I have to report that we are beginning to feel quite relaxed and comfortable here. We no longer get quite as lost on the highways and biways; we don't scrabble about as much in the grocery stores, and we have found some interesting haunts to frequent on a more regular basis.
Top favourite: The Souq Waqif - vibrant, lively and distinctly Arabic - a great place to shop, browse, sit at a sidewalk cafe, people watch, or just admire the architecture. We try and get there as often as we can. We were there on Friday morning and given that it is the Holy Day, we did not expect anything to be open. Much to our surprise, we found a couple of hope
ful storekeepers standing in their doorways, casually looking out for tourists. We met Mohamed Ali who beckoned us into his store with a flourish and a wide grin. Before we knew it, he had placed a kufi, shibagh and egal on each of our heads and was encouraging us to take pictures.... who could resist? Ended up with photos and my very own shibagh.We have also found a breakfast joint called Ric's Kountry Kitchen that compares favourably to Russell Williams, our regular breakfast spot in Burlington. And it is just as popular - with a line up out the door at 9am.
And we love Al Corniche - not for nothing is it called the Promenade under the P
alms. It affords stunning views of the sea and the city. In our opinion, it far surpasses any of the public access we have seen along Lake Ontario - wide boulevards, no obscured views, no houses or apartments butting right onto the water, spacious park areas, lots of palm trees and plenty places to sit and admire the view. The only drawback: a distinct lack of parking (which is a frustration no matter where you go in Doha).
alms. It affords stunning views of the sea and the city. In our opinion, it far surpasses any of the public access we have seen along Lake Ontario - wide boulevards, no obscured views, no houses or apartments butting right onto the water, spacious park areas, lots of palm trees and plenty places to sit and admire the view. The only drawback: a distinct lack of parking (which is a frustration no matter where you go in Doha). I think this city and this country will grow on us. No matter where we are, it spills out a cornu
copia of wonderful contrasts: crumbling forts and magic malls; or aeons old desert landscapes just minutes away, and modern city skyscrapers stacked against the skyline. A land of world class athletic stadiums, and traditional camel race tracks. A blend of people - old world tailors and cobblers, as well as bankers and businessmen from all four corners of the earth. Donkey carts and Lamborghini's vie for the same space on a road...I have never seen as many Porsche's in one city as in Doha. A synthesis of cent
uries old culture and religion, meeting with modern technology, and the latest in education, science, and lifestyle. At the very least, a city to watch. 
copia of wonderful contrasts: crumbling forts and magic malls; or aeons old desert landscapes just minutes away, and modern city skyscrapers stacked against the skyline. A land of world class athletic stadiums, and traditional camel race tracks. A blend of people - old world tailors and cobblers, as well as bankers and businessmen from all four corners of the earth. Donkey carts and Lamborghini's vie for the same space on a road...I have never seen as many Porsche's in one city as in Doha. A synthesis of cent
uries old culture and religion, meeting with modern technology, and the latest in education, science, and lifestyle. At the very least, a city to watch. 
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