I achieved most of what I wanted to do today. Admittedly I wasn't aiming very high and my to-do list was questionable but it's a start.
I'm eternally grateful that I'm not suffering too badly from jet lag. Ended up going to bed at 22:30 and getting up at a respectable 08:45. The day started well with a couple of bits of toast and the long awaited vegemite. This was followed by a delicious cup of chai tea. Mmmmmm.
I spent the morning starting my Doha gallery at Zoto but I've only got 16 pictures up so far and the rest will have to wait until Wednesday when I pick Gene, Nick and the laptop up from the airport. I thought I had all the pictures on my hard drive but I was wrong. Ended up posting some pictures that I took in Brisbane as well because I figured I might as well store them online.
After a few hours Mum came home and kindly drove me to VicRoads where I was able to replace my driver's license. Yay for having a license again. Now I just need to replace my fork & EWP licenses, a couple of bank cards, health insurance card... *sigh* Stupid wallet.
Naturally, having no work until March, we headed to the shops for a quick browse (my bad. I wanted to get some cocoa butter to help soothe my skin). We both came back with woolen skirts that we'll have to wait until Winter to wear (but they're pretty!) and a random collection of cosmetics (Mum wanted to get some mascara so it wasn't entirely my fault). It was a fun afternoon but highlights my need to get a job.
Looking forward to Wednesday night where not only will I get to pick up the boys from the airport but Dad will be picking up my laptop. Yay for shiny new toys. I'm looking forward to setting it all up. I'm having laptop withdrawals, sad I know.
As we no long have Gram (Gene's car) I'm without transport. I don't count public transport here. So it could be a while before I'm out and about again (except for job hunting purposes). I am strongly considering trying to make it to Kew for swing dancing though. It's been awhile and I do miss it. I should get as much in as I can as it's looking more and more like I'll have to move away for work.
It's been great getting text messages welcoming me home. I feel very loved :)
Tomorrow I'm aiming to get some more of my random lost cards replaced and sort out some other paperwork. If I'm really good I'll start going through my old clothes because most of them don't fit me any more.
We'll see how I go.
Showing posts with label Doha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Doha. Show all posts
Monday, February 19, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Doha Sweet Doha
We've finally made it back to Doha. It's been just under two months but it feels like an eternity!
Our flight from Paris to Dubai was delayed by 40 minutes last night while technicians changed the oil filter on our plane. This made us a little nervous as we had just under an hour to make our connecting flight to Doha. Luckily we caught a tail wind so we landed five minutes before we were supposed to board our connecting flight. Naturally the gate was at the opposite end of the terminal so we made our way up there at speed to find that there was "debris on the runway" resulting in what was to be a 45 minute delay. Once we finally took off the flight went smoothly and we had a great time chatting to the flight attendant who turned out to be a Melbourne girl too.
At the moment I'm sitting in our room at the Four Seasons. It's stunning. We got upgraded to an ocean view room and while there is a big dome blocking a third of the view it is still lovely overlooking the bay and the poolside bar.
Still no news on the flights back to Melbourne. Nick & I are going to head down to the Emirates office when it opens again at 1600 to see if there's anything we can do and also to double check we haven't missed anything important.
The weather is perfect here. It's 22˚C and sunny. A fine change from France. I have a feeling that we're going to melt when we land in Singapore though. It's going to hurt. Still there will be plenty of distractions like Chinese New Year so I'm sure we'll cope. Plus nothing could top the Doha summer.
It's funny being back in Doha. Most people think we're doing a visa run from Dubai. The city has changed ever so slightly. More of it seems to have been built which can only be good for it.
Same same but different.
Our flight from Paris to Dubai was delayed by 40 minutes last night while technicians changed the oil filter on our plane. This made us a little nervous as we had just under an hour to make our connecting flight to Doha. Luckily we caught a tail wind so we landed five minutes before we were supposed to board our connecting flight. Naturally the gate was at the opposite end of the terminal so we made our way up there at speed to find that there was "debris on the runway" resulting in what was to be a 45 minute delay. Once we finally took off the flight went smoothly and we had a great time chatting to the flight attendant who turned out to be a Melbourne girl too.
At the moment I'm sitting in our room at the Four Seasons. It's stunning. We got upgraded to an ocean view room and while there is a big dome blocking a third of the view it is still lovely overlooking the bay and the poolside bar.
Still no news on the flights back to Melbourne. Nick & I are going to head down to the Emirates office when it opens again at 1600 to see if there's anything we can do and also to double check we haven't missed anything important.
The weather is perfect here. It's 22˚C and sunny. A fine change from France. I have a feeling that we're going to melt when we land in Singapore though. It's going to hurt. Still there will be plenty of distractions like Chinese New Year so I'm sure we'll cope. Plus nothing could top the Doha summer.
It's funny being back in Doha. Most people think we're doing a visa run from Dubai. The city has changed ever so slightly. More of it seems to have been built which can only be good for it.
Same same but different.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Three Ships
I saw three ships a sailing...
and I was glad. It meant that the show was going on! I was lucky enough to see the show from the field and watch the final fireworks with Gene beside me.
The load out went well despite the rain. I've decided that rain is a definite event during a load out. Interestingly the bin-liners lasted longer as rain protection than the plastic rain jackets that we'd bought by the hundreds.
Several nights of celebration have since passed and before I knew it I was sitting outside an Irish pub with Gene & Nick in Dubai airport wondering how to pass the seven hours before our flight. Blogging, shopping and looking up accommodation for the UK. Not sure when we're going to be there yet but figured it'd be good to start looking anyhow. Wish the exchange rate was a little friendlier but hey, who's counting... ahem.
It was a little crazy today. Doing the final packing up of our villa and saying goodbye to Fred (after the character in Angel) the cat who'd started to call our villa home. We picked up our tickets for our final return leg today at the Emirates office before having dinner in the Old Souq. Then it was back to the villa to pass an hour before the car came to pick us up. At the airport we bumped into the last of the skilled crew who were on their way home that night. There were hugs and kisses and then we were off.
So now we're in Dubai airport. I've picked up my Christmas shopping for Gene & Nick and now we're just passing time until it's time to board our flight to Paris. It hasn't even come up on the departures list yet...
I had grand plans for a well thought out and written post but it would seem that last night's final hurrah at Garvey's has taken more out of me than I expected... there was much whiskey & beer had by all.
There is one more thing that I will say though and that is that Doha has been an amazing experience and I've met some incredible people and learnt more than I could have imagined. Today while we were at the Souq a guy came up to me and asked if I'd been working at Khalifa. He was one of the many hundreds of local crew who we'd been working with over the past few weeks just wanting to wish me a safe travel as he'd finished working with us. Experiences like that are just the tip of the iceberg of how amazing this experience this has been.
It's going to take me awhile to remember to introduce myself as "Sarah" and not "Swong" because that's how it's been for the last four and a half months. Can't wait till the next one :)
Stopping this post now before I fall asleep typing. May join in the game of uno going on beside me. I'm sure that Nick & Gene say hi...
Catch you all from France!
and I was glad. It meant that the show was going on! I was lucky enough to see the show from the field and watch the final fireworks with Gene beside me.
The load out went well despite the rain. I've decided that rain is a definite event during a load out. Interestingly the bin-liners lasted longer as rain protection than the plastic rain jackets that we'd bought by the hundreds.
Several nights of celebration have since passed and before I knew it I was sitting outside an Irish pub with Gene & Nick in Dubai airport wondering how to pass the seven hours before our flight. Blogging, shopping and looking up accommodation for the UK. Not sure when we're going to be there yet but figured it'd be good to start looking anyhow. Wish the exchange rate was a little friendlier but hey, who's counting... ahem.
It was a little crazy today. Doing the final packing up of our villa and saying goodbye to Fred (after the character in Angel) the cat who'd started to call our villa home. We picked up our tickets for our final return leg today at the Emirates office before having dinner in the Old Souq. Then it was back to the villa to pass an hour before the car came to pick us up. At the airport we bumped into the last of the skilled crew who were on their way home that night. There were hugs and kisses and then we were off.
So now we're in Dubai airport. I've picked up my Christmas shopping for Gene & Nick and now we're just passing time until it's time to board our flight to Paris. It hasn't even come up on the departures list yet...
I had grand plans for a well thought out and written post but it would seem that last night's final hurrah at Garvey's has taken more out of me than I expected... there was much whiskey & beer had by all.
There is one more thing that I will say though and that is that Doha has been an amazing experience and I've met some incredible people and learnt more than I could have imagined. Today while we were at the Souq a guy came up to me and asked if I'd been working at Khalifa. He was one of the many hundreds of local crew who we'd been working with over the past few weeks just wanting to wish me a safe travel as he'd finished working with us. Experiences like that are just the tip of the iceberg of how amazing this experience this has been.
It's going to take me awhile to remember to introduce myself as "Sarah" and not "Swong" because that's how it's been for the last four and a half months. Can't wait till the next one :)
Stopping this post now before I fall asleep typing. May join in the game of uno going on beside me. I'm sure that Nick & Gene say hi...
