A Different World

Written 12/6

I began my overseas experiences knowing that there would be challenges but I must admit I was really ignorant to the what those challenges would be. I knew the food and culture would be different but other things I didnt expect. In fact, of all the challenges I anticipated, none of those are an issue.

In the United States, we learn very early about race. As children, even today, we grow up knowing there is a difference among races. We are taught and learn different things (good and bad) about black, white, hispanic, asian etc. Even if we haven't interacted with members of other races, we are very aware of them. So, when I came overseas I did not suspect that race would be an issue.

Yes, there are people of different ethnicities and backgrounds everywhere. However, I honestly thought a history of distinction between races and cultures was something that was only prevalent in the US. When I was in the Middle East, I was told stories about about immigration practices and there being this "unspoken" difference in how westerners and non-westerners were treated. I was ignorant to the fact that we just live in a racial world.

Even in my current location, we get constant stares and people marveled by the foreigners. My hair is often an intriguing topic of discussion. In fact, one weekend I was sitting in the mall having lunch and a little girl walked by and started touching my hair. I often get questioned about where Im from. My skin immediately makes me stand out and my accent isn't far behind.

It wasn't until my experience here that I realized that I grew up with a lot more exposure and experience that I thought. I have pretty much seen and interacted with an individual from every major culture. There isn't a person that would walk down my street that I would just stare at because I was so intrigued with their appearance. The world is racial. People naturally make assumptions, form ideas or are intrigued by how different someone looks, speaks or acts. The interesting thing is that color sometimes makes those distinctions so noticeable.

While uncomfortable at times, I take away from this a new sense of awareness and respect for people who are different, whether it's religiously, socially, racially etc. I have learned to ask more questions and make less judgements. One think I have really noticed is that every culture is vastly different. What one person views as normal or rude is completely different than the next. I must admit those are the easiest things to get frustrated with. We have different understandings of respect and courteousness. I realize it takes an extremely flexible and patient person to live in such a racial world and I think that a lot of friction occurs because we aren't flexible. A lot of times people equate different with bad. It can be really hard to wrap your mind around it all. I must admit Im not even there yet.  

Living an Illiterate Life

As we all know, there is a growing population of struggling readers in America. As an elementary teacher in the south, I often had students that struggled with reading and comprehending the English language (Of course, that was unacceptable in my classroom ;-) ). Anyhow, I always wondered how it was possible to live life without knowing how to read. How do you order food at a restaurant? How do you read street signs and directions? How do you sign things that you can't read? How do you send a text, read an email, pass notes?

Well, for the last 3 months, I have been living an illiterate life and it has really helped me put literacy in perspective. I have been living in Gaziantep, Turkey, a place where there is a great desire to learn English but  it is rarely used. Consequently, I am a Turkish illiterate. I cannot read the language nor can I speak it very well.

While the thought and realization of being illiterate was surprising to me, what surprised me more is the ability of the brain. The brain automatically copes and adapts. Without knowing how to speak or read much Turkish, I can get a taxi, order from a menu and get my point across. We really are survivors. We learn to be resourceful. So, my next thought was, the reason I made learning Turkish less of a pressing priority is because I felt like I could get by without it. (I am learning Turkish but not at the speed I could be learning it).

And....here's the light bulb. My students weren't invested in reading because they felt like they could live a perfectly "normal" life without it. I am. We need to shift the focus off telling our children they need to read or trying to make them like it. We need to spend a lot of time investing them in the reasons why they need it. If I knew I couldn't get by I would be tackling learning Turkish from all angles. We need to convince them its something that they can't live without. If they think they are just fine without it they won't have a real eagerness or interest in learning it and technology makes this challenge even harder.

So, now I realize how relatively simple it is to get into the rhythm of living a illiterate life. The next step is to figure how to break this mind set that living in a modern age has given us.

25-Eve

Tomorrow, I will be 25. A quarter century. To some it may mean nothing at all but to me it means everything. I remember being a teenager and wanting to conquer the world. Im thankful to god I never lost that passion. I was terrified of turning 25 because even super-over achiever me felt like I have not done enough to commemorate this milestone. I felt like I had not grown enough, I have not fixed enough, I haven't learned enough...that things weren't quite perfect.

Then during the end of my work day my boss hands me a card that came in the mail from my Aunt. The card said "As busy as you are, there's no doubt that your life is spirit filled because the only way you could possibly get everything done is with God lifting you each step of the way!". I bet when she picked out the card she didn't realize that card would inspire me so much. I read it again and again and I stopped to think that before 25 I have been busy. From undergrad, to grad school, to moving around the world and touching the lives of many children like myself along the way. I have done more than I give myself credit for. I truly haven't stopped to appreciate all that I have accomplished so far. It's funny how people can be more proud of you than you are of yourself.

Despite the many many curveballs that 24 has thrown me, god has continued to bless me. He has pushed me forward in even the darkest storms. I am so proud of the person Ive become, the challenges I've overcome and the mountains I have yet to climb. I am thankful to realize that on 25-eve. Perfect Timing!! I have an amazing tight knit group of family and friends that I wouldn't trade the world for. I love you guys!!


