Last week in photos and words...

  

  

Some Doha weeks are slow, and some Doha weeks are crammed full.

Last weekend kicked off with lamb on a spit - a test of engineering organized by our friends/neighbors at Fuwairit Beach.  We've never actually been to the beaches outside of Doha and Fuwairit was a real treat, just 80 km north of Doha, almost at the tip.  We finally got to test the 4x4 on my Kia, which was a little scary.  I just remember hearing something from our friends that guided us to the location on the beach that sounded like "when it goes soft, just floor it!"  The day was sunny but quite breezy and cold - great weather for the many kite surfers we saw.  Check out those photos here.

A few days later I ventured with some friends vegetable souk, part of the wholesale market area.  I'd previously been to the veg souk with Kevin but could only seem to find the bulk section.  Armed with a better map and some guidance, I found the "by the kilo" section.  It's an interesting experience... vendors shout at you about their wares hoping to tempt you to their stall.  They also use old-timey scales to weigh the goods. 

That night our friends hosted a few rounds of Rock Band.  I think everyone enjoyed Kev's rendition of Filter's "Hey Man, Nice Shot" (unfortunately there is video evidence) and I woke up hoarse the next day.

The next day was a triple whammy that started with a "coffee morning" hosted by the ladies' group associated with Kevin's company.  This event happens once a month, each time at a new location with a new theme.  This morning was at the Four Seasons, on the terrace of their spa with a view of West Bay.  Free neck/shoulder/back massages, free breakfast buffet!  There was also a presentation by a nutritionist on her favorite healthy grocery brands in Doha but I was disappointed that every one of them was an imported Western brand. 

Post coffee morning I ventured to the Doha Food Festival.  This event featured food from a bunch of hotels and just a few restaurants.  It was basically a giant food court and wasn't quite up and running by the time we dropped in.

That night we caught #1 ranked Caroline Wozniacki and Flavia Pennetta at the Qatar Women's Open (Wozniacki photo credit: Qatar Tennis Federation).

Next morning I ventured out to a "boot sale," which is basically a group garage sale where folks sell out of the back of their "boot" (car trunk).  I scored an appetizer dish, a book and Dexter seasons 1 and 2 for under $7.  My friends made out better with 13 sombreros for just over a buck a piece. 

Kevin later changed my tire (I had one wearing more than the others) prior to inspection.  With two cars under warranty he no longer gets to tinker around with the cars, so I'm sure dragging the hydraulic jack out was a real thrill.  Cars must be inspected when they are older than 3 years before registration can be renewed.  I somehow failed for having dirty paint but wouldn't you know, Kev was still able to renew everything.

The next day we took a walk on the Corniche, a lovely paved path that runs a little over 5 km on West Bay.  We're almost at the end of a lovely stretch of weather with gorgeous sunny, breezy days paired with turquoise blue water.  Saturday was a treat as we caught two powerboats running tests for the upcoming F1 Grand Prix of Qatar (powerboat photo credit: Qatar Marine Sports Federation).  These tiny boats are INSANE and make crazy 90 degree turns on a dime. 

We finished our week with a co-ed baby shower.  Who knew gummy worms were the perfect shower treat?  Yum!  I've always heard that 3 women are pregnant in our compound at any given time, which currently holds true!  I'd just love to have kids, dear reader, but I can't quite mess with tradition, right?  :)