Discovering Qatar: A Land of Timeless Beauty

Nestled on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Qatar emerges as a beacon of modernity intertwined with rich cultural heritage. This small but mighty nation boasts a captivating blend of traditional Arabian charm and contemporary innovation, offering visitors and residents alike a unique tapestry of experiences. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the beauty of Qatar, from its iconic landmarks to its vibrant cultural scene.

1. Architectural Marvels

Qatar's skyline is a testament to its rapid development and architectural prowess. Doha, the capital city, features a stunning array of skyscrapers that redefine the cityscape. The most notable is the futuristic Qatar National Library, an architectural masterpiece that blends traditional Islamic design elements with modern technology.

2. Cultural Heritage

Despite its modernity, Qatar remains deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. The Souq Waqif, a bustling marketplace in the heart of Doha, offers a glimpse into Qatar's past. Here, narrow alleys are lined with merchants selling everything from spices to traditional garments, while the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and shisha fills the air.  

3. Natural Wonders

Beyond the city limits, Qatar surprises with its natural beauty. The Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea), a UNESCO-recognized natural reserve, is a breathtaking sight where rolling sand dunes meet the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. It's a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, offering opportunities for dune bashing, camping under the stars, and exploring the unique ecosystem. 

4. Culinary Delights

Qatari cuisine reflects its Bedouin roots and influences from neighboring Gulf countries. A visit to Qatar would be incomplete without trying machboos, a fragrant rice dish with tender meat (usually chicken or lamb) cooked with aromatic spices. For dessert, indulge in luqaimat, crispy golden dumplings drizzled with date syrup.

5. Sports and Entertainment

Qatar is making a name for itself on the global stage as a hub for sports and entertainment. The country hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022, becoming the first Arab nation to do so. Beyond football, Qatar is investing heavily in sports infrastructure and hosting major international events, including the Qatar Open tennis tournament and MotoGP races.   

6. Hospitality and Warmth

One of the defining characteristics of Qatar is its hospitality. Visitors are welcomed with genuine warmth and generosity, whether exploring the bustling streets of Doha or venturing into the tranquil desert. Qataris take pride in sharing their culture and traditions, offering visitors a chance to experience genuine Arabian hospitality. 

7. Arts and Culture

Qatar's commitment to the arts is evident in its world-class museums and cultural institutions. The Museum of Islamic Art, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, houses one of the most extensive collections of Islamic art in the world. Additionally, the Qatar Museums Authority oversees several museums and galleries that showcase both local and international artworks.

8. Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Qatar continues to innovate and diversify its economy beyond oil and gas. The Qatar Vision 2030 outlines ambitious goals for sustainable development, education, healthcare, and cultural enrichment. As a result, Qatar is poised to further enhance its reputation as a global leader in innovation and quality of life.   

In conclusion, Qatar is more than just a destination; it's an experience that captures the essence of Arabian hospitality, cultural richness, and modernity. Whether you're marveling at its architectural wonders, exploring its natural landscapes, or savoring its culinary delights, Qatar promises a journey filled with beauty and discovery at every turn. Come, immerse yourself in the magic of Qatar, where tradition meets innovation and the past merges seamlessly with the future.

Howdy, folks! It's been a while since my last post. Here's an ice-breaking, mind-boggling, tongue-twisting exercise for a while that you might want to give a try... Break a leg, or should I say, break a tongue. ^^

“THE CHAOS”

by Dr. Gerard Nolst Trenité

(Netherlands, 1870-1946)

                               

Dearest creature in creation,

Study English pronunciation.

I will teach you in my verse

Sounds like corpse, corps, horse, and worse.

I will keep you, Suzy, busy,

Make your head with heat grow dizzy.

Tear in eye, your dress will tear.

So shall I!  Oh hear my prayer.

Pray, console your loving poet,

Make my coat look new, dear, sew it!

Just compare heart, beard, and heard,

Dies and diet, lord and word,

Sword and sward, retain and Britain.

(Mind the latter, how it's written.)

Now I surely will not plague you

With such words as plaque and ague.

But be careful how you speak:

Say break and steak, but bleak and streak;

Cloven, oven, how and low,

Script, receipt, show, poem, and toe.

Hear me say, devoid of trickery,

Daughter, laughter, and Terpsichore,

Typhoid, measles, topsails, aisles,

Exiles, similes, and reviles;

Scholar, vicar, and cigar,

Solar, mica, war and far;

One, anemone, Balmoral,

Kitchen, lichen, laundry, laurel;

Gertrude, German, wind and mind,

Scene, Melpomene, mankind.

Billet does not rhyme with ballet,

Bouquet, wallet, mallet, chalet.

Blood and flood are not like food,

Nor is mould like should and would.

Viscous, viscount, load and broad,

Toward, to forward, to reward.

And your pronunciation's OK

When you correctly say croquet,

Rounded, wounded, grieve and sieve,

Friend and fiend, alive and live.

Ivy, privy, famous; clamour

And enamour rhyme with hammer.

