Renting a Bike in Doha

I was at the Sheraton park yesterday . THe rent of bikes was already working . For a valid ID from Qatar one was allowed half an hour ride on the bike  path around ...


It made me very happy .I hope that it is just the beginning of the bike era  in this country .

ilovemybike by almawad
Browse more Bike Posters

Summer with Kids in Qatar  -2011

 Summer Camps-2011


Starfish kindergarten :Beach Parties
Aboriginal Art Days
Movie Days
T-Shirt Painting
Dance Classes
Kids in the Kitchen
(Healthy cooking lessons)
Cupcake Making
Arts & Crafts up to age ten ... they start in July

for different locations contact different branches : 

Al Markhiya 4487 5939 &; 5580 5830 P.O. Box 55261 Doha
Al Jelaiah 4411 0355 & 5580 5103 E-mail : starfishkids@hotmail.com
QD Branch 4497 7673 & 3025 7845

Busy bees nursery :water play ,kitchen fun ,music ,art  4447 2319 for kids aged 3-8 years .. they start in July

VCUQatar

Summer Art Programs

 1 .Art Exploration - drawing, painting, collage, experimentation with different art materials, and a museum visit.


Ages: 9 - 12 year olds
Dates: 10^th to 14^th July
Location: VCU Qatar, Education City

2.Creative Discovery  drawing, painting, digital media, creativity exercises, and group activities. This class includes a visit to an art museum and final exhibition open to family and friends.




Ages: 13 - 15 year olds
Dates: 17^th to 28^th July
Location: VCU Qatar, Education City

3.Design Intensive create an individual project related to: Fashion, Interiors, Graphics, or Painting & Printmaking. The program culminates with a final exhibition open to family and friends.

Ages: 16 year olds and above
  Dates :July 10-28, 2011, 9AM - 3PM, Sunday - ThursdayLocation: VCUQatar, Education City

Contact : 


contact Nisha Ramachandran in the Student Affairs Office (between 9AM - 3PM): nramachan@qatar.vcu.edu or (+974) 4402 0637

Café Céramique

Pottery Painting, Cooking, Crafts and more!

Ages: 5 years old and up




Phone: 4467-1100 or 3394-8483

Evolution Soccer Summer Camp

Soccer, soccer and more soccer! 


Ages: 5 - 14 year olds

Location : Doha College gym

Phone: 5506-4794

Australian International Swim Schools
Swimming lessons, water games & activities, safety & survival skills, diving, squad training, swim races, aquatic education.

Location: Hamad Aquatic Centre, Aspire Zone
Ages: 3 - 16 year olds

Phone: 4499-7547 or 6699-3325

My Gym

Yoga, Karate,gymnastics ,singins and dancing ,movies , arts craft, self defence and body jam.

Ages: 5 - 12 year olds
Location: New Salata, next to Indonesian Embassy

Phone: 4464-1429 or 4464-1540 or 5581-4170



ICC SUMMER CAMP
THE OASIS 2011
Water Sports – Swimming
Indoor Sports – Chess, Table Tennis, Caroms, Scrabble, Bowling & Badminton
Aerobics, Karate / Judo ,Art , carfts ,competitions ,debates , recitations ,field trips to Jungle Zone Water Sports – Swimming
 Indoor Sports – Chess, Table Tennis, Caroms, Scrabble, Bowling & Badminton
 Aerobics, Karate / Judo ,

Duration of Camp : 7 weeks
Inauguration on
Camp Start : 10.July.2011 End : 25.Aug.2011

Age categories
Category 1: Nursery to Grade 2 Sub-Juniors
Grade – 3 to Grade 5 Juniors
Category 2: Grade 6 to Grade 8 Sub-seniors
Grade 9 & above Seniors

Venue : DMIS – DOHA MODERN INDIAN SCHOOL

Application form and more contact details

Syscom Courses for Students -Summer training

C,C++ ,Java ,SQL ,Fun and Learning Games & Competitions

3rd floor of LULU centre opposite Hamad Hospital
Tel: 44326521
www.syscoms.edu.qa


Gympanzee Summer camp
sports, swimming, dancing,field trips, workshops, Puppet Shows and sooo much more

Location :Villaggio Mall
Contact :44135993


Silk Painting

8 sessions
( FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN ABOVE 10 YRS.)

LEARN SILK PAINTING...techniques of silk painting, stretching the silk on the frame, the use of outliners (gutta), painting on dry and wet silk, salt/sugar/water and the wax technique will be done.

