Wednesday, July 04, 2018

Cheb Khalid concert - my impressions - ABHA arena - 2018 Doha

I  was the lucky one ☘ to escort  a younger family member to this concert  . It took place at the ABHA  arena . I knew it was free  and no tickets were issued . It made me 😥skeptical  about our chances of getting in . I am very weak when it is about pushing , skipping the line etc .

I was pleasantly surprised that everything went smoothly without the above mentioned practice .
We just walked in with five minutes standing in the lines .

Inside we found  restaurants , cafes ,play zones for children of different ages . Some seats and more places to stand .
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 Cheb Khaled is an Arab singer who sings also in  mixed languages  - French  - Arabic mostly . I am not an expert of the Arab pop music .However I share here my impressions .

The concert started with some  instrumental music . It was some pleasant North African traditional melody - it filled my heart with joy and totally enchanted me . It took me far far away in the time and space . Five minutes later the singer entered the scene as well .
The crowd greeted him with  great ovation . Hundreds of mobile phones were switched in to catch the moment .
I was disappointed . The singer  not only looked tired  but he sounded so .

 But the crowd - mostly expat Arabs - was very enthusiastic .  At least they understand the lyrics - I thought . I heard about the Arab music that many times it is just a background for some poetry or ballads .

 The singer got better and better as singing . His voice came back . After the break he was truly himself . Some music sounded like traditional village wedding music  others were slow and melancholic pieces .
 Cheb Khalid was wonderful performer at one of these sad songs I was nearly crying though I could not really understand his words . If someone tells me before that such things is possible I would not believe it .

The end of the concert was close and a lots of fans went closer to the stage . Many of them. holding  the flags of their countries - North African countries  - I guess . The singer took the flags and wrapped them around himself - representing the dream of many of his fans  - the unity of the Arabs .



The atmosphere became really hot  at Aisha and C'est la vie . These are the most famous hits .
Nobody was sitting anymore went  close to the stage  - they were cheering and dancing mildly .
When the lights went back and the crowd asked for some more music -Cheb Khalid  answered them  with an  apologetic smile  and he limped out of the stage . I liked that the people understood it  and let him go . Cheb means "young man " . But he is nearly sixty  and  standing  so long  must be tiring  .
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 going out should have been made  easier - though the building has many exits -  we were allowed to use only one .... I really disliked that

as we got out we saw one kilometer long line of men waiting for entry ... I was shocked to see that  fan zone -soccer on huge screen - attracts so many here ...but this is another story

I feel it is important to notice  that all the staff of the arena was  extremely  nice with the audience - as we were clients  of a five star hotel ... we were not ... the ones who got money spent the time in suites provided by the W hotel at the top seats area .

Monday, July 02, 2018

New piece of art at HIA QATAR

A ROSE , COSMOS ,OUR LIFE  -  just some thoughts about this installation ...



Saturday, June 30, 2018

QALHAT - THE CITY OF SECRETS - NEW PLACE AT THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST


Smoking in cars with minors - QR 3000


A World Champion Stallion - HARIRY AL SHAQAB


Tuesday, June 26, 2018

World Cup knockout stage teams




Monday, June 25, 2018

FOOTBALL PODCAST AT AJE SPORT


Summer Art and Design Program for kids at VCUQ


Sunday, June 24, 2018

Short Documentary workshop for teens at DFI


Entrance to the Museum of Islamic Art - photo


French cafes in Qatar

PAUL


 I think this is the most popular one . Almost always full .It is a typical  boulangerie  with no one French employees or someone who has ever learned French . So if you did then try to forget it and go with the trend here  - French words pronounced the English way with heavy Tagalog accent .😅

I wrote a review about it before the Villaggio fire .
Since then a lots of of other PAUL cafe opened - the Mirqab Mall branch is the latest - I  think .

I loved their soups  served with their home made breads - however one of my tooth broke once when I bit their  baguette . These artisanal  breads got  their own danger .
I loved their salmon salads and the raspberry tart , their flans and macarons .Everything used to be so good there . But they changed their menu and cancelled their soups and salads .So I really do not know what to recommend .Omelettes , quiches , sandwiches fill their menu pages nowadays - which sounds boring to me .



