Out and About in Qatar

Hi yall. I just finished up my 'weekend' and it was back to work today. Friday is the Holy Day so everyone is off. I took Thursday as my Columbus Day holiday, so I managed to get two days off in a row. The first day was spent around the house trying to catch up on sleep. I still have insomnia, however, they keep reassuring me that within a week or two I would be on a schedule.

Friday, the big bosses were in town from DC and took me and Kari out to the Dunes to do a little 4 X 4ing out to the Inland Ocean. All I could say the whole time was "dang, my son would be digging this." Our driver was amazing and made the Land Cruiser do things that defied the laws of physics. We went up, did di-dos, slid down the dunes sideways, flew over the tops, and rode along ridges with steep drops on both sides. It was like a roller coaster with no room to throw your hands up. Because there is really no shadows or any reference points to compare to, pictures didn't do it justice. Suffice it to say, it was an experience. The Inland Ocean can only be reached via the 4 X 4's. You could see Saudi on the other side, but the haze made it difficult. We opted out on the camel ride with the local bedouin because the driver was on the clock and when he was done letting half of the air out of the tires (for better traction on the dunes) he was ready to roll. Maybe next time.

After a little lunch, some grocery shopping, and a quick shower, we all met up at the Old Souq for some shopping and dinner. I refrained from shopping until I decide exactly what to bring home for people. I was impressed with the Old Pearl Diver and his collection. Dinner was at a Moroccan restaurant in the Souq. There were interesting entree choices, some of which I would never dream of trying, so I settled for the 'safe' beef kababs with saffron rice. One thing I have found unusual, in the concept I had of a desert, is the availability of fresh fruits. Every restaurant I have been in offers fresh fruit smoothies. I am addicted to the mango, strawberry, banana combinations.

We enjoyed a free public concert of sorts while we were out walking and shopping. It's very rhythmic, enchanting, and happy music. I'm going to attempt to post a video that I managed to shoot. I hope it works!

OK, so it didn't work. I'll give it another try tomorrow after work. Stay tuned.