Visitor and the Suq..

We've been here for about three weeks.  It seems much longer to be honest.  We've been driving since the first week, been to three malls, play groups, got a driving license, A has been through three weeks of orientation/planning at work, the apartment is set up, the city is starting to look familiar, we've had dinner guests and been dinner guests, been to the Embassy, and most recently had our first visitor. 

My first years (2) in Morocco, I was roommates with L (and a couple of other ladies too).  She is a really great friend and over the past twelve years our friendship has grown into one that no matter how long it is between visits, we are able to pick back up where we left off...  I just really enjoy our friendship a lot.  We haven't been together in about three years (M was just a wee little man), and I was itching for a visit when I got an email letting me know she'd be flying through Doha (from Kenya to London) and had day layover!  My initial thoughts were a little nervous because I knew we'd only have been here three weeks and wasn't sure how much getting around we'd be able to do, but I was so excited to see her that it didn't matter.

The kids and I loaded up to head to the airport early hoping we'd avoid the rush traffic and make it to the airport to pick up L just after she made it through immigration..  um no..  Between construction, the GPS being more than directionally challenged, and amazing amounts of traffic... we arrived at the airport quite late, but unscathed.  In typical L style, she hopped in the car (after a long wait) and off we went, catching up for lost years as quickly as possible.

Music teacher L with M and the music bin..

We spent the morning (what was left of it) at our apartment (getting home was way easier) catching up over peanut butter pita bread and after a quick nap (for L), we headed to the clubhouse for lunch.  Delicious food, more conversation (I got to hear all about L's amazing recent adventure visiting Congo - traveling two nights and days in a large canoe down the Congo River...), another nap, and we picked up A from work and headed to Suq Waqif to explore.  The last time L and I were in a suq (marketplace/bazaar) together was years and years ago in Morocco, so it was really fun to explore the suq here (our first time going) together.  The suq here is built to resemble the old suqs.  There are a few subtleties that give away the modernity of it, but it is still a fun experience.

L's lunch.. So pretty and so tasty.. wow

The thing I like about suqs is the experience of a total bombardment of one's senses, and Suq Waqif was no exception.  The bright colorful fabrics down one alley, the ornately painted pottery down the next, tiny golden camels brightly decorated, beautiful artwork everywhere... the eyes are pleased and overwhelmed around every turn.  Spices in heaps in one shop, incense burning in front of another, food simmering in a plethora of delicious restaurants...  the nose is delighted.  Sellers welcoming you to "step in and have a look," traditional dancing and "chanting" being performed on a stage, the local mosque call beckoning people to enter and pray... the ears are enchanted.  A million tiny things to touch at every corner enhances the experience and P and M were especially delighted with each little trinket to touch and hold.  ("hands down" was a mute point.. it wasn't happening)  The flavors at the Lebanese restaurant we chose amazed us.  The hummus was smooth, the homemade bread puffy and delicious...  It was a delightful trip to the suq and we will be back for artwork, pottery, and perhaps some carpets when the weather cools a bit. 

The front of Suq Waqif.

Suq

Want one?

One of my favorites.  Locally hand painted tiles. 

Love.

So colorful and textured.

There will be one in my apartment soon.

A*MA*ZING (spice blend)

The smells are amazing.

Traditional dance and chant.

So delicious..  Hummus, Fattoush, Baba ganoush, fresh bread. 

So good..  I can never get homemade pita to puff like that..

P and M's meal, they insisted on a picture..  Chicken kabobs (amazing seasoning) and fries.

Hungry??

She needed a picture taken.

The chandelier at the restaurant.  

M too, but not without A.

She just HAD to get on that lion.

Love the look..

No outing is complete without M finding some type of rescue vehicle.

This is one of P's favorite buildings (not the suq, but close).  She says it looks like a cupcake with swirly frosting and even a cherry (red light) on top! 

One of the cool things (literally) about this suq is that areas actually feel air conditioned because of the shops that line each side of the alley ways.  As people enter and exit, they let a bit of cool air escape and it really makes a difference. 

We drove home, did some more chatting, ordered L a taxi for 3:00 am and went off to sleep.  I woke up around 4:15 and L was already gone (stinking am vs pm on the alarm!)...  It was a totally awesome day and I can't wait to see that lovely lady again soon!!

Thanks L for making an effort to be here for the day, we love you and can't wait to hear about your adventures in London. 

L and I at dinner

So... who's coming next???