Traveling in Style.

I know my posts haven't been full of detail, or long, but I am just giving snaps of how my days go in Doha. It is nothing extravagant it is just simple Doha living with Deryle Duncan. Working at the farm, studying at the farm, and feeding my horse friends carrots, apples, and polo mints. Yeah -  I am cool. 

So today. While I was driving, yes my father finally lets me drive, to the farm we got stuck behind this pickup truck with some interesting cargo. Of course, since I was driving, I will give the photo credit to my father because one is never to take photos and drive, especially on Qatari roads! Al Shahania Farm is right across from the camel track and hopefully I can convince my Dad to take me to the camel races one day because I am sure I would get some great photos. These two guys/or girls are headed to the race track I am sure (or to be someones dinner but I am going for the positive look here). 

The other night we were at dinner with a friend from the horse world and he was telling us about how some guy is winning all the camel races right now, but that on top of prize money they are giving away cars (something they used to do at the horse races), and that this guy has already won like 32 cars. I am thinking that it is time I invest in a camel, train it, win races, and make some profit off selling the cars I win... or heck if I could win 32 I would start my own taxi cab service or something! New life plan - a good one I know. I really like the fact that not only are they in a big pickup truck but it is a pretty pimped out one. Cool colors, and interesting pictures... if ONLY my Dad had gotten a shot of the inside of the truck cap - pimped out big time! I'm talking things hanging, fabric details, gold (fake) details, more pictures, and bells. 

Good luck at the races tonight camels! 

Hello Dream Car - now snap back to reality!

Since it is just me and my Daddy here in Doha we did a guy thing today by going to Qatar Motorshow. I found my dream car, the white Mercedes below, and my Dad now wants to trade his old Mini in for the flashy new one we saw. Honestly after we left we saw most of the cars on the roads of Doha anyways. Everyday in Doha is a car show. What I don't get is Toyota Landcruiser's are still expensive, yes the gas for them is cheap, but even with the big price to buy one everyone still seems to drive them. Where can I get some of this Landcruiser money? And can I get it, say tomorrow? I'd count them for you to give you a day's tally but it would be something like 1982378172387 (over exaggerating but I am sure you get the point). I keep on asking my Dad when my car will arrive and he gives me a "you are stupid look" which I reply with an "i'm not kidding look." Seriously when will it be in the drive way? 

Another day at the races...

This is what I do most Wednesday's and every Thursday... go with my Dad to the races. It is interesting how little the race club has actually changed, even with its makeover and new design. We had 3 for 3 this night. Winning is always good right? My nights at the races consist of chatting with people who can't believe how much I have grown up, even though I saw pretty much everyone last year, and drinking on some fresh strawberry juice... Not extremely entertaining but it is fun to see the offspring of horses I still remember winning when my father was the trainer for Al Shahania on the track doing their thing. Big races start next month, and the biggest money race is in March - here is to hoping they win! 

Mezza

What can I say? I love a good mixed mezza from my favorite Arabic restaurant. I don't think I could ever get sick of it. A dinner consisting of great hummus, fattoush, tabbouleh, mutabbal, bubaghanoush, lebneh, olives, and vine leaves with some fresh arabic bread is all I really need. I can tell my Dad is already getting sick of my constant suggestion of mixed mezza for dinner but after not having it for so many years I want it for lunch and dinner! You may think you have had some good hummus but I will promise you this - this hummus is so much better. The whole texture, and taste is so much better. You can't find anything to compare it to back home!

When we were living here full time, as a whole family, we would go to Al Majlis all the time. We would get one of the big rooms with the floor cushions and low table. It has always been one of the best places to eat out in Doha, and it has always been a family favorite. When my Dad has guests he makes sure to take them to Al Majlis not only for the amazing food but the great atmosphere.

I can't forget to mention about my love for fresh juices again. Yes the little juice stall restaurants load theirs with sugar, however, there are places that it is natural and fresh. My Dad and I have often stopped at the "over priced," as he calls it, juice stall on the way to the farm to get a mango juice. I could use one now. 

