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.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, January 10, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
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
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
Monday, January 3, 2011
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!
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!
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