MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Part of the Doha skyline

Dhow cruise

Museum of Islamic Art

Andy (Santa), Grant and I at Embassy Christmas Party

Took a Dhow Lunch Cruise on Saturday with some friends (about 25 of us had the entire boat to ourselves). Had a good time! The museum is scheduled to open in March 2008. Hope it is good (Qatar could use a good museum). Note the construction cranes in the Doha skyline - no exaggeration to say that the entire country is under construction.

Merry Christmas everyone!

A DIFFERENT VIEW OF THE WORLD

The following, which I lifted from qatarliving.com, does a great job of explaining a fundamental difference between our cultures. I admit to being one of the Westerners impatient with the "Inshaallah" concept. But know that the belief system you are born into is the lens through which you view the entire world (I once wrote a Master's Thesis on this subject). It's hard to look at the world through someone else's lens, but useful to at least recognize that others may see the same world in a very different way, and why.

from qatarliving.com "I think that in order to appreciate the ways in which religion permeates every aspect of life in the Middle East, the concept of “Inshaallah” is a good place to start.I have spent around ten years on the Arabian peninsula, working a long way from home, and I think it has taken me this long to understand the Arabic concept of “Inshaallah” and the fatalistic concept of life and death that prevails in that desert kingdom. About a year ago, a Saudi I knew well died in a car crash. He wasn’t wearing a seat belt and was precipitated out of the back seat of a car his friend was driving head first through the windscreen. The others in the car survived because they had been wearing seat belts. However, on offering condolences, I heard the same point of view repeated time and time again. “There was nothing anyone could have done. ‘Inshaallah.’ It was God’s will: his time had come.” Of course, this totally ignored the fact that the victim had decided not to take a basic safety precaution.First, what does “Inshaallah” mean? The usual translation given is “God Willing.” However, “Inshaallah” goes a lot further than that. It includes the idea that we are all at the mercy of God or Allah in every moment of our lives. “Will the plane come on time?” “Yes…Inshaallah.” “Will I get the money tomorrow?” “Of course…Inshaallah.”Confused people from the west often ask: “Does Inshaallah mean ‘yes’ or ‘no’ ?” There is no simple answer to this question as it is genuinely difficult to interpret “Inshaallah’s” extreme ambiguity. Sometimes it is used to take the wind out of the sails of an “arrogant” westerner who seems too businesslike and purposeful for the fatalistic Arabic mentality. “Please deliver this package by 1 p.m. tomorrow.” “Inshaallah,” comes the inevitable response, intoned as a clear rebuke to someone who has forgotten that God can upset our plans at any moment.I suppose, that in the western world we more or less believe our fate is in our own hands. Indeed it is a philosophy and way of thinking that has served us very well and has thrusted us technologically far ahead of more traditional and overtly religious societies.In Saudi Arabia, which has one of the highest occurrences of road death in the world, each new statistic tends to be written off as the inevitable will of God: his time had come and so he died. No one could have stopped it. The particular conditions that came together to cause a death were secondary in causal terms. The essential and profound reason for the death was that Allah had decided to take back a soul. Of course, in these circumstances, diatribes on road safety tend to fall on deaf ears. Even the gory piles of mangled metal and human flesh that I have often seen on the Saudi highways do not provide any serious reconsideration or deterrent.Between pious Muslims, “Inshaallah” is a way of displaying a deep faith in Allah and his immanence in all material phenomena. They could agree with John Lennon that life is what happens to you, “while you’re busy making other plans.” A good Arabian Muslim should always bear in mind that the will of God might be different to his own personal wishes.The traditional westerner’s response to “Inshaallah” is one of impatience and contempt. There is the strong idea that lazy people are excusing their own incompetence and lack of ability by some spurious reference to the will of God. However, this point of view if expressed directly will deeply offend a pious Muslim. He will speak of the arrogant westerner who ignores the power and influence of God who is immanent in everything. The first cause of all things. The Prime Mover, who remains Himself forever unmoved. The West needs to comprehend this fundamental belief in the Arab world in order to come to any clear understanding of the Muslim Arab mentality"

CHRISTMAS IN QATAR

Went to an Embassy Christmas Party this weekend. Party attendees included 3 camels, 2 horses and various humans, including Santa Claus. (looked everywhere for three wise men, but couldn't find even one! Ha! ha! Sorry, couldn't resist that one.) Photo is Erin riding a horse, with the Embassy in the background.

