A month...

Today marks one month since we left the hectic packing of our life, familiar sites and sounds, amazing friends and family, and everything that didn't "fit" for a tiny desert country in the Middle East.  It seems like we've been here for quite a bit longer than one month... not sure if that's good or not. 

I remember when I first moved to Morocco like it was yesterday, although it's been much much longer.  After a month, I was so culture shocked and green I hardly wanted to leave my apartment.  I didn't own a car and wouldn't have driven if given the opportunity anyway.  I had barley oriented myself to my street, let alone any other parts of the city, and was quite happy never to go exploring.. ever.  I had figured out how to gesture to the veggie/fruit/meat vendors to get what I wanted, but had NO idea what the pricing was nor did I care if they were robbing me blind ("very good price for you")...   I remember my utter shock when I ordered chicken from the (outdoor) vendor and was greeted with a whole chicken..  My trauma must have shown because he immediately whisked it away and brought it back de-feathered and packaged up. Never mind my further trauma when I arrived home to realize the innards were all still... well.. in.  I quickly learned to motion to take out the innards after that, which totally blew the vendor's mind (that I didn't want 'best part').  I was totally intimidate to utter the few French words/phrases that I had rolling around in my head and Arabic was.. well totally foreign. 

After a few years, I was a much different being than the one who had stepped of a plane wondering what she'd gotten herself into.  I was a confident driver, teacher, shopper, speaker (well close), bargainer...  I fell head over heals for the culture, the cuisine, the language..  Later, I met my A when he came to teach and some of my life-long friends are from my time in Morocco.  It holds a substantial place in my heart.

Arriving here, in Doha, was much much different...  Obviously, I have A and the littles.  The first evening, my anxiety was tremendous remembering how difficult the transition to life had been in Morocco and knowing that somehow I had to do it a whole lot quicker this time.  A reassured me that we'd take it one day at a time, and after a good night sleep, I felt much better.  The first day here, I went grocery shopping, unpacked a lot, made a spaghetti dinner (only using a fork and sauce pan), and took a walk with the kids.  As time has progress, so has the speed of our transition.  We got our rental car a few days after arriving, and have steadily explored the city since.  It is a much smaller city, which helps.

So, what's the difference?  I think the biggest factors are 1) that I have a husband and kids who depend on me (I don't have the time to panic..  kids must eat, play, and have my attention) 2) I have a husband to help me (this is invaluable) 3) I'm older (oh so much older.. and somehow my flexibility has grown with age), and 4) we have had loads of transitions over the past decade or so.  That last one is without a doubt helpful.  We've come to rely on each other a great deal because of our many transitions.  Family is what's been constant.  We have friends from each place, whom we love dearly, but on a day-to-day basis, we are together.  We've also learned that we will adjust and adapt to whatever our surroundings may be and that our outlook will have a tremendous impact on our experiences in any given place. 

There are rough moments/days.. there will be more, but for now we are adjusting, adapting, and taking one day and one experience at a time.  The first month has been good and I expect that the coming months will continue in that direction.  Ups and downs will come, but I feel like we have a decent handle on approaching the downs.  Time will tell! 

The market...

One of the things I reminisce about Morocco is the open air markets.  I really enjoyed shopping for vegetables from one vendor, fruits from another, fresh flowers at another stall...  "Our" vendors knew us and there was a certain comfort in that.  There was room for bartering, I love bartering..  so when I found out there was a fruits and veggie market here in Doha I was super pumped.  We decided to take a look last Saturday morning.  The kids made lists, we got our "hot weather gear" ready (hats, water bottles, ice packs and towels for car seats, sun screen, light clothing..), and we were off.

P and M with their lists.

Love the site of fresh fruits.. 

It was hot.. too hot to be out really, but luckily there was shade over the whole market, which does help.  We found what we wanted and the selection was good.  After a few minutes though, the heat was too much for the kids and we had to go, but I look forward to going back as it is much cheaper than the grocery stores.  They did like getting to tell the vendors what they wanted and the vendors loved talking to them.  I think I'll just go without the kids until it cools off and then they'll be ready to explore again. 

