Special Sunglasses to combat the sun in Qatar - Vision 3K

I went to see Dr Alex at the Al Ahli Hospital to have my periodic eye test examination. No change required due to eye sight deterioration this time but he told me that I should wear grade 4 sunglasses as due to the make up of my eyes they were very suscpetible to the bright sunlight in Qatar during the summer. Also I needed bigger sunglasses than the model I was wearing at the time.

However, grade 4 sunglasses (the darkest tint) are not available in Qatar so I had to use Vision 3K in England via the Internet and get the sunglasses made and sent over.

The sequence was that I looked at the Vision 3K website to check what models of sunglasses were availble (they don't do all brands so better to check the website first to see what they do stock) then went around the numerous glasses shops in Doha and tried on ones that were on the Vision 3K website.

I then ordered the special sunglasses through Vision 3K over the internet, paying by credit card. The service was good and I got my new sunglasses within about 2 weeks and in plenty of time for the summer!

Vision 3k Website

Wahm Bar in the W Hotel in West Bay

I have been to the Wahm Bar a couple of times for a drinks evening with my company and it was quite a pleasant place to go to. It is in the W Hotel in the West Bay area (opposite the City Centre Mall and a block down).

The decor seems to me to be sort of Arabic/Moroccan and it is licenced as well as serving some snacks as well. There is also an outdoor area by a pool. They play music but this is usually not too obtrusive. Unfortunately smoking is allowed that can be off putting.

It is nice place to go, the service is good and you are made to feel welcome. Not sure about the prices as I have never had to pay!

The Yotel at Heathrow and Gatwick Airports

This is not strictly about Doha but we found this a very useful service at London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. A lot of people in Qatar travel home or on business and often go through Heathrow. The founder of the Yo Sushi chain (that he subsequently sold on) has a new business venture in Terminal 4 at London Heathrow Airport and the South Terminal at London Gatwick.

It is based loosely on the Japanese tube type hotel. My wife used the one at Terminal 4 Heathrow. Basically it is a small hotel room in the airport where you can freshen up, take a shower, repack or have a sleep inbetween flights. The room can be hired by the hour so you can time this for your stopover time. My wife said it was clean and a very useful place for an 8 hour flight connection.

There are also Yotels at Schipol in Amsterdam and in New York.

The Yotel Website

Zig Zag Buildings near the Pearl entrance

These are two residential blocks that are on the short road to the Hyatt Hotel and the Ritz Carlton Hotel. This is the area generally near the entrance to the Pearl man made island.

We looked at one of the apartments in 2010 but decided that there were not enough nearby shops for us, however the apartment was very nice (unfurnished). There is a pool there and parking seems OK too.

From  inside on the upper floors you get a nice view out across the waters surrounding the area.

From a distance the buildings are a great design, they look as if they are about to to tumble over and you need to take your camera to take some pictures if you are in the area.

Flower Stall in Hyatt Plaza

In the Hyatt Plaza, which is the shopping centre next to Villaggio and has also has a newly painted huge shopping trolley outside, there is a flower stall by the entrance. The entrance you need to go to is the one that goes directly into Giant, the supermarket.

The shop is squeezed in between the doors and Starbucks opposite Giant. It does a reasonable display of flowers and they will make up a bunch for you as required. This could be by price or by type of flowers. There are also some ready made bunches for sale too as well.

It has the advantage while you are waiting for your bunch to be made up that you can sit in Starbucks and have a coffee or get an ice cream from Baskin Robbins!

Cinema in Doha Villaggio Mall

I love to go to the cinema and in Doha it is a great way to escape the heat of the day too. The cinema is modern with very comfortable seats. It has the usual fast food snacks and has a good selection of films for all (including Arabic and Hindi films too).

They also publish a nice little brochure each week that has small reviews of films, with times etc that is very handy to pick up free from the counter.

Beware that the cinema does not open until about 2.30pm on a Friday, but is generally open at most times during the day and evening.

Talking Matters Toastmasters Club Special Announcement

The New Executive Committee (Ex-Com) of Talking Matters Toastmasters Club for the Year 2011-2012 has sworn-in on their Installation Night at Oryx Rotana on 27 of July 2011.

Talking Matters has celebrated their 186th meeting in a festive mood.

TVS Prasad (President), Ekata Bhatnagar (VP Education), Altaf Mian (VP Membership), Nisha Sivram (VP Public Relations), Sandra Rodwell (Treasurer), Ian Rodwell (Secretary) and Noushad KK (Sergeant-at-Arms) have been appointed as New Ex-Com.

Several Toastmasters from other Clubs, Delegates, Past Presidents and Guests were also present during the ceremony. The new Ex-Com is committed to continued excellence for Talking Matters Toastmasters Club and will lift the club to new heights during the coming year with the valued assistance of all Club Members.

New members are welcome to Talking Matters and meetings are held every 2nd and 4th Monday at the Oryx Rotana Hotel in Doha at 6.45pm.

The next meeting is to be on 11 July 2011.