Oktoberfest

Last night John and I along with new and old friends went to Oktoberfest at the InterContinental hotel here in Doha. It was the hottest ticket in town, luckily John is a VIP at the hotel since he was able to clean the exterior of the hotel after 6 years of neglect. It was a lot of fun with traditional German food, they flew in 1.5 tons of Sauerkraut and had my favorite, hot pretzels. Of course there was beer, it was served in the traditional German steins, large and small. It was held in a giant tent draped in white and blue fabric with long tables and benches, it did remind me a little bit of the Hofbrauhaus in Munich. Dancing on the tables was prohibited, but standing on the benches was encouraged by the traditional German band which lead cheers, toasts and sing-a-longs. And yes they preformed the chicken dance. Oans, zwoa, gsuffa!

Car Accident

On my way to QAWS today, I got in my first Doha car accident. I was in the round about cutting over to make the turn and an SUV in the curb lane ran into the passenger back seat door. The police came quickly to the scene and had us move our cars out of the round about. We then waited over an hour for other police to come. The Qatari man who hit me had called them several times and then they called him and said we should come to the investigation station. Mr. Al-Sulaiteen who hit me was very nice and lead me to the station. Of course there was no parking, so we made our own and went in to get a number. Half an hour later we were at the counter and they were talking in Arabic. Mr. Al-Sulaiteen drew a picture of what happened then the guy looked at our cars. It was decided that it was not my fault and I just had to wait for the paper work and get it stamped. I got back home 3 1/2 hours later, didn't walk any dogs, but I am fine.

Later tonight we are going to watch the Lions game at a friend's apartment in our building that has the sports package. Go Tigers, I won't be able to stay up for that game.

Volunteering

Last Thursday, I joined an AWA lady and her daughter at QAWS-Qatar Animal Welfare Shelter to help walk dogs. At first it was very sad and I wasn't sure I could do it. After a brief overview we were leashing up dogs. I was un-prepared and wore sandals. We each walked two dogs, one at a time. We got a little lost the first time around, but made it back without incident. It is a dirty sweaty job, but when the dogs look into your eyes and you melt, I knew that I would come back.



Today I made the 45 minute drive myself out there, the last mile is off road. I walked 3 dogs separately, then thought I was ready to handle 2 at a time. I had walked Queenie last time and she was great so I took her and her kennel mate Duchess. They were wild to start but then settled down. I bought some cheap closed toe shoes which ended up giving me blisters and I was dirtier this time than last.




I will get some new shoes and go back again soon!

A Busy Week

It's been a busy week here and I am only half way through!

Sunday I began scrapbooking my time in Doha and made a good dent in it.

Monday I had to go to the AWA Coffee Morning, once I got to area of town for the gathering it took me 35 minutes to find the house. The directions said turn right onto an unmarked road, that should have been a hint of things to come. I turned down every unmarked road in a one mile stretch and could not find it. I finally saw a car of women I recognized and followed them, after turning around several times and then going down a one way street the wrong way we made it. Come to find out the road we were supposed to turn on was blocked off due to construction and everyone there was frustrated.

Tuesday I went to the Qatar Islamic Cultural Center and learned the history of Qatar and its culture. When you are invited to a Qatari home they offer Arabic coffee and it is rude not to take it. They offer it with there right hand and you are to take with your right hand. They only fill it about half full, it is a sign that they don't want you to stay long if it is full. When you have had enough you shake your cup. I also learned there is no official way to pronounce Qatar. Qatar is basically 124 miles long and 62 miles wide and 75% of the people live in Doha.

Made it Back

Hi Everyone! We made it back to Doha, Qatar and hit the ground running. John was busy all day with meetings and working on new proposals. I hade my AWA meeting (seems like it is going to keep me busy) then to the grocery store, I miss Kroger and Nino's already. Tomorrow I am having lunch with a friend then to another grocery store and my Book Club at night.

We spent last weekend in Dubai where John had several meetings. We also managed to spend time at the pool and the beach. The Arabian Gulf was warmer than bath water so we didn't stay in too long. Yes it is still very warm here 90-100 F. I won't complain too much as we have escaped the cold and rain of Michigan.

