Qatar sites

So settling in Qatar and adjusting to being a working mom has been a little tricky. Roger has been fighting sinus issues and the kids have been busy. But we are finally getting the swing of things again and I thought I would dust off the neglected blog to give friends and family a peak at what we are up to. 

First off is the Singing Sand Dunes. We went with friends for a Christmas gathering. It was amazing. Hiking up the sand dunes made me feel so out of shape! When you slide down, the sand starts humming as it rubs against itself, hence the "singing" part. We just missed a camel caravan that passed by. Desert sunsets are amazing!

Next, Evelyn pennyboarding around the Ceremonial Gates in Education City. The number one thing I love about Doha is all the unique and beautiful architecture. This is a perfect example of understated, modern Middle Eastern design. The Ceremonial Gates are just down the road from our schools and is where they hold events like graduation. It looks across a grass mall towards the Qatar National Convention Center, which incorporates tree shapes into its design. I'll have to take a picture of that next and my favorite zig zag buildings. 

Evelyn is an ace pennyboarder after a few crashes that left her with skinned knees, shins, ankles, elbows, etc. She is pretty tough! 

 These pyramids are also in Education City- our kids love them. They are actually skylights and air vents for an underground parking structure beneath- solid on three sides, open on the fourth. Edward loves trying to run up them.

These are some camels outside of the souk downtown. They smell like all livestock does. One of the coolest things we've seen here is police mounted on camels. Hopefully, I can get a picture of them some time! And there are camel races here I am dying to see.

 Evelyn loves the souk. Here she is at the spice market- we both loved how this spice mix is layered.

 This was amazing, a National Day parade we caught in the souk earlier this week. I feel so lucky to get a glimpse of another culture from time to time. 

 The souk has an incredible fine arts section. I'd love to go back when more of the artists are on hand. This was one of my favorite pieces- I'd love to see if they have a print, since this was taller than me.

 Here is a photo of us outside the souk. I love the architecture. It is magical all lit up at night. The souk has been restored and modernized. It has underground parking, which makes it accessible. It has traditional architecture and is clean and well organized.

 There is an opulent mall here called the Villaggio, similar to the Venetian in Los Vegas. Think luxury stores, canals with gondolas, faux Italian storefronts, cloud painted ceilings, VIP restrooms and an ice skating rink. We went ice skating with friends. It felt so Christmasy! The ice skating rink is the home of the Flying Camels hockey team. Edward had fun learning using these seals you could hold onto. Granted, he spent most of the time sitting on one while I pushed him around the ice!

Blog again soon!