SUSHI MINTO
Avoiding the crowds during the Eid holidays is not easy in Doha.However the Japanese restaurant was nearly empty .It is a large area . I liked the retro interior with circles and oval shaped mirrors .The waitresses were wearing tie with sushi design on it !
I am not a sushi expert so I opted for a bento .It came in a medium sized box with a selection of sushis , mizo soup , noodles , green salad .It was nice for 55 rials .If you wish to select your lunch or dinner a la carte it is rather pricey but you can chose from a large variety of sushis . If you got QR 200 or more for a single dish then the Japanese chefs will make their dishes in front of you at the counter .
It is wise that they added some non -Japanese items to their menu .This way the kids found also something to their tastes !
A liter of water QR18 ,service 12 % .
It was a nice change !
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Eid in Qatar 2009
Where to go ? What to do ?
Go to the desert at night
Eid Holiday expected date : 20 ,21 ,22 September
expected weather conditions :High : 38C - 39 C Low : at night 29 C- 30 C wind 14 -21 km/h
Escape the city and go on a worry-free adventure trip through the desert by Gulf Adventures. QR 550 per person. Minimum of at least 2 people. 6 people per vehicle. This includes a buffet dinner and an Arabian breakfast the following morning. For more info, call 422-1888 or visit www.gulf-adventures.com.
Pearl Island
Cultural and Art district ,exhibitions , henna tent ,cafes , shops
Al Sultan Beach Resort
Eid Al Fitr Package - Standard Room
Room rates QAR 1000 - 1100
Room rate includes Eid Lunch Buffet and breakfast.
Room facilities
Minibar, Shower, Bath, Safety Deposit Box, TV, Telephone, Air Conditioning, Bathroom Amenities, Toilet, Bathroom, Satellite TV, Cable TV
Hairdryer, Wake Up Service/Alarm Clock, Bathrobe, Seating Area
Max. persons: 2
Activities
Tennis Court, Fitness Centre, Jacuzzi, BBQ Facilities, Outdoor Swimming Pool
Beach Party at Hotel Mariott
Assi Al Hillani Live in Qatar
dinner party and a night full of music
Date: 09/23/2009
Venue: Dafna Hall, Sheraton Doha
QR 300 to QR 1,500 which include seated dinner and drinks.
For more information, call 537-5374 or 538-5384.
ABSOLUT Bollywood with DJ Aqeel & DJ NYK
Start Time:
Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 7:00pm
End Time:
Friday, September 25, 2009 at 2:00am
Location:
Doha Marriott Hotel Beach
Street:
Ras Abu Aboud
City/Town:
Ad Dawha, Qatar
Tickets (available from 10th September 2009):
IN ADVANCE:
VIP : Qrs. 200/-
Regular: Qrs. 150/-
Ladies: Qrs. 100/-
AT THE DOOR:
VIP : Qrs. 225/-
Regular: Qrs. 175/-
Ladies: Qrs. 125/-
Tickets available at:
Haji Ali - Family Food Center, Airport Road
Tandoor Express - City Center
Bombay Chowpatty - Airport Road
Maharaja Restaurant - Al Asmakh Street
Music Land - Family Food Center, Airport Road
Tandoor Express - Al Meera, Mansoora
Dnata Travel - Airport Road
Saqr Stores - City Center, Landmark Mall, Hyatt Plaza & Al Nasr. Street
NO AGE LIMIT ###
### SEPARATE AREA FOR UNDER 21's ###
NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED - NO ENTRY TO THE PARTY WITHOUT A VALID ID.
Dress Code: It's a beach party! What more do you want us to tell you?
For More Info call 7172731 / 5717447 / 7746007
Where to go ? What to do ?
Go to the desert at night
Eid Holiday expected date : 20 ,21 ,22 September
expected weather conditions :High : 38C - 39 C Low : at night 29 C- 30 C wind 14 -21 km/h
Escape the city and go on a worry-free adventure trip through the desert by Gulf Adventures. QR 550 per person. Minimum of at least 2 people. 6 people per vehicle. This includes a buffet dinner and an Arabian breakfast the following morning. For more info, call 422-1888 or visit www.gulf-adventures.com.
Pearl Island
Cultural and Art district ,exhibitions , henna tent ,cafes , shops
Al Sultan Beach Resort
Eid Al Fitr Package - Standard Room
Room rates QAR 1000 - 1100
Room rate includes Eid Lunch Buffet and breakfast.
Room facilities
Minibar, Shower, Bath, Safety Deposit Box, TV, Telephone, Air Conditioning, Bathroom Amenities, Toilet, Bathroom, Satellite TV, Cable TV
Hairdryer, Wake Up Service/Alarm Clock, Bathrobe, Seating Area
Max. persons: 2
Activities
Tennis Court, Fitness Centre, Jacuzzi, BBQ Facilities, Outdoor Swimming Pool
Beach Party at Hotel Mariott
Assi Al Hillani Live in Qatar
dinner party and a night full of music
Date: 09/23/2009
Venue: Dafna Hall, Sheraton Doha
QR 300 to QR 1,500 which include seated dinner and drinks.
For more information, call 537-5374 or 538-5384.
ABSOLUT Bollywood with DJ Aqeel & DJ NYK
Start Time:
Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 7:00pm
End Time:
Friday, September 25, 2009 at 2:00am
Location:
Doha Marriott Hotel Beach
Street:
Ras Abu Aboud
City/Town:
Ad Dawha, Qatar
Tickets (available from 10th September 2009):
IN ADVANCE:
VIP : Qrs. 200/-
Regular: Qrs. 150/-
Ladies: Qrs. 100/-
AT THE DOOR:
VIP : Qrs. 225/-
Regular: Qrs. 175/-
Ladies: Qrs. 125/-
Tickets available at:
Haji Ali - Family Food Center, Airport Road
Tandoor Express - City Center
Bombay Chowpatty - Airport Road
Maharaja Restaurant - Al Asmakh Street
Music Land - Family Food Center, Airport Road
Tandoor Express - Al Meera, Mansoora
Dnata Travel - Airport Road
Saqr Stores - City Center, Landmark Mall, Hyatt Plaza & Al Nasr. Street
NO AGE LIMIT ###
### SEPARATE AREA FOR UNDER 21's ###
NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED - NO ENTRY TO THE PARTY WITHOUT A VALID ID.
Dress Code: It's a beach party! What more do you want us to tell you?
For More Info call 7172731 / 5717447 / 7746007
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Once upon a time there was a Hungarian woman who was living far from her country .(aka me) Living in Qatar she started to put her designs at a Californian based company's page to sell things(aka zazzle) . She got customers from remote places . The other day someone bought her necktie from New Zealand ...
Hungary in her heart , Qatar is the place where she creates , California where the idea becomes a true object and someone is enjoying it in New Zealand !
Hungary in her heart , Qatar is the place where she creates , California where the idea becomes a true object and someone is enjoying it in New Zealand !
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Typical Ramadan Lampard
Typical Ramadan Lampard
Photo taken on the Pearl Island
Do you take photos ?Why do not you join the Ramadan photo competition ?
Prizes seems to be very attractive ! Check out this !!
Iftar at Dunia restaurant Villaggio
Season of Iftar Dinners
Ramadan is here and everything seems to be about eating or not eating .Though harshly criticized by many - public eating during the fasting hours is still forbidden and punished by lashes .
When the sun sets the restaurants are full of hungry expats and locals .. this is the seasons of ifthar dinners .
It is a long meal .Two of us shared one meal and as we expected - it was too large for two of us .Finally the children who had had some junk food before helped us to finish it.It was an extra pleasure for me that they tried something new . We had this iftar at Dunia restaurant , Villagio .
here is what they served for 130 rials :
Hors d'oeuvre : Oven fresh home made khobz ,date (tamr) ,olives , labneh(cheese),
Entree : lentil Soup , hommos , fresh garden salad , oven fresh sambosas ,kebbe ,beef stew with pineseeds
Main course : mixed kebab with three colored rice
Dessert :Cold Rice Pudding with Date sauce
It was a fine dining out with excellent dishes , stylish ways of serving the food and very helpful waiters ...
Only the price of the water leaves some bad taste in the mouth ( water was not included )
read more review on this restaurant
Ramadan is here and everything seems to be about eating or not eating .Though harshly criticized by many - public eating during the fasting hours is still forbidden and punished by lashes .
When the sun sets the restaurants are full of hungry expats and locals .. this is the seasons of ifthar dinners .
It is a long meal .Two of us shared one meal and as we expected - it was too large for two of us .Finally the children who had had some junk food before helped us to finish it.It was an extra pleasure for me that they tried something new . We had this iftar at Dunia restaurant , Villagio .
here is what they served for 130 rials :
Hors d'oeuvre : Oven fresh home made khobz ,date (tamr) ,olives , labneh(cheese),
Entree : lentil Soup , hommos , fresh garden salad , oven fresh sambosas ,kebbe ,beef stew with pineseeds
Main course : mixed kebab with three colored rice
Dessert :Cold Rice Pudding with Date sauce
It was a fine dining out with excellent dishes , stylish ways of serving the food and very helpful waiters ...