 I'll toast to that! 

A New Perspective.....

It's been a few weeks since I touched my blog. So, many thoughts and feelings have been brewing. I have gone to Istanbul which I will put up at some point. I loved Istanbul without a doubt. It had all the things a city girl could dream of but there is just no place like home. Over the last few weeks, I learned how to be sensitive to other people from other cultures because for the first time in my life I am the stick out like a sore thumb.

Ive always been the type A personality. Everything has to be perfect, everything has to be right. I can't let anyone see me sweat, I can't let anyone see my cry, I have to be tough as nails. I have to overachieve. On the other hand, I believe everything happens for a reason.Being overseas, has made me appreciate home so much. It has given me perspective about a lot of things in my life. There are so many amazing people who have just loved me from 7000 miles away, people i didn't fully appreciate when I was on their front doorstep. I loved my job and the impact i have had and I would love to do it again. I now understand the point of lesson plans and assessments. I understand why we have mounds of paperwork. But I know, I wouldn't have appreciated all of that if I hadn't come overseas.

So, I love being overseas but I can't wait to come home. I can't wait to celebrate holidays and events with my friends and families. Maybe it wasn't the lesson I hoped to learn but I did learn a lesson and I can say that I tried it. Not everything has to be perfect and its ok sometimes to say that things didn't work out at as you planned. A lesson is a lesson whether its good or bad. 

Bayram and the Holidays

School is out to celebrate the Islamic holiday of Bayram. Angie and I decided to hope on a plane and visit Istanbul for vacation (More to come on Istanbul in the next entry :-)  ). Anyhow, as I am sitting on the tour bus riding through Istanbul and listening to the tour guide, I began to think about holidays.

During Bayram, families purchase a live animal which is in most cases a sheep but can also be a cow or goat. They sacrifice the animal, cook the meat and then give it to the poor. The entire family comes together to celebrate having each other and sharing with the less fortunate. The holiday lasts for 4 days and each day there is a different activity or ritual.  The most important part is that the activities are completed as a family. While this principle has much more depth, I have only mentioned it to say that it makes me realize that we too often get caught up in the "holiday". We often forget the meaning or why we are doing something. We get so caught up in the commercial aspect of it all. The shopping, the decorating, the parades but somehow along the way the meaning has been lost.

This will be my first year away from my family for all of the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Easter etc). I must say that I am guilty of it too. When I was in the states, I only visited home once a year. Of course, I had the time off (Im a teacher lol) but I think over the years I lost the importance of being with the people who I love the most and sharing what we are thankful for and appreciating each other. Thanksgiving has turned more into a tradition of the women getting up early to cook, everybody eating, some fussing of course :-) and then watching an afternoon of football. One things that being overseas has taught me is that you have to appreciate the ones you love. It has also shown me how important it is to be thankful for and share your blessings.

In closing, I will be away from my family this year. However, when I get back I am going to make an effort to have Thanksgiving and holidays as they should be. Not filled with shopping or tension but filled with meaning. As, the holiday season approaches, I encourage everyone to think about why the holiday is important. This year, have a meaningful holiday and share with the less fortunate. Try to invite someone to dinner, give to the Salvation Army, donate food to the shelter or buy toys for a family. 

Dont Ask, Dont Tell

It's going to take every bone in my body not to gain weight in Turkey. Their food is so delicious. But, its so full of carbs and rich oils. Everything I have had so far has been so delicious. I bought bread at the market on the way home from work because I was craving it. I don't know what it is about Turkish bread but Im addicted.

Our school has the most wonderful lunches. I bet you never thought you would hear school, lunch and wonderful in the same sentence. But I have to be honest, lunch is one of the highlights of my day. Hey, call me what you want but this is my year off from life and Im not passing up a good Turkish meal. I will work it off at some other time.lol.

Anyhow, I was eating this delicious Turkish stew on Friday. Absolutely, loved it. The meat was so tender. So, the teachers and I were sitting around talking about the Eid Holiday. Its a holiday celebrated in the Muslim religion. She was explaining to me how Eid is about sharing and helping the poor and in their religion there is this concept of killing a sheep, cooking it and sharing it with the poor. So, I reply "that's gross". Then, she goes well you don't eat sheep and I said "NO"! Then she replies "Well, that's what you were eating at lunch on Friday". I couldn't do anything but laugh lol. So my new theory is if I dont ask then please dont tell. 

On the Midnight Plane to.....

The next step on my quest of traveling the world....Gaziantep, Turkey. I arrived to Gaziantep just three days ago. I stepped off the plane to the most foreign feeling I have ever felt. A Chill!!!!! I stepped of the plane and I was actually cold. From Louisiana to Doha....I haven't been cold in at least 6 months lol. So, for the first time in a while I had to wear a sweater. However, the effect of the chill didnt last long. As soon as I saw the breathtaking views of the mountains and greenery. I knew I was home. Turkey has amazing natural beauty. Gaziantep is an old city mixed with modern charm.

