Today, I took my Outlander for inspection for annual istimarah renewal. Unlike before, this time I chose FAHES vehicle inspection point in Al Wakrah. No specific reason except that the inspection point is easy to find, and the inspection itself is well-known for its quickness.
The site is located at ground in front of Hamza bin Abdulmotaleb Mosque (a grand mosque you’ll see on your right when driving from Doha to Messaied on Wakrah – Messaied main road). The mosque is about 300m south of the famous Pearl Roundabout.
Knowing from other’s experience that inspection line can be long during Saturday morning, I made myself hit the road at 5.35am from home. Arrived there at 6.05am, you know what, I was already on the 21st spot, the best I can get. Not long after, line after me quickly filled up. By 7.05am when the inspection started, the queue was probably around 40 cars. (Note: some said that inspection during weekday or Saturday afternoon may be less crowded).
And yes, I had to wait for about an hour before the inspection started. Fortunately I came prepared with hot tea to beat cold winter, newspaper and Android tablet to kill the time, and a pack of snack – fearing that inspection is gonna take so long.
Snaking around the entrance, car-by-car was inspected very quickly. It took less than 5 minute per car to be inspected, which includes technical and legal checks. Prior to go to inspection bay, car owner must register his/her car in registration office (brown building), just next to inspection bay (blue building). Inspection fee is QR75 cash only.
Finished with inspection, I went to registration office to get inspection result. My car failed in Tint/Film on Windshield Film a part of Legal Requirements. No worry though as I could seek waiver from a standby Police Officer, who don’t bother to check my car windshields. By 7.40am all was done. The rest is a formality for istimarah renewal with insurance and Traffic Dept.
This was 6.15am and inspection line has been this long (Al Wakrah Vehicle Inspection. Hamza bin Abdulmotaleb Mosque (left) and small brown building is registration office, blue building is inspection bay (right)
Vehicle Inspection in Al Wakrah. Brown building is registration office, blue building is inspection bay.
The second edition of Qatar Motor Show was just opened to public since today, 25 Jan 2012, and it runs until 28 Jan 2012. Here are some guides to the show.
– Location: Doha Exhibition Center (next to Katara) for Exhibition and open area south of exhibition center for outdoor shows
– Parking: anywhere around the exhibition center both on asphalted parking lot and ground. Some parking on road side between Exhibition and Katara. Parking lot on the east side of the building is a bit quieter. Expect crowded parking and traffic jams during weekend
– Requirements: No children under 12 years old allowed to exhibition
– Food: Costa Cofee, snack counters near spectator seating in outdoor show arena
– Exhibitors: see Floor Plan below. Almost all big brands present except Honda, KIA, Mitsubishi. Don’t miss photo with many luxury cars, concept cars, and F1 cars. Also try F1 video games at Shell booth
Qatar Motor Show - Exhibition Floor Plan
– Outdoor Shows: Red Bull Drifting Shows, Stunt Biker Show, Red Bull FMX. Check the following link for outdoor show timing on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Here are some pictures I took on Wednesday.
One of the concept carsClassic Car Show by Al Fardan
Aston MartinLamborghiniHarley DavidsonFerrariMercedesTexas A&M Qatar GTL Diesel-fueled Urban Concept CarRed Bull Drift ShowWith Scuderia Ferrari
Blame it to Siberian cold wave that cold(er) weather becomes talk of town. The sudden dip to mercury down to 4 deg C triggering wave of status in social network sites. Friends posting X deg C at Y time complete with pictures of mostly temperature indicator of car is not uncommon. Meanwhile, all busy with keeping their body warm.
Basically, Qatar’s climate can be summarized into: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers. Note pleasant winters! So when it’s colder (average low temperature in January is 13 C)than it is used to be, like now, then it becomes “unpleasant’ winter to some long time Qatar resident or those from tropical countries 🙂
The lowest my car has recorded outside temperature
“I think I rather like summer”, said my son. “We can escape from the heat but not cold”
I never like fishing until I found that it is not the fishing itself that is interesting but whatever around it.
To me, I thought fishing was wasting time, throwing your bait then wait…wait…wait…until poor, unfortunate fish attracted to your bit and ouch ..hooked! And it is a kind of deception, isn’t it. That’s why I don’t like it.
As time goes, I started to like offroad while in Qatar. When we went for night dune bashing, the morning after is always fishing time for most of my friends. I just watched them, tried to understand what joy fishing does bring. Many of my friends are fishing maniac; they bought boat, went fishing every weekend: in Al Dhakira, in Simaisma, and in Inland Sea.
