au; but i just use Amazon and pay for shipping - with the Aussie dollar at parity it's usually cheaper
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 November 2012 - 13:26
Apollo Furniture on Salwa Rd also worth a look
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 19:36
LOL SG, I've never seen flowers at a petrol station here! (Think you need to switch back to a GM name!!!) Plaza Holland downstairs at Lagoona is nice, don't know how expensive they are though.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 November 2012 - 13:19
You may need to extend your search area to Old Airport/Al Hilal for that budget. You could ask the security guards at the compounds you like if there are any apartments available. You could also look in the newspaper (Gulf Times or Peninsula) and on Qatar Living.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 November 2012 - 13:17
Life continues as normal in Doha despite regional unrest. The Emir is well known for promoting peace in the region, ie the Syrian Opposition were in town last week to discuss how they could put together a government, and the Libyan Opposition spent a bit of time here last year. However, the UN Climate Change Conference (COP18) is in Doha next week, so security will be ramped up for the various envoys/heads of states in attendance.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 14:03
Most of the towers in West Bay are fully furnished. There is some fairly recent information in this thread [url=http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=183828'>link[/url'>. We found the best thing to do was to go to the actual towers and ask to see what they had available, rather than trying to use an agent.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 13:38
Just seen on FB that the Ritz are offering "Turkey to Go" from Nov 20-26
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 15:44
Hi Gray Girl I'm so sorry for your loss. It's totally normal for your cycles to be erratic after pregnancy. I had a miscarriage followed by a D&C last year in the UK. I saw my GP after 3 months, as everything I'd read on the internet said you should be back to normal at 12 weeks, and I hadn't yet had a period. She told me to stop worrying and to enjoy the summer, and to come and see her after 6 months. Sure enough, 6 months to the day, everything was back to normal. However if you continue to have heavy bleeding you should definitely get checked out as it's possible they might have missed a bit in the D&C. I hope everything is back to normal for you soon xx
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 22:38
You need to set up an Aramex Shop & Ship account
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 22:07
It's so hard when you first move - everything is so daunting, especially with the bureaucracy... And then you get settled and reality sets in and it gets worse!! One thing I found helps is not to look at it as a 7 year sentence, but to break it up into smaller chunks - ie it's 6 weeks till Christmas, then 6 weeks after that we will go back to the UK for a holiday. Then it will be time to plan a mini-break for some shopping in Dubai or some beach time in Oman. Then summer etc etc. Do you have any hobbies? If you tell us what you're interested in, maybe someone will know some groups you could join?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 11:19
You could check if the Philharmonic are playing and either tie that in to your evening at Katara or do separately. If they're coming from somewhere cold they might enjoy a day at one of the beach clubs.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 11:15
Last night I noticed a Chinese restaurant in that strip of shops between TV & Burger King roundabout . Has anyone been there? I highly recommend the Mexican at Al Rayyan petrol station - it was a life saver when I was pregnant!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 09:33
They are about to start building a major road between the Pearl and West Bay called the Lusail Expressway, and that road will be a mess for years [url=http://www.qatarisbooming.com/2012/05/23/ashghal-signs-new-construction-and-consultancy-project-contracts/'>link[/url'> You're not actually in Dubai yet are you? If you are, you could pop over for a look...
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 November 2012 - 18:45
The only compound around there is Al Jazi, Here is a thread from recently with details of apartment buildings [url=http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=183828'>link[/url'>
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 November 2012 - 18:25
You would only need it unlocked if you are buying a 3G model - personally I wouldn't bother paying the extra for the 3G model as I seem to only ever use it on wifi
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 22:07
Creative Child has a good reputation and is fairly close to West Bay. The compound in which it is located, Riviera Gardens, would be out of your price bracket, but there are many others reasonably close in Duhail/Gharaffa/Markhiya
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 23:51
Keep in mind that New Year's Day is not a public holiday so your DHs may have work the next day....
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 13:52
There is also Qatar Charity behind the Mall on D Ring Road
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 13:22
I'm surprised no other Aussies have brought this up - Uggs are slippers and it is only acceptable to wear them outside if you are quickly nipping to the shop in the middle of winter! Ok rant aside - they are not waterproof, and have almost no grip, so you really might want to reconsider wearing them in European winter...
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 13:21
You probably know this already, but there are certain residency requirements that have to be fulfilled to get married in the UK - for a civil ceremony anyway- and some registrars can be a bit funny about it if you are known to be living overseas. We almost ran into some issues with this last year, but all worked out in the end. My email is my username at hot mail dot co dot uk if you want any details :)
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2012 - 19:49
Apollo Furniture on Salwa Rd has sheds... or maybe Carrefour?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 10:55
Love... that I don't have to work if I don't want to... and that I get annoyed if I have to wear socks 3 days in a row! Hate... the aggressive driving... and being called "Maamsir"... and I already ranted about QBS on FB this week!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 22:27
We used Gulf Warehousing, they were about 30% cheaper than Runway and did a fab job
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2012 - 19:39
Livigno in Italy. It's about a 3hr drive from Milan. Great ski school, mix of runs suitable for all levels over 2 mountains (the resort is in the valley between them). As it's a separate prinicipality it enjoys duty free status. Oh and great Italian food and coffee!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 10:01
If they're being funny about flights, you need to double check that the kids' schooling allowance is definitely included as well. You should be aware that there have been some instances lately where children without RPs are not allowed to go to school until their RP is sorted, so doing visa runs may have other implications as well. Good luck with your negotiations!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 11:39
It really depends on what you're looking for. Most apartments in West Bay are fully furnished, but most villas are semi-furnished (which means white goods only). I would bring your furniture with you (esp if someone else is paying!) but leave the white goods behind. You can always sell it here if you find a furnished place and can't convince the LL to remove the furniture. There is not a lot of choice of furniture here, and ikea still hasn't opened....
