New Taxi Company and the taxi service in Doha

I have not used taxis for a half year or so . Last week I needed one very much .I had to arrange some official papers and come back .Booking taxis is still a nightmare .The first day I called around 6 am but they were fully booked .I had to cancel my trip to the office . The same evening I called them to book a taxi for the coming day . Fully booked - you need to book 48 hours in advance -was the answer .
Is this a service ? We were promised some years ago to get taxis within 15 minutes wherever our location is due to the new technology . As some private taxi companies have been doing so in India for years .
Things are not improving just the opposite . In the past there used to be a line in front of the taxi stations at malls . I was waiting more than two hours with two little kids on the day before Eid at Landmark . The line was just there but the supervisor couldn't care less . Some people just jumped the queue and he let them take the cabs from those whose turn came . When I asked him to mind his job then he offered me a taxi with a Filipino male passenger already in ." he will go to the Villaggio first -then takes you home " No -thanks - I want a taxi just for me and my kids ." Taxi drivers themselves came and looked at the passengers then making faces deciding if they want or not this or that person . It is a complete chaos - the lack of supervision make these drivers behave like they are the kings of the transportation and we poor citizens who wish to travel in their car we should be happy an thankful if they are ready to take us to our desired location .
The silver lining is that new taxi companies come - the newest one is The Capital -they have 500 cars and charcoal-gray roof . They can be called through Karwa call center( 4458888)  - many of their cars will operate in smaller towns outside Doha .

The Sound of Music - live on stage in Doha -coming soon

when :
WEDNESDAY 26 NOV at 7pm
THURSDAY 27 NOV at 7pm
FRIDAY 28 NOV at 2pm
FRIDAY 28 NOV at 7pm
SATURDAY 29 NOV at 2pm
SATURDAY 29 NOV at 7pm
where:Qatar National Convention Center Theatre


ticket price :from 250 to 1200 QR /online ticket booking 

what to expect : performance of 2hrs 40 minutes including an interval
The sound of music is a story about a woman who leaves an Austrian convent to become a governess to the children of a Naval officer widower.This is a famous musical with great hits like "Do-Re-Mi , "My Favorite Things" " The Sound of Music"

Jazz in the park October 22 ,2014

Post by Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).

Stars of Science TV Show

Post by Stars Of Science.

Anantara Banana Island Resort - coming soon

It is planned to open before the end of 2014.Luxury ferry will take the guests from the Corniche area . It takes twenty minutes to arrive there .Nine restaurants -stand alone villas with swimming pools are waiting for the guests of the resort .It has spa ,cinema , kids club ,teens club ,bike rental . It sounds like an attractive place if you wish to escape the noise of the city .

The Park Bazaar will begin again on Saturday 1 November 2014

The Park Bazaar will begin again on Saturday 1 November 2014 so we are two week ahead of the first Bazaar after the summer heat .It is fun -it is attracting so many people vendors and customers as well . I feel really sorry that freshly prepared food can not be sold anymore .
What is The Park Bazaar about ?


a mix of 150 stalls = MIA Park Bazaar

from 12pm to 8pm on the first Saturday of every month from November to May

What to expect : homemade and handmade products such as jewellery, arts, crafts and clothing as well as books and souvenirs.

You can also book a stall if you wish to sell something ( hurry up -they are free and let out very fast )

email :   miaparkbazaar@qma.org.qa

Katara Art Studios - Family Workshops

Katara Art Studios is hosting a series of Diverse Family Art Workshops
from September 2014 to March 2015
families
with 5 to 10 year old kids are welcome
registration : education@katara.ne

t or 4408 0235 / 4408 0233

Picnic season kicks off in Qatar

The weather in Doha is cooling down  - it means that it is somewhere between 30-40 C .Even some light rain might happen today -according to the meteorologists . It is the beginning of the picnic season .I like it . So many families are getting out for a meal with their hot-pots and thermoses .
Even five star hotels offer picnic on the grass .
I love the breakfasts the most outside .Almost no people at 7 am - like we have our own park :)

Picnic mode in #Doha at #opalbygordonramsay with music by @MeetTheEyes and so many delicious goodies. pic.twitter.com/wPP3VNo9KQ
— The St. Regis Doha (@StRegisDoha) October 11, 2014

A 380 - inaugural flight from Doha to London

#QatarAirways' first Airbus #A380 makes its inaugural flight from Doha to London. http://t.co/Myhj62cNBH #QatarA380 pic.twitter.com/D1CpkOUb4T
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) October 13, 2014

plans for the Corniche of Doha

Post by What's Goin On Qatar.

I like those plans . Go to the facebook page to see more . Especially the fountains and the retro style ,abstract statues are nice .Let's hope that they will be realized soon .

You can join Doha Joy Rides

Doha Joy Rides is a newly formed group for those who love pleasure riding with others . They are planning ridings for holidays like Halloween /Chrismtas /New Year etc on different tracks of Doha .


see their facebook page

Olive Harvest in Palestine

Post by Photography by hamde abu rahma .

healing power of the sand

Moroccan people attract tourists in some areas to get them cured by the healing power of the hot sand -in Merzouga  area  they successfully cure people suffering from rheumatism, lumbago, polyarthritis and some skin disorders . A 10 minute neck-deep burial in the sand can detoxify the body - they claim .This is a cheap way of getting much better and such cure can be repeated yearly .

very hot sand is used (48-60°C), but, thanks to the sand special structure- as it  gradually releases heat - there is  no danger of burning  - 20-40 minutes of sand spa daily can be effective if repeated during two weeks 

 Now - I know for sure that here in Qatar there is a demand on easing the joint pains . If the solution is so easy then why not to find an area free of any kind of vehicles and why not to set up a spa for trying this ancient way of  cure .