Are we in Italy?

Why walk from one end to the other when you could ride from one end to the next in a gondola? The Villagio Mall in Doha is a big cement building from the outside but Italy on the inside. You really have to laugh at the people riding on these things taking touristy photos. The mall also has an roller coaster inside, ice rink, designer shops, multiple coffee shops, and much more shopping. The shopping is great, however, I could not convince my father that I needed a Gucci purse. Hah.

Honk!

Need a bottle of water? Honk your horn in front of the shop, a little Indian guy will run out to ask what you want, then run back in and get it for you. This is Doha. You never have to leave your car. Today I was getting some juice to go with my traditional Al Shahania egg sandwich on the way to the farm and this guy honked his horn, the shop guy ran out to see what he needed, and then ran back out with a PEN. He must have had to write something very important down. 

No rules!

I have been in Doha for almost a week now and all I can say is that I have yet to get myself organized because I have been organizing my Dad’s life. His office was moved while he was away so that is where we started, and then today I finished up helping update the inventory for 295 horses – that was a headache! It has been an interesting, and very fast week. Even though I have been back to Doha since we initially left it still seems so strange to me. Nothing is the same, all the roads are extremely confusing but the skyline really is amazing. I remember when there was nothing, and now it looks like NYC or London. Nothing is really complete though. Construction is everywhere of course – it wouldn’t be Qatar without construction.

I hate to be a person that complains but I haven’t gotten a full night of sleep since I have been here. There are some stray cats that decide to have a meowing contest that ends up in a screeching fight at around 3 am every morning and then of course at 5.30 in the morning the Call to Prayer happens and to be blunt the guy at the Mosque next to my Dad’s house has a horrible voice. It is like he is in completion with the cats! This is Doha though, mosques blasting 5 times a day, and a serious stray cat problem!

In the past week I have seen so many old faces, mostly from the Race Club and it is funny to see how little things have changed in the “race world.” Some people don’t recognize me and I do not understand this because I think that I look pretty much the same. I think it is the blonde hair that brings them to realization of who I am in the end. I trait that always seems to amaze people in the Middle East. When I was younger my fathers boss had a body guard that changed my name to Sara, because Catie was not a good name, and referred to my hair as golden (he was not the only one). Oh how I wish for my extremely light blonde hair back. Wouldn’t it be nice not to age?

It takes time getting used to being 8 hours ahead of every in the US. As I end my day everyone else is just starting theirs. I am so grateful for technology like WhatsApp, and FaceTime because I don’t feel like I have left some days when I get to chat with the people I care about even if it is for a short overlap.

I will leave you with the “no rules” story. A comment I hear on average 25 times when I am in the car with my Dad. There are no rules on these roads. Roundabouts = now those are scary! Turning left from the far right lane = totally legal. It is like everyone is driving like Cher from Clueless... they “totally paused.” Or how about we are driving back from the farm and I look over into the Landcruiser next to us and the 4 year old is holding the wheel, not the father. Safe right? As my father keeps on saying “there are no rules!” Speed limits are not followed; blinkers are never used, and be careful of the cars on every side of you because you never know which way they will be going. If I end up staying here for a while it will be an interesting experience driving on these roads! 

Land Cruiser, and a goat.

Only in Doha...

Goodbye London, Hello Doha!

ALL THAT JAZZ!

Today was Sara and Catie’s day of FUN, and it was a very good day indeed. On the train back to Kent, after the guy next to me started to throw up after his “big night out,” we both said we wished we could do it all over again the next day but minus the throw up guy of course.

So we got to London and headed to Covent Garden to search for Wahaca – a Mexican restaurant that Sara had heard about. Well we found it, and boy did we eat! It was delicious. We got the sample meal set and margaritas of course. I am a huge Mexican fan and normally England never gets Mexican right but this was a great place! Better than anything I have had in the states for sure! Interesting design, and great food! Glad we got semi lost trying to find it with a BlackBerry map!

http://www.wahaca.co.uk/

After lunch we went to google at the men at Ralph Lauren Rugby. Then we wondered around Covent Garden, stopping for about 15 minutes to laugh at a horrible street performer. Let’s just say we didn’t really see him do any interesting tricks. After exploring Covent Garden we headed over to Leicester Square where Sara dragged me into “4 levels of fun” aka M&M world and we continued to take tourist photos and had to say no to the Italian trying to give me “free candy.”

