miss b loves ....... Doha, Qatar, a city of contrasts (Part 1)

Having read about the rapidly developing city of Doha, the capital of Qatar,  we decided to take a closer look as it's just a one hour flight from Dubai so ...... during our recent week in Dubai we headed over there ......

Qatar  is a constitutional monarchy ruled by the Al Thani family since the 19th century and it tops the list of the world's richest countries per capita by Forbes.

Urban development is more restrained than Dubai but it's an ambitious country and is due to host the 2022 World Cup. 

It's a fascinating, contradictory place with both traditional culture and futuristic buildings. The iconic Doha Tower (Burj Doha) was designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel ...... 

....and the beautiful, intricate façade was inspired by ancient Islamic screens .......

A quick tour of the Msheireb Enrichment Centre was a good starting point and gave us an insight into the history of Qatar ....

.......and its plans for the future. It's impressive that they are keen to retain their culture and traditions whilst at the same time embracing the modern world.

Wherever we went we received a warm welcome and as we strolled along the Corniche everyone we passed either greeted us with a 'Good Morning' or a wave!

Along this sweeping promenade with its palm trees and manicured lawns there are outdoor gyms ...

Now that's what I call a gym with a view!

Along the Corniche, walls are covered in colourful mosaics which depict Qatar's history, traditions and wildlife........

miss b loves ......... the Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience

What a stroke of luck that we happened to be in Dubai for the Vogue Fashion Experience in the Dubai Mall!

Organised by  property developers Emaar Properties and Vogue Italia, this glamorous celebration of fashion, was held for the first time in the Middle East.

I headed straight to the atrium near Bloomingdales department store .......

..... to see a very special Haute Couture collection by such iconic names as Dior, Valentino, Armani, Chanel ...........

Atelier Versace
Spring/Summer 2009

.... but this Elie Saab gown was most definitely my favourite ....

Elie Saab Haute Couture
Spring/Summer 2013

and look who I spotted as we were walking along level one .....

Donatella Versace

A host of events had been organised including catwalk shows and exhibitions and all for a good cause too ......the charity Dubai Cares which helps to improve children's access to quality primary education in developing countries.

Our next stop ..... Level Shoe District, the largest shoe store in the world which was also celebrating its first birthday with a special extravaganza 'Let The Shoe Begin' and it all looked so glitzy and glamorous .........

miss b loves....... a very pink Dubai!

We've just returned from a week in the sun ... and Dubai was certainly looking very pink this October! Breast Cancer Awarenesss Month is in full swing over there and several hotels were illuminated in pink to raise awareness for the campaign, including the iconic Burj Al Arab....

The Jumeirah Beach Hotel looked stunning in vibrant hot pink too! We stayed here during our first visit to Dubai way back in 1996! The Jumeirah Group is not only turning its hotels pink but is organising a host of special activities both in Dubai and globally too. 

Across the city the number of companies and individuals getting involved is so impressive with a wide range of fundraising events advertised in Time Out Dubai magazine ........ from spa treatments to sponsored walks ....... 

I even spotted an advert for a pink bungee jump in the local 7DAYS newspaper but I would definitely prefer to do the sponsoring than the jumping!

You will remember from my guest post here that this is a city where there's no shortage of sweet treats and many coffee shops and cafés are taking the opportunity to raise vital funds for cancer charities in October with pink afternoon teas and delicious desserts....

'So Pink' Dessert buffet at Galéries Lafayette

miss b loves ...........making the most of autumn fruits

I'm always sad to see the end of summer especially when it's been such a good one this year with plenty of sunshine (not always the case in the UK!) Autumn does have much to offer though ... not just an excuse to buy new season clothes but an opportunity to try new recipes using all the delicious fruit and vegetables.

Time to swap salads for soups and peaches for pears! The gorgeous colours on the front cover of the Waitrose Autumn Harvest recipe booklet caught my eye ....inside, the Baked Pears with Butterscotch Sauce combine some of my favourite seasonal ingredients ....pears, pecans and blackberries......

Irresistible drizzled with the butterscotch sauce which is so rich and indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make. It's sure to become one of our favourites. 

Click here for the recipe

The next dish I came across is another simple one....Baked Greengages with Cinnamon. It was being demonstrated in Sainsbury's and as soon as I had finished my scrumptious sample, I wandered off down the aisle to buy the ingredients ........