Today marks the one-year anniversary of our Qatar stint. All I can say is that it was interesting, but I’m not sure I can highly recommend it. Although, I must say I don’t think I’m really a Gulf kind of person. But in an effort to put a positive spin on things, I’ll highlight some of my favorite episodes of last year.
- The sand dunes adventure: We took this trip with Sandy when she came to visit last May. We had a blast, although Sandy was screaming most of the time, as she was terrified by the speed our diver chose for the adventure. We took a half-day trip to the dunes (left pic) where this wild man provided an adrenaline-pumping desert safari escapade. Ascending the dunes was exhilarating. But coming down could be a bit terrifying, although very enjoyable! I recommend this outing for anyone visiting Doha.
- The musical CATS (right pic): The best thing about attending this world-class show was sneaking in to the post-show cast party held at the Ritz-Carlton’s Admirals Club. In addition to having access to an open buffet (food and drinks!), we got to see the CATS dancers hit the dance floor. This was just so much fun, so much fun!
- Taking trips across the region: This has to include our favorite one to Lebanon (middle pic), where I got to ski for the very first time in my life. I was such a clumsy skier but I loved it anyway.
- Enjoyable time and fine meals at our favorite Doha restaurants: The Italian job at Ramada Hotel & Marriot’s Salsa.
- DVD Corner: The place is jam-packed with really good movies and always keeps updated with the latest releases. The best thing about it is that we are always given special treatment, as we are one of their favorite customers, for some reason (might be the 200+ DVDs we’ve rented)!
- BLOGGING: Getting involved in the wonderful world you see before you. (Thanks to Aunt Karen!)
- Making really good friends: I’ve made some relationships that I will cherish for many years to come.
Looking back, I guess the past year was not so bad after all! [Click the pix for bigger versions.]
Tash, you know this was not my first trip to Washington. But this was the first time it hit home to hard that I AM TOO YOUNG FOR DOHA! Especially when I hit Georgetown on Halloween with my cousin and his friend 🙁
Well, being positive is the only way to survive Doha. Negativity will take us nowhere.
Way to go, girl! Your attitude Doha & Qatar is much improved. It’s like the old real estate joke:
Realtor shows client1 a house. Client1 says what are neighbors like? Realtor says what are your neighbors presently like? Client1 says they’re awful! Realtor says I’m afraid it’ll be much the same here.
Realtor shows client2 same house. Client2 ask about the neighbors, realtors asks about his present neighbors. Client2 says they’re just great! We hate to move away from them. Realtor says I’m sure you’ll find this neighborhood similar to where you are now.
Life gives you a lemon, make lemonade. Same deal. Glad to see you’re following it.
Two comments.
Nader sucks, I agree, he is purely here to spoil our party this time. I would have voted for him last time as well, but I wasn’t registered though.
The most popular “write-in” candidate is Mickey Mouse, I don’t know if this true, someone told me today at starbucks.
I’m going to the polls in an hour, it’s 6 am here, my bags are packed in case Bush wins. I’ll go to Education City in Doha, and if I quit smoking, maybe I’ll come over 😉
Jeff – I totally agree with you about him not standing a chance and being a spoiler.. I just grew into the habit of picking on your poor wife… I love seeing how ‘ma3jooga’ i can get her 😛
I voted for Nader in the last election and it was most certainly a vote wasted. Many I knew at the time couldn’t see voting for Gore, certain his middle east policies would be a mess. Most voted either Nader or Bush — many Bush — thinking “what could this man possibly do in the Middle East, he’s clueless.”
I think they see the error of that decision now.
Back to Nader: You should do some reading on this guy. Everyone that backed him in 2000 is stepping away now, including vocal supporter Michael Moore. This is no longer about anything but vanity for Nader. His arguments as to “why” are specious. He deliberately wants to be a spoiler so the democrats will have to look to him and respect him next time around. “Pay attention to me. I’m still important,” he says.
John Kerry is no gift. But to assume that GW won’t make a worse mess of the middle east than he already has is a huge mistake — he’s still got Syria in his sights and maybe he’ll just shift on over to Iran while he’s at it all the while alienating more countries and splitting the world into good and evil.
Nader cannot win. He’s not registered in all 50 states and even if he was he wouldn’t get the votes. He’s deliberately become a spoiler and it’s a shame. If you want to vote for Nader you might as well write in a candidate (they allow this) of your choosing, someone you really think deserves it because a Nader vote is a vote wasted. Might as well put that vote where you really want it if you are thinking of throwing it away in protest.
Why isn’t Nader on your poll? You don’t support the Two Party System do you? 😛
http://www.votenader.org/
As the saying in Arabic goes:
Kela Al-Akhawayni Medraton, Wa Laken Shehabuddeen Adratu men Akheehee
God help us either way!
Sandy, come on, your screams were music to my ears.
Roba, I agree the first picture is very creative. Once again, it is the creation of my talented husband.
I REALLY love the first picture! So creative 🙂
Tash. I’ll kill you when I see you…..
Hopefully soon Inshallah !!! 🙂