All of us are making friends and experiencing the kindness of others. Mia has a little group of play mates at the compound. They ring our bell and play with her on the grassy area in front of our door, or they go inside the indoor play area, or they meet her at the pool (they have their Filipino nannies while Mia has me to supervise her). The children are girls and boys of various ages, mainly from Lebanon. They all speak Arabic, but actually use English when playing, so it is good for Mia! Mia has also made friends at gymnastics class, which she attends twice a week. There are about twenty children in the class, and the two coaches (both men, one fronm Iran and the other from Algiers) organize large group games before the group is split for skills practice. The children are very friendly to Mia and work very hard to sit next to her. These children are from Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, and other middle eastern countries. Interestingly enough, Mia is the only American in the class.
Jimmy and Veronica are here now. Jimmy met someone his age (19) who lives in the compound, at the pool. His name is Roman and he's from Russia; his mother is also Russian, but the father is from Lebanon. He has met with Jimmy a few times to play video games in the club house and outdoor sports. Jimmy also met someone his age at the compound basketball court and another man in his 30's at the basketball court. Both guys were so happy to finally have another "good" basketball player in the compound. Strangely enough, the guy in his 30's (married with a two year old child) lived in Chicago. His parents are from the UAE.
Veronica started doing volunteer work today at the hospital. Two other volunteers that work with her, were raised here in Qatar, but are from Egypt. They were very friendly with her. They asked her many questions about America, including whether or not Veronica had ever been on a date! They were amazed to learn that Veronica had--"Just like in the movies" they exclaimed--and told Veronica that they do not date in their culture. Veronica really likes them and will be working with them all week .More to come on that!
I have met so many people and feel there are many opportunities for developing friendships. I have met other American and European expats through my neighbor, Mary, who is an American. She invited me for a luncheon and a book swap. Her friends are very interesting and intelligent. I'v also met some women through the "morning expat coffee group" at Villagio Mall on Wednesday mornings (my neighbor Mary also took me to this group), and other women through my cancer support group. I have met a variety of Arabic and Muslim moms at Mia's gymnastics class and at the park and indoor playground. I (and Mia) recently were invited to tea by Paul's boss's wife, who is originally from Holland. I have met some Indian women at my yoga class (which takes place at an Indian school near here), and even chatted with the Filipino nannies in the compound (there are ten live-in nannies in this compound). Because I go to the oncology hospital three times a week for my lymphodema, I have gotten to know my physical therapist and massage therapist--the former is from Tunisea and the latter is from Hungary. The receptionist at the hospital (who is actually a man who wears a dish dash and head covering) has been very helpful and friendly. He was born and raised here, but is actually from Yemen. He helped Veronica get set up at the volunteer office and has offered to take Jimmy to see the sites in Doha and go for coffee with his friends (as we see so many Arab men in large groups in dish dash at the coffee shops). And, I met the Qatari women at the women's event--there is yet another one scheduled this month! So, there are many encounters and I feel I would betray those who have been so kind to me if I were to say anything negative about the people here. I have been treated with respect by both Arab women and Arab men, and have been shown hospitality by not only expat Americans, but also Brits and Europeans and people of various nationalities. Women who are veiled have given me smiling eyes and shown kindness and gentleness as have many Arab men who have often given me a seat in a waiting room or gestured for me to go ahead of them in line. Of course there are always some bad experiences, but it would be so anywhere. In general, I find that most peole want to bridge the gap of misunderstanding that has created so many problems over the centuries. I only wish I had more time to pursue friendships. Perhaps when I am done with my hospital care.
Paul, like most men who work in upper level poitions here, has met many people through his work. He works with people from all over the world and seems to get along well with everyone. It appears that people make a big effort to be especially polite and respectful and the work environment is very pleasant, despite the fact that good jobs are not always secure. The level of courtesy and most excellent manners is very apparent. People use very gentle tones when speaking to each other and allow time to observe rules of etiquette.
The other day, at the Souk, one of the shop keepers invited us to sit down and have some tea. This is not unusual. People expect to be treated respectfully. This has been MY EXPERIENCE.
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