Only the price of the water leaves some bad taste in the mouth ( water was not included )
read more review on this restaurant
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Our Great Flat Renovation Experience
The floor of our flat had been sinking for three months when our landlady went on holiday . She ordered her Indian valet/driver to arrange all within a month . We were forced out of our flat( in a way that the rent was payed by us during the renovation) . We had to pack everything within a week and find a temporary accommodation while the floor would be done .
In vain my husband tried to persuade her about her duty to pay for us the accommodation . She was very upset about the request . " You get the flat very cheap from me " was her answer . Right. Her rent augmented only 300 % the last seven years we lived there . That is the landlord ethic in Qatar .
We were searching for a flat which is sublet for a month or two while the lodger is on holiday . We saw terrible things. Whole families living in 20 square metre "furnished appartement"= there were matresses on the ground .Laundry room , shed advertised and let as family accommodation ..
Finally we found that a cheap hotel would be better .WE found one run by Indians and were ready to move when my husband found a bit more expensive suite hotel . Everything was wonderful there - a complete furnished flat in retro style .We could not resist - my husband was offered a bargain by the boss . We payed in advance and enjoyed this temporary luxury. Everything was nice but the boss. He called my husband after two days : You must pay more because we just noticed that one of your child is over 18 years old .
After a heated debate my husband refused to pay more .. Then he threatened him " if your little kids destroy something you will have to pay for that " ... Welcome in Arabia ...
Once I read in an old book that the Arabian hospitality is the best in the whole world .The Hungarian traveler and orientalist Germanus Gyula who travelled all around the Arabian Peninsula seventy years ago wrote about that ... Everything is changing .. the old traditions are forgotten ... quick profit and money is more important nowadays ...
Finally the flat is done ... the brand new toilets are leaking in a terrible way ... the floor was changed but according to my husband description they did not put enough layers of different soils to isolate properly . We count our expenses : accommodation , transport of the furniture , decorating the walls , mending the toilets ...finally we found that more than 6000 rials we had to pay because ten years ago when the house was constructed some people did not isolate properly the floor .
We expect it to be sinking again . We hope that we will not witness it here ... but for this price or a little more we would find a much better place to live next year ...
The floor of our flat had been sinking for three months when our landlady went on holiday . She ordered her Indian valet/driver to arrange all within a month . We were forced out of our flat( in a way that the rent was payed by us during the renovation) . We had to pack everything within a week and find a temporary accommodation while the floor would be done .
In vain my husband tried to persuade her about her duty to pay for us the accommodation . She was very upset about the request . " You get the flat very cheap from me " was her answer . Right. Her rent augmented only 300 % the last seven years we lived there . That is the landlord ethic in Qatar .
We were searching for a flat which is sublet for a month or two while the lodger is on holiday . We saw terrible things. Whole families living in 20 square metre "furnished appartement"= there were matresses on the ground .Laundry room , shed advertised and let as family accommodation ..
Finally we found that a cheap hotel would be better .WE found one run by Indians and were ready to move when my husband found a bit more expensive suite hotel . Everything was wonderful there - a complete furnished flat in retro style .We could not resist - my husband was offered a bargain by the boss . We payed in advance and enjoyed this temporary luxury. Everything was nice but the boss. He called my husband after two days : You must pay more because we just noticed that one of your child is over 18 years old .
After a heated debate my husband refused to pay more .. Then he threatened him " if your little kids destroy something you will have to pay for that " ... Welcome in Arabia ...
Once I read in an old book that the Arabian hospitality is the best in the whole world .The Hungarian traveler and orientalist Germanus Gyula who travelled all around the Arabian Peninsula seventy years ago wrote about that ... Everything is changing .. the old traditions are forgotten ... quick profit and money is more important nowadays ...
Finally the flat is done ... the brand new toilets are leaking in a terrible way ... the floor was changed but according to my husband description they did not put enough layers of different soils to isolate properly . We count our expenses : accommodation , transport of the furniture , decorating the walls , mending the toilets ...finally we found that more than 6000 rials we had to pay because ten years ago when the house was constructed some people did not isolate properly the floor .
We expect it to be sinking again . We hope that we will not witness it here ... but for this price or a little more we would find a much better place to live next year ...
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Some lights
Can you tell me why this campaign to cover up and plans to force people to do so (especially women)leaves a bad taste in the mouth ?
Reading the local news I noticed the view of a Qatari man on the issue :
At least some lights !
Abdullah Hussein — Qatari
“What one wears is one’s own choice. We can’t force people to wear clothes we like. It’s a matter of individual freedom and I believe in personal freedom.”
“I agree that people should respect our social and religious values and traditions, but they should do it voluntarily. We cannot force them. We can only make them aware through campaigns. We can convince them about that and we have to be extremely polite doing that.”
Can you tell me why this campaign to cover up and plans to force people to do so (especially women)leaves a bad taste in the mouth ?
Reading the local news I noticed the view of a Qatari man on the issue :
At least some lights !
Abdullah Hussein — Qatari
“What one wears is one’s own choice. We can’t force people to wear clothes we like. It’s a matter of individual freedom and I believe in personal freedom.”
“I agree that people should respect our social and religious values and traditions, but they should do it voluntarily. We cannot force them. We can only make them aware through campaigns. We can convince them about that and we have to be extremely polite doing that.”
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
SUMMER WITH KIDS 2009
Doha Expat Mums & Kids: Pool + Indoor Playgroup for 18-36 month old kids (Villagio area)
Date: 06/01/2009 to 07/27/2009
Time: 3pm-5pm
Visit the website for details and to RSVP www.dohaexpatmumsandkids.com
Fun First Nursery this summer
July for 4 weeks Summer Camp, from Sunday 5th July until Thursday 30th July
children up to 6 years old
QR 1800/ per child
contact the Reception at 4110953 between 7am and 2pm
Creative Child Nursery
30/ 3/ 2009
If you are from 2 to 6 years old, join them this summer for a lot of fun! From July 5th to August 20th. Time from 7 am to 1 pm Information and Registration: 479 5916
ICC SUMMER CAMP
THE OASIS 2009
“The Indian Cultural Centre is all set to conduct its Fourth Summer Camp – “The Oasis 2009” involving a wide range of informative, innovative educational and entertaining programs for 6-weeks starting from 2nd Aug.2009 to 10.Sept.2009 at the MIS – DPS school.
The formal inauguration will be held on the 1st.Aug.2009 while the Grand finale on 11th.Sept.2009.
Registration formalities must be completed at the ICC office only. For any further details, please contact ICC reception at 4674845 / 4674891 from 10 to 12am and from 4 to 10pm.
APTECH SUMMER CAMP( COMPUTER EDUCATION)
FROM 1ST OF JULY
REGISTER :4673399
Junior Hotel Academy
Let your child enjoy the summer season and let them feel being a young professional hotelier.
It's open for children ages 6 to 12 years old. Schedules will be every Thursday from July 2 to August 20, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more inquires please call Catherine Vidonia on 496-6511, 496-6600 or email her at catherine.vidonia@movenpick.com
Entertainment Village
Doha Exhibitions Center
children’s rides, ‘extreme rides’ and organised sporting activities in the outdoor area, with entertainment, games, restaurants and shopping areas indoors. Artistes from Europe and Asia will perform live shows, including plays, acrobatics, puppet shows and magic tricks to entertain the young and old alike. An appetising collection of restaurants and cafes will satisfy visitors of all tastes. The Entertainment Village will welcome fun-seekers from 10am to 10pm from Saturday to Thursday and from 4pm to 10pm on Fridays.
SEE COMMENTS ON IT
BEACHES IN QATAR
AN EXCELLENT COLLECTION OF BEACHES , LOCATION , DESCRIPTIONS
Regatta Summer School - Learn to Sail
5 afternoons, Sunday through Thursday.
Starting of the week 5th, 12th and 19th of July, 2 pm to 5pm.
QR 800 per students per week. Minimum age 6 yrs.
Qualified RYA Instructors, Buoyancy Aids Provided, Safety Boats on hand at all times.
For further details contact 442 4577 / 550 7846
email : regatta/-a-t-/qatar.net.qa
Evolution Soccer Summer Holiday Club
Evolution Soccer will be hosting summer courses.
5th to 9th of July at Doha College from 9 am to 1pm.
12th to 16th of July at Doha College from 9am to 1pm.
Each weeks will cost QR 700.
Children can attend a minimum of one day at the cost QR 150 per day.
