Friday, November 07, 2014
Rough fights at Al- Mana Secondary School
Qatar is not typically the place where rough and noisy fights or quarrels happen .The locals themselves are rather of quiet nature and the expats embraced this " khalivali "= let it go culture .Avoiding the conflicts is part of the daily routine around here .That is why someone gets surprised when hears reports about a brawl in a school .
17 students were arrested when a fight broke out at Al-Mana Secondary School . The school administration could not control the situation and called the police to prevent serious injuries . Not all
the parents were happy with this solution . They think the school should have solved the problem themselves .
source
Wednesday, November 05, 2014
Free screening Rio at MIA park
Attending our free "Rio" screening tomorrow at MIA Park? Screening will start at 7:35 PM instead of 7 PM. #Qatar pic.twitter.com/nl9VJKXGaO
— Doha Film Institute (@DohaFilm) November 5, 2014
Yoga classes for ladies in Qatar
where : Shimmers Yoga Studio/
AL-Siraj St. Opposite Peninsula Building D-ring Road Near Lulu Hyper Market
Doha
instructor : Reena Sahoo
Yoga Classes Timings:
6am to 7am
7am to 8 am
4pm to 5 pm
5pm to 6 pm.
call for appointment 33252536
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
Sunday deadly accident
Land cruiser strayed from the road and killed someone at a workshop working peacefully . The driver also died . One injured is in critical condition ... Why someone drives this crazy way so early in the morning ? At 6:30 ....
On Salwa road driving towards Abu Samra ...
source
Sunday, November 02, 2014
Avoid Rumeilah/ Al-Bida Park
I took my child for riding his little bike Friday night to the Rumeilah /Al-Bida park .
It was full of people as usual - but it was like a nightmare .
No playgorund at all . It vanished . Around the lake missing fences / at the top of the hills -missing fences . Every toilet closed . Two buffets are still open but the Thai smile restaurant closed down ...
Kids can fall into the lake and die =kids can fall off the higher areas onto concrets - kids are peeing around ...
Later I found a notice that the park is under maintenance .
At other place I found an article that it is closed officially .
Why people are not warned ? How people with small kids are allowed to enter when all the area is full of hazardous objects ! How the buffets are allowed to be open when the toilets are all closed !
Memory of the old parks of Doha
I was thinking about it - when we arrived along the Corniche -
there were 3 parks - The Sheraton park , Al- Bida , Museum park - I think all three are closed now
At weekend they were quite crowdy then we would go to Muntazah park . It was never crowdy - there was a very small entrance fee - and the fee kept the crowds away ...the great old trees .. the fountains , the swings , they were all wonderful . Then it was closed down for maintenance .10 years ago !
For an affordable fee there was a ferry boat taking us to the Palm-tree island .It was like a tale !Fresh air and palm trees everywhere !
Yes , Aspire park , and MIA park came later - and I like both - but the memory of the trees and old parks is still strong
in my soul ...
IKEA and Middle East Peace Process
Lieberman, Israel's foreign minister :
"Sweden must understand that relations in the Middle East are much more complicated than self-assembly furniture at Ikea."
Sweden's Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom
"I will be happy to send Israeli FM Lieberman an Ikea flat pack to assemble. He'll see it requires a partner, co-operation and a good manual"
source :
Friday, October 31, 2014
Unexpected wall-decor in an American restaurant in Doha
There was a Soviet WWII poster as wall-decor in an American restaurant in Doha . It was in ciril letters calling for the victory and tanks and planes - I understood only words .It has been for a long time that I used my Russian .One sees in Doha more and more Russians and does not get schocked when hears that they want to set up a Cultural Center in Doha . But an American restaurant to have Soviet propaganda wall -decor ! It was something totally shocking .
It has not been the only unexpected thing there - It has never happened to me before . The waitress took my changes with my receipt away though I did not want to leave them any tip . I left that jar with the changes on the table while I was reading an article . I wanted to finish that thing before I pack away my changes - then she came and asked me about the bill " It is arranged already " - I looked up from my paper then she took the jar away with 14 rials and my receipt !
I was speechless ! I could not believe that this happened . I left it with her just because I was too tired . She gave us a big smile and "Thank you very much for coming "
Their breakfast was OK . My kids were happier with it than me . I ordered Cajun omelet which was supposed to come with "smoked salami and jalapeno " .It had no one single piece of jalapeno and the salami was rather tiny pieces of ham ... well it is the cultural differences ... in America salami must have other meaning ... I told to myself . It came with two tiny pieces of bread ... for 25 -30 rial - I do not remember exactly . My kids were luckier -one of them asked burrito for breakfast which was full of mushroom and veggies - the others asked salmon sandwich with poached eggs . They did not have Cappuccino ! Only Latte ! How comes !No foaming machine or device !
It was not so original ! And the service was very very slow.
By the way it was Roger's Diner in the Suhaim bin Hamad street - nearly opposite the Red Lobster. It is in the mighty looking building of the Qatar Rails.
