Adapting to a war (that’s not ours) in Qatar
Life goes on. Life goes on regardless of incoming missiles and ongoing uncertainty in Qatar, one of the six Gulf countries caught in the crossfire of the US-Israel-Iran war. In my previous post, just four days into a growing conflict that is not ours, I related how scary and surreal everything was. And it still […]
Living in a war (that’s not ours) in Qatar
Surreal and scary. That’s as it is for me – and so, so many others – living in Doha, Qatar, in the Middle East right now as I share what day-to-day life is like presently. I do so in my personal capacity – as just one of the 3 million people who live in Qatar, […]
All revved for Qatar’s F1 Grand Prix – and some
It’s the “and some” that I want to share. This is the fun, the mardi gras, carnival atmosphere – call it what you will – that happens alongside the high-octane racing at Qatar’s Formula One Grand Prix that I want to tell you about it. No doubt, such sideshows take place at each of the […]
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 […]
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 […]
‘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.
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, […]