Dan works with Rick, a teacher from Cairns, and he and his wife Jane live in the same building as Dan. On one of the days when Dan and Rick were at work, Jane very kindly took us on a tour of the sights of Doha. We went into town by bus “for the experience” - one not to be missed. The bus we were aiming for didn’t turn up at all, but the next one came on time, half an hour later. When we got on, the driver waved two Indian men out of the front seat, so we “ladies” could sit down. This is apparently the rule. The fare was very cheap, about AU$1.
First stop was to the gold souk, a block of small shops all selling very similar items, some of them extremely lavish. I know where to go next time I require a gold tiara or a full frontal gold necklace with matching earrings and bracelets. Apparently the items are about half the price as in Australia, and you can have your own designs made up at no extra charge.
Then we went to Souq Waqif, where I could spend many days. The large area of streets and alleyways sold all kinds of goods such as carpets, falcons, Arab dress, glittering material, daggers, Qatari spices and cheeses, perfume, honey, pets etc, etc. Here is Pat having great fun in the souq. The wheelbarrow in the foreground is one used by men who will offer (for a fee I presume) to walk beside you and carry all your purchases in their barrow.
We had lunch in a brightly decorated little cafe with a Belgian name, which played American jazz from a German radio station, and served Italian pizzas. The multi-coloured cornice around the ceiling was set with gleaming beads. Here are Jan and Jane deciding what to order.
We walked past the “curly mosque” to the Islamic Centre, where we managed not to be converted to Islam because the English-speaking converter was converting someone else.
Along the lines of the Big Pineapple, the Doha Corniche boasts the Big Pearl, as before the discovery of natural gas, Doha’s main industry was pearl diving.
The water beside the Corniche is a beautiful aqua, and the graceful fishing dhows were moored alongside.
Jane and Jan on the Corniche, with the Museum of Islamic Art in the background.
The Museum of Islamic Art is breathtaking. The building was designed by the same architect as designed the Pyramid at the Louvre in Paris. Its setting over the water is magnificent, and exterior arches frame views back to the city. Another place which deserves several days to visit. Jane gave us a tantalising overview, and then Dan and Rick picked us up on their way home from school. Such service! Thank you Jane for a wonderful day.
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