Dec. 20, 2008 – Last night we stepped out of our laziness and decided to go out.  But instead of going to our and most people’s destination here in Doha, which are the malls, we went to The Pearl instead.  I guess a lot of residents here have already heard of it.  It even has a big billboard just in front of the Toyota building.  It surely has gained popularity among us because it is like the counterpart of “The Palm” in Dubai; the very first of its kind here in Qatar.

Just recently, my husband heard that an area of The Pearl is now open to visitors though not really completed yet.  We wanted to go during the Eid but it didn’t push through until last night.  The funny thing is that we even got lost last night.  We first went to the Four Seasons area at West Bay thinking that it was close to the said hotel.  But after reaching a dead end and not finding “The Pearl” or even a single signage, we realized that it was nowhere near that area.  So Tian had to call a friend who knew where it was.  We then finally reached our destination.

Upon entry to the bridge, you instantly see how special the place is.  It was like you’re entering a different world.  True enough, once you get inside you feel like you are not in Qatar anymore.  Once of the security guys asked if we had the VIP pass.  We didn’t but he let us through anyway.  However it makes you think whether it will be exclusive once it is completed.  I hope not but you can’t blame if the residents would like some privacy and exclusivity since they have invested a lot of money in order to acquire a place there.  But since there isn’t really a final word yet about that, make the most of the chance to visit. 

You are allowed to go to "Porto Arabia". There is a parking space for vehicles and a pick up point where visitors are meant to board golf carts to be dropped off the main entrance of the future mall.  There were about 10 golf carts going to and fro the mall and the parking lot.  Inside the mall, there isn’t any store yet but you could see which stores are going to be there and they are surely signature shops.  You exit to an open air, long and wide park or walkway, the highlight of which is the view of the seawater.  There are benches to perch on and already there are a number of coffee shops doing business.  Among them are 2 Costa outlets, Cinnzeo, and two other the names of which I forgot.  Since there was nothing else, people were actually buying coffee from these stalls.  It was also a good way to keep yourself warm especially if you are visiting in the evening during this time of the year.

Last night was quite windy thus it was a bit cold.  We stopped by Cinnzeo since Xianelle wanted a cinnamon roll which she ate all by herself.  It would require someone to have a sweet tooth to be able to eat a whole cinnamon roll.  It was way too sweet for my taste thus I never tried it again after one bite.  Since we didn’t want coffee, the LPG-fueled lamp heater kept us warm.  Now talk about more demands on LPG’s and the consequent shortage here in Doha.  Luckily, it will only be during the cold months.  

The Pearl is also in a festive mood as there were lights everywhere and a nicely lit and decorated giant tree.  It was so lovely to look at the giant balls hanging on the tree.  It was like our Christmas tree here at home, only much bigger.  As way of entertaining guests, they commissioned two stilt walkers, one male and one female snow costume and fully made-up.  I’ve always wondered how it felt to be walking in those stilts.  It must have made them feel mighty high.  When we reached the very end of the walkway, we decided to go back.  It wasn’t long before we could get our golf cart ride back to the parking area.  It was a good way to spend the evening.  Next time we will try to visit during the day so it won’t be too chilly.