My father-in-law is also a fishing maniac so maniac that whenever he sees a pool of water, he retorically asks himself “Is there fish inside? He never persuades me to like fishing but when I express my interest in buying fishing tools he can’t hide his enthusiasm. So here we go, I bring along a fishing kit from my last vacation.
Last weekend was my first fishing lesson. First, throwing bait, rolling up, throwing, rolling up. I didn’t get any fish yet, nor heaps of enjoyment. But at least I started, though I am thinking that may be watching them doing fishing amidst laugh, jeers and jokes can’t be more jollifying.
I don’t know.
Fishing amidst fog, at Rock Island, Inland Sea
After quite some time, I joined night dune bashing and morning fishing
..when stuck is no longer a shame nor frightening
Jeep thing you won't understand
...and tire slippage or out of place is just another lesson learned
I noticed that for couple of weekends recently I spent them accidentally without going to malls. Hmmmm…. so it’s possible, it’s doable to spent weekend without them. These weekends-without-going-to-malls are worthy exercise as those big attractive red banner hanging everywhere (read: SALE) – how do you know then? – inviting unnecessary spending 🙂
In fact, it’s no that difficult to pass the weekends without malls. Last weekend for example, I went for night fishing and dune bashing Thursday night till Friday morning, then went for gathering in the afternoon. On Saturday, I spent the whole day with my kids, playing board games, rearranging their toy rooms, and reading. This weekend, another example, I spent reading on Thursday night, went to Al Khor for photo hunting in the morning of Friday, visited a friend in the afternoon till evening. On Saturday, lingered the whole morning and then went to Corniche till late afternoon.
So, it’s possible.
Next big thing is a weekend without TV and then without internet? Is it doable?
Man jadda wajada. He who gives his all, will surely succeed
Inspired by a true story, the book’s main message is one thing: that He who gives his all will surely succeed, or if you give it everything you’ve got you will surely succeed.
The story has it that Alif had never set foot outside of West Sumatra. He passed his childhood days searching for fallen durian fruit in the jungle, playing soccer on rice paddies, and swimming in the blue waters of Lake Maninjau. His mother wants him to attend an Islamic boarding school, a pesantren, while he dreams of public high school. Halfheartedly, he follows his mother’s wishes. He finds himself on a grueling three-day bus ride from Sumatra to Madani Pesantren (MP) in a remote village on Java.
On his first day at MP, Alif is captivated by the powerful phrase man jadda wajada. He who gives his all will surely succeed. United by punishment, he quickly becomes friends with five boys from across the archipelago, and together they become known as the Fellowship of the Manara. Beneath the mosque’s minaret, the boys gaze at the clouds on the horizon, seeing in them their individual dreams of far-away lands, like America and Europe. Where would these dreams take them? They didn’t know. What they did know was: never underestimate dreams, no matter how high they may be. God truly is The Listener.
The Land of 5 Towers is the first book in a trilogy written by A. Fuadi—a former TEMPO & VOA reporter, photography buff, and a social entrepreneur. He went to George Washington University and Royal Holloway, University of London for his masters. A portion of the royalties from the trilogy are intended to build Komunitas Menara, a volunteer-based social organization which aims to provide free schools, libraries, clinics and soup kitchens for the less fortunate.
At many points, I have reflections on the book as some of my life experiences proved that man jadda wajada:
– I was forced out of university taking sick leave for one semester due to sick after an expedition in Ujung Kulon National Park, 1995. Skipping one semester means that I must wait in some subjects to next year to complete certain subjects as they are interdependent: you can’t take one subject unles you pass pre-requisite subject. Then, I decided to focus on study (chemical engineering), to keep minimal extracurricular activities, and to catch up others. Finally I could graduate in due time, 4.5 years, with cum laude!
– I pursued my master degree in National University of Singapore. Although I got scholarship, all of my family expenses were relied on/supported only through my own savings that probably barely enough for 2 years. Given this tight financial situation I forced my self to complete master program in only 1 year (instead of 1.5 years for normal full time student). With all hardships, at the end, one year and good GPA were the results. Man jadda wajada.
Amidst the busy vacation, I forced myself to complete reading books. One of the five books is about financial planning. The title seems intriguing; opposite to what normally best sellers have, things like how to become rich, super duper quick ways to become rich, financial freedom in very flash time, etc.
The author, Ligwina Hananto, talked about strengthening the middle class. Middle class is like most people in Indonesia. Average of us: have income, can live proper, can go shopping, able to take vacation once a year, able to spend time in cafe, able to watch movie in cinema. Middle class feel they have enough about their financial issues as it turns out they don’t have proper plan and their power of purchase are not maintained with ability to sustain the life style for longer term.
