doha daily 12/17/06

….Alright! What is the deal with the rain of late? Last year in Pasadena with days of torrential downpour and mold up to our ars’ and NOW, Doha! Breaking 45 yr-old records left and right. The roads here, however, have not been constructed to handle the amount that keeps falling and thick muddy water is pooling everywhere. Today’s temperature started at 16C (61F) and by the time 9a rolled around, it was down to 10C (50F). I went out and bought two space heaters and two fleece jammies for Tristan, as there is no heat in the house. I imagine the heaters will just follow us around the house for the next few weeks, maybe months, not sure, as everyone says this weather is more typical for late Jan.

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)!