As I write this its Thursday lunchtime here and Em is having a nap. We've had a hectic couple of days house hunting. Yesterday was a brave day for me! When Andi returned from work and Em was in bed I went late night shopping on my own and drove into the city centre. I think I've cracked driving on the wrong side of the road and I didn't get lost! The shopping malls here are huge and very busy even at 10pm at night. I'm also learning that the rules of the road are that there are no rules! We've both got our provisional drivers licence which will last until we get residence permits. I still can't believe the price of petrol - the petrol light came on yesterday and Andi accidentally got into the queue for premium unleaded - a full tank cost roughly £6!! Crazy.
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| Camels at the souk |
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| Exploring the souk |
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| Exploring in the hot weather is just exhausting |
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| Exciting times - lots to see! |
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| Soaking up the atmosphere |
Emily and I ventured out into the souk yesterday which is pretty amazing - there are rows and rows of little stalls selling everything from household goods to spices. Emily still draws attention everywhere we go and one family asked to take her photo and another little girl came up and said something to me in arabic and then gave Emily a big hug and kiss. We can't go anywhere without her being scooped up for cuddles and showered with kisses. Quite often she doesn't know whether to smile or cry-no such thing as stranger danger here! I learnt on our trip to the souk that Emily needs a lesson in haggling. I was always told to not pay the price quoted in the souk and so when Emily picked up a musical toy she wanted I was told it was 13 QR - I offered 10 and was told no and so I took the toy off Emily (bringing on big tears!) I'm sure the man thought 'ah a western mother she won't see her little girl cry and will pay full price' but we walked off with Emily looking back longingly. We visited the souk again today and I had a coffee in the sunshine (its quite hot today) and we pottered around. We met some camels - photo attached.
The pace of life here is pretty slow - I'm learning there is the actual time and then Qatari time - everyone is late for everything!
Hopefully we've found a permanent house for when we move in 3 weeks time but we're negotiating a price and going to take a second look so more about that another time......
Tomorrow is the start of the weekend and the current plan is to spend a family day at the beach. Can't wait.
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