doha daily 10/16/06

In the throes of Ramadan. It is closer to the end now. The biggest difference for me and all other expats has been no food/drink in public as well as complying with the funky store hours of 10a-12noon, closed until 7 or 8pm and then opening again until 1 or 2am. Shops are practically empty in the mornings, which is when I choose to go out – it is kind of sad. They do not liven up until late at night – there is traffic all times of day now as people have special hours where they begin their workday at 10a. Thierry is starting an hour later than normal, but stays an additional hour at night. Going somewhere at 1230 in the afternoon is a big no-no (due to the traffic leaving the stores and going home for a long nap I imagine to forget about food) but I am stuck because that is when I pick Tristan up from school. Although I am happy to “experience” Ramadan, I think next year I will be happy to stay out of the country while it is going on. 530p is sundown and is celebration called "iftar,” when everyone fasting breaks their fast, traditionally with a date and juice. The hotels have big tents set up with grand meals and entertainment that lasts until 2am. I've concluded that every night is one big party, hence, not a good time to start the One Year Diet if you are Muslim. The Ritz-Carlton tent is renowned among the community. Wednesday night, Thierry and I are going on a Harley ride with the chapter here and then attending an organized dinner in the Ramadan tent of the Four Seasons Hotel. Ramadan is going to end the 24th of October, and so begins Eid Al Fitr, a 3-day celebration signifying the end of fasting and Ramadan.

There is a new sports satellite channel called “SportsNet America,” where we can catch many NFL, NHL and Cardinal’s games. My Sunday mornings before Thierry goes to work consist of checking the Cardinals scores as well as of course, SC.

We now have a dryer : )

I need to get a gas hookup for our BBQ, which has an USA adapter. I wish I had emptied out our propane canister and packed it with our things.
Here is a picture of the Doha skyline, which is growing. I’ll take more pictures of the city for you – LOTS of construction.