Weather Report - hot, dry 43 degrees!!

My mind boggles, spins as I learn more and experience this Islamic Country. One has to think, is it the western world that is behind? Philosophy of work from 7.30am to 2.30pm, the government that provides each birth child $5K US per month from birth to age 21. No wonder the Qatari's hands are heaving with their rock of jewels on their fingers. Now as popular as swatch watches are at home, is parallel to the multitude of Qatari’s wearing watches surrounded by 21 diamonds. All you can do is shake your head in disbelief. I now don’t look twice when I see a sunglassed Arabian driving a brand new black beast 4WD whilst wearing the traditional white burka.

The contrast of tradition to now the sophisticated nation of the 21st century is widespread around Doha. From the dusty, rustic market souqs to the largest, brightest, air-conditioned shopping malls ensures you walk around this city in amazement. With the collapse of the pearl market in the 1930's this spread poverty, malnutrition and disease throughout the country. The discovery of oil and natural gas has now Qatar one of the fastest growing economies in the world, per capita income. With the oil discovery the country has totally re-invented itself in economy, sophistication and hosting major international sporting events - who would have thought the 100 Men's world record would be broken in Doha!!

Our week of induction or in our terms – holiday in a new country!! We have been ‘mothered’ for the first week. All has been organized for us however, Im sure this is nearing its expiry as we embark on learning the new challenges faced with living here in Doha.

We explored the city for 5 hours via air-conditioned bus. From camel farm, to fish markets funnily named Thursday/Friday market, souqs, high rise construction of hotels line the ever changing Doha sky line.
The day ended by completing the hundred and one forms required for a driving licence, health care card, accommodation and residency, though we contiuned to entertain ourselves as we all laugh whilst we reminisce the funny and outrageous occurrences of the day.








Good students - filling all the forms!

Awaken at 4am by the prayers transmitted via the public speaker, I'm keen for a new day to start. We sit chatting quietly in the VIP Finger Printing Lounge. The mind wonders, finger printing in the Middle East? What the hell am I doing? I chat with the Italians and in pure envy as one of guys lives near Chique Terrare. The day turns to one of celebration, as Mr Mohammed announces that we are all healthy and passed our Medicals!! With this our allowance for 2 weeks ($1000) is given, its happy days in the Retaj Apartments. I sigh a huge relief as I had pondered on the devastation should I had been unhealthy and sent home.

From the constant fits of laughter, cultural in-difference, routine adjustment, 7am walk to DAGOC offices in the blistering heat, one can forget that we are here to work!! 7 weeks of no work and over 5 months since working in a suited/skirt business environment I'm in shock as I sit in the first meeting for the day analysing the headcount of workforce - paid, contractors and volunteers required for the Sailing Venue. I throw down 2 mind wakening coffees as I'm viewing CADS on my steep learning curve.

On a high which I hope to continue throughout my residency in Qatar, I am learning the additional challenges faced with fulfilling the workforce of 15,000 volunteers, 25,000 contractors and 1,500 paid staff. It also hit home when I met my first volunteer – Asmir the fruit man!! After the mind exploding day, we enjoyed a well deserved icy cold Corona at the Rydges Hotel.

Highlights - Western World and Qatar Differences
- Tradional Arabian restaurant with smoke pipe. No alcohol served with dinner :-( (good on the body but not the mind!!)
- 2 x 4 consecutive days public holiday in Sept & Oct for religion - dates TBA depending on the moon.
- Tradional clothing worn in office by Qatarians.
- Tea-men!! Yes, we have our drinks brought to our desks.
- Hot water flush of toilet due to tank on roof.
- Mad drivers
- Apartment pool – women access only from 8am to 12.30. The boys are shattered!
- Family only shopping day.
- Lashings for people found intoxicated in public (Islamic Law)
- Drinking Licence required to purchase alcohol for home enjoyment. To be granted in one month


Qatarian cafe to enjoy a coffee.






Stunning sunset!




My love for doors!!

.... in hot, bright, dusty Doha!!

Al Salaam Alaykum....(Hello)

I need to pinch myself as I am Doha Dreaming!!

Doha is hot, dusty, sandy, a construction zone in the middle of the desert. Now whenever the price of a bottle of water is less than that of petrol - you know things are going to be different...

The people are friendly, the food delicious and its not the alcohol stricken country I first thought. I love it here and look forward to many adventures over the forthcoming 8 months.

Lets start from the beginning. Im in Doha, Qatar working for the 15th Asian Games. They are in December 2007, they are throwing an incredible amount of money into the games and the development of the city. If you can imagine what Dubai looked like in its development stage - this is Doha. Every where you look is construction. From the roads, to buildings, the marina, sports stadiums. Apparently the worlds 25% of cranes are in Qatar!!


The flight was great where I met 4 others from the Commonwealth Games on the flight. Loved seeing a guy holding up my name at the airport, 10 of us piled the air conditioned bus in anticipation of the view of the city and our accommodation for the next 2 weeks. My expectations have been exceeded - the apartment (not just a hotel room) is huge, I'm sharing with a girl Katherine from Melbourne. We both have separate double bed rooms, own en-suite, kitchen and lounge.

This week there are 34 new starters, 22 Internationals and 12 Locals. The majority of internationals are from the Commonwealth Games, Turin Winter Olympics and Athens Olympics. The Arabs are lovely people and I really feel safe and peaceful here. They are crazy drivers and is true that all you see is the male driving wearing his traditional white robes and females in black robes. Many of the women are covered head to toe plus face, but you can see them smile and its not scary at all.

We have a week of orientation - first day Medical (hope I pass!!) we were blood tested for Hep A, B, Rubella, HIV etc and chest X-ray. Very amusing experience in the medical centre with the Arabian women. Our host Mohammed was a real dude. An African Arab, who entertained us by talking into a document holder from one of the girls as if it was a microphone... These Arabians are funny. He was wearing the true white robe and white cloth (tea towel= gutra) on his head.

Anyway, this week is just about easing into our life in Doha. Its 38 to 43 degrees every day, our driver picks us up at 7am each morning. We have induction Monday, 4 hour city tour Tuesday, criminal finger printing Wednesday, meet the department Thursday. All done each day by 12/1pm, to then enjoy then relaxe and discover more of this city.

As for a strict non alcohol country - NOT. Have enjoyed a relaxing beer or two each day, at the expat (aussie bar) at the Rydges Hotel whilst watching the FA Cup Final and last night 'Quiz night'!!

We have all bonded really well and are in constant fits of laughter.

Love Doha!