Drinks at the W, chatting about holidays we want to plan. I hope Sara can make it out to Doha in March. Maybe I will still be here? We had time to kill before the show and while we waited for Sophie, so why not enjoy an expensive cocktail in a cool bar? Sophie finally arrived and we chatted with another drink at the pub next to Garrick Theatre. Sara said I was like the “glue,” and I’m flattered. Whenever we are all together it feels like old times. Like I have said before, a year or more may go by but it always feels like just yesterday when we all get back together again. Can’t wait for Ibiza 2012 – this has to happen! Chicago was amazing. Of course I downloaded the soundtrack when we got home – I have a musical problem. However we all agreed that we needed to go on a serious fitness routine/diet after watching toned, skinny, barely dressed woman dance about for two hours.

This Friday in London was a great ending to my mini vacation in England. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Spending time with my lifelong friends (two of my soul mates), as well as my Gramma (whom I adore), was just what I needed. Even though I am missing everyone at home in the US of A, I have had a great time here in the UK and I can’t wait to travel on to Doha to spend time with my Dad. Time to get my life a little more organized. I have all day tomorrow to be lazy with Sara, maybe even a country walk, and then an EARLY flight to Doha on Sunday morning. Even though I am excited to go to Doha, I don’t want to leave at the same time! Oh heartstrings!

Even though only Sara and Sophie will get this I end this entry with “and cheers to braces!”

"What will we do without you?"

Pulled out my laptop on the train because we are delayed an hour. Probably a dead cow on the track they need to remove but of course they don’t really tell you anything, and they honestly don’t know how long the delay will be. I used up my free 15 minutes of wifi and I am not about to pay for the Internet. America has way more places with free wifi than England does. I find this odd. 

So yes, we went to Betty’s again. I am exhausted today. 3 hours of sleep because of the howling wind. I swear the house was going to blow away last night, and it sounded like someone was outside. I never sleep with the light on but last night I had to. I finished my book, counted sheep, listened to music, but nothing could get me to fall asleep. Gramma and Cheryl waited with me until the train came. I am extremely sad to say goodbye and my Gramma is upset because she doesn’t know when I will be returning to America. She keeps on saying, “What will we do without you?” Honestly I don’t know what they will do without me because they can’t open the door to the house, and they need me to remind them of things - "don't forget your umbrella!" I really don’t see how they have gotten along without me. Gramma says she should have gotten lost on the way to the train station so that she could keep me so that I can look after them for the rest of the trip. I don’t think my Dad would be pleased about that. I need to find a job! I had a little anxiety about it last night... I need to stop thinking about it until Monday when I am in Qatar and I don't have many distractions. Once I am in Qatar I get focused on my “career.” Ummm... It would so help if I knew what I wanted to be when I grow up.

I am meeting Sara at Victoria, and we are heading to Kent tonight. She already called and said that we will be having a George night. She took tomorrow off work and we are going to head to London around lunch and explore some. Meet Sophie for dinner. Then I bought us tickets to see Chicago at Garrick Theatre in the West End. I am pretty excited! I love a good show and I really hope the seats are good! 

Betty's Again!