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 23:42
You would have a minimum 45 min commute from Al Waab to West Bay. If it was me, for an 18k budget and with the West Bay and Compass requirements, I would go for Al Messilah, Beverly Hills Al Rayyan or Al Jazi, in that order. There are many smaller, less famous compounds as well - once you have worked out which area you want to be in, drive around and speak to the security guards about availability.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 23:35
What kind of scene are you looking for? With grape-beverages?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 23:34
Hi Olio 1. The working week really depends on the industry - a six day week is very common in construction. 2. I managed without a car for a year by living in an apartment in West Bay. There is a Carrefour, cafes/restaurants and a gym, nearby in City Centre, and my building also had a good gym. However you need to keep in mind that it is over 40 degrees for at least 3 months of the year and it is VERY unpleasant to walk even just 5 minutes across the road. I note from your other post that you are considering bringing your dog - most apartment buildings in West Bay are not dog friendly and even if you can find one that will accept pets, you probably will still need to drive to take your dog out for a walk.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 19:45
Hi Rachel We tried to do this this week and were told on email that they were no longer able to do it, as the kiosk in Landmark is about to close down... Sounds plausible but haven't been there to ask yet...
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 22:19
What age kids? You will have seen from recent posts that getting a place in ANY school is difficult, let alone the "best" schools.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 19:22
You could try Samrya Gardens opposite Doha College & the Rugby Club. Not sure what the prices are now but last summer 2 bedroom apartments were in that price bracket... <em>edited by tamieg1 on 15/09/2012</em>
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 15:10
Welcome to Doha! You will find "not so good stories" on hospitals where ever you are in the world - particularly when it comes to maternity - and remember that people with bad experiences tend to talk about them more. At 12 weeks you still have plenty of time to shop around the OB/GYNs here - it's not like Dubai where you have to register with the good doctors almost before you're pregnant! The main hospitals here are Al Ahli, Doha Clinic, Al Emadi, and the government hospital, Hamad. You will need a health card to be seen at Hamad, which can only be done after you get your RP. Check with your insurance which hospitals they cover, as that may force your decision somewhat. There are a number of smaller clinics that also have OB/GYN such as Future Medical, Al Ezra, Hayat Medical, but you will still need to transfer to the hospital and one of their OB/GYNs for delivery. Personally, although it was a total rip off (and luckily covered by insurance), I was pretty happy with the care at Al Ahli. I saw a number of doctors there throughout my pregnancy but the main one was Dr Asmaa who was lovely (and very gentle). Also for scans, search on here for Dr Mariam (think DesertDiva has provided details of her location and opening hours). She is half the price of Al Ahli and very good quality. Aspire has a prenatal exercise program, there are some great posts on here about it. I didn't look very hard, but didn't find any prenatal pilates and ended up doing a You Tube video by an Irish physio. There is also prenatal yoga at Yama Yoga. Clothes wise pick up anything you can while you still have the chance! Choice is VERY limited in Doha. I would stock up on bras (not just maternity) in Oz, especially if you are a larger size. I bought pretty much all my maternity clothes in Oz, Dubai or online from the States - and borrowed a lot from friends as well. I would recommend going along to one of the Doha Mums New & Expectant Mums coffee mornings. They are held on Thursdays from 10-12 and alternate between Starbucks at City Centre and Hyatt Plaza (next week's is at City Centre). I met a load of people who were also due at the same time as me who have become good friends. Also once you join Doha Mums you get access to their forum and importantly their classifieds!! Good luck with everything, if you have any other questions just shout!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 13:49
I have a friend who took his (German) wife's surname, I believe it's fairly common there. I have other friends that have both hyphenated their surnames, and another couple both changed their names to a combination of both their surnames.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 September 2012 - 11:46
Go for a drive to the film set?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 September 2012 - 11:45
MCC is a bit far for most of us in Doha! But there are similar play centers in the malls here :) Just bear in mind it is the desert and there is not much greenery!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 September 2012 - 11:42
We get pretty much everything sent to my in-laws. Once there's around 500g of post they send it to our Aramex address and it only takes a few days to arrive. If there's something urgent they scan it and email it. I believe there's a company that you can forward your post to then they scan & email it - let me know if you want me to dig out the details.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 03:14
Which agents have you tried so far? Are you after fully furnished or have you brought your own furniture? If you are already in Doha, many of us have found the best way is just to drive around and speak to the security guards of the compounds you are interested in, they will let you know if there are any available and often put you in touch with the property manager directly.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 13:54
Analyst you are less likely to get a job if your interviewers perceive you to be "settling" for a role in ops you probably won't get the job. Many operations managers see it as their career and you will need to be careful you don't come across as just waiting for an analyst or trading role. Good luck in your search, it's not an easy time to be looking for a job in finance, no matter what level you are.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 12:53
Pretty sure I've seen them at that kiosk by Virgin in Landmark, opposite C4
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 August 2012 - 07:52
Try Qatar Living, and Al Asmakh is a big property company whose website is reasonably up to date. However the best way to search here is still in person rather than online. You could also try agents like Nelson Park or Futuregate. I'd say the majority of properties are rented semi-furnished (which means white goods are included) and would always recommend bringing your own furniture if someone else is paying for the shipping! Regarding location, it will take your husband around an hour to drive from Abu Hamour to near the Sheraton, so unless you have your heart set on a particular property or nursery near there, I wouldn't do it. I would probably research what nurseries you can get your 2 yr old into, then narrow your search area based on that. Good luck with your move!
 
 
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