For futher info pls call 506 4794 or email evolution_soccer/-a-t-/hotmail.com
CHILDREN COURSES - Dar Al Founoun Art School, Waqif Art Center
Drawing
MONDAYS: 4:00pm ! 5:30pm
Beginning: June 8th, 2009 ! 4 sessions once per week
Ending: June 29th, 2009
QR 650 (all materials included)
Children: age 7 -10 (grades 3-5)
Children will learn to look and reproduce on paper what they see by using
the 5 basic elements of drawing: dots, ovals, straight lines, curves lines,
and angle line. Through a variety of exercises they will learn to draw
abstract designs, animals, faces and objects.
info@waqifartcenter.com
434 09 21
Opera for kids
Hansel and Gretel
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra
Date: 07/13/2009 to 07/23/2009
Venue: Aspire Hall Shows are at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m
QR 25 per child, QR 75 per adult
available at the door or reserved by phone
call 520-6319
MY GYM
498 0099
SUMMER CAMP - 3 TIMES A WEEK
QR 2750 PER MONTH
Café Céramique Summer Camp
on Thursdays , Fridays , Saturdays
QR 95 per day
cooking ,craft , snacks included
tel :4671100
Doha Expat Mums & Kids: Pool + Indoor Playgroup for 18-36 month old kids (Villagio area)
Date: 06/01/2009 to 07/27/2009
Time: 3pm-5pm
Visit the website for details and to RSVP www.dohaexpatmumsandkids.com
Fun First Nursery this summer
July for 4 weeks Summer Camp, from Sunday 5th July until Thursday 30th July
children up to 6 years old
QR 1800/ per child
contact the Reception at 4110953 between 7am and 2pm
Creative Child Nursery
30/ 3/ 2009
If you are from 2 to 6 years old, join them this summer for a lot of fun! From July 5th to August 20th. Time from 7 am to 1 pm Information and Registration: 479 5916
ICC SUMMER CAMP
THE OASIS 2009
“The Indian Cultural Centre is all set to conduct its Fourth Summer Camp – “The Oasis 2009” involving a wide range of informative, innovative educational and entertaining programs for 6-weeks starting from 2nd Aug.2009 to 10.Sept.2009 at the MIS – DPS school.
The formal inauguration will be held on the 1st.Aug.2009 while the Grand finale on 11th.Sept.2009.
Registration formalities must be completed at the ICC office only. For any further details, please contact ICC reception at 4674845 / 4674891 from 10 to 12am and from 4 to 10pm.
APTECH SUMMER CAMP( COMPUTER EDUCATION)
FROM 1ST OF JULY
REGISTER :4673399
Junior Hotel Academy
Let your child enjoy the summer season and let them feel being a young professional hotelier.
It's open for children ages 6 to 12 years old. Schedules will be every Thursday from July 2 to August 20, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more inquires please call Catherine Vidonia on 496-6511, 496-6600 or email her at catherine.vidonia@movenpick.com
Entertainment Village
Doha Exhibitions Center
children’s rides, ‘extreme rides’ and organised sporting activities in the outdoor area, with entertainment, games, restaurants and shopping areas indoors. Artistes from Europe and Asia will perform live shows, including plays, acrobatics, puppet shows and magic tricks to entertain the young and old alike. An appetising collection of restaurants and cafes will satisfy visitors of all tastes. The Entertainment Village will welcome fun-seekers from 10am to 10pm from Saturday to Thursday and from 4pm to 10pm on Fridays.
SEE COMMENTS ON IT
BEACHES IN QATAR
AN EXCELLENT COLLECTION OF BEACHES , LOCATION , DESCRIPTIONS
Regatta Summer School - Learn to Sail
5 afternoons, Sunday through Thursday.
Starting of the week 5th, 12th and 19th of July, 2 pm to 5pm.
QR 800 per students per week. Minimum age 6 yrs.
Qualified RYA Instructors, Buoyancy Aids Provided, Safety Boats on hand at all times.
For further details contact 442 4577 / 550 7846
email : regatta/-a-t-/qatar.net.qa
Evolution Soccer Summer Holiday Club
Evolution Soccer will be hosting summer courses.
5th to 9th of July at Doha College from 9 am to 1pm.
12th to 16th of July at Doha College from 9am to 1pm.
Each weeks will cost QR 700.
Children can attend a minimum of one day at the cost QR 150 per day.
For futher info pls call 506 4794 or email evolution_soccer/-a-t-/hotmail.com
CHILDREN COURSES - Dar Al Founoun Art School, Waqif Art Center
Drawing
MONDAYS: 4:00pm ! 5:30pm
Beginning: June 8th, 2009 ! 4 sessions once per week
Ending: June 29th, 2009
QR 650 (all materials included)
Children: age 7 -10 (grades 3-5)
Children will learn to look and reproduce on paper what they see by using
the 5 basic elements of drawing: dots, ovals, straight lines, curves lines,
and angle line. Through a variety of exercises they will learn to draw
abstract designs, animals, faces and objects.
info@waqifartcenter.com
434 09 21
Opera for kids
Hansel and Gretel
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra
Date: 07/13/2009 to 07/23/2009
Venue: Aspire Hall Shows are at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m
QR 25 per child, QR 75 per adult
available at the door or reserved by phone
call 520-6319
MY GYM
498 0099
SUMMER CAMP - 3 TIMES A WEEK
QR 2750 PER MONTH
Café Céramique Summer Camp
on Thursdays , Fridays , Saturdays
QR 95 per day
cooking ,craft , snacks included
tel :4671100
CONTRASTS IN QATAR
an old district in Mammoura,Doha
and the futuristic zig zag buildings in a new district
see my next post about summer with kids in qatar
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Places in Qatar : Diplomatic Club
It is a common form of entertainment in Qatar -going to recreational clubs .Companies , hotels , villa compounds have their own ones .The cheapest ones were closed down .The least expensive club nowadays have no beach - but swimming pools .
The Diplomatic Club offers no information on their membership fees on their homepage . I have visited it for an event recently .I was all impressed by the decor ... somehow it reminded me a little bit Gellert spa in Buda .
Friday, June 26, 2009
MILESTONES ON MY ONLINE ART BUSINESS
It is time to celebrate ! I got 100 orders till now and the last one was cleared yesterday !I have been member at Zazzle since August 2007
I got my first order from Qatar . Perhaps because of this free shipping special offer !
Cute purple giraffe designed for kids ! The little ones will like Alma Wad's unique mug !
Thank You A . from Qatar for the purchase !
It is time to celebrate ! I got 100 orders till now and the last one was cleared yesterday !I have been member at Zazzle since August 2007
I got my first order from Qatar . Perhaps because of this free shipping special offer !
Cute purple giraffe designed for kids ! The little ones will like Alma Wad's unique mug !
Thank You A . from Qatar for the purchase !
Scenes from our life
It felt like we were at home
We were sipping our cappucino in a fast food place .It was our unofficial monthly gettogether , Hungarian expat mums ..
- Alma ,you got new handbag ,wow ! -said Marta
- Special offer ,Carrefour ,it had a junk flower on it which had to be removed - 20 rial( less than a dollar) -I answered
- Then Timi showed off her handbag .What do you think about this ?
Twice but nice shop ,Hungary 50 forint ( 25 cents) ...
Then we burst out laughing .... that was the best laugh I have had in this "you must show off" country where I have been living for almost seven years !
We were sipping our cappucino in a fast food place .It was our unofficial monthly gettogether , Hungarian expat mums ..
- Alma ,you got new handbag ,wow ! -said Marta
- Special offer ,Carrefour ,it had a junk flower on it which had to be removed - 20 rial( less than a dollar) -I answered
- Then Timi showed off her handbag .What do you think about this ?
Twice but nice shop ,Hungary 50 forint ( 25 cents) ...
Then we burst out laughing .... that was the best laugh I have had in this "you must show off" country where I have been living for almost seven years !
expat life in the world
according to an article in the gulf -times expats earn the best worlwide in japan , russia and qatar
though prices are the lowest in india ,malaysia and china - but in the three above countries one third of the expats earn more than $200.000 per year ...
i made a little calculation - it means 60 - 70 thousand rial per month ...
who are making this big money ?
one third of the population here?????
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Lost on a train - my childhood stories
from my childhood stories
It was a wonderful trip with my father to Budapest .I do not remember exactly why and how but we traveled to the capital and visited my uncle and my cousins . We had great time together and Budapest ,the metropolis was always full of wonders for the little girl who I used to be .
Our two or three days were filled with joy and fun and when the time came then we took the train as usually to ride along Lake Balaton to reach our home hundreds of kilometer far ...Traveling together was pure joy . The beauty of the nature and the kids magazine that dad bought for me on the train made me feel that all the time was very special ! When the young man who was selling sandwiches and coffee came then my dad bought a coffee for himself . I asked him to buy for me some chestnut puree which looked so delicious with some whipped cream on the top . I did not suspect then that this sweet treat would turn our dream journey into a nightmare .
It was a very hot day and the whipped cream must have been stale on the chestnut puree ! At least it made me sick soon after I had it and I threw up the whole thing . This was just the beginning of the troubles . After cleaning me - my father was looking for potable water on the train -but nobody had any of that . Two hours or more ride was ahead of us and it was scorching heat .
"There is no other solution than getting out of the train and filling your bottle at the tap" said the conductor woman on the train . She consulted her timetables then she added " We will wait 20 minutes at the next railway station - you will have plenty of time to get water "
So my father left the train . I promised him to keep sitting there where I was whatever happens !
I was waiting quietly . One fellow passenger looked out of the window and told me " lots of folks at the tap - you must be patient ,little girl !"
So was I .
Then I heard the sound of whistle soon . Then the train was rolling under me . I could not understand the whole thing ! But one thing was clear : only some minutes passed after my father left the train and he was not back !