Catch you all from France!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
A Scattered Update
Finally made it to the Corniche yesterday. It's only taken me four months! Even managed to find the Old Souqs. Well, okay, I was driven there but that's not the point...
There were some lovely tea houses along the way and it was a pleasant walk (about 3.5km). I must say that they know how to make a good cup of tea here.
Along the Corniche there were some boats that ferried you across the harbour if you didn't want to walk. There was also a pyro and laser light display on Palm Tree Island. They do love their lasers here too :)
I'd also like to clarify that Palm Tree Island has one tree on it. It's more like an elongated sand bank. The tree (from a distance) appears to be dead. It's a little Six Feet Under really. Still very beautiful though.
Back to the Corniche, there was an exhibition set up called The Corniche Experience which had some food stalls and four rooms set up for all the senses except sound. "Taste" was a little lacking in terms of only being able to do it through smoking a shisha pipe. For some reason there was a treadmill at the end of it for you to run 100m and check your time on. Not sure what that had to do with taste. Anyhow, "Scent" was awesome. They had a series of covered pipes with test tubes of scents in them and you had to guess what you were smelling. I think I guessed one, "rose". I failled miserably on "equestrian", "running track" and "parquet". It was a little overwhelming though to have smelled so many frangrances at once so we moved on to "touch". This was pretty awesome too. Lots of things in dark boxes that you had to stick your hand in and work out what was there. I wasn't a fan of the falcon feathers. At the end of the "touch" exhibit they had a whole heap of string hanging down that you had to make your way through. Again I failled and walked straight into the black flats at the end. Yeah, I was a little tired. Sight was pretty with lights and a projection against the city buildings. Still, I think my favourites were touch and scent because they were the most interactive.
Apologies if this post is a bit scattered. I proceeded to follow up my long walk yesterday with returnig home to sit up watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets until 0400. The 1030 bus was a little painful to catch.
So as always I'm vowing for a quiet and somewhat early night tonight. I'm contemplating seeing some sport just for something different but they events that I want to see (kayaking) aren't on until the 11th when I'm fairly sure I'll be frantic again... Something about a show on the 15th?
Oh and wish me luck. I have 23 days to learn how to juggle three balls and I'll have kept all my resolutions for the year... should probably go get myself some juggling balls...
Hope you're all well!
There were some lovely tea houses along the way and it was a pleasant walk (about 3.5km). I must say that they know how to make a good cup of tea here.
Along the Corniche there were some boats that ferried you across the harbour if you didn't want to walk. There was also a pyro and laser light display on Palm Tree Island. They do love their lasers here too :)
I'd also like to clarify that Palm Tree Island has one tree on it. It's more like an elongated sand bank. The tree (from a distance) appears to be dead. It's a little Six Feet Under really. Still very beautiful though.
Back to the Corniche, there was an exhibition set up called The Corniche Experience which had some food stalls and four rooms set up for all the senses except sound. "Taste" was a little lacking in terms of only being able to do it through smoking a shisha pipe. For some reason there was a treadmill at the end of it for you to run 100m and check your time on. Not sure what that had to do with taste. Anyhow, "Scent" was awesome. They had a series of covered pipes with test tubes of scents in them and you had to guess what you were smelling. I think I guessed one, "rose". I failled miserably on "equestrian", "running track" and "parquet". It was a little overwhelming though to have smelled so many frangrances at once so we moved on to "touch". This was pretty awesome too. Lots of things in dark boxes that you had to stick your hand in and work out what was there. I wasn't a fan of the falcon feathers. At the end of the "touch" exhibit they had a whole heap of string hanging down that you had to make your way through. Again I failled and walked straight into the black flats at the end. Yeah, I was a little tired. Sight was pretty with lights and a projection against the city buildings. Still, I think my favourites were touch and scent because they were the most interactive.
Apologies if this post is a bit scattered. I proceeded to follow up my long walk yesterday with returnig home to sit up watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets until 0400. The 1030 bus was a little painful to catch.
So as always I'm vowing for a quiet and somewhat early night tonight. I'm contemplating seeing some sport just for something different but they events that I want to see (kayaking) aren't on until the 11th when I'm fairly sure I'll be frantic again... Something about a show on the 15th?
Oh and wish me luck. I have 23 days to learn how to juggle three balls and I'll have kept all my resolutions for the year... should probably go get myself some juggling balls...
Hope you're all well!
Monday, December 04, 2006
Middle Ground
One down, one to go.
The Opening Ceremony went well despite the inclement weather. It rained for much of the day of the show and proceeded to drizzle and rain through most of the night. The show still looked amazing from the few parts that I was able to watch. Nura looked amazing on the huge LED screen and the fireworks, well they were pretty too! Photos from the night are mainly centred around City of the Future because that's when I was on the field. Nick took some great shots of the final fireworks display. There's going to be the usual trading of pictures among workmates and I'll be sure to bring them all home.
I was lucky enough to work the first overnight shift of the bump-out (transition to sport) which we were expecting to get rather wet in the rain. We were not surprised to find this the case. What did surprise us was the golf-ball sized hail that fell in the wee hours of the morning. Talk about random desert weather! We've officially seen it all in terms of weather in Doha. From extreme heat to ice. What can I say? That's Doha for you.
After leaving work in the morning I headed back to work that night and was happy to find it no longer raining. The temperature however had dropped to a cool 16˚C. I was very grateful at having left my QR55 100% PVC Matrix-esque jacket at work from the night before.
That was yesterday morning I think. Today I've been given a luxurious day off and I'm struggling a little. After all I've had a decent amount of sleep albeit at the wrong end of the day. I'm moving back into a slightly more day-oriented shift now. My brain has no idea what to do with itself.
The day started with the sound of running water. By running water I mean gushing water. The pipe to the bidet downstairs had burst and the downstairs bathroom had started to flood into the stairwell and was making a good effort towards the front door. Gene got up and helped me move the beer out of the water flow and then the cleaners and maintenance guys came and fixed the pipe. I knew it was going to be a good day. So far so good. A bit of shopping for tomorrow and a quiet evening at home hanging out with Nick. It's just like being in Melbourne only not.
Tomorrow's looking to be a pretty good day too. Lisa & Dave have given me a half day and then there's the party at Bayti which has proved an excellent night in the past. I doubt the party will help me reset my body clock but at least it will be fun! I'm baking cookies to bring as promised in the wee hours of the transition.
I doubt I'll recognise the stadium tomorrow when I get into work. There will be grass there. Crazy sporting event. In fact, I doubt I'll be allowed near the stadium during the sports so it'll be a good day of paperwork.
My willpower is a little lacking today. I think I'll have a quick nap before Nick arrives to hang out.
Foilled! Or saved depending on which way you look at it. Nick's here so I'm going to run off and be sociable.
The Opening Ceremony went well despite the inclement weather. It rained for much of the day of the show and proceeded to drizzle and rain through most of the night. The show still looked amazing from the few parts that I was able to watch. Nura looked amazing on the huge LED screen and the fireworks, well they were pretty too! Photos from the night are mainly centred around City of the Future because that's when I was on the field. Nick took some great shots of the final fireworks display. There's going to be the usual trading of pictures among workmates and I'll be sure to bring them all home.
I was lucky enough to work the first overnight shift of the bump-out (transition to sport) which we were expecting to get rather wet in the rain. We were not surprised to find this the case. What did surprise us was the golf-ball sized hail that fell in the wee hours of the morning. Talk about random desert weather! We've officially seen it all in terms of weather in Doha. From extreme heat to ice. What can I say? That's Doha for you.
After leaving work in the morning I headed back to work that night and was happy to find it no longer raining. The temperature however had dropped to a cool 16˚C. I was very grateful at having left my QR55 100% PVC Matrix-esque jacket at work from the night before.
That was yesterday morning I think. Today I've been given a luxurious day off and I'm struggling a little. After all I've had a decent amount of sleep albeit at the wrong end of the day. I'm moving back into a slightly more day-oriented shift now. My brain has no idea what to do with itself.
The day started with the sound of running water. By running water I mean gushing water. The pipe to the bidet downstairs had burst and the downstairs bathroom had started to flood into the stairwell and was making a good effort towards the front door. Gene got up and helped me move the beer out of the water flow and then the cleaners and maintenance guys came and fixed the pipe. I knew it was going to be a good day. So far so good. A bit of shopping for tomorrow and a quiet evening at home hanging out with Nick. It's just like being in Melbourne only not.
Tomorrow's looking to be a pretty good day too. Lisa & Dave have given me a half day and then there's the party at Bayti which has proved an excellent night in the past. I doubt the party will help me reset my body clock but at least it will be fun! I'm baking cookies to bring as promised in the wee hours of the transition.
I doubt I'll recognise the stadium tomorrow when I get into work. There will be grass there. Crazy sporting event. In fact, I doubt I'll be allowed near the stadium during the sports so it'll be a good day of paperwork.