There is sand and there is heat in Qatar .



source

Google Camel View

Post by NowThis.

MIA current and future exhibitions

Planning on visiting Doha soon? Learn about MIA current and future exhibitions http://t.co/7wDwUm9uwE http://t.co/cX6ULMuXvY #Qatar
— MuseumofIslamicArt (@MIAQatar) October 8, 2014

Death on the roads during Eid

It is very sad to learn how many people lost their lives on the roads during Eid . Even sadder to see that one of the accidents happened not in the peak hours but at night when it is considered that driving is safe . Unfortunately it attracts some youngsters as well who see the empty roads as a playground where they can do stunts and speed in a crazy way .
On Sunday morning three men died when two cars collided on the Corniche road somewhere near Halul Cafe .A Qatari, a Bahraini and a Iranian family now mourns their loved one .
As it was not horrible enough - Monday afternoon even a more horrific accident happened near the Hamad international Airport . A car caught fire after a collision and all fives in it burnt to death beyond recognition . They were all Filipinos !
Going home or meeting someone at the airport ...we do not know .
The other car which was driven by a young Qatari . He escaped with minor injuries .

A 26 year old Indian man died on the same road as his car got sandwiched between two trailers   on Thursday evening .

Nine death on road accidents during the last five days !

source

big bang show at katara

Into space & science fiction? Don't miss out the "Big Bang" show @KataraQatar #EidInQatar http://t.co/ZiLuw5nieE pic.twitter.com/pNwH5yeGOR
— Qatar Tourism (@Qtourism) October 6, 2014

Biryani Hut - review

  We tried a  restaurant in Al- Wakra - it is not very well known in Doha . Biryani Hut - as its name suggests it specialised on meat with rice and it is not very big .
It is easy to find -by the main street of Wakra before the Pearl roundabout  next to a famous junk food restaurant .
 We ordered 1. Persian byrian 
                           2 . chiken drumsticks  tandoori style
                           3. tiger prawn 
                          4 . lamb curry
All of them were tasty . All of them tasted the  same.  Four different dishes !!!
As they were made with the same sauce .
The persian byriani was supposed to come with minced meat and dried  fruit . It had no one single fruit in it and  it came with chicken cubes .
The chicken drumsticks did not look or taste as it came from the oven  - it tasted like some chicken curry put into the oven for 10 minutes .It was also very small portion .
 The tiger prawns were not tiger prawns but much smaller kind of shrimps that was also very small serving .
The lamb curry was real curry and no rice with it  with four cubes of lamb and a lots of heavy and spicy sauce .
Their menu was promising a lots of different and very special flavours . We did not taste any special flavour - just the usual Indian curry flavor that is served in Doha wide like in the Caravan restaurant for example . It was not worth the money and the trip to Wakra for this place .
 However try it once  - you might be luckier than us. I read in the reviews that sometimes they have good chef sometimes not .

Cycling in Aspire Park

In Doha cycling is still a kind of entertainment and not a mean of transport
This recreational activity can be practised now at the Aspire park as well with a new 5 km long cycling track .
You can bring your own bike or you can hire one .Anyone is welcome above age 5 .
Location of the bike renting : near the playground between Hyat Plaza and Villaggio -it is also close to the soccer pitches
Timing : weekdays from 4 pm to 8 pm
at weekends from 12 to 8 pm
Eid al Adha from 12 to 8 pm
PRICE :  20 QR  for the first one hour then 5  rials every additional hours  - it is free now until October 12
 valid ID and deposit needed
On Saturdays there is bike school as well from 3 :30 pm 

Al Dosari Zoo welcomes visitors

Post by Qatar Tourism Authority.

Vintage countryside cycling business cards by almawad
See additional business cards at zazzle.com

I love my bike

ilovemybike poster by almawad
View Earth day Posters online at zazzle

Fares Karam concert in Qatar - only one night

Where :   St. Regis Doha Grand Ballroom
When : 
Sunday 5th October 
What time :  Doors open from 8:30pm

 What to expect : the highly acclaimed star of the Arab musical world is performing for one exclusive evening /three course set dinner menu is included in the ticket price
Price : QR750

 you can buy tickets here

Katara Eid Festival

Venue: Katara Cultural Village

Date: Day 1-4 of Eid Al Fitr

What to expect :
Dreams on Ice Show
from QR100 to QR500

 you can buy tickets here

Day: 4 October - 30 November
First Show: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Second Show: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sat. Additional Show: 12:00p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
.......
Fireworks  Day: 4 - 7 October at 11 pm
........
Qatari play (Abu Salma) Day: 4 - 7 October
.........
Big Bang Show  on from 7:30
..........
Angry Birds Exhibition - QR50 for five years old above

Numbers in Qatar 2014 August

Birth in August : 1880 out of them 539 Qataris
Death in August : 162 out of them 51 Qataris

Marriage in August : 261 contracts
Divorce in August : 77 cases

The  figures of birth  and death suggest that only about one third of the population is native here  and around two thirds are expats . It shows that the society is very young . The number of birth is very high . It also shows that most probably   the majority of expats and Qatari mothers  decide to give birth in Qatar   though for the expats' children it will not give any kind of benefit . "Born in Qatar " does not mean  neither citizenship or  allocation  for the non-Qatari babies .
I think it is the quality of the hospital service and  the low price of government hospital  that  encourages mothers to  give birth here .Also the great number of female doctors available  and the right to choose one of them instead of male doctors  . This   keeps here  the expat mums especially the Muslim ones .




source :

Aqua Park Eid celebrations

Aqua Park Eid celebrations
4-6 October 2014
4:30 - 8:30
Stilt Walkers ,face painting ,tanoura dancers ,mascots ,mc presenter

It is all fun  - but please why ladies only can not have fun during Eid celebrations ?One single day is too much to ask for those women whose tradition /culture /pudency does not allow them to mix with men while wearing swimming suits ?