Andy is Santa today for an office party. I drove him to work this morning dressed in the red suit. Had a few smiles and stares from other drivers on the road, and the gate guards got a kick out of it. I am in charge of Erin's class Christmas party tomorrow (Monday), which is also the last day of school before Winter Break. The kids get 3 weeks off from school. Do have a few things planned....there is another Christmas Party on Monday night (Andy will be donning the red suit again), a party at the Singing Sand Dunes on Friday, and a Dhow (boat) lunch cruise on Saturday. Will have a few people over for Christmas dinner, and am organizing a New Year's Eve party on the compound.

Have to give the Qataris this - they have religious tolerance. Christmas decorations are up in the stores, and are for sale. We have an 8 foot, blow up, Frosty the Snowman in front of our villa - no complaints on that either (though we are mostly Westerners here). Only problem is that it tends to get windy, and Frosty blows over. Often times the gate guards will right him for us.

Problem right now is the total lack of eggs in this country! Qatar imports most of its eggs from Saudia Arabia and India. Both countries have experience an outbreak of bird flu (among birds, not humans) so imports are banned. Eggs are trickling in from South America. I would be happy to buy those eggs (even though they are expensive) if I could find them! Bakeries here have had to shut down - including my own Christmas Cookie bakery. Oh well - I will just have to make more rum balls (don't require eggs!).

Merry Christmas!

DRIVING IN QATAR

This bulletin, from the US Embassy, says it all. It took me 2 months to get "comfortable" with driving here. I say "comfortable" because driving is still very stressful - other drivers can be very aggressive, and often behave as if they do not understand the rules of the road, and/or do not have any common sense.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Qatar is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Short-term visitors should obtain a valid International Driving Permit prior to arrival and may not drive in Qatar on a valid U.S. driver’s license. New residents should obtain a Qatari driver’s license as soon as possible upon arrival. Traffic accidents are Qatar’s leading cause of death. Safety regulations in Qatar are not consistent with U.S. standards, and informal rules of the road and local customs often prove frustrating for first-time visitors. The combination of Qatar’s extensive use of roundabouts, many road construction projects and the high speeds at which many drivers travel can prove challenging. Despite aggressive driving on Qatar’s roads, drivers should avoid altercations or arguments over traffic incidents, particularly with Qatari citizens who, if insulted, have filed complaints with local police that resulted in the arrest and overnight detention of U.S. citizens. Drivers can be held liable for injuries to other persons involved in a vehicular accident, and local police have detained U.S. citizens overnight until the extent of the person’s injuries were known. The rate of automobile accidents due to driver error and excessive speed is higher than in the United States. In rural areas, poor lighting, wandering camels and un-shouldered roads are other hazards.

QATAR FORT

These forts aren't "real" - they are movie sets built north of Doha in the desert. They are now tourist attractions (yes, this does say something about the number of tourist attractions in Qatar!).

Anyway, we spent a pleasant afternoon visiting these sites and watching the beautiful sunset. One thing I didn't get a photo of is the ostriches. This area is an ostrich "farm" and they run free. We could see them from a distance. When Andy and Grant came Boy Scout camping here Thanksgiving weekend the ostriches came much closer to their group - so close that the boys had to change their hiking route (you want to give ostriches their space!).