My willpower is a little lacking today. I think I'll have a quick nap before Nick arrives to hang out.
Foilled! Or saved depending on which way you look at it. Nick's here so I'm going to run off and be sociable.
Monday, November 20, 2006
A serenade, bandages & the unexpected
What a surreal and fantastic 24 hours have just passed!
Last night as I was readying myself to head home I was called over to a seat near the quartermaster's store and serenaded by one of the crew members. Rob (the aforementioned crew members) sang Just the Way You Are as he'd been singing it in our site shed one night after Anneke had the song stuck in her head. Rob then said he needed to work on the song a bit and I suggested a repeat performance one night. So last night it was. Complete with backing track! Then Play that Funky Music resounded over the system and the crew, locals, workshop and general passersby in the compound alike, danced for the duration of the song. It was great to see people smiling as they went past!
I headed home and drew myself a nice hot bath to try and ease my sore shoulder and back muscles. I'm currently waiting to find out if the osteopath that is recommended has enough time to see me. I hope so! There's a little point just to the right side of my spine between my shoulder blades that hurts. I can feel the pressure there... I just can't seem to ease it though. Anyhow, I did that and listened to the soothing sounds of the Baraka soundtrack.
Twenty minutes of meditation finished my relaxation for the night and I crawled in to bed and dozed off within seconds. Can I just say that I've never had so much trouble focusing on one thing for twenty minutes before? I think the meditation is a good thing. I've woken up feeling really good this morning.
Speaking of waking up... I woke up this morning, rolled over to give Gene a hug and was shocked to see a huge, okay rather large, bandage on his left hand. It held his middle and ring finger together and went down across his palm to his wrist. He was asleep though so I didn't want to wake him up but I was alarmed never the less. I went to open a packet of tissues and woke him up doing so and he explained that it wasn't as bad as it looked (typical boy style I thought). His finger (middle) had gotten caught between two bits of steel and there was a cut and some bruising but he didn't think it was broken (he can still move it). Apparently he woke the nurse up so he thinks that's how he ended up with the large bandage instead of the bandaid he was after. Phew! Shall monitor it just incase he is just being a boy about it, but I think he'll be fine.
This brings me to the unexpected part of the twenty-four hours. After fussing over Gene while trying to get ready for work I realised I was going to need to run for the shuttle (nothing new there). I trooped off down the stairs and opened the front door to see... rain. I was stunned. I watched it for a moment with the grin of a cheshire cat on my face before heading upstairs to get a cardigan/jackety thing to cover up so that I didn't have to sit in the office with damp clothes all day. The rain was light but it was actual rain as opposed to the odd drop of water. It's starting to ease now but it's possibly going to continue lightly through the day.
I love it!
Last night as I was readying myself to head home I was called over to a seat near the quartermaster's store and serenaded by one of the crew members. Rob (the aforementioned crew members) sang Just the Way You Are as he'd been singing it in our site shed one night after Anneke had the song stuck in her head. Rob then said he needed to work on the song a bit and I suggested a repeat performance one night. So last night it was. Complete with backing track! Then Play that Funky Music resounded over the system and the crew, locals, workshop and general passersby in the compound alike, danced for the duration of the song. It was great to see people smiling as they went past!
I headed home and drew myself a nice hot bath to try and ease my sore shoulder and back muscles. I'm currently waiting to find out if the osteopath that is recommended has enough time to see me. I hope so! There's a little point just to the right side of my spine between my shoulder blades that hurts. I can feel the pressure there... I just can't seem to ease it though. Anyhow, I did that and listened to the soothing sounds of the Baraka soundtrack.
Twenty minutes of meditation finished my relaxation for the night and I crawled in to bed and dozed off within seconds. Can I just say that I've never had so much trouble focusing on one thing for twenty minutes before? I think the meditation is a good thing. I've woken up feeling really good this morning.
Speaking of waking up... I woke up this morning, rolled over to give Gene a hug and was shocked to see a huge, okay rather large, bandage on his left hand. It held his middle and ring finger together and went down across his palm to his wrist. He was asleep though so I didn't want to wake him up but I was alarmed never the less. I went to open a packet of tissues and woke him up doing so and he explained that it wasn't as bad as it looked (typical boy style I thought). His finger (middle) had gotten caught between two bits of steel and there was a cut and some bruising but he didn't think it was broken (he can still move it). Apparently he woke the nurse up so he thinks that's how he ended up with the large bandage instead of the bandaid he was after. Phew! Shall monitor it just incase he is just being a boy about it, but I think he'll be fine.
This brings me to the unexpected part of the twenty-four hours. After fussing over Gene while trying to get ready for work I realised I was going to need to run for the shuttle (nothing new there). I trooped off down the stairs and opened the front door to see... rain. I was stunned. I watched it for a moment with the grin of a cheshire cat on my face before heading upstairs to get a cardigan/jackety thing to cover up so that I didn't have to sit in the office with damp clothes all day. The rain was light but it was actual rain as opposed to the odd drop of water. It's starting to ease now but it's possibly going to continue lightly through the day.
I love it!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Really
Today was the first day in a few weeks that I was at work at 0900. It's funny how you know that you need to be awake "early" the next day and yet the night before you just can't seem to convince yourself to be asleep any earlier, even if you try.
So in an attempt to relax and have a clear head ready for bed I listened to the Learn to Meditate podcast that I'd downloaded recently. There were two things that I really loved about it. Firstly it was a podcast from the Meditation Society of Australia which meant that there were Australian voices narrating. I've forgotten the second... clearly it wasn't that important to me... It was really good though. Certainly cleared my head and made me ready for bed. They advise you not to lie down while meditating as you're more likely to fall asleep. Good advice!
Gene & I played tag at the front door this morning. He ended up working about 14.5 hours last night. Just as I was reaching for my keys to open the front door from inside the villa he opened it. A quick hug and kiss and it was time for him to go to bed and me to run for the shuttle bus. (Well, walk quickly, haven't had to run for a while).
The temperature has cooled in Doha to a pleasant sounding 23-26 degrees at the moment. I say "pleasant sounding" because in all our minds it should be pleasant. However having been in 40-50 degree heat for the last few months, 23-26 degrees seems a little on the cool side. A few jumpers and sweaters have come out of the wardrobe/suit cases and a couple of jackets too.
Everything's relative really...
So in an attempt to relax and have a clear head ready for bed I listened to the Learn to Meditate podcast that I'd downloaded recently. There were two things that I really loved about it. Firstly it was a podcast from the Meditation Society of Australia which meant that there were Australian voices narrating. I've forgotten the second... clearly it wasn't that important to me... It was really good though. Certainly cleared my head and made me ready for bed. They advise you not to lie down while meditating as you're more likely to fall asleep. Good advice!
Gene & I played tag at the front door this morning. He ended up working about 14.5 hours last night. Just as I was reaching for my keys to open the front door from inside the villa he opened it. A quick hug and kiss and it was time for him to go to bed and me to run for the shuttle bus. (Well, walk quickly, haven't had to run for a while).
The temperature has cooled in Doha to a pleasant sounding 23-26 degrees at the moment. I say "pleasant sounding" because in all our minds it should be pleasant. However having been in 40-50 degree heat for the last few months, 23-26 degrees seems a little on the cool side. A few jumpers and sweaters have come out of the wardrobe/suit cases and a couple of jackets too.
Everything's relative really...
Monday, November 13, 2006
It's oh so quiet
Weekends are funny things. If indeed they are things at all. Back at home a weekend is Saturday and Sunday. They're days that the majority of people (apparently) don't work. Working in the jobs that we do, Gene & I don't really have weekends as such. We have Monday which is our pseudo-weekend because that's the day when there's generally no shows on. We still refer to Saturday & Sundays as weekends because that's what everyone else does.
In Qatar, the weekend is Friday and Saturday which is a little confusing. To add to the confusion Friday is the holy day which makes it a little like Sunday back at home - shops opening shorter more random hours etc.
So I get easily confused when it's Saturday or Sunday and cyberspace is quiet because I forget that everyone back home is off doing fun and exciting weekend things while I'm at work wondering why there's not even much junk email in my inbox. I'm an easily confuzzled girl when I think about it.
Work is pretty much my life at the moment with brief moments of time with Gene (and now Nick). It's good though. It really makes me appreciate more the time I do get to spend with Gene. It's still hard not to talk shop during these times but I guess that's to be expected when we're at work for most of our waking hours.
Novel is not going well at all. Knitting is doing better though. Accomplished nothing on either of them last night as I got home at 2130 and went straight (literally) to bed. Tried to listen to the first chapter of Abarat but didn't make it through... Shall try again tonight!
In Qatar, the weekend is Friday and Saturday which is a little confusing. To add to the confusion Friday is the holy day which makes it a little like Sunday back at home - shops opening shorter more random hours etc.
So I get easily confused when it's Saturday or Sunday and cyberspace is quiet because I forget that everyone back home is off doing fun and exciting weekend things while I'm at work wondering why there's not even much junk email in my inbox. I'm an easily confuzzled girl when I think about it.