In summary she recommended that we should have:
– Educational Fund, that enough to compensate for tuition fee increase and inflation. Here she wakes me up that saving does not solve everything. Though I have had two educational saving plans, I still have some homeworks. That I must invest in moderate to high risk instrument for long term plan to be able to meet the always increasing education fee.
– Emergency Fund, that addequate to cover our living expenses during hard time (lay-off, unfortunate events, etc.). For a family with two children, 12 months emergency fund is recommended. This fund is not necessarily achieved in one go. Putting money into gold investment may be a good idea in here. Another homework.
– Pension and Protection Plan, through insurances and pension plan. I think I get them covered although pension plan to be increased to ensure that the current life style can still be maintained in retirement life.
– Personal Fund, for vacation, sharing, charity, or religious intention.
Ligwina also provided readers with 100 steps/checklist financial action plan, from separating monthly expenses with weekly expenses, pay all credit card bills every month, own the first house, to starting to own active asset, and ensuring pension fund achieved, so forth and so forth.
The book makes me scared. But scared that gets me think and take action! Thanks for “pinching me”, Ligwina!
We visited MIA Park during its first opening to public last Friday afternoon. The Park was actually opened since 15 December but to the VIPs and special guests only. The opening activities covered many activities including free use of bungee trampoline, bouncy castle and playground. (not sure if bouncy castle will be permanent). MIA Park is an excellent addition to Doha’s public space. Though at the time of visit, shades are not much (particularly useful for visit during hotter months), the park is really enjoyable.
This 62-acre park, designed by Hiroshi Okamoto includes about two kilometers of lighted pedestrian pathways shaded by native palm trees with magnificent view to Doha skylines. Visitors will also find paddle boats for rent in a small cove in Doha Bay (not operational during our visit – in the future it will not be free – QR25 according to QMA FB news feed), as well as two cafés and one kiosk offering souvenirs and other gift items. Year-round public activities at MIA Park will include film screenings, sports events, storytelling programs and art workshops. MIA Park will be developed in phases, with additional elements and amenities to be announced in the future.
Not to be missed on the western edge of crescent shape promenade is the massive steel sculpture entitled ‘7’, by world-famous artist Richard Serra. The 60m long sculpture plaza, specially designed to support ‘7’, is clad in black granite and is surrounded by water, with stairs rising from the water’s edge on the south side.
MIA Park is conveniently located on the waterfront in the grounds of the MIA, right off the Corniche Road through the Port Road entrance; entrance is free of charge. Visitors will be able to access the park through the parking area of the Museum of Islamic Art or they may park their vehicles at a new parking area adjacent to the Doha Port. The future MIA Park operating hours to the public will be as follows:
No special prayer area in the park (assuming Moslem should go to MIA for praying) unfortunately. Free wifi was said available but I haven’t tried yet. Toilets are available near the cafes (left side cafe is for cold beverages, right cafe is for hot beverages). The cafe design itself is interesting, with Arabic pattern and modern seating designs.
MIA Park
Richard Serra's sculpture and MIA Park crescent promenade
As I’ve said in the previous post, Bandung is a city called home though it’s not where I was born. A capital of West Java, Bandung offers what other cities in Indonesia commonly don’t have: creative industries! Cuisines, tourist attractions, fashions and arts are among elements where Bandung is more advanced than any other city in Indonesia. Every time I’m back to Bandung, new tourist attractions sprouted, and new creative cuisines invented. Added with Sundanese cultures and pleasant weather Bandung is lovely.
Tasting the hottest casava crisp - Level 10. The latest addition to Bandung creative cuisine
It’s still 3 am in the morning when we arrived in Bandung after 3 hours driving from Jakarta. Street vendors have started their stall preparation in this wee hours. Hungry from the trip we stopped by at one of the street vendor stall selling ‘bubur ayam’ (chicken porridge). Along with Tofu Dumpling (Kupat Tahu), chicken porridge is the most favorite breakfast menu in Bandung. A journey of cuisine sensor calibration has started 🙂
Unfortunately, vacation is not always about leisure. Priority still to be assigned. The week ahead I was busy with completing all administrative things: obtaining Overseas Worker Identity Card, renewing Resident Identity Card and Family Card, renewing Education Savings, printing bank statements, updating Manulife Pension Plan (while at the same time withdrawing Jamsostek’s Old Days Insurance) and working with an architect for house renovation plan. Fiuh…and all of these took almost half of my vacation!
