We were looking for and adventure...and I think we got it. (Two Weeks in Doha)

We were looking for an adventure and I think we got it.  So far, everything is going as well as can be expected.  We are having good times and learning how to live as ex-pats in the Middle East.  I still can’t get over the fact that we are really here.  Every day, at least twice a day, I say to myself “I can’t freaking believe we did this”  (I don’t mean that in a bad way- it is just so surreal and this opportunity was totally unexpected and unplanned in my life). 

One of the biggest challenges is learning what to buy at the grocery store.  So many products, but very few are familiar brands.  And even the familiar brands often taste different- even Diet Coke and Snickers candy bars are reformulated for the middle eastern pallet.  We have managed to find cereal, bread, American style peanut butter, jam, Ritz crackers, Ramen noodles and a few other staples that the kids like.  Here is a picture of Remy and how happy she was when we found Ritz crackers (although they are different as well).

Don't let it fool you, it tastes just enough different that it leaves you confused.

Elise's favorite meal- nothin' like milk in a box (it is actually ok after you get used to it).

We have been to church twice now.  We have a small ward of members that seem to support each other here.  Sophia has been to mutual once and she liked it.  It’s really interesting how the members are from all over the world.  For example, the speakers today were from Alaska and India.  Our Sunday school teacher was from Scotland.  I realized during my second time at church that half of the Elders Quorum aren't even members of the church. It was really interesting to listen to the prayers being said over the loud speakers as we tried to listen to our lessons.  I stepped out for a minute before priesthood started and took a little video of it. 

Church in Doha

We are learning a lot of about the Muslim faith as we live here and we are growing to respect it.  It really isn’t very much like how it is portrayed through U.S. media sources. 

Walking to work is one of my favorite parts of the day.  It is about a 15 minute walk to work and I enjoy putting my headphones on and listening to my podcasts on U.S. news.  Even though it’s the same old stuff, it’s good to keep up with what is going on.  People drive like bats out of you know where here.  We have learned that timing is everything when crossing the street.  Here are a few pictures of my walk to work. 

I’m finding that the benefits of cheap energy are incredible.  For example, showering here is an experience.  Compared to the EPA mandated drip nozzles in the U.S., the water pours out of the shower like Niagra falls and is so warm.  The pool at the hotel is also warm, unlike the barely tolerable pools in the U.S.   It’s so nice to not get the shock treatment when you get in the pool here.  And the steam rooms are awesome.  We are talking unregulated, full on steam unprotected straight out of the nozzle.  Yea, it will burn you if you touch it. Awesome.  I never thought I would enjoy the spa so much.

Elise in pool (Remy is off in the distance).

I want to keep my posts short enough that they don’t get boring, so I’ll stop here.  Next time I want to write about the benefits of no minimum wage, how safe it is here (it feels really safe) and fragrances.