It was around four o'clock that we arrived at the Museum of Islamic Art Park .The weather was still hot and there were not too many people there . On the stage a Spanish (?) folk group was dancing and this " maria ,maria takeiro" music turned us into festival mood at once .Then we looked into the issue of having lunch-dinner . Foolishly we wanted to see everything first -so we walked around and we became exhausted .We bought 90 rials tickets and we had some sandwiches from the Deli cafe /lamb satay from W hotel / Thai chicken from a fast food outlet .I love Thai food -but this one was very much supermarket quality . The gourmet sandwiches from the Deli and the lamb was very good ,also the vegetables noodle from W Grand Regency hotel / but these five stars hotels give so small portions that you should call it only a bite for taste than a main course . I just wonder why they try to save money - this would be great advertisement for them .When we went to W Grand Regency for an expensive open buffet in summer they were so generous with the discount ! Actually those small dishes here were so small that they should have been distributed for free and not for 10 -20 rials .
We were sitting around a nice round table and a Qatari family asked if they were allowed to sit there too - as there were not enough tables for everyone .That was very unexpected for both families - their girls were laughing embarrassed at the idea of their parent that they share a table with strangers . From the stage we heard jazz we were sitting around a table with total strangers and we were enjoying those little bites that we could afford .
The night came and slowly the park became crowded .A crane lifted up the hanging restaurant of a five star hotel .Laser lights were dancing around them . It was 500 rial/person .I was very happy that we could not afford that because it looked frightening . Security sits and a table around - then you are up in the air . Nothing under your chair . If someone can afford it and needs excitement then he should go for it . Certainly it is a very special way of having dinner !
Shifting the festival to the park was a good idea . This MIA park is so charming especially at night .At the end of their promenade there were the BBQ donuts - round shaped boats large enough for five people to have dinner in . Daytime they are serving tea /coffee - cakes and at night dinner on the boats while floating in the small bay . That is 230 rial .
The festival last day is today when they are open from 2 pm-10 pm . It has very nice atmosphere - go out if you can this evening .
