copied and pasted verbatum...
Hi Sybil..
How are you and your family? hope your all enjoying your time back home. I saw your latest blog post about you leaving early next year. I had to re-read it as I was initially in disbelief and I immediately felt a pang of sadness when I realized that I hadn't misunderstood your words. I guess I got so used to reading your blog I felt like your were a permanent fixture of Qatar, despite you blogging about things from a distinctly expat perspective, giving me a different insight into my country, which I enjoyed immensely as I would come back for more each day. I have to agree with one of the commentators on your blog, you have been such a great ambassador for your country and you have really embraced Qatari culture with all it has to offer- good and bad- and although we are all entitled to our own opinions, I always found your posts thoughtful, respectful, positive and funny! You always wrote with such flair and vivacity that I found refreshing and enjoyable. I 'd like to ask you if you would like to get together sometime after your back, since I always wanted to but for some inexplicable reason haven't, and consequently feeling guilty for not doing so sooner! lol perhaps we can get together for coffee or dinner or shisha or all of the above?? :P
I'm open to suggestions! I hope I was able to convey my appreciation and admiration for you and your blog, and although your leaving Qatar, I am grateful to you for allowing me as a reader to have a glimpse into your world and seeing Qatar through your eyes.
Thank you and Warmest Regards,
Nasser
It was real, it was fun, it was real fun
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I've truly been blessed to have gotten the opportunities to venture out into such a different world than the one I grew up in. I never would have thought I would have traveled so many places by the time I was 23 and I definitely never expected to travel to the Middle East! I'm looking forward to the next adventure in your life, mom. I know whatever it is, you will make the best of it. You're truly inspiring to me and I love how much you've embraced the life that got thrown your way. I love you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is going to be very odd when you are no longer posting about your experiences in Doha, whether it was a trip to the 'Saloon' (that spelling still makes me lol, I always imagine the piano player stopping, heads swivelling and a tumbleweed rolling past) posts about tennis or your gorgeous and sometimes funny photos.
ReplyDeleteYou have been a great ambassador for expats in Qatar and actually for Qatar too in many ways. Nasser's words sum up what a lot of people who read your blog and follow you on Twitter, will be feeling. You will be missed, yes, even by those of us who haven't met you.....yet
Bon Voyage x
Wow, Sybil, who would have thought you would be so famous in the blogosphere when we were but "nerds" back in high school. I'm so proud of you and all you have done. My only regret is that I didn't make the trip over to experience your new world. Guess I'll have to settle for a Kyle visit! Love ya, girlfriend!
ReplyDeleteAww, Thanks, Ladies!
ReplyDeleteNo doubt, I'll be stalking the Doha twitterfeed to keep up with the "goings on", Amanda. I'll be tuning into Dine Out Doha to find out the latest on Doha eats...you know I have this fond connection to food that I can't shake :P
Fran, I think NERDS was an understatement! I'm sorry you didn't make it to Doha, as well. Maybe Podunk, Tx will be more easily accessible ;p
Kayla, I have to say you embraced the area pretty dang well yourself on your many visits. I, too, am so glad we were able to share it with you. Qatar was a win win for all of us. I love you too, sweetie!
If in the future I'm ever in a position where I have the chance to move across the world like we did four years ago, my children will not have a say in whether or not we do it. I appreciate being given the option of moving or staying in the States, but I can't even begin to imagine how different and dull our lives would be now had I said no.
ReplyDeleteDespite the occasional breakdown due to my parents being on the other side of the world when I needed them, I've enjoyed every moment and opportunity this experience has given me. Get to planning, because Sybil & Kristi's last Qatari adventure in September will be the best by far. I love you & thanks for everything. :)
Ah, Kristi, seems like yesterday that we were having planning sessions over yummy Schlotzsky's sandwiches. I remember exactly where we were and the moment in time when you said "Let's do it!". Omg, what an adrenalin rush. And "do it" we did, the best we knew how. I hope your September scheming works out, and if it does, we'll go out with a bang! I love you!
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