Tse Yang restaurant - Pearl , Doha - review

The place was as mysterious as its name suggested .It was on the first floor so we had to take the lift .A Chinese looking woman was at the reception - she lead us through narrow corridors with dim light into a big room with oriental decor .
Tse Yang means the forbidden city .It was indeed as we arrived at the special dinning room of the Chinese emperor .
As we looked at their menu it seemed that they really expected the Chinese emperor to dine with them .The cheapest item on their drink list was 20QAR - it was a plain soft drinks price . 20 times more than at the supermarket . Quickly I made some calculation and found out that it would cost 100 QR to have a simple Coke /fanta whatever for five of us - something that we could buy later for 5 rials at the supermarket .Finally we decided to share a big bottle of mineral water .That was only 30 rial .
Luckily the waiters saw through the situation very quickly and they arranged everything smoothly so we did not feel embarrassed even later that we share the dishes .
It was easy as we sat at a nice table which had rotating plate in the middle .Soon the chicken dumpling arrived as entree .It looked beautiful -it was decorated with red caviar .Unfortunately it did not taste good at all .The dough was very thin and the filling did not taste chicken to us .One of my kids went for sweet corn chicken soup .I did not like that either - but he ate it all .
 For the main course we took sizzling dishes served in hot stone  casseroles .They were fantastic ! I ordered for myself tofu stew - it had the typical Chinese flavor with nice gravy and bell peppers ,tofu cubes and mushroom . Others went for chicken in hot stone  casseroles and that was great too .The stone dishes were put on the rotating plate and went around .We took turn to help ourselves to the dish .It was fun . The noodle with seafood was of ethereal type - so thin - almost nothing . It was not bad but we like it the rustic way - thick noodles .

The good thing about the stone casseroles was that they kept the food warm while we were chatting .
The caramelized banana and apple was a great end of our dinner . The sugar coat was perfectly covering the fruits and tasted wonderfully . It seems to be so simple but it is not .We tried the next day at home and it is not simple at all .They served six pieces for one person . Again we went for sharing .
The bill was as we expected - no surprise at the end .

It was funny as we visited the restroom . It was also made in special Chinese style with narrow corridors ,mirrors ,patterns .I started to feel dizzy . I had to go out quickly . I got claustrophobia - I almost forgot it - then it was a reminder .

Summary : " I think it was a real gourmet dinner . We had tasted things that were very special and you can not buy  at the supermarkets ."
My family members thought " It was very good dinner . much better than any of my business lunch I had earlier this week at five stars hotels"

" it was delicious but not so much that this very high price could be justified "
" Mummy did not allow me the fresh watermelon juice . She told me that 30 rial for a glass of fruit juice is too much "

If I were the restaurant manager I would include into the price the steamed rice and would not make people pay extra 15 QR for it .


 SEE THE MENU 

working at night can be easier

working at night can be easier when the temperature is very high

Why Amnesty not impressed with Qatar Labor Law

 Amnesty International announced that it is not impressed with the new Labour Law plan in Qatar

  They think no  restriction should be done when someone wishes to leave the country .In the  plan the Ministry of Interior would make an automatic  permission  -  they need 72 hours to check out if the person is wanted for something or not .
Amnesty thinks it is not fair .

Anybody should be allowed to  leave whether wanted or not at once .

IMO
I think it is very difficult to control so huge migrant population . To filter the criminals is a must .I do not mind  waiting 72 hours if it   keeps the country safe  from criminals .  Please note  - hundreds of thousands of people arrive in Qatar from countries where crime and corruption is extremely high ( Philippines ,India )  -  at the same time with this system they can keep the country running with low crime rate . No! Waiting 72 hours  does not make someone a slave !  Though I know that there are cases when leaving  quickly  is a must . ( sudden illness ,death of a relative )

 Changing jobs is allowed only every five years according to the new law . It should not be restricted  -at all -Amnesty  thinks .
  I do agree  with Amnesty on this point  .

(But then what would happen to those private companies who make huge profit  while keeping wages and salaries  low ? How would they survive ?)

Qatar announces changes to labour law

2 and half minute video from Al- Jazeera about the planned new Labour Law

the plan of the New Labour Law in Qatar - in brief

The New  Labor Law  system in Qatar - in brief

 exit permit' s system  -leaving the country

  nowadays : you must get permission from the employer ( sponsor ) to leave the country
  plan  : automated system  of permission through the Ministry of Interior ( it would take 72 hours )

 wages - getting payments

 nowadays   workers get salary in cash
 plan for the future :    wages must be payed electronically to improve transparency and timely payouts

 Confiscating workers' passports  is illegal now in Qatar
penalty for it now  10,000 riyals ($2,700)
increased penalty in the future  :50,000 riyals ($13,700)

 Note :

no timeline set for implementation

source

Photo Exhibition at the Katara

Today's events: Qatari Photographer Yousef Al-Khulaifi exhibition "Hope of the Hunter" continues, building 18 #katara pic.twitter.com/B6hN1cBWHP
— كتارا | Katara (@kataraqatar) May 15, 2014

Barzan Park Qatar

Any plans for the weekend? Why not come and relax with your kids at Barzan#Olympic Park @barzanpark #Qatar http://t.co/hPQZO3QoJ2
— QOC (@qatar_olympic) May 16, 2014

Numbers in Qatar - more than 9000 accountants

Qatar needs  more than 9,000 accountants in the next five years

 for the time being only 100 accountant graduates yearly

Master’s programme in accounting s available at Qatar University’s College of Business and Economics  with US accreditation 

Numbers in Qatar - 900 teaching jobs

900 vacancies for teachers in Qatar’s Independent schools 

36,000 people aready  have applied for the positions mostly from Qatar and  from the Arab world - they will be trained by the  SEC but they must have  the minimum academic qualifications

source

Aqua park new packages for groups

Aqua park tickets are not cheap at all .In the new season the individual discount ticket through Doha souq is 115 QR . In case you buy it at the Park itself it is about 130QR .
These packages for groups look like a real deal .