Halloween Brunch - Four Seasons Hotel Doha
Halloween Brunch @FSDoha pic.twitter.com/gVkiGRtjXN
— Manuel Santos (@ManuelS01879346) October 31, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
fire drills in the country
Fire mock drill @OoredooQatar building in Dafna under supervision of Civil Defence #Qatar #MoI_Qatar pic.twitter.com/cW1KEmAfiF
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) October 29, 2014
Fire drill at Tornado Tower! My legs are killing me... @dohanews @iloveqatar @QatarHappening #Doha #Qatar #firedill pic.twitter.com/rb143CjMmd
— Miloš Vasić (@Milos_Vasic) October 28, 2014
Horrific accident in Sharjah
May the common sense rule on the roads !
Two decapitated, two others also killed in #Sharjah car crash http://t.co/nhJSrLkZth pic.twitter.com/AUtoPKiXzw
— Gulf News (@gulf_news) October 29, 2014
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Kids Yoga at SFQ Sports Academy
Al Gharafa:
3 – 5 Years
Thu : 4 pm – 4.45 pm
Sat : 9 am - 9.45 am
6 – 8 Years
Thu : 5 pm – 5.45 pm
Sat :10 am -10.45 am
West Bay:
3 – 5 Years
Tue: 3 pm – 3.45 pm
6 – 8 Years
Tue: 4 pm – 4.45 pm
Register Now as spaces are limited.
Airbus A330-243 takeoff and landing - Emirates' new route
Emirates' new route from Dubai to Budapest . Welcome Emirates!
Budapest - Tehran luxury train journey
Budapest - Tehran luxury train arrived in Tehran yesterday . The passengers were mostly wealthy Britons and Australians .It cost them more than $3o thousand.Two weeks on train ! I like trains very much but it is so difficult to imagine that so much time can be enjoyable . The Golden
Eagle Danube Express train, operated
by Hungarian Railways -it offers decorated beautiful carriages and city tours in Iran .
What an unusual route and way to travel abroad !
I miss trains so much in Qatar !
some photos found on twitter !
thank you for sharing .
You can now take a train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, from Budapest to Zanjan, Iran: http://t.co/GwsUm8miiw
— sam haselby (@HaselbySam) October 27, 2014
#VisitIran in 'Five-star' luxury. 'Golden Eagle Danube Express' to link Hungary and #Iran http://t.co/zFZifVpGVx pic.twitter.com/rboOxL4PFI
— Patrick McDermott (@P_McDermott) September 2, 2014
Monday, October 27, 2014
youtube and my language preference
It has been for a week or two that youtube decided I must watch Hindi commercials . Every time I click on a video to see my favorite Hungarian singer comes an arrogant Indian woman who shouts into my face " let's surprise MRS . Mirza " -and Mrs. Mirza opens the door then this rich looking arrogant woman rushes into the home of a simple and kind Indian mother as a real intruder to teach her about the washing powder she should use . At this point it is possible to skip the commercial and I can listen to my favorite Hungarian songs .
I do not want to change my washing powder - especially that they want to force me to listen to an arrogant Indian woman .I swear I will never use their washing -powder !And some Hungarian commercials would suit better a Hungarian song .If it is too much to ask for then please some Arabic commercial rather ...I could practice Arabic at least ... Who knows how I could persuade the youtube robot to feed me with commercials in my preferred languages ?
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Numbers in Qatar - 25 kg weight loss in few days
source
Numbers in Qatar - Cars
contemporary, vintage
and sports vehicles are on display at the Katara , Cultural Village
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Locked in the school bus - little girl died in the UAE
mistake says the driver " I was not even allowed to talk to the pupils " True that there was a supervisor on board . She
failed to check as well - to do this one minute job ...it was right after Eid .. said the receptionist whose job would
have been to check if all the kids who entered the bus arrived at school ....so many kids were absent - I realized only
late that there is a girl missing ...one minute job ..which make the difference between life and death ....she is not the
first little student forgotten .. it happened to Sarah Gazdhar in Doha some years ago and there were other kids ...my kid
was one of them -she was lucky -she could open a window and scream for help - and such things are happening over and over
again because the safety of kids of cheaper schools is not a priority ...principals can hire from the street a driver/ a bus supervisor and the authorities overlook those flaws ...
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
The Huangs make the international Headlines again
The Huangs came some years ago to work in Qatar .Worldcup 2022 project . The man is engineer .This is very important ! American - let us not forget !
Then it happened that their adopted daughter Gloria died .She was only five .She had eating disorder - claims the western media - the parents are innocent !
She had not been eating for four days when her condition turned critical - claims the Qatari attorney .She had eating disorder and the parents knew it . She had other infection as well causing her abdominal pains and discomfort . And how many times they were looking for help ? How many times they visited the doctors ? Well , they spent two years in Qatar and zero times - Gloria was not important enough for the parents to be taken to the doctor .Never . The couple says they did not trust the doctors in Qatar .
They have four other kids now with the grandma now .I am scared to think that the so called innocent parents can return to the
USA and face no trial and they are allowed to raise these kids .
