So having had a ladies night the wedding was set down for the following Thursday. Zouheir spent the best part of each day for a fortnight in the courts getting all the documents they required. This was interspersed by trips to the British and Lebanese embassy and to the official translators. It was decided, seeing that Amy’s dad was coming up and he only had a short time here, that it would be better to go on Wednesday and then if anything went wrong we could go back Thursday.On Wednesday night just after evening prayer we went to the courts in Doha. It was somewhat different to a marriage ceremony that kiwis are used to but none the less special and interesting. Amy, Zouheir, Amy’s dad, Zouheir’s brother and Steve and I arrived at the courts on time. This was a feat in itself as I had to follow Zouheir’s friend who was driving at speed through Doha peak traffic to a place I didn’t know! I kept up though - any film car chase person would have been proud of me or I have been driving in Qatar too long and it all seemed a bit normal!
On arrival Amy and I were quickly told to go into the ladies waiting room. This room, about the size of a very small bedroom has white walls adorned with graffiti (which was in Arabic so we couldn’t read it) was our base for the next half hour. This was slightly longer than normal as Amy’s dad had forgotten to bring his passport and had to go back to TV apartments to get it. There was a little panic when the word “bukra”, which means tomorrow, was heard but we weren’t going anywhere and Steve was left to ensure that the judge couldn’t escape before the wedding papers were signed.
Amy’s friend’s, Anna and Angela arrived. They brought Amy some beautiful flowers as a surprise and the four of us got to amuse ourselves in the ladies room. Amy was allowed out to discuss the papers with the court registrar. The woman must agree on the conditions of the wedding and this had been worked out before the ceremony. The registrar however makes sure the woman is represented fairly and has agreed with everything th
at has been written down.
On arrival Amy and I were quickly told to go into the ladies waiting room. This room, about the size of a very small bedroom has white walls adorned with graffiti (which was in Arabic so we couldn’t read it) was our base for the next half hour. This was slightly longer than normal as Amy’s dad had forgotten to bring his passport and had to go back to TV apartments to get it. There was a little panic when the word “bukra”, which means tomorrow, was heard but we weren’t going anywhere and Steve was left to ensure that the judge couldn’t escape before the wedding papers were signed.Amy’s friend’s, Anna and Angela arrived. They brought Amy some beautiful flowers as a surprise and the four of us got to amuse ourselves in the ladies room. Amy was allowed out to discuss the papers with the court registrar. The woman must agree on the conditions of the wedding and this had been worked out before the ceremony. The registrar however makes sure the woman is represented fairly and has agreed with everything th
at has been written down. Then it was back to the room while the men went to the judge to sign the official documents. We were then told we could come out and they were married. Many hugs and kisses were exchanged as we left the building. The exchange of rings took place outside the court room in the carpark and then the small but happy wedding party went to Layali Restaurant to celebrate. Amy has not stopped smiling yet.
The next night a more kiwi type celebration was held at the Irish Bar of the Sheraton hotel and many of our staff got to come and toast the happy couple.
The next night a more kiwi type celebration was held at the Irish Bar of the Sheraton hotel and many of our staff got to come and toast the happy couple.
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