For example if you are minimum 25 in your group you will get at 130 QR not only entry and access to all the premium rides ( which otherwise need extra tickets ) but you will get a QR 30 meal voucher as well and you can use the beach soccer facility too .

If you want something cheaper with your group of 25 then at 100 QR you can get park entry with 30 QR meal voucher .

If your kid wants a birthday party then for 100 QR per person he/she can celebrate in the park getting not only park entry, but children’s meals, decorations, and a private area to celebrate upon request . Minimum 15 kids !

Schools in the morning hours get great discount - entry is only 65 QAR per child and Aqua Park notepads, children’s meal and water safety lessons are included. Minimum group size is 50 person and available only on week days .

Hungarian President in Qatar

He is the first Hungarian President to  come to this country . He was invited by the Emir of Qatar .Later today the president will meet Hungarian expats at the embassy party  in the garden of the embassy ! 46 C today in Doha !

46C in Doha today

Not only the sudden rise of temperature what makes one feel so tired this morning ( I am talking about myself)  but the strong northwesterly wind as well  which started today and  might remain strong till Saturday  . Baraweh is the name of this type of wind  locally .

Project Qatar expo

  It is about constructions and building materials.
   Where :  Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC)
  When :  13 -15 May 2014
  What time  4pm to 10 pm
  Recommended for  architects, contractors, consultants, designers, construction professionals,regulators, project owners and project managers
  Special guest of the annual event is Italy  .

City in progress stretched canvas prints by almawad
Browse City Canvas Prints online at Zazzle.com

Doha by night

Futuristic skyline of Doha, #Qatar. pic.twitter.com/WGNverj6pF
— Beautiful Pics (@BEAUTIFULPlCS) May 12, 2014

 The futuristic urban scene - Doha - the pearl fishing town grew into a metropolis .

Gluten free in Qatar

 You can see a lots of products  gluten free in the Megamart if you  have time to browse the shelves . In the French Monoprix the gluten free products are collected in one section so it is easier to find the item you need .
In the Finnish bakery - somewhere between the Villaggio and Zoo - 
you can buy gluten free bakery products and cakes - see their menu here  .

you can call : 44661200 for orders

 You can buy Far -Eastern products as they are usually rice based .There is a Japanese section in the Megamart supermarket/The  Center  and there is a Korean supermarket in Al-Jazeera street ,Bin Mahmoud .

At the Carluccio restaurant at the Pearl  they prepare gluten -free dishes on request - I read about it the other day when reading their menu .

Post by Vivre Au Qatar (VAQ).

For those who are on a gluten free diet here is one especially for you.
Delicious organic and gluten free biscuit pic.twitter.com/VCtEWDQN0Z

— Monoprix Qatar (@MonoprixQatar) May 19, 2016

Red Lobster - Doha restaurant review

It is situated  in the center of the city . It is not a so friendly or picturesque area . From one side of the restaurant there is the huge traffic of Suhaim bin Hamad street   from the other side the rumbles of constructions of Al -Jazeera street .
 The gigantic buildings of Qatar rail on the other side of the street make me feel lost too . The lovely shaped restaurant is so much inviting ... and anyway I heard about their lunch deal on weekdays .

 It was a good idea to enter - that was my first impression . The place is the island of peace in the jungle of the city . Lovely interior evoking the life of fishermen  and sailors of New England . Different tools of the nautical life are also displayed .Live lobsters in a water tank .Three or four families are having their lunch with kids .
We did not come for a luxurious lobster meal - just for a simple lunch meal .
 It was only 35  rial . For this money we were given a three course meal .The first course was a creamy soup for me .It was too thick for my taste . So I added some water to it and some black pepper .It was better that way . Anyway - the scones which were served first were very good . I think in the US they are called cheese biscuits or cheese bread  . That came without order  - it is something that we call pogacsa in Hungary ....  childhood memories came to my mind then ... 70's 80's Budapest  cheap fish restaurant where the fish soup was served in cauldron and homemade  pogacsa came with it ...  for a price that even a middle class family with three kids could afford in the always expensive city ..... I think that does not exist anymore ...

 Then I felt back to the reality   - this is an American place in Qatar we write 2014 ...

 My main course the pasta with shrimps in Alfredo sauce . It was very  plain ... like a beginner housewife first try with this dish  - it was not a big portion but I felt I ate too much by the time the dessert arrived .The dessert with ice cream and brown sponge cake was a typical American sweet treat  that I always avoid but my kids ate it . The kids asked for different courses . Kids meal only for children under 12 year .They were given something to color and wax crayons .Nearly every meal came with French fries on their kids menu . That made my health conscious preschooler very disappointed .Shrimp popcorn was full of oil ... the fish sandwich looked fine but not eaten after   by them . The pizza as main course was better - they finished it all .

 Telling the truth I know that 35 rial was very little money for a three meal course but I expected something more delicious .

 I told to myself that I would return one day to taste a dish from  their regular menu and  not the value meal .
I can recommend this place if you are looking  for  a quiet place to escape  the urban noise .Their value meal  is  for you if you  do not mind  dishes in canteen style  with friendly  and polite service .

Beautiful residential area in Doha

Post by MD Properties.