Work is pretty much my life at the moment with brief moments of time with Gene (and now Nick). It's good though. It really makes me appreciate more the time I do get to spend with Gene. It's still hard not to talk shop during these times but I guess that's to be expected when we're at work for most of our waking hours.
Novel is not going well at all. Knitting is doing better though. Accomplished nothing on either of them last night as I got home at 2130 and went straight (literally) to bed. Tried to listen to the first chapter of Abarat but didn't make it through... Shall try again tonight!
Friday, November 10, 2006
A Cool Doha Night
Last night the temperature dropped to 25 degrees Celsius with a cool (probably 23-24 degree) breeze and I kid you not some of the locals had jackets and beanies on. I must admit that it did actually feel cool to us as the maximum temperature that day had been 31 degrees. (Although I would swear that it was warmer)
As I was on the bus on the way home, Under the Milky Way started playing on my iPod. That song triggers a myriad of feelings and thoughts when it comes on. So much so that I can't really find words outside of my head to describe them accurately. I'll always see ballerina's flying in the air with pyro wands and silver trial bikes dancing with them. I still remember how wonderful it was to know that my friends were watching what I was watching and that I had my family in the stadium with me sharing the moment. It also makes me think of home. Not as in Melbourne, but home as in where my friends and family are. I actually think of my friends as a bit of an extended family because like my family they're always there for me. I can't see the Milky Way here in Doha. The light pollution is worsened by the dust and sand that's always in the air and as such there aren't that many stars that can be seen from the city. For the first time since I left Melbourne in mid-August I missed home.
With perfect timing as always, Nick C will be arriving in Doha in the morning. I called yesterday to let him know that I'll be buddying him and meeting him at the airport. I managed to catch him just after Matt's show finished and it was really good to hear both their voices even with the ridiculous delay. There's something wonderful about being able to say to a friend from home, I'll see you on Saturday. It's not something that I've done for awhile!
I've got a long day of work ahead of me but I know that it's going to fly by because I'm working with great people and it's an amazing environment that I'm working in. Gene's at home tucked in bed, apparently not sleeping which is bad because he starts work in seven hours, and well for all who've asked. He sends his love to you all, but in a more, Gene-manner than I've managed to pass on.
We're both really busy and it's kind of strange being in the same place, sharing the same house and not seeing each other. I really should be used to it by now but it still gets me everytime :)
This post sounds more melancholy than I expected it to. I suppose I should stop listening to The Happy Prince just before bed because the story always makes me sad!
Hope you're all well and thanks for the emails. They make this busy, restless and exciting period easier to work through!
PS. The cold is much better. Sleep is a wonderful thing. Novel is doing less well. Completely stuck and have returned to knitting Mum's socks while procrastinating.
As I was on the bus on the way home, Under the Milky Way started playing on my iPod. That song triggers a myriad of feelings and thoughts when it comes on. So much so that I can't really find words outside of my head to describe them accurately. I'll always see ballerina's flying in the air with pyro wands and silver trial bikes dancing with them. I still remember how wonderful it was to know that my friends were watching what I was watching and that I had my family in the stadium with me sharing the moment. It also makes me think of home. Not as in Melbourne, but home as in where my friends and family are. I actually think of my friends as a bit of an extended family because like my family they're always there for me. I can't see the Milky Way here in Doha. The light pollution is worsened by the dust and sand that's always in the air and as such there aren't that many stars that can be seen from the city. For the first time since I left Melbourne in mid-August I missed home.
With perfect timing as always, Nick C will be arriving in Doha in the morning. I called yesterday to let him know that I'll be buddying him and meeting him at the airport. I managed to catch him just after Matt's show finished and it was really good to hear both their voices even with the ridiculous delay. There's something wonderful about being able to say to a friend from home, I'll see you on Saturday. It's not something that I've done for awhile!
I've got a long day of work ahead of me but I know that it's going to fly by because I'm working with great people and it's an amazing environment that I'm working in. Gene's at home tucked in bed, apparently not sleeping which is bad because he starts work in seven hours, and well for all who've asked. He sends his love to you all, but in a more, Gene-manner than I've managed to pass on.
We're both really busy and it's kind of strange being in the same place, sharing the same house and not seeing each other. I really should be used to it by now but it still gets me everytime :)
This post sounds more melancholy than I expected it to. I suppose I should stop listening to The Happy Prince just before bed because the story always makes me sad!
Hope you're all well and thanks for the emails. They make this busy, restless and exciting period easier to work through!
PS. The cold is much better. Sleep is a wonderful thing. Novel is doing less well. Completely stuck and have returned to knitting Mum's socks while procrastinating.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Ramadan at the Ritz
What more can I say? The Ramadan tent at the Ritz Carlton in Doha has a reputation for being the best in the city and I'm glad it was my first. The staff were friendly and helpful and happy to explain what the different foods and drinks were and how to eat them.
The wonderful Amy organised and booked us a table. All we had to do was turn up and enjoy the evening.
Food was plentiful and the Ramadan juices were fairly special too. I've never had date juice (with rose syrup, pistachios and some random leafy bits) before. Certainly not served from a large meter long pitcher that was being carried around the room. We tried our best to sample a little of everything but I failed fairly miserably, only managing one main sampler and one desesrt sampler.
Baklava heaven. Each piece that I took looked different and had different ingredients. Much of it didn't look like baklava as I knew it. I think I had 5 different pieces. There was a dessert that looked like mini churros soaked in sugar syrup. It just melted in your mouth. I was amazed that my teeth didn't fall out last night with the amount of sugar in the desserts!
There was a live band playing Arabic music while we were there. In between sets there was a man with an amazing skirt (really heavy fabric, I've been told this is something they do in Turkey as well) who spun around on the spot to music get faster and slower and then faster again until he came to a sudden stop (some five minutes later) and you could hear the fabric as it collected into one swirl around him. Now that's what I call flowing!
If you're ever in Doha during Ramadan I highly recommend heading to the Ritz for a feast. It was amazing!
Monday, September 25, 2006
Snoooooooze
They say that sleep deprivation can have a similar effect to being drunk in terms of impairment of your body’s ability to function.
As I may have mentioned in an earlier post I’ve started to make friends with the snooze button on my alarm. In fact we go way back to the days of sprinting out the door to get to anywhere I needed to be early in the morning. We interacted several times this morning. Enough to have me sprinting out of the house to be blinded by the sunlight. I knew I’d forgotten something… left my sunnies at work as usual. Stumbled a little towards the bus stop, cursed my lack of coordination for anything other than pushing the snooze button, then discovered that said shuttle bus wasn’t there yet. I was a little early. I have a feeling it’s going to take me a bit to settle into the day.
Ramadan has started and we’re doing our best to adjust to the different cultural etiquette that comes into play during the next lunar cycle. Us girls have to cover our shoulders and preferably our elbows but luckily don’t need to worry about a headscarf or anything like that. We can wear skirts as long as they cover the knees (even while sitting) but pants are preferable. The boys are lucky because they get to wear t-shirts (they have to keep their shoulders covered too) and they even get to wear shorts at work. In public they have to be wearing long pants. Eating & drinking in public during the day is a no-no. Water is okay if you’re working in the sun. Chewing gum is not allowed either. Aside from those courtesies and horrible traffic at around 6pm when everyone rushes to the mosques to pray and break their fast after the final prayer, I haven’t really seen much else of the celebration.
This Friday I’m going to try and go to the Corniche to check out some of the Ramadan tents. They’re meant to be amazing.
As I may have mentioned in an earlier post I’ve started to make friends with the snooze button on my alarm. In fact we go way back to the days of sprinting out the door to get to anywhere I needed to be early in the morning. We interacted several times this morning. Enough to have me sprinting out of the house to be blinded by the sunlight. I knew I’d forgotten something… left my sunnies at work as usual. Stumbled a little towards the bus stop, cursed my lack of coordination for anything other than pushing the snooze button, then discovered that said shuttle bus wasn’t there yet. I was a little early. I have a feeling it’s going to take me a bit to settle into the day.
Ramadan has started and we’re doing our best to adjust to the different cultural etiquette that comes into play during the next lunar cycle. Us girls have to cover our shoulders and preferably our elbows but luckily don’t need to worry about a headscarf or anything like that. We can wear skirts as long as they cover the knees (even while sitting) but pants are preferable. The boys are lucky because they get to wear t-shirts (they have to keep their shoulders covered too) and they even get to wear shorts at work. In public they have to be wearing long pants. Eating & drinking in public during the day is a no-no. Water is okay if you’re working in the sun. Chewing gum is not allowed either. Aside from those courtesies and horrible traffic at around 6pm when everyone rushes to the mosques to pray and break their fast after the final prayer, I haven’t really seen much else of the celebration.
This Friday I’m going to try and go to the Corniche to check out some of the Ramadan tents. They’re meant to be amazing.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Is there a doctor in the house?
