Too Much Fun With Too Much Food, and the Right Amount of Swimming and Shopping.

Not much in this post, but quite a few pictures, as I feel like making you jealous.

'Eid' starts next week, which is the religious holiday when Arabs can make the pilgrimage to Mecca, and expats can sleep in and travel. The last day with the kids was today, and for the next two days we have Professional Development and get to sleep in for 2 hours longer. Can't wait!!

I just got the news that Mum is coming during February, which is going to be pretty cool. Would be even better if kitten could visit too, but that might be a bit hard. I'm going to have to figure out how to fit her into my single apartment and how to keep her occupied while I am at work, but hopefully they rearrange the PD days so we can have a solid amount of time off and go to Abu Dhabi or somewhere.

The Intercontinental Hotel has the most amazing pool and beach, usually costing 200QR for entry, but on Wednesdays, those of the fairer sex get in for a measly 50QR, and we have been making the most of it. I am really looking forward to next Wed - as we are on holiday and will be able to be there all day.

Looking towards the Hotel. They have built a heap of new buildings that are almost open and this one is looking old and shabby in comparison, which is saying something about how posh the new ones are!

The beach at sunset.

The beach with a nice view of the city.

Pool during the day.

From the restaurant to the ocean.

From the beach with the new hotel in the background.

The luxury loungers - that we put our bags on and never use!

Having an early tea before swimming with Michelle from Ireland.

The pool at night.

The in - pool bar, which is devine.

Shopping. There may be more than I am showing you. There may not be.

Hand painted candle holder. Building up a nice relationship with the guy that sells this stuff.

New shoes - they are so epically tall.

Brunch! Oh what can I say about brunch!? The brunches here are a huge thing, not cheap (280QR) and for all their talk about 'brunch' it's really an afternoon thing (12-4) but oh, the food...and the alcohol!! The waiters just circle continually with sparkling wine and your glass is never empty, in the whole four hours. (and before you ask, I walked out of there, in my heels, neat as you please, thank you very much :) ) You dress up for the occasion, and make sure the dress you pick is not too restrictive because the food... 

From the left - Leigh, Tenneille (me) and Emily (all from Ireland - I'm picking up the accent - I'm surrounded by them!) All dressed up and with full glasses as to be expected.

Profiterole.....

Food.

More food.

More food. And i didnt even take a picture of the desert station with its chocolate fountain and Crepe dude, making to order.

The Doha Tribeca Film Festival was on this week, and was a huge event with Antonio Banderas, Frida Pinto and Leona Lewis all making appearances. We went down to check it out, unfortunately during 'family day' which was way too infused with children for my liking, but it was exciting to see such a huge event. It was a shame we didn't get to see a film, but all the good ones sold out quickly.

The main stage, with the big movies and the concerts.

A very cool sandcastle with most of the Doha landmarks.

The Katara Promenade with air conditioned bubbles and stalls and buskers.

A treat for those of my generation: I found these in the supermarket around the corner and just about fell over in excitement  NERDS IN A BOX. WITH MORE THAN TWO FLAVOURS AT ONCE! No-one here understands me. I keep getting them and and shoving them under peoples noses going - "OMG LOOK!" and getting bewildered stares back. Uncool.