Put-put gulf

A lot has happened since I last wrote here. Rani and I had a nice, long summer in Florida, with a long road trip through Canada, visit to the Land, and some time in Atlanta and DC. The summer is a whole 'nuther blog post I didn't write...

I haven't been in a great headspace since moving to Doha. It's been tricky figuring out my place here, both at school and in the new community. I'm still feeling a little damaged from our time in Pakistan when it comes to dealing with students and parents and colleagues. And I'm trying to quit smoking, which turns me into a depressed, emotional wreck. Ah well, here's a little of what's been going on.

The first month was kind of a blur. Shopping, orientation at school and on the compound where we live, meeting the hundreds of teachers and student at this enormous school, medical checks, biometrics, various government offices for residence cards, drivers licenses, etc. Here are a few highlights:

Our first meal: eggs and parathas. A Rani/Jon staple. Not loving cooking without gas...

My first view of the math wing at school. It's a nice space with common area outside of 8 classrooms. I don't have my own, which is challenging, but it's nice working with a department of math teachers. Very collaborative and helpful.

First trip to the Qatari Distribution Center after getting my alcohol permit: pork 'n booze!

First trip down to the souk and along the water to see a nice view of the skyline at night

Presentation (from a graduate of the high school where I'm working) in the downtown offices of the organization responsible for coordinating the World Cup activities in Doha! Exciting time to be here, but right now everything (like, the whole city) is under construction.

Khalifa stadium, where we went to see the IAAF (track and field) championships.

Women's hurdles: the lady in front broke the world record here!

Steeplechase? WTF? This is a thing, look it up. Kenya dominates.

Recently got cool enough to walk around outside (like less than 95). Here's our first walk around the hood. That's what most of the buildings look like, and what the empty spaces look like right now. Lots of dust...

Rani and I about to run the first in a series of five 5Ks here. They start at 6AM because of the heat! I finished in my best time in awhile: 31:15. Beautiful run by the bay near the Museum of Islamic Art (in the background).

 Right now, we're on a short break in Istanbul. After a Turkish bath, a massage, great sights, and lots of good food and drink, I'm feeling a little more relaxed. When we get back, next step, now that we've both passed our driving tests, is to get a car and get mobile!

I'll leave you with a few shots from Istanbul:

With a few more cats, and a few more hours, they might just figure this thing out.

I think these are keeping the buildings up!

Miss you all!