We are un-packed (brought too much stuff as usual) and almost adjusted to the time change, looking forward to a good sleep tonight.

4th of July in Doha

Happy 4th everyone and thank you to all who fought to make the USA the best country in the world even though it has it share of problems.

Ginger got picked up tonight to fly home, the minute the crate door shut she started barking. God bless Nicky (and the cat in the front seat) for taking her to the airport. This time she only has a 5 hour lay over in Amsterdam.

Once Ginger left we got the pasta salad and lemon squares and headed to our friends William and Emily for a BBQ to celebrate and be among other Americans and a few Filipinos. It was the hottest BBQ after dark I have been too! John wore his new red and white shirt with a blue filed of white stars on the left shoulder. I only had a navy shirt and red & white ribbons in my hair, the first time John was more festive than me on a holiday!

Birthday Blog

Since my birthday was on Sunday, which is like Monday here, we celebrated on Friday June 24. We had a table for ten at the Wine Cellar at the Oryx Rotana Hotel. We had a ton of different and delicious tapas and some wine. My American friend Emily ordered pink sparkling wine which was great for dessert. No birthday cake this year, just a sampling of desserts. I wasn't too upset since I don't think Qataris know what a proper dessert is. It was a great evening with friends which are from all over the world!

I couldn't let Sunday go un-noticed so John and I went to the Belgian Cafe at the InterContinetal Hotel where I had Cherry Beer and Raspberry Beer with my dinner. We were joined by our friends Darren and Jackie from England. Darren called me the Queen since she too has 2 birthday parties.

All in all it was a good birthday even though I was away from my friends and family.

Dinners and Parties

On Wednesday we had our first official dinner guest. Wade from Arizona, he works for the company putting the roof on the new airport. John met him at the US embassy, when Wade needed a witness for a document. Of course that meant I had to buy a few new throw pillows and some things for the walls!

Thursday night we went to a Casino night that the president of the AWA hosted. We met some interesting people, watched some craps, ate a little something and had some beers. It felt like being at a party in the states. John was very excited that they had jell0 shots, so I drove home.

Friday night we are getting together with Darren and Jackie who will be watching Ginger. Saturday we are finally getting together with Julie and Alfred and going to the first Italian Cultural Association meeting. Julie is the one that organizes my book club and she passed John's business card onto her husband and they have been meeting often, so this will be the first time all four of us go out together.

Peaceful and Friendly Qatar

According to the Global Peace Index, Qatar is the most peaceful country in the Middle East North African (MENA) region and 12th among the 135 countries around the world. Sweden was 13th, Britain 26, France 36, Italy 45 and USA came in at 82nd. Kuwait was 2nd in MENA region and 29th overall. So everyone can stop worrying about our safety : )

Last night we went out to dinner at the Doha Golf Club with our friends Darren and Jackie from Manchester, England. They have agreed to watch Ginger while we go to Venice for a few days to meet up with Earl, Judie and Shelby. Darren promised not to give Ginger any chocolate!

Tonight we are going out to dinner with Aaron and Emily from Indiana at a hotel that John's company is doing a marble cleaning demo, keep your fingers crossed that they can pick up the job, the hotel is 80% marble so it would be a great contract.

Back to normal?

Hi Everyone, I guess I am not too good at this blogging thing since I post about once a month!

My Dad and Kathy were here for three weeks and we took them to Dubai for a weekend, then we hosted John's company launch party the night before he went to Michigan for 10 days. Now we are all back to normal and my life has gotten busy.

I have joined the board of the American Womens' Association (which is open to all women) in the postition of photographer/histroian (big surprise right?) Monday was the transition board meeting and Tuesday we had a potluck with the Qatari Women's Associaation, lots of good food from all over the world! Many of the Qatari women were retired school teachers. I have another board meeting on Monday then it will be quiet for the summer as many people leave Qatar to go home and escape the heat (107 degrees today) and Ramadan. We will be coming to Michigan in July and look forward to seeing everyone.

Royal Wedding in London

As many of you know I was one of the millions to line the streets of London for the Royal Wedding. I had an amazing time with Ann, Leslie and Alison. We got there Thursday morning and took the time to scout out the perfect spot, had dinner and went to bed as the alarm went off at 3 am!