The Pearl island is an artificial island built in Doha bay . It has a very special atmosphere and luxurious residential areas . This is the Qanat district Qanat Quartier/ of the Pearl .I found this image on the facebook . MD properties is advertising its units from 9500 rial /month ( around 2600 USD )

Great Milestone in Qatar's transportation history - the New airport had the first commercial flight

HIA's first commercial flight, Fly Dubai FZ015, touches down! #HIAQatar #Qatar pic.twitter.com/NWigIIWChY
— Doha Intl Airport (@DohaAirport) April 30, 2014

I was very much excited when reading the news - the first commercial plane Fly Dubai FZ015, touches down at the new airport .
Congrats Qatar !

  READ MORE ABOUT THE NEW FACILITY

Have you ever had Camel Burger ?

Have you ever had camel burger ? No/ And what about the camel kebab !
 You can taste them  at Doha  Mariot Saturday brunch . Sounds exciting  - but poor camels ...:(

I am much more interested in camel milk  - I heard it helps very much the weakened immune system .

Try your first Camel Burger & Camel Kebabs at our Saturday Weekend Brunch! RSVP 44298499 #doha #Qatar pic.twitter.com/AMKKhtlkuS
— Doha Marriott Hotel (@DohaMarriott) April 30, 2014

Futuristic Metro Station to be completed by 2018

see facts and the future of Doha's new transportation system with the most important station there Msheireb

Hamad international Airport opens today

A look inside Hamad International Airport, which opens today #Doha #Qatar http://t.co/CWcVNb3Vob pic.twitter.com/CMOInTQTMg
— PROJECT QATAR (@ProjectQatarPQ) April 30, 2014

Rescued baby and the grim reality -scenes from a war- torn Arab country

 It happened in Aleppo , Syria but it could have happened in any other  war -torn country .  After a fight the civilian survivors have to dig their own loved ones from the rubbles . Usually dead ones . This video shows a baby who survived . Who was able to give out sounds and was found conscious and well .Like a miracle .
This story is  horrible and beautiful at the same time . The beauty is the hard work and hope of those who were digging with  their bare hands - the solidarity - the  virtue that keeps mankind alive  in spite of all the horror that one must face in the world .
 I would say that it is a story  with happy end  but   buried  under their own house the baby's mum and sibling was lying dead .
 No -there is no happiness in the wars  - not even for the survivors !

Post by Thông Tin Hàn Quốc.

dirty secret of the local food industry

"dirty secret of the local food industry "

It is not the first time that I hear about this - many restaurants in Qatar try to sell the cheap Vietnamese white fish as local king fish or hamour - the difference in price is huge - the practice became so much widespread that the local authorities threaten the cheaters with jail terms and a million rial fine

until then - see what you eat - if you think that ordering fish is a good idea in this heat...
 this is my favourite fish restaurant in Doha

 source

Humor in Arabia - Drive thru camel at BK

Qatari comedian Hamad Al Amari  riding a camel while asking for a burger a the drive thru at Burger King .

Mr. Gyros restaurant review

Mr ,Gyros is an American Greek restaurant at Al-jazeera petrol station . I had  this strange idea the other day to try their gyros.  I managed to overcome my phobia of petrol station eateries after the deadly blast in February . And I put my prejudices aside about American cuisine as well.
What can go wrong with a gyros ?- I thought . The marinated slices of steaks are roasted on rotating spit and cut and served with salad and pita bread .It simply can't be spoilt ...

Well ,well - I was very naive . I love shawarma as well   but I wished to eat gyros  the way we used to have it in Hungary .Much better than the shawarma  around here . I remember a friend of mine who married a khaleeji guy then when in Hungary he found it very strange that a country like Hungary  have far better and more delicious shawarma /gyros than the  wealthy place where he grew up .
Money can't buy everything -it seems .

 Well - we bought our gyros meal   around 40 rials . We got a tray with the meat /some rice .dressing ,salad . Then I got the big surprise  - this American gyros tasted no gyros at all -but it had the taste of canned meat .
If you do not mind that then I can recommend the place  - it is the usual  American look - posters on the wall -nice wooden chairs -polite service ... even their banana milk shake was nice .... for 20 rial !

Otherwise I felt it was pure waste of money .

Qatar Airways smoking plane

 It must have been  very scary experience on Sunday .The flight to London from Doha  had to return after take -off -as there was a very strong smell of burning and the cabin was full of thick smoke .

It landed luckily and the fire was put out .It is believed to be caused by faulty electric wiring but it is not official yet .

 I found a very interesting opinion about what  might be behind the incident .

"The problem nowadays, not only with Qatar Airways, is that their route/ flight expansions require a heavy utilization of their fleets leading to shorter turn around times, this in turn leads to flippant checking/maintenance of the smaller details such as wearing out wiring insulation etc. and this can also lead to such events....there are many reported events involving smoke/burning smells in different parts of the aircraft from all over the world."


 source

Sweden is going to open embassy in Qatar

 Qatar 's blooming economy attracts more and more companies . Sweden is going to open embassy in Qatar soon .

 Telling the truth - I was surprised that this did not happen yet .

Ikea and H&M are the most popular Swedish companies in this country .

Sweden Flag Postcard by FlagAndMap
View other Sweden Postcards at Zazzle.com

Doha Souq Style - Fahad Al-Obaidly fashion designer

Qatar from window washer's view

Wonderful pic of window washers in #doha @GulfTimes_QATAR better than the usual press conference pics we usually see pic.twitter.com/5VERTjZGDW
— Rachel Morris (@rachelannmorris) April 14, 2014

Thank you for the twitter user above for sharing this photo

leaking pizza oven and the negligence

For Want of a Nail

For want of a nail, the shoe was lost;
For want of the shoe, the horse was lost;
For want of the horse, the rider was lost;
For want of the rider, the battle was lost;
For want of the battle, the kingdom was lost,
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.