Today we go to Harrogate, an old Bath town. People used to go there because the water was suppose to cure and heal but little did they know that it was nothing more than sulfur water. Now the baths are museums. I have been here before but it was so long ago that I don’t remember it at all. After we park, we head to Betty’s, big surprise here. I have already been warned that this is where we will eat because they love Betty’s Teahouse. Cheryl is already talking about what she will get for dessert. Again they drink tea and coffee and I sip on water while I think about how yummy my fruit tart is going to be for dessert. After lunch we walk around. Some street singer sings about my beautiful smile which makes my Gramma giggle, and she turns to me and says “let me see this beautiful smile.” It was kind of embarrassing... After we look around, they go into Molten Brown, where my nose is confused by all the smells but they head straight for the body wash they love because they always get the same things. I won’t say who copies who but it is pretty easy to guess. We hunt down the Cath Kidston store so that Cheryl can buy an new iPhone case, and then before we head back to the barn with scary sounds my Gramma has to pick up 8 cappuccinos from Starbucks (these will last her for a few days), and they are all VENTI of course! I head back to London tomorrow so Gramma and I spend the rest of the night in the living room watching a Murder Mystery Show on BBC that she loves chatting about how much we will miss each other. We talk about fashion, mainly purses because I know she is spending 2 weeks in London before returning to Florida and I know she will be returning with some new purses. It has been a great couple of days with her here in Yorkshire and even though I haven’t slept because of the weird sounds the house makes and the howling wind at night I am so happy to be here with her. I am sad that I have to leave tomorrow but at the same time I don’t think I could eat another dessert. I know they are taking me to Betty’s again tomorrow before I get on the train but I will have to politely refuse the dessert! I need to lose weight not add more chub to my cheeks!

Is this pub good?

Today we went on a drive around Yorkshire. I saw the village where All Creatures Great and Small was filmed, well part of it, and now I need to watch the movies so I can appreciate it. We stopped for lunch at a hotel that both my Gramma and Cheryl say they “don’t remember being great” so I am slightly confused why we stop here? I had the Fish and Chips and I thought it was great. They drink tea and coffee while I chug on water. I seem to be dehydrated this trip. I think it is because it is so cold outside, and then so warm from all the heaters and layers inside that I am not pumping myself with as much water as I normally do. An interesting topic comes up at lunch about how mu Aunt Cheryl stole an ashtray from this hotel when they were here last. I say to her “oh is that why your picture was at the door with the title not allowed on premises,” her and my Gramma burst into laughter. 

We get back in the car and drive some more, stopping to take pictures every once and a while. We are chatting the whole time and my Gramma asks if I remember when we lived in England when I was younger and the time she came to visit. I honestly don’t remember much about this time. Just small details. Like hiding places in the house, the pony Emily and I got to ride, and the day that Emily fell out of the moving car and we found her on the other side of the country road sitting straight up in her car seat. She then goes on to say that Emily would sit in the back and say “Gramma you are lost again” any time we got in the car, and she remembers one time we both were in the back giggling to death and she asked why and we just laughed more… only to find out when we reached our destination that she had been driving with the boot up the whole way home. About half an hour goes by and my Gramma says she thinks she is going the right way home and I say in a very Emily tone “Gramma you are lost again” which brings them both into a fit of giggles.

We get home just as it is getting dark, the wind has picked up and it howls throughout the house. A night of reading, chatting, and tv follows our day of country driving. I absolutely love being here with them. I love to just sit back and listen to them speak to each other. I wonder if this will be what Emily and I will be like. Everyone one says my Gramma looks and act younger than her younger sister. I mean my Gramma is the one driving! And this has already happened to Emily and I (and it really upsets her when people ask if she is the eldest)! 

Country snaps...

Yorkshire Arrival - Tea Anyone?

Gramma and Cheryl greeted me as soon as I got off the train and were amazed to hear that I took the C3 bus to Earls Court, the underground Piccadilly line from Earls Court to Kings Cross and then a 2 and half hour train to see them with ALL my luggage! I will not lie, it was stressful and by the time I got on the train to Yorkshire I was exhausted from dragging two bags, my laptop case, and purse across London. Thank God I left when I did because I wouldn’t have caught my train if I had left a minute later! 