FAUCHON

long time ago we had a  coffee here with some bites - it was then at the City Center Mall - who can remember that  ❔There was a time when  it was a political statement to sit there . That was during the war in Iraq when the French  were against the war . Then it was packed with Arabs of all nations . The American café on the opposite side of the mall used to be empty . Then things changed . So many conflicts came to the Middle East and the French government changed as well .  Fauchon became just one of the posh French cafes .
Then it moved from the malls to a ring road then some years ago it moved  again to a mall called ROYAL plaza .First I was happy as sometimes I visit this mall for its cheap amusement  park  and art deco cinemas .But when I saw the prices of this French  café then I  understood that this is the place where I come for see and enjoy and not to eat .A sandwich with halloumi cheese is 75 QAR-  that is more than  20 USD .Just to compare ;  a cheap sandwich at the American fast food chain is 4 QAR. Qatar has got a lots of rich people to keep this café open . However when they go abroad on vacation then this place is nearly empty .

OPERA

 It brings back nice memories . This is the place where we liked buying mini cakes and sandwiches for potluck parties when the Hungarian expats met yearly .Also this place is our number one choice for birthday cakes . And finally I used to visit the branch at the hospital area while expecting . Waiting for my turn at the clinics was much more fun in the company of some mini cakes . 😃

The branch at the Mall has nice dinning area s well .

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L'eau De Café



Tuesday, June 19, 2018

VCUarts Qatar's new Summer Art and Design Program


68,500,000 people - Refugees


Sunday, June 17, 2018

Refugees from Syria to Other Countries chart


Friday, June 15, 2018

FIREWORKS - Eid in Qatar


migrant football stars of our days


Wednesday, June 13, 2018

FIFA WORLD CUP - FAN ZONES IN QATAR




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Gardens of Al-Andalus exhibition at QNL


special traffic plan for Eid al-Fitr 2018


Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Where to go at Eid in 2018 - Qatar




The spectacle will take place three times a day starting from the 1st day of Eid and will run for 5 straight days!Alice in Wonderland .

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Celebrate Eid with your favorite Hotel Transylvania monsters and watch them perform their exclusive “What a Surprise” Birthday Version show from 1st day eid - 5th day Eid, at 4:00pm, 5:30pm, and 8:30pm, at the Doha Festival City Center Court!

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Celebrate Eid Al Fitr with your friends and family with exciting Eid Activities at Doha Festival City!

Jeem Jawab at Doha Festival City:

Inviting all the kids for days of fun! Jeem Jawab will make its debut at Doha Festival City! The presenters for the day, Ashraf Al Awadi, Jihan and Lahouh will host intelligence games and puzzles, where you can win amazing prizes while having fun!

Date: First 5 days of Eid
Location: South Food Court
Timing: 2:00pm-5:00pm
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 Eid timing at Aquapark from 10am to 10pm .
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ROYAL PLAZA IN DOHA EXPECTING CHILDREN AT EID WITH SWEETS ,MAGIC SHOWS AND MORE ...


Friday, June 08, 2018

blowing dust with wind exceeding 25 kt in some area

Just the usual winds of June .

Wednesday, June 06, 2018

Nipah virus in India - banned fruit import in Qatar and other countries

So far seventeen people were killed by the Nipah virus in India .😲 This deadly virus comes from fruit bats who pee on the fruits 🍏 , bite them and leave their saliva on the trees and fruits .



 Qatar and many other countries in  the region banned the fruit and vegetable import from India .

 The travel to Kerala is  not recommended .




 Good luck to all of us  .!  I bought on Saturday some mango from the Spar supermarket in Doha .I washed them very well - thinking that it might be infected only by the bat's urine . I did not know about the bites . It might take  five  - ten days  after the contact with the virus that symptoms start to appear .







 Read more 

Symptoms of the virus include ; fever, headache, drowsiness ,flu like symptoms , mental confusion leading to coma .Inflammation of the brain and death in 24–48 hours .








