Doha Event: 2nd Dhow Festival at Katara

After ages of hibernating at home - comes the more tolerable temperature and off we went to see another Doha Event - the 2nd Dhow Festival at Katara. We have attended the first one and we definitely prefer that one. Although, this second exhibition is not that bad - there's free water everyone! Plus there are lots of lifeguard everywhere, however, the dhows are left unmanned. It is also very difficult to climb to the big dhows as it entails jumping off the stairs to the dhows, which has a high risk of falling off to the see - but hey, as I've said, there are lots of lifeguards everywhere, just no one to assist you to actually PREVENT you from falling off the see.

Well, sorry to be such a whiner but it was a real challenge with two kids and one baby in tow - not a really friendly place for family unless we are equipped with lots of nanny, which of course, we are not.

There are also more decorations and activities last year compared to that year, whatever happened to the preparation. I feel that the exhibition was conducted last in minute and they invite whoever is in the harbor that day. (A lot mean, but we really loved it last year!)

There is a taxi ride this year which we didn't see last year but we were not able to ride as well. As ranted, it was not really family friendly.

Was it worth a visit this weekend? Yes, of course, just take a little precaution and enjoy!

And off we go! 

we came around 4PM so there we not lots of people yet  

one of the dhows in the exhibition

Inside one of the boats!

posing by one of the big boats 

see the very unsafe gap from the stairs to dhow!

this is the best attraction in the dhow- very friendly staff as well!

Keep exploring!
 

Doha Breakfast: Bateel

We had breakfast in Bateel last Friday for lack of no other choice. We were up and about at 6AM as kids wake up early and of course, parents need to follow the kids lead. Whatever happened to lazy Friday mornings?

Well, we had seen this coming and we intend to enjoy this blessing of togetherness. Bliss requires lots of effort, that we know and experience.

Anyhow, we did enjoy Bateel as we were the only once there. It was as expensive as The Mango Tree and there's not much choice, only Arabic breakfast and American breakfast! We choose the latter and one is not enough - the kids fought for their 'eggs' and we ended up buying two! We did finish it and enjoyed the lavish (though not that tasty!) breakfast.

he was sooo hungry! 

the order is here so he can smile! But he has to carry the baby while he eats - a good hearted husband hahaha

not so found of fries for breakfast

here you go - American breakfast one serving - OILLLL galore

one order of pancake!

hotdog overload! 

another restaurant, another family photo! 

We are keeping our eyes open for more breakfast choices so we don't have to run out of choice and come back to Bateel again. On the second thought, it was not a bad experience. Just not too high value for money.

This Friday, remembering the cost of Bateel breakfast, we ended up staying in and the kids had eat-all-you-can eggs made by Mommy and they are happier.



Keep exploring!

Halloween Celebration in Doha

Halloween has come and gone and here's how we celebrated the event. We cleaned out our closet and found some old costumes - chose some and wore it and went to The Ritz Carlton for a Halloween Celebration. We have enjoyed the Halloween buffet so much especially the kids area - it has lots of Halloween activities for kids including face painting and balloon blowing! It was kind of adult Halloween party with kids. The kids enjoyed scary face painting and it was real spooky!

Right after the dinner, we went home too tired but still managed to watch some scary movie, The Others, while nestled in bed together. It was such a memorable night for the family we decided to make this a family tradition.



Some of our favorite photos, of course:

gone are the princess days! My very clever six year old chose a "bad" policeman costume!

and our super baby Kayra!

Our cute doctor Kerim!

Look what happened to the policewoman zombie!

as long as he has food - he's happy hahaha

BOO! Happy Halloween!

thirsty for blood juice!

walk like a zombie!

AWOO!

resting for ice cream!

this zombie astronaut scared the hell out of Kerim

Until next Halloween. It might not (or might be) in Doha but we will make sure to nestle in bed and scare each other off. Making beautiful memories with family members is real bliss. 

Keep exploring!