What we're leaving.

I've been doing a lot of thinking about our time here in Doha. I've been categorizing things into what I'm glad we're leaving behind and what I'll miss and a whole other mess of what's become normal (but maybe shouldn't be - I'll leave that for now).

I don't want to spend too much on the what I'm glad to leave behind because it makes our time here seem less than it has been, but it's important to recognize there are downsides to every place and situation. So, here goes.

1) The climate. I remember telling friends before leaving (friends, you know who you are): yeah, it's hot, but we'll get used to it. And that we were coming from a very long and cold winter, where we were inside a lot, so this would be the opposite, but the same coping mechanism would apply... Let me be the first to say, no. Not true. There's something oppressive about the weather here. In August when we returned each year, the temperature tops out at 50 (120F), but usually is a bit lower. The heat is one thing, but the humidity is the killer! It's like a sauna outside everyday. With extreme air conditioning inside, it is very difficult on the body transitioning, even if only to and from the vehicle and home or shopping. The heat lasts for about eight months (for us, some people find 90s/100 nice and cool), but there are four nice months. The winter finds people out and about, camping, dune bashing etc. There is even usually some rain in there as well, except this year. No rain. This causes other issue that I will outline below.

2) The pollution. Qatar is in the phase of history where it is building its infrastructure. This means construction EVERYWHERE.. Literally. I can't explain how much construction there is, but I have made a point to stand at various places in the city and look 360 degrees. I've never been in a place where I didn't see some type of construction. It's progress for the city and country, but produces a crap ton of these tiny particles that are pretty bad for people. The prevalence of asthma, bronchitis and other lung issues is high, but even common colds, allergies and just aches are related to pollution and low air quality. Pollution makes it difficult to spend much time outside at all, which leads to a high incidence of vitamin D deficiency. It actually does more harm than good to go outdoors to exercise. Heres and article if you're interested in reading more about that.

3) The driving. When I lived in Morrocco years ago, the driving was like something out of a video game. It was a huge city and there were driving suggestions rather than laws, or so it seemed. I was certain Doha would be an improvement in the driving lane. It isn't. We classify the driving as defensive aggressive. Land Cruisers and Range Rovers are EVERYWHERE and are very aggressive. They will drive extremely close to you flashing their lights until you get over so they can pass you, people cut others off without thought and NEVER use a blinker light. ever... It's annoying, but you deal or you don't drive. Uber, drivers and taxis are easy and not too expensive, they are a good option to not dealing with the driving.

This video is one of a series called Q-tips.. Love Q-tips!

4) Excessive living. I know... I appreciate our life here a lot. It's allowed us to homeschool the kids on one salary, to get my masters on one salary and still travel and live very comfortably. But the excess is something we really struggle with. Large new vehicles, HUGE homes, malls and malls and malls full of stuff. I'll leave it there.

Onto the rest...

5) A great place to travel from. There isn't a whole lot to do and see here in Qatar. It is very small and as a peninsula which border Saudi Arabia impossible to leave by land. We have traveled in country, camped, explored, attended cultural festivals and enjoyed all of it, but one really great things about living here is that it's a great launchpad for travel. We've been able to see and travel to places we naturally wouldn't have.

Dhow Boat Festival

Exploring Qatar

Camel Race

Love the camels

Oryx

Saluki Races

6) Common language. It has been really nice for our first overseas home as a family to be a country where English is the common language. Qatar is literally a crossroads of people from everywhere and English is the language of communication for sure. Initially we were excited to learn more Arabic, but aside from the Arabic greetings (which are mainly for students and families) we speak English. This has been especially nice for things like doctor visits, grocery shopping, buying a vehicle, needing ER care and more.

7) Camping and beaches. Access to the sea is vast and fairly easy as is camping. It's really as easy as driving for a while, pulling off road where you'd like to camp and popping up your tent. Just be careful of the tide.

Loving camping

Mud, sand, water, camping

Exploring Qatar

8) The community. This is the number one thing about living in Qatar. We have several built in communities which we've been fortunate to be a part of. First, our community through Adam's job and the compound where we've lived. Second, our church community, made up of many many many nationalities. Third, my job and the kids' school - amazing people. I can't say enough about the amazing friends and support that we've had over the past four years. Makes us wonder what we'll do without them.

9) Sand.. Like it or not, there's a TON of sand.