Area- Al-Sadd,Doha

Read more: http://www.qatarliving.com/node/1909030#ixzz0gJCTAVRX

Numbers in Qatar

expected economic growth :15.8%
investing in infrastructure :40% of its budget
new international  airport :$11bn
deep water sea-port :$5.5bn
transport corridor in Doha :$1bn
roads                      :$20bn

qatari flag by almawad
View other Flag Postcards

zebra profile by almawad
View more Zebra Posters

Zebra at Doha Zoo /The stripes come out beautifully as the animal came very close to me .
My favorites at Doha zoo are zebras  -look at this adorable little zebra calf ...

cute zebra calf by almawad
More Zebra Posters

zebra close up by almawad
See more Zebra Posters

Elevenses at Paul Cafe Villaggio

I have not been there for a while ... It was Mother's day and my first born just got her first salary of her life -so I was invited for a treat .I prepared my taste buds for a salad une salade de saumon fumee ou Salade Niçoise peut etre ...But at the restaurant we learnt that salads can be ordered only from twelve o'clock . I looked at their breakfast menu and there was nothing tempting there -at least nothing for a meal at eleven o clock .So we chose this cheese platter . We expected that they would serve French cheese as it is a French cafe but as you can see in this picture only one kind of cheese was French .
However it was a a hearty meal ... too much for one person .. we shared it with my child ...


then when seeing the bill we were pleasantly surprised that there is no service charges anymore...I was really happy to see that - no need to do menthal math every time you pay ...
Next time we would go after 12 ... there menu is much more exciting then ...

Go Qatar ! Go !
I was really shocked the other day reading the accusations against Qatar -published in the British paper Sunday Times .They claim that Qatar won the 2022 Football World Cup by bribery . I guess this paper is a kind of one which likes publishing defamatory news and even they calculate the costs of the fine if the person they attack would dare to go to the court .





  Why I am so sure that -it is not true ?God knows best of course but  I think If it was true  then they would turn to the police  to the court first of all ...They just want to create an atmosphere against Qatar . Reading discussions about this topic the Brits have strong feeling against this country and the World Cup . .They claim things like - women are not allowed to wear mini-skirts , it is not allowed to drink alcohol  and the people live here like slaves .Then a gay person mentioned that he would be stoned to death if he went there . .. Well -this is certainly not a gay friendly country  -but nobody investigates on anybody's drive .It is allowed to drink at certain places .And I see western and even Arab women wearing miniskirts daily .Certainly it is not the West . But as somebody mentioned this is not a County Cup -but the World Cup . It can be held at any country in the world not only in the West .


Go Qatar go ! Do not care about those accusations .Just Kick It !

football mania in qatar by almawad
Become a part of Zazzle's graphic design affiliate program

photos of the marine festival 2011 in Doha -it was in March ,there were a lots of programs but the main attraction -the seal show was not available for most of us ..in vain we were waiting an hour we could not get into the free show .. it was so big dissapointement for our kids that we would have been ready to pay for the show -but they did not give extra performances ..

Saturday is expat day at the aqua park in Qatar  . I read  the colorful ad in the Gulf Times.
What does it mean ? Are we allowed to enter only on that day ? Or does it mean relaxed dress code .
I had read before local women complaining about the expat ladies who are wearing swimming suits at the aqua park .Does it mean that we have to wear abaya on the other days ?

I just wonder why the women of Qatar  fight against the expat women . They should ask ladies only day for themselves . Then things would be all right .

City in progress no4 tie from Zazzle.com

City in progress no4 by almawad
Make a necktie on zazzle

Tower buildings being constructed in Doha .Digital photo-based painting by Alma Wad .Urban necktie for architects , engineers , contractors .

Mango Season is Here

The fruit markets and supermarkets are offering mango from different countries like : India , Pakistan , Yemen , Kenya .
This is the season when we have a large selection of this fruit at the lowest price .
Take advantage of this -eat mango it is full of vitamins we need . Learn how to cut the fruit to get the most of the pulp .

How To Cut a Mango on Howcast

Doha expatriates held anti-Gaddafi rally

I read in the peninsula qatar .I was really surprised at the fact that there is a Libyan community living in Doha . I have never heard about anybody being Libyan and living here .

What the Libyans want is a life with honour, dignity and freedom. 


said a rally speaker .