I literally spent my entire weekend outside. I wondered through the parks and splashed in the streams. I ate lots of random vendor food on the side of the road that I couldn't identify. I took a train into the town and went down roads and roads of shopping. Turkey is wonderful and it is actually a place I could see myself living.

Now, Turkey does have its challenges. No one here speaks English. In fact, Ive eaten pizza the last 3 days because it is the only thing I can read and point to on the menu. However, the people have been so lovely about it. They use hand gestures and use what English they know to help me. I want to learn Turkish so badly but apparently it is the 6th hardest language in the world to learn. The kids in the school absolutely love me and just want to ask me questions about where Im from!. Its good for them it helps them practice their English. The teachers in my department are lovely as well. They have been so generous and helpful. The school is massive and beautiful and they serve the most delicious Turkish food. I dont ask questions I just eat...lol. Im afraid if I ask I wont eat lol.

So far Turkey...has been amazing. However, the adventure has just begun....There is so much more to come!

Farewell Doha

As i sit here my last evening in Doha in a diner eating a large peperroni pizza, I realize that what Doha was missing was the "Eat Pray Love" experience. Doha is beautiful and most people would adore it. It's modern, sleek busy, traffic ridden, honestly its like NYC with sand. There is still a strong islamic presence but just in a modern way. I think I was looking to have an ephiphany while overseas and both professionally and socially I experienced more of the same. More of what I experienced in the US.

 

What I loved about Doha is that it had heart. The people here devoutly believe in something. The women I met here were the most kind, hospitable and open women I have met. They were willing to share their culture, welcome me in with open arms and answer all my questions.They have made a sincere impression on me. I will never forget the days they just made me feel special. The day when my co-worker who is from Cairo brought me an Egyptian jewelery box and Candelabra as a housewarming gift. She had heard me nagging about wanting to go to Egypt my whole life.  I loved the variety. There were so many different people from so many places and so many walks of life. They embraced so many people of different cultures.

 

Now, that my stay in Doha has come to an end, I think about the things I will put in my mental backpack as Im leaving. First and foremost, I've learned not to put your faith or trust in everyone. Put your faith and trust in god and he will show you who to share it with. Second, Ive learned that the most valuable thing in life isnt money or people or location. It's happiness. At some point in our lives, we have to do things for ourselves and ourselves only. Focus on the positive and do what makes the heart content. I admit even I dont like to disappoint people so I try to make decisions for the greater happiness of everyone. At this moment, I realize that life is short and there shouldnt be more pockets of bad than good. If there are then its time to make some hard choices. What I know for sure is I want to enjoy every  single day in this world and not let anyone tamper with that.

 

Anyhow, I am moving on to one of the oldest parts of the world. To a place with strong history and I hope that this is the experience I dream of. Doha was the pray for sure. Now, im looking for the eat and love. As in love, I mean a love of concepts and ideas. A greater appreciation of something. A love and embracement of a new mindset. Stay tuned..... Im on the midnight train to...........

People are People Regardless of the Location

Experiences are powerful regardless of whether they are negative or positive. You learn from the positive as well as the negative. The biggest challenge I have had in the Middle East has not been the Middle East. You would think that I would have a challenge with the culture, the language or the customs. Or that maybe I would be bothered by the fact that you have to wear long sleeves and pants in 100 degree weather. The surprising fact is that my biggest obstacle in the Middle East is people and not people from the Middle East.

All of the Middle Eastern people have been absolutely loving. They are so caring and endearing. One of my co-workers brought me an Egyptian jewelry box and candelabra because I've been ranting about wanting to go to Egypt. My issue has been with non-middle Eastern people. There are so many people who bring their sheltered views  and attitudes to a new place.

I think the thing I have struggled with most in Qatar is having faith in humanity. Having faith that people will be understanding, genuine, non-judgemental. Faith that people will respect and honor one another for no other reason than that we are all people. Having faith that there are people who will accept you as you are. Having faith that somehow, one day, people's minds will be opened and their eyes will see something new. That people will learn to see outside of themselves.

I have enjoyed Qatar but I think that what's missing for me, it is too Western. There isn't anything unique about it. Its like living in a Western country. Over 80% of the population are foreigners, most from western countries. I never thought I would say this but its not different enough. Most cities have history, a unique culture, unique customs. The muslim culture is very unique and I have learned so much from it. On the same hand, in this particular country it doesn't define it. I enjoy it here but I can't help but to wonder whats next in my journey. 

Playing Where's Waldo with the American Embassy

Today, was another adventurous day in Doha. Just when I thought that the visa monster had been defeated, he was revived and reared his ugly head. But, This time it was a tad bit entertaining. So, apparently to get a work visa in Doha, you need the original copy of your degree and it has to be notarized. First of all, who carries a copy of the original degree. Yeah, so I walk off the stage fold it up and put it in my pocket instead of putting it in a frame. Got it!!!

Anyhow, I have a copy of my degree and teaching certificate. So, we decided to take a trip to the British and American Embassy to get our documents notarized. I really like Doha but one of the most confusing things about this place is that there are no signs. There is a stop sign and large "expressway type" signs but street signs and labels that are actually useful are far and few between. Sidenote: but I think its amazing that everyone knows where everything is and there are no addresses. lol.