 This old poem comes to my mind when I read about the series of neglect  at the Hala istanbul restaurant.These neglects caused  the death of 11  and injured 35 about two months ago . It caused horror and panic to all residents living  here .
 There was a pizza oven under maintenance  -  there was a valve not closed . The gas company was not informed  and finally the gas tank at the top of the building was filled while the restaurant was closed .

Just a little common sense and attention paid to the work and it could have saved lives . Now four people charged with  negligence .

Read about the accident on 27 February 2014

Bali-Poster by longdistgramma
See additional Poster templates & designs online at Zazzle.com

a daily non-stop flight to Bali from Doha coming soon

No more touchdown at Singapore for those who travel from Doha to Bali. From June 21 2014 there will be direct flights from Doha . Ten hours flight  to arrive  in that distant and popular island .The Bali route will be operated with an Airbus A330   at first but later in October they plan to   fly Dreamliners .

Easter programs in Doha

Benjamin Bunny Afternoon Tea & dress up Friday 18th April. Egg hunting and storytelling. http://t.co/O8fofKH0JZ pic.twitter.com/kqjVzuKCs0
— The St. Regis Doha (@StRegisDoha) April 6, 2014

Easter Egg Decoration Class - Organizer: Arts and Crafts http://www.artsandcrafts-doha.com/
Easter Egg Hunting
Fun excisting activities full of coloring, music, painting Easter ceramics and much more. April 19, 2014 Time: 4:00P
Price: QR 100 per child

For more information: 44865201-55801627
Location - near Landmark

graphic Easter landscape no2 Personalized Invites by almawad
Look at other Party Invitations at zazzle.com

Easter Egg-Stravaganza

This Easter let your kids get creative at our exciting Easter egg workshop followed by an exciting Easter egg treasure hunt! Tasty chocolate eggs will be provided by Executive Pastry Chef Aurel Constantin Raduti for the children, who will be able to decorate and customize their eggs as they wish. Marshmallows, pop corns and much more will be on hand to let them become food artists for a day!
Where :  Quick Bites , Renaissance Hotel , City Center Doha 
Register your children for our exciting FREE

When: 3pm – 6pm, April 19

For more information call +974 4419 6100

See more : 

Thai New Year Celebrations at Grand Hyatt Doha 2014 April 13

Celebrate Thai New Year or Songkran @GrandHyattDoha with a buffet by Isaan, live music and more on April 13 from 7pm pic.twitter.com/vPkF2cyaFx
— Time Out Doha (@TimeOutDoha) April 10, 2014

Learning Arabic with Al Jazeera

 The famous TV channel launched a site for helping those who  wish to learn Arabic . They give some small daily and weekly learning material  based on their programs . Officially this is for the false beginners who can already read and write Arabic - but I think someone using Google translate can easily benefit from it  even if he does not know how to read and write . Nowadays you can copy paste the Arabic text  there/ see the transliterated version of the text then you can listen to it .

 You can socialize  and share your experiences with the others using the site - if you have difficulty in understanding some point  then you can  even ask a teacher on the site about   Arabic  language  .

Exciting new way to learn !

 Visit the site !

Luxurious cooking lesson and dinner in the Four season Hotel April 10

Enjoy, Taste and Learn at Il Teatro on April 10th for a #livecooking dinner with 4 course menu http://t.co/VYU36k3LCm pic.twitter.com/TEjkQEnxpD
— Four Seasons Doha (@FSDoha) April 8, 2014

cutting-edge therapies coming soon

 The most modern  therapies for diabetes, asthma, allergy, pain and inflammation will  be soon available in the Gulf countries as the firm MSD and Julphar signed an agreement on producing , selling and distributing innovative medicines for the above mentioned ailments .

 Julphar  got  exclusive rights from MSD .

 They are planning to sell those new drugs in  UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Iraq  as soon as they get  the approval of the local authorities .


 source


Julphar


MSD

40 people sentenced - numbers in Qatar

40  people sentenced to 1 -3 years prison for visa trading .

They include expats and Qataris as well. Record number crack down on corruption .

source

California Tortilla in Doha

It was during the latest food festival that  I noticed long line  in front of  California Tortilla's tent  so II decided then to visit this place one day  and try the food there .It is easy to find - it is nearly opposite the Chili's  restaurant which is near the Ramada junction -  it is next to the Korean Garden restaurant .
Easy to find the place but the parking is not so easy  though  behind the building there are some chances to find  a place to park  one's car .

California Tortilla  - as its name suggests it is about  Mexican cuisine  with American twist .

I was in a hurry when I ordered  Quesadilla so I asked the  Filipino cashier to suggest me one - and without paying attention to what she told me I took it . What can go wrong with a  quesadilla   - I thought ? Well it was sweet ! It was a  BBQ sauce type ! Oh nooo ! I will never ask a Filipino to recommend me a dish again , They are into sweet sauces on stews -it is something that I can not bear .
 The grilled chicken salad was good . The chicken breast was tender and generous size .The avocado  dip was fantastic  but the salad itself was not very original - some lettuce and tomatoes .It came in a fun eatable bowl .
 The same went for the grilled beefsteak salad . My kids loved the nachos and the kids meal  burrito .

 Prices were less than in the Chilies   but   quesadillas   are more expensive than in the DQ . I must admit that I prefer that  one .

