Actually the visit to get my degree stamped was quite entertaining. Like most things here. I had to go really early because apparently there would be a BIG queue. When I arrived at the (very hidden) Ministry for Stamping Things building I asked the security guard about the length of the queue. The security guard I hasten to add had just removed my fork from my bag after scanning it as obviously it was a potential weapon - echoes of Abuja Airport anyone? I did explain it was for my lunch and he kindly told me I could have it back when I left. So no not like Abuja Airport then. Anyway when I asked about the queue, he laughed and told me I was the only one here. Indeed I was and no number was needed. I was in and out in a jiffy.
So after my degree had been stamped, which could have been done approximately two days after I arrived here the ID quickly followed. Once I had my ID I was able to apply for Qatari Driver's License. Because I'm from the UK this is a nice easy process of just filling out some forms. Some poor buggers have to go through 'Driving School' HA! If you saw the driving here you'd have to assume the driving school is ran by Leslie Neilsen. I did however have to get a large number of trees felled in the process in order to submit all of the necessary paperwork. Then once the papers were done the lovely Eiman who is the Lush shop Manager drove me to the giant Traffic Department Building near the Mall. Where once again I had to take a number and wait to hand everything in.
On the website it clearly tells you that you have to get your eyes tested as part of this process and that you can do this there at the Traffic Department. However this is a lie. You can only do this at a qualified opticians. So back to the Mall we go. Eyes checked, yes I can see. That is pretty much the extent of the test. Another stamp (yes!) and back we go. Another number (yes!) and my papers are handed in, again. Then lo and behold my new Qatari Driver's License is printed in front of me. The website lied, again, it said you had to go back to collect it, who cares I have my license! I was one step closer to freedom and my own car, yay!
Then this morning I was being picked up in the 'bus' one last time as I was off to get my new car. Like a kid at Christmas I couldn't wait! Of course this is Doha where nothing goes quite to plan and so after some waiting whilst they got the car washed and ready and I signed some stuff it was time to get into my car and drive away. I'm busy putting my things inside, they start to take the plastic of the seats when the salesman yells STOP! This isn't your car! WHAT?!!!!!!! They've just prepared and washed the wrong Qashqai. Really?! I was going to drive off in someone else's car? BRILLIANT!
After some standing around in the 40 degree heat, my actual car was found and hastily washed down. Are you sure this is mine? Yes. OK. This time it's a go. I get in and I actually want to squeal, I have never had a proper brand new car in my life before so this is VERY exciting, it has that NEW smell. It's very shiny, and it's a QASHqai for KASH. It's meant to be. Only I can't squeal because there's three men stood watching me. Go away I'm thinking whilst holding my squeal inside. They don't. They just stand there watching me. I smile at them, they smile back. OK so I'm going to actually have to drive away. Off I go, well just far enough out of sight to stop, pull over and squeal!
Then it's my first encounter with Doha traffic and driving. Cripes. I managed it however and made it to work just fine. Only one minor mishap when I missed a turn due to being majorly cut up but that led to me finding another easier route so all good for the first adventure of Kash and The Qash Machine. Now I just need to get my final license and Doha life will be complete! As my lovely mate Madeleine pointed out, I can almost smell the Juniper...
The Qash Machine
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