Luckily (given the weather) for Doha and its guests, the Asian Games finished Friday evening. The Games did not affect daily life as everyone suspected it would – in fact, compared to this morning, traffic was much lighter. Tristan and I hit some of the venues during the day, like gymnastics. I also saw men’s diving and ladies’ Sepak Takraw; basically, volleyball played with the feet instead of the hands – very interesting, as I have never seen this before. During their warm-up, the players kicked their legs up into the air with their knees touching their ears – I don’t think I need to go any further with that one. The fireworks were really spectacular at the opening and closing ceremonies and the nice thing is, I was able to just walk outside and see them in the air as we are so close to the stadium – it was KIIIEEEND of like watching them from our backyard on Anita Drive July 4th from the Rose Bowl.
an orry (asian games mascot - oryx) embroidered onto the back of an abbaya - japan vs vietnam in the sepak takraw semi-finals - tristan clapping for gymnastics
With the Asian Games came a lot of different cultural activities, all free to the public. Tristan and I went to a Dinosaur exhibit two separate times. At the same venue was also an ancient jewelry and costume exhibition. There was also a multi-cultural fashion show…LOTS of things! It is hard work, NOT working ; )
What else…we had a Christmas party last week in our compound. I played Mrs. Claus and Thierry rode Santa in on the back of his Harley – a BIG success. I think Thierry had more fun than the 62 kids that were there. The Ritz-Carlton has its annual tree-lighting ceremony tomorrow evening and there is supposed to be a “Christmas Carols in the Desert,” excursion – of which I am trying to find out more detail. It’s funny there is A LOT of Christmas cheer here for it being a Muslim country. Christmas sales are popping up and the newspapers are really targeting expat shopping trends.
One of the women I have met here is now reading the English news for the QBS (Qatar Broadcast Station) radio station – they broadcast English and French news/music, etc. I told her that I would have LOVED to have done that - be a DJ or maybe Katie Couric…So, one week ago, she phoned me and asked if I could record a radio advertisement with her as the spot needed a second English-speaking person…YES PLEASE! So, somewhere here in Doha (of course, NEVER when I am listening to the radio), is an advertisement running for the Dream Shopping Center boasting 5000 Christmas decorations for sale as well as a live Santa Claus nightly! C’mon down!!!
I think that it being our first Christmas abroad, I am in a slight state of funk because we are not in the States, where I HAVE been for the last 30-some odd Christmas’ (one in Hawaii) but after almost one year of being here, I (We) have met some of the nicest people, and knowing that they too are going be here, makes it a touch easier. Lots of coffee, wine, activities, sports (there is an aerobics class here in the compound 3 times a week that I have been attending), so just keeping myself busy. Thierry and Tristan too, of course : )
The Harley-Davidson dealership has its official opening Dec. 21 in Al Wakra (an old city just outside of Doha). Here is a picture I took two weeks ago. They are most likely working around the clock to get it stocked.
And we are now the proud owners of a 210cm artificial Christmas tree - I would like to think that we are contributing to the environment.
See you (before Christmas, I’m hoping)!