I am not an expert of Mexican food but some 20 years ago I   remember visiting one Mexican restaurant  in Heidelberg , Germany  - it was an open buffet then . It surprised me then how much the dishes  tasted like our Hungarian dishes .
 Here I did not have this experience at all . I would call it not Mexican but " healthy version of American fast food with Mexican inspiration " . Why was there a long queue  at the Food festival at their stall ? The only explanation I found is that there are so many Californians are living among us in Doha . They  must have been homesick .

 Service was  nice and polite / the restaurant was spacious  and clean  and they had even a play area for kids .

 Visit their page 
 See their menu

In mood for French cuisine in Doha

Feel like tasting French flavors in Doha ? You can do  it  in many cafes and restaurants .Here is the list .

Yum Yum – K108 Hotel Doha, Al Ghanim Street | 4433 3000
 read reviews

Paul, Al Waab St. and Landmark Mall | 4413 5507

 read my review
 another review by me
Le Relais de L’Entrecote, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar | 4495 3876

Fauchon Cafe, Salwa Road and Souq Najd | 4432 4888

Eli France Cafe, Old Ramada Signal; Salwa Road and City Center Mall | 4435 7111, 4435 7222

La Varenne, Level 28, Tornado Tower, Westbay | 4499 0680
read reviews

Lenotre, Suhaim Hamad Street, Al Sadd and Sports City, Villaggio | 4455 2666
 read my review

Hediard, Salwa Road | 4444 1312

IDAM an Alain Ducasse Restaurant, Museum of Islamic Art, Corniche | 4422 4488
 read reviews

Dalloyau, Waterfront, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar

The World of Goopi and Bagha - free screening

 when :Fri, Apr 11, 04:00 PM,

 where :The Katara Drama Theatre (located within the Katara Opera House) (Building 16) 

Director : Shilpa Ranade

Post by Doha Film Institute.

Contrasts in the Gulf

CAUTION - Camel Crossing.. #UAE #AbuDhabi #Dubai #Doha #Qatar #MiddleEast 🐪 pic.twitter.com/XMW1jWVUtQ
— The Expat Chap (@TheExpatChap) March 28, 2014

Two camels are standing by a luxury sport car on the desert road . This image tells everything about the changes that had happened in the Arabian Gulf during the last 40 -50 years

Numbers in Qatar -17 .000 babies

17 -18 .000 babies are born in Qatar each year  . Most of them are born at the WomenHospital in Doha .
  Qatar has a population of two million people. To understand how big or small  this number is we should know the number of women at child bearing age  around here  . But that is a  thing that they do not like to advertise as it would show the proportion of women and men in this country .
I guess that there are  half million or less women are living here . But that is only my guess . Population is quite young .
Last year even Anna Gedes came to shoot at the hospital .

3 marvelous things came from India

At MIA Doha, inscription: "3 marvelous things came from India: the book Khalila wa Dimna, game of chess, 9 numerals" pic.twitter.com/tVWAlwPDUi
— Tanvi Madan (@tanvi_madan) April 2, 2014

1 . the book Khalila wa Dimna -  animal stories /fables = Panchatantra in Sanskrit =Ibn al-Muqaffa in Persian

2. game of chess

3 9 numerals 

19 MARCH TO 21 JUNE 2014
King and Pawns
Exhibition on board games at the MIA

Summer is here Aqua Park reopened

 What else could prove the fact that summer has arrived  in Qatar than the fact that Aqua Park reopened . Even they are having today  their first Ladies Only Day of the year . .Only female visitors are allowed .Little boys can  enter  with the height limit of 120 cm with their female relatives .Every Tuesday from 2 to10 pm .

Neon pink abstraction sandals by almawad
Shop for more Flip Flop Footwear at Zazzle

Find out how to get cheaper tickets to the park

Gloria Huang parents sentenced to 3 years

 Gloria Huang parents sentenced to 3 years . It is trendy now to scream " Oh nooo  , Qatar  is unfair and stupid - let those innocent parents free " " it can happen to anyone of us "
 Certainly if you let your sick child without medical care  for four days - it may happen .

 I do not know if those who are in favor of the " innocent parents" why  not ask themselves ."After all how this child, this five year old African girl died  in the care of their American parents ."

  The facts are simple and sad . Gloria suffered from protozoa and eating disorder  and her parents did not seek medical help for her when she refused to eat  during four days . Though it is free in Qatar . Anyone can take at any time  -any child to the child emergency and  specialists can  help those who are in need .
Anyway  the Huangs were not poor . But they were a kind of snobs . As they did not trust the health care of this country they refused to take their child to doctor . How smart !

Only when the child was in critical condition  they were scared and ran to the emergency .But then it was too late .
My personal view on this case is that they were overconfident snobs who thought they knew better since they were American . Their attitude led to the death of this  child .And three years is  the sentence that they deserve .

 Many people believe  that this is their race , nationality and the religion that led to their sentence .  I think just the opposite is true . They got very little  for their heartless neglect  which led to a  child death that could have been avoided .

______________________________________________________________

My advice to expat parents in Qatar: -Take your child to the doctor even if you do not trust them .You can go to see another specialist, a second one , a third one then you can compare their diagnosis .

 I wish very much Qatar would do more keeping the  good specialists in the country ...Personally  I trust much more the free government  clinics as the doctors there see a  very big number of sick children and they have more experience than those doctors who sit at a posh hospital and see only kids of the upper ten .