River, rival, tomb, bomb, comb,

Doll and roll and some and home.

Stranger does not rhyme with anger,

Neither does devour with clangour.

Souls but foul, haunt but aunt,

Font, front, wont, want, grand, and grant,

Shoes, goes, does.  Now first say finger,

And then singer, ginger, linger,

Real, zeal, mauve, gauze, gouge and gauge,

Marriage, foliage, mirage, and age.

Query does not rhyme with very,

Nor does fury sound like bury.

Dost, lost, post and doth, cloth, loth.

Job, nob, bosom, transom, oath.

Though the differences seem little,

We say actual but victual.

Refer does not rhyme with deafer.

Foeffer does, and zephyr, heifer.

Mint, pint, senate and sedate;

Dull, bull, and George ate late.

Scenic, Arabic, Pacific,

Science, conscience, scientific.

Liberty, library, heave and heaven,

Rachel, ache, moustache, eleven.

We say hallowed, but allowed,

People, leopard, towed, but vowed.

Mark the differences, moreover,

Between mover, cover, clover;

Leeches, breeches, wise, precise,

Chalice, but police and lice;

Camel, constable, unstable,

Principle, disciple, label.

Petal, panel, and canal,

Wait, surprise, plait, promise, pal.

Worm and storm, chaise, chaos, chair,

Senator, spectator, mayor.

Tour, but our and succour, four.

Gas, alas, and Arkansas.

Sea, idea, Korea, area,

Psalm, Maria, but malaria.

Youth, south, southern, cleanse and clean.

Doctrine, turpentine, marine.

Compare alien with Italian,

Dandelion and battalion.

Sally with ally, yea, ye,

Eye, I, ay, aye, whey, and key.

Say aver, but ever, fever,

Neither, leisure, skein, deceiver.

Heron, granary, canary.

Crevice and device and aerie.

Face, but preface, not efface.

Phlegm, phlegmatic, ass, glass, bass.

Large, but target, gin, give, verging,

Ought, out, joust and scour, scourging.

Ear, but earn and wear and tear

Do not rhyme with here but ere.

Seven is right, but so is even,

Hyphen, roughen, nephew Stephen,

Monkey, donkey, Turk and jerk,

Ask, grasp, wasp, and cork and work.

Pronunciation -- think of Psyche!

Is a paling stout and spikey?

Won't it make you lose your wits,

Writing groats and saying grits?

It's a dark abyss or tunnel:

Strewn with stones, stowed, solace, gunwale,

Islington and Isle of Wight,

Housewife, verdict and indict.

Finally, which rhymes with enough --

Though, through, plough, or dough, or cough?

Hiccough has the sound of cup.

My advice is to give up!!!

Originally transcribed by Pete Zakel

The Raindrops of Summer

One sunny day just turned into a gloomy one. Thunder growled while the wind was blowing hard.

Then the rain poured.

After it rained cats and dogs, it left few drops on each leaves.

          Just enough to ease the heat of summer...

One Blooming Day at the Holy Mountain

The tree of life, a shady protector of the mountain folks.

Into the woods of shady mountain trees.

A greenly rest after a long walk...

The bright bells of morning dews.

Thorny cactus sprouting up high.

Three attractive orangey flowers.

The innocence of white orchids.

One pinkish white beauty among the others.

A bunch of purple lovelies.

A clover-ish magenta-like bloom.

Mandarin orangey shades blooming in the air distinctively.

The one that stands out among all and the queen of the orchard, a charming rose.

Playing Lens At The Backyard

The tree of life...

 Fallen leaf seems to be a wasted chance or turning page to one's life.

 Buds,on the other hand, symbolize new beginnings.

looks like ferns, feathers of sky.

 Blossoms beautifully on the vineyard.

Holes that represent imperfections, yet still proceeds to stay on.

Focus on the inside and not just on the outer structure.

 Under the ground beauty...

Tree barks are like scars, healed but remained.

 Buds blooming same as the youth rises.

 every line has its own destination.

 Man is the root of everything he builds.

 Latter days will come at the end of your time. Seize everything while you still can.

Reflections on the water are just simply amazing.

Eco Park: Seize the Nature to the Fullest

This is what life really looks like.... #EcoPark #GetYourSweatOut

Exuberantly worthwhile... #EcoPark #GetYourSweatOut

Breathtaking scenery...totally love this part.  #EcoPark #GetYourSweatOut

Neon staircase.... Creative minds indeed!  #EcoPark #GetYourSweatOut

Into the grass field... #EcoPark #GetYourSweatOut

Feel the warmth. #EcoPark #GetYourSweatOut

Being able to catch the actual sunrise is totally eye-popping.... #EcoPark #GetYourSweatOut

Walk hard.  #EcoPark #GetYourSweatOut

The cottage was simply cool... #EcoPark #GetYourSweatOut

The scenery was all worthwhile.... #EcoPark #GetYourSweatOut

Hanging ecopathway... #EcoPark #GetYourSweatOut

Cycling at Ecopark this early morning..... #GetYourSweatOut