Carved in Stone ~ Finally

Since we spoke last, David and I spent a week in Paris, and have even added yet one more exciting itinerary to the books. This particular trek is one we've made several times in the last five years, but this time (I suspect) will be filled with more emotion than usual. TEXAS bound ~ for good. Our five year reign of camel sightings, Bennigan's runs, construction zones, ghutra flipping, tweet ups, insane driving, man maids, amazing expats and locals, saloons, bendy straws, space invaders, call to prayer, Land Cruisers, "P" buildings, villa cats, sandstorms, queue jumpers, and all of the rest of the same same but different stuff is coming to a screeching halt on the first of June. I cannot tell a lie. There are so many things that I will be happy to leave in the dust, but so much of Doha will remain in my heart. It was bound to happen. I honestly thought I would be so sad for this day to arrive, but I am giddy with excitement about going home to FAMILY, Mexican food, AMERICAN food, civilized driving, American TV shown in real time, rain, bacon, flying old glory, Walmart, real radio stations, Cracker Barrel, Shea, Dustin, Kayla, and Kristi. It was fun while it lasted and wouldn't trade my Qatari Adventure for anything, but I'm going...

home.

I'm Going Home ~ Chris Daughtry


Home ~ Michael Bublé

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AWOL in Italy

AWOL ~ Yes, I have been and I apologize for that faux pas. Since we've last spoken, I met the not Kristi daughter, aka Kayla, in Italy for a covert Doha escape while David slaves away in Saudi. We met in Milan and made a mad dash to Verona, Venice, and Bellagio for a six day whirl wind tour. The weather and sites were spectacular withholding the rain in Bellagio on our last day that still couldn't dampen our fun.

The Duomo in Milan

Verona ~ Juliette's Wall and Balcony

Beautiful Venice and Kayla

Bellagio and Lake Como

That's a smattering of the hundreds of pics I got on our Tour di' Italy. I put a few together in a photo book for Kayla which you can see here if your heart so desires.

So what's up now? David and I are off to Paris tonight for one last hoorah. It's countdown for me in Doha and he in Saudi. It looks like our get out of Dodge ticket is tentatively set for June 1, give or take what the stars have in mind for us. It's back to the land of cowboys and pickup trucks. Can I get a big YEEHAW?!

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YO, OSHA!

If Qatar ever consulted OSHA, suffice it to say, havoc would be wreaked all over these fair lands. Scenes such as these are not rare in the least, but this one just consistently grabs my attention. I pass this rigged battery contraption scenario nearly everyday going towards D-Ring on Khafja Street. Yesterday, I was lucky enough for the traffic to be backed up (imagine that) and there it was striking a pose, daring me to take its picture. What the heck? As Ricky used to say (or not as I just found out!), "Lucy, you got some 'splainin' to do".

Hmmm...

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Oh, Wheelie?

No need for Qatar's Lusail International Circuit, we have Khafji street right here in Duhail to accommodate those with a need for speed and showmanship suicidal tendencies.








This was not a one time event as we've seen these same three guys on this same street performing these same stunts on every straightaway between the roundabouts, while the traffic builds behind them. One of them has a really sweet hot pink bike...he can run, but he can't disguise that ride. You will find these guys and others at any given moment at Landmark outside of TGI Friday's where all the "cool" bikes congregate.

Tom & Jerry recently spotted at Landmark

Pikachu spotted in the past

Update: "BATMAN" (sent in by @Vallath)
Thanks!

Update: Another friend sent me his blog post with Spiderman and Fendi bikes. Yes, the brand, FENDI. People around here go to all lengths to strut their stuff. On a side note, if I ever see one in Burberry, I will throw up. Check out @Kapilkb's blog at Earsplease.

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Presenting: WAAD

Hold the press, I, yours truly, have received a special invitation to a Doha fashion event featuring custom abayas by Qatar's own designer, Waad Mohammed. Exciting and scary at the same time, as you don't have to remind me that I'm not a fashion aficionado. Oh, was I really wearing flip flops when you spotted me? Sorry, I am American, 'nuff said. Note, it did take an eight thousand mile move to tiny Qatar for me to become somewhat schooled in the areas of world class tennis, soccer (the other football), golf, kite boarding, symphonic orchestras, rally cars, power boating, etc, so now it's time for fashion. Looking forward to seeing what creativity and pizazz Waad brings to the region's traditional abaya. Did I mention that this special invitation also goes out to you?

Shhh, don't tell anyone...tell EVERYone!

Save the date:

Saturday, March 10, 2012
Don't forget to RSVP to waad.designs.events@gmail.com

Follow WAAD on twitter for updates:

@WAAD.designs

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