Hi,
One week down, 36 to go! For the most part, it was business as usual, yet with a whole new twist. It has been nice having the new teachers there to laugh with and listen to their stories. On the second day of school, all of the new teachers (about 15) were scheduled for their blood tests and chest x-rays for their visa process. Once again, great planning! They had the typical day of sitting on the bus for hours waiting for their turn in line; while all of us were left to cover 2 and 3 classes. Missie had to double up and cover all the 4, 5, 6, 7 Math and I was blessed with an opportunity to meet all the 3rd graders. Just another day of herding cats at QAK (yes, we have begun referring to it as quack). I made the effort to visit all the kinder 4 kids on their first day of school, Wednesday. It was a much better experience than last year. As I walked in the class, the teacher was hustling a kid out to the bathroom, stating she had just puked. The other teacher had that, “ O crap, I hope I don’t have to clean it up” look on her face as she was trying to kick a paper towel towards the mess. So, having had my gag reflex removed many years ago, I cleaned up the vomit with a slight chuckle, knowing I was leaving to go back to my nice class of (8) 7th graders.
After struggling all week to get over this sinus infection, we finally drove out to our favorite beach and took a swim. The temperatures have been nice in the evenings, so we went out late with a couple pizzas and swam until the full moon came up just before 7 pm. The water is still very warm – right around 90 degs. and it was just what the Dr ordered. Like I always said, the ocean cures everything.
We have invited one of the new families over tomorrow night for dinner. They are going through the same things we did last year, yet it seems that the process is going to take even longer for them. Many of them are questioning whether or not to plan anything for Thanksgiving, because they are not sure if they will have their passports and visa back by then. I also read a new thing today that the Qatar Liquor Distribution Center is no longer issuing permits. Rumors are that they will not be renewing existing licenses and could actually close down permanently. At the pool today, I brought this up to a couple new teachers and I thought they were going to go ballistic. We can at least start stock piling, but they might not even have the option. Hmmmmmm – I see a business opportunity in the making – the good ol’ American way, but high and sell higher. Doug’s Booze Emporium – I like the sound of that. I’ll bet I can make enough in two months that if I get caught and deported I would still be ahead.
Lesson of the Week: It could be our first year.
Love to all,
Doug and Missie
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