Friday we stood for 9 hours outside of Buckingham Palace to see the Queen leave for the wedding and all the royals come back to the Palace for the balcony kiss. We all got some good pictures. Afterwards we went to lunch then the Victoria & Albert Museum.

On Saturday we went to St. Paul's Cathedral and had lunch at a true English Pub. Afterwards we went to the Imperial War Museum and walked through the trenches and experienced the blitz. Then onto The War Cabinet Rooms where Churchill spent most of his time during WWII, but only slept there 3 nights.

Sunday we took the train to Hampton Court, Henry VIII's palace and spent most of the day there. We made it back to London in time for the evening service at Westminster Abbey. It was a nice service and got to see Kate's bouquet and the trees and flowers from the wedding.

Easter in Qatar

Easter Greetings!

We were fortunate enough to meet some fellow Christian Americans and were invited to a Good Friday lunch. It was a wonderful experience to enjoy a meal in a cozy home with great people, we had a ham and it was sooo good! All pig products are banned from Qatar, but our host had an in at the American Embassy. These people have a small church and meet Sunday evenings at a person's house. John and I are looking forward to going in the future, we are busy the next few Sundays.

On Easter Sunday, John and I went to an Easter brunch at the Marriott hotel, it was huge with food from all over the world. They open all their restaurants so you can choose food from five different places and the hallway between each one. They even had candy and dyed eggs on our table. Due to the heat here, the Canburry egg didn't make it home in a solid state. John's friend that works at the Marriott (and is from Dearborn, MI) said their regular buffet on Fridays usually has 350 people, Easter had about 150. I hope this blog finds you all well and not to stuffed from chocolate bunnies and jelly beans!

Souq Shop Haggling

This morning I bought my Jalabiya to wear to the Arabian Nights dinner on Saturday, pictures will follow. The cost was 250 Rials, so I said to the guy "how about 200," the guy said "230" and I was good with that, then another guy came in and they chatted and the first guy told me 200, sold! Which works out t0 about $55, not bad for a party dress. Then I met up with AWA ladies for a fabric shopping trip, mostly just to look and see what is available-tons of silks: printed, embroidered, plain, Liberty Cottons which are from England and kinda of vintage prints, lots of lace too. Makes you want to have a ballgown after seeing everything. I met a twenty something American that just arrived in Qatar a week ago. We had a long lunch(all meals take forever here.) Then we bought some Pashminas and talked the guy down from 25 to 10 Rials. I felt good about my skills today! And I tried to find a shop I heard about and went on some streets I had never been on and some how ended up exactly where I needed to be to get back home (score again!) Never did find shop though.

I'm Back

Hi Everyone, its Spring! Sorry I haven't writen in a while. I haven't done much that I thought was blog worthy. My mom came for two weeks and it has been quite since she left. I have been helping John: fixing quotes, making contacts and helping with his launch party in May. A few weekends ago we went to a Shake's private collection of things he has collected over the years. The museum was in a huge building out in the middle of nowhere. There were swords, furniture, paintings and American cars. Mostly Fords from the 1920s and some Dodge trucks. It was a weird mix of items. There were some signs of a professional museum and then not so much when a guy started one of the cars up in a gallery. Yesterday I went Jalabya shopping with a dozen women. Jalabyas are the dresses Arabic women wear when they go to a party or wedding. Through the AWA I am going to an Arabian Nights dinner and we are supposed to dress up. After a day of shopping I didn't buy anything, too many choices! I will go back and try again, now that I know what I am looking for. I will let you how the dinner is.

A Busy Week

Sorry I haven't written in a while. First I went to the 2-day Green Building Confrence for New Image and for myself. I heard some interesting things after trying to understand each speakers take on the english language. Then the next two days we spent moving into a bigger apartment 8 floors lower in the same building. After that I went to the Sustainable Qatar meeting. Now my mom is visiting.

On Friday we went into the desert and to the beach with the AWA group. Beside the lack of roads and sunburn, we had a good time and got to see camels and a few ostrich eggs-very large.

On Saturday we went on the Doha Garden Club bus tour. We got to see five different villas each with a different style garden. Some had lots of flowers (some we see in the US and many we don't) others were more large yards with trees (fruit-banana, papaya, lemon.) It was fun to see behind the fences and how the other half lives. They all had water features and swimming pools.

