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.