A Week of Teas, and a few coffees.

It has been an eventful week. With summer on its way, the women's associations are heading into their summer break when most wives return home for a few months and leave the husbands to manage as best they can here in the heat. So time for one last hurrah by all.

First on the agenda was an English High Tea at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. It was oh so posh in the most decadent of surroundings - sweeps of marble floor and a central chrystal chandelier that probably rose two stories. We experienced white glove service, bite size sandwiches and my personal favourite: scones with clotted cream and jam. I tasted my first Middle Eastern tea, served from a Moroccan tea pot and poured into tiny etched glass cups. I chose a Moroccan tea, described on the menu as "a hint of gunpowder with an effusion of mint". Don't think I will try that again - a bit too bitter for my taste.


Next on the list was a Japanese Tea Ceremony hosted by the US Ambassodor's wife at her home. The Japanese Ambassodor's wife performed the ceremony - something she has been studying and practicing for 18 years apparently. It was interesting to participate in the service and the tea (very green) was not half bad. I found the ceremony to be quite soothing and relaxing - almost as if the world out there slowed down for awhile.


And then there were two coffee mornings - one for American Women's Association and one for International ex-pats - really good to attend, as you meet people who exchange ideas and suggestions for living in Qatar that have proved to be quite useful. The conveners also arrange for speakers on a variety of subjects. My coffee companions at the table yesterday were from Norway, New Zealand, U.K, Australia, USA, and me. I am going swimming with the Ozzies on Sunday. Should be fun.

Asalam alaykum