FIFA World Cup Fever

Although not as appreciated in the USA, the rest of world goes crazy during the four weeks of World Cup soccer. 

Due to the large quantity and diverse origin of expats, Qatar is a perfect place to watch the matches amongst an international audience. People from all around the world gather to watch their national teams.  This Algerian man, his wife, and son are gearing up for match between USA and Algeria.

And since Qatar is a "bidding nation" for the 2022 World Cup, the government is really hyping their support for the event; including the creation of big screen venues all over Doha to further promote the cause. Every hotel, restaurant, and even Souq Waqif has big screens broadcasting all the matches. Football frenzy has hit Qatar.  To see what Qatar has planned for 2022 go to this link:

http://www.qatar2022bid.com/

In the USA's final Group Round match, the American team faced a win-or-go-home situation against a feisty Algerian team. Along with my work mates,  I wanted to watch this critical game at the Souq along with the hundreds of Algerian fans.  Even before the match started, the Algerians were already singing and rooting their national team on at fever pitch. I was surprised how many USA supporters were also attending, so we all added to the frenzy with hoots and hollers during the match. ( I found out later that many Egyptians were rooting for the American team, because during the World Cup Qualifing matches, Algeria had narrowly edged Egypt out of contention on a contested call. Sour grapes.)

In the end, the USA won in dramatic fashion.  Landon Donovan got the vital winner in the second minute of injury time just as it seemed the USA was about to go out of the tournament. Instead the result meant they finished top of Group C ahead of England on goal difference.

But the Algerian fans were good sports and continued their celebration even after the loss. I had a great time talking about the game with some of fans.  Although disappointed in the loss, they were happy for their national team....and heck, it was a good excuse to have a good time.  So hey dude, let's party.

If Qatar ends up winning the 2022 bid, it's because they have the money do what most other countries can only dream of.  But with all the money that Qatar has to throw at this effort, one can only "expect amazing..."

Doha's Corniche

One of our favorite diversions is taking evening walks on Doha's famous Corniche. The Corniche is a seaside pedestrian zone that extends from the Sheraton Hotel in West Bay (Al Dafna) to Qatar's Islamic Art Museum at the other end of the bay.

We, like so many Doha residents enjoy taking after-dinner strolls along this most popular walkway. On weekends, it is full of people. Entire families, joggers, kids on bikes, picnicers and boating ethusiasts all congrate at the water's edge.

 Susan and I especially enjoy the night time cityscape and all the colorful reflections upon the water. In fact, may of the newer skyscrapers feature some very colorful lighting on weekend nights.

Even the festive lighting from dhows (traditional arabic wooden boats) moored along the Corniche contribute to this evening light show. For around QR 200, one can jump aboard for a slow evening cruise around the bay. Too fun!

During the warmest months, an evening stroll along the Corniche offers many of Doha's residents the only relief from the day's relentless heat. Even when the night air seems stiflingly stagnant elsewhere in town, one will can be refreshed by a light evening ocean breeze here.

One late afternoon, we happed upon a great sight of these traditional dhows sailing toward West Bay highrise district in the background. Today, most dhows are motorized, but their are still some that are rigged for sailing. As you can see they are beautifully crafted wooden ships used today primarily for recreation, but a motorized fleet is used by Doha's commercial fisherman too.  (I love this picture as it portrays the contrast of  Doha's old world against an ultra modern highrise cityscape  Cool....eh?)