Avoid Salwa Road

Bit of rain in Doha. No big deal. But, erm, few drains. So it's all gone a bit disaster movie.. pic.twitter.com/eLf00T4sKF (via @jqassim_qatar)
— Barry Malone (@malonebarry) March 26, 2014

While Salwa Road is flooded, traffic is backed up across Doha. Use #DohaTraffic for updates! http://t.co/cXCKwfuEyN pic.twitter.com/tRwgm4iafR
— Qatar Living (@qatarliving) March 26, 2014

thank you for the twitter user for sharing those photos with us

$1m cash prize -numbers in Qatar

One million dollar cash prize was won by a Greek customer of the Qatar Airways .Raffle tickets are sold at the Duty Free Shop of the national airlines .When 5000 tickets sold out then there is a draw . This was the first draw of this year .

 source

Rainy day in Doha - March 2014

I woke up at night when I heard the thunderstorm and the  heavy rain . I was the only one who was up . I   managed to get up and switch off electric devices . Especially the water pump which tends to cause shortcuts when  it rains .
I let my kids to school with worries .It was raining heavily and thunderstorms again .

At daytime when I looked through the window I saw an African lad walking in the flooded street barefoot with his good-looking  shoes in his hands .I understood his point .One has to save his shoes for the dry days .
When my kids arrived home I found that one of them had his socks totally wet . They told me that the schoolyard was totally flooded and it was very difficult to walk to the bus and keeping  their shoes dry . I cancelled school for tomorrow .

 I was looking for a song in Arabic about the rain on the youtube but I could not really find one .No wonder  they  have only 10  rainy days in average per year  .

 Matar  - rain
 Maa -water

  so here is my favorite rainy song
suggest me one in Arabic if you know one


 I

Snow White Ballet - FREE ENTRANCE

Date and time : 25 Mar 2014 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

 Venue :Katara Opera House – Building 16

“Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs” is a classic ballet dedicated to children, it tells the story of Princess Snow White fleeing into the bewitched forest after her stepmother trying to kill, and then she encountered seven midgets and the prince who eventually married her.

The ballet was designed by Russian choreographer Genrikh Mayorov in 1975; he was inspired by ‘’ Snow White’’ movie realized by “Walt Disney”,

Tower Running Grand Prix of Qatar 2014

Tower Running Grand Prix of Qatar 2014

The challenge :  running up to the 51st floor =1304 steps =300 m high tower
 only for those who  have been training before 

World Champion Staircase runners will   participate as well

when  :  on Saturday, 29th March

where :  the base of  Torch Tower

Registration  : http://www.stuweb.co.uk/race/CZ 

Enquiries : Sukhi.Sandhu@aspirelogistics.qa

 source

Aspire Tower Posters by almawad
See more Tower Posters at zazzle.com

Qafco Flower and vegetables Show 2014

QAFCO Flower & Vegetable Show 2014

one-day event where local farmers, gardeners and florists exhibit their products
live competitions ,prizes , kids area for playing
Where :Al Banush Club, Mesaieed
When 28 March 2014 - Friday
What time : 9:30 am – 6 pm

 Watermelon carvings from last year's event 

Cirque Eloize coming to Doha April 2-5

Where Qatar National Convention Center, Doha

When April 2-5 ,2014
2 April 8:00 pm
3 April 8:00 pm
4 April 3:30 pm
5 April 1:30 pm



Director, Jeannot Painchaud

 What to expect ?  "An urban  storyfilled with color, passion and energy"   “West Side story gone hip hop circus”

 Tickets  at the Virgin or online
 they start at QR 95

Food festival on Saturday and the rain

 It was the only day when we had time to go out for the much awaited yearly event  - the Food Festival . It is improving every year . It has always nice atmosphere . I expected  fun time .
 When we arrived there was empty parking space near the MIA park . That was something unusual . It was overcast and dull - it looked it was just about to rain . It did not disturb the people around us enjoying food and entertainment .Korean chefs were drumming on pots and performing on one stage . Then  we found an empty table and while some members from the family were waiting some other members were  hunting food .
 We  had just bought some chicken wrap from Grand Heritage Hotel' tent when it started to rain heavily . Everybody rushed into those posh hotels' tent :) I was a bit worried because  my family disappeared . I was reluctant to use my mobile as I was standing in the rain  -  the pizza show on  stage two went on as nothing happened . Suddenly a lots of empty tables :)After some minutes the pizza show was interrupted by the speaker " Sorry  the rain can be dangerous with electronic devices so we must stop for a while ":  The clown jazz band with jugglers and stilt-walkers were still strolling around when   thunders  were heard .

Ten minutes heavy rain then it stopped .  Then we saw the sun and expected rainbow and better weather but it became dull again . So we decided to  return home . I was terrified to see that during all this storm the  dine in air program went on . A crane lifted an open cabin into the air with people sitting around the table and having their meals .
I am not an expert but it seemed to be very dangerous .Lighting  could have struck that crane .
I am  very much afraid. Some years ago people died and got seriously injured in Budapest during the national day celebrations as a storm came and nobody cancelled the open -air programs .

Rain happens even in Doha .Better to check out the weather forecast before planning an open-air outing .

 This year festival will be memorable  as  the"rainy " one .

 Photos from the Twitter !Thank you for the users to make it possible to use their photos .

#GrandHeritageDoha celebrates new Turkish delicacies at #Qatar ’s #InternationalFoodFestival - http://t.co/r3YWgj8pt2 pic.twitter.com/RyUj5KuVaM
— Qatar Chronicle (@QatarChronicle) March 18, 2014

Really wanna go to Doha international food festival 2014 . Dinner at the top ! pic.twitter.com/rBuClZ6Mal
— Jas~sim جاسم (@yoursjassim) March 22, 2014

The Women's Sport Center - Future sport developments

Happy song by Pharell Williams - Doha version

Who are those people partying in Doha ? Where are the typical Arab , Indian ,Pinoy people ?
This version is not as good as the Egyptian one .

