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!”