Why ladies only days are only on week days /school days etc ...

12 .000 sheep imported - Eid preparations

12 .000 sheep imported 
  they  cost  QR  1350  or 1080  rial  per head
these are subsidised  prices  for the  residents of Qatar 
they wil be on sale till 6 October

Sheep in Arabic =Kharoof   = خروف
Mutton is eaten traditionally at celebrations . Much of the mutton s distirbuted for the poor families .
source

The Pearl-Qatar Eid Festival

Venue: Porto Arabia - Parcel 9 and 10, The Pearl-Qatar

Time: 6pm – 10pm  
Date: Day 1-3 of Eid Al Fitr
Organizer: The Pearl-Qatar
Entrance Fee: Free

Interview with the Emir of Qatar on CNN

The interview itself is in English - the video comes with Arabic subtitles

  Quick facts about the Emir of Qatar

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is his full name

born 3 June 1980
the eighth and current Emir of the State of Qatar
he is the son of Sheikha Mozah &; Sheikh Hamad ( the former ruler )
he graduated in 1998 at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst ( a Brit military academy )
he is father of 6 children so far

Volunteers wanted for handball world cup in Qatar 2015

Take part in the biggest 2015 sporting event in #Qatar! Volunteer for #Qatar2015 more info on our website http://t.co/zPTEga1OY1
— Qatar Handball 2015 (@2015Handball) September 23, 2014

Shreya Ghoshal concert in Doha

One of Bollywood`s premier playback singers, perform live in Doha!

what to expect ; hits like Ooh la la, Chikni Chameli, Teri Meri, and Dola re Dola!
hits in regional languages like Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu, in addition to her native Hindi
When ; 05 OCT 2014
What time ; 7:30PM
Where : West End Park
Tickets : from QR 50 to QR 1000
book tickets here

names of  VIP  tickets  winners   for  the show  here

Garage sale at mirqab 1 compound on Friday

Post by Kids Doha.

FRIDAY 26th SEPTEMBER
9 am- to 12 pm
Al-Mirqab 1 compound Club house
Al WAAB

Salt Spa experience

 I was at the salt spa yesterday . I got relaxing foot /shoulder and face massage ! It was so good ! The only problem is that it is too expensive for me to come back! I came with 75 % off coupon .
I expected much less than I got . It was written that the main attraction is the salt room and the relaxation . I expected a little massage only . The foot /shoulder and face massage was nearly an hour .
The staff was welcoming and intelligent . I do not like going to such places because mostly Filipino women work there . They are wearing a thin mask of kindness all the time and behind this mask there is envy and disdain .... they look down at you because you are not as rich as some of the local customers and the envy you because after all you can afford the costly service .
Here I met a very nice Arab masseuse - she was working with great skill and devotion . They have a Thai masseuse as well .
The salt crystals cover only 2- 3 -maximum 4 square meter area but they are near the treatement beds . Telling the truth it was not so much a cave-like pure air feeling here ... the essential oils suppressed that .
The music was also very well selected -some instrumental music with oriental touch .
I think they should provide bath robe for XL sizes as well and they should improve the look of the entrance at the fence ... I got scared when I saw it was a bit shabby looking from outside -   luckily inside the spa everything was impeccable .
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Salt-Spa-Company/326215247463463

Street barbers in Istanbul 19th century

Street Barbers in Istanbul 19th century Greeting Card by almawad
Make a card online at zazzle

At the barber in India

 This video shows a funny and lovely old barber in India  and his young client who asks for a trendy hairstyle  that he had seen in the magazine . The barber got an excellent idea to treat the guy . Funny commercial  .

At the Barber Shop in Doha

This video shows a typical Indian barber in Doha , Qatar while he is giving head and shoulder massage to a young man .Indian barbers usually are skillful at massage as well .They work for little money and t is a very cheap service in Doha .
Unfortunately for ladies there are not cheap services in Qatar .Almost every service for ladies falls into luxury category and they charge a lot ...

Every time I go home to Hungary and I visit my beautician I feel sorry that in Doha I can not have such a world class service for that little money !

Rhythmic Gymnastics classes for girls 6-15 years

Post by Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim - SFQ Sports Academy.

