Doha Diaries: Part 2

If you are saying Do-what?, then read the previous post about why I decided to journey to the land of Doha. Continuing on at a snail's pace about the interesting Arab country that I went to visit....

I know there is a preconceived notion that I went solely for Wendi. Truth be told the timing of the trip could not have been more perfect for me. I was coming off giving up the internet during the hours of 8pm-8am for the 6 weeks of lent (for shame for those of you that noticed in my haste of putting up that post I spelled "lint" instead of "lent" - why no one told me and laughed behind my back is still a mystery, and you know who you are). And going to visit your friend doesn't mean that I can play on the internet for hours on end. In fact, the first night I was there I was up for a few hours in the middle of the night. I felt like I had to hide the fact that I was on the internet (even though with the 8 hour time difference I was technically still in the same time frame). I had not gotten on the internet at night in 7 weeks, and it felt wrong to do so. While I was in Doha, I didn't talk on my cell phone, only had a conversation with Derek once a day, rarely got on the internet, and didn't make a to-do list one single day. It was refreshing, and somehow the world kept spinning without Shannon being in the know. So coming back home I have lost some interest in the internet, all the blogs I have on Google Reader, etc. I'm moving slow, and trying to find a good balance between what I have been doing for the last 8 weeks and what to now. But I digress...

I also came to love on these sweet Junod boys. Barrett just let me dive right back in like I did back in September. Sweet little bee.

The first full night we were in Doha we went to the Souqs (pronounced Sooks), which I thought meant a place for camels. No, it's just a name for a local market. Parking, which is typical for all of Doha, was horrible, and after careening the stroller through almost cobblestone-like pavement, we get into these narrow passageways where lots of vendors are set-up. I still have this mindset that I am a well-traveled individual, and if Wendi can take the Middle East then so can I. Let's just say that there isn't a white face to be seen basically all night. Which is fine, I'm not being racist. But we were the only Westerners as well. Apparently a lot of ex-patriots (people not from the area that live there) frequent the Souqs a lot, but not this night. The smell of incense was everywhere, and sweet Ashely was about to swoon the entire time. There was literally just enough space in the walkway for Wendi to get her double stroller through - it was a tight squeeze. Wendi talked the price down of the pashminas with each dealer, and we eventually walked out with our purchases. Then we got into the middle of the square, and the claustrophobia melted away. Barrett & Brooks were fascinated with the toy barking dog.

And a ruby carrying camel - reminds me of Indiana Jones or a Kathleen Turner action flick. I feel like he is still looking at me!

And I wish I remembered the names of these things. My grandparents always had these around their house form their travelers. But an Arab one? In a headdress? If it had not given me nightmares (or if both of my brothers would have disowned me), I might have coughed up the money to get one just for laughs. I mean, I've never seen an American person in one of these, have you?

Here's a photo of us ladies in the middle of the square. Can't remember what the tall tower in the background is (probably some Islamic cultural museum or something of the like), but it made for a great photo.

Everywhere we looked people were smoking these things. Yes, smoking them like a pipe, except that these things were like 3 feet tall. Bizarre. Every rebellious teenager's dream, right? Didn't think that one would fit in the ole suitcase for the return flight either. We were starving by the time we left, so unfortunately we couldn't go eat some native food that Wendi wanted us to try. Instead, she prepared us for the Lebanese food that Nick was going to pick up and bring home. My stomach was starting to get tense at what on earth I was about to try. She told us they were chicken shawermas. I laughed with relief - I loved those sandwiches, and Derek and I get them at a place called Cafe Lili where our townhome used to be. The chicken shawermas, along with the hummus we slammed, made for a wonderful meal. I could eat those things everyday!

Another night, another Ambien, and I was for sure that my sleep issues were over. Ha! The next morning both boys went to school and we took Wendi's new friend, Donna, with us on some more shopping adventures. We went in search of a new place that might sell Seven jeans for Wendi to check out. We pull up and Donna points out of the many Land Rovers that we see driving around each day. The license plate only has 3 numbers, which is saved for royalty. Wow, someone important was in the store. And when we walked in and saw the very pricey items throughout the place, we realized why royalty would be there. Unfortunately, since all the women would be wearing their Abayas and the men in their Thobes (more on all that later), it was useless to see if we could spot them. They all look the same to me! We went to another mall and I found these escalators humorous. How lazy can we be? I mean, it's like the airport walkways to help you move quicker just elevated. No stairs or anything.

We met Nick and Donna's husband, a fellow co-worker, for lunch at a pizza buffet. I never thought pizza tasted so good. And I was all prepared to eat crazy foods. So far so good for the ole tummy. It was still weird to have to order large water bottles just to have water to drink. I was ever aware that I finished my water glass, unlike back home where an untouched tap water glass at a restaurant is no big deal. We picked up the boys, who had nice long naps, and then we pulled out the paint. Someone got paint on his back.

A cheerful artist at work. Made me miss my little artist back home, who would have had a blast making masterpieces with his two buddies.

Barrett with his camels. He carried these three camels around all the time. He slept with them, played with them, everything. They were so cuddly, and I decided to bring Justin back one form the trip. Side story - Justin was eating animal crackers on the way to the airport. I showed him one that was a camel, and I told him that mommy was going to ride a camel. He started crying that he also wanted to ride a camel. I left him in tears crying about riding a camel. So he loves his new camel. He already had a Doha camel, so we call this smaller one "baby camel" and also carry it all around the house with us.

If there is one thing that my mom would shuddered at, it would not have been the culture, but the bidet. I remember my first encounter with one. I used to babysit for a single dad who was a plumber. He had one in his bathroom, and I remember asking my mom what one earth it was. Back to Doha. There was one in every bathroom of Wendi's house. And the bathroom downstairs was close to the kitchen. In comes this photo. Barrett and Brooks use the bidet to wash their hands. And the dogs sometimes use it as a water bowl. I know no one is using it for it's intended purpose, but it still makes me cringe. But I have to hand it to Wendi - way to use your resources to best work for your family.

It was Jer-Bear's birthday (Wendi's mom, Jerry) while we were in Doha, so the boys skyped Honey to sing her a birthday tune. We were in the big playroom area downstairs, which don't we all wish we had. Great area off the main living/TV room that the boys were so good about playing in while we ladies gabbed during different times of the day. Made me realize how wonderful it is to have a playmate sibling for your little ones!

Another day, another post. More to come, though as I stated, my desire to get on the internet is not quite as strong. So be patient - I promise to follow through with more photos! And for those that were caught off guard by the fact that you didn't know I was going - I purposefully didn't say anything beforehand. I remember long time ago Kaki telling me that bloggers don't tell of their travels beforehand but rather after their trips. I guess you just never know what creepy people are following your every move. Just my little disclaimer for the day. Staple Shannon behavior.....