To Compound or Stand Alone?

It appears there are only two options for housing in Doha.  We either go for a compound or a 'stand alone'.  Both options are pricey (around 10K USD for rent a month), Doha is not a cheap place to live.  It has been a very difficult decision for Axel and me because both options have good points and bad.  For example:

Stand Alone

Positives

- More square footage for your buck

- Bigger yard (not by much)

- Fewer rules

- Autonomy 

- Extra home for maids and drivers

Negatives

- Slow response to needs

- Solidarity 

- No gym (access to gyms in Qatar are limited)

- Strange architecture 

- No pool

- No services

Compound

Positives

-Pool (at a distance), gym, laundry services, restaurants, tennis courts, etc.

- Instant friends for the children

- Sense of community

- Close Westerners 

- Community gatherings

- Safety/gated

- Roads to play on

- Immediate services

- Western architecture and appliances 

Negatives 

- Close proximity to others (nosy neighbors) 

- Smaller homes

- Instant enemies for the children

- Free reign for children on the streets (I foresee serious shenanigans)

- 'Bubble living' (separation from local culture)

It took us a month, but we have decided where we will live.  Axel found our house on his own, and the minute I visited the place I knew it was the right place for us.  We move in tomorrow.  I will tell you what we settled on when I finally take pictures.  

I am sure the suspense is killing you.

Mullet No More

I finally got rid of this mess.  The top won't grow and I refuse to think it is a white trash gene trying to manifest itself.  She is only 3 after all.  Why would I think she would have hair by now?????  

Pesky Flu

Guess who isn't going to school next week?  We had the entire week off last week for Eid, and half days since the kids began because of Ramadan.  Homeschool is happening full time for now.  This is just to let you all know that the dumb pig flu is inconveniencing the rest of the world--including Qatar where we hate pigs the most.  Grrrr.....

Old Souq

It is no secret that Qatar doesn't nearly have the same 'wow factor' like Dubai.  In a million different ways, Dubai always does it better.  However, one of the exceptions is the souq.  Doha's Old Souq is truly awesome.  Not only does it have an authentic Arabian feel, but it also offers every item under the hot, blaring sun. 

Axel broke his speargun recently and the only place that sells spearfishing goods is in the Old Souq.  The best part was that there were very few people there because of Eid and the heat.  No one is crazy enough, except a man desperate to kill some fish and his willing broad.  

 

Going into the dive shop

Lucky for Axel, the shop was equipt with good, mind-numbing cartoons and cozy chairs.  Otherwise, Axel would have just bought the one thing he needed.  Instead, as he saw all the children in a comatose state, he left spending more than $1000. on only gosh-knows-what. 

What a dive shop looks like in Qatar, in case you were wondering...

A man with a new speargun and a Nepali dive shop owner who had Ganesh smile upon him that day

Spices anyone?   Maybe not after you saw Asa's slimy hands molest every bag within reach

A child's dream come true. Candy galore. (Asa is intentionally on that red chair. Naughty, naughty, naughty).

The typical Arabian gift of Chocolate.  Chocolate and candy are the same word in Qatar, I can see why

As one leaves the Old Souq one is greeted by a bazillion pigeons.  The mountains of poop is quite impressive, really.  

We will be visiting the Old Souq often as it has an entire carpet section.  It is also close to where we will soon be living.  I think we found our place.  Can't wait to tell, but won't until I can document and post appropriately.   More soon....

How I Don't Help the Planet

I remember watching an episode of Oprah about saving the planet.  Oprah was agreeable during the entire show except when the 'green guru' said she should have poor pressure in her shower.  'Nah, uh' she quickly said.  A dribbly shower was out of the question.  

My cousin-in-law also made it very clear what she will not give up here.  

After the extreme green living I experienced in Nepal, I have come to realize what I will not change:  

Apparently the rainforest is second to my child's creativity.  I feel like a home for a spotted owl disappears every day because of the many Bromley masterpieces.  I suppose going without electricity for 18 hours a day for months and using very little water neutralizes my carbon footprint (or at least makes me feel like I own a small corner of the Amazon).  

Male Bonding

I foresee hours and days of fun to come

Ever since we lived in Croatia (shortly after we got married) Axel has had a deep passion for spearfishing.  I would be kidding if I said it was my favorite hobby of his.  It only means one thing to me--less time together.  I know every man needs to have his cave, but I wish Axel's didn't involve Saturday mornings and a horrible clean-up.  

Axel has been trying to convince me that this hobby is deeply beneficial for the family.  It is afterall a good way to get our Omega-3 and vitamin B, but I don't buy it.  Carrefour has a good selection and we can afford the finest fish and it wouldn't put us in the poor house.  I am sure the petrol and hours put into spearfishing doesn't quite make up for it.  