Call 4486 6293

Free public transportation at the West Bay

14 luxurious buses at your service. Park your car around and enjoy free #WestBayBus service, every 15 minutes. #Qatar pic.twitter.com/GoK54kI1Ds
— Baladiya (@Baladiya1) September 20, 2014

Qatar Academy Opened New Branch

Qatar Academy Msheireb welcomed their first 6 classes in kindergarten, and grades 1 and 2 this month! pic.twitter.com/41DMAmjKhF
— Qatar Foundation (@QF) September 20, 2014

September 20 Fire at the Villaggio Mal

— Qatar Living (@qatarliving) September 21, 2014

It seems the everybody was safe and sound after a fire broke out at the food court of Villaggio Mall .I saw a video in the fb and it seemed that people left the place in civilized way -no stampedes or such things . Some years ago there was a terrible loss of life when a fire broke out in a Nike shop under a nursery .There was enough time to save the kids but nobody understands how but the firefighters were informed about the nursery only half an hour after they arrived . By then nearly everyone suffocated and those who did not died later in the ambulance car .
So those who had been living n Qatar for a while fire and Villaggio means an irreparable loss of lives .
God Save us from that tragedy would happen again !
Otherwise Villaggio is a long building and most of the facilities are downstairs and it is easy to leave it in case of emergency .It used to be my favourite place until that tragedy .

Qatar seismic station

 It is  a new  place " Qatar Network for Seismic Observation" .It detected an earthquake very far from Doha ."The 6.7 magnitude earthquake occurred 9,771km from Doha at a depth of 137km"
It has powerful devices .I hope that it will not detect earthquakes around here .A year ago or more there were two harmless earthquakes in Doha which caused much panic . I personally did not notice anything but my husband was asked to leave the tower building .

Buy it sell it School Uniform Qatar

IT has 900 members .It is a facebook group .You have to send a request for you can join .Your opportunity to buy or sell school uniforms and shoes here in Qatar. it is open to all schools and academies in Qatar.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/538287042882008/

BREAKFAST AT CASA PACO RESTAURANT - PEARL ,DOHA

Our culinary adventurousness took us to the fabulous Pearl island in Doha . We wished to try the breakfast At  Casa Paco ! 
Enjoy a Spanish Breakfast
was  the slogan of their advertisement ! We were very excited - we have never had a Spanish breakfast in our lives ! I expected  fresh Spanish bread and other culinary surprises .
As we entered la Croisette 22 -23  building we heard relaxing music of syrinx . It must be the music of this Casa Paco - I thought . We   had booked a table and I   told about it to someone who looked like  staff . Then he called someone and a woman came out from the kitchen to seat us .Her mouth was full of food , She was wearing the apron of a chef . Very unprofessional service  - that was my first thought .
 The soft melody of syrinx stopped as well - and  we heard  familiar  sounds of a radio station , Wait - I know it ! Yes - this is Oryx FM live  - the French radio station of Qatar ! How very strange ! This is a Spanish restaurant and I thought the music  should be Spanish too .Later I learnt that she was a parisienne !
 Then we got the breakfast . First came the toast . It was real  sandwich bread of the cheapest kind that is available in Doha - and even it was stale !It came with the cheapest jam and butter and honey  and none of them was Spanish !

It was like an insult ! I looked at the plastic flower at the table and I felt that something was wrong here ...
 When the eggs cooked in tomato sauce came we had no more bread . We had to pay 15 rial for two slices of extra toast from those stale sandwich bread ! The tiny sausages tasted  exactly like those Egyptian ones from the Carrefour !
 The eggs were OK ...but the breakfast finished here . It was the small breakfast . It was really small . Everyone was still hungry . I ordered small because according to previous experience portions are very generous here in Doha  and for 49 rial I expected a meal .. copius  one . The big breakfast came  with some extras   like :  bacon and a tiny portion of patatas bravas  , Two American style pancakes and finally  crispy  bastella pancakes . That was 99 rial and it was still not enough !

We decided to leave quickly . When paying the chef gave us coupons  for 50 % discount for their  buffet dinner . It would cost  us only 60 rials. We  did not feel like coming back ever .
 There is only one reason someone should come here - their terrace has wonderful view to the Marina ...and when the weather is mild it is nice sitting around there  ...

We got into the car and drove to the nearest supermarket as we were very hungry .... That was our  adventure with the Spanish  cuisine in Doha !

The New Airbus was welcomed by Qatar Airways

Congratulations @qatarairways on the handover of your first #A380! #QatarA380 http://t.co/u7jtbt3fhW pic.twitter.com/F86u1ffyDh
— Airbus (@Airbus) September 17, 2014

 There was a ceremony to welcome the A380 Jumbo aircraft at Hamad international airport . The modern and spacious passenger plane will operate between London and Doha .

cyber crime and punishement in qatar

Qatar yesterday issued a cybercrime prevention law
it took immediate effect 

The punishement for various cyber crimes :
child pornography :producing, promoting, using, importing or distributing child pornography
= 5 years jail term + fine of up to QR500,000

forging or using any official e-document = 10 years of jail
fine of up to QR200,000

identity thefts , steal movable property using the Internet,=3 years , QR100,000 fine
stealing numbers of bank cards or forging e-cards.=up to three years and a fine of up to QR200,000
source
http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/qatar/300301/law-issued-to-combat-cybercrimes

Web Identity Cards by rolffimages
Create custom greeting cards at Zazzle.

Little Owl

Taken on June 18, 2014 in Qatar by Ashraf Kotb . Thank you for sharing it on Flickr . I have never seen  an owl in Qatar .