Just outside the large fort I stopped to take a photo and the rest of the group went on. A car full of Qatari women(in full abayas - long black robes and veils - you could only see their eyes) motioned to me and said, in English, "Hello - come here." I went over to the car and said "hello" - more Qatari women came up on foot. A few of them spoke English and they asked me if I liked Doha and where I was from. This was an unusual experience for me. I have been in Qatar 3 /12 months and have been spoken to by exactly 2 Qatari women. They asked if they could take my picture - I said yes and immediately they started clicking with cell phone cameras and a video camera. Then, the old lady in the group said something to one of the girls in the car. The girl pulled out a spare veil and handed it to the old woman. She took it and motioned that I should put it on - I kept smiling but said No. The woman was insistent, she said "here, better this way" (which one could take as an insult) and pushed the veil at me. I kept smiling and saying No. She then (gently) took me by the arm, removed my sunglasses, and pushed the veil at me. I (gently) took back my sunglasses and backed away. She followed me with the veil. I then told her "I will put it on if you take yours off." I don't know if she understood that, but I think some of the younger women did. Anyway - with that comment I said "goodybye" turned around and left.

I rejoined my family, who watched the whole thing from a distance. Unfortunately I had the camera so no one got a picture of me with the ladies. I made sure I stayed close to Grant when we passed by them to leave, and they ignored me because they wouldn't want/aren't allowed to interact with a strange man.

So - women out there - what would you have done? I really don't know what the intention was of these women, or whether they all had the same intention. Did they want to get a before and after picture - me without the veil and then with it? Would they have laughed if I put it on? Did I insult them by not putting it on? Would any of them like to refuse the veil? I don't know. Our cultures are so different, especially when it comes to male-female relations and their roles in society. What do you think?

Still without a veil (though I could use one on bad hair days!),

CB

THANKSGIVING

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! We had a communal Thanksgiving dinner at the compound clubhouse - see photos. Had about 50 people participate. Andy and I made 2 Turkeys, 2 pumpkin pies, and mashed potatoes and gravy. Lots of food! Was such a nice day (about 85, sunny and low humidity) that the kids swam in the pool after dinner.

THREE MONTH MILESTONES

Hard to believe but we have been in Doha just over 3 months. Must admit I am still getting used to the idea of being here - wake up most mornings expecting to see my Virginia bedroom. Still have those moments when I think - where am I? and why? A year ago I barely knew where this place was.

Anyway, had a few "milestones" this week. First - the first car accident! (everyone is fine) Have hinted on this blog that driving here is crazy - must tell you the entire story of Andy's commute home on Sunday. First - he encounters a guy driving the wrong way in a traffic circle. Dodged that just fine, only to be rear-ended a few minutes later by some Pakistani guys in a beat up pick-up truck. Our SUV came out of it with a few minor scratches (Trailblazers are tough!) but truck was pretty smashed up. Guys didn't speak English - fortunately Andy speaks their language. They said "Sir - please don't call the police!" so he went on his way. Don't know how they will get that truck fixed - you need a police report to get any body work done. Getting a police report takes days, if not weeks. Anyway - he survives that only to find a Qatari parked across the entrance to our Compound. Guy is talking on his cell phone (big fines here for driving while talking on the phone). Andy beeps at him - guy gives him the "wait a minute" hand gesture (we don't use this gesture in the States, and to us it looks very rude). Andy beeps more insistently, guy gives him the "go around me" gesture out the window. Andy blows horn more insistently - guy doesn't budge. Finally Andy gets out of car and informs guy he is blocking the compound driveway. Guy finally moves (I'm sure he was surprised - Qataris aren't used to the "hired help" speaking to them in that manner.)

Another milestone - we have a new American Sized washer! I am so excited - keep going into the laundry room just to admire it! Have been living for 3 months with a European washing machine, and doing laundry constantly. Three problems with the European washer: 1) it is so small it will only take 3-4 towels; 2) it is slow - fastest cycle is 85 minutes; and 3) it is complicated to use - 16 different cycle options, but then again all European appliances are complicated! Why is this? Are Eurpoeans smarter than Americans? Do they have more time to read appliance manuals or find them interesting? Do they really care about the difference between the "delicate wool cycle" and the "delicate silk cycle?" Is there a difference? Anyway, I still have, and will be keeping, a European dishwasher, microwave and stove. Microwaving anything requires pushing at least 3 different buttons. There is also a microwave "grill" feature that I have not yet figured out (manual doesn't discuss it - am I just supposed to know?). Dishwasher also very complicated - does anyone ever use the "Delicate Heavily Soiled" "Delicate Lightly Soiled" "Economy" "Quick Rinse" "Pots and Pans - Heavy Soil" etc; cycles? You choose among cycles by pushing various combinations of 3 buttons and turning a dial. Not sure which cycle I have set right now - but it seems to work OK. (Don't touch any buttons!) Stove also has a grill feature - haven't even read that part of the manual. Took the grill parts (a spit and other stuff) out of the stove and put them in the storage room. I won't bore you with my rant on the European iron (I have never before had to read an iron manual. I thought I turned it on but it wouldn't get hot. Had to consult manual to discover right combination of dials and buttons.)