Dubai Weekend

This weekend, John and I went to Dubai. Since we are here in Doha on Visitor Visas we have to leave the country every 2 months. Friday I got to see the Dubai Mall finished (well only 1/3 of the mall since it is huge!) We took the world's fastest elevator to the observation floor (124th floor) of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building which is next to the mall. There is a 360 degree view of Dubai from there and we could see where we lived when we were there in 2008/09. Then we went to dinner with John's friend that does high rise window washing, Alan. John is trying to get Alan to work with him in Doha.

Saturday we went to the beach in the morning then to Ikea before we left. This is the first time I have ever bought lamps at Ikea and put them in my carry on suitcase! We flew home Saturday evening. On both the 45 minute flights they served a meal and had tea service. They also give all the kids a toy and each seat has a tv monitor in which you can listen to music, play games or watch tv. This is all in economy, I can only imagine what first classs is like.

Today I went to the Qatar Womens Association presentation of wedding traditions. The room was set up much like a western wedding reception: covered chairs, floral centerpieces. Then we were served different drinks and sweets as they put on the show. The groom presents a dowery to the bride and it is hers to keep (doesn't go to her family) which includes cloth and jewelery. The night before the wedding is a henna party and all the ladies get together and sing and dance. On the wedding day the groom's father holds a dinner for everyone he knows (and anyone who happens by is invited in.). The village helps out with the grooms expenses. The next day the bride's father holds a lunch for both families. The bride receives visitors for the next seven days at her parents house, then she moves in with the groom.

After the presentation they invited us to a large buffet lunch. Then I got henna on my right hand and wrist, then my picture taken with the traditional wedding "dress" a sheer fabric with lots of embroidery which they wear over a dress and have a cape/veil on their head. All the ladies, including little girls there were dressed in brightly colored dresses and their hair was down and uncoverd. Because this was a presentation there were no men there, so I don't know what they wear.

This Week So Far

On Sunday I went with John to his apointments as his navigator and went to yet another mall with a grocery store. Spinneys (where we shopped in Dubai) also has a lot of American products including Milk Bones for Ginger. It is hard to find dog treats here. I also got Kraft Mac & Cheese, yummy! For lunch we went to Chilies and had chicken fajitas, just like at home. I also had a strawberry margarita without the tequila (not like at home.)

On Monday, I joined the American Women's Association (open to any woman.) They have a general meeting once a month with a speaker and organize "field trips" Next week I am going on two including the fish market at 8:30 in the morning.

Last night we went to pick up our SUV (no more rental) the New Image work truck and worker van. This resulted in a 4 car carivan through round abouts with lights (which we got seperated at) on streets I had never been on in complete darkness. In the end we all made it back to apartment with our marriage intact.

Today I am going to the office with John to help him prepare a proposal.

John's Birthday

Yesterday was John's Birthday, since it was a Monday, we celebrated on Friday night at the W Hotel in the Wahm Bar. It is more of a lounge with sofas and an outdoor area. Through out the night, about 20 new friends stopped by for food and drinks. We had a lot of fun. One thing we have noticed is that on the weekends you have to show an ID or passport to get into the bars, I thought this was weird. Then we realized that this is to keep the Qatar Muslims out of the bars, since they are not aloud to drink. We learned this the hard way, because John invited a new friend who was dressed in traditional clothing was not aloud in. John got to talk to him in the hotel lobby.

Yesterday, I made dinner for John. My signature dish is pork fried rice, since you can't get pork here, I made it with chiken. Turned out pretty good. Then brownies for dessert, John's favorite. Well, while I was able to convert measurements and temperature, I still haven't figured out how to work the German oven. There are nine different settings on the oven. They came out with crispy edges and top and not cooked in the middle. Then without realizing it I bought candles that sparkle and re-light, we barely avoided setting off the smoke dector! All in all John had a great birthday.

Cars and Soccer

On Friday we went to the Qatar Motor Show (the first time for a car show in the middle east.) We were able to see everything in about an hour, that tells you how small it was. GM had the largest display, Ford's was disappointing and Chrysler fell in between. There were many luxury car brands and a couple we had never heard of. All in all it was fun and we felt a conection to Detroit for a hour. It was well received in Qatar with traffic jams outside the convention center the entire time of the show. Then we went for an authentic Arabic meal where you sit on cushions on the floor and share large plates of food, that was fun too.

