Making friends...

7th - 11th May:

This week has all been about getting to know people and getting out there, well in as much as I can!

Making friends in the office has been a key thing, working out who's good and who's not is still not determined.  But I think I have sort of cultivated a little group:

With things looking up in the office (I hope it's set to get better) my boss and I decided to become tennis partners, so we've played tennis three times this week (the third is this evening).  It also seems like I am better than all the tennis players here, which say's something!

Now looking at those pictures, would you say that I have a tan? Hmmmm.

The weekends here are all about big brunches where all the ex-pats get together, pay around £55 for an eat and drink as much as you can buffet.  It was pretty nice, lots of good food to sample (Rash you would be in heaven!).  Unfortunately I didn't take pics of it all but I did of my dessert plate:

There was much more to be had, candy floss, you could make your own and pick whatever flavour you want, macaroons, I mean the list goes on and on and on.

I finally signed the lease to my new apartment and will be moving in on Sunday, which gives me only Monday night to kind of settle in before flying out to Cannes for the rest of the month.

I will keep you posted! Now, I'm just digesting my lunch and then off to play tennis.  One thing here is that you always feel sleepy as the oxygen levels as low...but one good thing is that time flies even faster than it does in London!

Hope you're all well...see you all sooon!

Apartment Hunting - vote for your favourite.

6th May:

Apartment hunting in Doha is not easy, it takes weeks and weeks to find something that you like let alone something in your price range.

The best areas fill up the most and the further in you are the more expensive - but I don't really want to be mile away from work, though I do want to have some sort of community around me.

I've noticed that all the expats live in the same area, West Bay, but I want to be part of the culture so have been looking in Bin Mahmood, a cool area, let's calling it the Notting Hill of Doha, but it's nothing like it.

My agent has found me two one bed flats....the choices are hard and I don't want to spend ages searching, so here are the two options:

Flat one has gym and swimming pool is larger than the second but the not inclusive of bills (400 QR).

Flat two is all inclusive of bills, but is smaller, however it's brand new.

Cast your votes and help me - have to make a decision tonight!

 

End of my first week!

3rd/4th May:

I can't believe that it is already the end of my first week, however strangely is feels like I have been here longer....does it feel like I've been gone long? Now be nice!

Work seems to be OK, getting used being in-house after nine years of agency (I can't believe I will have been working for a decade next April). I'm now a client...eeek!

So, to unwind I took a stroll in Katara (the cultural village where my office is) and reflected on my first week by the beach in the balmy weather (I look relaxed right?):

I was then invited to have dinner by some new friends, although it was more like a snack....fried halloumi and fake bacon with brown toast....I have to give it to them for trying at least....however I'll stick to cooking my own food in the future.

Today I ventured on a mini trip to....yes another mall called Landmark.  They all seem the same to me, but I needed to stock up on my weekly shop, which if you're good and don't buy all the imported stuff can be cheap.  I spent the equivalent of £22 and got some lamb, fish, fruit, carrot cake, spices and baklava.  Rash and mum, you would love this, made from cashews, I will bring some back with me.

The weird thing is they have some many things from around the world so it's fun trying new things, though I wasn't taken back by the lychee juice....the name makes me want to itch!

 

 

CAKE...did I say CAKE!

2nd May:

So, I had a long day at work, getting to get with things slowly and found out that I will be attending the Cannes Film Festival for a week (exciting!).

My desk is now less bare - I got a bigger screen, just need some cushions as the tables are too high and chairs too low:

I also forgot that the traffic this side of the world gets massively busy, so whilst waiting in the lovely warmth for my driver, I decided to devour some of the cakes from the cupcakery....I opted for the red velvet and hazelnut.  

I can say that they were pretty good, though not as good as Lola's in London but still very good, but for £3.00 each they are on the steep side.

It's 10:45pm - and I'm tired, and this huge bed is calling me to sleep, so good night until the next instalment.

Doha at night and my first day at work

30th April:

When you have been living in a bit city for almost a decade you become used to the buzz of London, or for me, become a social butterfly....well with so much to do you can't blame me.  When you arrive somewhere where it's the complete opposite, all you have is time.  

I deceided to explore the area where I was living and so went to the local mall, City Centre.  It is Doha's oldest mall and has a mix of stores - you feel like you're in the 80's and then you see a Bo Concept with uber modern furniture...bizarre.  Anyway, I took a walk in the breezy evening and then came across some interesting buildings....tell me what you think:

I also found these giant grapes - have you seen anything so big (grapes wise!!):

1st May:

Today was my first day at work. My boss picked me up from the W and drove me to the office.  I was surprised how modern it was, clean, white, spacious.  I also met the team, nice, friendly people and they all seem pretty welcoming, though not quite Ketchum, but let me give it time! 

So this is me in the office and a collegue of mine:

 

Oh and the food is great, service slow.....my lunch was a fresh piece of grilled salmon....yummy!!

Now back to the hotel, made some chicken and resting before day two!  Watch this space.