Happy
New Year!
Sorry it’s been so long
since I have given an update.
We have had a great time in December with family
coming to visit!
My Mom was here at the
beginning of December for about 10 days…we had such a good time, and it felt
soooo nice to have her here to celebrate my Birthday with me.
There is nothing like having your Mom to just sit
and talk with! We took her to ride a camel and she got to experience a little
fun in the sand dunes as well. After being here for a few months it’s fun to
see the culture through someone else’s perspective. The local women here that
cover were quite interesting to my Mom. When we first got here we felt the same
way….you feel bad that the women have to cover up… but we have learned that to
them it’s more of an honor. I saw a cartoon recently that made light of it…
Briana, Sierra, and Conor finally arrived here on
Qatar’s National Day. That was quite the experience! Qatar does a huge
celebration. There were amazing fireworks and the waterfront street (the
Corniche) had traffic for miles. It wasn’t uncommon to see people sitting on top
of their cars out the sunroof while driving down the road…some were even
standing!
Briana and Conor were here for only one week so we
tried to pack in as much fun as possible… here are some of the pictures
Singing Sand Dunes
Campfire
Camel Riding
Jet Skiing
The Souq Wakif
Christmas 
Justin in his new Qatari Thobe
We also have been going
to see some great events…
The men’s Tennis tour came to Doha and we enjoyed
watching some really good-looking Men in tennis shorts. They were also pretty
good tennis players. (Women’s tennis is next week)!
Natasha Bedingfield came to sing Tim a few
songs…great concert and we had quite the experience!
Lexi has joined a local
Football (Soccer) team. She is of course one of 3 girls on her team that is not
Qatari. Tim and Justin are not allowed to watch as the ladies that play remove
all of their Abaya’s and Birka’s (Black robe/dress and head covering scarf). It
is quite the sight to see all of the beautiful Qatari women come into the
field. They are done up from head to toe. Usually, in high-heels, and designer
attire. Their hair and make-up look professionally done. Their maids come also,
trailing behind carrying their backpacks and bags.
Justin is doing well in
school and has had the opportunity to learn some great cooking skills from our
friends John and Rhonda. He has been grilling, making appetizers, stock, a few
chicken dishes, and beef bourguignon. All amazing!
We
are soooo excited to be leaving next week to go back to Alaska for a visit! On
the way we will stop in Dubai for 2 days as Tim has to be there for meetings.
While there weare planning to go to the Atlantis Resort, see Cirque du Soleil,
and of course go to the Mall of the Emirates :-)
That’s all for now hopefully I have caught up and
it wont be so long for the next update. Miss everyone so much!
Trish
