Souq and toast

We have had a long couple of weeks, no TV, no toys, no books, no games, or crafty bits (still waiting on boxes) not a great internet connection and we can't go outside till about 4pm (winter in Christchurch?!?). 

Millie has even resorted to using the packaging from the new sheets as signs for her room (a system where she put cards on her door indicating if she is in or out and if she is in and asleep, there is also signs letting us know if she is having the "best day ever" that can change though out the day). I'm counting the days I'm sure the kids are.
Bring on school!!


Millie loved the Art Centre at the Souq


But we have had a couple of brilliant nights out with the school, meet and greet the new teachers type of thingy. Our first trip was to Souq Waqif which was amazing, a labrinth (sp) of spices, textiles and bargains. We had dinner at Damascus One, which we all enjoyed the kids surprised me and tried lots of new things. Scott gave it a good crack, not the usual burgers and chips. The food reminded me of the old souvlaki shop on Cashel street though it wasn't Greek but Syrian food (they also had a football game going at one end which Jax loved, no TV and no grass had meant he needed a shot of football).
The souq would be perfect for relaxing, people watching and coffee but the unforgiving heat this time of year meant it was a quick look around. Didn't get any great photos because my camera kept fogging up!!! I got a couple with Jackson's.



Getting hot now.



Who knew you could be so happy drinking coke.

The following week we went on an evening trip on a dhow boat, a traditional wooden boat used for fishing. We arrived late, our wonderful bus driver had gotten lost. Everyone uses landmarks to navigate (sometimes unsuccessfully) because of the lack of street names and the roads are often closed last minute for up grades or construction. The dhow boats look amazing but it was dark when we finally reached the harbour and the other 2 boats had left, they were going to meet us out in the Gulf. I think there would have been about 100 staff and families, only a couple of kids though.


It was an incredible view of the city, a must see for any visitor. The BBQ was good but the best part was the swimming, I wish I'd had the courage to bring my togs, swimming in the Persian Gulf in the dark with the city behind you looked amazing, next time!
 

My first week in Doha - Jackson

Jackson- Doha

Playing ball with Dad in our new apartment

The people here are very nice because they always say hello. They are different because they wear different clothes. Some women wear black things over their bodies and heads and some men do the same but with white clothes. The people here speak differently. 

The school that we are going to is an International school, which means it has lots of children from different countries most people here have black skin, I think that’s because it’s so hot and they get sun tanned! The heat is boiling hot it is 40% humidity. It’s so hot that most people don’t go outside until 4pm in the evening! Also if you like playing sports like cricket or football you would have to play in a covered stadium it’s is so hot!


The lounge
 

It is lucky our Apartment has 2 swimming pools but I was disappointed with the pool because it was warm not cold, at about midday if you went to the beach and jumped on the sand you would get burnt feet!

The houses are light coloured so they don’t get hot. All the houses are similar in groups maybe so it doesn’t take too long to build them. Daddy doesn’t like the hot heat because he’s so used to being in a warmish coldish country next to Antarctica. My Dads glasses fog up with humidity and the moisture in the air.  This is annoying, because Dad can’t see. It’s easy for me because I can just take off my sunglasses. Dad can’t because his are prescription glasses. There are lots of birds at our Apartment because they want to rest under the shades by the swimming pool.

I like Doha.

By Jackson