What the Fog, or Day 45 in Doha

I thought today was going to be boring, and that I might have to talk to you about this elusive school that is somehow still taking up my life.

Instead, I went out for dinner with my typical CMU CS group (we had a freshman, a sophmore, a junior, and two seniors... how diverse!) and had some classy Indian dhosas.

We managed to tear Kaleem away from his Networks homework (which he is probably cursing us for now) and drove to Bharath. It was a pretty classy restaurant: very clean, wooden tables, waiters wearing uniforms, and all the chairs matched. I ordered a onion rava masala dhosa, while the others got masala or masala rava dhosas. Mine (on the right) looked a little less classy than theirs (on the left), but I liked it more.

I'm still enjoying the prices of food around here. A dhosa, which was pretty filling, some of those old gulab jamun dessert balls, and some water (yes, you have to pay for water) came out to 13 riyals. That's less than $4. Eating out every night and not breaking the bank? No wonder people don't cook around here.

So, while we were at the table, one of the guys saw his neighbors at another table, and he began stooping down in his chair, covering his face. That started the conversations about how small the world is... and how word gets around. Swapnil was talking about how a family friend had seen him at a mall, and his mother knew less than 24 hours later; Tessa went on to talk about how her grandmother had managed to get her Facebook profile picture, which had a guy friend in it, and demanded to know his name when she went back home to Brunei.

On our way home, we ran into some fog... Swapnil was driving, with Tessa in the front seat, but I got a bit of video. People around here put their flashers on in the fog, for some reason.



After I got back to EC, I took some of those artistic-type photos... the lights and the palm trees just looked so cool! And this was the only picture Kaleem would let me take of him. He looks like a ghost.




It's like Swapnil and Tessa are walking away into the sunset... if by sunset, you mean fog nearly hiding the CMU-Q building.

Hillary and Chocolate (and School too, I suppose), or Day 44 in Doha

Just thought I'd mention something. When I was talking to my parents (and I got a chance to talk to my sister yesterday too), my dad mentioned the fact that this blog doesn't really mention the fact that I'm going to school.

Don't worry, guys. I'm going to school... it's cramping my fun!

In fact, university was much more exciting today than usual. I got wanded down as I entered the building because Hillary Clinton was visiting! She held a town hall meeting for Al Jazeera in our majlis. I listened to her talk from the second floor. I didn't get a ticket like SOME people that got to sit ten meters from her (*cough* Abdalla *cough*). In discussions afterward, everyone was frustrated because she danced around the issues, especially when it came to Iran (which was discussed a lot), but I think that she did a good job of showing how the ball is currently in Iran's court. I don't think that's what people wanted to hear, but that's what they got. If you are interested, there are many articles about the subject. Al Jazeera's was the most illuminating for me.

"Secretary Clinton is in the Gulf States, not to lessen America's energy dependence, but rather China's. As one of the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, China's support is critical for passing any sanctions against Tehran. But its been reluctant to do so because it is Iran that supplies China with most of its energy, and that's precisely why the US is here -- to get energy-rich Qatar and Saudi Arabia to step forward as alternate energy suppliers."

In addition to the media coverage around the world, there is quite a bit of student media that was going on as well. Sidra, a friend from Northwestern, had her handy notepad out and was snapping pictures left and right. Abdalla and Zaid were interviewing people (such as Khaled, who got an opportunity to ask a question) about their reactions for their radio show "A to Z", which plays on QF Radio. I also got interviewed, but for a completely different reason... they finally got around to asking me about being an exchange student!

Today wasn't all politics. I was the happy organizer of a study break to Maya, the chocolate restaurant that I've been to before. We were happy as clams, chowing down on chocolate cake, chocolate crepes, chocolate pizza, chocolate fondue, chocolate brownie, and probably chocolate something else too.

I'm still a bit full.

That's My Terrorist Pose, or Day 25 in Doha

Today was not very well planned. I was not busy, then for 4 hours straight had 4 different events that I could attend. And now, back to being a lazy night.

I love Thursdays, the only day that I really sleep in. I got up at noon, exercised, ate my camel leftovers, and started the craziness.

First up, the CMU Development Solutions Organization (or something that shortens to DSO) is doing a week-long campaign to raise money for Haiti. I went to the meeting for that, supposedly signed up to get signed up for shifts, then scurried off to...

CMU's Got Talent! The talent show that shows the exchange students (and everyone else in EC who heard there was free food) what people on this campus can do. My apartment-mate sang OneRepublic's "Apologize" with two other freshmen on back-up... and they were really fun to watch! Jessica did a song from "Ragtime" ('m ashamed to say it's one of the musicals I know almost nothing about) that was very powerful. My favourite part was when a group did an encore of a famous Pakistani song that I didn't know... yet almost the entire crowd was singing word for word with her. Now I want to find out what the song was! (Update: Mishab told me it was Aadat. Now you can go memorize it and fit in!)

