Life on the Spot! Life and Leisure in Doha, Qatar

We’ve had the privilege to be invited to a friend’s Christmas party last Sunday, December 23.  The previous Thursday we invited them over for lunch.  We’ve known Chiclet and her husband since we got here in Qatar, when we lived in Al Bayyan Gardens.  And although, they have often invited us  to their children’s birthday parties, it was only lately that we’ve had the chance to invite them.  I was so happy when finally that long overdue invitation finally took place.

We were bringing some macaroons that I ordered from my friend and presents for her three girls whom Xianelle is so fond of, especially Jenelle.  When we arrived there were just a few guests but after some thirty minutes, the guests started coming.  There were a total of 50 guests, children included that night.  Well they had a very spacious and nice place to accommodate all those guests.  There were a lot of food, some they prepared personally and some they ordered.  It was truly a feast!  They even had this humongous turkey which was prepared by the man of the house himself.  It was so good, now we’re thinking of having turkey for New Year. 

The children had a few games before dinner.  Too bad, they couldn’t have more after dinner since it was very cold that night.  But surely they all had fun with the few games that they had.  After dinner, the “videoke” was set up.  But of course, I was one of the main singers, hahaha!.  Tian didn’t have to remind me to give others a chance though of course I knew I had to.  Then some guest started dancing while we were singing, so we chose some fast and upbeat songs.  Then later on, I found myself dancing with them as well, to the tune of YMCA!  It was so much fun.  I had a drink.  It was a pineapple-flavored alcoholic beverage.  You wouldn’t taste the alcohol but you would yourself get warm as you continue to gulp on it.

We left the party at around 8pm.  Although we still wanted to stay, we had to go home and take a rest.  Xiane got some gifts from Tita Chiclet which made her very happy.  She opened them up on our way home then she fell asleep halfway home.  Chiclet kept thanking us for coming but we are more thankful for the invitation.  We met a lot of people there but most of all we were happy with the warm reception that we got from Chiclet and her husband.  The next day she was calling me to tell me that she forgot to give me my gift.  It was really sweet of her.  On the other hand she was able to make Tian promise that he will help me cook some “halayang ube” or purple yam jam.