From Texas to Doha: Day 3

 For the record, I woke up early and went running with two of the students on the trip. 

1. Kind of fun to run through the streets of Doha

b. Never go running with 20-somethings. 

We had the best day yesterday...extremely long, extremely exhausting, but more than worth it! Especially when you are hanging out with this crew. 

(I made them all stop and take picture on this awesome wall in the Souq Waquif.

We actually didn't get started until 9am, but most of us only slept 4 hours or so. Everyone was eager to get the day started and take every bit of this time in.

We all hopped on our bus for the day and enjoyed a tour around the city. We learned that the State of Qatar is roughly about the size of the state of Connecticut. 100 miles from top to bottom, 50 miles east to west. (Basically a drive to Waco from CS). That's insane!

On our way to walk through the Souq that morning, we spotted these guys. Basically we were in Texas except the horses were camels. 

I just loved every second of soaking everything in.

All the colors and textures.

I am trying to figure out how this is coming home with me.

And I really want to buy Ryan some man sandals.

While most things were so unique to this part of the world, we did spot a few familiar items and giggle.

I could have explored for hours and never get bored. The shop owners were so friendly and proud of their work. The children on school field trips were giggling in the streets. The parents were scolding their children just like you see in the US. There was something so comforting about the familiarity of these simple sites. 

We scouted out our favorite shops for when we returned later in the evening and then headed on our way.

Well, first we stopped to see some falcons, which were also for sale for the reasonable amount of 1million riyal. 

(That's about $400K)

At one point, we pulled over to just take in the view...

 Everything is so beautiful - the State is extremely proud and exhibits this through everything from their architecture to their hospitality. This is the Museum of Islamic Art. The architect designed it to resemble a Muslim woman wearing a burqa, with only the eyes being seen at the top. 

Rachel is my TAMQ counterpart and has been an awesome guide. She literally knows everything about everything and I am so thankful for her!

We walked through another part of the city right as prayer time was beginning... to hear the music that signifies everyone stop for prayer was pretty powerful. They all began to enter the mosque, removing their shoes on the way in. While so many things are different, so many things really are the same. This is a country that is proud of its heritage, who's conservatism is guided by their beliefs, and who places much value on family, hard work, and hospitality.

We had so many conversations throughout the day about what's different, what's the same. Wondering how they will sustain the growth of their somewhat newfound wealth. These students offer such perspective and insight and it's a privilege to be on this journey with them.

Every turn offered a new surprise and discovery.

You know, like a beautiful, marble outdoor amphitheater. 

Yes, the entire structure is marble. 

Almost like Wolf Penn in College Station.

Except not.

It overlooks the sea and we are one day away from missing the Philharmonic Symphony play. 

We ventured back to the MIA and wandered around exploring the exhibits and learning about various forms of art. 

And also took lots of pictures.

Rachel and I still hanging in there on our last adventure of the day.

As the sun began to set we made our way back to the Souq...

that was seriously buzzing with life.

The women and I made some very important purchases...

and enjoyed all the sights and sounds off the market streets.

We found some familiar things...

and some other not so familiar things.

And then we had seriously one of the best dinners of my life. The food kept coming. The tastes did not disappoint and the company was amazing.

I really missed Ryan and the kids the most at dinner.

(Which is ironic, because, well, kids at dinner is not always fun).

I'd say the day was a success...

you know... 

the kind that dreams are made of.

And on to Day 4...