Cooling off in the car with ice packs and water.

On eating with your hands...

We received an invitation to have lunch at the home of a student from A's new school.  We were pretty excited and wanted the kids to join as we hadn't been to a Qatari's home yet.  It was a great time and his student was an excellent host. 

The lunch started off with sweets (cakes, fruits etc.), coffee, and tea in the majlis (which is a large room with loads of seating and small tables for cups and plates..  Very lovely room.  When lunch was ready, we were ushered into the salon (living room) where we were greeted with two massive trays filled with fragrant saffron rice topped with (freshly killed) extremely tender lamb (

A favourite dish is Matchboush, which is meat cooked until it is incredibly tender, and served with spices and rice. - See more at: http://www.qatarvisitor.com/culture/qatar-food#sthash.WOwM0WT2.dpuf

A favourite dish is Matchboush, which is meat cooked until it is incredibly tender, and served with spices and rice. - See more at: http://www.qatarvisitor.com/culture/qatar-food#sthash.WOwM0WT2.dpuf

A favourite dish is Matchboush, which is meat cooked until it is incredibly tender, and served with spices and rice. - See more at: http://www.qatarvisitor.com/culture/qatar-food#sthash.WOwM0WT2.dpuf

matchboosh - the name of the dish).  Places were set for each of us with various drinks, yogurt (like a soured milk drink), dates, and salad.  The presentation was beautiful. 

The view from above.

The massive plate when we were just about done.. Lots and lots of food!

Mr. D helping us with the meat.

Friends and food.. Fun time.

There were plates and forks provided as we are all from countries that do not use the common plate for eating, nor do we eat with our hands (mostly).  But we figured, "when in Qatar..." and did it the Qatari way with our hands.  The nice thing is that both A and I had previous common plate experiences in Morocco.  Here are some tips if you ever find yourself dining from a common plate in this part of the world:

• Always begin with clean (well kept hands - clip nails etc.).
• Use the right hand only.
• Most people only use three fingers (maybe four) to scoop up rice and meat (or whatever is offered).
• The thumb is used as a scoop to push food into the mouth.
• Only eat what is in front of you on the plate, don't reach over someone else.  Imagine the place cut like a pie (in wedges), what's in front of you is your lane.. Stay in your lane. 
• If an elder reaches over ... no problem.
• The host will usually be the one to cut up and distribute meat; eat what is put before you.
• Don't lick hands while eating.  You don't even need to put your fingers into your mouth as you can use your thumb to sort of pop the food in. 
• When finished, wash your hands in the washroom.  (In some places the host will provide a wash station at the table.)
• All food should not be finished.  If there is food left, the host provided more than enough.  There is usually MORE than plenty as you can see from the pictures.  It honors the host to have prepared more than enough.

Neither P nor M wanted anything to do with eating with their hands or eating the food presented and I've made a habit of not pressuring them to try or do new things just yet.  A and I (along with the other guests) ate and enjoyed (first time with lamb..).  After about 10 minutes, M decided he did want to try it after all.  He LOVED the food and after the first couple of bites (me feeding him by hand), he lounged on my lap and let me feed him by hand like a baby bird.. Good grief, that kid could get used to that pretty quickly...  After M, P decided she wanted a turn.  She had several bites of rice, but didn't want to try the "chicken."  We call all meat chicken as that's all the kids have been exposed to, just makes it easier especially as P's favorite animal is a baaaa sheep...  I just love how they are coming out of their shells and are enjoying these new experiences.

After the meal, we washed up and headed back to the first room for more sweets, tea, coffee, and conversation.  After a while, our host's older brother came in with a container full of incense.  He brought it to each person and you were expected to waft it at yourself a couple of times.  He explained that it helps remove the smell of food from each person.  It smelled great and really did work to get rid of any meaty smells...  It was a really fun cultural experience and we learned a lot from the few hours spent in a Qatari home.  Amazing hospitality, great food, new friends... A good day for sure.  