Accident at Al- Waab street this morning

Car #accident #alwaab street @dohanews @iloveqatar @qatarliving @WGO_Qatar @WeAreQatar #qatar #doha! Drive safe pic.twitter.com/i7OVUsQ0yu
— Bo Fara2sha (@BoFara2sha) March 19, 2014

 Drive safe ! Three cars were burning as a result of an accident at Al_waab street near Nasser srteet .The fire was put out .according to the tweet of the Ministry of Interior

Civil Defence controls fire broke out on February 22 road near to Soudan signal due to an accident between several vehicles.
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) March 19, 2014

 My children reported seeing   much water on the road while   coming home from school .

 According to the Peninnsula daily paper no one died . It was caused by a car crossing when the lamp was red . The vehicles caught fire at once and people jumped out and ran away quickly . All of these happened within seconds .

Fire in Bin Mahmoud area

Fire at disused building in Bin Mahmoud #doha #qatar pic.twitter.com/vPWSPY0jqX
— Hazem Sika (@HazemSika) March 17, 2014

 As many Qatari twitter user reported there was a fire in Bin Mahmoud ,Doha  -some 7 hours ago . The smoke was very well seen from remote areas .It was a small house in Al -Jazeera street - not far from the Red Lobster restaurant .Luckily no one was hurt and the fire was put out quickly .

Lots of black smoke, but the fire doesn't look very big. Apparently its from/near some apartment blocks. #Doha pic.twitter.com/Lj3Yms1SL6
— Qatar Living (@qatarliving) March 17, 2014

Happy in Egypt

There is not much to be happy about right now in Egypt but this song is magic, and brings a smile to every face.Happy in Egypt by Pharell Williams .

a funny save the date card

Save the Date Funny Announcement Postcards by BastardCard
Add your photo to postcard designs from Zazzle.

 this is the funniest save the date card I have ever seen - I think it is great for any occasions
especially on the Middle East  for anybody who loves the wordplays 

Top ten salaries in Qatar in 2014

According to the 2014 Gulf Business Salary survey

 monthly averages

  1. CEO/MD, multinational– $30,708 = QR 111,826.25
  2. CEO/MD, local company – $21,927
3. Banking, treasury manager – $14,055
4. Construction, project manager – $12,871
5. Information Technology, manager – $12,179
6. Real Estate, manager – $11,623
7. Legal, lawyer marketer/manager –$10,686
8. Human Resources, manager – $10,536
9. Banking, branch manager – $10,501
10. Finance & Accounting, manager – $10,229 = QR 37,249.93

scenes from our life in Qatar

Living in the center of Doha there is always a construction  very close to us .Behind us ,next to us buildings were completed .It was not a dream  to hear  from so close how a building is made .  But they were made and for some years there was silence . Then in front of us the old villas were destroyed  and a six-story  building   was erected  ....nearly completed when the local  authorities caught them . At least I think that is why they stopped . I was always afraid to go out  when they were working . No one worker was wearing safety ropes - I was simply afraid that they would fall on us  a day .
 Since that time  when I try to feed my picky eater at lunch time and I am sitting near the window I see Faza Police  passing by and  checking out the building  from their  car . My little child who refused the lunch one day got scared from the word "police' - he was hiding under the table in fear they would catch him :)

________________________________________________________________

 Going to the Al-Sadd emergency with a sick child is not  fun  but I am always grateful to see how much child centered they are .Nowadays they employ  someone whose  job is just to guide the new-comers around  . This is very nice . Yet there was  one thing I found very strange . CCTV - the Chinese news channel was on at the waiting lounge .In the country of Baraem , Jim channel why on the earth we must watch Chinese news ?

___________________________________________________________

During the recent diplomatic tensions the big and powerful neighbour allegedly threatened Qatar with closing the borders and not supplying  the country  with their food products anymore .I was thinking about it . No more Al-marai  labneh ,laban and cheap custards ?No more Sunbullah paratha ?  How can we make do without  them ? Will there be shortage of  dairy products and poultry ?And if so then which country will happily bring its products here ? Turkey ?France ? Any other idea ?

the death of a Hungarian stunt pilot in Al -Khor , Qatar

It was deeply depressing news. I heard it on a Saturday morning.
A short story with a tragic end: Captain Tamás Nádas was flying at an airshow in Qatar, performing upside down, very close to the ground. One small mistake—just a tiny miscalculation—and the plane crashed. There was no chance of survival.
His family was there, watching in horror as the life of their loved one ended before their eyes.

Captain Tamás Nádas had been a familiar name to me. He used to fly in the town in Hungary where I lived. He had almost lost his life once before, in 2006, when the wheel of his plane shattered during a performance. “God was with me,” he told the reporters afterwards.

Life later brought him to Qatar, where he arrived full of enthusiasm. That day, this was already his second airshow. Some Hungarian newspapers wrote that many Qataris had never seen an airshow before. Perhaps he believed it, too—perhaps he thought no one here had ever witnessed aerobatic stunts. Maybe this misunderstanding pushed him to perform something even more dangerous than usual.

He chose a risky passion. He taught himself. He rose to the top and became a world champion. And then, far too early, he died at the age of 44.

Rest in peace, Tamás Nádas.