Finally, a big compound drama - the compound maid was fired. No one is exactly sure why. She showed up crying at a friend's villa, with a story. The compound has a different story. Which story is true? What can we do about it? (I'm afraid the answer to that is "nothing.") Should we use the new compound-supplied maid? Someone did and sent her away after 2 hours - saying she was terrible. I used the new maid and was satisfied. Cleaning floors and bathrooms isn't that complicated (doesn't require the use of appliances). I've lived overseas before but never on a compound. You are a fish in a bowl - you live right on top of the people you work and socialize with. Can be too interesting.

Anyway - Happy Turkey Day Everyone!

CINDERELLA AND THE BALL!

Just had the Embassy social event of the year - the Marine Ball. Held at the Doha Ritz Carlton (6 stars) with a very nice buffet dinner, ceremony and dancing. Stayed out WAY too late - took a day to recover.

Now on to Thanksgiving. We have quite a few people participating in the Compound dinner. So many that I went out a bought a second turkey today!

All for now - Happy Thanksgiving!

Around Doha

Just a few pics from our world.

First at left is our street this morning. Foggy and misty - we were thinking (hoping) it might rain! No such luck, couple of hours later the mist had burned off and we were back to warm and sunny (which isn't bad, don't get me wrong, it's just that we haven't experienced rain since we left the US in mid-August). Next is a crepe maker at the old Souq in Doha. His menu includes (at least) cheese, honey and egg. The crepes were good! Wish I could have gotten more photos from the Souq. Muslims can be sensitive to having their photos taken (I asked this gentleman's permission), and it was night, with a flash, so couldn't surreptiously take photos. Will have to go back in the daytime. Finally a crosswalk sign on the Corniche (what we would call Doha Bay). Interesting figure - given the national dress could be male or female! If you click on the photo to enlarge you can see the oyster and pearl in the background.

Hope all is well on your side of the world.

CB

CAMPING AT UM BABB

Here are some photos from the other side of Qatar - Um Babb. Grant went camping there this past weekend with his Boy Scout troop. (Sorry the pictures are poor quality - I wouldn't let Grant take my good digital camera on a camping trip!) Like father, like son - Grant came home with a sea turtle skull (I remember, 10 years ago, in the Jordanian desert, someone offering the Bedouin 50 American dollars for a camel skull. The Bedouin tried to give him a camel leg bone, and various other parts, but eventually came up with a good quality skull.) Grant had a great time on the trip. Next trip is Thanksgiving weekend - Andy should be able to go on that one. All for now. CB

HALLOWEEN (A DEVILED EGG DRINKING BEER)

Great Halloween! As you can see, Erin was an angel and Grant was "Count Spatula" (a character of his own creation), I wore my deviled egg costume. These photos were taken in front of our house. We did trick-or-treating on another Compound, where most of the families are American. These people went all out for Halloween - fantastic decorations, music, food, etc;! Grant toured the compound with a couple of his friends, I went with Erin. I really lucked out at the first house we went to, treats for kids and adults (candy and beer! yes, they were handing out bottles of Heiniken! Since we don't get much beer in this Islamic country this was a great "treat.") I felt a little silly walking the streets dressed as a deviled egg drinking a beer but had a wonderful time.

