Exploring Doha: Logos Hope (Floating Book Shop)

We just arrived from Logos Hope! The largest floating book shop Logos Hope to dock in Doha! That is the world's largest floating book shop. This is the first time it docked at Doha, however the other floating book fair docked  in Doha between 1971 (Logos) and 2006 (Doulos) 

Quoting some information from Gulf Times newspaper: 

The book fair on board the ship offers an expanded selection of over 5,000 books at affordable prices, covering a range of subjects including science, sports, hobbies, cookery, arts, medicine, dictionaries, languages, and philosophy. "With children's titles, academic texts, dictionaries, atlases and more, the book fair is something the whole family can enjoy," the official said. A fully air-conditioned 'visitor experience deck' will also be opened for the public to explore. Additionally, a 'welcome area' will be introducing the vessel through a short movie and interactive displays, while ice cream, drinks and snacks will be available for sale at an international café. Logos Hope is operated by GBA Ships e.V., an international, charitable organisation registered in Germany. In almost 40 years of service, the organisation has welcomed 40mn visitors. The book fair will be open at Doha Port's berth number 8 from 2pm to 10pm, while the entry fee will be QR2.

If you're in Doha and you plan to visit the Logos Hope - COME EARLY! We arrived at the Doha Port  at 6PM ,we lined up to buy the ticket and get into the shuttle bus for one hour - ONE HOUR with bored and cranky kids. And Doha, being Doha, favor some of the people who just arrived and gave them the shuttle. It took them (port management) thirty minutes to decide to use the big shuttle buses to cater to the loooooong line of people! My legs are hurting due to long standing.

However, the hospitality and friendliness of the Logos Hope crew were refreshing! They are attentive to the customers' concerns who were lined up - they just can't seem to do anything with how the shuttles are being arranged.

behind the crowd

not so happy with the book selection!

As the news mentioned, there was a short video about Logos Hope, what they represent and what are they previous and current achievements. The selection of books are limited and not as cheap as we have expected. We managed to get some books accessible for us as we find it hard to move in the book shop area as there are lots of people exploring with us. We've seen people who came disappointed and didn't buy anything; there are people who came and bought bags and bags of books! I suppose it depends on how you love books. There are varieties of books but personally, I prefer the Jarir Bookstore.

Since we arrived night time already, the visitor observation deck is not open to public access. We enjoyed the "story alley" - don't remember how they called it and the International Cafe where we enjoyed ice cream cone (5QR) and popcorn (3QR). There are toys set up for kids as well as area set up for picture taking. There was also a  laptop set up to register for souvenir photo - I registered but yet to receive the photo through email.

listening to the story of the good and bad

LOL - what am I suppose to be Mommy?

aye aye captain!

kids play area

Dear Captain: where are you all my life?

ice cream!

popcorn - P! P! P!

Although it could be better managed to avoid achy feet (ouch!), exploring the Logos Hope was a good experience. Not to mention, I got a poster I've been looking for all over.

all aboard!

we already rode a big ship! YAY!

The Logos Hope will be in Doha until 28th February. Might go there again without kids, and with Cihangir next time but not really sure yet.

How to go there:  The entrance to Doha Port is on the Corniche  just before the Museum of Islamic Art coming from C-Ring Road. A sign DOHA PORT will guide you to turn right off the Corniche and into the port area. The shuttle buses (or the waiting lines) will be visible after the  first right.  Shuttle buses will be taking any visitors directly to the Logos Hope inside the port at Berth # 8.(Important Note: Do not go straight to Port 8 as there is a security who will only ask you go back - we saw several cars attempting to go in and caused more delay and traffic! aargh)

Keep exploring!