Hydro Start

Hydro Races

After the races the children could go up and get autographs. Stuart had his Washington Huskies hat on so he was getting quite a bit of recognition since many of these races take part in Seafair or come from Seattle.
This wasn't the finals, but in the heats that we say, Spirit of Qatar came first, O Boy Oberto came second and Graham Trucking came 3rd. The announcer in the at was the same announcer that does Seafair.

Seafair Doha Style

This weekend there were hydroplane races in the bay. We went down to see what this free event was all about, never imagining that there would be few crowds and great views. There was even an air show similar to the Blue Angels in Seattle.

New Roof Setting

We have had this wooden structure built on our rooftop, added a string of lights and green turf. This equals a beautiful spot to have dinner and spend an evening!

When in Rome

Connor had a friend visiting from Budapest. It was an opportunity to look Arab and I think they pull it off quite well.
I had to ask the shop attendant how to put on the head pieces correctly and he showed me how.

Pep Rally Surprise

The elementary and middle school were invited to the high school pep rally. We appreciated being invited to attend because it gave us a chance to see Connor being recognized as a varsity player on the volleyball team.

Connor is #5

Then after the teams were introduced, we had 4 members from the Globetrotters come out. They did a little routine for the students. The Globetrotters are visiting Doha and have a show in town, but we appreciated getting our own small show at school.

Maddie is sitting on the floor in a blue t-shirt....3rd or 4th student from the left.

Crazy Duners

On our drive back to the starting point for duning, we passed by a huge crowd of cars, so we decided to stop and see what was going on. This SUV comes from nowhere, whipping by, and heads up the dune. This is obviously an entertaining sport because there was certainly a large group of spectators. Then, as it got a little bit darker, all of these cars got in a long convoy and headed away -- we think it was almost the call to prayer and they were leaving to pray???

Trying the Inland Sea by Ourselves

After being out a couple of times with a group, and having the route mapped on our gps, we decided to try and get to the inland sea by ourselves..

Connor did the driving this time...

We set up camp with our new folding tables and sun tent...

There were jellyfish in the water, so no-one wanted to go swimming this time.

We cooked over a charcoal pit...

On the drive home, we pass by a couple of oil refineries.. they are lit up and look like little cities from the distance..

Our Stay-cation

We decided to treat ourselves and stay one night at the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Doha. It was a chance to relax by the pool, enjoy a buffet breakfast and go out for an evening in town. We ended up going to see the movie Tower Heist.

This sign was posted in the both the male and female changing rooms.

Maddie and friend swimming....

Stuart and friend out on a kayak at the beach...

Connor ordering drinks...

Poolside...

Mangroves

Today we took a drive out to Al Khor and the mangroves. We walked across to an island and found a little area to have our lunch. The water was only about 18 inches deep and warm. There were quite a few birds - we heard flamingos, but they were too far away to tell.

Our spot for a picnic...
Shallow waters.....

Birds......

Highway driving

The landscape in Doha is pretty flat... you're just surrounded by sand. This video paints that picture of what we see when we head out of the city.

Falconry

In the camp next to us at Al Khor, there was a man who walked over to his Toyota Landcruiser and took out a 2x4 that had 4 perches on it, each with a falcon. These were then set down under a canopy. Stuart and I went to investigate. He didn't speak any English, but was happy to entertain our curiosity...


As we were leaving and this camp had more men gathered, I noticed many of them sitting around with their falcons. I'm not sure what they do with them, but it seemed to be the thing to have.

Eid Mubarak

We are enjoying a week off from school for Eid. On the first day we went to the inland sea and spent an afternoon swimming, flying kites and barbecuing. Then yesterday we went to a new beach at Al Khor. This strip is usually unoccupied, but there are some more permanent camps set up at the moment with generators, large tents, lights, water tanks, etc. I think it's for the men to come to during Eid. We did find a spot to use though.

A parent had a boat and a teacher had a jet ski so there was a lot of entertainment for the kids.

This is Maddie going kneeboarding....
Rob heading out to try the jet ski.....

Stuart had his turn on a jet ski

And the kids had plenty of space to play boche ball...

Beauty in the Small Things

While making a fruit salad, I noticed the uniqueness and beauty offered in the fruit...The tops of a pineapple and papaya.....