Numbers in Qatar: 70 %

70 % of the new students at Qatar university are female
2,286 females
936 male students

total number of students at QU :18,000

read on women conditions in the Arab World


source

Second fire at Civil Defense building in 3 weeks

PHOTOS: Second fire at Civil Defense building in 3 weeks. http://t.co/gBQ793rez9 pic.twitter.com/AKjrqni797
— Qatar Living (@qatarliving) September 14, 2014

Eid Al -adha celebration Souq Waqif

What to expect

25 .000 gifts for kids
recreational games
folklore dances, singing parties,
circus,
acrobat shows
art exhibition

Time: 4pm – 10pm  
Date: Day 2-5 of Eid Al Fitr
Organizer: Souq Waqif
Entrance Fee: Entertainment Tent QAR 20 
Ukrainian Circus QAR 50 General / 100 VIP

26 buses destroyed in fire

 26 old buses out of service caught fire on  Tuesday at 9 pm

 they were totally destroyed   though the fire brigades arrived within ten minutes

 they were fighting more than an hour with the fire 

 no loss of  life ....

 some days ago there was a fire at the health quarantine center which had killed 5 people there 

My Iznik Plate Workshops

Workshops

My Iznik Plate
5-8 years
2, 9, 16 November, 3:30pm - 5pm

You are invited to discover the vegetal world of the Islamic golden age, and explore one of the main areas of art in Islamic Art: Islimi or Arabesque. Let’s know more about the beautiful 16th Century Iznik ceramic created during the Ottoman Empire in Turkey. And let’s design and make our own paper plates, using wet-on-wet watercolor technique.

Booking: dzada@qm.org.qa

https://www.facebook.com/MIAQatar

New School Year started yesterday

385 schools opened their gates yesterday  for  243,000  students in Qatar .

Most schools began a new academic year but for the Indian community schools it is  the second term .
 There  is 25% more students this year compared to last year .Some newly built international schools are still open for admissions .Most of them are far from Doha center and expensive .

The traffic  jams are quite bad in the mornings and  the coming days it can be worse as Qatar University, which has more than 12,000 students  is going to open next week.

Yawning Koala by almawad
Browse Koala Posters online at Zazzle.com

Fire kills 5 Health Quarantine centre

How it is horrible to be in Quarantine and having no way to run away when the fire comes. Five people died from the smoke on Friday .Authorities have started investigations into the case ...

http://www.gulf-times.com/qatar/178/details/407233/probe-as-five-die-in-blaze

numbers in qatar

from a doctor's log

475  patient a year
25 speaks English
78 speaks Arabic
90 speaks Urdu
133 speaks Hindi
149 speaks  Nepali

 source : an ad where medical translator courses are advertised

http://www.gulf-times.com/PDFLinks//PDFs/2014/9/7/Daily%20newspaper_2014_09_07_000000.pdf

An Old Man and his Pupil

Post by Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).

Three reasons to go to Al -Khor

Post by Qatar Summer Festival.

1 Kayaking tours at the family beach

Post by Qatar Summer Festival.

2 .snorkeling

3.Aerial scenic flights


to 27th September  the activities are on
fees range from 50 to 550 rials
from 1pm to 8  pm every day
Tickets can be purchased

at Al-Khor Mall parking area Gate 4

New Indian school in Nuaija ,Doha

Indian schools are openning at dazzling pace this summer .
Olive international school is the latest addition .
It accepts kids from KG age to 3 grade .
They do not say anything about their fees on their homepage .
You must visit them to learn more . They are managed by Patrician Schools which is a famous brand in education India .They promise that class room sizes will be limited to 25 students, with state of art learning facilities.

UK human rights workers dissappear in Qatar

According to Al-Jazeera the two UK human rights workers went missing just before they were about to leave the country .
One of them was complaining to a friend via sms that they were being followed by police and agents .Qatar officials could not be reached for comment .

The story is very strange -human right workers has been flocking to Qatar ever since it won the right of organizing FIFA world cup .They have never been arrested .

In spite of claims of 'slavery" third world country workers keep coming to Qatar in large number on their own decisions .The life on the constructions is not an easy one .It is certainly not a holiday here .Qatar was responding to criticism of human rights activists and promised to improve the workplace safety, housing and pay conditions .
Difficult to understand why those guys were arrested .

source

________________________________________
UPDATE
The Foreign Ministry has confirmed that two British men, who were arrested by security authorities on August 31, are being interrogated for violating the provisions of Qatar’s laws.

source

UK human right workers held in Qatar fred
A spokesperson for the British embassy in Qatar said: "The British embassy can confirm that Krishna Upadhyaya and Gundev Ghimire have been released."

source 

New Craze in Doha - Sumo Costume Fight

It is very funny -a crazy fighting in sumo costumes . The outfit can be rented at he company above !

Cycling News in Qatar

I love my bike - I have already told you about it - I left it in Hungary and I hoped to find a way to buy one here and ride around ...but so far it is just the beginning the new trend of riding a bike .Now it is not only for the poor Indian guys but for the eco-minded youngsters as well . It is  good news -it is getting accepted more and more .There are newly-built bicycle tracks along Salwa and Al Waab roads .Electric bikes (e-bike) will soon start rolling in Education City .And according to Qatar National Bicycle Master Plan all major roads will have dedicated bicycle paths in the future ...
Going to the supermarket by bike is still a dream ... a thing that is absolutely normal in my country .

Vintage Bicycle girl Business Card by almawad
View additional business cards at Zazzle

I like my bike

MY POST ABOUT CYCLING WAS WRITTEN IN 2008
Riding a bike in Qatar ? No way .
It is very dangerous on the roads and there are no bike paths at all .
During Ramadan when in afternoon the streets become deserted in the afternoon then it is nice .