After the dazzling talent show, I went to Qatari Day/Night, which was taking place just 100 meters from the show. They had taken the middle corridor, set out couches and tables, had "dress-up" clothes for people to try on, and had some great literature that I picked up.

For about half an hour, there was sword dancing... Men were wandering around in thobes with these sabres that they would wave around in time to a dance. I was sure someone was going to get stabbed, since no one was looking where they were going. So in light of all this, I, of course, grabbed a sword and jumped in. Never mind that there weren't any other girls doing it... it is clearly a cultural event where I wouldn't get tramped. As I was posing for this picture, the random guy that is in it came up and goes "This is my terrorist pose" while miming slicing my throat. I'm glad they can poke fun at the incorrect image we Americans have of them.

However, the acceptance there wasn't like my other plans for the evening, which fell through. Tonight was the African Cup semi-final between Algeria and Egypt. I want to go see how intense people get for football around here... being in Austria for the EuroCup a few years ago was really, really cool. However, they apparently get wild and dangerous. One of the places in the souq wasn't going to show the game because they were scared fights were going to break out.

So, in sum, sometimes I hate being a girl in any country where places are too dangerous for me. That happens in the US too, though, so I can't be too harsh. And don't worry, parents, friends, strangers that read this blog... I'm being careful!

I'd Like to Buy That, or Day 12 in Doha

The worst part of my day: the fact that TA training was smack dab in the middle of it.

The best part of my day: just about everything else.

As I was walking out from training, Tessa, Rishav, and Mishab were discussing plans for the evening. I heard "the Pearl" and perked up.

So plans were made: begin with a taste of delicious shwarma (my new favorite food, very similar to a gyro or a European kebab), then head over to the a man-made island oasis of riches and fashion. In addition to my fellow TAs, the VCU exchange students came with (but barely. We almost pulled away while Brent was running to get his card for his camera. And we had to pick up Daedri from a park by the Cornish, so finding her was a side adventure.)

But, somehow, some way, (with Brent's iPhone full of "embarrassing" music), we made across the water (via the land bridge) and found Mishab and Rishav, and the girls, and... the CMU architecture students?

Yup, turns out the smart (CMU) people think alike. After a day of adventuring, they ended up at the Pearl as well, which made the group at least 25 people. It was like every person in Doha that I knew magically appeared at the same spot! (Not true, I know waaaay more than 25 people.)

The advertising slogan on the posters was "I'd Like to Buy That." We were trying to think of the psychology behind it (possibly jealousy? "Hey, no, I wanted to buy that.") but then gave up and just started posing in front of the them.

As glitzy as the Pearl is, it is less than half constructed, and the row of stores is completely in accessible to students (Giorgio Armani across from Emporio Armani... we thought they were competing brothers, but, sadly, they are just Giorgio and more Giorgio. Maybe a healthy rivalry would have brought down the prices.

After losing then finding Brent and Zane, we trundled back to campus.

But wait, there's more! We agreed that it was a day for doing... so time for another item on the Bucket List: the sunrise at "bandar."

"Bandar" (and I'm probably not spelling that right), is this park outcropping by the Islamic Arts museum. On the jetty is a Moroccan tea shop (where a large is just about right if you are trying to stay up all night) which was just barely open when we got there at 3:30am or so to start our watch.

But, at the brisk hour of 0600, the glimmer of pinks fighting against the blue began their surge, and, with a salty sea breeze, some bird calls, and the hum of a city about to wake up, we were on our way back to campus to do what college students do best... sleep.

Thursdays that are like Fridays that are like Saturdays, or Day 11 in Doha

So, a few things about life here in Doha. Weekends are Fridays (since that is the Muslim day of prayer) and Saturdays. I have to get used to classes being on Mondays and Wednesdays, instead of Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am starting to just number the days of the week (like, first day of classes, second day of classes, first day of the weekend, etc.), but that doesn't translate well to others.

The point of this rant is that Thursdays (today), I don't have any classes. So in addition to my work week being screwed up, I don't even have five days of it. That just makes Thursday like a Friday around here, which is like a Saturday in the States. (I know, what an awful life I lead...)

So instead of classes, today was spent reading and e-mailing professors to get homework assignments.

And, a marathon shopping trip. I got a prescription for less than half the amount in the states (and was told I didn't even need a prescription for it). Whoever said that getting prescriptions overseas was cheaper was right. Easier, maybe not so much, but I'll be here long enough that now I know!

Also, when carrying 50 kilos of groceries (thanks, Daedri... as in, thanks for buying that much), taxis are much nice than buses.

The evening really started with Al Jazeera hosting a documentary called "Still Alive in Gaza." I was very impressed with it, because it didn't come across as "hate the Jews" propaganda; neither was it sympathetic to Israel (though that one should have been more obvious).

The screen was outdoors in the ceremonial court, and, though not packed, or even "well-attended", it was a fine crowd for the evening.

The most touching scene for me was the story of a 12-14 year old who watched her mother in the room across the hall get bombed. She was sitting on the couch with her father, showing him her drawings of different war scenes that affected her. The wise man comforted her, and gave her an idea of the importance of hope. "Without hope, there is no life."

