Week(s) in Review: Happy Holler-days!

Over the past couple of weeks we’ve tried to get in the holiday spirit in Doha, which is actually pretty easy to do- despite the country’s Islamic identity, you see lots of “Christmas” related paraphernalia about town.

The big supermarkets sell fake trees, people in the compound decorate their villas with lights and Santas, and the international hotels have special “holiday” brunches.

…which we partook in! We went to La Varenne in the Tornado Tower. While not a hotel, it is one of the few licensed non-hotels in town (the others being the Rugby Club and Golf Club.) They had a special brunch modeled after Christmas “market stalls,” and brought everything to your table. This was my 4^th brunch in Doha, and I definitely prefer this kind. Less choices, but higher quality food and drinks.

 

 

It was also my turn to host for girls’ night, so I tried to make it festive. To add to the Christmas fun, we had a special visit from the ARV carolers!

Tree guac courtesy of Bev

 

Missing Budapest, I used my new paprika and made Goulash and Eggplant cream

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Now for a change of pace, in the midst of all the Christmas spirit, we also celebrated Qatar’s National Day on December 18^th. This is a huge holiday here, and festivities start the week leading up to it.

I got to go to “Darb El Saai” cultural village, which is set up to showcase Qatar’s heritage.

 

I also wore an abaya to work…

…so I got some help.

I’m a noob and don’t know how to do the head scarf.

Serious Sheikha.

…and got Henna done, and held a falcon. You know, a normal day at the office.

 

…and we went to Barzan Olympic Park with some friends for a picnic.

ate some Qatari snacks

Later that night, John and I had a stay date and grilled out some lamb lollipops.

MMM Meat-pops!

 

 

Saturday we drove out to Al Khor, a small city on the Northern coast of Doha. We checked out the (only) hotel, drove around, and had lunch at “Pearl of Beirut,” which despite the name, seemed to largely consist of Filipino dishes.

 

Hmmm…would we say 5 stars?

So that about sums it up around here. Taking off in a couple of days to celebrate the New Year in Sydney- Happy “Holler-days” all around!

Oh and here’s a picture of the BRAND NEW TURKEY CENTRAL!!! Double the size, but half the charm of the old one.

 

 

…and some mixed nuts.