Community is important in Doha
When you first arrive in Doha, it can be daunting, especially if it is during the summer months. Your apartment building/compound is empty, it is too hot to go out. You feel blue and you miss your home. Yes, we all feel that way. You are not alone.
One of the many rewarding aspects of Doha is that there will always be a support group here. There is a strong sense of community. All you have to do is reach out and you will find like-minded people. We are all in the same boat and have a lot in common-- we are in an exotic, progressive place, that is challenging at times but yet stimulates our senses and there is always an adventure to be had every day.
I was feeling the Doha Blues today, having been here throughout the summer. I am a naturally optimistic person but today was just too much: it was too hot and sandstorms were preventing me from going outside. My friends are still abroad. A neighbour with whom I have had a few encounters struck up a conversation with me and I told her, "I am bored! I need some company!" She suggested lunch on Wednesday and now I feel a lot better. There is always someone who understands. This is one aspect of Doha that I love. We have lived in Oman, and Abu Dhabi, but it is Doha where the people seem to really support each other. Always a community. And the ever hospitable Qataris are very interested in us Westerners. You just have to reach out and you will find the joy in life here. Just remember that everyone is in the same boat...I have met some of the best friends in Doha that I will have for life...Cooler weather approaches and life will begin again!
Wooooooooooooow! I just love your writing style, it does reflect your artistic flair so perfectly.
Your words sound like poetry. They do give off positive energy that impacts positively on the whiners and the moaners.
Keep up the good work!
I agree with AndyDerrick, we must look at the brighter side, we can always make friends anywhere in the world, we just have to get past our "ideals" and be more open to the people around us. http://chordsworld.com/james-arthur-impossible-chords/
Congrats on all positive replies to this post. So many miserable expats here all moaning and whinging. What is wrong with you guys. No tax, cheap petrol good wages, friendly people, the sun shines nearly all the time. If all you are going to do is moan then leave and let us enjoy it or have you been transported. Hope you enjoy your lunch and enjoy the infancy of Qatar.
I want what you are on.
JoPo If you've been through a Doha summer before, you know it gets better! Today, I felt a shift in energy...humidity suddenly DOWN! Yea! Only 34! Downright COOL! As I speak, I hear the sound of children in the pool which is a harbinger of Spring... I saw two francolins today! Do you know what a francolin is? Google it! Great creature. And you can tame them to feed out of your hand!
I know what it is like to say goodbye to friends. From time to time, I think expats experience this city as a place of goodbyes. It is , after all, a transient place to be. Friends come and go. If they are good friends you will always be in contact with them through the wonders of the internet.
But it is also a city of HELLOS AND MARHABA! There will be many future friends who are new to Doha and would be thrilled to have someone give them a helping hand, showing them some of the many attractions of this quirky, vibrant city: the souk; Katara; the vegetable market; the little owls in the graveyard (ha ha...do you know about them?) It will be rewarding to see your new companion's eyes light up with wonder !
This is a land of hope and dreams, and these dreams are coming into fruition. So many possibilities! Keep the faith!
Quite true. It is really important to have a community, friends to call when things are just too much to bear, friends willing to listen and relate with the discomforts or difficulties we are experiencing. You are lucky you have good friends. Cheers for your good friends! Cheers for the soon change of weather in Doha!
I'm feeling blue too... with kids running around the house, I can't wait for the school to start. Every years going through the same routine, I'm feeling tired to start another year. Making thing worst, my good friends have left and some leaving end of the year. It is going to be a tough year ahead :(
Welcome to the club buddy...Try to make some saving because you definitely need here to pay for violations. :)
glad you found a comfortable place
What sandstorm? If a day with relatively mild winds constitutes a sandstorm, unfortunately you'll be unpleasantly suprised when we really do experience one.
I hope you enjoy your lunch and kudos to your neighbor for inviting you. Have something yummy.
I fully agree with your observation ..
One needs an open mind and one thing definitely leads to another ..
So are you in the 'same' boat or different one ..
ok. thanks