As the train started to gain full speed my hope to see my father faded . Suddenly I wished to cry - but I kept telling myself : "Do not cry ! There is no problem ! If you cry then it means there is a problem ! "
A fellow passenger looked up from his magazine "little girl - your father did not come back ?"
"No"
Then he went on reading ...
The conductor woman soon arrived excited ." Little girl ,your father missed the train - but do not worry I will take you home once we arrive " "what is your name address - can you tell me please ?"
Luckily ,my mother taught us well our personal details.Though I was so little but I knew all my personal data by heart .Then the conductor woman was relieved ."so no need to go to the police to find your family" "Do not worry your father is coming soon in the next train "
I looked at her at that moment like a savor !
All these things made me quiet but also made me wonder about other things :" what will my mom say when she sees me with this woman and my father lost ." "what will she say when it turns out that all the problems started because of that chestnut puree because I wanted it so much " 'will she blame me for all that ?"
But I did not have to think about those things for a long time ...
The train started to slow down and we were approaching another railway station ... The door opened violently and my dad stormed into the compartment .He just hugged me and did not say a word . He was not able to....He was exhausted !
I could not understand anything nor did the other passengers !
Then came the conductor woman and started to yell at him : " You made a terrible thing it could have cost you your life ! It is strictly forbidden to jump on a train while it is moving "
Then my father shouted back and other passengers were angry with that woman who made a terrible mistake when consulting her timetables and gave wrong information about the time the train would spend at that station.
Finally everything became quiet around me ...And sitting in my father's lap I could listen to his story ....
When it was his turn at the tap then the train started to move . He filled the bottle and was running after the train . He was running more than two kilometers when he managed to jump on the last carriage . All he could do was to hold himself tight while the train was at full speed .He could open the door and enter only when the train was slowing down ...
He knew very well how dangerous all of it was .. But he felt he must do it because all the time a terrible image haunted him : his little daughter opens the train's door wishing to find his dad and falls out of the carriage ...
Since that time I had known that my daddy is a real hero ...
DO you adore trains like I do ? See this Hungarian trainspotting page !
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Qatari girls - education and marriage
Numbers
According to a blog written by a Qatari woman 35 % of them suitably aged for marriage are single !
According to the local news in high school examinations girls got 29 out of the 36 top spots ! Even in Maths !
According to a blog written by a Qatari woman 35 % of them suitably aged for marriage are single !
According to the local news in high school examinations girls got 29 out of the 36 top spots ! Even in Maths !
AWARD WINNING DESIGNS
I keep telling you news about my designer boutique here and there . Lately I have got so many awards that it is difficult to tell it one by one .
So I set up a page just for Alma Wad 's designs .
Also I am featuring other designers' work .Come and have a look at my award winning designs . Any feedback is greatly appreciated !
See all my awards here !
I keep telling you news about my designer boutique here and there . Lately I have got so many awards that it is difficult to tell it one by one .
So I set up a page just for Alma Wad 's designs .
Also I am featuring other designers' work .Come and have a look at my award winning designs . Any feedback is greatly appreciated !
See all my awards here !
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Mango season
It's mango season here or rather at the trade partner countries of Qatar - the other day I was at the supermarket and there were a lot of kinds of mango for sale : Indian , Pakistani , Yemeni , Brazilian . The Indian was the cheapest around 2.5 US dollars per kilo . I found a site with very good mango recipes . I mixed some thick cream , with fresh mango puree and some yoghurt and topped it with whipped cream . Some gelatin powder would have made it professional looking gourmet dessert - but I could not make out how to use that strange stick which is sold here
for making jelly . It is made in India and there is no any instruction on it - I just guess that it is an algae the agar -agar .
Friday, June 05, 2009
Rita Szarvas; Hungarian; therapist at a Budapest center for children with motor disabilities. Her 7-year-old son was also aboard, but his name was not released.
May they rest in peace !
Why did this young mother have to die with her little son and their friends son ?
Why the modern and safe airplanes are not built though invented some seventy years ago? Why only the military can enjoy that safety and why civil passangers have to fly in outdated models ? Find the answers here !
Zen dream mandala is simple and clear design by me. This was my best selling card last month . This item is a template you need to type your own data to get your unique card ! You can do it online by clicking on the image - you will find yourself on the parent page . Then simply type your data into the boxes ... It comes 100 per pack ..
Thank you A. for your orders ! May the card bring you fruitful contacts !
Thank you A. for your orders ! May the card bring you fruitful contacts !
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Most welcoming and kindest people ?
What if your business collapses ?
What if you had been a manager for ten days of a company which failed ?
How can you be blamed for all that ?
How a Qatari sponsor can prevent you leaving the country then ?
When you were only an employee ? Not the owner of the company ...
What are your rights when a Qatari is blaming you for something ?
To find the answers on all those questions read the story of the Belgian man ,
Philippe Bogaert .
Hostage in Qatar
What if your business collapses ?
What if you had been a manager for ten days of a company which failed ?
How can you be blamed for all that ?
How a Qatari sponsor can prevent you leaving the country then ?
When you were only an employee ? Not the owner of the company ...
What are your rights when a Qatari is blaming you for something ?
To find the answers on all those questions read the story of the Belgian man ,
Philippe Bogaert .
Hostage in Qatar
Postcards from Doha: Touring Qatar's Capital City
4 minute video on Qatar's landmarks and culture
a professional video made by the Northwestern Qatar - it is a university where media and journalism is taught
" and we have met the kindest and the most welcoming people I could imagine "
the final worlds of this video postcard
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Numbers
According to Forbes Fat Index
Qatar ranks 36
Hungary ranks 84
Japan does not have a rank on the list of World's Fattest Countries
According to Forbes Fat Index
Qatar ranks 36
Hungary ranks 84
Japan does not have a rank on the list of World's Fattest Countries
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Online shopping from Qatar can be very painful . Once I got an item after two months . It is worth reading this .
I got nearly a hundred orders but none of them from here .I still hope that Qatari the market would open in front of me !
I got nearly a hundred orders but none of them from here .I still hope that Qatari the market would open in front of me !
Saturday, May 23, 2009
People suffering from asthma find relief in the underground cave in my hometown Tapolca , Hungary . The high humidity and the 13C -18 C degree cures many respiratory problems .It is part of the town hospital - actually it is right under the hospital building . Does not it sound like a miracle ? A hospital is built then a cave with healing power is found beneath ?
Friday, May 22, 2009
caves in Qatar
Are there caves in Qatar ?
Look at this video where three young men are exploring one bat cave around here .
Look at this video where three young men are exploring one bat cave around here .
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A new park in Doha
A new park in Doha behind Hyatt plaza . It has got a pond which reminds me very much my hometown . Have a look at this photo .And to go further the pebbles are also much alike .
My hometown is famous for its cave lake and pond in the heart of the old town . I would not be surprised to see and know that there are caves under us as well here .
Monday, May 18, 2009
Four Seasons hotel got this award the other day . I have got only little experience on hotels in Qatar - but I must say that they deserve the award !
As we entered this place a group of intelligent looking people wondered if they could help us with anything . They were not humbling themselves just they were helpful and kind . I must add that we do not have any VIP look - and during the reception the waiters waitresses were behaving the same way . This is a basic thing - in the service industry that they care about the people they employ ...
But unfortunately this is not so evident around here . I heard complains about famous hotels in Doha where the "cheaper the better " is the main ideology when they are recruiting .
Result ? Difficulty in understanding each other , stupidity , behaving to the guest according to his decision whether you are someone important or not ...
I was at la Cigalle for example - I thought I would practice French - but when I asked the doorman about the reception hall then he was not able to answer in French .
I was at the Sharq village - I was amazed by the architecture and the out of this world atmosphere of their cafe - but when we entered an exhibition there - they were behaving as we were not existing . When some American tourists came - they made a big fuss around them - and which was the most annoying is that they were offering them some candy and my child started to scream for candies too - but they went on ignoring us and she got no one candy .... What a stupid way of treating customers !
No more that place for us !
As we entered this place a group of intelligent looking people wondered if they could help us with anything . They were not humbling themselves just they were helpful and kind . I must add that we do not have any VIP look - and during the reception the waiters waitresses were behaving the same way . This is a basic thing - in the service industry that they care about the people they employ ...
But unfortunately this is not so evident around here . I heard complains about famous hotels in Doha where the "cheaper the better " is the main ideology when they are recruiting .
Result ? Difficulty in understanding each other , stupidity , behaving to the guest according to his decision whether you are someone important or not ...
I was at la Cigalle for example - I thought I would practice French - but when I asked the doorman about the reception hall then he was not able to answer in French .
I was at the Sharq village - I was amazed by the architecture and the out of this world atmosphere of their cafe - but when we entered an exhibition there - they were behaving as we were not existing . When some American tourists came - they made a big fuss around them - and which was the most annoying is that they were offering them some candy and my child started to scream for candies too - but they went on ignoring us and she got no one candy .... What a stupid way of treating customers !
No more that place for us !
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Qatar Entertainment City
The multi-billion dollar Qatar Entertainment City is more than 70% complete . Wow !
