Hole in the Wall

Here we are, parked in front of a couple of 'hole in the wall' shops. You see, we needed to pick up something for dinner since we haven't got a stocked fridge at the moment. Al Anabi Restaurant has hummus, half-chickens, and great flat bread that we enjoy as fast food. As you can see, there is nothing glamorous about the location, but the food is good.

While waiting for food, Rob decided to try this barber shop. Initially there were two barbers sitting on couches. He went in and asked about a hair cut, but neither barber moved, so Rob came out assuming that perhaps the actual barber was on break. When he noticed one of the barbers get up and clean his station, he went back in and this time, he got that nod that he should sit down.

Did I say in the top 6 teams out of 47?

Yes, I did...

All of the fifth graders took part in a huge science fair. They were in teams of three and most of this was done outside of school time. They had to think of an experimental question, conduct an experiment, and then show their data and write up a conclusion. With all of the fifth grade participating, it meant there were 47 teams all together. On the big day, they had to present their projects to judges. These judges gave them scores and this trio here..... well they were winners! There are now six teams going on to the semi-finals. This means more work to do, but it's such an honor.

A study about how different metals rust

A video sample of their presentation

Birthday Celebrations

We recently celebrated Stuart's 14 birthday. It was on a school night and a hockey night, so we had to squeeze it in. He got a cool foil kite that we will take out to the desert to fly....

and a new baseball glove.....

and his first ever birthday Dairy Queen ice cream cake.

It may be warm, but it can be dusty

Looking at the weather forecast, Doha appears to be idyllic. But what doesn't show up on the forecast is the accompanying dust. We've had a week of dust, wind, and grit. Recess had to be done indoors one day, evening walks postponed, and we've got persistent coughs.

A different kind of party

Madeline went to a birthday party and in addition to visiting the Islamic museum of art, she went to a park and had the opportunity to do some serious trampolining.

Take Me Out To The Ballpark

Stuart is on the JV softball team and participated in a tournament. His team played adult teams which was tough. They held their own for most of it, but they just don't hit as hard and as far as those in their thirty-somethings.
The tournament was a slice of Americana with the game being broadcast on loud speakers, music between innings and a concession stand selling hamburgers, hotdogs, nachos and slushees.

a team huddle before a game

left field

Stuart is number 5.
Look at the size and age of these men compared to the boys. Not exactly equitable pairings.

Swing Batter Batter

Over the last few days the boys have been involved in a softball tournament. Connor is actually on the baseball team, but they threw together a quick softball team for this tournament. Connor was the pitcher. The teams were playing against other local expat teams and there was certainly some tough competition.

Campouts and Football

We had both Connor and Madeline away on desert campouts this weekend. Connor went away with a bunch of friends and a family to spend the night out at the singing sand dunes. He slept out under the stars. Madeline went with her youth group to an organized camping site where the tents were set up and the food provided.

This is before the trip

Her tent was a bit like this, carpeted on the inside, but sleeps many.

This is post trip

She had a great time with her friends... telling tales of getting up at 5:45 to all watch the sunrise, playing a big game of capture the flag, and whispering late into the night.

While the others were away, Rob, Stuart and I headed to a local match of football. We got free tickets to the game and decided to go and see what it was all about since it was taking place in the stadium near our house. The whole experience was interesting. The rival sides took up different sections in the stands, each one bringing it's own drumming corps. There was chanting and dancing going back and forth.

A Day Off

Rob and I took a personal day on Thursday. The primary reason was to fully participate in middle and high school conferences. We had a chance to sit with Stuart and see some of his work and we also visited with each of Connor's teachers. Usually we try to fit this all in between teaching and breaks, but we decided it's much more enjoyable when you feel like you have time.

After the conferences we decided to go to the Museum of Modern Art. There is an exhibit there by Cai Guo-Qiang. This man is the one who created the firework display for the Beijing Olympics. His medium for art is gunpowder.

This is in front of the museum. Each of these rocks has been shipped over from Quanzhou, the artist's home town. They are inscribed with verses from the Koran - the same verses that are found on many tombstones in Quanzhou. Apparently there is a large Muslim population there.

We saw videos of how he does his artwork. He lays stencils on paper, then sprinkles the gunpowder on, puts a piece of weighted cardboard on top and then lights the gunpowder. This leaves black ash on the paper.

In the mindset of 'modern art' this was just one of those weird ones. There are hawks and a baby camel - are the hawks helping or hurting the camel is the idea.

After the museum we went out for a nice lunch at the Pearl. This spot has a lovely promenade and high end shops.

Arabian Horses

Arabian Horses in Qatar(click title for link)

Cnn did a recent interview with an Arabian horse trainer here in Qatar. It gives a glimpse of the horse industry as well some of the landscape.