3 days in Doha

I was on a short work-related trip to Doha for 3 days..the old city is pretty laid back low-rise area with narrow streets[ a bit like Manama].The new developments are going on particularly in the West Bay area,which boasts some really well designed Sky scrapers[better than SZR].

Finding a taxi is an ass..so i would recommend taking a car on rent,with a GPS to guide u thru[atleast that's what i did]

Obviously it meant that i checked out some places too..

The Villagio is the latest shopping mall in Doha which every1 is talking about it..It has a man-made canal inside,which also has a couple of gondolas thrown in.Also an ice-rink..Over-all a good mall with a unique design,the ceiling has a Real World Sky pattern which has been pretty well emulated..

Getting into a club in Doha..is a huge hassle..they have the strangest Rules ever,which have been newly implemented..
* Only Qatar Residence Visa holders are allowed to enter [what the hell are tourists are supposed to do...no1 was sure..including the hotel staff!]
* Even People having a valid Residence Visa need to have a Special Photo-id for that particular Club..which has a procedure,and a form has to filled up..
* Tourists are allowed to enter ONLY if they are accompanied with a Residence permit holder..All tourists nevertheless have to have their Passport scanned before entry!

Obviously i had to make friends outside to get entry..and i checked out THE QUBE@ Ramada..Nothing great about the club[maybe it was a weekday,and maybe it was the wrong place!] except that it had a huge dance floor.

Song Playing--> Smoke & ashes by Tracy Chapman

Doha...u wanted me to stay back?

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY

Thanks to Doha's visa rules(there are 41 very specific professions,that are entitled to Visa on arrival @Doha Airport)..i was turned down from the check-in counter at the Dubai airport this morning..

Now i can continue bitching..but i know i lack planning(i don't remember booking a hotel in advance,changing currency before departing or checking the weather)..i should have known the rules upfront..

Other people who were not allowed to board :- 3 people had their UAE residence visa expiring in less than 6 months,1 guy forgot his credit card,and din even remember the Cc number(ok...this is sad,specially when u paid for the ticket,why are they so strict about it..)

What better to Celebrate UAE's National Day..The Locals are so dressed up today-->,caps,bandanas,mufflers,ribbons,abayas,head-scarves,..every1 is sporting the Uae flag..The cars have flags,some even had graffiti on 'em..Buildings are adorning glittering lights..Red,Green,white..U can feel it in the Air..

The Moon is a Beautiful Crescent tonight..

I am hoping that this country navigates itself well throught the Global Crises,people stay safe & jobs are secure..I have been here for more than 3 years now..and i don't want to leave this early ;-)..

Off to Qatar

I am off to Qatar for a couple of days..It's already mid week..sigh..and i am working on National day..I don't know where i'll be staying..who all i am supposed to meet..I am just going,to explore the possibilties(that's what it's technically called!).

Thursday & Friday nite...i was at the Irish Village..Just hung around with pals..Good Live Cover music,they had a nice stage setup in front of the pond..the band was good(played covers from oasis,eagle eye cherry,greenday,red hot chilly peppers..just to name a few)..People were drunk(post Rugby 7's)..Taxi que was L O N G..i was back home early both days..Work resposibilties etc..

The weather is getting better..my window is open in the nights..no more artificial aircon for me..I need the fresh air on my face when i wake up!!