However, something magical has happened.  This past weekend Axel decided to take Xavier on one of his excursions.  Xavier has been begging to get in the Gulf since we stepped off the plane and this was the perfect opportunity to get his wiggles out while Axel does the same.  For the first time, I was overjoyed to have Axel gone.  I could not support family male bonding enough.  Having Axel gone on his own is not nearly as fun as knowing the two men in my life are hunting and gathering together.  

The bounty 

Also, the fact is, the more male bonding that happens between my big man and little man, the more they will want me to have some girly time with my little ladies like here and here.  In the end the boys not only provide yummy fish but they also share quality time together.  I am all for quality time.  I am also for money in the bank for some cute pedis and maybe a trip to Egypt?   The possibilities are endless.  

Asa's Firsts

Asa's first time walking on sand

Asa's first time experiencing a beetle

Asa's first time on real playground equipment

Asa's first time bulling others on the playground

Eid Mubarak

Today was Eid.  It not only signifies that Ramadan is now officially over, but is also means we can do this in public:

and this:

It also meant that the stores were semi-open and we could see life in the mall.  There are real people that live in this city during the day.  I was beginning to wonder...

The stores were not the only thing opened.  We ate at the food court--at noon!  It was so liberating licking a McDonalds ice cream cone while the sun was up.  

Starbucks even had its fair share of customers sipping coffee and smoking cigarettes.  It is now time to return to all those guilty pleasures.

We ended the day watching the sunset on the Cornice. We all watched it go down with full tummies and a smile on our faces.  Life in Qatar can now officially begin..for reals.  

The Unknown

We are currently in the 'limbo' phase. This phase could last a few months or longer.  How ever long I think it will take, I add two months to that estimate.  When we left Nepal, we were told we should have Axel's visa in 'a couple of days'.  We are now past a month and it is more likely this process will take 'a couple of months' at least.  The good thing is, I have gone through this enough times that I have no preconceived ideas of how long will take.  I am amazed at how flexible I have become.  No one could be anal living the life we do.  

During this long, drawn out phase it is fun to see my life unfold.  Where will I live; what hobbies will we begin; what talents will we discover; what stores will we enjoy visiting; what restaurants will be our favorite, etc.?  These questions help me keep going.  It is the unknown that makes me love this kind of life.  We call it 'spice'.  

The questions during this phase invoke feelings of excitement and frustration.  As much as I am thrilled to find out where we will live, I am equally frustrated with how expensive and cramped the housing options are.  It is also balanced with sadness from where I left.  It is difficult to revisit the past and think, 'Awe, when I lived in X it was so much easier to do this.'  Then again, if I lived in X, I wouldn't have the chance to see what else could be easier.  We have lived in enough places to know there is good and bad and you must learn to accentuate the positive.  Axel and I often have a date night discussion about the following question: 'Give me your ideal day if you could be in several countries at once.'  Mine would be this: Wake in Canada and have a hearty breakfast with back bacon and real maple syrup. Head to Split, Croatia and buy fresh fruits from the market.  Go to an opera in Vienna.  Eat lunch in Hungary.  Go to the temple in Switzerland.  Shop in Thamel.  Swim in Thailand.  Jungle explore in Bali.  Eat dinner at a swanky hotel in Dubai.  Sleep under the star-filled sky in southern Utah.  

Although this time is uncomfortable, it is also thrilling.  It is a pleasant (or sometimes unpleasant) way of seeing how my life will work in a new environment and amongst new people.  To me, the unknown is what makes life interesting and fun.  It is spice, and I like mine extra hot.  

A Window Welcome

Axel's new job requires him to travel 4 days out of the week.  It is going to be a huge adjustment for our family.  We are used to having daddy around at nights.  The first week Axel left it felt like a month.  The kids were so anxious for him to come home on Thursday night.  To give him a warm welcome we used the window crayons that Grandma Moore sent us from America.  Thanks again, Grandma!  

Asa could not believe his luck.  He could color?  On something that wasn't paper?  And not get in trouble?  I am sure he was thinking, 'Man, they didn't smile and kiss me when I drew on the couches a couple of days ago.  I don't get this.'

Going Domestic

My friend lately

I have been surprised at how fun it has been to have the kids and home to myself.  [That is NOT to say I don't want my maid and nanny.  This is fun, but temporary fun.]  I have enjoyed doing the laundry the way I want it done, and to have my toothbrushes in the order of my choice. There are perks.  However, there are tons of things that I really miss.  I miss the one-on-one time with my kids.  I also feel like I am wasting time doing dishes when I could really be reading to my kids.  I also ache to have more date nights with Axel.  It will be nice to have Sarita back. 

