So, what are we doing tonight

To those restless souls who say that there is nothing to do in Doha, you must not get out of your compound much. Granted, Doha is not exactly sophisticated or cosmopolitan. Practically every day you can see some kind of livestock being transported through the city on the back of a quarter-ton, and roosters`crowing is a familiar sound. There isn`t much for green space, and side-walks are practically non-existent. But to say that there is nothing to do is completely wrong!

Let me tell you just some of the events that took place in Doha this past week. Last week-end there was a huge wedding and fashion show at the Exhibition Center, and an international diving competition (FINA)was going on at the Aspire Center. Canada was represented at the diving competition by two young women from Montreal who managed to win a silver medal in the synchronized 10 meter event. That was quite a thrill for all of the Canadian ex-pats who were there waving maple leafs in support of their team. Kudos have to go to the Chinese team, though, who took all of the gold medals. It was exhilarating to watch them as they tumbled and turned, cutting the water so sharply on entry that there was hardly a splash.

Then on Tuesday there was an Arabian horse show at the Equestrian Center. Along with the beauty of the horses and the skill of the trainers and handlers, we were also treated to aspects of Qatari culture--home cooked food, weaving, henna, handcrafts, perfume and incense--set up in a tented and carpeted area. Outside were displays of other Qatari pastimes--vintage cars , speed boats and racing cars and motorcycles. The horse show was followed on Wednesday and Thursday by ``The 30th Race Meeting Festival with H. H. Emir Trophies and Sword Day``. Four races on Thursday evening had a total purse of $4 million American, and the Emir himself was on hand to award the trophies. To top off the evening, 2 Toyota Corolla`s were given away to two lucky audience members--actually two Sudanese fellows who happened to hold the winning numbers. What a night! I think at least half of the city was in attendance.

So that was just this week! Then there have been events like the Qatar Masters Golf Tournament, concerts by the Qatar Philharmonic, theatrical presentations by the Doha Players, the American School of Doha, and Qatar Academy ( they are staging Wicked next week), international tennis tournaments starring Venus and Serena, soccer championships featuring none other than David Beckham. Then there are all the multi-cultural festivals like Pakistani Day, Kerila Day (actually the Kerilan groups have festivals and shows with famous Indian actors and entertainers frequently throughout the year), and all the activities of groups like the Qatar Natural History group, the Quilters Guild, and others.

So don`t tell me that there is nothing to do in Doha! I`m winded just to think about it all. Oh, I see it`s time to go. We`re invited to our neighbour`s place for supper. Then tomorrow we will get up early and drive to Al Khor. We`ve been invited to a Sheik`s horse farm for a tour and lunch. Never a dull moment!

Gamel and the Mural

Dave and I have spent a lot of time walking around our neighbourhood. We head out of our compound, turn right by AJ1 and right again at the corner by the big yellow palace. Then we cross the road, being careful to watch for speeding Land Cruisers, and travel across the desert to one of any number of streets lined with walled villas and compounds. We are out to get some exercise of course, but we also love to have a peek at the villas through the open gates, and we always try to strike up a conversation with a local.

We have discovered some beautiful villas on our travels, some with imposing porticos, all with beautiful sculpted gates, and many with green stretches of grass, palm trees and flowers lining the walls. Inside the gates we catch glimpses of rose gardens and flower pots, even the occassional wide screen TV. As it so seldom rains in Doha, outdoor TV viewing is the in thing.

Tents are another common outdoor feature, especially through the winter months when the weather is a little cooler. We are told that the tents serve as boys' clubs for watching TV and playing video games. I guess the women and girls are expected to stay indoors.

We have not, as yet, made the acquaintance of many Arabs but we have talked to many gardeners, house maids, and drivers as they have gone about their work. Most all speak English to some degree, and are friendly and happy to have some conversation.

On one of our walks we came upon a compound under construction. Painted a light, bright green, it contrasted with the neutrals of desert sand and surrounding villas, and easily caught our eyes. The gate was open and I went closer to take a look inside. Several laborers were sitting in the shade having coffee break and smiled as they saw me peering through the gate.

"Would it be okay if we walked through the compound just to have a look?", I asked.

"Of course", was the reply, and we came into this bright beautiful green world.

The workers took us on a tour of the place, into a villa, around the recreation complex, and even into the mosque. Lovely primitive murals covered many of the public spaces, and powder blue skys dotted with fluffy white clouds covered many of the ceilings. We were privileged to have the artist as one of our tour guides. I think that he was anxious for us to hire him to decorate our compound as well. That would have been a great idea, except that we don't own our compound,and don't have a budget for murals.

Gamel, the artist, is from Egypt but has been living and working in Qatar for about 5 years. His handiwork also decorates the Villageo Mall. It was apparent that he was very proud of his work as he happily guided us from building to building. He had chosen most of the color schemes, appliances, flooring and wall tiles. An all round decorator, I guess. If he lived in the States he would have his own TV show.