Climate-controlled pedestrian walkways,theme parks ,snow dome ,water park ,rain forest and aquarium ! Full of wonders !
Yet I only wonder when will there be a decent ,affordable beach somewhere out of Doha ! The country with 700 km sandy seaside has got beaches belonging to five star hotels or luxury resorts .
Nothing for the middle class !
In a country where it is not tolerated for local or any other muslim women mixing with men - there is not a single beach preserved for ladies !
One can see brave local women swimming in abayas in Al wakra or Messaid !
I wish they cared about that rather than having a snow dome in the desert !
Climate-controlled pedestrian walkways,theme parks ,snow dome ,water park ,rain forest and aquarium ! Full of wonders !
Yet I only wonder when will there be a decent ,affordable beach somewhere out of Doha ! The country with 700 km sandy seaside has got beaches belonging to five star hotels or luxury resorts .
Nothing for the middle class !
In a country where it is not tolerated for local or any other muslim women mixing with men - there is not a single beach preserved for ladies !
One can see brave local women swimming in abayas in Al wakra or Messaid !
I wish they cared about that rather than having a snow dome in the desert !
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Why we like henna
I love henna. Why? I have several reasons. It is beautiful, it has so many variations that I am never bored with it, and the most important for me is that it lasts only for a short time. So for those who are scared by the thought of having permanent tattoos (like me), henna offers an attractive and easy opportunity. Another advantage of henna is that it is an inexpensive way of decorating one’s body and feeling beautiful.
I saw henna paintings first when I visited Qatar in 2000. I was amazed and I wanted it immediately. Now, that I live in Qatar, it is so natural for me that I almost always have henna paintings on my hands and legs.
The beginnings of henna painting can be traced back thousands of years to ancient Egypt. It always had a special meaning, symbolized female beauty, helped people, gave blessings and protection to them. Patterns always come down from one generation to another. Mankind made symbols representative of each culture and these appear in henna paintings too. In the Middle East, henna is connected to happiness, good wishes, good luck and a beautiful future. In other parts of the world, henna is so popular because it is unique and a kind of mystical. The meaning of the word henna can be different in every continent, but all of them have positive meanings wherever they appear in the world. It means luck, protection, purity, strength, wealth and health; as well as mercy, maturity and honour.
However, henna has been around for a long time and has been used for its colouring and nourishing properties, it is only over the past decade or so that henna paintings have emerged as the coolest accessories in the West. A long time ago henna paintings were made only for women during special ceremonies, while today men discovered henna for themselves too and use it as temporary tattoos. Traditional paintings cover the hands and legs, however we can sometimes see that the shoulders, the face, the navel as well as the whole body can serve as a ground for a unique artefact.
Read more about henna in English:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna
http://www.hennapage.com/
written by CS. O. Alma 's Hungarian friend living in Qatar
Henna Painting on Feet of Young Girl
Friday, May 08, 2009
Woman walking towards car on sand dune ridge, Khor al-Adaid, Qatar
Woman walking towards car on sand dune ridge, Khor al-Adaid, Qatar
Woman walking towards car on sand dune ridge, Khor al-Adaid, Qatar
My mother is not a world traveler, she never was. Once she visited Germany when she was a teenager but that was all, as I thought for her lifetime. Not like my father, who took every opportunity to visit as many countries as he could, but always on his own, he could never persuade my mother to accompany him.
After the first year my family had spent in Qatar, my parents decided to visit us. First I thought it was a joke. I could not imagine that my mother who had not had a passport for more than 40 years would take a ride on an airplane. And she did! Without being airsick or tired of the long journey, they arrived. I think the burning desire to see her grandsons would even make her able to walk through half of the world.
While they were in Qatar with us, we tried to arrange as many interesting programs as we could for them. One of these was a desert safari. It sounded like an everyday trip, just a full time fun. The drivers arrived on time, everything was perfect. For a European traveler timeliness is a kind of base for a long-term relationship and we liked these guys from the first moment because they were not late. They may had heard the wise saying, “Time is money” and being good businessmen, they kept to this.
Then we started the journey. Naturally the first thing that the driver asked was to fasten our seatbelts. Before we entered the desert, the driver reduced the pressure in the oversize tires of our vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser. Just like an amusement park, the large vehicle was waving among sand dunes, racing up and down the hills, a white sand cloud following us. It was very interesting and really fun, but when the driver continued to gain speed and our stomachs approached our throats, my younger son started to cry, “Let’s go home! I don’t like this! This is not fun!”. Not my mother. She was laughing and maybe the first time in my life I could see that she was enjoying herself free from distressing thoughts. For a short period of time I was thinking, “Did I really want it? Now my son is so scared, I can hardly calm him down. Oh, my God! Am I crazy?” But as my little son calmed down, I got back the feeling of adventure, and I could enjoy the ride again. Honestly, it is not something that one can do every day (except when you are a driver of such a company that amuses – or maybe frightens – unsuspicious tourists in the desert).
Later we stopped by the sea and my mother could enjoy some kind of bathing in the “big water” for the first time in her life. We could take even a camel ride and collected hundreds of seashells.
We had to get back to the city before sunset, so we could not enjoy the sparkling of the stars at night. I heard from friends that it is something that you can never forget, seeing the stars close enough to touch. I am sure that this was the greatest day of my mother’s life and she could never forget it. I would like to show her the stars at night in desert, but don’t worry, we have something for next year’s visit too.
post by CS.O . Alma's Hungarian friend
After the first year my family had spent in Qatar, my parents decided to visit us. First I thought it was a joke. I could not imagine that my mother who had not had a passport for more than 40 years would take a ride on an airplane. And she did! Without being airsick or tired of the long journey, they arrived. I think the burning desire to see her grandsons would even make her able to walk through half of the world.
While they were in Qatar with us, we tried to arrange as many interesting programs as we could for them. One of these was a desert safari. It sounded like an everyday trip, just a full time fun. The drivers arrived on time, everything was perfect. For a European traveler timeliness is a kind of base for a long-term relationship and we liked these guys from the first moment because they were not late. They may had heard the wise saying, “Time is money” and being good businessmen, they kept to this.
Then we started the journey. Naturally the first thing that the driver asked was to fasten our seatbelts. Before we entered the desert, the driver reduced the pressure in the oversize tires of our vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser. Just like an amusement park, the large vehicle was waving among sand dunes, racing up and down the hills, a white sand cloud following us. It was very interesting and really fun, but when the driver continued to gain speed and our stomachs approached our throats, my younger son started to cry, “Let’s go home! I don’t like this! This is not fun!”. Not my mother. She was laughing and maybe the first time in my life I could see that she was enjoying herself free from distressing thoughts. For a short period of time I was thinking, “Did I really want it? Now my son is so scared, I can hardly calm him down. Oh, my God! Am I crazy?” But as my little son calmed down, I got back the feeling of adventure, and I could enjoy the ride again. Honestly, it is not something that one can do every day (except when you are a driver of such a company that amuses – or maybe frightens – unsuspicious tourists in the desert).
Later we stopped by the sea and my mother could enjoy some kind of bathing in the “big water” for the first time in her life. We could take even a camel ride and collected hundreds of seashells.
We had to get back to the city before sunset, so we could not enjoy the sparkling of the stars at night. I heard from friends that it is something that you can never forget, seeing the stars close enough to touch. I am sure that this was the greatest day of my mother’s life and she could never forget it. I would like to show her the stars at night in desert, but don’t worry, we have something for next year’s visit too.
post by CS.O . Alma's Hungarian friend
Monday, May 04, 2009
Aliens in Doha ?
Aliens in Doha ?
We all knew and felt deep in our soul that it must be like that . After the huge economic boom here and the opening of the Science and Technology park it was the next step . The aliens came to Qatar .
It happened near the Oryx statue on the Corniche . It\he\she was spotted by an Arab woman and several other witnesses .It \she \he looked like someone who needs help . Then it\he\ she vanished into the
thin air .
here you can see the photo was taken of him \her\it
here you can read what the residents of Qatar think about the whole matter ...
Happy Alien/ET by artberry
Make promotional buttons at www.zazzle.com
See other Aliens Alien Worlds Buttons
We all knew and felt deep in our soul that it must be like that . After the huge economic boom here and the opening of the Science and Technology park it was the next step . The aliens came to Qatar .
It happened near the Oryx statue on the Corniche . It\he\she was spotted by an Arab woman and several other witnesses .It \she \he looked like someone who needs help . Then it\he\ she vanished into the
thin air .
here you can see the photo was taken of him \her\it
here you can read what the residents of Qatar think about the whole matter ...
Happy Alien/ET by artberry
Make promotional buttons at www.zazzle.com
See other Aliens Alien Worlds Buttons
Friday, May 01, 2009
West Bay and Sheraton Doha Hotel, Doha, Qatar
The breathtaking work of travel photographer Walter Bibikow encompasses grandeur and delicacy. Journeying worldwide for 30 years, Bibikow has photographed numerous locales including Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. He often returns to a location several times to capture its unique nuances of season and light.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Is Hungarian similar to Persian ?
