Sunday, November 26, 2006
Monday November 27th 2006 I won' t tell you that this is one of the main streets 
Doha because of course it's not. This is outside of Doha can I can't really tell where it is. But, I wish I had more time to explore especially now that the weather is better for this type of thing.
I went for a drive last night (well as a passenger because I'd have to be pretty brave to start driving here now when I know so little of the city, the drivers are crazy and the traffic is mad). But it was interesting. I saw by night some of the venues from the vehicle. One of the things which amazes me is how they use the lighting here to highlight the buildings and houses at night. It's so very impressive. Also, there are lights extending into the night from several points in the city and all converging in a pyramid. That too looks impressive and as we drive past the Emir's administrative Palace I see that once again the impressive play of plum colors lights are making this building look amazing.
Two years ago, my driver friend says :"there was nothing here and just 12 months ago, there was no housing here either". Now those areas are dense residential areas or in another case an entire housing system for the Athletes village. Only when one knows that there are 10 000 athletes coming to the Games, is it possible to comprehend the extensive constructions that have been put in place in those areas. The building I am housed in and 6 others are for media and some cruise ships are being brought in. Which brings up the issue of who will go and watch the games if there is no accommodation in the city to start with. Only locals can really go to the events and many will choose not to because of their religion and the fact many do not like to be in public or be seen on television.
So no wonder there are traffic problems and the recent expansion of Doha means many people have come to live here and are coming to live here. The infrastucture is not prepared for it. Things are sprouting here and there and up to recently there wasn't even a code for constructions or no permit required to build.
Despite a constant lack of sleep which would dictate that I go from work to bed, I'm quite happy to get out and see a bit of the city last night.
Things are definatly ramping up at the venue now. Everyday there are more journalist which will peak in the next couple of day.
More later.
Doha because of course it's not. This is outside of Doha can I can't really tell where it is. But, I wish I had more time to explore especially now that the weather is better for this type of thing. I went for a drive last night (well as a passenger because I'd have to be pretty brave to start driving here now when I know so little of the city, the drivers are crazy and the traffic is mad). But it was interesting. I saw by night some of the venues from the vehicle. One of the things which amazes me is how they use the lighting here to highlight the buildings and houses at night. It's so very impressive. Also, there are lights extending into the night from several points in the city and all converging in a pyramid. That too looks impressive and as we drive past the Emir's administrative Palace I see that once again the impressive play of plum colors lights are making this building look amazing.
Two years ago, my driver friend says :"there was nothing here and just 12 months ago, there was no housing here either". Now those areas are dense residential areas or in another case an entire housing system for the Athletes village. Only when one knows that there are 10 000 athletes coming to the Games, is it possible to comprehend the extensive constructions that have been put in place in those areas. The building I am housed in and 6 others are for media and some cruise ships are being brought in. Which brings up the issue of who will go and watch the games if there is no accommodation in the city to start with. Only locals can really go to the events and many will choose not to because of their religion and the fact many do not like to be in public or be seen on television.
So no wonder there are traffic problems and the recent expansion of Doha means many people have come to live here and are coming to live here. The infrastucture is not prepared for it. Things are sprouting here and there and up to recently there wasn't even a code for constructions or no permit required to build.
Despite a constant lack of sleep which would dictate that I go from work to bed, I'm quite happy to get out and see a bit of the city last night.
Things are definatly ramping up at the venue now. Everyday there are more journalist which will peak in the next couple of day.
More later.
# posted by AdeC @ 11:08 PM 
