I woke up (with Sam's help) early this morning to get ready for the main reason to return to Dubai this weekend. The Rugby Sevens. This was Sam's big adventure and since she'll soon be leaving to move to Australia, this is the last time I'll get to really hang out with her. The day was pretty eventful and i hope you like the pictures. We picked up Sandra via taxi and headed way the heck out - a good half hour drive - to where the sevens are played. They probably did this because it is basically an drunken expat festival. Sam and I had trouble earlier finding a taxi and had to walk in the rain, so we prepared for a wet day in the backseat by fitting ourselves into large garbage bags like ... read more

It was an extremely busy, hectic week at work, with meetings, new projects and trying to finish one huge report. Nothing special report, but observations of life in Qatar, or the Middle East in general. First of all - fried chicken. Always! There is KFC, MFC, SFC, etc. But instead of mashed potatoes and biscuits, they come with french fries and a hamburger bun - really? Fast food here is very very prevalent. I'm not a fan of fast food, but I've had more than a fare share, especially since this is served at work. Another observation is having children ride in the cars in crazy traffic and not be in their car seats. I don't even know if there is a carseat in the car. I get behind these cars with kids standing up between ... read more

I can cross another item off of "1000 Places to See Before You Die." I picked Matt up at his hotel at 3 this afternoon and we headed to the Doha Museum of Islamic Art. Qatar's current leader, is looking to turn his country into the leading cultural center of the Middle East and this museum is one of the masterpieces. We were not disappointed! The musuem is free, except for the temporary exhibits, and there is so much to see. There are four floors and they are loosely divided by artifacts, region and time. A few of my favorites were the calligraphy area, where there were just amazing scrolls and books - my absolute favorite were the tiny octagonal shaped Qurans, complete with special cases, dating about 500 years ago. The glass exhibition was ok, ... read more

Sorry again for my lack of posts, but nothing really exciting has happened. Oh, I've been keeping quite busy, but I won't bore you with the details of my work. I will, however, bore you food and driving! About 2 to 3 hours everyday is devoted to driving - I guess in a way, that is exciting. I love being able to drive the Beast - I have no fear. I thought I'd figured out a good way to and from work on Thursday, but that must have still been part of the Eid Holiday as driving to and from work yesterday (Sunday) was complete torture. I left work a half hour later (7pm) than yesterday and the drive was fairly smooth (for Qatar). In some instances, the roundabout is a great thing. In others, it ... read more

The last couple of days I've been working on the new airport site. I can't wait until this airport is finished! (See my airport rankings blog). Of course, I am the only girl onsite, but I am working with a great group of guys. Respectful and hard working, plus the project is pretty well run. I did not expect that. We go to work at 7 and are off at 4. So while it has been an exhausting couple of days, it has been one of the best work experiences thus far. Aside from work, absolutely nothing is going on. I stocked my room with some foods so I would not eat out and so far it is working. I have noodles, granola bars, fruit, cheap pretzels, cheese, pudding, water, tea, bread, PB&J and juice. I ... read more