I organized the Halloween Party for Erin's class yesterday (part of my "Room Mother" duties). Had great participation from the other parents - party went very well. Next on the agenda is a "Winter Party" before the holiday break. Oh, but before that a friend and I are organizing a Thanksgiving Feast for interested parties on our Compound. We have the clubhouse reserved, and poor Andy (still in the US) has been given the task of picking up the proper napkins and decorations.

Now - back to unpacking (just a few boxes left) and organzing the house.

Happy Halloween!

CAKE AND STUFF!

OK - I'm not such a great blogger! Been a long time since my last post - have probably lost most of my readers but here goes.....

As you can see from the photo our sea freight arrived - at last! About 10 days ago I got a call that it was on the truck and headed our way. The movers had tried to deliver it to another American family across town but eventually ended up in front of our house. We actually had 5 large wooden crates full of "stuff." I am still working on unpacking and trying to get things organized. Been so long that I had honestly forgotten what was sent here and what went into storage. It's kind of like Christmas!

Now to the cake. Had a Girl Scout potluck dinner on Saturday for Juilette Low's birthday (she founded Girl Scouts, but you knew that). Then, for dessert, had a Father-Daughter cake decorating contest. Andy had already left for the US (he'll be gone 2 weeks) so Grant pitched in to help Erin. "Peach Tower" is the name of this creation - and it won 5th place - not bad considering there were at least 50 cakes there. We then bought the cake in a silent auction (proceeds going to charity) and ate it.

We are having Halloween in Doha! Took Erin to a Halloween Carnival at school on Friday night. It was very well done - they created a "trick or treat" lane inside the school with lots of cool decorations, then had carnival games outside on the basketball court. We are going to do trick-or-treating on a nearby compound Halloween evening.

Also have made some work for myself since the last post. Volunteered to be Room Mother for Erin's class ( no one volunteered, should have been my first clue!). I am organizing a Halloween party for the class, will organize 3 more parties this year, gifts for teacher and assistant birthdays, silent auction basket, etc; You already know I am a Girl Scout leader. Then, I put my name on the substitute teaching assistant list at school and got called to sub in a preschool class. That was a fun morning! I painted paperbag pumpkins, made witches, did puzzles, read books, etc; Had to chuckle though - we read a book and saw a little movie about Fall - when the leaves turn colors, fall off the trees, people have to rake them up etc; One little boy asked, "does that happen here?" Good question kid! Example of an American school program in the wrong place!

Grant has a Boy Scout campout coming up this weekend. Anxious to hear how it goes - they are going camping on the beach. Since Andy will still be out of town, Erin and I will have a girl's weekend. Perhaps we will check out the Christmas decorations at one of the Malls - yes, they actually put up Christmas decorations here! I guess it will be OK for us to put our 8 foot blow up snowman in front of the house.

Finally having that great weather people told me about. High today of 88 - low of 68 - and low humidity. I can live with this!

Happy Halloween!

CB

BLOWKARTING!

or "Landyachting" - loads of fun! (Actually - the less load, the more fun.) Took a group just outside Doha yesterday to check this out. As you can see from the pictures - we strapped ourselves into 3 wheel carts and used sails to race across the desert. The absolutely flat, empty terrain is perfect for this sport. The wind wasn't blowing all that hard yesterday - which meant the kids had a faster ride (less load!). Erin (who didn't want to try it at first) was the leanest, fastest machine out there, and she didn't want to come home. For an idea of how this might work in more wind - check out this Youtube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwI3WqvtxL8&mode=related&search=quad%20freestylequad%20atv%20pizzi%20blowkart which was taken during a 30 mile hour wind. None of us were able to go anywhere near that fast yesterday (no 2 wheeling, and no one fell over) but we still had a great time and will go back.

Still no sea freight - hope to see that within a week or so. Ramadan is over now, which means stores are open and it is legal to eat and drink during the day - hurray!

SAND AND SEA

Been a long time since my last post - sorry about that! Anyway, in the past couple of weeks we have ventured out of Doha (the capital city of Qatar). First - the Singing Sand Dunes. Rising out of the flat desert a few miles from Doha, these dunes appear out of place. Not sure what caused the dunes (any geologists out there?) -

perhaps wind or rock patterns have allowed this massive buildup of fine sand. These dunes are one of the few places in the world where the sand particles vibrate and emit a deep hum when the wind blows just right, or when something or someone slides across the surface - the dunes sing! A very freaky experience - not only could we hear the hum, we could feel the vibrating sand through the raft we used as a sled.

