Islamic Art Museum

We took Grandma and Grandpa to the best sight in Doha- The Islamic Art Museum. The museum opened only a few months before we arrived and it is, by far, the most remarkable and graceful piece of architecture in the Middle East.
It was designed my I. M. Pei a Chinese/American architect who can boast the Louvre Pryamids, John F. Kennedy Library, Dallas Town Hall, and National Gallery of Art as his creations. Even though the building is simplistic and elegant, it slightly detracts one's attention from the art it contains and more on the structure itself.

I. M Pei is 92 years old and he spent over 6 months in the region to fully understand Islamic architecture and style. He also toured to Spain, Tunisia, and Syria to examine the mosques. He also convinced the project coordinators to build an island on the Persian Gulf to allow the structure to appear floating in its own space. The interior shows subtle movement and appears to change continually with the use of lights and shadows. It is truly spectacular.

Panel found in Iraq dating back to the 9th century

The contents within are also incredibly fascinating. Most items come from the Qatari Royal Family--Al Thani. Over many years the family has collected many rare and authentic artifacts and by building the museum, they wanted to share it with the public.

Iranian carpets-15th century

Anatomical sketch- 16th century

Sometimes it feels this way, does it not?

Standard 'Alam - 1667 AD from Iran

Finally finding our Knight in Shining Armor

The favorite falcon made with ruby, emerald, gold and pearl

Although it is difficult to entice someone to visit Qatar, this museum alone is worth the trip. Oh, and maybe a side trip to Sri Lanka helps.

Don't Trust Grandma

to watch the kids at the park.

Heavah's Independent Project

When I came downstairs a few days ago, I found Heavah mass producing these flyers:

'Donait Toys

Give toys to the poor! Think about the poor and think about how many toys you don't play with and sit around. Please come by villa 45 or villa 48 and please bring toys in carfor (carrefour-the ME answer to Walmart) bags. We will end the donation on January 30th! Hope that the poor kids get good toys!

PS Make sure the toys are refreashened'

I don't have the heart to tell her there aren't any poor kids in Qatar...

Sri Lankan Signs

#1

#2

This sign is hanging just before you climb this:

#3

Merry Sickmas

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me one suite in Al Ahli.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two IV needles and one suite in Ah Ahli.
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, three beds in pediatrics, two IV needles, and a suite in Ah Ahli.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, four vomiting children, three beds in pediatrics, two IV needles, and a suite in Ah Ahli.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, five English channels, four vomiting children, three beds in pediatrics, two IV needles, and a suite in Ah Ahli.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, six viles of blood, five English channels, four vomiting children, three beds in pediatrics, two IV needles, and a suite in Ah Ahli.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven different opinions, six viles of blood, five English channels, four vomiting children, three beds in pediatrics, two IV needles, and a suite in Ah Ahli.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eight nasty meals, seven different opinions, six viles of blood, five English channels, four vomiting children, three beds in pediatrics, two IV needles, and a suite in Ah Ahli.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, nine bottles of water, eight nasty meals, seven different opinions, six viles of blood, five English channels, four vomiting children, three beds in pediatrics, two IV needles, and a suite in Ah Ahli.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, ten night hours of no sleep, nine bottles of water, eight nasty meals, seven different opinions, six viles of blood, five English channels, four vomiting children, three beds in pediatrics, two IV needles, and a suite in Ah Ahli.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eleven different needles, ten night hours of no sleep, nine bottles of water, eight nasty meals, seven different opinions, six viles of blood, five English channels, four vomiting children, three beds in pediatrics, two IV needles, and a suite in Ah Ahli.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, twelve hours too late for Christmas, eleven different needles, ten night hours of no sleep, nine bottles of water, eight nasty meals, seven different opinions, six viles of blood, five English channels, four vomiting children, three beds in pediatrics, two IV needles, and a suite in Ah Ahli.

Wishing your family a happy and healthy Christmas!!!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were spent in the hospital to identify an illness that attacked Asa, Sedona, Heavah, Xavier and I. The best guess the doctors could give was Dengue Fever. Either way, we recovered, but missed Christmas. We celebrated today, while poor Grandma is showing all the signs.

Sri Lankan Trees

Xavier climbing the Holy Grail of trees

The trees in Sri Lanka are remarkable. From the Tea Trees to the Mangrove trees, there is great diversity in Sri Lanka's foliage and ecosystem. It was just nice to see trees let alone such majestic and grand woody plants. Ahhh, things that naturally grow. I miss that.

Waterfalls

The ride from Kandy, through Nuwara Eliya, to Bentota was breathtaking. We drove through a lot of the Sri Lankan island and each place was different and absolutely glorious. When we first saw a waterfall we had to stop the bus and take pictures. After seeing the 10th waterfall, the kids didn't even bother looking. It was a visual feast and the kids were full after the first two hours. The drive was long, but it brought back cleaner memories of driving to Chitwan. H-e-a-v-e-n.

Islamic tradition holds that the Garden of Eden was in Sri Lanka. I now see why.