 I do understand what they mean . Once it happened that a group of Libyan musicians of traditional music performed in our town . I had to translate for them . There was something terribly depressing around them - nobody was behaving relaxed everybody was concentrating on the orders of their leaders too much .
The day  after an Egyptian group came to perform - they were so lively and cheerful // It was so nice after the Libyans .

I hope that will change soon and the Libyans will also experience  how to be relaxed and leave without fear .

Exhibitions at the Katara

 It was a nice afternoon and evening at the Cultural Village , Doha . First we went to see the Islam and Science exhibition . This is a topic that interests me very much . This is something that we were not taught at school . At least not in my time .So I had great expectations . It was nice but not so great . The explanations were in French and Arabic .No English text .  Many  text came in small letters -and  it was difficult to understand the way of devices work despite animations .

 There were a lots of astrolabs  and other devices for astronomy . Mechanical illustrations - how  they lifted water in gardens  how they made automatic drinking machine . How they made operations etc .

 The topic is much greater than this exhibition could show us .


 It was not very child friendly .

We saw also at other rooms contemporary art exhibitions . A calligraphy artist with his art -which looks certainly great -but much more enjoyable for those who can read somehow the message . My kids got little gifts there , Coloring pages and even pens to color .So we relaxed at the Karak and Chapati tea house and we were enjoying the fresh Indian flat bread and spicy tea and the mild evening weather .

After that we ventured to other exhibition .  I think these are  expats living in Doha . I love watching this kind of art very much . I know I should mention names - but I only remember Hilda , the Brasilian one . She had big sized female shapes dressed in patterns . They were great , striking ,original artwork .

 There were some  light colored graffitti like paintings . Like an artist in good ,relaxed mood was scribbling on the canvas . I liked the result - fresh , urban art .

But the most memorable certainly will be the charcoal tree trunks and their prints  on white canvas . It was some kind of minimalism-  I guess .A big size of  trunk slice turned into black charcoal . There was a lizard on it . next to it the canvas with a print.  We kept explaining to our little kids . No need to be afraid . Not a real  lizard ! Then suddenly it ran away . There was a big scream then came the guard .
That is how art and reality meets in Doha .:)

Good News for Bikers

A major track for cyclists has opened recently .It is going along the Al Waab road -which is the road from where you enter Villaggio Mall .It runs to the Aspire zone .There will be soon bike stations as well -to rent a bike .And this is just the beginning ! There will be more and more Bike track in the country .I can't believe it !So great !

SCHOOLS IN QATAR
GUIDE 2010 -2011

The publishing house Planet News Business has released a Handbook of Private Schools in Doha. It is full of practical information on everything that you may want to know on schools in Doha .
The guide is free, it can be foundat the stands of Qatar Olympic Comittee in Villagio and Landmark.




1. It covers everything you need to know about schools in Doha. 99% of private schools are listed in this guide, as well as some of the Independent, the languages ​​they teach, how they pass the exams, their hours, their ages and dates of registration ... etc.
2. The guide provides detailed explanations for all examinations set in Doha and the country or which examinations are recognized.
3. It also contains step by step instructions to follow when visiting a school, before enrolling their child.
4. He explains the difference between schools in Doha, private, independent etc. ..
This book is what every parent should have at hand ...

Happy Easter Baby Print from Zazzle.comHappy Easter Baby Print from Zazzle.com

Happy Easter Baby by easterfun
Browse Vintage Posters

Minutes-Old Dromedary Camel and it's Mother in Western Qatar Desert

by Paul Sutherland






Minutes-Old Dromedary Camel and it's Mother in Western Qatar Desert


Sutherland, Paul


Buy This Allposters.com

Beautiful Landscape by almawad
Browse other Beautiful landscape Business Cards

rainy day in the hills . the original photo of alma wad was taken in hungary- tolna county ... it was turned into a digital painting and applied on several items .

It is raining in Doha .A woman from Hungary just woke up. Her mum visited her unexpectedly in her dream .There is no need for visa anymore -she said happily ...I can come at any time  when I wish to see you .. .
It was just a dream ...Bitter feelings - but the rain is true ... It is comforting . It feels like home .It feels like being child . Sitting in the veranda of grandma well protected from the rain still enjoying the fresh air and watching how everything gets washed in the garden . The dreams , the smell of wheat and corn from the pantry the puddles in the streets of Doha . Everything get mixed .
A Hungarian man in Bolivia is being tried behind closed doors, a Hungarian  man who believed that one should fight against ugly dictatorships .His friends were shot dead in their dreams in their hotel rooms . His life was spared and now he is being tried without witnesses .
It is raining . It is comforting somehow ...

