The Dichotomies of Doha

Look closely... truck full of sheep. 

On the right. Red truck with lonely donkey

Good morning.

 Every weekend and sometimes during the week we run across interesting passengers.  They are sharp reminders that we are a long way from Dallas.  Not just that there are animals staring at us. It's the contrast.  Tall, gleaming buildings, 5 Star hotels, Lamborghinis,  Mazeratis  and Fred the Camel in the back of a tiny beat up Pick Up.    Mike and I just look over at each other and grin.

It's Official. We live in Qatar!

The crowds cheered.  Horns honked. Cameras flashed. People danced in the streets.  Ok, maybe not..but I am pretty darn excited that the Hildebrands all have Resident Permits for the country of Qatar.  After a total of  14 trips to 6 different government buildings(this includes two unnecessary rides to the American Embassy who did not tell me I did not need to be there), in a two month time period, costing us approximately 2000 dollars, yes,   WE HAVE OUR VISAS!!!
Here is my friend and driver Sadiq, from Bangladesh, been here 20 years. I could not have done this without him.
Next week?  Drivers License. Visas for Sallie and Robert for their Spring break trips....

Hey, after 7 months, we are almost moved in! :)  It  is time to celebrate

Room for Friends

Friendship Festival!  That is how March kicked off. ASD, Sallie's school, does this every year. They invite the community and host a huge event. It is a carnival like atmosphere, with dunking booth, jail, bouncy houses and arts and crafts. Oh and lots of people and lots of food. Mike and I took our camping chairs and set them in the middle of the action and enjoyed the hustle of everything.  New friends stopping to say hi, Sallie and Robert hanging out with their friends.  It is nice to have friends.

Speaking of friends, we have had visits from Anwar, our friend from Abu Dhabi( went to Lebanon with his family a couple of years ago), and the Kenneys this month as well. They moved to Oman before we moved here and this was their first time to come see us. It was great to catch up with them.

We love the fact that we have a place for people to stay with us when they come. Guests actually have room to relax. And Sallie is not kicked out of her bedroom!

Oh and on top of all this friend fun time..the kids can actually have friends come over. And Mike and I don't have to leave the house. There is room for all of us. :)

So to all our friends and family...  You are officially invited to come visit.  We love it!