Meanwhile in Qatar...

As much as I would like to say I have been jetting around and living the high life here in the wealthiest country in the world, the truth is not that exciting. My job starts at 7 in the morning. I wake up at 5 o'clock (before the sun but after the first call to prayer) and try to be in bed by 8 o'clock at night. I run around with 20 five years olds and when I get home around 4 I lay on my couch and catch up on my reading and tv shows. Glamorous! And not that much different than what I would doing in California...

I have been slowly learning about my new city. Although I have been busy with work, I have made time to go out with my new friends. So get ready for a photo dump as nothing I have done has really been worth making a whole post about. Read More...

Falcons are huge here. At Souq Waqif, there is a whole falcon souq and it is not uncommon to see a man walking around with his falcon on his arm.

 I also finally got my credit card! Or Leanine got one...

As cliche as it is, this Starbucks mug makes me very happy especially when in my cupboard next to my San Francisco one. And because it is sitting on a mini Middle Eastern rug coaster.

Also, brunch is a huge deal in the Middle East. You pay a ridiculous price, but for four hours, you get unlimited food and drink. For a country with very limited alcohol options, brunch becomes an expat haven. 

Obviously I was mostly into the desserts...

I have also been taking a photography class here in Doha. For our last class, we had an on-location sunrise photoshoot. I tagged along to a sunset shoot later in the day, as well.

My teacher has stressed throughout the weeks how important a good tripod is. Guess which one is mine... (Look down). He was not very impressed when I showed up with that little guy, but he was free!

One of my friends has started singing, so one night we went out to listen to her play.

One of the most exciting things that has happened is that I am the proud owner of a brand new car! Paid for in a huge wad of cash! Thanks QF :)

The weather has also started to let up. It has been nice enough for markets on the weekend, eating outside at the souk, and outside at Jones the Grocer. It feels like a new city sometimes without the oppressive heat. 

We also had Halloween here in Qatar. Although it is definitely not a recognized holiday, the expats love to celebrate, anyway. Pictured here is a skeleton, Katniss, a greek goddess, and the Paperbag Princess.

And when I forget that I am in the Middle East, I pass by a parade of men on camels on the lawns of the Emir's palace on my drive home from work.

 Because why not?