It all started yesterday when I finally admitted that I should probably see a doctor as three days at home had yet to cure whatever was ailing me. So I spoke to Anneke who investigated the best way to get to a decent doctor in Doha. My guess is that she in turn spoke to the nurse at work and before I knew it she was calling me back with the names of two doctors, directions and some handy hints about what to expect. Armed with information and a dizzy disposition I called for Mr G and waited for my ride.
Things were going well really. We managed to find the HMC Medical Clinic, also known as the Omar Clinic or the "something that I've yet to understand" hospital with only one stop and additional call for directions. I was directed to the female entrance by the helpful driver and went to "registration". I asked for the two doctors that I'd been given the names of and was told that I needed to be on the men's side for that. The lady then moved away from the counter and went back to her conversation. I stood there making vain attempts to attract their attention through the glass to find out how exactly it was that I was meant to get to the men's side. It wasn't going so well. So I figured if I wandered down the corridor which led to the x-ray room (well, the "beware radiation room" anyway) that it might eventually curve around. That's how I ended up in the men's section of the clinic. Needless to say there were stares-a-plenty. Not to mention a total lack of queuing. The men queued vaguely with the other men. I was just non-existant in the queue unless it was to be stared at. Yup. I love going to the doctor most days. This just makes it more fun! Eventually I got to the front of the queue to be served by the same woman as before. At least I'm 99% sure it was the same woman, she was veilled so I can't be 100% but the voice sounded the same. I was then told that I'd have to come back later as neither of the doctors were in. Some people might wonder why this information wasn't shared earlier. I chose not to wonder anything and call Mr G again and go home to bed where my head would hopefully spin less.
It being Doha the clinic closed at noon so I ended up sitting outside the clinic - luckily it was only about 45˚ yesterday - waiting for the taxi. 20 minutes in the sun sucks. I forgot the golden rule about carrying a bottle of water while travelling too. Well, that's not entirely true. I considered carrying a bottle of water but figured I'd either be in a car or in the medical centre. Silly Sarah! On the bright side I spent the rest of the day drinking plenty of water to make up for it.
I considered getting back in a taxi at 16:00 when the clinic reopened but having spent QR40 and achieved nothing but feeling equally if not more dizzy. I decided to give up for the day and try again the next day. This is largely because I found out that the nurse generally takes you there and explains what's happening.
Today I bounded out of bed and jumped on the shuttle to work for the first time in a couple of days and it felt good. By bounded I mean I slid out of bed and held onto the furniture as I made my way to the door for added stability. By jumped on the shuttle I meant that I dragged myself up the steps and chose a somewhat reclined seat on the bus. Still, it was good to see Anneke, Mel & Hugh Jackman on the bus. Kelsey Grammar was there too, if a little blue and furry. I must say that X-Men 3 is a way that I could start my mornings, even though I didn't like it as much as the first two.
I forgot that there was a Ramadan presentation today so that it was good that I arrived when I did. It gave us pointers on what to expect and how to behave during Ramadan. It also advised us when the QDC (giant bottle shop) closed. You'd think that we liked to have a drink or something...
My day passed with a couple of spreadsheets, I'm a bit of an Excel convert, and life was good. I'd even managed to bring my own lunch to work today.
At 16:45 I met up with the nurse who said my ears looked pretty clear so it probably was a good idea to see the doctor. She then took me to the clinic while enroute to the hospital with a couple of other people (possible broken thumb etc).
Mary, the nurse, kindly walked me in the men's entrance and explained the colour coded numbering system and how it didn't always work. There's no waiting between patients. You just walk straight in after the person in front of you comes out. You have to keep an eye on your number because the guys tend to just walk in ahead of their number if you're not paying attention. The cards were colour coded to each doctor so you knew where to go. Even though they had our numbering system on one side, it was Arabic on the back. I really wished that I'd payed more attention to the Arabic numbers section in my Simple Arabic Writing book as most people had the Arabic numbers visible. After she was sure that I'd be right she headed back to the car to the other waiting passengers.
I waited... then number 23 went in... then I waited some more... number 23 exited and I made a run for the door (I had number 24). The Dr Ibrahim was very lovely and asked me which order my cold, dizziness and earache had started in. Pretty much that order I replied. Ah, he said while scribbling on a couple of pieces of paper. Take this page and go to your left and hand it to the lab and take this slip and give it to the nurse to the right then come back. I want to do some tests to find out what's wrong. I'll mark it as urgent and then you come back with the results. I must admit I wasn't really at my best thinking capacity so I nodded, smiled, reconfirmed directions and left. I decided to go to the lab first. Now, I'm not sure what I was expecting when I went to the lab. I'm really not sure why I was surprised when she took out a needle and asked me for my arm. Especially since that whole conversation followed my handing over a large piece of paper saying haematology. Suddenly this trip to the doctor was seeming more intense than usual. Apparently my blood sugar and red blood cell count was in question. While waiting for my results to come back I headed to the right of Dr Ibrahim's room to hand in my next slip. I knew this was to get my blood pressure checked. This was comforting as I wouldn't want to enter a room that says Vital Signs without knowing roughly what I was in for.
Happily all results came back normal. This meant that it was time to answer more questions, breathe deeply and say ahhhh. Apparently my ear drums are very clean. I think that was a compliment? Anyhow as nothing was visible he diagnosed me with an inner ear infection and prescribed some tablets for vertigo. Interestingly the little pamphelet inside the box of tablets states that they're not exactly sure physically how the chemicals seem to stop vertigo, just that they do and they have a hunch that it relaxes the capillaries nearby or something like that. Anyhow the medical system here seems to be excellent and exceedingly thorough!
Armed with my prescription medication and AU$20 less in my wallet I called for Mr G. I spent the next hour sitting outside the clinic singing Finn Brothers songs to myself for company. This was briefly interrupted by a man in a thobe trying to get me to get into his car so that he could drive me home. Taxi/limo drivers can be very insistant. At least they're polite and take no for an answer. Still, it was a little unsettling. Part way through Better Be Home Soon, harmonized with my iPod, my driver arrived and before I knew it I was sitting in traffic.
So here I am at home. Happy to be here. Still a little excited after my little adventure. Totally appreciating how much freedom I have back at home. Language is such a powerful thing.
That's the beauty of travel really. All these little experiences. Even simple things like grocery shopping, sending a letter or going to the doctor can turn into an adventure. I love it! I wish you all as many adventures in life as you can dream...
Things were going well really. We managed to find the HMC Medical Clinic, also known as the Omar Clinic or the "something that I've yet to understand" hospital with only one stop and additional call for directions. I was directed to the female entrance by the helpful driver and went to "registration". I asked for the two doctors that I'd been given the names of and was told that I needed to be on the men's side for that. The lady then moved away from the counter and went back to her conversation. I stood there making vain attempts to attract their attention through the glass to find out how exactly it was that I was meant to get to the men's side. It wasn't going so well. So I figured if I wandered down the corridor which led to the x-ray room (well, the "beware radiation room" anyway) that it might eventually curve around. That's how I ended up in the men's section of the clinic. Needless to say there were stares-a-plenty. Not to mention a total lack of queuing. The men queued vaguely with the other men. I was just non-existant in the queue unless it was to be stared at. Yup. I love going to the doctor most days. This just makes it more fun! Eventually I got to the front of the queue to be served by the same woman as before. At least I'm 99% sure it was the same woman, she was veilled so I can't be 100% but the voice sounded the same. I was then told that I'd have to come back later as neither of the doctors were in. Some people might wonder why this information wasn't shared earlier. I chose not to wonder anything and call Mr G again and go home to bed where my head would hopefully spin less.
It being Doha the clinic closed at noon so I ended up sitting outside the clinic - luckily it was only about 45˚ yesterday - waiting for the taxi. 20 minutes in the sun sucks. I forgot the golden rule about carrying a bottle of water while travelling too. Well, that's not entirely true. I considered carrying a bottle of water but figured I'd either be in a car or in the medical centre. Silly Sarah! On the bright side I spent the rest of the day drinking plenty of water to make up for it.
I considered getting back in a taxi at 16:00 when the clinic reopened but having spent QR40 and achieved nothing but feeling equally if not more dizzy. I decided to give up for the day and try again the next day. This is largely because I found out that the nurse generally takes you there and explains what's happening.
Today I bounded out of bed and jumped on the shuttle to work for the first time in a couple of days and it felt good. By bounded I mean I slid out of bed and held onto the furniture as I made my way to the door for added stability. By jumped on the shuttle I meant that I dragged myself up the steps and chose a somewhat reclined seat on the bus. Still, it was good to see Anneke, Mel & Hugh Jackman on the bus. Kelsey Grammar was there too, if a little blue and furry. I must say that X-Men 3 is a way that I could start my mornings, even though I didn't like it as much as the first two.
I forgot that there was a Ramadan presentation today so that it was good that I arrived when I did. It gave us pointers on what to expect and how to behave during Ramadan. It also advised us when the QDC (giant bottle shop) closed. You'd think that we liked to have a drink or something...