On Saturday, we went to the Asian Cup Final soccer game between Australia (don't know when Australia became part of Asia) and Japan. Before we got there we decided to cheer for Australlia and found our seats (about $30.00 US for a final game!) surrounded by Australia fans. For those of you who don't about soccer the game has two 45 minute periods, if there is no scoring (which there wasn't) then there are up to two 15 minute periods. Japan scored in the second 15 minute period, thankfully. Then came the presentation of all the trophies, so we decided to leave. When we got out to the gate they said no one could leave until 15 minutes after the fireworks. So we thought ok let's go back in, plus I needed a bathroom even though I was a little afraid of what I might find. They wouldn't let us back into the stadium, finally I got to go back in. When I came back I went out a different gate and they weren't stopping people from going back in. So we went in and watched the back side of the presentations. Then the fire works, which were on the outside of the stadium and we could only see a little bit over the sides of the stadium and they didn't turn off the lights inside, afterwards came the confetti. Qatar has a lot to learn about these types of things.

Learning Arabic

Last night we met up with a dozen people at a hotel restaraunt to learn Arabic. This time the "teacher" finally showed up, he is volunteering his time so we can't complain too much. He is from Egypt and said that most Arabic speaking people understand Egyptian Arabic since most TV shows are produced in Egypt and exported to the rest of the Arabic world and it is the language of the Kouran. 2 billion people speak Arabic.

To start, they have 28 letters but no J sound. The spelling of Arabic words are not really able to be translated into English spelling. We decided it was best to write the words the way they sound. The teacher also said it would take a very long time to be able to write in Arabic and that we didn't need to try. "Ana la atakkalam al arabia" means "I don't speak Arabic."

I needed that phrase earlier in the day when I went to turn in my resume and they wanted me to fill out an aplication that was written in Arabic. What I did understand (I think) was I would hear from them in 3 months. I am not holding my breath for getting a job here.

Rugby and Gnocchi

Yesterday John and I went to the Doha Rugby Club to watch a game. A friend of John's, Darren, invited us and we had a great time. We are going to put our names on the membership waiting list. No we didn't fall in love with the sometimes brutal game that we don't understand, it was the feeling of not being in the desert of Qatar. John said "I haven't seen so many white people in one place in Doha" full of Austrailians and people from the UK, snacks, beer and liquor all sold us. It's no Grosse Point Yacht Club, but it felt real comfy.

John's friend from above's wife, Jackie, told me about the American Women's Association. I am going to join, it's a great way to meet people and go on field trips that I wouldn't do by myself.

That night we went to the most authentic Italian restaraunt in the middle east, the owners and chef are from Italy. It was really good and cozy, located in the "Old Souk" the original place to shop in Doha with small shops selling all sorts of stuff from shoes to fabric to birds to lugage. We looked around a bit, but I plan to go back and look some more and hope I don't get lost in all the alleys and court yards.

Yesterday's Shopping

Yesterday I finally found a grocery store that sells American products and more healthy products like natural peanut butter. I also bought Pedridge Farm Milanos and Sargento cheese sticks. They also had the best looking produce and it felt more like a grocery store. The best news was that they carry Iams healthy naturals which is the food Ginger eats. I was getting nervous because the other stores don't really sell pet items and you have to go to a vet. to get food. Nobody has an address here, there are street names, but people give directions by the round abouts, so good luck finding a vet. office.

Also yesterday I got all the bedding and stuff to complete the guest room. We are now taking reservations. So get ready for the longest plane ride you'll want to take and come see us, plus all your meals are included.

The last two days it has rained here. Rain in the desert, it better stop because I did not bring Ginger's raincoat. We get to pick her at 2am tonight.

