@tootsie, I haven't been to Africa, but I've lived in Tokyo, Shanghai, California, and Essex and what I write is in comparison to my lifestyle.
I also provide some general tables and there is a FULL downloaded spreadsheet with prices of items from stores, so I think people can easily judge prices by themselves.
You did repeat alot of what I've already said though. I requote though just to avoid confusion. "At the end of the day, nobody would travel to a foreign country except for the adventure or the salary".
You said there is no Middle Class, but there is. A middle class here might be considered upper class somewhere else. I can say for sure that I could never maintain my same lifestyle in London or Tokyo. However from the point of view of catering to that class, you are correct. I was discussing that exact thing with a few heads the other day.
As for the gym, it's odd to say, yes it's the same price as back home but with more facilities here, but at least back there I had a choice. This isn't about choice, it's about the cost of what we have. I wish we were as developed as the west. I wish we had more competition. I wish we had better prices but the issue is that alot of expats coming here expecting to live like Kings, when sadly it's just not possible. If yuo want to live a good life, then yes it is.
I want to tell you that there is more to life when it comes to food in stalls or hotels. There are many restaurants that you can find. Perhaps you haven't been adventurous enough. Once I've finished the Restaurants section on ILQ.net perhaps that will give you a few dining ideas.
Bottom line for me is, I can live 2 months in Qatar with the same salary I spent in London. (Again as I mentioned on my site, 'if you exclude accommodation')
If you'd like to rent a car I suggest Fast Car (call the Daihatsu dealership). Pay for 4 days and get 5 days free.
At the end of the day, you look at what Qatar used to be (nothing but a sand hole) and you look at it now and you'll see that it's developed than anywhere has ever developed. But you said it yourself, you have high expectations. I hope that someday, the country will meet your expectations.
I just want to highlight one more point that I mention on the front page of the site and in red.
"Note: All information on this site is based on facts and figures that are current to the date of publishing. Any information should also be understood that it is based on my personal experience, opinions, and perspective."
__________________________ <-- Cost of Living, Visas, Safety Info, Tips on Moving, Facts, Pictures, Videos, Friendly Forums, and more!
@tootsie, I haven't been to Africa, but I've lived in Tokyo, Shanghai, California, and Essex and what I write is in comparison to my lifestyle.
I also provide some general tables and there is a FULL downloaded spreadsheet with prices of items from stores, so I think people can easily judge prices by themselves.
You did repeat alot of what I've already said though. I requote though just to avoid confusion. "At the end of the day, nobody would travel to a foreign country except for the adventure or the salary".
You said there is no Middle Class, but there is. A middle class here might be considered upper class somewhere else. I can say for sure that I could never maintain my same lifestyle in London or Tokyo. However from the point of view of catering to that class, you are correct. I was discussing that exact thing with a few heads the other day.
As for the gym, it's odd to say, yes it's the same price as back home but with more facilities here, but at least back there I had a choice. This isn't about choice, it's about the cost of what we have. I wish we were as developed as the west. I wish we had more competition. I wish we had better prices but the issue is that alot of expats coming here expecting to live like Kings, when sadly it's just not possible. If yuo want to live a good life, then yes it is.
I want to tell you that there is more to life when it comes to food in stalls or hotels. There are many restaurants that you can find. Perhaps you haven't been adventurous enough. Once I've finished the Restaurants section on ILQ.net perhaps that will give you a few dining ideas.
Bottom line for me is, I can live 2 months in Qatar with the same salary I spent in London. (Again as I mentioned on my site, 'if you exclude accommodation')
If you'd like to rent a car I suggest Fast Car (call the Daihatsu dealership). Pay for 4 days and get 5 days free.
At the end of the day, you look at what Qatar used to be (nothing but a sand hole) and you look at it now and you'll see that it's developed than anywhere has ever developed. But you said it yourself, you have high expectations. I hope that someday, the country will meet your expectations.
I just want to highlight one more point that I mention on the front page of the site and in red.
"Note: All information on this site is based on facts and figures that are current to the date of publishing. Any information should also be understood that it is based on my personal experience, opinions, and perspective."
__________________________
<-- Cost of Living, Visas, Safety Info, Tips on Moving, Facts, Pictures, Videos, Friendly Forums, and more!