---------------------------------

I like my bike. I left it in Hungary — it had served me faithfully for so many years.

On the Great Plain of Hungary, the bicycle is more than just a sport or hobby; it’s a means of transport. Simple and practical, it’s how we go to the market or get around town. Over the years, we’ve seen more and more bike paths built — even in Budapest, there are now dedicated lanes for cyclists.

I learned to ride a bike when I was six. It was actually my father’s bike — far too big for me. He would hold me from behind until that glorious moment when I finally managed to keep my balance on my own.

I got my very first bike when I was eight. I had been saving up for a whole year. At the end of the school year, my parents added to my savings, and together we bought a second-hand bike that had never been used. It was just my size. It shone in the sun and had that distinctive metallic smell. I was so happy.

But it was stolen from me during the very first week.

My parents felt so sorry for me that they bought me another one soon after. And  a  lock  ! 

Dead dolphin was found in Wakra Beach

Dolphins are rare to  spot in Qatar .This time a dead one was found in Wakra .It was a real challenge to remove this  mammal which weighs in avergae 160 kg .
See pictures here


illustration

Bottlenose Dolphin 4 Postcard by corbisimages
Try post card printing using zazzle

Drawing Competition for kids at Doha Exhibition Center

 Every evening inside the fun city of  summer  festival  -  small kids can color  -bigger kids  can draw fruits on a printed plate -and kids above ten or so are free to draw whatever they wish on a standard A/4 paper .

weekly prizes : tickets  of various  value to the jungle zone 

pencils and sheets of paper provided on the scene

https://www.facebook.com/qatarcancersociety2

Hungarian swimmer set new records in Doha

Five finals & podiums, 3 wins today and 3WRs in 24 hours @HosszuKatinka @SWC_Doha .Model for the sport? Probably not http://t.co/waB9xTqzPn
— swimvortex.com (@swimvortex) August 28, 2014

 Congrats Katinka ! We are very proud of you !

New Exhibition Coming Soon to MIA

COMING SOON | The Tiger's Dream: Tipu Sultan 29 Sep - 24 Jan 2015. More info here http://t.co/ph7l06Vchs #Qatar pic.twitter.com/kr36GZstJn
— MuseumofIslamicArt (@MIAQatar) August 31, 2014

Fire at the Old Civil Defence Building

There was a fire on  August  26 at the  Old Civil Defence Building( the building of the firemen)  It is not in use anymore and some reports suggest it was under renovation . The fire was put out and no injuries or death were reported .
But as it happened at daylight then it looked quite scary with thick black smoke billowing over the area .

SEE PICTURES HERE

Flame with abstract golden pattern room graphics by almawad
Design a customized wall decal online at Zazzle

zero gravity flights in Doha - coming in April

zero gravity flights in Doha - coming in April
freely float like astronauts
when : Doha in April 2015
it will be in Qatar between April 23 and 25
The flight lasts less than two hours

Passengers must be over eight years old.
Party Zone, which caters to up to 40 passengers, is available for less than $2,000

Antique Coin from Palestine -1927

Post by Nora Tehaili.

"For anyone who wants a simple proof that Palestine existed before 1948, here’s a coin from 1927 worth 10 Mils (this currency is no longer used). Also note that the word “Palestine” is written in both Arabic and Hebrew indicating not only a Jewish presence, but a prominent one. Jews and Arabs DID live side by side in peace. The Zionist idea that they cannot coexist is an absolute fallacy." -Sarah Aly

Painting Competition for kids - Safari Mall

Ice Bucket Challenge not without danger

One of the man died   who started the movement of plunging into cold water and collecting this way money for charity .  The 27 year old died while diving into the cold water in MA , US  - he did not come  back  to the water surface and was found later dead .

Cold water can kill - it seems  though it can be  also very good for your health . Precautions should be taken .


Such challenge event took place some days ago in a five star hotel of Doha  as well .


source 

Ice bucket challenge in Doha

A great show of support towards an even greater cause #ALS, with @iloveqatar. #ALSIceBucketChallenge pic.twitter.com/eTkBKPZ9qz
— The St. Regis Doha (@StRegisDoha) August 22, 2014

number of vehicles in Qatar

The Traffic Department

registers about 100,000 vehicles every year=the number of vehicles in the country  is more than one million

source

Doha skyline in watercolor background

Doha skyline in watercolor background arte fotográfico by paulrommer
Check out other Doha Photography at zazzle.com

Practical info for visas

You Can apply online for an exit perimit or business visa for your employees in #Qatar from this link http://t.co/0V3jqjFtT4 #Hukoomi
— حكومي - قطر (@HukoomiQatar) August 18, 2014

I found this practical info on Hukoomi Qatar twitter account . Exit permit is needed for employees in Qatar if they want to leave the country unless your sponsor is your family member . It has been object to international criticism - so nowadays - it is made online  within two days .
Before the problem was that one's sponsor might have been abroad when one needed to leave the country  urgently .
Business  visa  is a special visa for employees .

