Big Willie style

We've had a very special guest this past week - Willie!

Will turned up the evening before I left for Doha, and we just had time to catch up for a bit on the Friday night. As I went to Doha, he went to a hotel as he was actually here for an interview process.

The Turners started in Brunei the same time we did and have stuck it out all this time since then (2007), but now with both kids just about to fly their nest, they are looking to move.

Will was still here once I got back from Doha, so we had some more time together. He even spoiled us and cooked his famous Willie lamb! Om nom nom!

We really tried to show him all the good stuff with Abu Dhabi, to convince him/them to come here.
Imagine how crazy great that would be to have the gang back together again!

Doha souvenirs

My type of souvenirs - books! Although this time I unusually got myself an ornament, this beautiful Oryx in bronze:

I took a photo with these at the airport already, there were 8 of them in the arrival hall, in life size. They are made by Dutch artist Tom Claassen, well known for his monumental sculptures in public places.

I really fell in love with these Oryx, so when I saw this in the souvenir shop in one of the museums I decided to invest. It got it to remind me of the training program experience, this long but rewarding week I just had - and my first visit to Qatar! And I love it!

Doha, Mixed snapshots

Anna and I had a full program for the days I was visiting with both sightseeing, sporting and good food, but also some down-time at their apartment. I had told her about my recent home massage, so she wanted to try too and booked us a massage one afternoon.
This one was slightly different, as the ladies I had at my place came from the Philippines; and these ladies were Thai. This time it all happened on the floor, and involved a lot more bending and cracking. Good stuff!

For our last dinner together we headed into the souk. They have a more authentic souq in Doha than we do here in Abu Dhabi, and Anna had to buy some spices and small gifts to bring on the trip to Sweden she was about to embark on as I left.

I did some shopping too, no spices but I bought myself a nice handbag.

Then we went for some nice mixed grill at one of the souk restaurants. We sat outside as the temperature was still really pleasant. This month of May has been so nice so far. I guess that means we are heading for another really hot October and maybe November, the hot period seems to have shifted the past years.

Oh such joy to have our good friends only an hour away! Bye Doha for this time, see you soon again!

Doha, Day 3. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

It was easy and cheap to get around Doha, as Uber works really well there. I grabbed an Uber to go from one museum to another, while I waited for Anna. Next up was Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art.

I am not very versed in Arab Modern Art, so I took my time and strolled around both the permanent galleries and the current temporary exhibition, and just absorbed the inspiration. The collection includes many key artworks by pioneer Arab artists and is a unique exploration of the 20th- and 21st century modern and contemporary Arab art.

I was happy I managed to identify some artists and their artwork, like Ethel Adnan, an artist we previously have shown at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Saloua Choucair:

And of course, these big portraits in the entrance were very recognisable..!

H.H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned and HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, 2010 by Yan Pei-Ming. Characteristic large sized portraits by the same Franco-Chinese artist that painted the Mona Lisa in the lobby at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

This museum is the only museum of its kind in the world. Their collection has been built over the last 25 years and contains more than 9000 works from the Arab world, and also from other regions historically and geographically connected to the Arab Peninsula.

A very nice museum.

Doha, Day 3. 3-2-1 Sports Museum

On my last day, Anna had some prior engagements, so I ventured out with an Uber to discover the last two museums. I started at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum.

Mashrabiya roof:

Surprisingly, it was actually quite interesting! Well, I am a curious person, and open for most things - but I am not a very sporty person. Obviously I enjoyed the very first part the most, the part that spoke about the history of sports:

This part took me on a journey through the history of sport across the globe, from ancient to modern times. It was interesting as it was separated into geographic and thematic sections. Very well done.

Even in this museum I would take note of things reminding me of objects we showcase at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

The second part brought me into the story of the Olympic Games. It showcased objects connected with the long history of the Olympic Games, from Greek Antiquity until today.

There was a gallery which included a display of every torch from the Summer and Winter Olympics from 1936 onwards.

Olympic mascots!

There was also a "Hall of Athletes", where a lot of different sporting heroes from around the world were presented. Over 90 sporting icons were profiled here, and I spotted a few familiar faces - for example Jonah Lomu.

There was also a part which invited the visitors to physical activity. Not so fun since I was on my own, but I can see families with young kids, or sports crazy and competitive people have a blast here.
I walked through this bit fairly quickly and went off in another Uber to my next stop instead - to the Modern Art Museum.

Doha, Day 2. Katara

For lunch after our neighbourhood walk, we dolled up and Anna brought me to a part of Doha called Katara, to have lunch at a restaurant she liked.

This restaurant was placed high up on a hill, with a magnificent view. Just look at this!

The inside of the restaurant was also beautiful!

We had a gorgeous brunch in three parts, mmm! Super delicious food, great views and the best company!

Doha, Day 2. The Pearl

Anna and Andrew lives in an area called The Pearl in Doha.
We went for a morning walk, and I was amazed at how established it all felt. Walking about in her hoods it felt like a mix between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Singapore in a way.
Just look at these fun and colourful buildings:

Go Anna!

Look at how green it was! Didn't feel like the desert at all!

What a good start to the day!