Relics...Damien Hirst



We had finally found time to drop by the Relics Exhibihition yesterday afternoon.

It was still scorching hot but at least there's the warm breeze.

Lots of visitors are coming as well and this exhibition seems interesting.

It stirred a lot of different opinions, however, it is also our chance, the residents of Qatar, both locals and expatriates alike, to see his works of art.

This is part of the Qatar UK 2013 initiative of the Qatar Museums Authority.

Photography is not allowed inside except for the mobile phones.

There is a check in counter for the cameras and water/bottled water are not allowed to be taken in.

There is a kiosk near the reception area for some memorabilia and a cafe that serves Damien Hirst inspired snacks.

Damien Hirst is "reportedly Britain's richest living artist".

The exhibition is quite interesting, lots of colors, shapes, however, I got goosebumps when I had seen

this headless cow and his head placed in seperate glass boxes.

Colorful Dots



Yes, these are real diamonds!

Cigarette Butts

And this is what I was looking for...a shark!

There are lots of artworks still but I opted not to take photos of them.

His famous works include preserved dead animals which were "dissected and preserved with formaldehyde".

Visit the exhihibition and for sure you'll be amazed/intriqued.

To know more about Damien Hirts' works and exhibitions, you can visit his website by clicking this link.



Eid Break - Parasailing at Katara Beach Club

Today is the last day of our Eid break.

We'll all be back to reality starting tomorrow. (Oh no! Hahahaha)

We, my friends from the office, had made the most out of yesterday and had gone to Katara Beach Club.

I have always wanted to try the parasailing there and yesterday was the day when it was fulfilled.

It's at QR 100 per trip and believe me it's worth trying!

We arrived at Katara Beach Club around half past ten o'clock.

It's hot but not that burning hot - I can say it's tolerable.

We just wore knee length shorts and t-shirts as we were wondering if it's even allowed to wear swimsuit there as it is also a cultural village.

Anyways, it took another 30 minutes of waiting as the boat headed off to put in some gas then we geared off and boarded the boat!

Maximum of 10 persons can board the boat then they put on these cables on you.

For the parasailing, you can either go alone or as pairs.

If you are brave enough, you can go alone or you can go with a friend up in the air.

It's scary at first though, but once you are up there, it's heaven!

Imagine riding a swing while hanging on air and enjoying the cool wind and the view of the buildings for almost 20 minutes!

It's just amazing!

Here are some of the photos I snapped during the trip:

Do's and Don'ts

Cool Beach

While waiting for the boat

All geared up

Look what I found...Someone is wearing Prada...on the beach! 

We rode this one. 

Thanks to Mimi for this shot! It's boarding time.

We can do this!

Hello from mid-air!

XoXo,

Joana

P. S.

There are other activities to do at Katara Beach Club.

For the full list, you may check this link.

Eid Break - Marriott Getway

Yay!

We have two days off at work for the Eid break.

We'll be back on Monday still.

My friends and I decided to go to Doha Marriott Hotel to go for a quick swim and it was indeed worth it.

The fee is at QR 150 and you can either swim at the beach or at the pool plus they do have a jacuzzi too.

There is a small cafeteria by the pool that serves kebab, burgers, pizza and drinks.

You can also opt to dine in one of the restaurants inside the hotel.

The showers are quite clean, the same goes as well for the changing rooms and lockers.

The staffs are helpful too.

It's quite a relaxing day, worth it I can say and a great way to de-stress.

Sit by the beach and watch the ships 

I almost forgot my sandals

Sandy 

Relaxing by the beach

By the pool 

We love the jacuzzi! 

Sodas

We opted to eat pizza. 

We will definitely be back for another quick dip.

XoXo,

Joana 

Garangao!

Garangao Goodies!

I had received a Garangao Bag from a colleague.

The Garangao Festival is celebrated here in Doha during mid-Ramadan. 

The kids are pretty much excited as they are receiving lots of goodies (like this one!). 

Oh, yes, that's the kid in me! 

Qatar Motorshow 2012

Last year, I was not able to visit the exhibition.

The reason – I can no longer remember, so this year, after a lot of
begging, my boyfriend had agreed to go and check the cars there.

I don’t know how to drive but would just like to know if the
exhibition is good or not.

It’s included in my “Bucket List” though.

I am so scared to drive as I can barely cross the street.

It was January 25th when we visited there.

As expected, since it’s the first day, there are lots of people.

They do have outdoor drifting demos too!

Too bad it was already finished when we got out.

The cars are amazing!

There are many brands who participated in the said event.

They’ve showcased lots of activities also in the booths.

For Shell, they have a booth where the attendees can have a photo taken.

For Ford, they have something like a game where the attendees can
drive and have feel on what’s like in the Ford Rally.

There is also a mascot for Michelin (see the guys did not let this
opportunity to have a photo with him pass).

There are lots of cars that you will enjoy checking for sure.

The exhibition was open up until January 28.

I came there ready and brought a camera to get the photos of these
fabulous cars.

Ducati

Ford’s Vintage Cars

Audi’s Georgeous Car (and Model too)

This car reminds of a snake’s eyes...

Lambourghini

Jaguar

One of my favorites: The New Mini Coupe

The Beetle

Ashton Martin V8 Vantage S

Maserati

Am looking forward next year's events!

Happy National Day, Qatar!

It was 5:00 AM this morning when I had started moving and preparing myself.

For almost 4 years of staying here in Qatar, I’ve never watched the parade during the National Day.

Thanks God, I was able to go this time around.

I was supposed to come with my friends from the office but Hamude decided to go with me too.

I was thrilled as I want to watch the Air Show wherein they showcase their fighter jets and do stunts and exhibitions in the air.

At 6:00 AM, we headed to Corniche.

Luckily, Hamude and I were able to find a parking slot which is almost a 20-minute walk to the security check in.

I came in first and had waited for Hamude for almost 30 minutes.

Security was tight and we were thankful for that.

There are lots of people lined up on the streets and sitting on the bleachers waiting for the parade to start.

It was a fantastic one!

The members of the Ruling Family came in and they are of course riding luxurious cars.

The members of the police and army were also included.

There were kids who were included in the parade.

There were men riding horses and camels of course!

Men also came in riding parachutes and the Air Show was good even if it was a little cloudy.

Here are some of the photos that I luckily got:

The experience was quite good. The weather was nice – not too cold. No commotions or misbehavior or whatsoever.

I am so blessed and thankful to have witnessed this event.

I would like to watch the Fireworks Display but with the traffic, I won’t be able to come.

Anyways, there is always the next year!

Again to my second home – home away from home, my bread and butter and my meal ticket – Happy National Day!