Ripples on Beach, Sealine Beach Resort, Qatar, Middle East






Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the sea .It has more than 700 km of this kind of shore .It might be a day greater treasure than the gas and petrol .If you are looking for a job/position in tourism you will certainly find one .

the sea and the sky by almawad
See other Sea Business Cards

A Hungarian - Iranian group - the singer is Persian and the musicians are Hungarians .

Golestan is a Southern-Hungary-based world music group of Hungarian folk and rock musicians led by Doctor Khonji, a Persian living in Pécs, Baranya. They perform songs in Achom, a South-Iranian language of the Khonj community. Their musical arrangements are of a hybrid style including Persian nomadic, Hungarian, Gypsy and other popular elements.
They are going to perform this week in Abu Dhabi and  Dubai ...

Japan Relief T-Shirt Tee Shirt from Zazzle.com

Japan Relief T-Shirt Tee Shirt from Zazzle.com

Japan Relief T-Shirt by japanrelief
Begin selling my art online at zazzle.

Designed in support of relief efforts in Japan, this t-shirt is made for you to wear as you stand in solidarity with the earthquake victims and their families. For each purchase of this shirt, $10 will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross as they provide relief aid during this difficult time. Due to the large number of orders, please allow 4 to 5 business days for production.
日本の救援活動のサポートにデザインされたこのＴシャツは、地震で被害にあわれた被災者とその家族への支援を意味しています。この地震への支援として、Ｔシャツが売れるたびに１０ドルが日本赤十字社に寄付されます。大量生産をご注文の際は、製作に４～５営業日をいただいております。

Special Edition Csipke Collectible T-shirt from Zazzle.com

Special Edition Csipke Collectible T-shirt by dobi_gabor
View other Hungarian T-Shirts

Do you like folk dance ? Would you like to dance just for fun ? Then join this club

Hungarian &; Balkan Folk Dancing
Every Tuesday evening 7-9 PM

Folk Dance Club in the French Cultural Centre with circle dances from Hungary, Romania and other Balkan countries. Open for everyone, no previous experience necessary.

Contact: Csilla Szenti, 33866314, csilla.szenti@gmail.com for more info and directions

I heart fondue aprons from Zazzle.com

I heart fondue by almawad
Design your own aprons online" apron on Zazzle

Yesterday we went to the Food Festival behind the Exhibition Center.It was not exactly the gourmet event I expected. A bunch of 5 star hotels were offering junk food like hamburgers ,French fries etc .For the real gourmet dishes one have to go around all the tents and hunt .First I
ordered for myself a beef sausage with Sauer Kraut from hotel Kempinksi Suites( or something like that) They gave me a decent sized fried sausage, so much French Fries but I saw no Sauer Kraut at all. When I inquired as to where the SauerKraut was , then they pointed out to a few threads of braised cabbage under the sausage. Sausages were great hit for the children and I had to order them 2 more portions . The chef was very proud of himself:) My husband bought some Goulash which was sold for him as German dish :) or :( ..It was a stew with rice ..really not very much Hungarian)

Then I ordered swiss raclette from the Movenpick hotel, which was a decent fondue with melted swiss ? cheese - tiny boiled unpeeled potatoes and a hint of pickled veggies.. it was good as it was ..While having the fondue my husband brought me some fantastic ,subtle flavored herb tea ... but he had forgotten at which tent he bought it ...

The sushi at Dana club was an easily forgettable experience. The raspberry cream in tiny cups at Le macron was fine but giving five riyals for a thimbleful fruit cream !It was not the deal I expected here ! The tiramisu was of decent size - I just missed the flavor of coffee from that dessert .

Malay cuisine was featured at one hotel's tent - there was a large crowd of Malays there I saw some weird green candy were taken.I saw Latino dishes at other hotel ...

We just had something to eat and we spent 100 riyals quickly . It was nice spring weather - it was outdoors - every hotel brought some of their seats so there were chic nice places to sit around and relax ..from the heralded fun programs for kids we saw only an empty stage between 3pm and 5pm on Friday..

