Restaurant Review || Shebestan Palace, Souk Waqif

Shebestan Palace, Souk Waqif 

Last week I was blessed to have three friends from the UK join me in Doha for a week of girlie fun and relaxation. One evening I took them around Souq Waqif and one of the girls spotted this delightful restaurant while we were walking around.  

Beautiful hallway leading to the restaurant

The entrance is absolutely stunning and very attractive, the long hallway to the actual restaurant was adorned with coloured glass and sparkles, which was obviously why we were attracted to it in the first place!  

Colourful interior design inside, complete with a soothing fountain

The menu was vast, some meals were budget friendly, but most cost around 110QR and up.  Hummus to start was 22QR and came in a small pot, but, there wasn't anything to accompany it!  

The sparkles lay on the ceiling too!

I ordered a lamb curry dish which came with fresh bread and a side salad which was 50 QR, the bread was plentiful, however, I think I only had around 5 chunks of Lamb in my dish, the rest was sauce and vegetables, the side salad was rather on the slim side too! That aside, it was very tasty and the service was excellent!

Bon Appetit!

Glucose Test in Qatar

Glucose Test in Qatar

As mentioned in previous posts this is my first pregnancy and generally I have no idea what happens at each trimester in terms of the various tests you go through.

However, now that I am 27 weeks (it's flown by!!) I have had my glucose test and can safely report to you what happens!  My Dr and hospital of choice is Al-Emadi on the D-Ring road (it's not far from us, although I do hope these recent roadworks clear up come December as I may give birth in the car he-he... I digress....) and so this is the process I experienced there.

What is a Glucose test?

A glucose test is to check that you have not developed gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, and to check that you do not have preeclampsia either. 

Golden Rule:  Remember to fast from the night before, and only consume water, then go first thing in the morning for your test.

First step: Meet your Dr and have your scan, weigh in and blood pressure checked.

Second step: Go to the laboratory where you will first have your blood taken and provide a urine sample.

Third Step: Drink 50ml of a sugary mixure; mine was lemon flavour, it started off ok, but towards the end it was very sickly (and as a sugar-o-holic I was surprised!), then go away / wait 1-hour - the nurse will tell you the time to return.  

Having read online the experiences that other ladies had during this 1-hour (sickness, dizziness etc etc) I decided to consume around 2 pints of water before I arrived at the hospital (perfect for the urine sample) and also I drank more water straight away after the sugary one, which helped me immensely.  

**DO NOT EAT DURING THE 1-HOUR WAIT!**

Fourth Step: after 1-hour, go to the lab again for another blood test.  

I was advised from the Dr in the first instance, that I do not need to wait for the results (some places make you wait).  If your test is NOT ok and you need to re-test then you will be called that afternoon to go back in. 

With 30 years of consuming masses of sugar and chocolate I think it has paid off, I was not called to go back in which tells me that my body is rather used to processing sugar quite well!  So, perhaps being a choc-o-holic does help :) 

Good luck with yours, I hope my little tips will help you!

xoxo

Spa Review || Diva Lounge Spa

DIVA LOUNGE SPA

Diva Lounge Spa, The Gate Mall - West Bay

Pedicure at Diva Lounge Spa - West Bay

One lazy Friday afternoon during Ramadan (last week!) my friend Suzanne and I decided that we NEEDED a pedicure.  The mission was on!  We called many, many salons, big names and smaller local ones in a bid to find a place that will rescue our feet, all were fully booked and only had spaces at 9pm... it was 2pm and we wanted something within the hour.

Just as I was about to give up all hope, lucky call number six put me thought to Diva Lounge Spa in The Gate Mall, West Bay.  They had space for two people and we had 40 minutes to get there - easy peasy on a Friday and it was ramadan too.

After squeeles of excitement (mainly from me) we were off!  We arrived and the spa was empty - perfect, just how I like them.  What amazed me was the other branch was jam packed and had no space until 9pm!  However, being in a close mall clearly has it's advantages.

Diva Lounge Spa - Reception Area

Friendly staff, clean, new, and roomy, we we both very pleased with our new find - neither of us had been there before.

