Who are you?
We are two best friends originally from the Philippines who have known each other for decades and who share a strong bond and similar interests.Where, when and why did you move abroad?
We moved from our home country to the city of Doha in Qatar during our early 20s. The reason for the move is because our immediate families were already situated here so it was a no-brainer to join them.
What challenges did you face during the move?
Truthfully there were no major challenges except for acquiring the visas / residence permits but other than that everything else was smooth sailing since we’ve been to Doha before, prior to relocating, so we were already quite familiar with the culture & people.
Are there many other expats in your area?
It might be a surprise for many but expats in Qatar outnumber the locals. The country’s population is very diverse comprising of expats from all over the world.
What do you like about life where you are?
What we like most about Qatar is the fact that we feel safe here because of the very low crime rate. We don’t feel the need to look over our shoulders when we walk down the street.
What do you dislike about your expat life?
There is really nothing much we dislike about our expat life. We enjoy our life here and find ways to occupy our time like trying new restaurants, hotels and activities.
What is the biggest cultural difference you have experienced between your new country and life back home?
Since Qatar is a prominently Muslim country, holidays such as Christmas and New Year are not widely celebrated (unlike in the Philippines) hence you don’t feel the festive spirit.
What advice would you give to anyone following in your footsteps?
Do your research before deciding to relocate anywhere in the Middle East ☺
What are your plans for the future?
At this time, we do not have concrete plans for the future. We both practice the “one day at a time” attitude.
You can keep up to date with Karen & Allyson's adventures on their blog, Life With Karlly.
Would you like to share your experience of expat life with readers? Email scar@expatfocus.com for details!