Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Recycling in Qatar
Recycling and anything "green" is somewhat of an unknown in Doha. They simply don't understand yet how important these things are here and a lot goes to waste. Word on the street is that when Doha was bidding for the Olympics, there were recycling bins everywhere to try to impress the Olympic committee, but as soon as they lost the bid, the bins disappeared.
So imagine my surprise when I saw a big sign at my grocery store that they were selling reusable bags to bring to the store. The bags are only QR .50 (like 10 cents), so I thought, "why not--if I can't recycle, at least I can do something and brings bags to the grocery store."
So I told the clerk that I would like to purchase some with my groceries. I bought my food, paid for everything, and returned to my car with my shopping cart. Upon loading the trunk, I looked inside my reusable bags. Inside were all my groceries, PACKED INTO PLASTIC BAGS AND THEN PUT INTO THE REUSABLE BAG THAT I HAD BOUGHT! Now wouldn't common sense tell you that the purpose of these reusable bags is to avoid using plastic bags? But here in Doha, trying to explain common sense to someone is just too tiring.
Another very funny thing that they do here: There is a not a lot of loose change here--it's mainly bills, so if you are due some change after you pay for something, you usually get one of the following: a pack of chewing gum, a small piece of candy or an entry form to win whatever car is on display in the mall that week. We have never won the car.
So Keith and I have made some purchases lately that are probably going to prevent us from going on a vacation anytime soon (except Jordan next month). First we found a guy that travels all over the middle east buying items and teak wood and making things. We bought these two items from him...
Then, since we are enjoying our first backyard, we bought some items for Max. It's like an amusement park back there.
Yesterday we had a playgroup with 2 year olds. It was me, Max and twelve 2 year olds and their moms. Needless to say, it was quite chaotic, but tons of fun. I met more people from UK and New Zealand, plus another lady from Illinois!
Here are Max and Jaydn, one of his "friends"
More kids and moms
Heidi and her two month old
Well there is nothing else to report! Until next time!
So imagine my surprise when I saw a big sign at my grocery store that they were selling reusable bags to bring to the store. The bags are only QR .50 (like 10 cents), so I thought, "why not--if I can't recycle, at least I can do something and brings bags to the grocery store."
So I told the clerk that I would like to purchase some with my groceries. I bought my food, paid for everything, and returned to my car with my shopping cart. Upon loading the trunk, I looked inside my reusable bags. Inside were all my groceries, PACKED INTO PLASTIC BAGS AND THEN PUT INTO THE REUSABLE BAG THAT I HAD BOUGHT! Now wouldn't common sense tell you that the purpose of these reusable bags is to avoid using plastic bags? But here in Doha, trying to explain common sense to someone is just too tiring.
Another very funny thing that they do here: There is a not a lot of loose change here--it's mainly bills, so if you are due some change after you pay for something, you usually get one of the following: a pack of chewing gum, a small piece of candy or an entry form to win whatever car is on display in the mall that week. We have never won the car.
So Keith and I have made some purchases lately that are probably going to prevent us from going on a vacation anytime soon (except Jordan next month). First we found a guy that travels all over the middle east buying items and teak wood and making things. We bought these two items from him...
Then, since we are enjoying our first backyard, we bought some items for Max. It's like an amusement park back there.
Yesterday we had a playgroup with 2 year olds. It was me, Max and twelve 2 year olds and their moms. Needless to say, it was quite chaotic, but tons of fun. I met more people from UK and New Zealand, plus another lady from Illinois!
Here are Max and Jaydn, one of his "friends"
More kids and moms
Heidi and her two month old
Well there is nothing else to report! Until next time!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Bahrain and Dubai
Okay it's been a ridiculously long time since I updated so sorry for that.
I've been having a great time here, plain and simple. I am loving staying home with Max and meeting so many people from so many different cultures. it is just fascinating to say the least. In the past few months, I've met people from Dubai, Tunisia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, USA, Malaysia, Indonesia. And that's just off the top of my head.
Max and I have been very busy with tons of playgroups, coffee meetings with other moms, music classes, art classes and, soon, a class called "Play Ball". The weather has been spectacular and I really have no complaints.
Last month, I had friends come visit. They were in Doha for two days and then went on to Oman and Dubai. I met them in Dubai and there are tons of pictures to sort through so I will have to wait to post those, but I do have a few.
Here are Hilary and me at the camel races in Doha.
Here are Casey and I in the lobby of the Burg Al Arab, the world's only "seven star" hotel
I did take a few "fine art photos" too:
The view of the Burg Al Arab from the beach
A close up
The world's tallest building
Sharks in the aquarium in one of the malls
A closer view of the tallest building.
Okay so on to our family vacation in Bahrain, a small island to the west of us. Bahrain was much like Doha in size but they are much more liberal....you can drink in any restaurants and seeing people in traditional dress was not as common. But really, Bahrain was slightly boring. There was not much to do and there are surprisingly few beaches for an island. However, the people were fabulous and we had a good time just being together. keith has been working almost every day since we got back from Christmas in the states and it was nice to see him relax.
