Since my sleep pattern is now successfully adjusted to Doha time, I decided my body should get adjusted too so I found my way to the community center gym this morning. I’m not sure how far I made it or how many calories I burned because its been too long since I had to do metric conversions. And it was odd to be on equipment next to an Arab woman working out with her head covering. That just doesn’t happen at Downtown Fitness.

Today’s highlight was a trek in my brother’s jeep to Zekreet. So I’m never been too good with geography but I do know Doha is on the eastern part of the country and Zekreet in on the western border. I stood on a sandy beach today and looked across the Arabian Gulf to Bahrain. I stood on a peaceful land where cultural diversity is embraced and looked across at a land on the verge of great turmoil. As I stood there and contemplated the strife in our world, I took comfort in the sea and the ever faithful tides. The water is an amazing aqua color with a high salt content – I know because I did what we Hartley’s always do when we arrive at the sea – we taste the water. I couldn’t believe how warm the water felt. During the summer here when temperatures can get to 120 degrees fahrenheit,  groups of Arab men stand in the water up to their necks as a way to try to stay cool. We also toured a movie set that has been used in some Arabic movies and a soap opera. Then we crawled around on what I would refer to in New Mexico as mesas. My brother thinks they’re called jebels. I just know they look really cool as they jut out of otherwise barren sand dunes.

We spent quite a bit of time on the roads and highways around the city and found our way to the financial district and the stock market.  For my dear husband, I made special note of the OGE equivalent here called General Electricity. Some of the architecture is so innovative – there’s one building that looks like those little Chinese finger handcuffs and another one people here call the tornado building because of its shape. My personal favorite is what I call the torpedo building – dark charcoal in color, mesh metal exterior and against the water and sky, it looks magnificent. The skylines here, there are actually three, just continue to amaze me. Most of the construction here has happened in the last five years. They don’t hesitate to tear a building down to make room for a new idea or project. I guess that’s the beauty of many things being built out of stucco here until the last few years.

My family will tell you, especially my daughter, that I don’t like to shop – except when I’m on vacation. My new friend from Sri Lanka working at the Gold Souk told me my husband would completely understand if I decided to buy some new bling. He even offered to explain it to Tim on the phone. I decided not to call Tim at 1:20 a.m. And I went light on the bling, but scarves are a different matter. Many of the items here in the souks are from India and Pakistan and the artistry is quite stunning. We also made a stop at another of Doha’s malls. I’m telling you it is so bizarre to see all the Arabs in their “dress” shopping at American stores like the Gap or Coach, dining on McDonald’s and drinking Starbucks. Again, more opportunities to study the purses and shoes……oh these women make American women look like amateurs when you see their accessories.

One thing Qatar is known for are these wooden boats called Dhows.  They are the traditional boats used for fishing and pearl diving. They remind me of Asia not the Middle East. It’s cool to see giant yachts right next to these old wooden vessels in the marina areas. We talked about going out on one, but I don’t do white caps and prefer to keep my motion sickness on land.

Here’s a way that Qatari people have perfected something I would like to see in my country – Petrol (gas) stations are full-service and all have drive up ATM machines. Think about how great it would be to have your car filled for you and to get the cash you need without ever getting out of your car. Just saying I miss full-service gas stations although my hubby is really good about taking care of that need for me.

I know I teased you yesterday with promise of camels. I did see tons of camels today at the racetrack and in the stables. Tomorrow we are riding quad bikes at the dunes and spending some time at a camel souk. I should have some good photos from that.

Take care and Happy St. Patrick’s day!