When my brother first told me he and my sister-in-law were moving to Qatar, I asked him where in Texas that was located. Then he broke the news that Qatar is a small middle eastern country next to Saudi Arabia. Probably most well known as the launching point of the war against Iraq. Since they moved here almost eight years ago, I’ve never been worried about their safety. I’ve gotten to see them at least twice each year and the technology advancements during the last few years have made it possible to communicate as often as we want. My family has learned a great deal about this little country and been exposed to a different culture thanks to Dennis and Christy.

For those who don’t know, my brother worked in College Station for Texas A&M for 20 years before accepting an opportunity of a lifetime to move to Doha and help create the engineering branch campus for TAMU as part of Education City. Six American universities have campuses here and the last three years Dennis has overseen planning, development, construction and the opening of a student union for those universities to share. His time here is almost over as he and Christy will move to Tulsa this summer for another transition in their lives that will include more time with parents, children, grandchildren and family.

With the clock ticking, I knew my chances to visit Doha were dwindling. It meant a great deal to me when my brother told me how much he wanted me to travel here and experience what his life has been like the last eight years. So…

Tim and Sarah dropped me off at the OKC airport Sunday, March 13. I flew to Houston, then made it through a long line at Qatar Airways, and a long security line at the airport just in time to get to my gate about 15 minutes before boarding. As other passengers sat, I was doing my yoga stretching moves, knowing my children would have been totally embarrassed by my public display. However, in my defense, the longest flight I’ve experienced was from Phoenix to Kauai – about eight hours. This flight – 14+ hours direct from Houston to Doha – had me a bit on edge.

I had plenty to keep me busy, especially since my wonderful boss bought a new MacBook for our office, which just happened to come with me to Doha. And I am using it this evening to type my blog post.

So I boarded the plane and sat in my aisle seat next to Mayonia from Bali and Nada from Canada by way of Islamabhad, Pakistan. Three women traveling alone and thankful to have each other for the next few hours. Mayonia slept about 13 hours of the flight. Nada and I had the chance to get to know each other. She lives in Calgary and was flying home for her best friend’s wedding and to help her sister plan a September wedding. We talked about religions of the world, U.S. history, and the importance of education no matter where you grow up or where you live.

Qatar Airways calls itself a five-star airline. Now any good marketing professionals out there know what a trap it is to set high expectations if you can’t meet them. Qatar Airways exceeded them. After getting seated, they came by with a basket of candy and hand wipes, then a cart of newspapers and magazines, and a smile at all times. Hot wet washcloths were the sign that dinner was on its way. An appetizer of mixed bean salad with a spiced yogurt dip, an entree of Louisiana creole chicken with roasted red skin potatoes and mixed vegetables, followed by a thai coconut tapioca, and fresh bread, cheese, chocolate and your choice of French or Chile red wine. (French for me.)

I passed a few hours by watching the James Franco movie, 127 hours, then caught up on some work while listening to Steve Wonder Live. Finally drifted off to a light sleep to wake up, sort of, at 3 a.m. to the offer of sandwiches and chips, which I declined. I kept sleeping but couldn’t pass up the 6 a.m. offer of Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream. Then a quick spruce up in the bathroom. (Good call Sarah Hartley on the one use toothbrush thingamajig from CVS.) Then a little more work, some reading, another movie, then a fantastic omelet for breakfast with chicken sausage, fresh fruit, yogurt, mini bagel with cream cheese, orange juice and coffee. Did I mention the flight attendants – all female although Christy says they often have male attendants – are offering you water and juice any time you want it. They also provide you with a printed menu of your dining options and little stickers to put on the top of your seat if you don’t want to be disturbed – like a hotel room do not disturb placard.

So 14 hours didn’t seem that bad. I made new friends and watched a couple good movies. Even squeezed in some work. Arrived safely in Doha and was met by a personal assistant (Thanks to my wonderful brother and sister-in-law) who walked me through the Visa process, collected my luggage, and delivered me to my family.

They swept me away to an open air market with puppies, cats, birds, turtles, hamsters and crabs. Every fourth or fifth shop in the souk (A.K.A. mall) featured a tailor actually sewing clothing. I’ll be going back for scarves and other Qatari treasures for my family and friends. Dinner tonight was at a restaurant top floor patio And I enjoyed lentil soup, half of a camel sandwich, and some of my brother’s seven vegetable couscous. And a sweet treat of Moraccan mint tea. Wondering what camel tastes like – it tastes like chicken with a hint of lamb.

This city was beautiful tonight with its stunning architecture featuring well planned lights. I can’t wait to see what daylight brings.

My goal is to provide an update each evening and to hopefully add some photos.