We are driving around this "subdivision" looking for these two embassy and playing guess that flag (luckily the embassies have flags). Up the street, down the street, around the corners and back, still no British or American embassies. Randomly, we take a left down this back road and we see this large building with a massive dish on its roof and somehow we know we are in the right area. After a hour in the car and a mind numbing maze around this construction ridden "subdivision" we find this British Embassy only to find out that they are only open to the public from "8-11" and no matter what we said her only response was "tomorrow".

Next, stop the American Embassy. We ask for directions, (well the driver does) and we head out for what we think is the American Embassy only for the driver (who is lovely by the way) to go out of the subdivision to the other part of down and back, pull up to the British Embassy and say we are here. Out of frustration and irony we bursted out laughing. I don't know if its funnier that he didn't realize this is the place that we just left or that we weren't paying attention enough to know we went in a big circle.

Longer story short, we restart our journey to the American Embassy. It's funny because in the carewe are all joking about what our embassies would look like. I said that our embassy would be massive with a giant eagle or flag. Just because we are very nationalistic as a country. We drive by all the embassies you could imagine. But we still can't find the American embassy. After another few minutes and about 7 miles, we drive pass this massive fortress and all I could think was "Oh, say can you see".  The embassy was a massive fortress with a tiny flag. Tall walls, big doors and even larger guards lol. My happiness was short-lived though. When we finally get there, its closed, they don't notarize things anyway and we are in the middle of no where. Cheers to another interesting day in Doha :-) 

Why?

The one thing that I continue to hear is how did you end up in the Middle East. Why? How Come? For What?  First and foremost, I say that the person with a plan, finally went with the flow. My plan for India didn't work out and that's when I realized life isn't my plan to make. It's beyond me. He didn't want me in India. Then he dropped Doha in my lap. I am a true believer in two things 1) Karma 2) Everything happens for a reason. I am in Doha for a reason. I can't tell you what the reason is or when I will know. It may be 30 years later when I figure it out but I know there is one. 


It is hard to believe that it's been almost a month since I left the states. Six months ago when I told people I wanted to leave the states. I got the "Are you crazy?'.  I can't complain about the life I had in the states but I knew something was missing. I kept thinking there has to be more. I was dying to know more. I wanted to know more about the world, more about life but most importantly more about me. It's funny because I was surfing I-tunes the other day (Pandora doesn't work here) and I came across this Nicki Minaj song. I will be the first to tell you that I don't think she's inspirational in any way but for one moment, something in her song clicked with me. In the chorus, Rihanna says " I came to win, to fly , to conquer, to thrive, to survive, to prosper, to rise".  For that 10 seconds, I completely agreed with her and slowly but surely, I am finding all of that in Doha. 


So, when people ask me why I have come to the Middle East, my response is, why not? The one thing I know for sure is as a culture we keep ourselves inside a box because of fear. Fear of the unknown. I blog because I want to share my experience with the world. I want to be an example that there is nothing that you can't do. Don't get me wrong, sometimes it's hard. I don't miss the states really but there is no substitute for loved ones and "Good" friends. But I know that this is worth the sacrifice. We are more than the situation we are in or the circumstances we were born into. There were many people in my life who told me I would never be where I am. There are people to this day that don't speak to me because I didn't follow their plan. My family is as dysfunctional as most or even more (still love them :-)  ). In saying that, my point is it will never matter what cards you are dealt, some get a shorter hand than others but in the end all that matters is how you play them. 

The First Days of Kindergarten

Tuesday was the first day of school for us in Doha. I was feeling excitement mixed with nervousness because I didn't know what to expect. This was the first time that I had to teach children this little. Their foundation for reading and writing was essentially in my hands. If that isn't enough pressure, there is a cultural and  language barrier. Things were already so different here (education wise). For instance, we have school from 7-1 because it is so hot here (literally). The school day is so short but I need to teach them so much. Not to mention that Im going to be teaching the British curriculum and not the American one that Im so comfortable with.

My mind wouldn't let me sleep the night before. I woke up at 4:30 am with the movie reel running of how the first day would turn out. Before I knew it there were kids coming through the door. It turns out they were just as nervous as I was. They were crying and holding on to their parents' pants legs. The parents didn't want to leave so we were really all a nervous wreck.

As the day went on things smoothed out. The kids stopped crying and I stopped worrying. They love me and I love them. They love when I read to them and for some reason they always want me to eat the random pretend food they cook lol. The kids are so well-behaved, interested and so eager to learn. They are getting more confident and the ones that don't have good English are at least trying to speak it now. While we working on the letter "s" today one of the little girls randomly looks up from her work and go Ms. Harris "Your a good teacher". I just chuckled and said thank you. Another girl came in this morning and said look Ms. Harris , I wore a ponytail and headband just like you did yesterday. They are cute and funny, but the best part is they are terrified of the time-out chair. That makes my job so much easier.