As soon as we through my stuff into her Volvo we head to Betty’s Tea shop where Cheryl forces us all into having a dessert after a rather filling meal. Northallerton is about a 45-minute drive through tiny country roads to where they are staying and they warn me the whole way there that this place is a “party house” and that I will be highly entertained at the guest book. The guest book has comments like “rum and babies don’t mix” and “smoking Mary Jane while howling at the moon.” They then tell me I should look into it for a weekend with my friends. I was a little worried about them after this comment. Sitting in the back seat I do feel a little nervous because my Gramma seems to be driving like a race car driver. Gramma and Cheryl talk about each village we drive through, and it's mainly about whither or not the pub had good food or not. Food – this is how they seem to rate the villages and how they decide where they will go for the day. It has been an entertaining half of a day and I am so glad that I was able to see them during their trip.

My Mommy says that I am making my Gramma’s trip by coming to see her and I hope she knows that I love that I get to see her, and that she is making mine! I am so very excited to see how my Gramma and her sister act when they are abroad, and just what they do during their days. I only really know that they wake up at 8.30 or 9, get dressed, head out, and then they make it back before dark because my Gramma does not like to drive in the dark. This really will be an interesting couple of days. The house they are staying at is a converted old barn, on top of a hill, near the river Ure, and I can already tell that my bed is going to be slightly uncomfortable as it is a twin bunk bed. The house makes weird noises! I hate spooky sounds!  

TK MAX

The past couple days with Sophie have been pretty chill. Even being lazy is fun in London! Friday I explored London some more. But mainly it was because I got lost trying to find a Primark where I could buy some boot socks to keep my feet and legs warm. I found a TK MAX, which is the British TJ MAX. Bad news for my wallet though because I found a pair of black Hunter boots in my size for 35 pounds. I simply couldn’t leave the store without them! It was like I was suppose to get lost just so I could find these wonderful boots!

I found my way back to Sophie’s flat to dropped my new boots them off, changed for the night, and then headed to Sloane Square to meet Sara for a drink while we waited for Sophie to join us for dinner. Champagne and expensive food! What move could I ask for? I have had them both to myself separately but when we are all together is is even better! Laughing at silly things Sophie does completed the meal of course! 

London at night amazes me. The lights of the city, the activity, the sounds, it is like it comes more alive at night. People don't seem to sleep, the city never sleeps, as cliche as it sounds. 

A Very London Day!

It has been a very London day!

Woke up at 6.30 AM to catch the train with Sara to London. It takes her an hour to get to work everyday. Commuting is something I hope I never have to do, but I know that I probably will have to! Oh the big bad real world! Once we got to Victoria station we walked to get a coffee, and then I walked her to work. Felt like I was dropping my child off at school. Got to see the outside of Gordon Ramsey’s office and she introduced me to some people as I left her there for the day. Then I was all alone and headed off to explore London. Topped up my Oyster card. Walked to Westminster. Took a traditional picture of Big Ben. Sat down on a bench and watched people walk by. “People watching” is the best in London. Hopped on the underground and headed to Regents Park to take some photos for my fellow London classmates of Summer 2010. Walked down Baker Street until I got to Selfridges where I spend 2 hours just wondering around, pretending I had money to spend in Gucci, Hermes, Mulberry, Chanel, Prada, and so on. Walked to Marble Arch and watched some kids torment the pigeons. Then hopped back on the underground to meet Sara for lunch at and Italian pizza/pasta chain where I had a very yummy Pizza Fungi and a glass of water with one ice cube (that would not fly in America). It still amazes me how funny people are about ice in Europe. Yes - I want my water cold! Get over it! 

After lunch I decided to see the town from the top of a double decker bus. So I got on the one that was headed to as close to the Tate Modern I could go. Then it was a very cold, and slightly rainy, walk across the river to the Tate Modern. Bought my ticket to see the Gerhard Richter exhibit. Which I liked a lot but honestly they had so many people packed in it that you couldn’t really enjoy what you were seeing. People in London are very pushy sometimes, and I say this about some of the tourists (not the Londoners).  After hiding from the rain for about 2 hours I thought I better walk over the Millennium Bridge (or as some people call it the "Harry Potter" bridge) leaving the Globe theatre, and Tate Modern behind me as I walked towards St Paul’s Cathedral. I walked for a bit, and the cold didn't even bother me because I was having a great day in London! Found some great cheesy touristy postcards to send to people - guess you better check your mail! 