Food Festival this weekend at The Exhibition Center Doha

It sounds very nice deal .For the gourmet at least .Great restaurants are offering their dishes  at very low prices .The most expensive one is only 15 riyal .This is  the second year this event is held and it is already very popular .Take your family for a culinary adventure at low cost !


Wednesday - 4pm-10.30pm; Thursday - 12pm-10:30pm; Friday and Saturday - 1pm-10:30pm; Sunday - 12pm-10:30pm.

Qatar in 1971. Extract from

After seeing the Aspire Tower you can have a look at 1970's film when everything was much much simpler in Qatar .

Aspire Tower by almawad
Large format printing by Zazzle

Did you Know ?

Aspire Tower has 51 floors and it is 300 metres tall
The tallest building in Qatar
It was designed by Hadi Simaan

Sipping Soda Greeting Cards from Zazzle.com

Sipping Soda by Memory_Lane
Shop for a greeting card on zazzle.com

Who has the most beautiful Hat ?

Do you like vintage fashion ? Do you like horse races ? Do you like contests ?
Then you must participate at the hat contest organized by Racing and Equestrian Club .
When : 24th February from 03:30 pm to 06:00 pm
Where: Racing and Equestrian Club ,Al Rayyan racetrack

Registration : by e-mail patriciamusial@hotmail.com

More info :Patricia Musial

Mobile: 974 55536839

Qatar 2022's First Five Stadiums - impressive presentation of the five futuristic football stadium to be built in Qatar .

Egypt Is Free! Poster from Zazzle.com

Egypt Is Free! by MarkSkull
View more Free egypt Posters

the words of the desinger

"

True Democracy has come to Egypt!

On February 11th, 2011, the people of Egypt did what very few people imagined was possible: They peacefully forced their dictator of 30 years, Mubarak, to resign and hand over his power to someone else! The hope? That this will be the start of something big! That this will be the dawning of a new age fore the people of Egypt full of democracy and freedom! When I created my original "Free Egypt" poster, I had no idea that the people of Egypt would be able to achieve something so amazing so fast! My heart goes out to the people of Egypt and I sincerely hope that this works out for the best!"

Dhows in West Bay, Qatar Greeting Card from Zazzle.com

Dhows in West Bay, Qatar by PaulCowan
Shop for greeting cards at zazzle.com

Dhows with their lateen sails illuminated moored in West Bay, Doha, Qatar, Jan 2011


I just stumbled upon this great photo at zazzle .I am happy that I am not alone there taking photos around here and publishing them for sale .I like the contrast .Look at the the modernity of the new buildings and the ancient sail boat .This is a very exciting era here .Everything is changing .You can capture many things like that .

一番 by almawad
Design your shirt at zazzle

Japan won the Asian Football Cup in Doha yesterday .They played against Australia .
Not everything went well . Some fans with valid tickets were not allowed inside .Some people complained about the fireworks which hurt kids ....Qatarliving forum is full of threads like this ..
Actually there were thousands of fans who were barred from the stadium by police in full riot gear
Read more:  http://www.qatarliving.com/node/1594568#ixzz1CVfikGAd

Imagine how those fans feel who came all the way from Japan or Australia ....

after the prayer posters from Zazzle.com

after the prayer by almawad
View more Prayer Posters

An illuminated mosque in Doha Qatar after the last prayer of the day . Original photo poster by Alma Wad .It was taken in the Cultural Village /Katara .Available in four different sizes .

There will be Japanese "Yosakoi" Dance performance at Aspire Fan Zone (behind Hyatt Plaza) with below schedule:

21-Jan (Fri), 22:00-24:00
22-Jan (Sat), 14:00-16:00

the event is organized by Qatar Vision
Ms. Hala Omar Hashisho
tel. 4447-6660

Great  event to see after the Friday Japanese match .

more cultural programs will be on at Katara and Souq Waqif  See details here

Nippon Sunrise by almawad
See a different custom invitation on zazzle

 According to the Hungarian  paper Nepszabadsag  the first direct flight between Doha Budapest landed in Ferihegy airport ,Budapest some days ago .Four flights a week for the time being but it can be increased into daily flights within a half year .
Great news for us .  Hopefully their prices will be attractive too .

football mania in qatar print from Zazzle.com

football mania in qatar by almawad
More Football Posters

As Qatar was a bidding nation for the World Football Cup in 2022 the public places like Aspire park were decorated by giant footballs .They became the winner so you can expect to see these balls if you visit before 2022 .Original photo by Alma Wad .

