Our last view of Doha

Here are some pictures that I took from our room at the Sheraton the day we left.  We didn't make it down there to enjoy any of this - bathing suits were not on my list of items to pack for Sakhalin.  Also, it is still really hot during the day...for us swimming weather doesn't start until mid to late October.  

Dinner with friends

Before we left for Houston, we went out to dinner with Gill and Aaron at Bentley's in the Ramada Plaza.  The food was great, the company was great, and the wine was great!!  Hopefully, we will be able to go out again when we get back, but that will only happen if we are still in Doha once Ramadan is over...

Around Doha: A few photos

Ahhh, memories!  I will have plenty from living in Qatar for 2 years.  In fact, we arrived at the Doha International Airport exactly 2 years ago today.  I remember what was going through my head (and eventually made its way out of my mouth) when I first arrived:  WHERE are we, and WHY are we here?  To be fair, it was over 100 F outside (at midnight) and the humidity was somewhere around 1000%.  Once we got settled and started getting used to life in our new home, things got better and we started to like it.   It isn't long now and we will be moving on, to a very different place with a VERY different climate and culture.  I will always remember living here, and always treasure the memories and friends that we have made here.

The following are a few pictures of regular sights around Doha that I have taken over the past few months.  

I pass by this shop nearly every week, but have never stopped to buy their chicken.

Not necessarily an odd sighting:  someone going the wrong way in a roundabout

I haven't seen a 6-door car in, well, ever!

Who can forget the horrid sand storm that lasted almost the entire month of June 2008?  Not me, and certainly not my housemaid :-D

I believe Qatar is the only Middle Eastern country to not have a National Mosque.  Well, now they are rectifying that with the building of this huge silver thing.

Not a great picture, but this intersection is commonly known in Doha as the "pump and pray" intersection (see the mosque next to the gas pumps?)

I am not sure what the deal is, but many drivers in Doha are scared to approach the light when it's red, sometimes leaving an entire car length between them and the intersection.

Ceramique & Chili's

I took Adam to Ceramique, a cafe that kids can paint ceramics which then get glazed and fired in a kiln.  We met Gill and Ella, Tammy and Ellie, and Liam (Gill was looking after him for a friend).  After checking out all the options (they have vases, plates, tiles, picture frames, figurines, etc.), Adam decided on a star-shaped plate.  Then he picked his colors (blue and green, of course - but I added a yellow).  I put one of Shane's undershirts on him in case he made a mess on his clothes and the paint didn't wash off.  Then I let him go for it!   Once his masterpiece was finished, I drew his name and an outline.  I think it turned out pretty good! After that, we all went to Chili's for lunch.  The kids had a great time...now hopefully the plate will turn out good, too!

Adam working on his masterpiece

Selecting his colors

Adam giving me a smile

The finished product

Coloring on the menu at Chili's

Adam, Ella, Liam, and Ellie at Chili's

Our last rug purchase

Shane wanted to purchase one more Persian rug before we leave Qatar for good.  We went to our favorite "rug guy" at Oriental Carpet and found this rug.  It is a Qom "Hunting" rug, made of pure silk - which is why we will hang it on the wall rather than walk on it!  I did some internet research and found out that Qom rugs are among the best known and finest Persian rugs.  They are made in the city of Qom, Iran, hence the name.  This specific style, the Hunting rug, depicts a hunting scene in the center of the rug.  Our rug's hunting scene has horses with riders, the animals being hunted and different plants.  The border area shows the plants and animals in a more peaceful setting (I guess pre-hunt).  I don't know if the picture does this rug justice...it is beautiful in person. 

Doha's Benihana: Sakura

For our anniversary, Shane and I decided to go to Sakura, a Japanese steak house at the Ramada hotel.  We hadn't been there in a long time, and had forgotten how good the food (and sushi!) is.  We sat at the Teppanyaki bar where they cook the food.  We had a good time and got to enjoy a night out just the two of us!

the happy couple!

our cook was juggling eggs

making that fried rice

getting ready to flame the lobster tail

stand back!

August in Doha

There isn't much to do in the summer in Doha.  August is by far the worst month to be here, with the highs reaching into the 12o's with the heat index.  There aren't as many people on the roads now, with most of the population taking off to somewhere with nicer weather.  We are still hanging around, of course, since we are moving in a few weeks.  One good thing about August - the driving is not as crazy!  Every now and then when I am driving around I see something out of the ordinary and grab my camera to take a picture.  This post is basically compiling a few pictures that I have taken over the past couple of weeks.  

This car looks like it should be in the Houston Art Car Parade

On this car is a Jesus sticker, a State of Qatar decal, the flag of India and the word's "God's Gift" - hmmm...

I really just have no idea what is going on here.  This is at Landmark mall and everyone was standing in line to get their picture taken with this thing

The photo isn't that great, but there is a Texas registration sticker on the back of this Landcruiser - along with a State of Qatar decal, of course!

Lunch at Fuddrucker's

Adam, Alex, James, and Ella

Adam loves it when we go to Fuddrucker's for lunch.  He judges restaurants by the size and quality of their indoor play area.  Since it is too hot to play outdoors in the summer, the only places to play are in restaurants and malls.  We met my friends Gill and Gina and their little ones for lunch and also to let the kids play.  When it was time to eat, we put all the kids at one table.  I tried to get them to pose for a picture, but they weren't interested.  The boys wanted to eat and Ella just didn't want her picture taken!

What an idiot

What a way for a country to be in the news!  This guy should really look into using his brain more often.  Couldn't he have just flown in special parts, oil, mechanics, or whatever else might be needed to service this car?  Click here for the story.  

Playdate with Ella and Alex

Today Adam and I went to Gill's for lunch and to let the kids play.  Adam loves going to Ella's house, and when we get close, he always tells me which way to turn to get there.  I remembered to bring my big camera, since Shane has the little one with him in Sakhalin.  The kids played well together and I got some great pictures.

Adam and Alex on the slide

Alex riding his car

Ella on her tricycle

Adam riding in the car

Adam

Ella

Gill and Alex

Adam and Ella

Adam and Ella

Alex

Their own Indy 500

An afternoon swim

Adam and Catrina

Adam and Robert

Playing in the pool

Adam and Robert

Splashing around in the kiddie pool

Adam

Yes, it's freakin hot here.  But Sam and I decided to take the kids down to the Red O and let them paddle around in the kiddie pool.  After 4:00 pm, the whole area is shaded, so we weren't completely melting out there.  The kids had a good time, and the water was nice.   

Maya and Tilly's last visit

We have houseguests again!  This time it's our old buds, Maya and Tilly.  They are staying with us one last time while their Mommy and Daddy are in Houston waiting for Baby Girl Ray to arrive!  Stephanie is due to have a C-section on the 24th, so we will all be anxiously awaiting baby pics!

It's HEEERE!

The humidity is here.  I had thought that it wouldn't show up until August, but I guess not. Back are the days of foggy windows and eyeglasses.   Notice the 'feels like' number...and it's 7:30 pm.