Tea and sweets time. Such a lovely room.

Chocolates.. P was in heaven.

Cakes, tea, and coffee.  The mint tea was amazing!

M's try at photography!

Tea and sweets..  Took me back to Morocco days.

Visitor and the Suq..

We've been here for about three weeks.  It seems much longer to be honest.  We've been driving since the first week, been to three malls, play groups, got a driving license, A has been through three weeks of orientation/planning at work, the apartment is set up, the city is starting to look familiar, we've had dinner guests and been dinner guests, been to the Embassy, and most recently had our first visitor. 

My first years (2) in Morocco, I was roommates with L (and a couple of other ladies too).  She is a really great friend and over the past twelve years our friendship has grown into one that no matter how long it is between visits, we are able to pick back up where we left off...  I just really enjoy our friendship a lot.  We haven't been together in about three years (M was just a wee little man), and I was itching for a visit when I got an email letting me know she'd be flying through Doha (from Kenya to London) and had day layover!  My initial thoughts were a little nervous because I knew we'd only have been here three weeks and wasn't sure how much getting around we'd be able to do, but I was so excited to see her that it didn't matter.

The kids and I loaded up to head to the airport early hoping we'd avoid the rush traffic and make it to the airport to pick up L just after she made it through immigration..  um no..  Between construction, the GPS being more than directionally challenged, and amazing amounts of traffic... we arrived at the airport quite late, but unscathed.  In typical L style, she hopped in the car (after a long wait) and off we went, catching up for lost years as quickly as possible.

Music teacher L with M and the music bin..

We spent the morning (what was left of it) at our apartment (getting home was way easier) catching up over peanut butter pita bread and after a quick nap (for L), we headed to the clubhouse for lunch.  Delicious food, more conversation (I got to hear all about L's amazing recent adventure visiting Congo - traveling two nights and days in a large canoe down the Congo River...), another nap, and we picked up A from work and headed to Suq Waqif to explore.  The last time L and I were in a suq (marketplace/bazaar) together was years and years ago in Morocco, so it was really fun to explore the suq here (our first time going) together.  The suq here is built to resemble the old suqs.  There are a few subtleties that give away the modernity of it, but it is still a fun experience.

L's lunch.. So pretty and so tasty.. wow

The thing I like about suqs is the experience of a total bombardment of one's senses, and Suq Waqif was no exception.  The bright colorful fabrics down one alley, the ornately painted pottery down the next, tiny golden camels brightly decorated, beautiful artwork everywhere... the eyes are pleased and overwhelmed around every turn.  Spices in heaps in one shop, incense burning in front of another, food simmering in a plethora of delicious restaurants...  the nose is delighted.  Sellers welcoming you to "step in and have a look," traditional dancing and "chanting" being performed on a stage, the local mosque call beckoning people to enter and pray... the ears are enchanted.  A million tiny things to touch at every corner enhances the experience and P and M were especially delighted with each little trinket to touch and hold.  ("hands down" was a mute point.. it wasn't happening)  The flavors at the Lebanese restaurant we chose amazed us.  The hummus was smooth, the homemade bread puffy and delicious...  It was a delightful trip to the suq and we will be back for artwork, pottery, and perhaps some carpets when the weather cools a bit. 

The front of Suq Waqif.

Suq

Want one?

One of my favorites.  Locally hand painted tiles. 

Love.

So colorful and textured.

There will be one in my apartment soon.

A*MA*ZING (spice blend)

The smells are amazing.

Traditional dance and chant.

So delicious..  Hummus, Fattoush, Baba ganoush, fresh bread. 

So good..  I can never get homemade pita to puff like that..

P and M's meal, they insisted on a picture..  Chicken kabobs (amazing seasoning) and fries.

