Doha in the 80s.

The below is a photo of Doha when the Sheraton, the first hotel was build.


This is Doha's downtown area today

Every day conversation

Yesterday, I happened to see a photography lab--one that I had not seen before. It looked relatively professional from the outside so I thought I would quickly pop in to ask about their services. Sounds simple, correct? Apparently not. The following is an actual conversation that happened.

Me: Hello, do you have a price sheet?

Lady: A what?

Me: A price sheet?

*Totally blank stare*

Me: hmmm, like a price list?

Lady: A what, madame?

Me: Prices? What are your prices?

Lady: Prices? *More blank stares from literally every person in the entire store, including customers"


Me: How much do you charge? What do you charge?

Lady: Charge, madame? For what?

Me: Printing pictures.

*Blank stare"

At this point, I honestly could not think of another way to phrase the question of "what are your prices".

We continued to stare at each other for another 15 seconds and I repeated.

Me: What do you charge for printing a photo?

Lady: OHHHHH!! A price for a photo? 6 riyal, maam, for a 6X9.

Me: Okay, any other sizes? Do you have a list?

Lady: *silence* *stare*

Me: Thank you, goodbye.

I'm thinking I'm not going to try out this particular photo la.