I discovered Nesma Art online. I was approached by Nassima who invited me to her studio to see her work and have a chat. I showed up in front of a villa I was given directions to and rang the door bell. Nassima, with the warmest aura and brightest smile, invited me into her home….
Tag: Doha
The Countryside Store, Souq Wakrah
I have found the cutest boutique in Wakrah! Welcome to every girl’s dream store, the Countryside Store! This post is one among a series I will be doing on Souq Wakrah which, if you haven’t been, is the Wakrah version of Souq Waqif. But it isn’t as crowded or congested and it has a beautiful view…
Al Rawnaq Stores
Rawnaq is a chain of stores. One located near Souq Waqif and one in Farij Bin Omran opposite Al Ahli Hospital (location in links below). Rawnaq is a one stop shop for stationary, arts and crafts, home improvement projects and every nick and knack you have ever seen on garments. As a quick reference to which one to go…
The Taliban Store
Let’s start with the name because I know you’re thinking it. According to an online source, the store has no association with their namesake organisation and have their books regularly checked by the local authorities to make sure everything is running…lets say, ‘by the book’. The Taliban store isn’t one you just come across and walk into. In…
Souq Al Dira
Don’t let the external facade fool you. Souq al Dira is classy! You should specifically come here if you are looking to create an outfit. There are all sorts of textiles in different fabrics, colors and styles. It isn’t cheap and be ready to haggle. These guys play hardball so it won’t be easy. You…
Souq Al Asiri
This isn’t a mall. Make no mistake. This isn’t a polished tourist’s version of a souq built a couple of years ago. This is a rundown, very old, legit souq. So prepare to haggle. The more you look like a tourist, the more you must haggle. Bring out any Arabic or Indian languages you may know….
People
I’ve spent almost all my life in the Middle East and never had a local friend, acquaintance, colleague or neighbor. It’s recently that I’ve made friends with a few locals. It is shocking how similar we are. To start with, we are all the same age, grew up in the Middle East doing the same…
When do you really know a place?
I’ve lived in Doha for 5 years now. Do I know the place? Do I really know Doha? When can you really say you know a place? When you can find your way around? When you have a go-to grocery store that delivers to you? There are certain things I need to really feel comfortable living…
NinaNotNow 