So I came across this poem (suicide note). I thought it was fascinating. I was trying to find an entry I wrote last year where I talked about my depression and the battle for my soul because it practically parallels this poem. I guess that's why this struck such a cord with me when I read it. What's more, this was written by an Egyptian man about 4,000 years ago! They found it (written on papyrus) during an archeological dig. Isn't that amazing? How much life, as we know it, has changed in 4,000 years - yet the human condition maintains. In the end, we still need that affection, that contact from our own kind, which enables us to be at peace with ourselves. I'm not lonely but I certainly feel alone right now.

Lo my name reeks
Lo, more than carrion smell
On summer days of burning sky...

Lo, my name reeks
Lo, more than that of a sturdy child
Who is said to belong to one
Who rejects him...

To whom shall I speak today?
Brothers are mean
One goes to strangers for affection...

To whom shall I speak today?
I am burdened with grief
For lack of an intimate...

Death is before me today
Like a sick man's recovery
Like going outdoors after confinement...

Death is before me today
Like a man's longing to see his home
When he has spent many years in captivity

Dinner last night was amazing! The Afghani boys made a traditional meal for us and it was incredibly tasty and they even made it look pretty.



I've asked for some recipes, so I will share those when I get them. Oh, interesting side note, they call okra, 'lady fingers'. At first I thought they were talking about cookies but I looked puzzled when they said it was in a tomato base with potato :)




This is my rental car. It looks like 90% of the cars in Doha. I had to buy a bright red window shade more for the purpose of FINDING my car in a parking lot. The other 10% are landcruisers, if you were wondering.

Does anyone have suggestions on how I can check emission standards across the globe? If I'm going to buy a car I'd like to bring it back to the US with me. I want to make a wise purchase that won't surprise me later. I also have to look for a 4x4, but small, vehicle in order to be able to SCUBA dive - and not bottom out on every speed hump, bump, and vertical wall they place on the roads.



Things are getting real toasty over here. Days are averaging around 115 with 60% humidity. It's like the opposite of snowy days in Buffalo where you come in from outside and your glasses fog up.

I'm almost done with training, then we begin international student orientation. That runs another week. The bonus I get from this is my requirement to chaperone some of the outings. I'll be going to one of the souqs this week so I hope to buy some new fancy sandals. I will try to take photos but you have to be very careful in that type of public place. Ciao for now.

I'm sorry I don't have much time to report lately. Training is really taking up most of my waking hours. I do a lot a half hour or so to working on the new Tomb Raider Anniversary. It's relaxing, except when you know, a dinosaur jumps out of nowhere, or you take a wooden dart to the head.



Here are a few shots of downtown Doha at night. This whole city is under construction, it's just booming!

I had the WORST dream last night, woke up in sweats and panic this morning. In my dream I apparently had amnesia, and when I came to acknowledge myself, I found I was super pregnant! Like big huge belly pregnant. I was kind of poking at my belly and squishing it, thinking to myself, "this can't be mine, this isn't my real belly is it?" Then the father, or whom I assume is the father, walks in the room and smiles ear to ear. He exclaims how excited he was to find out the news and is so very happy to be a dad. He's hugging me and kissing me and there are tears in his eyes. I, however am freaking out and can't stop thinking to myself, "you are the last guy on earth that I know who would ever want a kid!". It was just too bizarre for me. Truly.

In other news I learned a little something about Qatari law during Ramadan. I was aware that Muslims fast from dawn til dusk during the month of Ramadan. What I was not aware of is that it is illegal to smoke, eat or drink anything in public, between dawn and dusk. It's a serious offense and you would get jail time! Oh, and you'll love the laws on alcohol. Drinking age is 16 here, but you can't be Muslim. If you are caught under age, you will receive 3 months in jail and a fine of 10k QR (which equals about $2,740). It is also illegal to engage in public displays of affection, which can also result in jail time and fines.

Chris got a speeding ticket the other day. We only know because they use video cameras and were shocked with a nice big flash. Don't know how much that'll cost. Apparently the going rate for running a red light though is 3k QR ($820). I really wonder if there is some way to convince the ministry to use some of this money for driver's education courses. The leading cause of death in this country, and why I make such a fuss about these roundabouts, is car accidents. They have signs of brutal accidents posted everywhere, signs of families with a ghostly father figure saying "where are you daddy?"...but I don't see this passive form of education as doing any justice. They need to teach these people how to drive, how to yeild, how to not drive 60mph down a side street. Clearly your speed bump infested streets do nothing more than bottom out the vehicles. Thank God they are slowly converting major roundabouts to traffic light intersections.

Chris, Lindsay and I went to our first house party last night. It was so nice to meet some new people, have some laughs, and whole lot of Carlsberg! We have now dubbed our outings as "Doha Nights". Sounds like a cheezy soap opera.


I admit it. I actually sang karaoke.


At least I picked a choice song


Everyone was having a good time