Lots of Walking

Yesterday John and I walked the entire length and back of our C shaped island. We discovered all the super high end retail (there is a Rolles Royce dealer here) and all the different places to eat, at least 4 coffee shops and 2 chocolate places. We had lunch at our new favorite place, Carluccios. An Italian cafe with a small market with Italian items and fresh produce. For dinner we took a water taxi from infront of our building across to the other side of the island. We went to Gordon Ramsey's Maze, and there was no yelling in the kitchen! The manager wants to talk to John about cleaning the marble floors, everywhere we go people are eager to talk to John about his business.

We also went to the Museum of Islamic Art, lots of examples of Islamic/Asian patterns in tile and carpets. Along with jewelry, woodwork and lots of compasses and astrological instruments. The building itself is a work of art with a long ramp to the building over water and a grand double staircase inside. We got a tram ride from the parking lot to the Museum, but walked back to car. Today I will be less active and break in the sofa!

Driving in Doha

Today, I drove for the first time and by myself! I didn't have any problems, it was the car park at the mall that was the problem. (If you think I go to the mall too much, the grocery store is there, it's like a Meijer or Wal-Mart and you can take the cart all over the mall.) After 20 minutes of circling trying to find a space and going down one ways the wrong way, getting beeped at and cars speeding past me I was ready to give up. Any time someone was leaving there was always 3 cars waiting to take the spot. So I just pulled over and sat for awhile and then a space next to me was opening up. I had to back up so they could get out and put on my blinkers, that's how you signal it's your spot. I parked, walked into the mall and promptly forgot where I had parked. I was able to find the car again when I left without much problem.

While the mall, I ate lunch at the food court. For lunch I had a personal sized pizza from Pizza Hut and a 7 UP for the equivalent of about $7.00 US, I thought that was fair. The pizza was ok for a food court and they served it with ketchup packets. When you are done, you just leave your tray and someone cleans up. Other places I could have eaten where McDonalds, Burger King, Hardees, KFC, Subway, Applebees or Cinnabon, plus some local counters I wasn't ready to try on my own.

Moving In

Yesterday all the furniture we ordered was delivered and set up with no problems!

Today I was able to unpack everything we brought with us and all the stuff we have purchased in the last week. I have figured out the washing machine and dryer, we have separate machines which is not common here and they are in their own room, not the kitchen like many places.

The dish washer is a different story. After I loaded it and tried to start it yesterday, we read that we first need to add water and dishwasher salt. Yes, 2kgs of salt. Every washer comes with a cone for putting salt into the bottom. So I did that and it still wouldn't work! Turns out the water wasn't turned on, so John fixed that and now I'm washing the first load at 11:45 PM.

Bounus, John discovered the mirror in the bathroom is actually a medicine cabinet which is great since there is no storage in the bathroom.

Things that make you go hmmm

Here in Qatar you have to turn the water on and let it cool down, you have to let the shower run for 5 minutes before it is safe to get in (I remember it was also very hot in Dubai.) I have yet to brush my teeth with cool water.

There are lots of American TV shows and old movies that I don't remember seeing. Any of the series tv is a season or so behind. The other day I caught Days of Our Lives from 4 years ago, crazy!

Yesterday we borrowed a car from a friend of John's so we could pick up some more stuff for the apt that we knew wouldn't fit in a taxi (rugs) so it was our first time to use the car park at the mall (underground parking structure.) I was so wild and crazy! There were mutilpe ways to drive around it, no clear path, and tons of beeping and people going around waiting cars and not waiting for you back out, and the exhaust fumes were strong. I'm glad John was driving.

Other Observations

A few more things I've noticed: if alchol is prohibitted (you can't buy at store or have in your house) then why do the stores sells wine glasses, wine bottle chillers and small stand alone bars (some are pretty cool looking)?

Another thing, the light switches, some of which are like 3" wide, for the most part are on the outside of the rooms. So I have to remember to turn the light on before I enter the bathroom. Speaking of bathrooms, there are no electrical outlets in them, so I'll have to do my hair in the bedroom.

Until next time, Jenny

Life in Doha

Life in Doha

What Happened Today

Hi Everyone, Welcome to my Blog.

I saw so many crazy things today, I had to pass it along: round-abouts with traffic lights, you go around half the circle them stop for a red light. Children don't have to be in car seats let alone seat belts. Finally, I had to for the first time in my life, had to go to the bathroom squatting over a hole in the ground in a bathroom stall and there was a flusher, I am slightly traumatized!