In the meanwhile, I am enjoying the time that I have had without the maid.  There are setbacks, but I realized I really do like to clean and organize.  The other thing I have discovered is that I am a damn fine cook.  I hadn't cooked a meal in a couple of years.  The odd time I would teach my cook a particular dish but I would basically instruct her and she would do all the messy stuff.  For a while there, my cooking abilities were in question.  

Not anymore.  All my kids have gushed over every meal I have made since we have been here.  It could also be because they are eating beef again.  Beef never tasted so good.  It also doesn't take much to eat better than we were while living in Nepal. Something other than rice and dahl is a delicacy in this household.  I was surprised that I was daunted by cooking before I arrived in Doha.  Really, how hard can cooking be?  It is a matter of following instructions, right?  I suppose the idea is to find the right instructions.  That is why I am so thankful I have some knock-out-of-the-park recipes like this one:

Mango Salsa

1/2 medium onion, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

2 ripe mangoes, peeled seeded, and diced

1 fresh red pepper, chopped

1 cucumber, diced

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (I used lemon because limes can't be found here)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon minced green onion

Saute onion in olive oil or butter until lightly browned.  Toss all ingredients together gently.  Serve with tortilla chips.  It is also great on chicken or fish.  

Now that I know I can cook, I am ready to be done.  

Ramadan Kareem

The day after we arrived in Doha, Ramadan began.  Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims who begin fasting from sun up to sun down.  The month includes a lot of prayer and refrain from immodest or irreverent activities. It is a time to focus on Allah and take one's mind off of worldly influences.  I love the principles of Ramadan.  I respect the Muslims greatly for taking on the fast for an entire month.  I find it hard to fast for one day a month. 

Ramadan in a Muslim country is interesting for the following reasons:

* Although Muslims fast during the day, most actually gain weight during Ramadan. The iftar (evening break of fast) buffet at most restaurants are elaborate and delicious.  I can see why it happens.  Whenever we visit these buffets, I eat like I have been fasting all day.  Does that count?

 

* You can be fined if you are seen eating or drinking in public.  This was especially hard when I was pregnant and nursing during the two Ramandans in Dubai.  There was a lot of sneaking food in the car and discretely chewing.  You know how hard it is to discretely chew?  Somehow the food doesn't taste the same.   

* All the stores are closed during fasting hours.  If you want to buy anything, you must wait till the sun goes down.  Most malls are open from 8pm to 1 or 2 am.  

* There is no traffic.  The city seems like a ghost town during the day.

* Work and school hours change significantly.  Axel's Ramadan hours are 8am - 2pm.  But his Blackberry hours are 24/7.

* Children often are kept up till the wee hours of the morning and wake around 4 am for the feast before the fast.  

To be truthful, this wasn't the best time to arrive in Doha.  Things move a lot slower during Ramadan.  Buying a car?  Forget it unless you want to shop between 7am to 10am.  Finding a house to rent?  Nah, realtors are sleeping when you want to view the place.  Completing your visa?  No way.    Typing and filing out forms is tough on an empty stomach.  How about driving around and seeing the sites with the kids?  Not unless you do it when the kids have just eaten.  No restaurants are open, and if you pack the food, you can't be seen eating it.  I understand, but it is tough to do a thing in this city.

As frustrating as it is to get anything done in the Middle East during Ramadan, there is something special about devoting an entire month to God.  The idea is, all the errands can wait, and we need to remember who our maker is.  There is a calmness that exists in this city.  You can feel that more people are praying and Muslims are working together to become more faithful and devoted to Allah.  It is a cool thing to see a store owner reading his Koran during the day doing his best to get closer to God.  It is something we can all learn from.  

Are They Your Children?

It is amazing how many strangers have approached me with the same question, 'Are they your children?'  When I tell them I am naturally blonde and I just dyed my hair dark it is inevitably followed by, 'Why would you want to do that?'  

I am just thankful they ask.  Others just give me strange looks and think I am either: 

A. A nanny from Russia who might do some night work on the side

B.  An older sister from an Arabian affair

C. Axel's mistress or 3rd wife

In the Middle East, any one of these options are possible and seem more likely than a natural blonde choosing to go dark. 

What I Did Today

Asa's smile lately.  This photo really doesn't have anything to do with this post, but must be documented.

Today I...

1. Read scriptures, prayers, and took the kids downstairs at 6:30am to catch the bus for school.  Read the newspaper.

2. Soothed my baby who is obviously teething (gross poop and loads of spit, yes!).

3. Dropped Axel off at the Ministry Building for his medical test for his visa.

4. Watched the littles.  Read books with them.  Soothed a teething baby.

5. Received a phone call from Axel to tell me he failed the medical.  He has a spot on his lung.  We knew, it is fine.  BUT, it is delaying the visa process, which slows down our ability to, A. Buy a van; B. Get a visa for me and the kids; C. Find a home to rent; D. Get our maid; E. Get our driver.  Sometimes I hate civilization.  It is so complicated.  