Such a productive day and I did not mind that most of it was spent with just my own company. I love exploring, and after a day like this in London I love the city even more. I love that I find the public transportation simple, and I love being able to get anywhere without really having to ask anyone. I told Sara on the train back that night that I was just like a Londoner today. I walked fast, did not smile, walked around slow people, and was in my own little world. 

Tomorrow I head to stay in London at Sophie's flat where i'll stay Thursday through Sunday, and on the 9^th I will go up north to Yorkshire to visit with my Gramma and my Great Aunt Cheryl until the 12^th.

Some pictures from my day...

Jetlag and Kent

Arrived in London on the 1st. Hot, smelly, and tired. I hate the way I feel when I get off a plane. I always feel so dirty. Oh and I was in the middle seat for 8 and half hours and the tiny girl next to me sat crossed legged for half of this time and gave me an evil look when I tried to use the arm rest. Joy! After landing and saying Happy New Year to the lady at Immigration and getting a snotty "yeah" response from her I took a 50 pound (wow cheap!) taxi to Sophie’s flat where her mother greeted me as Sophie was still sound asleep from her NYE partying the night before. When Sophie finally woke up it was catch up time and then off to the Waterside pub for a Sunday Roast (my favorite). Roast chicken, roast veggies and potatoes, and yorkshire pudding. So must better than airplane food!

On the 2^nd I met Sara at Clapham and then we traveled to Victoria and caught the train to Kent. Exhaustion doesn’t describe how I was feeling yet we stayed up till 2 am chatting and laughing. Nothing ever changes with us. It is funny how I have not seen either one of these girls in over a year and yet it feels like we just saw each other a week ago. I think that is how you can tell a friendship is pure and lasting. When time goes by yet it feels like you were never apart. These girls are like my sisters, I will always have them in my life, and we will always make plans to keep in touch. 

The girls started back at their fancy London jobs today. Sara works for Gordon Ramsey, and Sophie words for a private event planner. I won’t say I’m not jealous of them because that would be a lie. I wish I could find a glamorous London job. I wish my dream life could be a reality. I ought to make it happen and hopefully one day I will! Today I slept until 3pm. Jet lag always gets to me after the 2^nd day and it always knocks me out. My sleep pattern should be normal after today, hopefully. As I sit here with a cup of tea, waiting on Sara to get home from work I dream of moving to London. I love London. I wouldn’t mind being cold if I lived in London, and everyone knows I hate the cold. I am so happy that I have gotten to catch up with my best friends and I can’t really ask for more. Off to The George later as it is tradition that Sara and I go when I come to town. Next weekend we will go on our traditional country walk (yes we are strange). Hopefully I don’t slip down the stairs at The George tonight. Boy, that was embarrassing! 

Goodbye America!

 

My mother waited until she could no longer see me and then she finally left the Savannah airport. I was putting everything on the x-ray machine and I could still see her waving out of the corner of my eye. Once I finally got to my gate, which was a 20 second walk from the x-ray machine, I look back and she is still standing there waving. My sister is looking extremely embarrassed next to her and my Dad is no longer there (most likely headed for the car already). I called Emily once I got on the plane to let her know that they could leave now and she said that my Mom said she wasn't leaving until I got on the plane - she is so silly sometimes! Sitting on the first plane, headed to Dallas where I have a short layover and then an 8 and half hour flight to London where I arrive bright and early at 7.30 AM on New Years Day. Sophie is going to just love me when I wake her up! I hope that I don’t get stuck in the middle seat for the long flight. I hate the middle seat. I also hope something cool happens as we ring in the New Year. Everyone was like “Why are you leaving on NYE?” and “How boring!” To be honest I would rather be at some huge party getting champagne drunk but like that saying goes “The way you spend your New Year is the way you will spend the year” and since I plan on traveling – why not be on plane?