Yellow Shuttle Bus to Doha Exhibition Center

If you happen to visit Doha Exhibition Center you can do it with a bus . There is a stop at the Q-post and near the Oryx . The double Decker yellow bus serves otherwise tourists who wish sightseeing  and it is 200 QR normally . But for the time of the summer festival it is totally free .
It  leaves every hour  - on week days it is at 3 pm the first bus/ and at weekends  it is at 2 pm.
 We chose the ride  at 4 o clock  - it was a bit hot up there as it is open -top model   - but it was  great joy to see Doha / the Corniche from one floor higher than usual .  If you prefer the air-conditioned version then you can ride down .
Coming back from the exhibition center  you can take the free shuttle service again - it leaves at every hour :30  
It was again  great fun riding in Doha by night among those futuristic buildings  and city lights .
 There is a hostess on the bus greeting kindly  the passengers - the driver is nice too .
When arrived I had to wait some minutes at the bus stop . The shelter at the  bus stop was air conditioned and comfortable !
Service recommended !

Dubai Budapest flights from October

The Emirates airline has announced recently that they are going to start daily flights between Dubai and Budapest from October .
For the new route they need new employees as well .
15 jobs were announced on their homepage
https://tas-ekgcareers.taleo.net/careersection/careers/jobsearch.ftl

Inflatable Aquapark in Al Wakra

You can visit the family beach of Al Wakra to find a water park set up just for the summer festival .
You can splash around and slide down the giant slides .

Open for families .
3 years and above

Entrance fee : 100 QR for adults 50 QR for kids
open every day from 4pm-9pm
until September 27
Family Beach coordinates
25 °7'52.67"N-51°36'57.96"E

Buffet Breakfast at the Mercure Grand Hotel

I knew that it was cheap and I did not have high expectation . There was enough food on the tables but nothing special . The sushi was a nice surprise - there were only two kinds of them -but very well made . The sauteed mushroom was really good . At the live cooking station I had my favourite omelet made .There was a large selection of bakery products as well - but they were not fresh and tasted like the ones from the supermarket . There were some dishes that I found strange for a breakfast : chicken curry for example or penne . I understand that they are trying to please Asian customers as well . For the continental breakfast I found mortadellas - the cheapest kind of salamis - some slices of edami and fetas-eggs and franks . So it was not large at all . The cereals did not look inviting . For desserts there were tiny cakes - the one with cappucino flavor
was very nice - some sliced fruits were also offered .
The drinks came in very small glasses and cups .That was really not nice having to walk three times to get some drink .At the same time the place was full of unsupervised little kids who were on my way while balancing with some hot drink .
It was not the best buffet breakfast of my life - but it was OK . I had an omelet / edami and feta cheese / mushroom sautee /sushi and some rolls .

The waiters were working hard but not very happily - they were supervised very strictly by their bosses .The booking procedure was simple -everything went smoothly .

My visit to the women hospital

 It was a nice surprise the other day to visit the \Women hospital  -  the reception became really beautiful , the walls are decorated with artistic posters . Those portrait photos are featuring mothers /fathers and babies . The artist  Anna Geddes came to Qatar to make those photos and the models were from the ruling family and from sport men  and sports women ... They are amazing ...

  The other change I noticed was the Le Notre cafe  on the ground floor  instead of the usual cheap buffets . I do not really  know if it was  good or bad news .I did not have too much good experience with Le Notre and I think that it is not only the wealthy who get babies and would like to have a coffee ...

warehouse fire again on Friday

There was a warehouse  fire yesterday  and last Friday as well . What is more strange is that soft drinks were stored at the building which burnt to the ground in Industrial Area , Doha .
Luckily no one was hurt  - Friday is holiday around here  .
It just reminds me the fires 12 years ago  -  one shop burned after the other . There had been rumor  about competing shops trying to harm each other  or scams to gain insurance money at that time . I do not remember that any of those allegations were proved  .
 It is worrisome anyhow .


source

Fire in Industrial Area #Doha .. Hearing it's coca cola compound. .can't confirm though.. @qatarnews pic.twitter.com/VKPqRGvk96
— Free As Air (@Them_GreenApple) August 15, 2014

Saudi Hot Chicken restaurant experience

When my husband came up with the idea of having a grilled /barbecue /tandoori chicken from this cheap restaurant I did not welcome the idea . The memory of supermarket grilled chicken came to my mind and the stomach ache I got after having that kind of greasy lunch .
It took time until the delivery guy understood where we lived . More than an hour . I looked with pity at my spouse thinking that he would certainly admit that it was a bad idea . It was like a comedy / he went to the other part of the city .
Nobody expected any lunch anymore when the food arrived . We could not believe it !
The guy told my husband next time he would know where we live at once ... I felt sorry for myself as I started to have this orange colored chicken . It was after eid buffet lunch days -so I tried to persuade myself that we really spent too much at Eid and we have to suffer a bit to get back on our financial track .
What I tasted was completely unexpected . It was a very well done grilled /barbecue or tandoori chicken and so well spiced that it got number one rank from me in the grilled / barbecued or tandoori chicken category . It was simply supreme and 22 rials only .
We ordered some simple chicken broth and it was very tasty as well .
It was the Al- Sadd branch . We ordered several times the same chicken dish afterwards and always the same quality .
It is very difficult to communicate with them . That is why I can not tell you for sure what the dish name was - it was a whole chicken that is sure .
When I was investigating about this restaurant I found out that they have a very large menu offering dishes for every kind of Asian folks . " Jack of all trades" .. came to my mind but I can not know -all that I can say for sure they are the master of their chicken meal .

you can call  44131346, 77070699

see their menu 

New International School in Duhail

 Good News for those who had always wished their kids studied in a place where child-centered active and playful learning  is the  common practice . The new  Qatar-Finland International School (Q.F.I. School)  promises  world-class education, based on Finnish education practices. 