Death rate💀 is very high 50 to 75% ! Pets can be also infected so do farm animals especially pigs .


CALL THIS NUMBER AT ANY TIME The transitional diseases team in the Ministry of Public Health receives reports and queries relating to transitional diseases around the clock on the numbers

66740948 or 66740951

Monday, June 04, 2018

Sunday, June 03, 2018

the world is running out of sand.


Saturday, June 02, 2018

Foreign-owned football clubs


ASIA: Unemployment - The Spectator Index


Hot weather slight sea in Qatar




Friday, June 01, 2018

The world's longest flight routes:


Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Lusail Tram - progressing work


Skin Cancer - Learn how to detect melanoma




Horse Greetings Poster

Garangao family night at Al Shaqab


Maher Zain - Ramadan - Mennel Ibtissem



LYRICS - ARABIC , ENGLISH

Garangao traditional celebration - Mirqab Mall

Monday, May 28, 2018

Garangao Night at the Mall of Qatar

Garangaoh Night at Hyatt Plaza

MIA Park Ramadan Bazaar to 5 June

Katara Garangao 14th of Ramadan


 where ;  At Katara Corniche, gate: 13, opposite Sukar Basha restaurant

WHEN 30 May 2018, from 9 pm to 11 pm.

EZDAN MALL - Garangao


NO SMOKING in closed public places - HOTLINE


Buy cheap plants and saplings at the Public Nursery Park , Doha

This is good news for  those loves gardening . The only problem is their  opening hours .One has take a day off  to be able to go .

Sunday, May 27, 2018

1500 meal boxes for Iftar - Numbers in Qatar



 Everyone is welcome to come and have iftar❗
Location :  Education City , Mosque
Time ; sunset

Earthquake M3.7 WESTERN IRAN 27 May





Hero saves a 4 year old boy in Paris

 The hero turned out to be an illegal immigrant from Mali . He is Muslim .  He was extremely brave and strong . God bless him for this act . 




Saturday, May 26, 2018

Al Udeid military base - Qatar


11,000,000 US service members work in Qatar.Information from the Government Communications Office of Qatar. I've never read numbers about this subject before.That's interesting. They are not often seen. I only have a guess that some of them are in the army. As someone who grew up in the service, I think I'm right.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Ramadan Cards - Iftar dinner invitations

Ancient rug motifs in greenish blue  - Iftar Card




In case you are hosting an Iftar dinner you can buy this custom invitation design BY ME .







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Or you can choose from other talented designer's work .There are hundreds of them nowadays at Zazzle .








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Monday, May 21, 2018

Qatar Ramadan Chess Championship 2018


Sunday, May 20, 2018

50% off at Qpost parcel sending fees


Friday, May 18, 2018

Affordable Iftar in Qatar 2018 - popular restaurants

Apple Bees  Iftar

  Unlimited  salads , soups , appetizers + one selected entree  - all  for QR 99 - main course not included

reservation :44427753



CALIFORNIA TORTILLA IFTAR MENU



Ramadan at PAUL

set menu for 89 Q

SEE MORE 



EGGSPECTATION

Iftar Set Menu for 99QAR per person



Nandos Qatar




Chili’s





Monoprix Qatar



Mezzatto Restaurant ,Dana Club



PAPA JOHNS -ALL YOU CAN EAT FOR



PONDEROSA DOHA



Affordable Iftar Buffet in Qatar 2018

Qgrab offers ;

You can find a lots of deals there . You have to buy vouchers .Then print them - then you show it at the restaurant . Some examples ;

 Huda Restaurant, Hotel Park

 Iftar Buffet – Child QR35


Iftar Buffet – Adult QR70





Moroccan Iftar & Suhoor at Ramada Encore Hotel

 Iftar Buffet – Child QR39


 Iftar Buffet – Adult QRQR79




Iftar & Suhoor Buffet at DoubleTree by Hilton, Doha



 Iftar Buffet – Child QR45


 Iftar Buffet – Adult QR90





Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Fasting hours in Iceland and around the world


