Being Blonde in Qatar

The important point about travel is to experience something different.  If this wasn't the point, then we could just stay home and save the money!  It is always something such as a different culture, different beach, different history, etc.
So clearly my decision to move to Qatar had something to do with wanting change.  Well trust me Toto we are not in Kansas (or Albany) anymore!
The plane trip from Dulles to Qatar was filled with many nationalities especially Indian, European and Asian as well as the expected Middle Eastern peoples. Americans were the minority and blonde Americans well there was 1! Odd situation but okay because we all slept most of the way.

Contrast that with the experience in the Doha airport when the lights were on full blast. As my attendant (yes, I had someone walk me through the airport visa issues which was actually simple) and I left the arrival area we had to walk through the many, many men waiting for people to arrive. Now this is a wide hall with men waiting on both sides - almost all in the traditional dress. (I do not know why there did not seem to be any women waiting.) As I walked through this area it was of couse a moment of little activity in the airport and no one else except the lovely Asian attendant and I were in sight.
Well, let me just say that I was conspicuously blonde in a sea of black!  And these men can really stare and they do not look away if you catch their eyes. Their eyes just keep following you.  I was not ready for this. I do not think they are being rude, it is just their culture. Alittle uncomfortable for me but it is just part of the differences and part of travel.
There have been no bad experiences with anyone in this country...but the staring issue I will have to get used to.  Even at dinner tonight at the Sheraton, men just stare! Will learn to ignore!
If you come to a Middle Eastern country, you can now be prepared. It must be how Princess Kate feels every day...except she experiences it in nicer shoes than I have!

In the words of Nickleback....."Try to take the path less traveled. The first step you take is the longest stride."  Well, I think I pulled a muscle!

It All Started With a Letter......

     The thing about life changing events is that so often they happen but you don't know how important the event was until after it is over.  But, sometimes you can actually see and be present when your life changes forever. My journey started with a letter from Doha, Qatar.  The letter arrived at my place of employment and I honestly would not have paid much attention to it but the envelope was written partially in Arabic - which made it immediately more exciting than the other recruitment letters I had received.  Having opened it quickly, I immediately laughed and put it away.  But....then.....somehow the letter continued to speak to me. My immediate reaction of "absolutely not" turned into "maybe I should look closer".  It sounded so exciting....just what my career needed......and I was going to have an empty nest.......and I wanted to travel more.
     Suddenly I was on the internet researching a country in the Middle East.  So much for my plan to be brave and look into moving to Charleston, S.C.
     Well, the rest is history.  Although I thought I was just brave to apply, I never really thought that they may give me the job!  I thought my application would make it to the desert and a camel would eat it...but I would still be proud that I applied.
     Hours and hours of research later, I am excited to become a part of the culture of the Middle East. So many misconceptions....I hope to investigate and experience everything that this experience has to offer.

Join in this journey with me.

I saved the original letter. (It may have changed my life).

"There is a fine line between crazy and adventurous.  I am just not sure what side of the line I am on."