Where are you from ?
asked me the driver at the end of our ride .
From Hungary .
Hungary ? Is it in the USA ?
No , it is in Europe .
I see . So you speak farsi? ( Persian)
Not at all, we have our own language Hungarian .
Similar to farsi not ?
That is a big question !
The taxi driver is not an expert just heard as speaking our language and it sounded him Persian .Officially the Finnish language is the closest relative of the Hungarian but in the 19th century there were researches pointing to the Sumerian ,Sanskrit ,Persian languages .
asked me the driver at the end of our ride .
From Hungary .
Hungary ? Is it in the USA ?
No , it is in Europe .
I see . So you speak farsi? ( Persian)
Not at all, we have our own language Hungarian .
Similar to farsi not ?
That is a big question !
The taxi driver is not an expert just heard as speaking our language and it sounded him Persian .Officially the Finnish language is the closest relative of the Hungarian but in the 19th century there were researches pointing to the Sumerian ,Sanskrit ,Persian languages .
Sunday, April 19, 2009
New Salata Park
Places In Qatar
A New Park in New Salata residential area ,Doha Qatar .
A nice , medium sized , guarded park with a building for indoor events . Nice place for the community in that area within walking distance for many living there .
Unfortunately in many parts of Doha there are no similar parks and as a result many children spend there days indoors !
Let us hope that the urban planners will introduce more and more areas like that !
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Childhood and recycling
Recycling is the most natural thing for a child .At least that is what I remember . I child can see the usable valuable objects surrounding one and will not let the things be thrown .
I remember that one day when playing we noticed that next to the garbage cans there were a lots of piles of material put .It was from a little clothes factory at our compound ...They worked for German companies .. and they did not get clear instructions on the usage of the leftovers ..
My dolls were dressed in the latest fashion that summer ! So was I - thanks to mum who knew how to sew ... simple designs ...:)
if you want to leave your secondhand clothes for charity organizations - then you can do it at the plazas of Doha . See it here !
Recycling is the most natural thing for a child .At least that is what I remember . I child can see the usable valuable objects surrounding one and will not let the things be thrown .
I remember that one day when playing we noticed that next to the garbage cans there were a lots of piles of material put .It was from a little clothes factory at our compound ...They worked for German companies .. and they did not get clear instructions on the usage of the leftovers ..
My dolls were dressed in the latest fashion that summer ! So was I - thanks to mum who knew how to sew ... simple designs ...:)
if you want to leave your secondhand clothes for charity organizations - then you can do it at the plazas of Doha . See it here !
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
RECYCLING IS FUN .
It is a most enjoyable thing . Before moving to Qatar it was like a social event for us . My friends and me went together to buy secondhand clothes which came by hundreds of kilos and were available for one day only . It was like a treasure hunting . While we were looking for the thing that was worth buying we were chatting around the huge tables set up for this event at the cultural house of the town . And so many things were there . For some women it became a passion - they became addicted ... not the poor ones .
Here it is impossible to do similar things . People are so snob here . Everybody wants new thing only . Secondhand clothes are for the poor Indians at the Najma market ... Though Hungary is not as rich as Qatar but there the really poor get free clothes from so many organizations ... for example my mum is collecting secondhand clothes all the year around in the shed - then once a year she rents a small room in the town center and let the needy know about it . Her one day charity is always a succes .
There might be here similar thing but I have never heard about that .
Recycling is not only fun but nowadays it is a must .
I really would like to find out where can I place our clothes we do not need anymore !
SYMPHONY OF GREEN - recycle by almawad
Make your own custom printed sticker on www.Zazzle.com
More Digital Art Stickers
Tips and tricks on eco- friendly housekeeping !
It is a most enjoyable thing . Before moving to Qatar it was like a social event for us . My friends and me went together to buy secondhand clothes which came by hundreds of kilos and were available for one day only . It was like a treasure hunting . While we were looking for the thing that was worth buying we were chatting around the huge tables set up for this event at the cultural house of the town . And so many things were there . For some women it became a passion - they became addicted ... not the poor ones .
Here it is impossible to do similar things . People are so snob here . Everybody wants new thing only . Secondhand clothes are for the poor Indians at the Najma market ... Though Hungary is not as rich as Qatar but there the really poor get free clothes from so many organizations ... for example my mum is collecting secondhand clothes all the year around in the shed - then once a year she rents a small room in the town center and let the needy know about it . Her one day charity is always a succes .
There might be here similar thing but I have never heard about that .
Recycling is not only fun but nowadays it is a must .
I really would like to find out where can I place our clothes we do not need anymore !
SYMPHONY OF GREEN - recycle by almawad
Make your own custom printed sticker on www.Zazzle.com
More Digital Art Stickers
Tips and tricks on eco- friendly housekeeping !
Sunday, March 29, 2009
I went through my posters . I had to revise them because only now I realized that many of them are available in different sizes .
I found two or three in colossal size :: 69 " x 52 " colossal size = 175 .3 cm x 132 cm It means it is really big !
I want to show you my favorite :
A cheerful abstract fantasy by Alma Wad . A real visual fiesta ideal at any room or office with retro touch ! Available in five different sizes . the large sizes are the following : 69 " x 52 " colossal size = 175 .3 cm x 132 cm 47" x 35 " huge size = 119.4 cm x 88.9 cm 31" x 23 " large size = 78.7 cm x 58.4 cm
Nowadays I got problem when creating large images . I can not even make out how I managed to create such a big file ! :)
I found two or three in colossal size :: 69 " x 52 " colossal size = 175 .3 cm x 132 cm It means it is really big !
I want to show you my favorite :
A cheerful abstract fantasy by Alma Wad . A real visual fiesta ideal at any room or office with retro touch ! Available in five different sizes . the large sizes are the following : 69 " x 52 " colossal size = 175 .3 cm x 132 cm 47" x 35 " huge size = 119.4 cm x 88.9 cm 31" x 23 " large size = 78.7 cm x 58.4 cm
Nowadays I got problem when creating large images . I can not even make out how I managed to create such a big file ! :)
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Do you need a HUGE POSTER to decorate your rooms ,office etc ?
Some of my posters are available in HUGE size 35" x 35 ".
Zazzle posters can be even bigger than that .When browsing posters I saw COLOSSAL SIZE as well .52" x 64"
When buying a poster at Zazzle then always have a look at the print options .First you have to choose the size :portfolio ,small , large , huge ,colossal ?
Not every artwork is available at every size .It is depending on the size of the digital image .
The prints at Zazzle are of excellent quality - brilliant colors , made in UV-resistant archival inks !
After selecting the size you have to choose the media of the poster .You may want a basic poster print or something special . Basic poster prints are appropriate for all types of images and are affordable solutions for everyone !
BRONZE MATTE Paper is more expensive solution and it is recommended for paintings and historical images (such as old maps and lithographs) where a matte finish and archivality are desired.
SILVER GLOSS Print is more costy than bronze matte . It is Particularly suitable for photographs and most digital images, where brilliant colors and archivality are desired.
GOLD MATTE Print is the most expensive paper medium print at Zazzle This ultra-premium paper is a textured, natural-colored, print medium with a matte finish, imprinted with UV-resistant archival inks (100+ years of fade resistance when displayed indoors and protected from direct sunlight) to create vibrant, long-lasting art and photo reproductions.
PLATINUM MATTE Canvas is one of the most expensive way to have the artwork printed .When to choose that option ?
In case you wish to have a vibrant and lasting work of art that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
PLATINUM GLOSS Canvas is Recommended for fine art reproductions such as paintings, digital art and photos where a high-gloss finish and archiving are desired.
Dizzying ? Just opt for a basic poster then you will see the quality .
Mandala in refreshing colors. Ideal at any room or office where more light needed . Available in four different sizes .
Abstract design on the sun with some oriental touch .Alma Wad's design . Great for homes or places with oriental touch .
Some of my posters are available in HUGE size 35" x 35 ".
Zazzle posters can be even bigger than that .When browsing posters I saw COLOSSAL SIZE as well .52" x 64"
When buying a poster at Zazzle then always have a look at the print options .First you have to choose the size :portfolio ,small , large , huge ,colossal ?
Not every artwork is available at every size .It is depending on the size of the digital image .
The prints at Zazzle are of excellent quality - brilliant colors , made in UV-resistant archival inks !
After selecting the size you have to choose the media of the poster .You may want a basic poster print or something special . Basic poster prints are appropriate for all types of images and are affordable solutions for everyone !
BRONZE MATTE Paper is more expensive solution and it is recommended for paintings and historical images (such as old maps and lithographs) where a matte finish and archivality are desired.
SILVER GLOSS Print is more costy than bronze matte . It is Particularly suitable for photographs and most digital images, where brilliant colors and archivality are desired.
GOLD MATTE Print is the most expensive paper medium print at Zazzle This ultra-premium paper is a textured, natural-colored, print medium with a matte finish, imprinted with UV-resistant archival inks (100+ years of fade resistance when displayed indoors and protected from direct sunlight) to create vibrant, long-lasting art and photo reproductions.
PLATINUM MATTE Canvas is one of the most expensive way to have the artwork printed .When to choose that option ?
