Dragon's Den & Black Camels

We are currently experiencing one of our first staycations since we moved to Qatar.  It was the result of a little bit of procrastination and poor planning (apparently plane tickets to any of the Stans, Denmark, or Malta get really expensive when you try to purchase the day before the flight.  Go figure).  I was kicking myself that our entire family had over a week of vacation time and we were left on the burning Qatar island (yes, I know that Qatar is not an island, but for people who can't freely enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia it might as well be one).  

It turns out that Axel's obsession with Google Earth comes in really handy when you are desperate for an afternoon activity.  We piled the kids in the car and headed towards the desert again.  We had little direction or sense (common and geographical), but with Axel's Arabic and a few bottles of water, we were good to go.  While asking for directions, we met a desert man who was helpful and authentic.  After asking Axel if he was Syrian or Lebanese (because my husband looks SO not caucasian) he was delighted know where we came from and then mentioned we were the very first Americans he had ever met. True story.      

                                   

Before we actually arrived at the dragon's den we saw camels in the distance.  BLACK camels, which were specifically genetically engineered in Qatar, which can be referred to in the Quran.  I must admit, these guys were pretty awesome with their black fur and all.  The keeper of the camels took us closer so we could interact with these marvelous, and smelly, creatures.  

Axel also sniffed out this little terrestrial gecko while driving through.  Of course he did.  

We finally made it to the dragon's den.  Asa was apprehensive because surely only nasty, gnarly creatures live in a sunken hole in the earth.  After much force kind encouragement, he held my hand and took the plunge.  All of the kids did.  Heavah and Xavier were not at all scared of the unknown beneath, which just proves that the oldest ones were raised to kick ass and the youngest? Well, Asa would gladly cagefight a human, but mythical creatures with fiery breath are not really this thing.

The dragon's den (sunken hole) went deep into the earth and there was plenty of Arabic and Hindi writing to keep yourself entertained on the way down.  In fact, the entire descending walk is rewarded with large graffiti at the end that reads: I heart India.  Great to know, so do I.

Climbing back up.

The entire trip was completely worth it because:

 a) It was a free and entertaining day drawn out by slaughtering dragons, physical exercise with both inclining and declining movements and cooler temperatures below.

b) Dangerous driving with children atop a van can bring attention, even if it is just by a heard of goats.

c) Who the hell knew camels were black?

Archeological site of a police station.  Dated WAY far back to the 1970s.  Not really, but the heat could definitely do this to a building within 5 to 10 years, just drive throughout Doha.  Case and point.

Although a week ago I would never admit it, staycation Qatar has been really, really fun.  I don't feel I must do it again any time soon, but the memories will be awesome.  After a week like this one, I heart Qatar.  

Dunes That Will Sing

 The secret is about to come out.  Our days in Qatar are numbered.  I haven't fully accepted that reality.  In fact, if the papers aren't fully signed, I don't believe it.  However, there is a strong hint, and with it comes sheer panic.  So many thoughts running through my mind.  What have I not accomplished in the past 6 years while living in the Middle East?  Geesh, just saying I have lived in the M.E. for SIX YEARS is enough to bring panic.  I mean really, who does that?

My little bedouin

Believe it or not, there are still a few things left undone.  However, I have come to realize that these save-it-for-another-day activities are gifts.  Ones that make you want to return again one day.  In fact, Qatar will surely be on my list of visits in the future just because if all the promises come true, I want to see it.  All the construction I painfully endure each day must be worth something.  I am coming back to get my reward, which must be great. Oh, it better be great.

One dying wish I had was to return to the sands of the Middle East.  A little known fact (or unknown for those who haven't lived in more than one GCC country, which is most people, I understand, because no one is that crazy) is Doha deserts suck.  This is completely obvious when you compare Qatar to the U.A.E. sands.  Doha terrain is mostly hard with nasty jagged rocks that are just begging to rip your tires apart.  On the other side, just outside of Dubai, you will experience gorgeous, red, white, and brown sands that melt and warm your feet as you walk.  It is divine in the world of sands.

