Doha 2016 bid launch

(And so, like an bird with an injured wing, flapping around on the ground while a cat playfully bats it around before the inevitable end, this blog splutters on.)


Last Thursday night saw the official launch of Doha's bid to host the 2016 Olympics. Having been urged all week via text message and newspaper articles we decided to check it out. Held on the Corniche, they promised a spectacular evening of entertainment.

Unfortunately it didn't quite turn out like that. They chose a poor location and that, coupled with the fact that they wouldn't let spectators anywhere near the stage, meant it was impossible to get a good view of things. They also fenced of large areas that meant people were forced to walk along a narrow channel to get there, which resulted in many people spilling out into the oncoming traffic. Holding it in one of the numerous stadiums in the city would have made a lot more sense, and they'll have to pull their finger out if they want any chance of being awarded the Olympics.

It soon became overcrowded, and as it was clear that we weren't really going to see anything we decided to head back to the apartment and watch it on TV. The show was your usual run-of-the-mill launch/opening ceremony - officials speaking, people dancing and singing (including a cover of Marylin Manson's 'Beautiful People!) followed by fireworks. We went up onto the roof of our apartment for the fireworks, which proved to be one of the best views in the city!