Picnic on the Beach

We drove along the coast down towards the Inland Sea.  The car was sort of slanted so I was so freaked out that we would go in the water accidentally!

tire tracks in the sand

It was a gorgeous day but still a bit chilly!  Waaay too cold for swimming.

the grill

Then we got stuck in the sand!  Oops!

Murakami Takashi Exhibit

The Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) presents 'murakami - ego' the first exhibition of Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Mrakami, in the Middle East. its title draws on Murakami's desire to create a show that is 'a dialogue with one's own ego', reflecting the artist's struggle to create a private fictional universe in response to a growing information overload. It is the largest collection of his work ever presented to the public, showcasing his diverse practice and movement between art mediums, and the singularity of his vision. on display are more than 60 works produced by Murakami from 1997 to the present, on loan from leading international institutions and private collections, as well as several new works developed especially for the show. 

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/10/view/19215/takashi-murakami-ego-at-al-riwaq-exhibition-hall-doha-qatar.html

Mr. Murakami siphons motifs from Disney and Dalí, strategies from Pop Art, and sexual fantasies from Japan’s anime (animation) and manga (comics) subcultures. His cast of variously cute, erotic or grotesque creatures and intense decorative pilings-on range across paintings, sculptures, animations and wallpaper, building at times to a hallucinatory intensity that has more than a touch of darkness. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/04/arts/design/04mura.html?pagewanted=all

There was also all this merchandise from various anime shows, including Bishoujo Sensei Sailormoon, Cardcaptor Sakura, and Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne.

Kanye West bear

This is the bear from Kanye West's music video:

Wadaiko Drum Performance at Katara

Japan Foundation presents taiko tour by Eitetsu Hayashi, a pioneer of solo taiko performance, in celebration of 40 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and 4 GCC countries; Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain.
 

Hiroshima-born Eitetsu Hayashi is one of the legendary taiko drummers. His career started as a founding member and principal performer of internationally renowned taiko groups Sado-Ondekoza and Kodo, and began his solo activities in 1982. Hayashi has originated a unique and emotive o-daiko(big drum) solo style and created the new horizon of taiko performance beyond the traditional styles. His technique, physical stamina and expressive range have enabled to make innovative fusions with various music spectra; from classical, jazz, rock, modern music and world music to dance.
 

After our sushi dinner, we saw this really incredible wadaiko drum performance at Katara.

http://www.jpf.go.jp/e/culture/new/1202/02-01.html

Hamour Nigiri

Had dinner at the fish market in Katara, my favorite spot for sushi.  We got the soft shell crab tempura (35QR, a really good deal) and hamour and salmon nigiri (only 10QR each).  Hamour nigiri is such a perfect union of Qatar and Japan in one cute (yummy) rice package!

Business Lunch at Market at the W

Went for the business lunch again at Market.  Got tomato soup, the gourmet cheeseburger, and apple cake for dessert.  Amazing as always!

Energy of the City

Souq Waqif Spring Festival

The circus festival was back again at Souq Waqif. This is my third time seeing this festival and it seems to be every year at the same time with a timing very close to Mardi Gras....

The guy is walking upside down!

Souq Waqif Spring Festival

Pantomime