When Axel and I got to Doha and started exploring the terrain here we both said, 'Are you kidding?'  That's it?  Ick.  Nothing about it was beautiful.  Nothing.  We were really stretching to find redeeming qualities, but it was just plain crap.  The beige boring kind that inspires all of the Doha architecture (read: falling and decaying buildings in every shape and size).

But, now is the moment to plea for my forgiveness.  Redemption time.  After living in Doha for 3 1/2 years we finally found a patch of beauty.  Real, Arabian, brought-in-from-the-Saudi-desert sands.  It was perfect, gorgeous, thin, and delicious (and yes, I know it was because I personally sucked back at least 1 gallon all on my own).  

What made this sand even more desirable was the fact that it would hummmmm, as you ran, slid, rolled down the hill.  Hence the name, singing sand dunes.  It was unique and slightly freaky (not really, but being close to Halloween and all, let our imaginations run wild.  Possessed sands, haunted by angry camels and desert spiders.  It works.)  

In all honestly, the sands made me appreciate this unique experience that much more.  The desert does have its own sense of beauty.  We complain about the lack of trees (read: oxygen) but there is something unique and stunning about an untouched mound of red desert sand. As long as you don't get a mouth full of it...or in your underwear...or up your nose...or in your eyes...or through your hair, it is a fabulous landscape representing serenity and warmth (read:oppressive heat from April to November).

Our friend and soon-to-be Mormon missionary.  If he goes Stateside, he may want to keep this picture at bay.  You know, to avoid any confusion

The kids played and rolled throughout the sand.  Really, what kid wouldn't?  It is the largest sandbox imaginable. You can throw it, and rarely will people yell. You can also try to eat it when your parents aren't looking.  Which is usually only done once. ever.  

The night was topped off with an awesome BBQ made with gross chicken hot dogs and fake marshmallows. This is when we really miss pork.  The kids scarfed down loads of condiments (because mom just happened to find the only jar of relish offered in all of Doha) smeared on a nasty hot dog bun that was twice the size of the hot dog.  They didn't seem to care one bit because the dunes were hopping with flashlights and kids.  It was a dream come true.  

Photos that were taken at night.  There was no doctoring of these pictures. I swear.  It was just the one time my camera, and the scenery worked together.  It may be the only time my camera and the scenery worked together, but I am lov'n the extraterrestrial look.

The night was perfect, and spent with great friends. The kids went home tired, full, and dirty.  A great memory to keep in our pockets the next time we miss the hot desert sun (when I say hot, I mean warm because frankly, after living through at least 5 Middle Eastern summers, I have learned to hate the HOT desert sun, and have learned to tolerate the warm one).  But honestly, digressions aside, this experience has been an Arabian treasure.  

                                         

Mild Modesty

Another precious editing job in a Vogue magazine. The strategy may have not been to hide various provocative parts of this lady but instead make her look hairy. What was not considered is that this will only be effective with the Western men. For other fellas, the hairy look may only add to the allure.



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Location:Doha, Qatar

For that special day...

This lovely wedding dress store is nearby my office. Every time I pass it I wonder if they really know what the name of their store means.

Zanzibar Sea Cliff

After Ethiopia we escaped to the small Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. We wanted to visit ever since our trip to Mombassa, Kenya. The white sands and blue water is the perfect backdrop for Omani architecture. I can't get enough.

Our flight to Zanzibar was delightful as we were the only passengers on the Ethiopian aircraft. There were more crew than passengers. It was our own private jet. The plane was tiny and it was a little unnerving feeling the turbulence knowing that the airline wouldn't feel much of a loss if the plane went down.

When we arrived on the tarmac of Zanzibar there wasn't a soul to be found. It took us about 15 minutes to search out the immigration officer. He finally showed up and hit us with a $200 USD visa fee. The high price was special for Americans. I wished I had brought my Canadian passport for at least a 50% discount. Dual citizenship has its perks.

Our resort was my favorite. We had a seaside view and full board. The setting was just as I had hoped.

It was even more dreamy than it seems in these photos, if that is even possible. Zan-zi-bar is a must see....