Now - to the sea. Last weekend we ventured about 25 miles up the coast to the town of Al Khor. In the pre-oil days, Al Khor's main industries were fishing and pearling. Nowdays the gas industry prevails, though they still do some fishing. I have posted a photo of some traditional Arab Dhows - fishing boats. We walked by the fish market - didn't actually go in due to the strong, fishy smell. The beach turned out to be a disappointment. Not much to see or do in Al Khor.

On the homefront we still await our sea shipment. It is supposed to arrive in country soon - but we probably won't see it until after Ramadan (which ends Oct. 16). I have signed on as a 3rd grade Brownie leader for Troop 11 - and we will have our first meeting next week. Girl Scouts here don't sell cookies - which is good and bad. Where will Andy get his Thinmints from? May be asking some of you if we can purchase a few boxes and have you store them for us until we visit next summer. Andy is an Assistant Scoutmaster for Grant's Boy Scout troop and they are looking into a High Adventure Trip over Spring Break.

Finally, saw a funny sight yesterday. Picture a pickup truck - with baby camels in the back! It was bumper to bumper traffic, and the camels were sitting down and looking at everyone with those beautiful, dark eyes. Of course I didn't have my camera.

Take care - CB

RAMADAN

The Muslim holiday of Ramadan started last week - it will last about a month. Very festive here in Doha with lights and decorations! Muslims fast during the daylight hours (no food or water), and have a big feast at sundown (I am told that most people gain weight during Ramadan). To comply with this tradition, most restaurants and stores are closed during the day - but open at sundown and stay open very late. Qatari law limits the workday to 5 hours during Ramadan (doesn't apply to American diplomats, though). Last night Andy and I went with 2 people from his office to a Ramadan feast at the Ritz Carlton hotel. We didn't know what to expect - it was a Wow! The event was indoors - in a ballroom decorated like to look like a luxury tent with persian carpets, candles, and beautiful beaded furniture. Huge buffet with all the favorties (huumus, lamb, seafood, rice, shawarma, salads, juices - you sprinkle nuts on the juice, and lots of desserts). I ate one plate of dinner, and 2 plates of dessert (see photo - I have those priorities straight!). Andy ordered a strawberry sheesha pipe for us - have posted a photo of him smoking. Don't worry - no tobacco here just dried fruit and water. I smoked a bit too. Had entertainment - a whirling dervish(photo posted) and a singer. A great time! We are invited to another feast tonight - at an American's house down the street, then again on Monday. Might need to fast to avoid gaining weight!

Kids are doing well. Grant has started lessons at a British sailing school - has already had a boat out on the Persian Gulf. Erin and I went to a Girl Scout organizational meeting yesterday - lots of events planned.

Take care,
CB

HELPLESS????

Do I look it? Let me explain: Qatar imports workers to run the place - lots of workers (Qataris are a minority in their own country, and seem to like it that way!). Result is, as people of means in this country, we are not expected to do much for ourselves. At McDonalds or other fast food places, you don't clean up after yourself (we tried and had 2 people rush over and tell us, Oh No Mum and Sir, and practically grab the trays out of our hands.) Last week I went to a local shop to buy the kids' PE outfits. I went to the American School section and a clerk immediately came over to help. There were only a few shirts hanging on the rack - I immediately thought Oh No - I came too late and they are out! Not the case. The clerk asked me how old my kids were and suggested sizes. I then tried to take the shirts from the rack but he said, Oh No Mum, and grabbed the correct sizes wrapped in cellophane off a shelf (the hanging shirts are just for show). Went through the same procedure with the shorts, then he took everything up to the register for me (like I can't carry 4 shirts and 4 pairs of shorts!). This morning I had potted flowers sitting in front of the house. A man, wearing a uniform I recognized from a local garden shop, rang my doorbell and asked me (I think - his English wasn't good) if I wanted him to plant the flowers. I said No thank you, I would do it. He then went into my back yard and asked (again, I am guessing here) if he could bring some plants for me that afternoon. (There were bags of dirt sitting there, and Andy had started mixing them with the sand). I told him No, we would plant ourselves and he left. Later, while I was watering the flowers I just planted, he came back and did the classic "Tsk, Tsk" at me. He motioned that he should water the plants - getting a bit exasperated I said No thank you. Bottom line - I really am not helpless, and hope I don't get that way. If you see me sitting on my butt when I come back next summer PLEASE tell me that this is America - do it yourself!