The parents seem to like me as well. Aside from the fact, that Ive already had about three of them ask me if I was African.  At first I said no, I am American. She then said, well yeah but where were you born. I said Buffalo, NY. LOL Then, I thought about it. Am I African? Should I be offended? I really don't think they meant it negatively. What bothered me most is the fact that I said no so quickly. Does that mean that we somehow think being African is a bad thing? I have to put some more thought into it. Anyhow, that's a topic for a blog on another day.

As for Kindergarten in Doha, so far so good! 

Can You Repeat That?

It's funny the way people communicate when you can't use words. We all work together but we dont speak the same language. We don't read the same words or count the same numbers. So how do you get someone to understand what you need, what you want. How do you thank someone without being able to say a thing?


 On Thursday, I was trying to cover my bulletin board with paper. One of the cleaners came in and saw me struggling. She came over to help me. She speaks very little English. I smiled to let her know I was happy to have her help. I would hand her things and point so she knew what to do. When we were finished I cheered with my hands to show I was excited. I gave her a big grin to show I was thankful. Then I did a thumbs up and said nice. I got down off the chair and began to pick up the staples that were dropped and she kept yelling I clean. I kept saying it's ok and continued to pick them up. She seemed to be offended bc she came over and started picking them up herself. I didn't mean to offend her. I was trying to show her that she doesn't have to clean up after me. I respect her.that I am thankful for her. But I didn't know how to do that without words. 


There a few teachers here that speak little English. I feel bad that I can't understand them. They try to talk to me but i look like a deer in headlights. One of the arab teachers also speaks French so I communicate with her that way ( see French does come in handy) after using it with her im getting much better at it and its coming back from memory. But for the other teachers, i just nod yes if i cant make out what they are saying in their limited English. I hate to keep asking them to repeat it so I nod. But i do want to communicate with them. After all I'm in their country. I think it's a bit arrogant for me to come to their country and demand they speak in my language. Islam here is more than a religion. It's their culture. It's their law. Its their way of life. 
Yes, Doha is international with many different nationalities but I suspect their reason for doing so is all about money. Doha is trying to attract wealthy tourists. Actually doha is so rich that it is running out of ways to spend it's money. For example, they are building an underwater hotel with an aquarium. There are less wealthy here but there are no beggars. The government takes care of them.


Anyhow, I don't want to be the American girl that went to the Middle East expecting things to be done her way. I really want to know and learn more. I want to know about the things you can't find on google. Most of what I have learned about Doha so far is from talking to people. So, I am going to try and learn conversational Arabic. The Arabic teacher here has agreed to tutor me if I help her with her English. I happily agreed. Watch Out World by the time I leave here I will be speaking fast in 3 languages lol.

Never A Dull Moment in Doha

So, I started todays blog this morning. I was going to write about this, that and the third but after today's events, I scrapped that story. So, lets see. Today, we decided to go to Lulu Hypermart which is the American equivalent of Walmart. Usually in Doha, you take the Karwa taxi which is the green taxi. But after coming out of the mall we couldn't find any. In Doha, there are also loads of private taxis, which we are adamant about not using. But since there were four of us, we thought it would be ok. Anyhow, in Doha they have these big circle roads or round-abouts. They are three lanes wide and nobody seems to know where they are going. People dash from the inside lane and cross all the lanes just to exit the round-about. Ever since I got here, I kept saying how much I hate them. The other day I saw two cars brush each other. Apparently that is the norm here, people are always in fender benders.

Of course, you never think it will happen to you. Long story short, our taxi is going around the round-about and a car stops in front of him and he rams in the back of the other car. The girl we are with is sitting in the middle and she goes airborne. It looks like she's standing in the car. All of a sudden, Daniel loudly says "Is the taxi free ? We got in a freaking accident". The driver starts saying something we can't understand and we all just start laughing, mostly because we can't believe it just happened. We immediately put on our seat belts. Why we do this after the fact. I have no idea whatsoever lol. The funniest part is that the driver makes us get out and walk to our destination and then on top of that charges us 25 riyals, 15 riyals over priced. I started to get upset but the situation was just so random and funny that you couldn't be angry.

On the upside, I love the Lulu Hypermart. They have all the brands that I miss from home. I found Eggo waffles, El Paso tacos, Kraft cheese etc. They even had my favorite Louisiana seasoning, Tony's Creole seasoning. I think I can stay in Doha forever and ever. It's like being home again. I love Doha there is never a boring moment. 

Questions and Lessons

So, yesterday I discovered that Doha had a "hood". Our school put us up in this fabulous hotel but like any normal person we want to unpack and unwind. Our principal told us to wait until Sunday and he would give us an agent and a drive. Me... wait...whoever heard of such a thing. Anyhow, my adventure partner and I google some apartments, write down the addresses (with just street names and no numbers lol) and head for the green taxi. We decided to venture out on our own. We had for our favorite apartment first. The apartments are fabulous online and they were fabulous in person too. But, the neighborhood was needless to say "shady". It was shady in a weird way. You could obviously tell it was a poor area but there was no graffiti. There were no people standing on corners. There was no haggling, no loud talking, no mischief.

