Driving in Doha

When asked, "What is one of the biggest challenges facing expats in Qatar?", the most resounding reponse is "Driving!". Honestly, when I arrived here 14 months ago, I was shocked by the absolutely arrogant wrecklessness exhibited by the local Qatari drivers, and was equally terrified by the frightful driving skills of many third world expats.  During my first two or three weeks of driving here, I felt like I had at least one near-death experience every time I took to the roadways.  But now, those fears all seem to be a distant memory. Coming from a western culture that promotes defensive driving, I quickly realized that one must take a much more aggressive approach to merely survive here. Heck, after of a year of driving in Qatar, I'm ready for NASCAR.  Watch out Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon!

Whether it be negotiating a three-lane round-about (driving circle), or trying to avoid contact with a "lane-wanderer", one becomes accustomed to the hazards of daily driving in Doha.  But one thing remains constant: We must remember to buckle up. Coming home from work the other day, I witnessed this scene which must have just happened.

A Qatari woman and an Arab expat had this little fender-bender. Luckily, nobody was hurt. But I am always amazed about the cavalier attitude that non-westerners have about using seat belts. Very rarely do we see children in safety car seats. Kids are simply allowed to roam around the car without limitation nor restraint.

I find it curious how almost every local Qatari drives a late model Toyota Land Cruiser; - almost always white body paint with side body graphics/decals.  Why so much of the same?  I don't really know.  No doubt a Land Crusier is a quality vehicle that is also well adapted for this part of the world. But why this model? And why mostly white?  Perhaps in a culture that requires outward conformity, we see Qatari men dressing alike with their Guttrahs and Thobes. And for those women in compliance with Hijab, the Qatari women are clad in their long flowing Abaya with their customary Shayla and Niqab (head /facial) coverings. So I can only guess that this same conformity becomes evident in other lifestyle purchases; - including their cars.

Some of our favorite eats.....

One of the great delights of living abroad has been the exciting new foods and tastes! Susan and I enjoy the Arabic, Indian, Pakistani, and Turkish foods served throughout Qatar. The Turkish grill cusine is one of our favorites. They feature tasty grilled chicken, lamb, fish, shrimp, and also ground -meat kebabs.

A favorite fast food is Shawarma (Arabic: شاورما‎), which is thinly shaved chicken or other meat served over a bed of rice or in a flat bread wrap. The meat is skewered and flame-roasted on a vertical rotisserie spit, and may be grilled slowly for as long as a day. Chunks of fat within the meat ensure that the shawarma stays juicy. Mmmmmm! For my appetite, a regular sized shawarma won't do, and so I order a "Sarookh" (English: "Missle", Arabic: صاروخ ). That's kind'a like the equivalent of ordering a "Double-Double Animal Style" at your favorite In-and-Out Burger Drive-Thru back home in the States.  But instead of french fries and a milk shake, the side orders are more healthy choices including tabouli, fattoush, taboon bread, tomato and cucumber. Toppings include tahini, hummus, moutabel, and baba ghanouj.

Our favorite shawarma is at the  Marmara Istambul Restaurants scattered around town. Just as In-and-Out Burger offers drive-thru service, the Marmara shops feature similar drive-by service, but in a more chaotic middle eastern way! One must only drive by the store (in the middle of traffic) and honk ones car horn. Immediately a guy runs up to your window, takes your food order, and within minutes he's back to you with your freshly made food order.  Yumm!

As you can see in the photos, I have become a "regular customer" at the Marmara store in Al Sadd....now they let me into the kitchen! Susan and I feel that this would be a great entrepreneurial opportunity for fast food in the USA. It's definitely healthier and tastier than most. Enjoy!