Doha Bus-Hop On Hop Off

Today I joined 39 other AWA members and toured Doha on the Hop On Hop Off Bus.  A new tourist attraction here in Qatar, but found all over the world.  Previously I have been on one in Dublin. 

The bus provided cultural and historical information. I learned a few things, such as:  the Corniche is 7km long and was made when they dredged the bay.  When they started having mail service they used British stamps. City Center is one of largest malls in Middle East (where I buy my groceries.) The parliament is made up of half elected and half appointed officials, interesting concept.  The man-made island of the Pearl (where I live) has the largest marine life in Qatar surrounding it.

Outside the Museum of Islamic Art

The bus is two stories and the top level has a retractable roof which provides great views of Doha, a little windy.  There are 18 stops around town which you can get off at, then get back on a bus when you are ready.  Tricia, our organizer, planned some games with prizes and I won one!  A tissue holder dressed as Arabic woman, made by Tricia.

The tour took 31/2 hours with a stop at Souq Waqif for some shopping and coffee.  

Doha Skyline from the Corniche

February, short but busy month

Even though February is a short a month, we packed a lot into it this year.  John's parents came to visit and we showed them Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  I thought this time I would do a pictorial blog, since a picture is worth a thousand words, it will cut down on my typing (and your reading.)  Before the Ezzos came I went to a chocolate workshop, here I am making pasta with cocoa in the dough.

We went to our favorite place in Doha for John's Birthday, Jazz at Lincoln Center at the St Regis.  The band sang happy birthday to him! We also celebrated at Friday Brunch and Saturday we made Ezzo Sauce.

Feb. 11 was National Sport Day and John's company participated in a bowling event, coming in 6th place,               then we went to watch Women's Tennis. I spent National Sport Day watching sports, oh well.

We visited the Museum of Islamic Art, had Tea at the Ritz then it was off to Dubai and Abu Dhabi where we went to the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest building.  The observation floor is on the 124th floor and we also had drinks on the 122nd floor before dinner at the Burj Al Arab, the only 7 star hotel.

View of the Dubai Mall and the Address Hotel, where we stayed.We all did some shopping at the mall, next time we agreed to bring an empty suitcase with us!  This picture is from the restroom on the 122nd floor.












In Abu Dhabi, John had some meetings and soon will be cleaning the outside of Etihad Towers which has a hotel (we stayed in) apartments, retail, restaurants and offices.  We also visited the Grand Mosque.

Back in Doha, we went with the AWA to visit Al Zubarah Fort and Archaeology site in the northwest corner of the country, it only took an hour to cross the country.  We also attended the Qatar Motor show, much smaller than Detroit's but fun to look at the expensive cars and the feel at home seeing the Big Three on display.  I also spent plenty of time this month eating out and now I am on a diet, swimsuit season is around the corner (maybe a little sooner here than at home.)