I will write the first entry since the kids have been very busy getting to know their host siblings, and since it has been the weekend, so most haven't had access to the computer. We have just arrived at school, and our students are attending classes this morning, and then they will return to this classroom, our weekly command central, to have a study hall. This is a cheerful school with bright colors and big windows and a lot of children's art on the walls. The school has grades pre- through high, so there are many adorable children to see everywhere. I look forward to sitting in on a class, and to hearing how our CGS students enjoy this morning's lessons.
So far, all is great. Everyone is happy. The host siblings are a warm, enthusiastic bunch- one of the friendliest bunches I have seen in exchange students that we've had. The matches also seem to be well-picked, and the pairs are hanging out comfortably. Shaniya's host sister came up to me at the Souk (outdoor market) last night and said, "I love Shaniya so much!"
Since it has been the weekend, the kids have been to the mall, at family barbeques, out to dinner at the souk, and having all kinds of fun.
They have just arrived in study hall after attending three 45-minute classes, which they reported were easy. But, they are all tired having stayed up late and woken up early, so they are groaning about getting out their own schoolwork.
On Friday night, each of their host siblings treated them to dinner at "Damascus" a fantastic Syrian restaurant. We had a sort of Middle Eastern tapas with many delicious, fresh dishes such as hummus, taboule, baba ganoush, salads of different types, a perfumed quinoa with tomato sauces, garlic potatoes, yogurt, beef, etc. During the dinner, we heard live music and there was a marvelous dancer, one who performed as a "whirling dervish" with seven minutes of twirling in different skirts. It was something to see! Some of the kids tried twirling after him and lasted just about ten seconds each. Many of the diners also smoked brightly colored houkas all around us. The garb is a big mix, many western clothes, and many varieties of Middle Eastern dress for men and women. There are many types of fashion for the students to observe. Some of the kids tried twirling after him and lasted just about ten seconds each.
The weather has been unexpected: rain one day, wind the next, and today is sunny but chilly.
Doha is pretty. The part we are in is low and all of the buildings are painted a sandy color. The arched shape of the windows and the scrolly garden gates are what you might picture when you think of the Arab world, and where people have planted trees, they are gorgeous palms. Also, there are quite a few stray cats, but no dogs anywhere.
Ok, that's all for now. I will see who needs help with homework, and pass my computer along to the next blog writer. Don't worry excessively about your children; they are safe, well-fed, and happy.
Ma salaama!
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