Youtube Video - Qatar 2011

2 personas

Persona one & two

Friends & family 

age range 35-55

interested in making changes in their life

single parents, married with kids

people who may dream of making drastic changes or going on adventures but who never will out of fear of the unknown

Social Media class made me rethink my blog...

The social media class had me try new things and revisit creations I had long forgotten.  This blog was one that was forgotten.  I really enjoyed the challenge to push my own comfort level and to branch out and try new social media.  This blog has been updated with badges connecting to my social media accounts.  I am inspired and excited to continue to explore!

Hub and Spoke

Observations

I have been living in Doha, Qatar for three months now.  I have experienced culture-shock, lonilness, happiness, fascination, excitement...many interesting and vastly different things to experience here in the Middle East. 

Without judgements here are some observations...

In the summer months June, July & August, the cold warter tap releases warm water and the hot water tap releases cool water (water is stored in tanks outside)

Water in toilet bowls is warm

Tiny ants can be found everywhere

Stray-wild cats (feral) are everywhere

Round-a-bouts are where agressive, fast drivers have fun

There are very few places to turn left

Jackets are needed in shopping malls

Women wearing long black abayas generally are wearing very expensive, and very high heeled shoes

Arab men and woman wear very nice smelling collogne/perfume

Arabic is a difficult language to speak (for most North Americans)

Contridictions can be found everywhere

Liquor licenses are required to purchase alcohol.  Alcohol is only sold at one place which is ran by the State of Qatar.  Your employer may deny you access to alcohol.

In order to leave the country your employer must grant you approval

In order to change jobs in the country your employer must grant you a NOC - No Objection Certificate

Individual homes and all compounds (mini-communities) are surrounded by high walls - designed to protect your privacy

Qataris are permitted to have up to three wives each, many can only afford to have one

The temperature outside makes your earings burn your neck

Touching your steering wheel after your car has been outside in the sun for 15 minutes will burn your hands

Dance clubs can be found everywhere

Sand can seep in through the smallest crack

Honking is accecptable

Most vehicles are white

Most Arabs drive white SUV's

Displays of affection is acceptable between men, hand holding, nose rubbing, walking arm in arm

Pork is illegal to bring into the country

Change rooms post this notice:  "Nudity can offend some, please respect local customs"

Obesity is rare

I am about to make my first return trip to Canada.  Seeing women walking around in shorts and tank tops will likely surpise me, as will public displays of affection between men and women.  I look forward to returning to North America, hugging and kissing my kids, visiting with family and friends, being able to buy wine at the corner liquor store, and smelling fresh cut grass.

the new adventure

So many things to write, to express, to tell.  I will, I will, I am working to balance the newness of everything with creating "normalcy" in my life...so often by the end of my work day I am tired, weary and antisocial...more soon...keep posted.

Pam

April 10th I'm enroute!

Just arrived in Amsterdam...half way there.  My next flight departs in about 3 hours.
Thankfully the 6'6' dude beside me on the airplane was quiet and didn't smell!  The best I could have asked for from my seat mate.
With about two hours of sleep...the simple things seem complex and the complex - like connecting to the wifi are impossible. 
I did pick up a tiny pair of ceramic blue and white clogs for my fridge! 
I am thinking of my friend Shannon who moved here, learned the language, married and now has two boys!  Wish I had more time for a visit!  Next time!
More later once I have slept and can coordinate my fingers and my brain.