Walkabout - Books, Books, Books...

It was 110F blazing degrees in the Arabian Gulf, but I wasn't feeling the heat.  Because after two days of searching I'd finally found

THE LIBRARY

(pic borrowed from: http://alittleoryx.blogspot.com/2011/04/qatar-national-library.html)

The Qatar National Library is housed in an wonderfully Qatari-like old building near Dar Al Kutub Roundabout ("kutub" means "books"), close to the massive Qatar National Museum (under construction).

Up wide steps, through double glass doors - and heaven:  that dusty-sweet "old bookstore" smell and shelves, shelves, shelves of ancient tomes. The space is shaped like half an I-beam - Arabic volumes on one side, tables, glass display cases and exhibits along the straightaway and good stuff to read in English at the other end.  Plus rows and rows of actual card catalogue drawers - which I rummaged through as an exercise since virtually none of my catalogue selections were anywhere to be found.

Behind a circular shaped, strangely modern appearing reception desk, the male libarian wore a yellow suit, yellow satin tie and shiny gold rings.  Speaking Arabic, he indicated that some borrowed books just don't make it home.

Pretty windows

Three hours slipped out from under me.  I collected Arabic folk tales, ancient guidebooks, Caliph stories, histories of Qatar and nearby countries…

Lights flickered off, then on again. 

From approximately 1-4p every day, Doha shuts down for lunch, family, nap-through-the-hottest-part-of-the-day time. Blankets are thrown over merchandise, shutters cover windows. Some shopkeepers just walk away, but most people lock up before they leave.

The librarian?  A lock-it-up kinda guy.  He pointed toward the door.

Leave books on table.  Come back tonight.  But not tomorrow. No library tomorrow.

He handed me a piece of paper.  To become an official Qatar National Library card holder you must complete a form in Arabic and get it stamped by your employer.

Got it: finish the residency process, find a job, get a card.

Until then, I understand there are free newspapers downstairs.  And that anyone can wander in and read.

Old Gulf Guidebook

Doha Happenings

Bob’s been to the camel races, souq, and dined at a wide variety of fine establishments, but there’s plenty more to do in Doha.  Follow the links below to see what Bob’s coworkers and their onsite families are up to.  There is the inland sea, singing dunes, old forts, malls, Souq Waqif and…well, take a look!

The Sartain Family:

http://thesartainfamily.blogspot.com/

Mike and Tracy Sartain just had their third child – in Doha! Look for a picture of Bob at the Thanksgiving celebration.  The Sartains head back to the states in June.

Myers Family:

http://myersfam.shutterfly.com/

This young family travels – a lot!  Israel, Scotland, Ireland, Ethiopia, France, Holland…I want to go!

Here are pics of their trip to the inland sea - a place Katie, Kimber and I hope to spend some time.  Directions:  “…go to the end of the road and head south for about 20 km.”  I understand the sea is surrounded by dunes and is a hazardous drive (Bob says we are not to go alone – in case the car eats sand and dies).  Looks like the trip is worth it:

http://myersfam.shutterfly.com/1238

http://myersfam.shutterfly.com/1783

Dune jumping looks like fun!

There are also four malls, the Corniche, seedo rentals (in the bay outside Bob’s window) and, of course – one may shop, jog, ogle at the Pearl...right outside Bob's front door.  (Assuming I can walk by that time.  Think positive thoughts.)

More coming soon…