In case you wish to have a vibrant and lasting work of art that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
PLATINUM GLOSS Canvas is Recommended for fine art reproductions such as paintings, digital art and photos where a high-gloss finish and archiving are desired.
Dizzying ? Just opt for a basic poster then you will see the quality .
Mandala in refreshing colors. Ideal at any room or office where more light needed . Available in four different sizes .
Abstract design on the sun with some oriental touch .Alma Wad's design . Great for homes or places with oriental touch .
Monday, March 23, 2009
MIDDLE EAST IN HUNGARY
HUNGARY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Some days ago I switched on Al Jazeera Children channel to see my homeland ,Hungary . It was about an Arab family living in the city of Szekszard in the southern part of my country .They were telling about their every days and the little Arab boy 's life . He is a swimming champion .
I like how Al jazeera Children Channel shows the Arab children that there is life for the Arabs even abroad . This was not the first time I saw report on Arab kids in Hungary . Some months ago I remember seeing another one living in Budapest whose hobby was the pigeons .I wish I understood more Arabic to be able to grasp more from these reports !
The very same day I switched on the Hungarian sat channel Duna TV - to see that all the evening was about Tunesia .Tourism , traditions , and interviews with Hungarian -Arab couples living there .
HUNGARY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Some days ago I switched on Al Jazeera Children channel to see my homeland ,Hungary . It was about an Arab family living in the city of Szekszard in the southern part of my country .They were telling about their every days and the little Arab boy 's life . He is a swimming champion .
I like how Al jazeera Children Channel shows the Arab children that there is life for the Arabs even abroad . This was not the first time I saw report on Arab kids in Hungary . Some months ago I remember seeing another one living in Budapest whose hobby was the pigeons .I wish I understood more Arabic to be able to grasp more from these reports !
The very same day I switched on the Hungarian sat channel Duna TV - to see that all the evening was about Tunesia .Tourism , traditions , and interviews with Hungarian -Arab couples living there .
Saturday, March 21, 2009
EID AL UMM
Mother's day .It is celebrated on March 21st here . Yesterday my preschooler was so busy with creating gifts for me.Also she wanted to help me a lot .. Finally she cleaned one carrot and washed up five plates .:))
My big child did not care . She might want to celebrate on the first Sunday of May .As it is the custom in Hungary .
My toddler banged her head into my nose with such big force that I nearly fainted . I am still not sure that it is not broken !
All in all -it was a happy day ! :)
Mother's day .It is celebrated on March 21st here . Yesterday my preschooler was so busy with creating gifts for me.Also she wanted to help me a lot .. Finally she cleaned one carrot and washed up five plates .:))
My big child did not care . She might want to celebrate on the first Sunday of May .As it is the custom in Hungary .
My toddler banged her head into my nose with such big force that I nearly fainted . I am still not sure that it is not broken !
All in all -it was a happy day ! :)
Friday, March 20, 2009
My popular birth announcement stamps .
Baby girl postage
Baby boy postage
They seem to be my most popular artwork at my Zazzle shop .
baby boy with white mandala by almawad
Make custom postage With Zazzle.com
See more Digital Art Postage
Baby girl postage
Baby boy postage
They seem to be my most popular artwork at my Zazzle shop .
baby boy with white mandala by almawad
Make custom postage With Zazzle.com
See more Digital Art Postage
Annoying things in Doha
Taxi drivers : we are waiting with my friend and with our kids .it is evening -it is windy - it was nice in the park but it is time to go home and have a rest .A taxi comes - it stops around ten meters from us -then before we could arrive at it - goes away .
The second taxi stops for us " Where " " we say the address " Not " is the answer and he drives away before we could say a word .
The third taxi stops .We tell him the address : Do you know it ? No .
No problem we will show you the way . We do so .We arrive home -but all the time he was talking and behaving with a stupid superiority on his face .As he did a favor for us . As he was in India in his village .
Accommodationn - the second time within a week the sewage flooded all the street . it was a challenge to our nose and our cars .And the worst : to our flats . The floor started to sink in the middle of the room . "no danger " - I hear from expert since the structure is not sinking .But our cupboards are leaning towards us and the gas cooker as well . telling the truth it has never been totally horizontal - even before the flood . My cakes always got strange shape ...We live in a ten year old building .
The lack of information
The other day one of my Hungarian friend complained to me . " I was at a private clinic with a minor problem : rude doctors , much money , waiting too much .
I was shocked : " Why do not you go to the Health center ? " Then it turned out that she did not know that she has the right to have free consultations and nearly free medicine in case she has a health card . She has been living and working in Qatar for years .She is on a medicine that she needs to take every day -and so far she has payed so much for it every month .She had applied for a card and visited a doctor and was very much happy with that .
I know that the Health Centers are not perfect - but are affordable solution for many of us .
Why nobody explains officially to the newcomers how things are working around here ?
Taxi drivers : we are waiting with my friend and with our kids .it is evening -it is windy - it was nice in the park but it is time to go home and have a rest .A taxi comes - it stops around ten meters from us -then before we could arrive at it - goes away .
The second taxi stops for us " Where " " we say the address " Not " is the answer and he drives away before we could say a word .
The third taxi stops .We tell him the address : Do you know it ? No .
No problem we will show you the way . We do so .We arrive home -but all the time he was talking and behaving with a stupid superiority on his face .As he did a favor for us . As he was in India in his village .
Accommodationn - the second time within a week the sewage flooded all the street . it was a challenge to our nose and our cars .And the worst : to our flats . The floor started to sink in the middle of the room . "no danger " - I hear from expert since the structure is not sinking .But our cupboards are leaning towards us and the gas cooker as well . telling the truth it has never been totally horizontal - even before the flood . My cakes always got strange shape ...We live in a ten year old building .
The lack of information
The other day one of my Hungarian friend complained to me . " I was at a private clinic with a minor problem : rude doctors , much money , waiting too much .
I was shocked : " Why do not you go to the Health center ? " Then it turned out that she did not know that she has the right to have free consultations and nearly free medicine in case she has a health card . She has been living and working in Qatar for years .She is on a medicine that she needs to take every day -and so far she has payed so much for it every month .She had applied for a card and visited a doctor and was very much happy with that .
I know that the Health Centers are not perfect - but are affordable solution for many of us .
Why nobody explains officially to the newcomers how things are working around here ?
May this tragedy open the eyes of the adult society here : children need more time and more care .Even if they do not show us - and want make us believe they are independent ,big guys .
We should not close our eyes . This is not the first suicide of a young man , in my views many suicide is disguised as road accidents or accidents on the dunes .
Had anyone talked to this guy in time about the ups and downs of life - and how to manage our failures - he would not have ended his dear life ...
A hot line for teenagers is very much needed here in Qatar where the generations of parents are working day and night and grandparents are not given even a visiting visa easily - and their living here is simply impossible .
Action should be made fast before a copycat jump ...before another family's life turns into nightmare .
We should not close our eyes . This is not the first suicide of a young man , in my views many suicide is disguised as road accidents or accidents on the dunes .
Had anyone talked to this guy in time about the ups and downs of life - and how to manage our failures - he would not have ended his dear life ...
A hot line for teenagers is very much needed here in Qatar where the generations of parents are working day and night and grandparents are not given even a visiting visa easily - and their living here is simply impossible .
Action should be made fast before a copycat jump ...before another family's life turns into nightmare .
Saturday, March 14, 2009
This is the ice rink of City center plaza Doha . The talk of the week is the tragedy of a young Arab boy . The other day he jumped to his death from the third floor traumatizing the kids skating there . It is really a miracle that he did not hurt anybody landing on them . This video was uploaded in 2008 -and is showing the beauty of the place .Somehow the song with it is melancholic ... who will be there to catch you if you fall ..
Friday, March 13, 2009
LOOKING FOR JOB IN QATAR ?
Please leave me alone ! I get too many letters and I have no time ! I do not posses any information on this topic that can not be obtained through the net .Please do not give me homework like " write me the list of hospitals in Qatar " !
I encourage the job seekers to use Google !
And no need to write me long letters about the sad situation at home . I am aware of that . Still I do not see why should I spend my time on searching for information for strangers when they can do it on their own !
Accommodation .No way that I can give anybody ! The laws of Qatar do not let anybody enter the country this way " I will spend some night at the flat of my internet buddy " ! If you arrive as a tourist you must have hotel reservation .
Sorry !
Please leave me alone ! I get too many letters and I have no time ! I do not posses any information on this topic that can not be obtained through the net .Please do not give me homework like " write me the list of hospitals in Qatar " !
I encourage the job seekers to use Google !
And no need to write me long letters about the sad situation at home . I am aware of that . Still I do not see why should I spend my time on searching for information for strangers when they can do it on their own !
Accommodation .No way that I can give anybody ! The laws of Qatar do not let anybody enter the country this way " I will spend some night at the flat of my internet buddy " ! If you arrive as a tourist you must have hotel reservation .
Sorry !
International Women Day
It was marked by several expat organization .There was an article in Gulf Times about life expectancy of Qatari women . It is 77 years . The same as men's life expectancy .Why do not women of Qatar live longer than men ?
