The saying that you always want what you can't have holds true in the Middle East. When alcohol and pork become haraam, attachment to both of the aforementioned items increases exponentially. Unlike places in the UAE, pork is forbidden in Qatar. Being an expat in desperate need of pork means you need to do three things:
Alcohol is available from the single distribution center and hotel bars and restaurants except during Ramadan. In the month prior to Ramadan, alcohol allowances at the distribution center double so everybody can stock up prior to the holiday. Always, always get your Ramadan stock at least two months before Ramadan. The month before Ramadan the alcohol distribution center is a total zoo, with lines stretching down the road to even get into the parking lot. In addition to queues, items sell out. There is also the annual rumor that the distribution center won't reopen following Ramadan, creating marginally controlled mayhem. So be prepared, stock up early, and stock up well.
By following these tips, you can help make your life in the desert just a bit more enjoyable.
- Make friends at military bases; pork is sold there and if you're nice enough, you may get someone to share their monthly ration with you. My ability to do this resulted in H's favorite birthday present ever.
- Go to embassy parties as often as possible; make friends with other nationalities so you can go to their embassy parties too. Pay attention when the 'secret' room in the back of the parties is opened, where platters of various pork delicacies can be found. My mouth is watering just thinking about this; kind of strange given that pork is easily accessible to me now in the United Kingdom.
- Pork sausages and vacuum packed prosciutto travel well. Fold some into your clothes when returning to Qatar. Just be sure to take the labels off. If there's nothing saying it's pork, you can always say it's beef if customs opens your luggage.
Alcohol is available from the single distribution center and hotel bars and restaurants except during Ramadan. In the month prior to Ramadan, alcohol allowances at the distribution center double so everybody can stock up prior to the holiday. Always, always get your Ramadan stock at least two months before Ramadan. The month before Ramadan the alcohol distribution center is a total zoo, with lines stretching down the road to even get into the parking lot. In addition to queues, items sell out. There is also the annual rumor that the distribution center won't reopen following Ramadan, creating marginally controlled mayhem. So be prepared, stock up early, and stock up well.
By following these tips, you can help make your life in the desert just a bit more enjoyable.
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