A year filled with happiness, tragedy, and inspiration.
Souk Al-Waqif
Lunch-time at the souk!
Horse races at the Equestrian Center.
Fly Board World Championships at The Pearl-Qatar.
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra
Graduation at American School of Doha
Common sight in Qatar!
Bounty from the Vegetable Souk!
American Women’s Association Bazaar
Ready for some belly dancing!
We launched Desert Horizons Tutoring Services, a community-based outreach tutoring program.
Doha’s nighttime skyline.
Me and Sherifa. Sherifa passed away in a tragic car accident. Sherifa taught me more than most about the culture and lifestyle of Qatar. Rest in peace, dear friend. I will miss you greatly.
We also lost sweet “Callie girl,” our precious furry daughter. You are forever in our hearts.
Musings on Arab Culture 
The photo of the construction cranes is really cool. That is a lot of construction!
I also like the photo of the veggies. That is my favorite part of travel is that most places have much better and fresher veggies than the U.S.
Yes, Jeff, there is quite a bit of development (including roadwork) going on in Qatar. One of the larger enterprises (seen in the photo in my post) is a redevelopment project involving Doha’s city center area. There is also a lot of construction work associated with hosting the 2022 World Cup.
I agree, you can’t beat the veggies outside the U.S. A major plus for us.
Happy New Year, and Happy Travels to you and Kristi!
I enjoyed these pictures, Michele. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend, Sherifa, and your precious Callie Girl!! I wish you and Bishara a “Blessed” 2014!!
Thank you, dear Teresa! Yes, we surely do miss Sherifa, a very special soul, and our dear, “Callie girl.” Wishing you happiness, peace, and love in 2014!
Dear Michele,
thank you very much for sharying your experience! It is first time that I read about life and places in Arab couries in such a way that it makes me want to go there! I do my homework before visiting Qatar – and your writing and photos are the best! Thank you once again Michele!
Have a great Year 2014!
Many thanks, Natasha, for the kind words! Really appreciate it. I absolutely think you should visit Qatar; I think you would enjoy it! Wishing you and yours a joyful, prosperous, and healthy New Year!
Dear Michele,
Thank you for your 2014 wishes! Can you mention any web and blog which will make in my eyes this arabian world -which you love so much- more friendly and interesting. Do you still live there? Thank you very much! Have a great day!
Yes, “Planet Bell” is a travel and photo blog created by Jeff Bell who frequently posts about his travels in the Middle East and general region. You might like to check out: http://planetbell.me/2013/12/30/why-i-love-traveling-in-the-middle-east/ . Enjoy your day!