Flag of Qatar Ornament from Zazzle.com

Flag of Qatar by almawad
Browse other Flag Ornaments

New designs in Alma Wad's shop gifts with the Qatari flag : ceramic ornaments . silver jewelry , iphone case and more ... just click on the image to see them .

brand new beach poster from Zazzle.com

Brand New Beach in Doha

It is at the New Cultural Village .Near Exhibition Center .
Daily Pass: 100 QR
Children : 25 QR ( special offer )
Family member ship : 7000QR/year(child=bellow 16 years)
Why all these sounds so unfair ?
I had expected that it would be the new municipality beach -that had been promised long ago ...
Now -this one turns out just a new place for the upper ten .

And it is long - nearly two kilometers -but no any private place for ladies - though the guys who are selling the membership claim that a part of the beach is preserved only for women ...

Made in Qatar Fair

Place : Exhibition Center
Date :4-7th January 2011

abayas ,jalabiyas ,evening gowns ,hats ,sheilas ,t-shirts ,hair accessories ,bags ,jeans ,evening suits ,

Africa exhibition at Katara

It was rather sad /genocides ,wars , famines .Some half naked tribal girls and child laborers for a change . Though kids were allowed to enter it was really not for them .It ends tomorrow .

Happy 2011 by almawad
Shop for greeting cards at zazzle.com

 The largest cake of the world was made in Qatar the other day .It was part of Qatar National Day celebrations and a five star hotel was involved .The total weight was 1.7 tonnes .New Guinness World Record was set .
Only one question remained unanswered . Who were the lucky ones who ate the cake ?

Qatar National Day

Have a nice weekend . There will be a lots of programs for kids at  the Corniche - near Sheraton park , at a tower building .Fireworks and fountains with laser show ... Military parade and old boats show .

Check the details here .

I am going to attend only morning programs  .In the afternoon things may get out of control - like it was last year .

Doha is full of empty  buildings nowadays .Rents are still high compared to salaries .Many Asian families share accommodation as they can not afford renting a flat just for them .Expats in Qatar fear that with the coming   World Cup in 2022 in Qatar rents would go higher and higher ...

Qatar 2022 -the Celebration

This little country has big dreams . An we are all amazed how theses dreams coming true . Good Luck with the 2022 World Cup ! May it bring prosperity and union for all the area !

You can learn art and you can teach art in Qatar . I took photos at an art exhibition at the Tribeca film festival . This was in the tent of International Academy for Intercultural Development

You can contact them to learn more about their art courses .

middle east sunrise ipad skins

middle east sunrise iphone 3 skins

middle east sunrise iphone 4 case

Falconry in Qatar is an old tradition . These birds can be bought at the souq /bazar .We saw this man with a falcon at the heritage tent at Tribeca film festival

ipad / iphone cases with photos from Qatar
 by Alma Wad
Fully customizable speck cases with a photo background . It was taken in Doha , Qatar in 2009 by Alma Wad.Great gift for architects , for  Qatar expats and for  nationals and for the lovers of modern architecture .
For more details click on the image








According to my experiences it takes 3 -4 weeks to arrive.It comes from the US .If you happen to be in the US it will be only question of days to get it .
And a great thanks to the great number of customers from Texas and recently from Italy who keep buying my photo art on Qatar .It seems to me that they had been living here  a day .

New Beach in Qatar

It looked amazing . Like a dream . Well maintained beach with colorful parasols beach beds and seats - flag systems , slides for the kids in the water and WC and showers and so on . As you were walking at a famous French riviera beach . It was not open yet . It was not clear when would it open . Some signs said that one can use it from 9 am to sunset . It was not clear either if it was for the grand public or it would belong to a club . But the size of it - 2km perhaps or more - makes one think of a public facility . I do not think  it is possible to make a women only day  -as it is by the edge of the Cultural Village -also known Katara . However if it opens for us - ordinary people- it will be a great step ahead .