The Pool
Keith and Max. Max does not like the flash
Mom and dad enjoy a night out to dinner
Around town
Last but not least, George. We have decided that we will take picture of George in every country we visit while we are overseas. Max never goes anywhere without him!
I've been having a great time here, plain and simple. I am loving staying home with Max and meeting so many people from so many different cultures. it is just fascinating to say the least. In the past few months, I've met people from Dubai, Tunisia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, USA, Malaysia, Indonesia. And that's just off the top of my head.
Max and I have been very busy with tons of playgroups, coffee meetings with other moms, music classes, art classes and, soon, a class called "Play Ball". The weather has been spectacular and I really have no complaints.
Last month, I had friends come visit. They were in Doha for two days and then went on to Oman and Dubai. I met them in Dubai and there are tons of pictures to sort through so I will have to wait to post those, but I do have a few.
Here are Hilary and me at the camel races in Doha.
Here are Casey and I in the lobby of the Burg Al Arab, the world's only "seven star" hotel
I did take a few "fine art photos" too:
The view of the Burg Al Arab from the beach
A close up
The world's tallest building
Sharks in the aquarium in one of the malls
A closer view of the tallest building.
Okay so on to our family vacation in Bahrain, a small island to the west of us. Bahrain was much like Doha in size but they are much more liberal....you can drink in any restaurants and seeing people in traditional dress was not as common. But really, Bahrain was slightly boring. There was not much to do and there are surprisingly few beaches for an island. However, the people were fabulous and we had a good time just being together. keith has been working almost every day since we got back from Christmas in the states and it was nice to see him relax.
The Pool
Keith and Max. Max does not like the flash
Mom and dad enjoy a night out to dinner
Around town
Last but not least, George. We have decided that we will take picture of George in every country we visit while we are overseas. Max never goes anywhere without him!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Oman
We just got back from Oman, a country just east of us, and had a great time. Oman is a great country, with a rich culture and friendly people. There were also lots of things to see! But first, we wanted to spend some time by the pool!! Max is getting better at swimming (at least he kicks his legs now). The floaties help.
The next day was a day reserved for siteseeing. First we hit the Grand Mosque, which was incredible. It was absolutely huge.
Incredibly, this carpet was made in one piece and loomed inside the actual room. You can see how big the room is by the tiny person in the back and to the left.
Next stop, the souq in Muscat (the capital of Oman). Gorgeous and full of people that really wanted to sell us stuff!
Lastly, we walked around the town, where I captured this photo of a lovely mosque.
The next day was a day reserved for siteseeing. First we hit the Grand Mosque, which was incredible. It was absolutely huge.
Incredibly, this carpet was made in one piece and loomed inside the actual room. You can see how big the room is by the tiny person in the back and to the left.
Next stop, the souq in Muscat (the capital of Oman). Gorgeous and full of people that really wanted to sell us stuff!
Lastly, we walked around the town, where I captured this photo of a lovely mosque.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Thanksgiving and Christmas in qatar
I totally forgot to post pictures of Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Here we are at a friend's house on Thanksgiving. Eating outside for all you people in Chicago!
One of the cool things about living here, is that we get to meet people from all different countries. Case in point....our Filipino Santa and Filipino Chorus for various Christmas celebrations!
Having nothing whatsoever to do with Christmas, I will close with an artistic shot of the Islamic Cultural Center....
Here we are at a friend's house on Thanksgiving. Eating outside for all you people in Chicago!
One of the cool things about living here, is that we get to meet people from all different countries. Case in point....our Filipino Santa and Filipino Chorus for various Christmas celebrations!
Having nothing whatsoever to do with Christmas, I will close with an artistic shot of the Islamic Cultural Center....
The latest
Yes, I have not written in a long while, but I have so many photos that I have to share. The latest and greatest is our desert safari that we went on the other day. We were picked up and driven into the desert in a Land Cruiser and taken on quite a tour! Our driver was racing up sand dunes bigger than houses at 40 to 50 miles an hour and we had no idea what was on the other side!! There were many people out in cars, dunebuggies and ATVs so it was quite crowded. It was thrilling and scary at the same time!
After the dune bashing, we were driven to the Inland Sea, where we had a chance to rest, take pictures and see the coast line of Saudi Arabia. We also got to ride some camels! After that, we were taken to camp, fed BBQ and rested in a Beduoin style tent. It was a lovely time and now for the photos!
In case you are wondering what it looks like to be on the back of a camel
Keith and Margaret on camels
Max and I on a camel
The coastline of Saudi Arabia, a place I never thought I would ever see
The Inland Sea
And now for some interesting pictures that I have taken as I've observed my new home the last few weeks. First, can someone PLEASE tell me what in tarnation this is? it was in the fruit aisle at the grocery store....and it was about four times the size of my head.
Next, another question I have. What goes on in the Filipino Health House?
I'm sure I've mentioned that I think certain people are a little, um, shall, we say, arrogant in the city I live? Here is an example. Something tells me the driver of this vehicle is far from handicapped, but that's just me.
Last but not least, Keith and I managed to find a speakeasy in town, which shall remain nameless, but suffice it to say, it was full of Brits and Aussies and there was a LOT of beer.
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