So, it got me thinking. How is it that Doha obviously has areas of poverty but no crime? When I say no crime, I mean crime here is almost non-existent. When you turn on the news you won't see any murders, thefts, burglaries, rapes etc. The news here reports on the problems of other countries and casually mentions their own climate here and there which is always "hot"!!!! In the states people often blame crime on the fact that there isn't enough money to go around or on how they want to come up. Why is it the same problem exists here, yet they respond to it differently? I asked 2 locals about it. One told me it was because of the Islamic "eye for an eye" law. In other words, they say the punishments are so severe that everyone is too afraid to break the law. Another local said it was from a genuine fear of the police and deportation. That reminds me, I haven't seen a police car since Ive gotten here.

Anyhow, this is a question that I'm determined to have the answer to before I leave Doha. Why is there no crime?

On another note, today was interesting. In the 3 short days Ive been here, I have met people from New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, Philippines, Libya, India and Yemen. Doha is truly an international melting pot city. When I started talking these people I never thought I would learn such a big lesson.

I was talking to the young lady from Libya. She was explaining to me that her family fled from Libya years ago because of the mistreatment in the country. The other day I saw a story on the news. The nanny from the Ghadafi family had boiling water poured on her head because she couldn't keep the toddlers silent. She had 3rd degree burns from head to toe. Then, she was refused medical care until the newscasters got wind of the story. Anyhow, the girl from Libya was explaining to me that this was normal in her country and has been going on for 42 years. She said the citizens are overjoyed about Ghadafi being kicked out.

Im a huge believer of the United States minding their own business and staying out of the drama of other countries. However, she was telling me how grateful she was that the United States and NATO stepped in. She said that if they hadn't, Ghadafi was going to order mass shootings of all the rebels and it would have had much more bloodshed than has already happened. So, I learned a lesson today. Some people do need our help and we truly can't understand a situation until we are closer to it. Hearing her story made me proud of my country. These are the wars we should be fighting. Lesson learned: When you are in a position to make a difference, do it!! We really shouldn't be afraid of these places with civil unrest. Instead, we should try to understand them. Everyone has a cause and a rationale for that cause. In the states, we gossip and complain about who did this and who did that. But could you imagine being tortured or having boiling water poured on you? It made me look at things differently. We should definitely be more appreciative and use all the resources we are so blessed to have as a nation. 

Day 1 in Doha

Well my first day in Doha was exciting to say the least. I didn't sleep at all last night due to a mix of excitement and jet lag. So, I was up bright and early at 5am to watch the sunrise from the amazing view or my hotel room on the 20th floor. Doha is gorgeous. It's like they rounded up all the best architects in the world and said build a city. No matter which direction you look in you see cranes, cement and more construction. In just six years, Doha has created a city that far surpasses any western country in modernity. Doha is definitely a hidden gem.

After watching the sunrise, I ventured outside of the hotel a little bit. Doha is hot to say the least, but I don't find that its any warmer or humid than Louisiana. Actually, I find the heat a little easier to deal with because of the breeze that comes off the Persian Gulf. Anyhow, after my short venture. I went to the mall. The Vellagio mall in Doha is designed to look like Italy. There is even a canal that runs through the center of the mall. The Vellagio reminds me of home. They have massive super stores and common American chains like H&M, Sephora, Applebees, TGI Fridays, Gap, Banana Republic Etc. Things are actually reasonably priced. I bought this wonderful Dolce and Gabanna perfume for 30 US Dollars. You can take the girl out of America but not the America out of the girl lol.

Four hours later, Im done shopping and I head home for a nap. The jet lag must have caught up with me because I could have sworn I was just dreaming when my colleague woke me up. We head down to the lobby because my principal is taking us to the Souq Waqif. The Souq is a street market. It's equivalent to a flea market in the states. You can get anything you want at the souq. I was at the souq for 3 hours and didn't even cover a quarter of it. Anyhow, my boss took us to this Yemen restaurant inside the souq. It was different to me. You take off your shoes and go into a carpet filled room. You sit on the floor amongst these pillows and eat on the floor. For the first time I ate Yemen food. I ate buried Chicken, Chicken Mandid and a plethora of other things that I really didn't know. It was all delicious. It's funny in the Middle East you finish a meal with a cup of tea. It was the best tea I had ever tasted. It's my first thing on my list to bring back to the states.

Ive also had my first set of frustrations in Doha. For one my plug blew. They use a different voltage of electricity and me thinking I was prepared bought a convertor. Until my convertor got a smoky smell and popped lol. Oh well. I will buy one at the market tomorrow. Also, I bought a prepaid phone today. It was like a small act of congress lol. You buy the phone at one shop, the sim at another and then minutes at a different location. With my type A personality, I was screaming for them to put everything in the same darn place lol. Then, I realized I'm not in Kansas anymore and it kind of goes with the territory. lol

Ive spent the last 12 hours exploring Doha. Now, I think Im ready to go to bed and knock out the Jet Lag. Besides tomorrow is my first day at work!! Im loving Doha so far. You don't even realize you are in the Middle East. You look around and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Every now and then there are men and women that walk around in their native dress and that snaps you back to reality. But Doha is a melting pot, full of people from every walks of life. I can't wait to see more. 