My day passed with a couple of spreadsheets, I'm a bit of an Excel convert, and life was good. I'd even managed to bring my own lunch to work today.
At 16:45 I met up with the nurse who said my ears looked pretty clear so it probably was a good idea to see the doctor. She then took me to the clinic while enroute to the hospital with a couple of other people (possible broken thumb etc).
Mary, the nurse, kindly walked me in the men's entrance and explained the colour coded numbering system and how it didn't always work. There's no waiting between patients. You just walk straight in after the person in front of you comes out. You have to keep an eye on your number because the guys tend to just walk in ahead of their number if you're not paying attention. The cards were colour coded to each doctor so you knew where to go. Even though they had our numbering system on one side, it was Arabic on the back. I really wished that I'd payed more attention to the Arabic numbers section in my Simple Arabic Writing book as most people had the Arabic numbers visible. After she was sure that I'd be right she headed back to the car to the other waiting passengers.
I waited... then number 23 went in... then I waited some more... number 23 exited and I made a run for the door (I had number 24). The Dr Ibrahim was very lovely and asked me which order my cold, dizziness and earache had started in. Pretty much that order I replied. Ah, he said while scribbling on a couple of pieces of paper. Take this page and go to your left and hand it to the lab and take this slip and give it to the nurse to the right then come back. I want to do some tests to find out what's wrong. I'll mark it as urgent and then you come back with the results. I must admit I wasn't really at my best thinking capacity so I nodded, smiled, reconfirmed directions and left. I decided to go to the lab first. Now, I'm not sure what I was expecting when I went to the lab. I'm really not sure why I was surprised when she took out a needle and asked me for my arm. Especially since that whole conversation followed my handing over a large piece of paper saying haematology. Suddenly this trip to the doctor was seeming more intense than usual. Apparently my blood sugar and red blood cell count was in question. While waiting for my results to come back I headed to the right of Dr Ibrahim's room to hand in my next slip. I knew this was to get my blood pressure checked. This was comforting as I wouldn't want to enter a room that says Vital Signs without knowing roughly what I was in for.
Happily all results came back normal. This meant that it was time to answer more questions, breathe deeply and say ahhhh. Apparently my ear drums are very clean. I think that was a compliment? Anyhow as nothing was visible he diagnosed me with an inner ear infection and prescribed some tablets for vertigo. Interestingly the little pamphelet inside the box of tablets states that they're not exactly sure physically how the chemicals seem to stop vertigo, just that they do and they have a hunch that it relaxes the capillaries nearby or something like that. Anyhow the medical system here seems to be excellent and exceedingly thorough!
Armed with my prescription medication and AU$20 less in my wallet I called for Mr G. I spent the next hour sitting outside the clinic singing Finn Brothers songs to myself for company. This was briefly interrupted by a man in a thobe trying to get me to get into his car so that he could drive me home. Taxi/limo drivers can be very insistant. At least they're polite and take no for an answer. Still, it was a little unsettling. Part way through Better Be Home Soon, harmonized with my iPod, my driver arrived and before I knew it I was sitting in traffic.
So here I am at home. Happy to be here. Still a little excited after my little adventure. Totally appreciating how much freedom I have back at home. Language is such a powerful thing.
That's the beauty of travel really. All these little experiences. Even simple things like grocery shopping, sending a letter or going to the doctor can turn into an adventure. I love it! I wish you all as many adventures in life as you can dream...
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Dusty
You're all smart people so I'm going to assume that you can guess the current weather conditions in Doha.
I've seen a mini sand storm in the last day and today I could barely see the stadium from across the road. It's a little insane really! Dust allergies are not coping well at the moment and we've just been told that a dry cough is yet another sign of dehydration so yay for the feeling of having a cold constantly!
Gene & I may end up living together after all in two to four weeks. Our managers are looking into it for us so that would be GREAT! Like one of the guys at work put it, it's just like dating again - except we've been living together for the last three years.
My new local bank accounts have been set up and it's really quite novel to have to take money from one account an shift it to another before you can withdraw it. Novel and initially upsetting as you freak out because the atm's telling you have no money but really you do. So yet another piece of plastic fills my wallet.
Gene's feeling like he's been here for weeks already with the heat being a bit of a challenge. I keep hearing how wonderful the weather in Australia's been and I can't quite bring myself to keep up to date with that.
That said, Steve Irwin's accident was big news over here at work, being an Australian company with lots of Aussies over here. Sadly that's the only news from home that we've gotten. Feel free to let us know of other events!
This weekend (read Friday) we're going to have brunch at the Sheraton. We're still trying to work out transport but it should be a great day. We might even make it to the souks!
Well, time to make some Pocari Sweat up (good isotonic drink) to help combat the dehydration.
I've seen a mini sand storm in the last day and today I could barely see the stadium from across the road. It's a little insane really! Dust allergies are not coping well at the moment and we've just been told that a dry cough is yet another sign of dehydration so yay for the feeling of having a cold constantly!
Gene & I may end up living together after all in two to four weeks. Our managers are looking into it for us so that would be GREAT! Like one of the guys at work put it, it's just like dating again - except we've been living together for the last three years.
My new local bank accounts have been set up and it's really quite novel to have to take money from one account an shift it to another before you can withdraw it. Novel and initially upsetting as you freak out because the atm's telling you have no money but really you do. So yet another piece of plastic fills my wallet.
Gene's feeling like he's been here for weeks already with the heat being a bit of a challenge. I keep hearing how wonderful the weather in Australia's been and I can't quite bring myself to keep up to date with that.
That said, Steve Irwin's accident was big news over here at work, being an Australian company with lots of Aussies over here. Sadly that's the only news from home that we've gotten. Feel free to let us know of other events!
This weekend (read Friday) we're going to have brunch at the Sheraton. We're still trying to work out transport but it should be a great day. We might even make it to the souks!
Well, time to make some Pocari Sweat up (good isotonic drink) to help combat the dehydration.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Happy Father's Day
Gene's landed safe and sound if somewhat jet-lagged and hot. It's his first day at work today and it's a scorching 46˚C today.
To be honest I'm looking forward to October as I hear it's going to be really gorgeous weather then. Until then we are happy to know that August is supposed to be the worst month of the year in terms of weather.
Today is actually a public holiday, Qatar's Independence Day if I'm not mistaken. So later tonight - provided I don't go home and fall asleep immediately (which is a promising idea) - we may head down to the Corniche and check out the celebrations. Fireworks and plenty of partying apparently!
Happy Father's day Dad! My best wishes from the desert!
To be honest I'm looking forward to October as I hear it's going to be really gorgeous weather then. Until then we are happy to know that August is supposed to be the worst month of the year in terms of weather.
Today is actually a public holiday, Qatar's Independence Day if I'm not mistaken. So later tonight - provided I don't go home and fall asleep immediately (which is a promising idea) - we may head down to the Corniche and check out the celebrations. Fireworks and plenty of partying apparently!
Happy Father's day Dad! My best wishes from the desert!
Saturday, September 02, 2006
It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas
Gene should have touched down in Doha now. I feel like it's Christmas day and I'm waiting for everyone else to get up so we can do presents.
Spent much of yesterday asleep as I may have mentioned but have gotten a fair way through my book. Also more than halfway through Mum's sock (literally a sock, not a pair yet).
Argh! Impatient much!
Oh and it's hazy today. Giving the impression of possible rain without the likelyhood of it ever happening. Most of the drivers don't remember the last time it rained and they've been here on average 10-11 years.
Spent much of yesterday asleep as I may have mentioned but have gotten a fair way through my book. Also more than halfway through Mum's sock (literally a sock, not a pair yet).
Argh! Impatient much!
Oh and it's hazy today. Giving the impression of possible rain without the likelyhood of it ever happening. Most of the drivers don't remember the last time it rained and they've been here on average 10-11 years.
Parking in Doha
Happy Birthday Fi! I'm a day early here but it's technically the 2nd of September where you are now!
As Naomi mentioned in her blog, Gene is on his way to Doha tonight (well today for me because it's only 17:00 here). So what did I do with my day so far in preparation? Well, I slept in until 09:00 and believe me those two hours of extra undisturbed sleep were a beautiful thing. I then rolled over and dozed for another couple of hours after turning the air-con off until the warmth of the room woke me up and I turned it back on again. In the process I called Gene at the most inconvenient time of checking in to the plane. So I plodded downstairs to chat with my housemates who were off to brunch at the Sheraton (having brunch at a five star hotel is the done thing over here as you can buy alcohol and food at the same place, just like home!). I did my, now weekly, French manicure and read a bit more of A Short History of Nearly Everything before returning Gene's call and wishing him a safe flight. I think the best thing about our one minute and 13 second conversation was ending it with see you in the morning!
Life in Doha is plodding along. Or at least if feels like it's plodding along until I realise that I've been here for two weeks already and we're about 91 days from Opening.
