doha daily 11/20/06

It is sprinkling rain today! And quite chilly! 20C (68F) when Thierry left for work. Now I know why everyone was in sweaters and turtlenecks when we arrived here in January – I was looking at them and saying to myself, “This isn’t cold! This is like a mild day in L.A…” Meanwhile, it’s 70F and I am now wearing a long-sleeve tee shirt and am contemplating a light jacket or sweater. Last week was 37C and we had a few days of 32-33C temp and BAM! It’s winter! Although the AC has been on in most of the rooms for the past 7 months, it feels as though we will be able to turn them off permanently if it remains this cool.

the very visible dairy queen - thierry martin and aj at al khor harbor - tristan wearing "his" helmet and googles

nap time at nursery

on our way to play tennis one afternoon

Thierry and I went on the Qatar Chapter ride two Fridays ago – everyone meets at 730a at the local DQ and once gathers, leaves from there around 800a. One person is elected “road captain,” and then we all just follow him (don’t think it has ever been a ‘her,’ but that could change.) The big story for the HOG chapter is the torch relay which takes place next Wednesday (11/29). They are expecting 40-50 bikes to be involved.

Roads that have been under construction since we can remember are now opening up almost daily and although there is much traffic here in Doha, it is fun to see new and improved paved roads. I think the Doha version of the Autobahn is just in front of our compound – it has been a one-lane street for so long now lined on either side with construction barrels, cones and rope, now that it is a 3-lane highway in either direction, all of the Land Cruisers seem to be letting loose.

We are going to spend Thanksgiving dinner with two other American families in the compound. It has now turned into a progressive dinner with dessert Chez Grandsire as we have Fox Sports Net and will able to catch the football game on at 900p.