Ramadan has started - will have to elaborate on that in the next post.

Take care,
CB

SCHOOL IN DOHA

We are on Day 3 now of the new school - happy to report that it is going well! Have a few kinks to work out. Main kink is the bus (have posted a photo of Grant and Erin getting on). No problems with morning pickup, but due to the crazy route the kids have an hour bus ride in the afternoon. Our compound is only 1 1/2 blocks away from the school! (You are probably asking - why don't they walk home? Good question. Answer: it is too hot and, even if it wasn't, Doha is not pedestrian friendly. Sidewalks and crosswalks simply aren't there.) We "Compound Mom's" figure we will give the school a week to figure this out before we make a lot of noise.

Have also issued a photo of Andy's company issued transportation - a Toyota Landcruiser. It is the car of choice in Doha. Great air conditioning, and a built in refrigerator (big enough to hold a 6 pack of soda). Problem is most of the Landcruiser's here look exactly like this one (don't know if people just like that detailing, or it is all that is available?). Can make it hard to ID your car.

We feel like real tenants of the Compound now that we have had water leaks in the house (common problem and topic of conversation on the compound). Had water (slowly) leaking into the first floor family room. We turned off the AC in the bedroom above and that stopped the leak. Will give it a day to dry out, then try that AC again (this is what compound maintenance suggests). Big flood last night when Erin let the water out of a bathtub. The water started coming up through a drain on that bathroom floor - ran out of the bathroom, across the bedroom, down the stairs and into the foyer and living room. Called maintenance at 9 PM and had 12 men here within 15 minutes (how many people does it take to fix a drain?). Anyway, they fished around in the drain and came up with a chunk of concrete - must be leftover from construction and shifted to block the drain. I used that bathtub this AM and it is draining just fine now.

Finally got paperwork done and we received our personal vehicle yesterday (not a Landcruiser). Yipee! I even have a Qatari drivers license now (photo looks just as bad as the US one).

All for now,

CB

AIR FREIGHT AND ANNIVERSARY

Finally received the air shipment on Wednesday afternoon. Really glad to see the "stuff" - especially the school supplies, kitchen stuff, towels, sheets, etc; Have posted a photo from our Farewell Party in Virginia (also was a 25th Wedding Anniversary party), and a photo showing the living room mess with our Air Freight. Have it all put away now. Our sea shipment should be here towards the end of October.

Sent kids to school this AM on the bus. I think they were relieved to go - too much time in this empty house. Am anxious to hear their reports this afternoon. Had a great experience at another dance studio on Saturday. Japanese teacher - very patient and kind - this is the one! Both Erin and I were very happy. Dance class is at "Education City" - where Texas A&M, Cornell, and Virginia Commonwealth University have campuses. Still lots of construction but what they have finished is beautiful. Grant had an orthodontist appointment on Saturday that also went very well. He should be finished with the braces in about 6 months.

Been very busy the past week getting ready for school - know those lazy days are over! Traffic has really picked up here as people come back from their summer breaks. Beginning to see more of the crazy drivers that Doha is famous for. Traffic fatalities are a big problem amongst the natives - think a major factor here is the refusal to use seat belts (don't worry - we always wear ours!). We are really getting to know Doha, by getting lost. There is no street address system here - directions are the nearest intersection, then the name of the building. Can be very frustrating. Haven't gotten our personal vehicle yet - still mired in the paperwork. Hope it all comes together this week.