Carrefour Villagio is operational again which made us all very happy at work even though Mega Mart seems to be the supermarket of choice. I've decided against shopping this weekend as I simply don't need anything other than fabric softener. You may be asking how I can need fabric softener and I give you that without it I will more than likely live. However with my skin still drier than ever before I am planning not to repeat the grazing that I gave myself while drying myself with my towel. (Apologies for the poorly constructed sentence. I could re-write but I'm lazy and short on computer battery life and the charger's at work).
With each night I have been getting more and more grateful that Dad got me A Short History of Nearly Everything. Sure it's not going to see me through to the end of the week but it's been a really entertaining read and it's re-sparked my interest in science. Not that I'm planning on a career change or anything I love my job! It's actually been kind of nice to know that I haven't completely forgotten all my science general knowledge. There are plenty of recognisable names and I am happy to say that I remember what the discovered or what was named for them before Bill Bryson explains. I go through moments in my life where I feel a little dull in the mind but this book has been pleasantly reassuring that I'm not completely away with the fairies.
Speaking of books, Gene was saying that at the airport he had to keep himself from buying books. I assured him that Jarir Bookstore had a fair number of English books and that it even included a selection of Sci-Fi/Fantasy which had Pratchett but no Gaiman. I guess I'll have to wait until we arrive in London to get a copy of Fragile Things.
I must admit there is an impressive amount of USB adaptors for sale over here in Doha. USB to just about anything. Even phoneline plugs (CAT something?). I found some great looking iShuffle speakers at Jarir which as I have an iPod I probably won't buy, but I did find some cool and comfy looking wireless iPod headphones going for QAR120 (about AU$43).
It looks a little overcast outside but it's not actually going to rain. It's amazing how it can still trick your brain into thinking it might be cool outside. It actually seems cooler today but the temperature's still 37˚C.
On a side note I'm so happy that I've found the degrees symbol on my laptop. It was getting boring typing out the word! For those of you wondering how I found it... did I look at the keyboard map? No. I went `¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠œ∑´®†¥¨ˆøπ“‘«åß∂ƒ©˙∆˚ ahah! Found it!
I thought I'd finish off with an example of why you should be patient while driving and preferably stick to the roads. You can see Khalifa Stadium, where I work, in the background.
This was there all day and took a crane to rectify. No one was hurt but you've been warned!
As Naomi mentioned in her blog, Gene is on his way to Doha tonight (well today for me because it's only 17:00 here). So what did I do with my day so far in preparation? Well, I slept in until 09:00 and believe me those two hours of extra undisturbed sleep were a beautiful thing. I then rolled over and dozed for another couple of hours after turning the air-con off until the warmth of the room woke me up and I turned it back on again. In the process I called Gene at the most inconvenient time of checking in to the plane. So I plodded downstairs to chat with my housemates who were off to brunch at the Sheraton (having brunch at a five star hotel is the done thing over here as you can buy alcohol and food at the same place, just like home!). I did my, now weekly, French manicure and read a bit more of A Short History of Nearly Everything before returning Gene's call and wishing him a safe flight. I think the best thing about our one minute and 13 second conversation was ending it with see you in the morning!
Life in Doha is plodding along. Or at least if feels like it's plodding along until I realise that I've been here for two weeks already and we're about 91 days from Opening.
Carrefour Villagio is operational again which made us all very happy at work even though Mega Mart seems to be the supermarket of choice. I've decided against shopping this weekend as I simply don't need anything other than fabric softener. You may be asking how I can need fabric softener and I give you that without it I will more than likely live. However with my skin still drier than ever before I am planning not to repeat the grazing that I gave myself while drying myself with my towel. (Apologies for the poorly constructed sentence. I could re-write but I'm lazy and short on computer battery life and the charger's at work).
With each night I have been getting more and more grateful that Dad got me A Short History of Nearly Everything. Sure it's not going to see me through to the end of the week but it's been a really entertaining read and it's re-sparked my interest in science. Not that I'm planning on a career change or anything I love my job! It's actually been kind of nice to know that I haven't completely forgotten all my science general knowledge. There are plenty of recognisable names and I am happy to say that I remember what the discovered or what was named for them before Bill Bryson explains. I go through moments in my life where I feel a little dull in the mind but this book has been pleasantly reassuring that I'm not completely away with the fairies.
Speaking of books, Gene was saying that at the airport he had to keep himself from buying books. I assured him that Jarir Bookstore had a fair number of English books and that it even included a selection of Sci-Fi/Fantasy which had Pratchett but no Gaiman. I guess I'll have to wait until we arrive in London to get a copy of Fragile Things.
I must admit there is an impressive amount of USB adaptors for sale over here in Doha. USB to just about anything. Even phoneline plugs (CAT something?). I found some great looking iShuffle speakers at Jarir which as I have an iPod I probably won't buy, but I did find some cool and comfy looking wireless iPod headphones going for QAR120 (about AU$43).
It looks a little overcast outside but it's not actually going to rain. It's amazing how it can still trick your brain into thinking it might be cool outside. It actually seems cooler today but the temperature's still 37˚C.
On a side note I'm so happy that I've found the degrees symbol on my laptop. It was getting boring typing out the word! For those of you wondering how I found it... did I look at the keyboard map? No. I went `¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠œ∑´®†¥¨ˆøπ“‘«åß∂ƒ©˙∆˚ ahah! Found it!
I thought I'd finish off with an example of why you should be patient while driving and preferably stick to the roads. You can see Khalifa Stadium, where I work, in the background.
This was there all day and took a crane to rectify. No one was hurt but you've been warned!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Sleep, work, fires and change
The good news is that I have developed the ability to sleep in over here in Doha. The bad news is this requires me to sprint for the bus in the mornings. Sprinting even the short distance to the bus from my door step hurts in 38-40 degree heat. That'll teach me for using the snooze button!
I've been working back late over the last week (09:00-22:30). Voluntarily as there's really not much to do once you get home from work. Maybe go visiting but then most of the people I know are either still at work or live at other accommodation places. I also find that I'm much more productive at night just because it seems cooler and quieter all round. Weird since much of our work happens at night due to the heat so it really shouldn't be that much quieter but it feels like it is. I'll definitely be home at my finish time of 19:00 on Saturday though because I'll have someone to come home to! (Can't wait till you get here babe!)
Yesterday the Carrefour at Villagio (the one closest to my work) caught on fire. Apparently they haven't had a good run since they opened. They had a bomb scare last week and this week well... there was a smokey haze in the sky all night. Not sure how much of it was affected by the fire but we're fairly sure we're going to need to find a different supermarket (say the one just across the road which is so-so for range) for awhile.
I got my first candy-instead-of-coins change the other day when I was at Landmark.
Well, I was amused.
I've been working back late over the last week (09:00-22:30). Voluntarily as there's really not much to do once you get home from work. Maybe go visiting but then most of the people I know are either still at work or live at other accommodation places. I also find that I'm much more productive at night just because it seems cooler and quieter all round. Weird since much of our work happens at night due to the heat so it really shouldn't be that much quieter but it feels like it is. I'll definitely be home at my finish time of 19:00 on Saturday though because I'll have someone to come home to! (Can't wait till you get here babe!)
Yesterday the Carrefour at Villagio (the one closest to my work) caught on fire. Apparently they haven't had a good run since they opened. They had a bomb scare last week and this week well... there was a smokey haze in the sky all night. Not sure how much of it was affected by the fire but we're fairly sure we're going to need to find a different supermarket (say the one just across the road which is so-so for range) for awhile.
I got my first candy-instead-of-coins change the other day when I was at Landmark.
Well, I was amused.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Discovery Day
It's 22:58 in Doha, 05:58 in Melbourne and in either location I'd usually be tucked into bed with my eyes closed in some semblance of sleep. Not so tonight! I just got home from work about fifteen minutes ago and it would seem that 10 minutes (and two rounds of Mum's sock) of knitting just doesn't quite cut it as a wind down from a busy day at work.
I'm currently 58 rounds into the 198 round sock and there still another one to go! I'm really amazed that it's taken me this long. I used to knit a sock per night. Admittedly I've been "distracted" by a job that I love that's taken me to the desert but still!
I'd actually like to thank anyone who's left a message/commented on my blog. All comments are greatly appreciated and make me smile. So thank you.
Today I've learnt many things. Workwise I've ingrained the safe work method statements of forklifts (both smooth and rough terrain), scissor lifts (both electric and diesel) and diesel knuckle booms. I've also discovered that I can't spell when I'm tired (I kept spelling diesel "diesal") and I can't type either (I kept typing "exhause" instead of "exhaust"). That's all work related though.
On a non-work related learning curve I discovered the difference between temperature and apparent temperature (which is I think what the weather man should probably give us if he doesn't already). Temperature is well the temperature of air (from what I understand and recall). Apparent temperature is the air temperature combined with the effect that the humidity (among other things) has on our experience. So while it may be 37 degrees celcius in Doha, with a humidity of 57% that makes us experience an apparent temperature of something between 50-57 degrees celcius or something to that effect. The charts for Doha differ to the ones for Melbourne but it's all making sense now. I was really confused as to how 37 degrees here seemed so much hotter than 37 degrees in Melbourne. That's the humidity for you! Very interesting read though. Bureau of Meterology website is pretty cool. Discovered it while working at M2006 as we used to watch the weather charts to make sure we knew if any storms or strong winds were headed our way. I still like watching them if I have nothing better to do. Ah yes, a world of weather geekiness!