6. Picked up Axel, and drove to the American School (who called me yesterday to tell me that a miracle has occurred and there are two openings for Heavah and Xavier).

7. Soothed a teething baby.

8. Visited the American School and received a confirmation that it is the right school for the kids.  Became sad I already spent $150. for school uniforms and $200 on extra curricular activities at the other school.  

9. Scheduled another assessment for Heavah and Xavier on Monday (my children must be the most assessed primary school aged children ever).

10. Looked at a compound near the school and became excited that our lives will be in a close proximity to the airport, the school, and Axel's work.  

11. Came home, met Heavah & Xavier from school.  Told them they will be going to a different school.  Listened to them moan.  

12. Went to buy groceries and spearfishing equipment for a husband who can't wait to get in the water and kill something.

13. Cooked dinner. 

14. Kissed my husband goodbye who had a meeting in Bahrain at 10:30pm tonight.  Did I mention last week he was in 3 countries in one day?  (He woke in Qatar, ate lunch in Oman, went to bed in Bahrain).

15. Watched the SheWolf video by Shakira and wondered how a woman could move her body in such ways.

16. Watched the season finale of Scrubs for the first time.  Cried because my kids are growing too fast.  

17. Watched Ugly Betty.  Wondered why I actually liked that show.  

18. Watched the Biggest Loser.  Felt like I should go to the gym.  

19. Watched Supernanny.  Pat myself on my back for being such a better mom than the crazy, neurotic woman she visited. 

20. Watched the official opening of the Dubai Metro on Dubai One Live TV.  Saw history in the making.  

In Case I Forgot

I could not wait to have a clean, warm, long bath when I arrived in Qatar.  I haven't had one since I moved to Nepal.  Yes, I did shower, but I coveted anyone who could enjoy a luxurious bath with candles and bath salts.  The water was always too gross and the water was never warm enough.  Within a couple of days of our arrival in Qatar, I found my opportunity.  While I was dressing the kids I ran the bath water.  When I arrived, ready and excited to dip in, this is what I saw:

Nepal must really miss me.  It has to remind me that it is always there and it will follow me wherever I may go.  It happened to me in Thailand, and now here.

Luckily, this was a one-shot reminder.  The gross water has not returned and I pamper myself at least 3 times a week.  I think it was a friendly way of saying Nepal will never leave me, and enjoy Qatar while I can.   

Off to School

The kids started school on the 25th of August.  I know, I am behind with my blogging.  That is what happens when I actually have to cook my own meals and make sure the kids get out the door dressed and ready for school on my own.  It is a hard life, I know.  

Doha has been impossible to enroll my kids in school.  I have actually been laughed at when I asked if there were any openings the day before school started.  The American School of Doha has a waiting list of 71 children for Grade 1.  It has been a grueling process to say the least.  Doha is obviously flooding with expat kids and not enough schools. 

We finally found a school that was specialized and radical enough that there were some openings.  The kids are now attending The International School of Choueifat (also known as a SABIS network school).  It is a Lebanese school but it has campuses throughout the world (including Phoenix, Minnesota, NY).  The school is well-known for its discipline and high academic standards.  It also expects a lot of responsibility and accountability from the students. 

Heavah is in Grade 2 and Xavier is in Grade 1.  Sedona will be starting Kindergarten 1 after Ramadan in October. ( Children legally have to be enrolled in school by 4 years).  I am not sure how I feel about the philosophy of the school, but since Xavier and Heavah have both been in kindergarten for the past 3 years--and spinning their wheels--I thought I would give it a try.  So far, they love it.  Heavah insisted on learning Arabic again and Xavier is learning French.  They seem to be okay with the tough schedules and high expectations.  As long as they are okay with it, so am I.  

The kids started school only days after we arrived in Doha.  I thought I was so on the ball because I had their uniforms bought and ready to go.  I then realized that I forgot to pack socks.  Why would they possibly need socks in a desert? Now, I know. They wore Axel's socks and rolled them WAY down.  It looked like they had doughnuts on their ankles.  I also forgot shoes for Xavier so he did the unspeakable--socks with sandals.  It was hard to watch them walk to school without either laughing, or feeling like I was a horrible mother. I opted for the laugh.  

I have put my kids in a few schools over the past 3 years (4 schools so far), and I have noticed that there are a lot of opinions about education and how children should be taught.  Some believe children should go to school at 7; others believe they should learn to read by 3; some feel that learning can only be done through play; others believe that discipline is the secret for a future Ivy league child.  I feel like the parent knows best, and ultimately, the real learning is done at home.  I am pretty hands-on with my children's education so I am not that neurotic about the various theories.  My belief is that education should compliment experience, not the other way around.