Thursday we checked out the Gold Souq and that was an experience! Rows and rows of shops selling gold in every form - different carats, different types of bracelets, chains and some gloriously ornate necklaces and earrings. We all attempted to awkwardly barter but given the rising price of gold we didn't have a lot of leverage but did manage to sneak out with a few goodies.
Then we headed to the older (restored) souq - Souq Waqif - and it turned into an absolutely magical evening. We went to the jewellery shop of a former pearl diver - a wonderful older gentleman who makes beautiful pieces - we bought a few and then happened to be outside looking at some of his pictures when the shop cleared and as he had a moment free he came out and told us about his experiences. A former body builder, he had the strength to be a pearl diver (pearl diving by the way is part of the foundation/history of Qatar) and he showed us the weights they would hook to their feet and they would go down with two ropes, a nose clip and a basket. They would be down for two minutes before they would tug on the rope and their partner would pull them back up. He showed us what the nets looked like and the type of shells that he used to look for. Fantastic.
We then headed to Tajine, a Moroccan restaurant, and enjoyed a great meal. We all tried something a bit daring - and we were all pleasantly surprised!
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