Qatar National Day 2011

YAY - Qatar National Day 2011! Qatar, the richest country in the world - I think in a very biased calculation of GDP (anyhow, not the point of this blog!) will be celebrating its National Holiday on the 18th December 2011. For sure, it is going to be awesome and spectacular, similar to the previous years.

Kylie's school already celebrate this event today, their last day of school of the Winter Term. She had a blast exploring all Qatar-related trivias and other galore!

We love Qatar! 

Anyway, I thought I'd share the events happening for on Sunday. We had a long weekend as this is a non-working holiday for most of us here in Qatar!

Corniche Dhows Show with traditional lighting
Corniche Starts: Saturday, 17 December 2011
Ends: Sunday, 18 December 2011
From: 9:00 PM To: 10:00 PM

National Parade Corniche Occurs: Sunday, 18 December 2011
(All day event)

Musical Fireworks Corniche Occurs: Sunday, 18 December 2011 From: 12:00 AM To: 12:00 AM

Classic cars exhibition at Corniche Corniche Starts: Sunday, 18 December 2011 Ends: Friday, 30 December 2011 From:
9:00 PM To: 10:00 PM

Also, this news direct from Hukoomi:

Every December 18th, the people of Qatar celebrate the Qatar National Day in commemoration of the historic day in 1878 when Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of the state, succeeded his father as ruler and led the country to peace and unity. 

The State of Qatar was founded amidst chaos from tribal wars on land and piracy and pillage at sea, during the decline of the Ottaman Empire and the rising British imperial influence over the region. Interests and loyalties shifted as conflicts and disorder spread across the Arabian peninsula. With God's help the support of the Qatari people, Sheikh Jassim withstood the storms and help navigate his country to peace.
Week-long celebrations will take place across Qatar from December 11-18. 

Event highlights include:

• Dream 2030: Activities children at Aspire Park, 2 - 9 pm daily

• Traditional dances and games, horse-riding, poetry and more: Darb El-Saai near Sports Roundabout, December 18 all day

• Women's poetry: the Corniche near Theatre Roundabout, December 15

• Qatari sword dance, The Pearl-Qatar at La Croisette Porto Arabia, December 15-16 5-10 pm

• Handicrafts, games and shows: Souq Waqif, December 18 all day

• Fireworks and parades: the Corniche, December 18 all day

Please note that traffic can become very congested during the festivities. Those who must reach their appointments and destinations on time should plan their route carefully and avoid crowded areas such as the Corniche, Sports Roundabout and Souq Waqif. 

Happy Qatar National Day!


Keep exploring!

Christmas Far Away from Home 2011

Another Christmas in Doha for this year. Blessed be!

To be quite honest, I adore celebrating Christmas in Doha, far away from our homes, with our family. It's quiet, stress-free, intimate and practical. Admittedly, a lot of Filipinos know for a fact that going home to Philippines during this season is very (very, very!) expensive.

Well, the OFWs are known to be the number one bread winner in families. But this season has the extra stress of providing gifts to everyone simply because - it's the season to the jolly! Ho ho ho!

Hey, I will go home to Philippines if I could this season. The holiday celebration is simply not the same compared to the simple celebration away from home. I will go and celebrate with extended families every five years or so. That maybe practical instead of once a year.

Besides, celebrating here makes me focus on the real story of Christmas. Just last night, Kylie is very interested  about Virgin Mary's role in Christmas, how does it feel to be born in the manger and lots of other questions. I intend to share her the story of Christmas and I definitely can't focus on the Christmas story with all the merriment of holidays back home, gift giving and catching up.

Tonight, we will be reading about Jesus miracles. Because Christmas is all about understanding Jesus's purpose here on Earth. It all started once fine day, called birth of Christ - Christmas!

Happy birthday, Jesus! We are grateful for your existence in our life!

And a blessed Merry Christmas to all!



Happy Holidays!

You've Got a Friend in Me! - Practicing Again!

Loving the song You've Got a Friend in Me, she's practicing everyday! Love it!>




Keep singing.. while exploring!