My theory : number of birth per woman is high . Many pregnancies can be life shortening factor -though health care is excellent here .
Another theory : man do not drink at least as much as in the West -so it is not shortening their lives .
I do not think it is only Qatar in Arabia where life expectancy of women is nearly the same as men's .It is surprising only when it is compared to women 's of the West .
They like to compare themselves to the Western World .
Did I tell you ? One Qatari called me on their local forum Eastern European trash .I dared criticize them for something . The emphasize was an Eastern .I was laughing so much !!!He did not even think about it ! Compared to them we are the West !
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
DOUBLE-DECKERS OF QATAR
The much awaited buses arrived in December . It will be for families - it was promised. It started a line all along the Corniche . I wanted a fun ride the other day with my kids . I went to the bus stop .There was nothing written about its arrival . It did not come in fact at all .
Some days later I was riding our car when I saw a double -decker . I felt like crying . Why ? It was full of labourers !JUstlike the other buses !
The idea of providing a decent mean of transport for families was given up ?
Or what ?
The much awaited buses arrived in December . It will be for families - it was promised. It started a line all along the Corniche . I wanted a fun ride the other day with my kids . I went to the bus stop .There was nothing written about its arrival . It did not come in fact at all .
Some days later I was riding our car when I saw a double -decker . I felt like crying . Why ? It was full of labourers !JUstlike the other buses !
The idea of providing a decent mean of transport for families was given up ?
Or what ?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Daisies in beautifully arranged collage .Inspired by spring and childhood memories .Alma Wad 's bright artwork has some retro touch .Great for invitations and love letters !
matching postage :
daisy collage with Love by almawad
Create custom stamps At Zazzle.com
Browse other Digital Art Postage
matching postage :
daisy collage with Love by almawad
Create custom stamps At Zazzle.com
Browse other Digital Art Postage
Now that the dust storm is over it's nice and beautiful again . In the mornings when the kids take their school bus -it is a bit chilly .Like the mornings at late August in Hungary .
At the backyard some bird is singing every morning and I listen to this wonderful music while I am loading the clothes to the washing machine !
There's a new park beyond Hyatt plaza and it is fun to take walk there with the kids .
Springlike weather - it is called winter here . Around five the sun sets then it is cold .Women having picnic are throwing a blanket on themselves and they keep chatting and drinking their tea .
After experiencing the gentle warmth of the sun and the chills of the evening my kids fall asleep and they have deep, nice dreams !
P.s. yes mum - I know you had ten bellow zero last night !
At the backyard some bird is singing every morning and I listen to this wonderful music while I am loading the clothes to the washing machine !
There's a new park beyond Hyatt plaza and it is fun to take walk there with the kids .
Springlike weather - it is called winter here . Around five the sun sets then it is cold .Women having picnic are throwing a blanket on themselves and they keep chatting and drinking their tea .
After experiencing the gentle warmth of the sun and the chills of the evening my kids fall asleep and they have deep, nice dreams !
P.s. yes mum - I know you had ten bellow zero last night !
Thursday, February 05, 2009
So I have been living in Qatar for a while .More than six years . The first 20 months we did not meet a single Hungarian .We felt we are alone .There was no embassy -nothing here to find out if there are other Hungarians living here .
Then we saw two women walking past as we were sitting on the bench .They were talking in Hungarian .It was unbelievable then ! Our eyes were gleaming with tears we ran after them . Since then I have been with my compatriots every now and then . They are coming from different part of the country ,different social background etc .
The Hungarian community is no more than 20 family strong .
Then the other day I got a call from someone who claimed that I used to teach her in Hungary 15 years before .She came to live here with her husband .It was difficult to remember then I simply could not believe . How can it be ! It is still unbelievable to me !
I feel that it is like a great blessing .I find the way to link myself back to our past .Living uprooted here -it is like I get back my roots !
Then we saw two women walking past as we were sitting on the bench .They were talking in Hungarian .It was unbelievable then ! Our eyes were gleaming with tears we ran after them . Since then I have been with my compatriots every now and then . They are coming from different part of the country ,different social background etc .
The Hungarian community is no more than 20 family strong .
Then the other day I got a call from someone who claimed that I used to teach her in Hungary 15 years before .She came to live here with her husband .It was difficult to remember then I simply could not believe . How can it be ! It is still unbelievable to me !
I feel that it is like a great blessing .I find the way to link myself back to our past .Living uprooted here -it is like I get back my roots !
Saturday, January 31, 2009
What does it mean to be Hungarian when living in New York ?
That was the topic of a Hungarian documentary on our national sat channel Duna TV .
Old couple left Hungary 25 years ago :
( speaking broken Hungarian )
We do not miss Hungary at all .We were so much fed up with that country !I felt like home at once here in NY !
Middle aged man with a little toddler
I came because i was fed up with the situation ! if you work a lot in the USA you will have a lots of money ! If you work hard in Hungary you will die early !
People in Hungary are jealous ,backward and everything so predictable ! Here everything is new and modern and life is full of surprise !
( then he is singing for his toddler a Hungarian song who is dancing happily )Then he goes on :
Do you think we are happy here ! (Then suddenly his eyes are gleaming with tears )
How many times I ask myself what I am doing here living at the edge of the black slum .
What can I do ?
Smiling bold guy at the central park
i do not remember his words well - but I remember his Hungarian was perfect and he told nothing bad about Hungary except the bad economic situation he mentioned
Teenagers at the top of the Empire State building
It is in Hungary where we wish to live . Where life is natural .Budapest is the city we want in stead of New York . Where you can meet people we know - where we have our buddies where we just take a tram or bus and find ourselves in the deep forest .
Here in New York - all is about money . Most people probably do not have normal social life . Central park - it is so artificial compared to Buda hills !
Sting - the pop singer message to the Hungarians
You can travel nowadays anywhere in the world . So go and see the world for 2 years . Then return ! You got a charming city Budapest !
I was sooo happy to see that the younger generation does not look down at his own homeland ! It was food for my soul ! And those who left before and speak broken Hungarian with full of disdain towards their own country I say : time has changed - you used to act as half -gods when visiting Hungary .When telling stories to people who were not allowed to leave the country .Nowadays you became so passe so ridiculous ! Wake up !
That was the topic of a Hungarian documentary on our national sat channel Duna TV .
Old couple left Hungary 25 years ago :
( speaking broken Hungarian )
We do not miss Hungary at all .We were so much fed up with that country !I felt like home at once here in NY !
Middle aged man with a little toddler
I came because i was fed up with the situation ! if you work a lot in the USA you will have a lots of money ! If you work hard in Hungary you will die early !
People in Hungary are jealous ,backward and everything so predictable ! Here everything is new and modern and life is full of surprise !
( then he is singing for his toddler a Hungarian song who is dancing happily )Then he goes on :
Do you think we are happy here ! (Then suddenly his eyes are gleaming with tears )
How many times I ask myself what I am doing here living at the edge of the black slum .
What can I do ?
Smiling bold guy at the central park
i do not remember his words well - but I remember his Hungarian was perfect and he told nothing bad about Hungary except the bad economic situation he mentioned
Teenagers at the top of the Empire State building
It is in Hungary where we wish to live . Where life is natural .Budapest is the city we want in stead of New York . Where you can meet people we know - where we have our buddies where we just take a tram or bus and find ourselves in the deep forest .
Here in New York - all is about money . Most people probably do not have normal social life . Central park - it is so artificial compared to Buda hills !
Sting - the pop singer message to the Hungarians
You can travel nowadays anywhere in the world . So go and see the world for 2 years . Then return ! You got a charming city Budapest !
I was sooo happy to see that the younger generation does not look down at his own homeland ! It was food for my soul ! And those who left before and speak broken Hungarian with full of disdain towards their own country I say : time has changed - you used to act as half -gods when visiting Hungary .When telling stories to people who were not allowed to leave the country .Nowadays you became so passe so ridiculous ! Wake up !
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
MY AWARD WINING T-SHIRT DESIGN WITH A SWAN
I have got an award Today's Best Award at Zazzle.com the other day .
It is digital painting inspired by childhood memories . I used to see swans I think at the ponds of my hometown right in the town centre . Every time when we had to go there to see a doctor or buy something at the department store we stopped a little bit to see the swans and the watermill's wheel which looked so frightening to me .especially when gypsy kids used to climb on it while it was turning round and round .It was a real wonder for me as a kid and it still amazes me as an adult . I really was born in a very special place . I mean that not every town has a watermill and pond with swans in their center .
Check out my other romantic gifts as well !
I have got an award Today's Best Award at Zazzle.com the other day .
It is digital painting inspired by childhood memories . I used to see swans I think at the ponds of my hometown right in the town centre . Every time when we had to go there to see a doctor or buy something at the department store we stopped a little bit to see the swans and the watermill's wheel which looked so frightening to me .especially when gypsy kids used to climb on it while it was turning round and round .It was a real wonder for me as a kid and it still amazes me as an adult . I really was born in a very special place . I mean that not every town has a watermill and pond with swans in their center .
Check out my other romantic gifts as well !
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