Powerful stuff.

Besides the film just being a way to fill a few hours, it also provided some great cultural chatter. I felt informed and happy, since the discourse was (thankfully) not at all accusatory and very informative, on both sides I think. Being around Jews in Pittsburgh, Muslims here, and a Christian myself is a fascinating way to come at things.

This evening wasn't the seamlessly planned evening I had planned on, but when is it ever. I did get to spend some time with the vanishing architecture students (and listen jealously to their plans for tomorrow... "fort-hopping"), and drink some of that deliciously un-tea-like Moroccan tea. The hang-out spot is a popular one, the "bandar" (no idea if I am spelling that right). This out-cropping of rocks and parking lot is a hotbed of cars and people who are fishing, chatting, playing music, showing off cars, and, if you are two CMU students (*cough* Abby and Chris *cough*), posing for ridiculous pictures.

And, of course, a bit of sheesha thrown in, just to keep it cultural. Might I add that the brave Daedri and I tried the weirdest combination of dessert, entrees, and appetizer. Mishab correctly called it a "chicken donut." Egg and chicken inside, pastry and powdered sugar on the outside. Actually, fairly delicious.

My dream of seeing the sunrise over the sea was almost realized... but not quite yet. I will say that meeting a student from every college wasn't a challenge at all, when you know the "connectors" around here. But the bucket list is doing it's thing and giving me ideas, which is all it is supposed to do.

You Got an A Plus, or Day 3 in Doha

I Skyped with my parents this morning. That's enough to put anybody in a good mood. I was eating my morning cereal, and they were eating their after-dinner ice cream.

An uneventful morning otherwise. First day of orientation and they got a bus to take the 9 of us to get our blood type tests done (and it's true, it is much cheaper around here. 15 riyals = $4.10.) I, of course, aced that bad boy with an A Positive.

I've been cruising the internets, though, especially after I heard about QIA (Qatar International Adventures). I mean, I gotta start looking at how to achieve everything on that list!

Which, of course, means I've also found things to add to the list:

• Visiting the Al Zubarah fort
• Seeing an oryx (actually a native Qatar elk-deer-thing)

I've sent off a few e-mails to see what rates are (looking like about $60 for a day of bashing, seeing the inland sea, and a BBQ, which isn't too bad). Now, to find some fellow adventurers!

After my lunch of tuna sandwiches, we were kept on the go (mostly so the jetlagged people wouldn't sleep). We had a chat about different aspects of being here: the administrative differences, a few of the cultural differences, and, most of all, how to say (our study abroad coordinator) Melissa's last name.

A tour of the CMU "campus" (which is just one building), and we found enough people willing to drive the 9 of us to go to a mall for phones, dinner, and some grocery shopping.

I must say, jetlagged people are some of the most interesting zombies to stumble along. Since all of them were architecture students ("archies"), they all compared it to pulling an all-nighter. I didn't know before, but they are TAing "Architecture for Non-Majors", which is a class I really wanted to take. Stupid conflict with Networks, my one computer science that I need to take...

Speaking of computer science, the CMUB here reminds me a lot of the Gates Center. There are some of the same leather-y chairs with wing arms, the same half glass, half white board office doors, and, most of all, the same ridiculous amount of open space, creative space, and what-was-s/he-thinking space. But I will feel at home there, that's for sure.

At the mall, all of the other students got phones and numbers (that I'm sure they are now hard at work memorizing), so there was the Great Contact Exchange. Everything when swimmingly until Arlie left her cell on her tray at the food court, and subsequently threw it in the garbage. We had only gone about ten meters down the hall when she noticed she didn't have it, and a ringing trash can confirmed her suspicions. Thankfully, it was right near the top, cradled by the paper from the tray and a napkin.

We took a quick jaunt to Carrefour, where I continued stocking up on more things I forgot the first round, and headed back to campus.

Spencer, Shaza, and I were in a car with Sam, Sameera, and Mishab, so arrived back to the dorms at about 8:30. I was glad to hear that Spencer was interested in exploring, and Shaza was more than willing to be our guide.

We started in the Language Arts and Sciences (LAS) Building, which has the same pattern on all the exterior wall, all the interior walls, and even the pavement outside. (It was a little much for something that should have just been an accent.) The security guard was highly suspicious, making Spencer put away his camera and double-checking we were all Education City students. After pretty much ignoring him, we made our way around, then through the back to a playground (with swings!) that entertained us for quite a while.

Then it was off to see the exteriors of the VCU building, the rec center, the Qatar Academy, and possibly climb up some ladders on some light poles that weren't exactly screaming permissibility. We also got to see the stage that (wait for it) Barney, everyone's favorite dinosaur, is going to be on tomorrow afternoon! Wahoo!

A wade in the fountain outside, and we were all set to tuck in. It's an early day tomorrow, full of all sorts of medical tests and a city tour... and hopefully a movie to finish it off!