The night the bombs fell in Qatar
I am not sure what moved fastest – the bombs, my fingers or heartbeat. The bombing of the US Air Force base in Qatar feels surreal now, less than 24 hours later. But last night it was in-your-face, shudderingly real. And I mean that literally, as the ground shook, reverberating with each large boom, as […]
Eid and its many meanings in Qatar
For the Muslim faithful, Eid (al-Fitr) marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and a time to give thanks and celebrate. And, by default, it also offers other faith groups living in the Middle East exciting “Eid break” benefits, too. Confused? Of course you are (unless you are Muslim or are already accustomed […]
The Doha dust bunny blows no good …
Where I come from, wind is a non-event because it blows most of the time. But in Qatar, when the wind blows hard, it’s big news because it changes everything. The sun disappears, the COVID-19 masks come out and everyone is just a little more edgy than usual. All talk turns to the weather in […]
‘I think I ate horse meat in Kazakhstan – yikes!’
I think I ate horse meat in Kazakhstan. I never expected to do either – eat one of my favourite animals or find myself in Central Asia – but life has a habit of sending us curved balls. Or, in this case, deliver a rich, unexpected travel experience of a people and place once only […]
The business of beauty in Qatar is the norm
Be it hands, feet, hair, nails or even any of the hidden bits, there’s much self-care and pampering in Qatar, thanks to a culture that values good grooming. In fact, in the Middle East, having your brows plucked (threaded), your feet pummeled, nails painted, your face polished and some, is as commonplace as dipping a […]
The fun behind the veil at a Qatari wedding
A Middle Eastern wedding with ‘Bridgerton’ vibes? No doubt the all-female cast of 800 hatched many a future society match at the sumptuous reception at Qatar’s leading hotel, the Sheraton. What a privilege to join the celebrations.
Drivers offer ‘uber’ insights into life in Qatar
Whether you are a visitor to Qatar, or a resident non-driver like me, navigating your way around the capital, Doha, is easy, thanks to an efficient public transport system and up to 24 000 Uber drivers clamouring for your business. Such transport is affordable since fuel is just QAR2 (that’s R10 or 43 pence) a […]
South Africans in Qatar – ons gaan nou braai
We may live in swish surrounds, earn good money and feel oh-so-safe in Qatar, but our hearts still yearn for South Africa. I know I am not alone. With some 6 500 Saffers living the ex-pat life here in Doha, I know I am far from the only one missing the bush, braai fires, family, […]
A quick taste of the food culture in Qatar
Machboos, kottu roti, teppanyaki, osso buco, tabbouleh, biriyani, fish and chips … there’s a smorgasbord of tastes when it comes to food in Qatar, thanks to its multi-cultural population. But it is not just this wonderful opportunity to eat your way around the world without even leaving Qatar’s capital of Doha that is special. (Yes, […]
What to enjoy at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport
Efficiency, variety and a giant yellow teddy bear. That’s what you can expect to enjoy – and so much more – at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (HIA). After all, this airport is recognised as the world’s best. Some of the 60 million passengers HIA presently welcomes annually saw fit to acknowledge the airport’s distinctive Arabic […]