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