Travel, Wheels, and Eminem Turns 40

A lot has happened since my last post. The biggest item is that I finally have my driving license! As I have mentioned before, not having a car in Doha was quite the challenge. In a city without any major public transportation, a car is essential. My supervisor Melissa and I rode to work everyday together and she was a HUGE help in my transition. And although it was good fun playing the role of dependent child, I have a new found independence with my own transportation. I am the proud renter of a Ford Focus that is helping to give me more time to go car shopping. When I first arrived in Doha I was convinced I would buy a used car or a certified pre-owned car from the dealership. The used car market here is incredibly difficult to navigate. There are several online posting boards for cars but the process of meeting with people, getting the car examined at a shop, etc is quite challenging. Last week a friend and I attempted to get a car examined at an auto shop and spend 90 minutes looking for the shop only to eventually give up without getting the car inspected. Another aspect is that car lives here are shorter. People drive their cars hard. And many times if someone has an SUV it has also been out in the desert. So buying a used car is a huge risk. That all being said, I am looking at purchasing a Nissan XTerra or a Renault Duster. What is a Renault Duster? It is basically the poor man's XTerra. It literally costs half the price of the XTerra and still comes with a full warranty. At this point I am leaning towards the XTerra, but will finalize everything at the bank tomorrow.

Another big update are travel plans. I finally have my multiple exit visa and now it is time to book some trips! I will be heading to Sri Lanka next week for the Eid holiday. There are two Eid holidays in the Muslim religion. One to celebrate the end of Ramadan and one to celebrate Hajj. Our holiday next week is to celebrate Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. My friend Ahmed and I will be flying to Sri Lanka on Saturday and staying for the full week. We have created a PACKED itinerary that will have us visiting an Elephant Orphanage, seeing Buddhist temples, hiking, taking a safari, and relaxing at some remote beaches. All things that we lack here in Doha! Another trip on the books is a trip to Dubai for Christmas with none other than Brennan Biddle. We will fly out Christmas day and stay only for one night but we figured it was a good way to celebrate.

Random Doha story for the week. Doha has a limited selection of radio stations but one that has really caught my attention is 97.5. It is considered to be Doha's most popular station, think Z100 from NY. In the past week alone I have had the privilege of listening to "California Dreamin" by the Mamas & the Papas, "Don't Worry Be Happy", and Frank Sinatra (as I was driving through a mall parking garage). The station never ceases to amaze me and provides endless moments of, "Where am I?" reflection. As many of you may or may not know, Eminem turned 40 this week. Yes, 40! To celebrtate this monumental global event, 97.5 played ten consecutive Eminem songs. Fortunately, I sat in traffic for all ten of these songs consecutively. Not only have I not hear Eminem since high school, I was shocked to hear his songs in a country where censorship is high. Even the edited versions of his songs are pretty vulgar.

This weekend I visited my first Doha night club, Crystal. As I have mentioned, all of the bars and nightclubs in Doha are at the hotels. Crystal happens to be at the W. For each of the nightclubs in Doha you need to purchase a membership. The membership allows you access to the club but you still have to pay cover charges. Membership costs about $50 and is good for one year. You still have to pay a $25 cover each time you go to said club even though you are a member. Needless to say, nights out can be quite expensive. But for special occasions it is great to have access to places like Crystal. When you enter the night club you are greeted by strobe lights, lasers, and the pulse of house music bass. Another moment where you are separated from reality here in Doha.

Other random notes:

• Went to a Canadian Thanksgiving
• Got my Liquor License to be able to purchase alcohol
• Attend a Halloween Party at the US Embassy

I think that will just about cover it for now. Stay tuned for more car information.

Wanted to wish Casey and Jared a HUGE congratulations on their wedding. Wish I could be there to celebrate with you but I am sure you will do just fine without me!

Talk to you all soon.