Now the fun part. Every Indonesian vacationers must do this: culinary traveling. Hunting for the best cuisine in town. And Bandung is never sort of cuisines. So let me mention some we’ve tried: Kupat Tahu (tofu dumpling), Bubur Ayam (chicken porridge), Batagor (fried tofu meatballs), Siomay (steamed meat with or without tofu), Lotek (a mixed boiled vegetables, served with peanut paste and some chillies, similar to gado gado), Mie Kocok (a noodle soup, served with beef foot, beef skin and tauge or mung bean sprout), Martabak (The savory martabak is a thin fried pancake stuffed with eggs, some vegetables, mushrooms, chicken/beef and one filled with sweet corn and cheese), and Nasi Timbel (the famous Sundanese dish. It is a tube-shaped rice that has a distinguish flavour, because it is cooked inside a banana leaf. It is usually served with lalapan (raw vegetables), fried tofu & tempe, fried chicken and chili paste).
Did I mention I had a durian party?
Apart from culinary traveling, we also spent some time to enjoy the latest addition to Bandung’s attraction. We visited Trans Studio (one of the largest theme parks in the world) and spent almost a day inside. I recommend that you visit Trans studio whenever you have a chance to Bandung. Just a precaution, as it is popular among tourist, Trans Studio may become crowded and regular visitor may experience a very long queue that they may need to consider buying VIP access. To me I’m proud that Indonesia can make their own Universal Studio.
Trans Studio Bandung
Transcar of Trans Studio Bandung
Flying the hot air balloon at Science Center of Trans Studio Bandung
Ouch! ...laying down over the nail bed at Science Center of Trans Studio BandungSpecial Effects Actions! at Trans Studio Bandung
We also visited Rumah Sosis (sausage house) in Jalan Setiabudi. Apart from its delicious sausage, games and activities inside are not so attractive (except for its rickshaw!). Better heading to Kampung Gajah (another outdoor theme park on the slope of mountain), I guess. The nearby Kampung Baso, across and down the street from Rumah Sosis, however, gave us a pleasant lunch with its traditional menu. Head for inner yard where traditional gazebo amidst shady and green environment can only make our stomach even hungrier.
Rumah Sosis
Becoming a rickshaw driver in Rumah SosisKampung Baso
Not to be missed in Bandung is shopping. Mention Factory Outlets or Distro (independent Distribution Outlet) then Bandung will pop up as the lead. We did FO hopping: from Rumah Mode in Jalan Setiabudi, to Happening in Jalan Dago, to Heritage and Cascade in Jalan Riau (RE Martadinata). Don’t miss street vendor selling original Crocs for 40-60% less around western part of Jalan Riau. though Setiabudi, Riau and Dago are where the most FOs and Distros are located, nowadays they spread out to its old location wings: to Jalan Supratman, to Sultan Agung and Trunojoyo and so forth.
Pasar baru (New Market) is my wife’s shopping heaven for moslem attires, where on the other side I was heading to BEC (Bandung Electronic Center) for gadget and electronic. Ny. Liem in Jalan Naripan, and Kijang Mas in Jalan Haria Banga were my wife’s other destination for her passion in baking and cake making. These two old stores are the os you need for the baking and cake ingredients and tools supplies.
Nowadays, Bandung however suffers from what typical major cities in Indonesia have: traffic jams, and lack of convenient public transportation. This is where motorcycle comes handy. If Bandung is not blessed with rain that day, I’d prefer to use motorcycle: navigating traffic jam, zig-zag among cars, cutting the queue and arriving in lesser time. Super! What makes Bandung different to traffic jam-suffering cities is its resident are more tolerant and respect among road users. I’m not sure if it’s because the cold weather or culture. The former is unfortunately changing. It is hard to encounter the day when temperature can reach below 20 C. temperature now hovers around 22 – 28 C throughout the year, unlike 18 years ago when I first arrived in Bandung, mercury could go down to 17-18 C. Climate change?
Whatever, Bandung is Bandung as it was Parijs van Java (Paris of the Java).
A section of Cipaganti Road. Many areas in Bandung are still well kept for its 'lungs'
Yeah….and time flies so fast and I’m already coming back to Doha after a more-than-2-week-long vacation in my home country, Indonesia. Welcome back to Doha, welcome back to reality. As my friend put it in his Facebook status – back to dishwasher job soon 🙂
Indeed, vacation is not a reality. This is when you don’t bother withwork loads, don’t bother with waking up late, when you’re having some loose spending, rewarding yourself with visiting new places, meeting old friends, tracking back memories, calibrating culinary taste sensor.
But Doha is our second home and we feel it by the time we landed in Doha International Airport. It’s the start of January 2012 and our fourth year (can’t imagine) in Doha…with new challenges and interesting work and life ahead.
An explore dream discover life episode of an Indonesian family in Qatar
CGK-DOH 