So the apparent temperature got up to 56 degrees celcius today. While the air temperature was at 37 degrees. I think I'm going to comment purely on the apparent temperature from now on as it gives a more accurate picture of the weather here. For example, the five day forecast for the temperature is 37 degrees celcius every day. The apparent temperature fluctuates from 48-54 degrees celcius for the same forecast. Never though I'd say this but I'm looking forward to the 48 degree day!
I chatted to Dad online tonight which was great. Being the point of contact in the office can get a bit quiet sometimes and I don't really see my housemates because I've been staying back at work to try and get some of my paperwork done. My brain works better at night in most countries and Qatar is no exception. The cooler conditions at night help too. I am however grateful that I have housemates and would happily share them with Naomi if I could because they're pretty awesome housemates!
06:15 Melbourne time and I probably should get to bed (23:15 Doha time). I'll inevitably wake up at 05:20 like I do most mornings as the sun rises at around 05:12 in Doha. When I say rise it shoots up in the sky and is almost at the peak of its arc by 08:45 when I usually arrive in the office. It does stay there for quite awhile only setting at around 18:00. As quickly as it rises it drops out of sight. Quite literally in a matter of minutes. You have to be fast with your camera if you want to catch it. It's a gorgeous giant red sunset too most days.
It really has been a day of discoveries, small but it all adds up right? Okay it probably has to do with my vocabulary dying down in order to allow me to stay up longer.
Now what was that I said about bedtime?
I'm currently 58 rounds into the 198 round sock and there still another one to go! I'm really amazed that it's taken me this long. I used to knit a sock per night. Admittedly I've been "distracted" by a job that I love that's taken me to the desert but still!
I'd actually like to thank anyone who's left a message/commented on my blog. All comments are greatly appreciated and make me smile. So thank you.
Today I've learnt many things. Workwise I've ingrained the safe work method statements of forklifts (both smooth and rough terrain), scissor lifts (both electric and diesel) and diesel knuckle booms. I've also discovered that I can't spell when I'm tired (I kept spelling diesel "diesal") and I can't type either (I kept typing "exhause" instead of "exhaust"). That's all work related though.
On a non-work related learning curve I discovered the difference between temperature and apparent temperature (which is I think what the weather man should probably give us if he doesn't already). Temperature is well the temperature of air (from what I understand and recall). Apparent temperature is the air temperature combined with the effect that the humidity (among other things) has on our experience. So while it may be 37 degrees celcius in Doha, with a humidity of 57% that makes us experience an apparent temperature of something between 50-57 degrees celcius or something to that effect. The charts for Doha differ to the ones for Melbourne but it's all making sense now. I was really confused as to how 37 degrees here seemed so much hotter than 37 degrees in Melbourne. That's the humidity for you! Very interesting read though. Bureau of Meterology website is pretty cool. Discovered it while working at M2006 as we used to watch the weather charts to make sure we knew if any storms or strong winds were headed our way. I still like watching them if I have nothing better to do. Ah yes, a world of weather geekiness!
So the apparent temperature got up to 56 degrees celcius today. While the air temperature was at 37 degrees. I think I'm going to comment purely on the apparent temperature from now on as it gives a more accurate picture of the weather here. For example, the five day forecast for the temperature is 37 degrees celcius every day. The apparent temperature fluctuates from 48-54 degrees celcius for the same forecast. Never though I'd say this but I'm looking forward to the 48 degree day!
I chatted to Dad online tonight which was great. Being the point of contact in the office can get a bit quiet sometimes and I don't really see my housemates because I've been staying back at work to try and get some of my paperwork done. My brain works better at night in most countries and Qatar is no exception. The cooler conditions at night help too. I am however grateful that I have housemates and would happily share them with Naomi if I could because they're pretty awesome housemates!
06:15 Melbourne time and I probably should get to bed (23:15 Doha time). I'll inevitably wake up at 05:20 like I do most mornings as the sun rises at around 05:12 in Doha. When I say rise it shoots up in the sky and is almost at the peak of its arc by 08:45 when I usually arrive in the office. It does stay there for quite awhile only setting at around 18:00. As quickly as it rises it drops out of sight. Quite literally in a matter of minutes. You have to be fast with your camera if you want to catch it. It's a gorgeous giant red sunset too most days.
It really has been a day of discoveries, small but it all adds up right? Okay it probably has to do with my vocabulary dying down in order to allow me to stay up longer.
Now what was that I said about bedtime?
Friday, August 25, 2006
Sunny Doha
Today in Doha we are expecting a sunny day with a forecast maximum for Doha is 48° C. The current temperature is 47° C with a wind chill factor of 37° C. Looking at the five day forecast we are expecting fine weather until Sunday when we may experience some light cloud with the temperature between 38-39° C with lows of 32° C.
It's my day off and I'm well and truly staying inside until 13:30 when the shops open. Then I'm going to get some more fruit and then hide before the masses of people arrive after their Friday prayers at around 16:00.
As you can imagine fruit doesn't last long here (even if it's a vegetable). I feel like I'm at the shops far too often but then again there's not much to do when you come home from work and with shops open till late... There's so much food to try!
There are some crazy people swimming in the pool in the sun. I heard that they had to get the pool people to turn off the pool heating...
Well, I'm off to finish off my washing. Doing laundry here is pretty good. It's guaranteed to be dried in a few hours. It is weird though setting the wash cycle to cool water and having your washing come out warm!
Yours with a ibuprofen free headache (I miss my ibuprofen on days like these),
Sarah
It's my day off and I'm well and truly staying inside until 13:30 when the shops open. Then I'm going to get some more fruit and then hide before the masses of people arrive after their Friday prayers at around 16:00.
As you can imagine fruit doesn't last long here (even if it's a vegetable). I feel like I'm at the shops far too often but then again there's not much to do when you come home from work and with shops open till late... There's so much food to try!
There are some crazy people swimming in the pool in the sun. I heard that they had to get the pool people to turn off the pool heating...
Well, I'm off to finish off my washing. Doing laundry here is pretty good. It's guaranteed to be dried in a few hours. It is weird though setting the wash cycle to cool water and having your washing come out warm!
Yours with a ibuprofen free headache (I miss my ibuprofen on days like these),
Sarah
Bags... bags... and more bags!
It seems that when I'm not at work or at the Villa I seem to be at Carrefour. This may change when I make an excursion to Landmark (another shopping place) some time in the next week but who knows!
Still, shopping is still an endless source of amusment and amazement alike. Today we were getting some supplies for the office (we've just moved to the stadium - how cool!) and when we were at the check out the guy who packs the bag paid more attention to staring at Lisa and I than he did packing. As a result we ended up with a bag for almost every individual item despite us saying "no really you can put the cheese in with the other food!" Funny. I can count ten bags next to me and another two that under the table... I've been told if you really want to confuse them to take your bags back and recycle them. I miss green bags!
A new discovery at Carrefour today was uber-cheap triplus pens by Staedler (sp?) any way they cost the same here in riyals (23) as they do in dollars except that 23 riyals is about $7! Orders anyone? I certainly plan to ship some back home before I go!
Postage seems to be pretty cheap here. AU$1 to post a letter home. It's pretty good consider the lack of postal system here. I'm going to look into FedEx etc rates so I can send some of the cool cheap stuff home. Don't worry Dad I promise not to fill your house with too many random purchases!
Nothing else to report really. It's hot! Yet people still seem to go running - albeit late at night - bearing in mind it's still at least 35 degrees even with the sun down and almost 60% humidity. I think their nuts. We'll see if tomorrow is pool day for me...
Still, shopping is still an endless source of amusment and amazement alike. Today we were getting some supplies for the office (we've just moved to the stadium - how cool!) and when we were at the check out the guy who packs the bag paid more attention to staring at Lisa and I than he did packing. As a result we ended up with a bag for almost every individual item despite us saying "no really you can put the cheese in with the other food!" Funny. I can count ten bags next to me and another two that under the table... I've been told if you really want to confuse them to take your bags back and recycle them. I miss green bags!
A new discovery at Carrefour today was uber-cheap triplus pens by Staedler (sp?) any way they cost the same here in riyals (23) as they do in dollars except that 23 riyals is about $7! Orders anyone? I certainly plan to ship some back home before I go!
Postage seems to be pretty cheap here. AU$1 to post a letter home. It's pretty good consider the lack of postal system here. I'm going to look into FedEx etc rates so I can send some of the cool cheap stuff home. Don't worry Dad I promise not to fill your house with too many random purchases!
Nothing else to report really. It's hot! Yet people still seem to go running - albeit late at night - bearing in mind it's still at least 35 degrees even with the sun down and almost 60% humidity. I think their nuts. We'll see if tomorrow is pool day for me...
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