First Impressions of Doha, Qatar

Even as I made my way to the airport in NY, it still hadn't hit me that I was about to leave the country. I was about to be 7000 miles away from the only thing I had ever known. Yet, there was nothing. No nervousness, No worries. I was simply existing. As I sat in the airport waiting for my plane to D.C., I was chit chatting with my friend about this and that. We didn't discuss my fears, or any nervous, just the normal happenings in our world.
When I got off the plane in D.C. the plane to Doha, was already boarding. Still I was more mesmerized by the fact that this plane could fit over 300 people and had private suites.
Twelve long hours I arrive in Qatar. At 6:30pm local time it is still dark. However, the temperature is well above 90 degrees. The first thing that amazed me about Doha is the fact that almost no one who lives here is from the Middle East. In other words, there are a lot of foreigners from all over the word. Also to my surprise everything was written in Arabic and English.

Even though things are written in English not everyone here is fluent in English. It's funny because I usually have such a large vocabulary. Now, instead of saying words like magnificent and wonderful, I say things like nice and pretty. You have to slow down and listen hard. Funny enough, I like the challenge of figuring out what they are saying. I secretly plan to learn some Arabic while Im here. Most things are in English but some people are still working on it lol.

Anyhow, the plane lets us off of in the middle of the Tarmac somewhere and a bus takes us to the Doha arrival center. There is nearly no one in the center. You get in line and the nice attendant asks you if you have a visa or if you want to buy one. I tell her I want to buy one, she says "ok" , charges my card and stamps my passport. After the India situation I was terrified of visas but Doha has redeemed the visa process.

The driver meets me at the door. As we ride through the city I am truly amazed by what I see. The buildings and architecture in Doha are far more beautiful than anything I have ever seen. They are better than Chicago, better than New York and the lights are better than Vegas. It was absolutely amazing. Everything is so clean and modern. So beautifully made. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten to do much else today as we are seven hours ahead. But I can't wait to wake up to tomorrow and discover what Doha has to offer. 

Next Stop: Qatar

After the fiasco with the "India Monster", I was forced to think about the question we all hate to hear, "So, what are you going to do?". I had no clue. First, I thought of staying in the states and moving to a big city. I was going to Atlanta, Dallas, DC wherever my stellar resume would take me. Even though I kept exploring my options my heart was elsewhere.

I know that it was in my best interest that India didn't work out. But, I knew that somehow India wasn't the end of my overseas journey. Somehow that stellar resume got passed on to a principal in Doha, Qatar. He runs an international school that has had impeccable success. Long story short, he loved me, although he told me he was disappointed that I hadn't picked up the Louisiana accent lol. He offered me the job on the spot.

Qatar, here I come!!!

Wait! Did I mention the best part. You don't  need a visa :-). In Qatar, you simply give them 30 dollars when you arrive at the airport and there is your visa. The difference in the visa process alone has me wondering. How is it that India can improve its conditions when they make it so difficult for people to come in and contribute to their country? That's a topic that I will revisit at a later date!

This weekend I am moving to doha, Qatar. You can call me crazy, adventurous or whatever floats your boats. However silly it may seem, I believe in following dreams. I have never taken the traditional route. I have never been afraid of the unknown. I won't start now. I think of it as my dream with his plan! Im not sure what Im looking for, Im not sure what I will find but I can assure you that this will be a fantastic ride. I will be in Doha in six days!!!! Let the Journey begin!!

And There Went India.........

I've been avoiding the infamous India questions long enough. The "Your still here?", "When are you leaving?" and my personal favorite "Did you call them?". So, here is the story of how India came and went. 

As of today, I have been fighting with the visa company for two months. A process that was said to take 7-10 days is going on 60 and I still don't have a visa. Simply put, the Indian bureaucracy can be described as being plagued with "challenged" out sourcing companies, enough red tape to stretch from New York to California 50 times and millions of people sticking to rules and protocol that don't even exist. Don't get me wrong, I have met some lovely people in the process. However, the whole experience was a complete mess and that is putting it politely. So, here's the shocker!!!

One week ago, we were randomly notified by the company that our positions are being terminated and that we are not going to India. Just the day before, we were told that this one mysterious document that we needed to finally get our visas was on the way. In a matter of hours, it was all over. I was unemployed, homeless and stuck in the states. We had given up everything, our homes, our jobs, our lives. We were all staying with friends and relatives while trying to fight the "India Monster" (inside joke lol). I can't even begin to explain how I feel about the company and the way things occurred. However, in the interest of not getting upset all over again, I am going to keep those feelings to myself. 

