Sand and Suhoor
It's sandy in Doha today. If you look outside it's kind of like when it's foggy but it whips your face and gets in your eyes. It's still hot! My cheeks feel dry. My lips feel dry! Today of all days, when I had planned a quiet day at the office and a client visit on the way back to the hotel, it turned out differently. I was at the office at seven, then had to be somewhere at the other side of town to pick something up before they finished at 2pm (Ramadan hours). I didn't have time before my call with NL to go see my client, so it was back to the hotel for a Skype call, then back out to see the client. Exfoliation at it's cheapest!
Tonight I am going to my very first Suhoor - an Islamic term referring to the meal consumed early in the morning by Muslims before fasting. Typically, hotels here host Suhoor's in the evening, after Iftar (the meal that breaks the fast after sunset); starting around 9pm until late. I have been invited by a Sheikh to a Suhoor his company is hosting. It sounds more exciting than it is, I don't actually know the Sheikh, he is the Qatari shareholder of our 51% partner company. But still... it will be an experience and a way to meet new people. Instead of alcohol there will be shisha and I am still contemplating what to wear. My knees and shoulders should be covered and ideally during Ramadan, my elbows as well. I have lots of summery stuff that may only cover one of the three mentioned body parts and I have plenty of thick, warm, winter clothing which covers all! It's something I need to deal with sooner rather than later as I'll end up in a summery maxi dress with a cardigan or jacket over the top which not only looks seasonally schizophrenic but I will also, no doubt, be too warm. Saying that, after only a week, I'm already sick of the freezing buildings and would often rather sit outside in the burning heat than shiver in the always too cold air conditioning in many places.
.... and along with wondering what to wear, I'll be wondering prior to being introduced, if the Sheikh shakes (hands) as not all Muslims do with women (do you know how awkward it feels not to stick your hand out in greeting when you meet someone new?)
Tonight I am going to my very first Suhoor - an Islamic term referring to the meal consumed early in the morning by Muslims before fasting. Typically, hotels here host Suhoor's in the evening, after Iftar (the meal that breaks the fast after sunset); starting around 9pm until late. I have been invited by a Sheikh to a Suhoor his company is hosting. It sounds more exciting than it is, I don't actually know the Sheikh, he is the Qatari shareholder of our 51% partner company. But still... it will be an experience and a way to meet new people. Instead of alcohol there will be shisha and I am still contemplating what to wear. My knees and shoulders should be covered and ideally during Ramadan, my elbows as well. I have lots of summery stuff that may only cover one of the three mentioned body parts and I have plenty of thick, warm, winter clothing which covers all! It's something I need to deal with sooner rather than later as I'll end up in a summery maxi dress with a cardigan or jacket over the top which not only looks seasonally schizophrenic but I will also, no doubt, be too warm. Saying that, after only a week, I'm already sick of the freezing buildings and would often rather sit outside in the burning heat than shiver in the always too cold air conditioning in many places.
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