Important dates

November 16 2010 EID in Qatar and GCC
December 2  2010 the Decision will be revelead on the location of football worldcup 2022

December 18th Qatar's National Day

Happy Diwali - Card by cycreation
View all other greeting cards on Zazzle

Sunset in Doha Bay by almawad
See more Sunset Posters

Tribeca Film Festival - Family Day 2010


It was the second festival . Last year the free screening and family day was held on the Corniche at the Museum of Islamic art .This year in the brand new Cultural Village in the outskirts of Doha.Oh my so so much concrete ! Last year we were in the city still near the nature .There were enough seats for everyone .This year we were not allowed to see the free screening . No more seats was the answer .The open air theatre was a huge structure - not very kid or family friendly . You had to climb  so many steps and it looked frightening . Last year I bought some Middle Eastern stuffed cabbage from local women .It was cheap and delicious . This year we saw a lots of exclusive restaurants . Nowhere the traditional local women selling their dishes from their hot pots .Last year on the family day there was a Hungarian - Iraqi cartoon on . This year there was a Disney film on .I thought that film festivals are for films which can not be seen too often on tv .Now as they brought this Disney film - you did not have the feeling that you see something special .There were a lots of programs organized to have this festival feel . We managed to see some and they were really good . We got a program guide only there to see that we missed a lots of other performances .
Well guys , you wanted to make this festival and family day very good and perfect event and it was spoilt by your good will - I had this feel .Everything became too posh too artificial .And heard many people asking each other" But where is Adel Imam ?"

Karwa was celebrating itself . I read in the Peninsula . The company is a success story .
Though they know that there are problems .Not everything is solved but they say that  there are enough taxis on the roads .
Are there ?
 Where are they ? Today I had an appointment  .I started to  wait for a taxi in Bin Mahmoud at 8:30 .Hundreds of cars were speeding on the busy roads .  I might have seen five taxis altogether  - none of them were available .Where are the taxis at this  time from the roads ? Are the drivers sleeping ?After one hour I gave up . I had to cancel my appointment . I was irresponsible not ordering 24 hours before a taxi .
Karwa is a success story . Success for who ?

 The other day I had to visit an embassy in the West Bay . The driver was new - and  could not find the place though I gave him exact address which number , what square . We were riding here and there  half an hour in the darkness .Finally we found a jogger who could help us . The cost was nearly double of the expected cost. Guess who had to pay  that !
Yes  be prepared if you ride a taxi in Doha you have to show the way to the driver . They are not educated before sending them to drive . They are new . They has just arrived and might leave soon as Singapore is a more attractive place for a driver .New ones are coming and leaving soon .
On the other hand the roads are full of illegal drivers  offering a ride . I had to turn down minimum ten guys during one hour .I do not dare to ride with them .It is not their beard or their  traditional clothes that disturbs me . Just that they are not registered and can not be controlled .They should get an official rank .They are the ones who know Doha and who are ready to live here .

Red sludge disaster near my hometown

We always loved to draw with those red pebbles and stones when we were children in Veszprem county , Hungary .Now it reminds me to that terrible disaster  which happened a week ago . You must have heard about the alumina factory which reservoir was overfilled and the toxic sludge poured on a village in the hills bellow the alumina plant 5-6kms .The Luck that it happened at lunch time  and not at night , This way most of the villagers had chance -around 20 seconds - to climb on a tree ,rooftops ,fence . Those living in lower part had less chance . Luckily the children were at school which was in an upper area . But the small ones were at home . Some of them died as their parents simply had no time or way to save them .They were drifted by the sludge which was burning their skins ...One mother told she had around 20 second to understand what was going on  and catch her little child put her on the top of a cupboard and then she was already burning  - she was standing  in the sludge until waste . as she was sure  she was going to die - she managed to grab her mobile and called her husband to tell him goodbye and begging him to try to save their kid  who was on the top of the cupboards surrounded by the toxic sludge . It was impossible to enter the village - the husband called the neighbours who rushed to save them . Everybody was saved  - though they pay the price  -suffering of burns ....
 This case was full nice of uplifting stories .Firefighters and policemen working hard to save lives ....
When the sludge dries it will turn into a toxic powder . People of three towns should leave everything behind ... and move and build a new place ....
The managers owners of the alumina plants are millionaires . Their greed caused that disaster .They should pay as soon as possible .They should be forced to pay .
Instead of that  money is begged here and there .I was shocked to see that money is  asked by our consul  here in Qatar for those victims .It is always nice to help however  the greatest help  would be if we Hungarians got rid of those corrupt people who grabbed  important factories ,facilities  20 years ago  then they irresponsibility causes danger  all the time .They are greedy in a revolting   way . Now this was a wake up call for all of us . We have to care about public issues  and not to burry our heads into the sand .
 

Royal Plaza at Eid . I love the look of this art deco structure at any time of the year but their festive image is so uplifting ! Five star for the designer !