Hi guys,
Wow! It has been a long time since I wrote. I would like to say it is because we have been having such a great time and I was just to busy. We have been busy at school, but most of our time has been hunkering down in the dungeon trying to stay out of the dust. This dust storm has been going for over two weeks and is expected for at least one more. Last weekend, we had paid for a kayaking tour into the Mangroves and we spent most of our time fighting 50 km winds. Once we got in the trees, it was easier paddling, but we had to hit shore almost a Km from our vehicles due to winds and low tide – we actually had a really good time and we needed the extra exercise.
The day before was our Classroom Without Walls and that was the best day of the year for weather. The sun was great and the wind/dust subsided for the whole day. The site was also in the middle of the mangroves and was a good area to discuss environmental issues and involve the kids in new experiences. We were amazed at how so few of the students had ever been to the area. As with the rest of the country, the mangroves are being destroyed by construction – they are the only natural vegetation in Qatar and extremely vital for the eco system. At first, the school said that we could not have the students pick up trash, but then agreed if we made it voluntary and gave them gloves we could. It actually became the part they liked the best, since it became a competition on who could gather the most – as teachers, we were proud of their efforts.
Last night we went out with three other couples to the play “Wizard of OZ.” When we saw the advertisement, it really looked like a professional production and the $35 USD tickets also led us to believe this. Wow! We had a bunch of laughs last night! Toto the snow white Cockapoo was amazing at cookie eating and barking for more. Now of course, we talked all these other people into going and are now to blame, but damn we laughed. It was a thin line, because it was the final night and all the parents were sitting behind us – we know secretly they were laughing just as hard. We should have clued in right away when we saw it was at the “Doha British School” theater. Now it certainly could have been a new modern school with an amazing facility – but it wasn’t. Folding chairs and their 15 person orchestra that was actually part of the audience – but at least we could follow along on the sheet music – I kept offering to change pages, but they were so well practiced they didn’t need my help. The 7 main characters were very good and it made it a fun show. The kids were all from the school and they obviously had a great time. As usual, there were a couple locals that were really really and I mean really serious about their parts – we thank them for many of the laughs. One guy was a Michael Jackson wanna be and they actually allowed him a moon walk back up the yellow brick road – glove and all! Damn, my eyes are watering just remembering. My guess is since he was the only Qatari in the show, they just couldn’t say no! Thank goodness – to miss that would have ruined the whole night.
I threw in a picture of an advertisement for the Doha Debates this month. Most of you should be able access it through BBC or PBS in your areas. Once you read the title, you will realize why it caught our eye. This is what we are dealing with at school and no one wants to admit it. There is a reason why most countries have laws against marrying your sister or cousin – nough said.
We did decide on Germany for our spring break. We just felt like we had so much fun last time and we are in need of seeing some friends that this was the best option. Thomas is already planning several sights to see, but most importantly is stocking up on the 3 P’s – pork, pilsner and pork. Germany has some unique Easter celebrations and we are looking forward to spring time.
Lesson of the Week: There is NO place like home --- really!
Love to all,
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