First Days in Doha

So here we are in Doha - sitting in my living room with a view of older Doha (that is to say, no huge intricate skyscrapers to be seen from this vantage point). We started off in a hotel room which felt pretty restricting - you can feel like a caged lion when you only have the bed and a couch and nowhere else to go. However, we have since moved into a suite, which is quite a luxurious combination of living/dining room with a reasonably well-stocked kitchenette, as well as a place for that all important item, the computer. Then there is also the bedroom on the other side, and two bathrooms no less. What is really great is that we have access to the pool, a gym, at least 5 restaurants, bars and coffeeshops. The real bonus - no housework at all!

Patrick's work week has changed to reflect the Muslim Holy week. and it takes a bit to get your head around the new schedule. So Friday is a Holy day when everything shuts down until about 4pm - everyone gets this day off. Saturday becomes the new Sunday and if you are lucky you will get this day off too. However, many business' work either a 6 day week or give every alternate Saturday off (so Patrick works 11 days out of 14, which means an extra 25 days a year, which means he works for 13 months in a year). So now we start Monday on Sunday - however, neither of us get up on Sunday morning feeling like it's the start of the work week. And the rest of the week is a confusion..."Is this Monday or Tuesday? no - feels like Sunday...check the calendar - Oh dear, it's Wednesday".