Take an art course during Ramadan at VCUQ






Chain Making, Figurative Sketching ,Fashion Design Workshop , ,Ramadan Photo walk ,Henna Designing ,Arabic Calligraphy Kufic ,Interior Design: Ramadan Nights ,Sci-Fi and Fantasy World Building - those short courses are all available during Ramadan for anyone.

learn more

Thursday, May 03, 2018

female football players in Jordan


Metro train dynamic testing


Small Fire at Qatar University yesterday


Wednesday, May 02, 2018

KATARA BEACH IS FREE


GREAT NEWS  for the beach lovers . Katara beach  is one of the best beaches in Qatar . It will be free from tomorrow .You can enter  and swim    from 9.30am to sunset - after sunset no swimming allowed . It is a great place for kids - it is a sandy beach with playground .

Water sport rides  and the inflatables  are not free .

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Empire State Bldg in red, white and orange lights


10 million out-of-school children around the world










Monday, April 23, 2018

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

KidzMondo one-year partner anniversary party


 KidzMondo is a wonderful place - according to my child - but it is way to expensive .
It teaches children about real life jobs . It is extremely useful .  I wish they had promotions  .



clear weather in Qatar - strong winds - marine warnings

marine warnings ⚠⚠⚠  are in effect until Friday morning as wave height ranges between 6 to 10Ft according to latest observations


Water background magnetic business card

Magnetic Business cards with water in the pool background . Sold in sets of 25. Easily customize it now with your own personal or professional details .Front design only !

Monday, April 09, 2018

The Flying Georgians - every day Shows at Mall of Qatar

ALLEGRIA CIRCUS - Spring Festival 2018 - Hotel Park

 When : 11 April till 11 May 2018
 What Time :  weekends  2 shows at 5pm , 7 pm
   
                weekdays  1 show  at 5 pm ,
                no show  Mondays

  Only the first 10 days (During Spring Festival), there will be 2 shows on daily basis 17:00 and 19:00 and no day off.

  Where : Hotel Park -  near Sheraton Hotel
  Tickets : QR 60-80-120



  What to expect : Italian Circus , 820 seats ,Family show for All Ages ,2 hours live show with 1 break
 Clowns, Ball Jugglers, Magicians, Aerial Acts Professionals, Unicycles, Ponies, Motorcycling Shows, Extreme Acts, etc..popcorn, sweet corn, cotton candy, chocolate fountain, crepe, chips, nachos, water, soft drinks, juices, small cold snacks, etc...

more info 



Arab women in sport - exhibition at UN HQ


Saturday, April 07, 2018

Emir of Qatar in Miami , Florida


Greek Easter Sunday at Mykonos restaurant - Intercontinental Doha


mira's summer magnet




Digital painting of a seven year old girl Mira . It features a farm in summer with an apple tree ,pond , duck ,green grass and birds flying in the sky .It was created by Pixia .

Friday, April 06, 2018

Baby Shop Drawing Competition - 2018

Drawing Competition Alert!

If your kid is a Picasso in disguise, or just loves to draw, then now’s the time to sign them up for our biggest drawing competition. The competition will take place on April 14th at Al Arabi Sports Club (Volleyball Court).
Hurry up and sign up here
http://bit.ly/bsexpressions for a chance to win many prizes and have buckets load of fun!


 This Competition is open to all children aged from 5-14 years as on 14th April 2018.
 Free participation 
  from 9 am ...

Buyers of Dreamliner 787


Autistic passengers at Qatar Airways


Numbers in the world - proven oil reserves per barrel


May Ziade - Arab feminist&writer in the early 20th century


Friday, March 30, 2018

Thick dust is expected - avoid any kind of sea activity






Thursday, March 29, 2018

Qatar Airways New Route - Thessaloniki


Aqua Park Opened for the 2018 season



Aqua Park opened silently last week for the 2018 season . They keep secret their prices . At least they do not give answer on their FB page for people who are asking about it .

No ladies only day now - but girls do not loose hope! Last year they brought back their ladies day in August and September !

 family day - saturday

all the other days are open to anyone

UPDATE

 In April ladies can enjoy two afternoons if they want to visit on ladies only days . Two Tuesdays from 2 to 10 pm




expat Qatar