Diva Lounge Spa - View from Pedicure seat!

As we sat there chit catting we looked at the beauty menu and wondered what else we could be tempted with seeing as we were the only two in there!  With too much to choose from it was going to have to be another, better planned, visit to the spa!

Diva Spa Lounge - new feet! 

One-hour later and slightly sleepy from our relaxing pamper - my feet look brand new again and adorn a perfect french pedicure... my failsafe when I cannot decide on a colour!

As we left I spotted these nifty card holders - how nice are these?

Overall a very pleasant, relaxing, reasonably priced visit (145 QR for a 1-hour pedi with french paint).

I will be going back again, especially during a very quiet time too!

Happy Spa-ing!

Afternoon Tea || W Hotel, Doha

A lovely friend of mine celebrated her birthday enjoying afternoon tea at the W Cafe and I was lucky enough to go along :)

We went on a Saturday but booked ahead so a booth could be secured, which was rather useful on a Saturday because there were many visitors wanting tea! 

Finger sandwiches, a plate filled with little cakes and glorious fat scones with cream and jams arrived on the table, and instantly we whipped out our phones! 

Additionally, you are presented with a wonderful pot of tea of your choice. 

3 hours later with our bellies full of delightful goodies, washed down with tea (or coffee), we rolled out of the booth with large smiles on our faces! 

The service was excellent as always and I can't wait until the next visit! 

Beauty Salon Review || Desert Princess

Desert Princess 

British run hair and beauty salon

Dermalogica Facial Experience

Dermalogica Facial.  Source: Google Images

Located off Salwa Road, this beauty salon is a wonderful hideaway to escape to when you need to leave Doha and return to the UK (without paying for a flight!).

Desert Princess Waiting Area. Source: Desert Princess 

Well thought out and decorated with British charm, this beauty salon has much to offer; Swimming Pool (covered), large hair salon, nail bars and beauty treatment rooms.  

My reason for the visit today was to have a 60 minute Dermalogica facial.... dreamy! Having been in Qatar for over a year now, a Dermalogica facial as I know it to be (steam, extractions, peels, head massage, scented oils etc) was very hard to find. Other salons offer facials, but not a Dermalogica one which is what I specifically missed! 

I met with my therapist, Veerle, who is from Holland and very nice, I told her my facial woes and what i'd love to achieve over a period of time.  After a quick chat and filling out of a questionnaire, I was led upstairs to the beauty room. 

Upon entering the room had wonderful relaxing music playing, candles lit, and a perfectly positioned beauty bed with my name written all over it!  60 minutes flew by, but they were relaxing minutes and I was in utter bliss knowing that I was in great hands, and that i'd finally found my go-to place for my Dermalogica facials.

Once Veerle had finished this amazing treatment, we had a chat about other products I can add to my Dermalogica collection at home, and any areas of concern.  Reluctantly getting changed, I sorted my 'post-facial hair' and headed down to reception where i met Veerle and swiftly booked in another appointment for next month.... this time a 75 minute one with a full neck and shoulder massage too.

I will certainly go to Veerle each month to keep on top of my skincare routine, she is very knowledgeable and i'm so excited to have found Desert Princess!

Desert Princess Logo. Source: Desert Princess Facebook Page

Renewing UK Passport from Qatar

How to renew your British passport while in Qatar

Currently going through a, what I think, bad experience of renewing whilst remaining in Qatar, my first thoughts are.... DON'T DO IT.

However, as a professional and a caring person I shall put my experience aside and give you a helping hand.

In brief: Your passport will be sent to the UK, it will not be renewed here in Qatar - save pennies for the process and the DHL courier charges!

Step 1:  Take yourself to the UK website and commence the process - it's relatively easy, phew!

Website: https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

Step 2: When  you have filled out the forms, printed them off, taken your photos and have everything ready to ship, call DHL and organise a collection.  My company has a corporate account so it only cost me 120QR, before I mentioned the corporate account I was quoted 380 QR (April 2014).

