Reconnected At Last
It's amazing how you don't miss something until it's gone - so it is with the internet the past two days in Doha. I've been struggling with my finicky work computer and the Ramada's circa 1997 internet service to get a post up on the blog... plenty to catch up on.
I now know why the only available rooms this first week I'm back in Qatar were at the Ramada. When I arrived after 24 hours of travel I had an important decision, a non-smoking room with 2 twin beds or a smoking room with a king bed - to complicate the decision I had left my pipe at home - yes I do own and smoke a pipe - a Nording Dutch Freesylte to be exact, but pipes are really only fun to smoke with friends. After sleeping on a full bed during my last trip I opted for the king bed and although my coworkers haven't offered me a piece of Nicorette yet, I'm sure it's crossed their minds. I'm quite ready to move hotels at the end of the week, back to the Intercontinental with it's swim up bar and manmade beach sans waves.
Work is going as best as could be expected. Today things picked up, as I had to quickly produce 3 cost reports I had never heard of... it's always overwhelming starting a new assignment, especially when the person you're replacing has already repatriated to the states - but the work is challenging and the team seems to have good chemistry, which is important when you're all sharing the bottom floor of a reconfigured villa (aka mansion) - too bad they covered the marble floors with casino carpet and replaced the designer furniture with cubicles.
As if work wasn't enough, my plan to leave a bit later (7:00pm) to beat traffic quickly backfired on me. Despite the locals clocking out around 3:00pm I think most of them are headed back out for dinner around 7:00 because the roads back to the Ramada were extremely busy. Everything you've heard about Qatar drivers is absolutely true - assuming you heard they are aggressive, horn obsessed, disregarders of civil driving law. Roundabouts are challenging enough without a local nearly running over your Renault compact rental with a 2 tonne Landcruiser all the while flashing their lights and honking for you to get out of their way... did I mention that no matter whose fault it is, getting in an accident with a national means YOU PAY. Needless to say the Ramada was a welcome sight after it took longer to get the 3 miles from work to hotel than my typical 15 mile commute in Houston.
The day finished on a great note though. Not only did I finally jumpstart the internet allowing me to post this blog - but I walked to the Chili's across the road from the hotel - yes the Chili's as in "baby back ribs" and "endless tostada chips" (unfortunately not as in Presidente Margaritas - atleast not the ones with Tequila in them). On the way back I made sure to hit up the Dairy Queen for a Dilly Bar and refreshing Mr. Misty! If I had closed my eyes, and not been sitting next to a group of dedicated smokers, I would have sworn I could have been back in Texas, enjoying some DQ. The stress of the day melted away, as did my Dilly Bar in the 90 degree night air. Amazing how Qatar seems torn between it's middle eastern, Islamic culture and the western ideas/restaurants capitalism has brought with it.
I now know why the only available rooms this first week I'm back in Qatar were at the Ramada. When I arrived after 24 hours of travel I had an important decision, a non-smoking room with 2 twin beds or a smoking room with a king bed - to complicate the decision I had left my pipe at home - yes I do own and smoke a pipe - a Nording Dutch Freesylte to be exact, but pipes are really only fun to smoke with friends. After sleeping on a full bed during my last trip I opted for the king bed and although my coworkers haven't offered me a piece of Nicorette yet, I'm sure it's crossed their minds. I'm quite ready to move hotels at the end of the week, back to the Intercontinental with it's swim up bar and manmade beach sans waves.
Work is going as best as could be expected. Today things picked up, as I had to quickly produce 3 cost reports I had never heard of... it's always overwhelming starting a new assignment, especially when the person you're replacing has already repatriated to the states - but the work is challenging and the team seems to have good chemistry, which is important when you're all sharing the bottom floor of a reconfigured villa (aka mansion) - too bad they covered the marble floors with casino carpet and replaced the designer furniture with cubicles.
As if work wasn't enough, my plan to leave a bit later (7:00pm) to beat traffic quickly backfired on me. Despite the locals clocking out around 3:00pm I think most of them are headed back out for dinner around 7:00 because the roads back to the Ramada were extremely busy. Everything you've heard about Qatar drivers is absolutely true - assuming you heard they are aggressive, horn obsessed, disregarders of civil driving law. Roundabouts are challenging enough without a local nearly running over your Renault compact rental with a 2 tonne Landcruiser all the while flashing their lights and honking for you to get out of their way... did I mention that no matter whose fault it is, getting in an accident with a national means YOU PAY. Needless to say the Ramada was a welcome sight after it took longer to get the 3 miles from work to hotel than my typical 15 mile commute in Houston.
The day finished on a great note though. Not only did I finally jumpstart the internet allowing me to post this blog - but I walked to the Chili's across the road from the hotel - yes the Chili's as in "baby back ribs" and "endless tostada chips" (unfortunately not as in Presidente Margaritas - atleast not the ones with Tequila in them). On the way back I made sure to hit up the Dairy Queen for a Dilly Bar and refreshing Mr. Misty! If I had closed my eyes, and not been sitting next to a group of dedicated smokers, I would have sworn I could have been back in Texas, enjoying some DQ. The stress of the day melted away, as did my Dilly Bar in the 90 degree night air. Amazing how Qatar seems torn between it's middle eastern, Islamic culture and the western ideas/restaurants capitalism has brought with it.
I miss home, but I see Sheri, Zona (our puppy), and I really having fun out here. I can honestly say that this is a once in a lifetime chance and I'm glad we're taking it. For all the frustrating situations, Qatar offers just as many intriguing and exciting experiences. I appreciate all your prayers and emails - keep them coming... you don't realize how important people are in your life until you fly halfway around the world and sit quietly eating dinner and remembering all those who mean so much to you. I'm worried if I don't start bringing a book with me to dinner I'll just start having conversations with myself!
Until the next time I get the internet up and running...
5 comments:
Brandon
You should have been an english major... or Donald Miller.
I hear those Nording Danish Freestyles are the best pipes ever.
Hi Honey, Love the picture of our future date night spot!! Can't wait to be reunited. P.S. Zona has already taken over your spot in the bed!!! Talk with you soon.
The Bad News: The seal is broken... the dog will never leave the bed.
The Good News: At least she doesn't shed.
I'm glad you're keeping this blog, B -- and that you're writing so well on it. Keep the posts coming. Much love to you.
B, I had no idea you were going to go Doogie Howser on me and put a new post up everyday. So as with the discovery of Strong Bad e-mails I am starting at the beginning, and working my way to the present. I have a lot of reading to do, so it may take me a few days to get caught up, but luckily summer is near, along with lots of time to relax, paint, travel, and read the blogs of Brandon.
Random Friend: "What did you do today?"
Me: "I read Brandon's Blog. Did you know they have Chili's on the Middle East? Well it's true, it was on Brandon's blog."
So i give you a preview of my future conversations and I shall catch up as quickly as life will allow. (You can take a day or two off to give me a little head start.)
Alright Doogie, er uh, I mean Brandon, I miss you greatly and definitly look forward to crossing paths (and pipes) over the Christmas Holiday. I'll get that update e-mail out to you soon. A lot has happened lately, God is just crazy sometimes!!
Love you.
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