Take care!

CB

Labor Day in Doha

OK - Labor Day is an American holiday, which we celebrated on Sunday (the workweek here is Sunday - Thursday). Today, Sept. 3, is (was) Qatari Independence Day - like our July 4th it is the day Qatar declared independence from England. On Aug. 26th the Qatar Emir (King) ruled that Sept. 3 would no longer be celebrated as a holiday - instead the "National" day will be celebrated on Dec. 18th - when his ancestor assumed the throne of Qatar. Wreaked havoc with business, school and vacation schedules.

I wish I could report that our air freight arrived - but no such luck. Still living with what we brought in our suitcases. Today was Erin's first dance class - unfortunately didn't work out. Teacher was very intense (Russian) - Erin left the class in tears - something she has never done in 4 years of dance lessons. Erin has always had such fun with dance - hate to see that spoiled. Will get on the phone tomorrow to the other places.

Have been to an Embassy pool party and BBQ since the last post. Had a great time! I must get some pictures up soon.

Hope you all had a fun and relaxing Labor Day,
CB

First Post

I've never considered blogging before - it seems like an impersonal, self-centered way to communicate (like sending a regular newsletter, all about you, to your friends). Please know that this blog will not replace personal communication - I still intend to send personal e-mails, and hope that you will e-mail and let us know what is happening with you back in the USA.

We've been in Qatar about 2 1/2 weeks now. Weather is definitely hot and humid - evening we arrived I stepped out of the plane and my glasses fogged up (like they do when you open a warm dishwasher). The humidity has gone down since our arrival, but the heat remains. We are told that the weather will be downright pleasant in a month or so. Looking forward to that.

We've all been busy since our arrival - Andy working, and the kids and I trying to keep busy. Things seemed strange at first - brown landscape, construction everywhere, traffic circles, fully robed women, men in long white robes and headdresses - contrast all of that with beautiful malls with indoor ice skating rinks and ice tubing hills, stores like Banana Republic and The Gap, and American restaurants/fast food everywhere (Chili's, Applebee's, TGI Fridays, Pizza Hut, McDonalds, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Dunkin Donuts, Baskin Robbins, TCBY, Ponderosa, Hardee's, Arbys, Starbucks). The Qatari people love American food - not such a great thing for them. Anyway, the eye and mind adjust fairly quickly and now the Qatari dress and landscape are just part of the background.

Our house, on a compound with other Westerner's, is very nice. We have 4 large bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Floors are marble and tile. Compound living is nothing like home ownership - we have very little responsibility. If something breaks, clogs, burns out (like a ceiling light) we have only to call the on-site maintenance crew to get it fixed. I have set up maid service for a good cleaning every other week - 4 hours for 100 Riyal (about $27), I fear we will be spoiled!

Main frustrations have been getting our stuff from the USA - due to a mixup somewhere our air and sea freight did not start their journey until a couple of days ago. Our air freight, which should have arrived 2 weeks ago, we be in Qatar on Sept. 1 - then it has to go through Customs. We hope to have it by Sept. 5th (a month from when it was packed). No word on when our sea shipment will arrive in country - but we don't expect to have it before mid or late October. Other problem has been getting DSL in the house. Qtel - the sole phone and internet provider -insisted DSL was working - we couldn't get it to work. Finally, after arguing this with Qtel for days, they sent someone to the house. At least he seemed embarrassed when he discovered that the DSL wasn't turned on - and got it going that day.

Due to construction at the kids' school - start of school has been delayed from Sept. 4 to Sept. 9. Too bad - kids were looking forward to meeting more people at school. But we have been managing to keep busy. The heat keeps us in the house until 3 or 4 in the afternoon - we then head to the Compound pool with the rest of the community. Rest of the day we read, watch TV (we have cable, with Cartoon Network, a novelty for us), play cards, visit with other families, play computer games, argue with Qtel, etc; Have sent up dance classes for Erin, she starts next week. Have also made contact with the local Boy and Girl Scouts. Know we will be very busy when school starts.

All for now - take care and keep in touch,
CB