Step 3: Keep the tracking number and make sure it reaches the UK and is signed for by someone.

Step 4: During step 1 you will have been sent an email with your tracking log on details: username and a password.  Take yourself to this website and track away!

Website: https://passportapplication.service.gov.uk/ips-olc/

How long will it take to renew my passport from Qatar?

It really depends on the time of year you have sent your passport off for renewal.  Summer time is peak so expect to receive your new copy back in 8 weeks.

Do they send back the old passport with my RP inside?

Yes - or so I have been advised.  2 weeks after receiving my new passport, i've not yet received my old one.

Overall experience?

My personal experience is still ongoing - 11 weeks of stress and it's still not over.  No-body calls or e-mails you back after logging a complaint,  no matter how many supervisors and managers log a complaint on your behalf.

Most of the people I know began and finished the process in 4 weeks.  The office received my application on the 8th April, I received my new passport on 24th May.  I was told, up-to 14-days after receiving my new passport, I will receive my old one back..... it's the 5th June and i'm still waiting.  I asked them for the tracking number 'sorry, we don't have them.  If your passport doesn't come on the 14th day call us back'.  I shall refrain from boring my readers, but i'm still in for a long ride ahead.

Why do you need your old passport?  My RP expired during this process and as a result I don't have a valid, ID, Medical cover (not great when you're pregnant) and i'm an illegal immigrant!  The longer it takes, the closer I am to facing fines and court hearings as to why i've not renewed my RP.  Sadly, the UK really don't care about my situation and do not want to help..... nor does the Embassy here in Doha for that matter.  I managed to get a letter from the Consular in Doha (which I paid 300QR for) to say my passport is delayed, other than that they don't assist.  At the moment, I cannot leave the country, keep on top of my maternity scans and tests, provide a valid ID anywhere that needs it!  

But it's your own fault, I hear you cry..... when I went through the process the website advised me that it takes 4 weeks - having friends here back that up I was confident 4 weeks I would have both passports in my hands.  When I chased up on the 4th week as to where my passport was, the website had updated itself to say '8 weeks'.  I thought it wouldn't apply to me as I sent it beginning of April, not May, however it wasn't so.

I will keep you updated!

Good luck!!

Restaurant Review || Tse Yang

TSE YANG

The Pearl Qatar

One Tuesday evening we decided to head out for an authentic Chinese meal, and since hearing of the new Chinese Chef in Tse Yang it was an easy decision to make!

Tse Yang is located on The Pearl, so we parked opposite the Mosque (on the right as you enter The Pearl) and strolled over to the restaurant (opposite to Ferrari Showroom).

Upon arrival we were kindly greeted by a waitress in traditional Chinese attire and taken through a dark, red-light hall way to an impressive, large dining room. 

There was certainly plenty to chose from and I decided to go for a Lychee mocktail (my favorite) and hubby went for his favorite liquor.  Our waitress was very knowledgeable, polite and not over bearing.  As neither of us had lunch that day (reserving ourselves for this dinner) we had a soup each, with honey glazed duck to nibble on... the duck melted in your mouth and was like nothing i've had before, it was simply exquisite. 

After lots of 'mmmmmm' noises throughout our starter, we proceeded to order our mains: Vegetable noodles, mixed rice, a beef dish and a chicken dish.  They arrived on our table sizzles and steaming to which we both started our noises of enjoyment again... mmmmmmmm.

With our stomachs full of wonderful, aromatic food we recline back in our seats and enjoyed the atmosphere.  

I give Tse Yang a 4.5 / 5 and will be heading back there in November for my birthday (providing the chef does not leave).

Their contact details are: 4495 3876

Happy Eating!

Buying furniture in Qatar

Furniture Shopping in Doha

You've arrived safely to Qatar, you've arrived to your new abode, dropped your bags and released your interior designer!

