Off to the Races

This weekend was full of races: a horse race and a car race, both a first for me!

Thursday we went to the Emir's Sword Race, it was also hat day. I got there at 12:30pm with a group of ladies from AWA and saw 7 horse races, the first race was only female jockeys. It was fun to watch the women with their hats for the contest, the winner got a silver and diamond watch. The race was run on grass, which I had never heard of. At the end of all the races, the Emir came out to present the awards, ironically his horse won the big race.

Then on Friday we went to the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, the first time in Qatar. First we went to see them practice, then we left for dinner and came back for the 8:50pm race. Unlike the horse race, it was not crowded and I got a good spot for pictures. Also unlike the horse race the weather had cooled off a lot, but both days were very dusty with low visability.

Look for pictures of both on facebook.

Back to the Pearl

Well, we made it back to Doha with no travel problems at all and it took 28 1/2 hours. Friday I spent most of my time unpacking and arranging things. Tonight John and I went for a walk around the Pearl. We noticed what has opened and what has closed since we were last here. There are 3 ice cream places and several new coffee spots. On our way back we stopped at the new grocery store to get a few things. They have a large amount of American products and a lot of everything for a small store, the veggies selection wasn't too good but what's new.

They stopped serving alcohol on the Pearl and since then 3 restaurants have closed. John asked one of the chefs and he said business is down 70%. We are hoping this gets over turned soon or a lot more places will probably close as it was very quite this evening.

Tomorrow John and Jim fly to Dubai and a busy week starts for me with AWA and book club!

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.