This is my third expat assignment. When I arrived in the other two countries, I was obsessed with getting the house ready, getting organized and finding someone "like me" to hang out with. "Like me" meaning someone that I really wanted to hang out with vs. just anyone.
The result was that it took me a long time to find my groove and get involved with others. For about six months each time I wasn't very happy and by the time I really got into the grove it was practically time to leave. (Our assignments tend to be in the 2-year range.)
When we moved to the U.S. (to a new city for me) I decided not to follow the same plan and I had much better results. Ditto for the move to Doha.
In short: don't wait around to have everything perfect for the kids (or for you) before venturing out. If you don't already drive, learn to do so before you come so you can get out immediately and start socializing with others without being dependent on your spouse, taxis, etc. Waiting for a social event that is "close" to your home may result in quite the wait :o(
Also, I'm starting a group called Doha Expat Mums and Kids, which will be a Doha-wide group open to all expat mums with kids in Doha. We'll have playgroups, a Moms Night Out, an Expectant Moms Group, and other things. Perhaps the best part is the members-only, secure online forum where mums can ask questions of other mums.
It is being modeled off of the group that I ran in Houston for nearly 600 mums. Our website will be up in a few weeks. Feel free to send me a PM with any questions.
This is my third expat assignment. When I arrived in the other two countries, I was obsessed with getting the house ready, getting organized and finding someone "like me" to hang out with. "Like me" meaning someone that I really wanted to hang out with vs. just anyone.
The result was that it took me a long time to find my groove and get involved with others. For about six months each time I wasn't very happy and by the time I really got into the grove it was practically time to leave. (Our assignments tend to be in the 2-year range.)
When we moved to the U.S. (to a new city for me) I decided not to follow the same plan and I had much better results. Ditto for the move to Doha.
In short: don't wait around to have everything perfect for the kids (or for you) before venturing out. If you don't already drive, learn to do so before you come so you can get out immediately and start socializing with others without being dependent on your spouse, taxis, etc. Waiting for a social event that is "close" to your home may result in quite the wait :o(
Also, I'm starting a group called Doha Expat Mums and Kids, which will be a Doha-wide group open to all expat mums with kids in Doha. We'll have playgroups, a Moms Night Out, an Expectant Moms Group, and other things. Perhaps the best part is the members-only, secure online forum where mums can ask questions of other mums.
It is being modeled off of the group that I ran in Houston for nearly 600 mums. Our website will be up in a few weeks. Feel free to send me a PM with any questions.
Best,
Expat Sueño