Hungry??

She needed a picture taken.

The chandelier at the restaurant.  

M too, but not without A.

She just HAD to get on that lion.

Love the look..

No outing is complete without M finding some type of rescue vehicle.

This is one of P's favorite buildings (not the suq, but close).  She says it looks like a cupcake with swirly frosting and even a cherry (red light) on top! 

One of the cool things (literally) about this suq is that areas actually feel air conditioned because of the shops that line each side of the alley ways.  As people enter and exit, they let a bit of cool air escape and it really makes a difference. 

We drove home, did some more chatting, ordered L a taxi for 3:00 am and went off to sleep.  I woke up around 4:15 and L was already gone (stinking am vs pm on the alarm!)...  It was a totally awesome day and I can't wait to see that lovely lady again soon!!

Thanks L for making an effort to be here for the day, we love you and can't wait to hear about your adventures in London. 

L and I at dinner

So... who's coming next??? 

A couple of firsts..

The convention Center.. Got this photo on-line since there's construction all around it.

 Newly hired (so new to Qatar) families of the Qatar Foundation were invited for a welcome reception yesterday at the Convention Center here in Doha.  We had no idea what to expect, but were told it was 1-3 (lunch at 3) with games. It was a very nice place.. yikes.  There were four forks per place and my children drank and ate from real china (first), and I'm happy to say, they didn't break a thing... 

The lovely room.  Love the lights!  Thanks JA for the photo.

A, P and M with friend A.

The lovely dessert table.  Thanks JA for the photo.

REALLY enjoying dessert!

So pretty.

Doesn't everyone color at a formal reception?

There were games where raffle tickets were drawn, people went up to the stage and played various games.  P got chosen (with her little friend D) for the first game.  My little desert flower didn't hesitate, but marched up to the stage and princess waved to us all...  Good grief. She didn't win, but everyone got a prize and she was thrilled!!  We all had to play the last game and I was on the winning corner of the room and won a prize too.  The best part was that it was a normal sized mug!!  We only have tiny tea cups, so I have to refill it several times a morning...

P is up there, she's the shortest one, and not a bit shy.

P with her prize.

A little owl and blanket.  She actually really liked them, despite the face she's making...

We had a really nice time and the Qatar Foundation (once again) were great hosts to us and all of the new hires! 
_________________________________________________________________


Today (Wednesday) we had to go to the American Embassy to have a NEW POA notarized.  We were a bit concerned we wouldn't be able to get it completed because we don't currently have our original passports (they are at immigration for our residency permits).  We had copies of our passports and our driver's licenses and were hoping that would be enough (though the website was clear on needing the passports). 

The very official looking Embassy.  On-line photo since we couldn't bring phones/cameras/electronics...

Doesn't that building up there look regal??  Official at least..  I had these grandiose ideas of going to the Embassy, probably because I'm a total social studies geek.  I thought we'd walk up those front white stairs, get checked by security, and stroll down a long lovely hallway flanked with portraits of the white house and the American Presidents on our way to the office of the notary.  This would be in a dark bookcase filled office where we make small chat and sign our POA.  A good first civic experience for us and the kids.  (yes, I had really thought it through...)...  Um way off.. 

We were stopped before even getting into the first gate and sent back to the car to put our bag (activities for the kids), ipad, and phones back in (luckily I put ice packs in the car seats to keep them cool - the ipad stayed cool too).  We had to wait in a little trailer for our number to flash, we walked out and waited outside until we were called into the first of several security checks (where we had to leave everything - sunglasses, purse, water bottles), and then entered a dingy warm room where we took yet another number.  We waited again, told the woman at the window what we needed, went to another window to pay the fee, and then to yet another waiting room...  Finally!!  The POA was signed, stamped, we raised our right hands attesting we were who we said we were, and off we went.

That was it.  No long hallways.  No pictures of famous American landmarks...  Nothing.  Well, at least we got our POA signed and can sell our houses...