Affluency

There are a couple areas on the Women's Campus for dropping off and picking up students. The minimum age for driving in Qatar is 18, and many of the students start their studies at 17. Also, in a society that is known by some to be somewhat protective of its women, a lot of the female students don't drive. Some girls ride a university-provided shuttle bus to campus. Most have drivers or family members bring them. But, only in a country that has reached unimaginable wealth in such a short time would one see a Rolls-Royce waiting to pick up a university student. Well, maybe a student from the Upper East Side would be picked up in a Rolls, XOXO.

Qatar University, Women's Campus

Mobility - a film

I made a video. Leoni has started walking, so this is a tribute to her figuring out how to move around.



Also, today is Mother's Day in the Arab world. When my students told me that it was Mother's Day, I got really worried that I had forgotten such an important day. But then I realized it was too early for Mother's Day. Apparently, Mother's Day is celebrated on several different days throughout the world. Now, we can also say that I made this video to celebrate what a wonderful job Lindsay has been doing as a mother.

Waves & the Bear

Too Clever

Gates are not only hard to find here in general, but one that fits on our particular stair arrangement is even worse.  We decided to place a trunk we had in front of them to keep Leoni from climbing them as of yet.  She seems to have found another way.

So proud of herself

We have since put clear plastic along the stairs so she canot climb through the openings.

Dal Al Hamam Park

After several unsuccessful attempts, we finally made it to Dal Al Hamam Park. This is the closest park to our house, but the park has weird hours (like not being open in the morning). It is a fairly large park with a big play area, which is shaded. We packed a lunch and off we went for a picnic. We did have to move our car after being told by security we couldn't park in the employee lot. Signage would have helped, but I guess they pay him to walk over and tell us instead. Also, the sprinklers were on (where is the LVVWD when you need them?).

Eating a carrot along with a little light reading (Life of a Python)

Really enjoying the carrot

Exploring the playground

Getting ready for the slide

First time down a slide, though not the most flattering shot

Progress

Mom, this is for you. A picture of the microwave cabinet, which has helped open up additional storage in the kitchen.

We, also, finally got the magnetic knife bar hung up (Thank you, Travis). It is great to get the knives out of the drawer and up where they are much easier to access.

For the love of camels

Leoni received a stuffed camel from my aunt T (her great aunt T, since she also has an aunt T). She loves carrying him everywhere, chewing on his tail, giving him rides and giving him hugs.