Driving In Qatar

Since I am an American, I must go to driving school before I can take the test for a license here.  This is not true with other nationalities.  Many of their licenses are accepted here, and no one has to go to driving school if they have a license in their own country.  So, what is the problem with Americans?  Well, the story is that a high ranking Qatari official was denied a car rental in the USA so now he is "punishing" Americans by not letting Americans here get by easily.This seems especially ironic given the the fact that driving here is so chaotic. It seems that very few drivers have any idea what the rules might be...people shift from lane to lane randomly, make left turns from right lanes...there are roundabouts throughout the city which few people approach with caution, most speed around and get off of and on to in a very inconsistnet, rash manner. Car accidents happen often, despite the fact that no one would ever drive under the influence of alcohol (zero tolerance for that here!). So, since I do not have my license, I rely upon Paul and taxis.  Recently, a taxi driver gave me his card, so I often call him direct for rides.  He is always available, although there is sometimes a bit of a wait.

As  it turns out, the driver loves America and Obama. He is from Kenya, "the same tribe as Obama" and seems to take great pride in this. He is also a big fan of American football and basketball and of course--Michael Jordan!!  He was especially excited with the fact that we are from Chicago. He is trying to talk me and Mia into taking our next trip to Kenya.  It certainly sounds beautiful.

In some respects, taking a taxi or having a driver is actually cheaper than buying or renting a car.  The most I have ever had to pay to go across town is 50 riyals (around 12 dollars) and the average is 25 riyals (around 6 dollars).

By the way, gas is cheaper than water here, and most people drive big cars, such a SUV's, and usually white.  Despite the "SAND-DUST" problem here, cars are very clean.  The car wash is very affordable, including vacuumin and cleaning rims, for around 5 dollars. There are usually attendents at each mall offering to wash one's car while one is shopping, also for around 5 dollars. Of course, none of these service people are Qatari.  Thery are usually Indian or Fillipino.  The Fillipinos are always cheerful and friendly.The money they earn in this way is usually sent home to their families.  Most men are here without their families (75% of the population is male). People work very hard just to survive and are very dedicated to their families, despite the fact that they are apart.