Where to go next?  Depending on your budget I have listed below some options for you:

- Ikea, Festival City (North of Doha) Website: HERE

- Home Centre, all over Doha!  Website: HERE

- Zara Home, Villaggio Mall / Landmark Mall Website: HERE

- Carrefour, all over Doha! Website: HERE

Should your budget be unlimited you will find many stores, some boutiques, located around Qatar.  One's that spring to mind are:

- The One, Villaggio & Landmark Mall  Website: HERE

- Versace Home - The Pearl Qatar, close to Ferrari Showroom


Generally speaking, since IKEA opened we all head there.  Home Centre furniture feels very 70's and breaks in a heart beat, but if you need towels and so forth I usually head there.  Zara Home is wonderful, sometimes things are a little too pricey for my budget but I do love all things girly that they have to offer! 

Happy Shopping! 

Pregnant in Doha, Qatar

Congratulations!  

You find out your pregnant what to do next?

Most people will ask someone they know, or a friend of a friend, to find out what they did, who they saw and the best place to buy everything mother and baby!  As a first-time expectant mummy i'm learning as I go and happy to share the information with you and try to assist you too!

Where to go?

Many ladies I have spoken to have started off at Al-Emadi hospital and went to see Dr.Sonia.

Website here: Al-Emadi

Al-Emadi is expensive, however, as I am fully covered with insurance it was not something I needed to contemplate.  Should you wish to go to Hamad hospital (i'm yet to go there), you will first need to register to obtain your Hamad medical card, and then you will be able to go along.  I suspect like most NHS hospitals in the UK it will be very busy, however, I have not been in there and cannot advise!  Hamad hospital is the place you will be sent to in the event of an utter emergency during labour and they have many great Dr's to hand.  The reason I didn't go there is because Dr. Sonia came highly recommended to me, and I had seen her before in the past.

Dr. Sonia is a wonderful, kind lady whose office is showered with thank you cards and small gifts; it's safe to say she knows what she is doing!  The only caveat i've been told is that she does not deliver, so you will need to decide whether or not to remain there and have the Dr on rota at that time of your delivery, or move to a Dr who will be there throughout the pregnancy and there for the delivery too.  The latter I am contemplating however, I do trust Dr. Sonia a great deal and it's certainly not a hasty decision to be made.

When you first go there, it's always a good idea to carry your marriage certificate too in the event they ask for it - we weren't asked but I had already registered there and my ID shows that I am under husband sponsorship. My biggest piece of advice is: avoid weekends!  If you can't avoid the weekend, go first thing in the morning eg: 8am. 

First appointment

You will have a scan, blood tests and given pregnancy tablets to take.  I was in the hospital for 3 hours, but I didn't go there until 5pm on a saturday evening - big mistake.

Thereafter, you will meet with Dr. Sonia once a month for scans and then at key stages you will have more tests etc.

Maternity Clothes in Doha

Given the huge families here in Qatar I was certain that the one thing clothes shops will not be short on is maternity wear..... how wrong was I?

I have managed to get a top  and two pairs of shorts from H&M, Bras (very unflattering) from Mamas & Papas and that's it so far.  At the moment i'm living in unbuttoned trousers and jeans, stretching into my 'fat-day' tops and soon I will be in a desperate situation! 

I have been to: Marks & Spencers (1 set of maternity bras only), Mamas & Papas (bras, granny & casual clothes: think flair jeans, low cut dresses etc), Zara (nothing), Mango (nothing), H&M (two racks of clothes which aren't the greatest), Gap (nothing), Next (nothing), Mothercare (Nothing, baby clothes only), La Senza (Nothing), as you can see it's shocking!  Luckily for me I am going to the UK in July where I will raid every shop possible and come back with 30kg of clothes that Doha severely lacks to cater for.

For those of you who aren't going to the UK, or back to your home country, I suggest shopping online at: ASOS, New Look, Gap, Next, the list is endless.  ASOS offer free international shipping and they usually deliver to your home or office - which beat's queuing at Aramex and risk having your clothes sliced as they open the parcel to check what's inside! 

I will keep updating you all with what happens, if you are pregnant and due in 2014 get in touch!  Maybe we can meet for a decaf coffee and go hunting for clothes together :)

Good luck xoxo

Photo Source: Telegraph.co.uk