Police chasing smuggler truck in KSA

This took place in Saudi Arabia.
Police is chasing a smuggler but they couldn't catch him until a simple Saudi citizen ran after the truck and jumped into it . He forced the driver to stop by punching him .
Like in a movie .

kayaking on Aspire Lake

kayaking on Aspire Lake


Date : : Mar 7 -22 , 2014
Event includes :  

• introduction to Kayaking course
• basic paddle skills of sit-on-top tandem kayaks
• life jackets

fully qualified instructors

Age : above 14
Registration : aspirekayak@csm.com

 source

the Pond and the sky painting Print by almawad
Look at another framed print on zazzle

mysterious blast inside a car at Muntazah health center

It happened on 5 March around seven o'clock .A Landcruiser with an Indian driver and three Qatari teens parked near Muntazah health Center .The driver left for a short time then when he was returning he heard a big bang then pieces of the glass window were flying in the air .
The boys had a lucky escape from the blast with minor injuries .They were also lucky that it happened near a Health center so first aid arrived very quickly .

But it is still a mystery what caused the explosion . The Peninsula daily newspaper mentioned air conditioner's gas which got in contact with flammable materials .

Retro KABOOM! Blast - Black & White Stickers by fingerguns
View other Retro Stickers

Ambassadors recalled from Qatar

Saudi Arabia , UAE , Bahrain is recalling their ambassadors from Qatar .
This step is something very unusual since these countries are all members of the GCC.
The countries claim  this step is made  for protecting their security .

From what I heard and understand of the politics around here behind the scenes is the Egyptian political situation .Those countries above support the man who made a coup-d'etat  - while Qatar does not .

Bartok concert on Saturday at the Opera house of Katara

Post by Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.

Music director Han-Na Chang rehearses Bela Bartok's Divertimento for Strings and Gustav Mahler's First Symphony in preparation for Saturday's concert.
 I am always thrilled when I see famous Hungarians in the highlight abroad .

When   Saturday - March 8, 2014

At 07:30 PM - Doors open at 07:10 PM

 Where :Katara Cultural Village, Doha - Opera House Seated.

 What to expect :

Han-Na Chang, music director

BelaBartók: Divertimento for String Orchestra, Sz. 113, BB. 118
 Gustav Mahler: Titan Symphony No. 1 in D Major

Age limit: Audience members 6 and over are welcome at the Philharmonic concerts.


-Latecomers cannot be seated during the concert.


Tickets : can be bought at The Virgin  of Landmark or Villaggio

 They are priced between 75 – 300 QR

Artistic Gymnastics World Cup 2014 26 to 28 March -- Aspire Dome ,Doha

Post by Doha Artistic Gymnastics - Qatar.

37 countries confirm their definitive participation.

General Competition Schedule:


26 Mars 2014: Qualifications event.
First Session
* 14:00 - 16:30: Qualifications for Men`s Apparatus Finals (FX - PH - SR)
* 14:00 - 16:30: Qualifications for Women`s Apparatus Finals (VT - UB)
Second Session
* 17:15 - 19:30: Qualifications for Men`s Apparatus Finals (VT - PB - HB)
* 17:15 - 19:30: Qualifications for Women`s Apparatus Finals (BB - FX)

27 Mars 2014: Apparatus Finals
* 17:30 - 20:30

28 Mars 2014: Apparatus Finals
* 17:30 - 20:30


Entry Card Would be given on demand...If there is still free places, you will be able to join the event on venue. Ask your entry card at the Qatar Gymnastics Federation Right Now!
Please contact  franck@ qatargym.com 

Numbers in Qatar - 2,116,400

 2,116,400 is the population of Qatar .It has never been as high as that .

 source

CHI AL SHAQAB equestrian festival and competitions 2014

CHI AL SHAQAB equestrian festival and competitions 2014

  when : : 10 -15 March

  where : Al -Shaqab - see map here

  what to expect :

•  free festival  

•  competitions of Jumping, Dressage, Endurance and Vaulting with national and international riders for cheap tickets
•  Fun Area for the whole Family
• Commercial Village for Fashion & Horse enthusiasts
• Hospitality for everyone in the public food Court and Restaurants
• Luxury Catering in  VIP Lounges and Restaurant on request

Tickets for the competitions :Day tickets are priced at QAR 35 for adults , QAR 15 for children

 you  can buy them at Virgin Megastores Villagio and Landmark (or online), and starting from 10th March at the main ticket booth in the AL SHAQAB Spectator Plaza

see their page 

Outdoor Ladies only fitness sessions at the MIA park

Have you ever dreamed to work out in Qatar's wonderful parks without having to bear the presence of the countries vast male population ? This dream came true for ladies who can pay for it . Every Tuesday the  MIA park is closed for public -but the Bootcamp's ladies are training hard .

It is 800 QR /12 session -not the cheapest way to loose extra weight

 I wish there were something cheaper or even free !

Jazz in the Park March 2014

Jazz Poster by AHDITY
Look at more Poster templates and designs online at Zazzle

  where : MIA park
  when : 19 March,2014
   what to expect : world-class jazz concerts 
  tickets : free

Jazz Band Print by miasmicmind
Browse Digital Posters online at Zazzle.com

Qatar International Food Festival March 20-23

Four days of gastronomic festival - luxury hotels and simple eateries are offering their menu at the tents at moderate prices.Eating, drinking  is a must .You can learn new tricks of cooking  from internationally renowned chefs  like Chef Ramzi Choueiri or Aysha Al Tamimi. You can expect   family fun and entertainment - live musicians, light shows and food artists to perform throughout the four-day event.  You can eat in the sky ( if you can afford it ) or having your meal in small round shaped boats called BBQ donuts / The 5th Qatar International Food Festival is hosted by Qatar Museums Authority, Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar Airways.Healthy eating and Brasilian  cuisine will be the  other highlights of the festival .

 Where : at MIA park like last year
 When :  20 - 23 March

  Thursday : 5pm-11 pm
  Friday     :  2pm -11 pm
  Saturday : 2pm -10 pm
  Sunday  : 2pm - 10 pm


 Read more about  last year festival