After napping for a little bit longer, I managed to drag myself out of bed and go explore the neighbourhood. As it was Friday morning, the streets were quiet and most shops were closed. I found two shopping centres within walking distance and managed to find myself on google maps so I have a better sense of direction now.
Walking out in the heat in a pair of jeans isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Sure it was hot, but the sun was hidden behind clouds so that helped a little bit. the weather has been bearable so far but we aren't in the peak of summer yet. I shall let you know how I go then.
The next thing on my to-do list was to visit the Villagio Mall and do some grocery shopping at the massive Carrefour. Getting a taxi wasn't a problem and I was there in no time and only cost me about $4 to get there.
Once inside, I immediately felt at home. Amazing how a shopping centre can do that!! Even though there were all the Qatari people there, it still felt surreal and I often had to remind myself that I was in Doha. The shopping centre itself was amazing in design. They have a gondola that runs through the mall, an ice skating rink near the food courts and an indoor amusement park that has a ferris shell, a carousel, bumper cars and a roller coaster!! The roof of the mall is painted to depict different times of the day. I wasn't really paying much attention to that but I hope you can see it in the pictures below. Here is a few snaps of the mall...
Aspire Park next to the Villagio
The gondola...and the day time sky
Ahhh, Haagen Dazs...you'll know where to find me now!!
Evening sky
The canal
Dusk
The ritzy end of the Villagio with all the designer brands
The ferris wheel and carousel inside the amusement park
A small snippet of the roller coaster. The track goes under the bridge I am standing on and up the other side. One word, amazing!!
Food court and behind those arches is the ice sharing rink (no photographs allowed)
The photos don't really do the shopping centre justice. I don't think it is as big as Chadstone as such but it certainly packs more than just a shopping experience in. I think this will be my local hangout on the weekends. Just can't wait to show Zoe!!
Next stop was shopping in Carrefour. It reminded me exactly of the one in France that H and Lil took me too. If I didn't think too much about it, I swear I could have been in the once in France instead of Doha.
For those that haven't been to a Carrefour before, it is a combination of Coles and Kmart but on a larger scale. It sells everything but most things were unfamiliar to me, especially the grocery items but I have picked up a few things that will hopefully get me by for the week. I did manage to find the tomato flavoured monster chips that I fell in love with while in Switzerland so I am pretty happy about that. I think I even chuckled to myself when I found them...sad I know!!
So the sun is setting on another day here in Doha. I find myself feeling pretty good about being here. Nothing has happened to make me feel as though I have made the wrong decision. It's an adventure for sure and I am enjoying being able to explore my new home and crossing off more "first time" moments. Even I have surprised myself with how I am coping.
Until tomorrow...
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