Do we come to Qatar or not?

u want to get bored, welcome.

i like the idea of spending husband's money.

if you have things planned out in yourmind and u need a break then very good.there are centres that teach languages here, but i am not sure of greek.

for the gym, u can take a membership for the entire family, and you can use it as and how you prefer.

most 5star hotels have their own fitness centres with full access to the pool and some have beach access too.when u are here, i can give u a list, help u find some more, or others in this site will be able to help you too in that regard.

there are centres that teach art and dance too, you need to look around once you are here and then settle for what you like, on the whole, it will be fun,not difficult.

i remember you sai u are coming in november, so the weather will be very nice (i hope), gone are the days when we used to have a typical horrible winter, thats usually just 2-3weeks, and then u can enjoy winter over here.

let me know what else u have in mind.i will try to find it out for you.

see ya

take care

For the last 13 years I have worked as a real estate agent, 7 of the last year with one or two children to take care of with very little extra help. My husband's family is in Greece and my mother works full time so we have been doing it on our own. I have had very little time to myself in the past 7 years and am looking forward to taking up some of my past interest again. I want to go to the gym, read, and learn Greek. Do you know of any language schools that would have classes for adults. I also wouldn't mind taking some art or dance classes, as you can see I have lots of ideas about how I am going to spend my time and my husband's money!

LOL!!!

just give your exact plans to your mother and she will understand, i am sure of it. doha is a nice place, and yup kids will adjust once they are in school and in their own routine, as parents you know best, so its really nice,if you confident about your kids' needs. doha is a safe place, alhamdullilah.

you said you want to be a stay at home mom, is your other son very young that he needs u at home, cos if he too is schooling, then u will get bored at home here.you will have to keep yourself busy with club activities or groceries, cos it can be quite boring for working ladies to be at home in this place.

a suggestion you can look into while u are here is that, most government offices work day time, like 6-2 or 7-3p, which can coincide with your kids returning from school, this is if you wish to take up work after you are here, provided you get bored.

I don't think I changed my mind, I just am now more convinced that it is the right thing for our family. If my older son was 11 or 12 it might have been more difficult. I think once he makes a few new friends he will be fine. He just loves playing soccer and being around other kids all the time. I think he will do fine. As for my husband and I, we wouldn't have put him though the whole interview process if we weren't pretty sure we were interested in going. I still have to tell my mother. I told my aunt last night and she got really upset. She thinks anywhere in the middle east is volitile and she thinks that I am crazy for putting my kids in uncertain danger. I don't know what to say to my mom.

you changed your mind pretty quickly, but i feel more concerned by you earlier statement stating your 7yr old is not keen on moving.adults cope anywhich way, but i am sure you will agree with me thats its a issue to be resolved when it comes to kids and their wellbeing.

u can take a villa housed in a compound,they usually have a clubhouse, swimming pool etc, or if u take apartment u can take a family membership in one of the fitness centres here, and you can have your outdoor activities and can use the pool/gym as well.

its something you will have to take a look at while u are here and then decide.

i do know there are schools that teach french and are english medium schools, but not sure whether they are half day french and half day english.

doha is a fast developing country, i am born and brought up here, so i have seen lots of changes take place here in the past 5 years and the trend will continue.

For switching from "unsure" to "sure" in such a short time... WOW!!! what a gurl...!

Thanks for your responses, we've decided to go for and hope for the best. My husband is Greek and I have lived in Greece for a year a long time ago as well as travelled to many places on my own when I was single including north Maroco, which wasn't such a good idea for a woman alone, but I survived. Anyway i am not worried about the beaches we will be spending our summers in Greece at my husbands parents place which is only 5 min form the beach so I am sure we will get our fill of swimming in, besides my older son prefers swimming in a pool. Do most of the compounds have pools or is better to live in a high rise. My husband took some pictures and overall in didn't look too bad, kind of reminds me of Mississauga, Ontario without the green. Are there any schools that have French as well as English. My older son is currently enrolled in a school which is half day french and have day english. I would like to continue it if possible.

Thanks again, I guess I will have to change my user name!

Here is what might help you decide:

1. Rule No 1: you have to have a second car (or drive your hubby to work and back and keep his car), if you want to keep your sanity. There is no walking here. No buses for you, and private drivers are more interested in regular daily business.

2. If you have Eastern or Middle Eastern roots, if you’ve traveled extensively, and you’re open to new cultures... it helps.

3. East coast beaches: you have to drive out of town for more than 30 min. There is no shelter and no facilities, except at Sealine resort . The water is murky. All industrial ports and oil & gas facilities are located on the East coast. In town you have to look for your toes in 4 feet of water.

4. West coast beaches: 60 minutes away, beautiful clean water, but no shelter and no services, unless you are in QP circles, and you can access the club.

5. The sea? it’s more like a turquoise lake with absolutely no waves, very safe for sailing.

6. In town sightseeing: shopping malls & waterfront 5 star hotels + the Souks. All could be visited in 2 or 3 days.

7. Social life after work or after dark: you will make new friends with the parents at your kids’ school. If you are of the culture who drink after eating, you will have no problem finding the spots.

8. 45°C humid summer: most people would send their families home for the better part of June, July & August. You will also have to take a trip home for the Xmas recess.

At first, i thought there was a contradiction between being a real estate sales person and wanting to become a stay home mom… LOL, but I’m not a therapist of course...

Good luck!

Moudir

Also note, that once your children are at school, they will become involved in after school activities eg: soccer, swimming, gym, baseball, scouts etc. There are things to do with your children. As for lifestyle - it is definitely family oriented and is easy (once you settle into your routines). A break twice a year to greener pastures will keep you going! Good luck in your decision.

If they love being outside they will enjoy the beaches and the desert excursions here. Sure, it's no green...

Just bear in mind that during the warmer months they will have to stay indoors all the time or travel back to Canada.