‘World cup’ of rock art mystery in Qatar
From the mundane to the mysterious, Qatar’s leading rock art site, Al Jassasiya, gives you much to see and even more to mull over. Not least is that, at face value, with its stunning architecture, high-tech infrastructure and visionary focus, Qatar is a picture of modernity, when actually, it’s truly old – like 5th Century […]
Doha’s arches sparkle with meaning
They are Doha’s famous arches, the tallest and most symbolic of Qatar’s monuments, but actually, they belong to me, too. The Al Wahda Arches are mine in the same way that a building, park or any other significant landmark in your own neighbourhood becomes yours. By proximity and familiarity, we take ownership. Or, at least, […]
Armenia a natural and cultural travel wonder
Affordable and ancient, beautiful and bountiful, Christian and culturally rich … the descriptors for Armenia roll off the tongue as easily as this landlocked country’s mountain rivers and lilting landscape. But scratch a little deeper and words get stuck in the back of the throat as you discover the complexities and harsh past of […]
Gorgeous Georgia an ideal holiday destination for South Africans
Georgia is visa-friendly. It is also affordable; scenically beautiful, safe, and offers visitors a wonderful mix of cultures, thanks to its location in the mountainous crossroads of Europe and Asia. The food is fabulous and the wine, too. Oh, and did I mention rugby? In short, Georgia is an ideal holiday destination for South Africans. […]
Endless enriching exhibitions in Qatar
You name it and Qatar has probably hosted it. Exhibitions, that is. Be it a hands-on plunge into agriculture or an online Zoom opportunity to explore AI in the Arabic world, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to exhibitions in Qatar. Thankfully, all such exhibitions are free to the public. Many are held […]
Showtime in Qatar – theatre thrills aplenty
There’s no business, like show business … Oh, how apt these lyrics in a country where the arts literally does take centre stage as part of Qatar’s vision to deepen understanding and bring nations closer together. The performing arts are part of the country’s arsenal to this end. Yes, it is always showtime in Qatar. […]
Inspiring art in the desert in Qatar
The sweeping roll of the dunes and unending swathes of sand in Qatar are alluring enough but throw in some striking sculptures and you really do create a stir. Art in the desert in Qatar is the real deal. Public art is impressive throughout the city of Doha and its surrounds (there are more than […]
50 tips about Qatar
If you are coming to Qatar, here’s an A to Z of things that might make your visit or future temporary home a little easier to navigate. They are my 50 tips about Qatar. I share these tips, insights, titbits or things about Qatar as I near my two-year Qatarversary and for what is my […]
How art builds bridges in Qatar
The woman lies sleeping on her bed. The child, presumably a daughter, is transfixed by her mother’s face as she tugs at the string holding her mask in place. Visually and historically striking, this painting gets us talking … Why the mask? Who wears such a mask? When was this painted? Is this the norm? […]
10 weird and wonderful things about Qatar – part 2
If you are coming to Qatar, expect a country of contrasts, all of which make it a weird and wonderful place to visit. Did you know, for example, that Qatar does not have any forests, but intends to have planted 10 million trees by 2030? (They planted a quick million in the run-up to the […]