Gloria was a five year old African little girl . She had suffered a lot - in the orphanage she was starving ,infected and neglected . When the well-to-do American couple adopted her - she had new hope for a better life .Her parents had all the means to get her treated .But they locked her into her room for night for she would not attack ,the fridge and the garbage .Yes - she loved eating from the garbage . And at this point I can't hold back my tears ! How much she had been suffered that she got used to the garbage eating !
Certainly ,the garbage eating was not the fault of the parents but the African conditions - but they had one more reason to seek medical help ! They failed to do so ! You know, in Qatar there is a center where one can go with her child at any time of the day . Kids get free treatment and medication at nominal fee . It is a spacious, air-conditioned place with cute animal paintings on the wall and with a lots of doctors . Many wealthy locals go there as well as the doctors are trusted more than the posh private clinics doctors .
They did not go to any clinics .
They did not provide her with food while being locked up for nights .
I am trying to get the point of the Western media but simply I can not understand how they can call this couple innocent .Is it tolerated in the West to adopt a child with known eating disorder then let her starve to death ? Because this is the case .Simple and tragic .
kayaking tour this weekend
Paddle Qatar is inviting all for a kayaking tour .They run morning tours at 9am and 11.30 am and a sunset tour at 3.30pm.
To book your spot and for more information go to www.paddleqatar.com or call 5549 0895.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
City Center Mall - small fire at the Fun City
Security guard said he expects City Center 3rd floor east court to reopen after 2pm following small fire #qatar #doha pic.twitter.com/6ykh0RlxDI
— Peter Kovessy (@peterkovessy) October 21, 2014
Food poisoning came probably from a Turkish restaurant
The victims had very bad stomach ache and were vomiting some hours after having their dinner .Children and women -whole families became sick .A pregnant woman gave birth too early due to the abdominal pain of the poisoning . The baby is at the Intensive Care Unit now .
source
The local authorities are usually very strict with restaurants breaching the law and they close them for minor offences for months . The problem is the great fluctuation of the employees - they come to this country then go - then new ones come etc .This way it is extremely difficult to find reliable workforce in every field .
Personally , I will stay away from restaurants for a while . Right on the day of our arrival in this country we got terrible food poisoning -most probably in Egypt we had some salad with cheese the day before .Then for a half year we did not dare any restaurants in Doha . Once bitten twice shy !
________________________________
Today's paper named the restaurant which was closed due to the food poisoning " Marmara Istanbul " They must be closed for 60 days . Authorities plan to launch inspection campaign on food outlets ,beauty salons etc.
source
Monday, October 20, 2014
Road to be closed till 18Dec 2014
Umm Ethnaitain interchange exit heading north on AlShamal Road will be closed from 19Oct until 18Dec 2014. #Qatar pic.twitter.com/M6HuYVIt74
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) October 18, 2014
Dvořák’s Concert at the Opera House
When :Thursday, October 30, 2014, 7:30 pm
Where :Opera House, Katara Cultural Village Building 16
Tickets: QR75-200
What to expect :
Cláudio Cohen, conductor
Antônio Carlos Gomes: Overture Alvorada from Lo Schiavo
Heitor Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras No. 7, A. 432
Antonín Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95 (From the New World)
Sunday, October 19, 2014
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"
Friday, October 17, 2014
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
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
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
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
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Picnic season kicks off in Qatar
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
Monday, October 13, 2014
plans for the Corniche of Doha
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
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Saturday, October 11, 2014
healing power of the sand
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
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
Google Camel View
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
Tuesday, October 07, 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
Monday, October 06, 2014
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
Saturday, October 04, 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 .
Friday, October 03, 2014
Cycling in Aspire Park
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
Wednesday, October 01, 2014
Fares Karam concert in Qatar - only one night
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
Monday, September 29, 2014
Katara Eid Festival
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
Sunday, September 28, 2014
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
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
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
Friday, September 26, 2014
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
Thursday, September 25, 2014
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
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Shreya Ghoshal concert 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
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Salt Spa experience
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
Monday, September 22, 2014
Street barbers in Istanbul 19th century
At the barber in India
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 !
Sunday, September 21, 2014
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
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 .
Saturday, September 20, 2014
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
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 !
Thursday, September 18, 2014
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 .
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
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
Monday, September 15, 2014
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
Sunday, September 14, 2014
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
Thursday, September 11, 2014
26 buses destroyed in fire
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
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
My Iznik Plate 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
Monday, September 08, 2014
New School Year started yesterday
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.
Sunday, September 07, 2014
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
Saturday, September 06, 2014
Three reasons to go to Al -Khor
1 Kayaking tours at the family beach
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.
Friday, September 05, 2014
UK human rights workers dissappear in Qatar
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
Tuesday, September 02, 2014
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 !
Monday, September 01, 2014
Cycling News in Qatar
Going to the supermarket by bike is still a dream ... a thing that is absolutely normal in my country .
I like my bike
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