It means that  they will inspire your kids to look for information and improve  themselves instead of forcing  them  to memorize things that they will forget anyhow ..

 Good news  is that this is a place where 

parents are always welcome to  school to join classes.

 Where kids  English will be improved with patience ..

Bad news  that it is rather expensive /  it is very far    - coming from Doha you have to pass the Ikea  to arrive there .... and it is only for primary classes 

No  school transportation,  either .

learn more  about them 

Emirates flight smoking tyre incident Thursday morning

Emirates flight in smoking tyre incident http://t.co/YcejPMaGgv #UAE
— 24/7Emirates (@247Emirates) February 20, 2014

and some more incidents

Flight EY461 from Melbourne to Abu Dhabi was forced to divert to Jakarta after smoke began to pour out of two toilets

Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/uae/suspects-in-etihad-flight-smoke-mystery-released-after-questioning#ixzz3ADCbASYM
An engine on an Emirates airliner caught fire as the plane landed in Boston on Sunday.

Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/uae/transport/emirates-airline-flight-from-dubai-suffers-engine-fire-on-landing-in-boston#ixzz3ADD4vDU3

New Indian School in Al- Sadd area

Loyola international school is the second Indian School within a week  -  just approved by the SEC . It accepts kids for the lower classes only .
Its location is in Al- Sadd .
 They follow the principle of Learning with Fun to create curiosity with a  unique Activity based Learning 
Well-built, lush green vast campus that covers a total of 5200 sqm 
Swimming pool ,tennis court , badminton court .
Fees are  low  for Doha standard  .
As there is a severe shortage of English speaking schools in Qatar there is an effort made by the authorities to open more and more schools for the beginning of the new academic  year 
2014-15 .

visit their home page 

Qatar Summer festival - Rainbow Fountain Show

The show in on all the summer . On weekdays  from 7 pm at weekend from 6 pm . It is free . Do not miss it .

New Indian School to open from September

Name of the school : Rajagiri Public School, Doha
Curriculum : Indian curriculum of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
they expect students for kindergarten and primary classes including Year1 and Year 2 for the next academic year 2014-15

Academically managed by the Indian educational management group ‘Rajagiri’, the school is located near the Al Khebra driving school ,Abu Hamour

" quality education primarily for Indian students in Qatar "

Festival for Gaza victims at Katara

Let's unite for #Gaza at #Katara's Amphitheatre this Friday August 8 from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Open to the public
— كتارا | Katara (@kataraqatar) August 5, 2014

this message was found on the twitter account of Katara - no details of the event were mentioned  then

Qatar Airways bomb threat incident

Luckily it seemed to be only a hoax but it frightened passengers and defense forces in UK .
What happened on flight Doha -Manchester on 4 th of August ?
A UK passenger sent a written notice to the captain about a bomb he had hidden on the plane .The pilot informed the defence forces which sent a military fighter jet to "escort" the plane .
What was the aim of the passenger with this threat ? How can a military jet change the course of the events ?
Yet there is no answer on those questions .
One thing is sure -there was no bomb on the plane .

source 

Banana bread - facts and recipe

Post by Horizon Manor Hotel.

Eid buffet lunch at the Sarangi restaurant -review

It all started as a nightmare . I bought coupons for Eid lunch . It was valid for five days .I called them around midnight on the last day Of Ramadan to book a table . " you want to book now, madame ?" -"It is nearly one o'clock" it was 12 :20 - but never mind - all supermarkets and malls and restaurants open at this time in Qatar. I supposed that a hotel's restaurant is open at least for booking a table ."you can call after 9 am "
So did I . I was informed that there are no tables for the first day of Eid .If I want to have one I should submit a written application by sms. At this point I would have given up if it was not paid in advance by the coupons .Written application ? And only by sms ? Plus the unwelcoming voice ...I have never had so much trouble with booking a table . After the first sms I waited ten hours but no confirmation was sent .I called them - the same unwelcoming Indian man answered - he did not get my sms - then I sent it again - five minutes- no answer - called them again - finally it came through .
After this prelude I expected that the staff would be the same at the restaurant - but luckily everything was different..It was a spacious place . The windows looked on other buildings of the area .Some of them were old /others were nicer . - the waiters were welcoming and friendly .Actually very nice to our kids . The Indian instrumental music in the background was really soft and nice .
I started with a mushroom soup and I was amazed . It was very well made . Oh boy ! Later I read that this restaurant have award-winning chefs .It must be true . Some of their dishes were exceptional .I went on with salads which were OK and some grilled veggies .I was happy to find shrimps on the salad table and different sprouts . By this time a tray packed with grilled cubes of fish /chicken etc was placed on our table .It was included in the buffet price . They were excellent .When I finished my entrees and grilled cubes I was full . And I have not seen the main course table yet ! I went there just out of curiosity . Irish stew /dolmas /butter chicken /rice /baked potatoes were the ones I remember .I tried some dolmas which was good and some baked potatoes - that was excellent . My husband was amazed with the molokhia sauce .
The dessert table was packed with traditional Arab /Indian sweets and some French pastry .I tried their fruit custard as my little son informed me that it was very good. Yes, he was faster than me with finishing the main course .It had wonderful natural vanilla taste . So rarely one can taste in Qatar .No artificial flavours- they must have been made of real eggs and vanilla ...Just like mom's ile flottant ...
Finally we had some mint tea .
It was the best buffet lunch of my life in Qatar . If only I could forget the booking procedure !