In every situation, I try to look at the light at the end of the tunnel. Trust me, it took me a while to see the light in this one. However, I have learned that only god has the master plan. We can hope, we can claim, we can organize, we can plan until we are blue in the face. But, I have learned that we have to stop and ask god for guidance. We have to ask god for our plan to be executed according to his will. Only god can see the future and he can see the flaws in our plan when we can't. India was my plan and not his. Anyone, who knows me knows I am not the preaching type at all. However, I know how to recognize a message. 

Ive accepted what happened and I have learned so much from it. The India train passed me by while I was waiting on the platform. After hearing that our school has no students and that none of the employees at the company know how to "behave with care", I am now standing on the platform waving as the train passes me by. I wish it the best but Im glad Im not on it. I think India is a beautiful place with so much to offer. Unfortunately, my experience with India was tainted by a company who just didn't do their homework. Contrary to you may think, I am not discouraged from my dream. I will make it overseas. I will travel the world. In fact, something much greater is in the works for me at the moment. Stay Tuned!! The best has yet to come! 

Will I Ever Meet You?

In my last entry, I was filled with excitement because all of my documents had been successfully submitted to the "Visa Company". It would just be a matter of days before my passport containing my newly acquired Indian Visa and I would reunite. India would finally be in reach. With that in my mind, my focus shifted toward preparing myself to endure this 15 hour flight to New Delhi.

But what would life be like without another surprise!! The next day, I was awakened by an email from the Visa company stating that some of my documents had been rejected (when the day before I was told they were accepted)! AHHHHHHHHH! Thats exactly what I did, screamed in frustration. Im positive it didn't help the situation but it gave me some momentary relief so hey. LOL.

Anyhow, I have been going back and forth with the visa company. I have went to Fedex at least 10 times to fax and print documents. Every time I send them something they ask for they either tell me its not good enough or tell me there is something else that I need. So, Im praying that what I send them today will be sufficient (crossing my fingers) If it is, there is still 7-10 days of processing. India is starting to seem like a mirage. It appears to be there but you just cant get to it.

My first official challenge of my adventure is GETTING THERE! Im getting antsy. I've given up my condo weeks ago. Im currently living out of suitcases just waiting for India. To answer the infamous question: When are you leaving? The answer is I don't know. I truly don't know. I cant even give you an estimate lol. I mean, praying that they accept my documents I may be granted my visa by August 1st but in reality who knows.

India, will I ever meet you? Im certain I will. I just have no clue when.

Lesson 1- Make Sure They Will Let You In!

When you are traveling the world there is so much to learn. While my journey hasn't even begun yet, I have learned an important lesson. There is so much work for you to do before they will even let you on the plane. I was supposed to officially leave for India 2 days ago. Well that was the plan. Silly me!! I thought paying $200 for a passport should get you into any country. Apparently not!!! Not only does a passport not grant you entry but the paperwork is Excedrin worthy!

So, lesson #1 is to know the requirements for entry. Be sure to contact the local embassy of the country you are visiting to see if you need to get a Visa. For example, India has all types of restrictions. You have to get a visa just to be a tourist. However, there are even more rules. If you are on a tourist visa, once you complete your visit you cant re-enter the country for another 6 months. An employment Visa is a whole different monster. I had to gather my life history and submit 20 pages worth of documents for a 1 year entry Visa.

 The funniest thing that I have learned in this whole process is that even Visa applications are outsourced. The Indian Embassy hires an outside company to collect all the application materials and fees and verify them. You have to go through them before your application even reaches the Embassy. I understand the cost efficiency but from my experience it just pushes back the timeline on granting Visas. However, I have the feeling that I will only see more of this on my journey through India. Most major companies like Dell, Bank of America, AT&T etc, have their call centers in India. I guess no job is safe these days.

Anyhow after nearly 3 weeks, $235 in visa fees, numerous trips to Fedex and mountains of paperwork, the Indian Embassy finally has all of my documents. I will be leaving for India in just a few days. Am I nervous, not al all. I can barely contain my excitement. Yes, I know I will have major jet lag and I will have to get used to eating Indian food but traveling is my biggest dream.  So, let the games begin!!!

Introduction to City Girl Travels the World

I consider myself a city girl. I love the fast paced life, the noisy streets, close proximity to shops and restaurants. So, you would think I have been in the most ultimate cities like Chicago or New York. lol. Not at all. Im a "city" girl from Buffalo, NY whose been living in the lackadaisical south for the last 7 years. But I can dream right.
Anyhow I absolutely loved Louisiana. The food and culture are so rich, the people were hospitable and well lets just say its a place like no other. I have met some really great people and had some fabulous experiences. From frequenting the drive thru daiquiris spot to festive parades and carnivals. To say the least I was sad to say goodbye to the place who adopted me and took me in like one of its own.

While I had a great experience in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, I will soon be starting a new journey. Im moving to India!!! I know your thinking who moves to India? Well, I do. I have always been a tad bit daring, nomadic and curious. So, I am going off to India to teach at an International Charter School. I will be spending the next year teaching and exploring every inch of Asia from Thailand to Tokyo. While Im at it, Im going to get a taste of Europe and Africa too. The journey begins in just a few days and I am super excited. In the mean time, I will appreciate all the love and support from families and loved ones as I say farewell.