Jet lag has arrived

I have never felt as tired as I did yesterday.  I barely got any sleep on saturday night, and was on the bus to school at 7 a.m.  It was hot and overwhelming.  At one point at school I was sure I was going to be sick, either from the heat, lack of water or food, I came home on the 1 p.m bus, stayed awake long enough to have a snack and then napped until 5:30 pm.  So much to do in two days time, I literally have words bursting out of me that I want to share about all I am experiencing, but they will have to wait for the weekend.  The two most interesting things about yesterday. 1. My school was an old palace built to "jail" a member of the royal family who had gotten sticky fingers with the royal funds.  2. I am teaching year 2, which I was just told yesterday is equivalent to 1st grade back in the states, get it: their second year in school, boy did I feel silly when I learned that.  Although it is good, cause I have done my most work in first grade.  Ok I am going to eat a big breakfast, so I am energized and ready for a big day.

First day

My first night found me quite restless until about 7 a.m.  The bed was to hard, the sheets too rough and the air conditioner too loud.  I finally was able to put it all aside and didn't wake until 2:45 p.m.  I was quite surprised that I had actually slept that long, but grateful.  I spent far too much time on the computer (putting this blog together so it was quite worth it) and then ventured out to see my new home with my flat mate.  A stones throw from out apartment building is a Baskin Robin, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Papa Johns, so if I get a craving for home I don't have to walk too far.  There is also a decent grocery store less than a block and a half away, where we later did some shopping.  We walked a little farther to the souk, which is like an open air bazaar/market.  Mostly it was closed, there were a few shops open, we got some Haagen Dazs, held a tiny white kitten and then got a taxi back.  I will go back very soon, as even being closed I could tell it will be a place that I will spend a lot of time in, hopefully not spending all my money, but simply taking in the culture.  Buying my first groceries was a bit of a challenge, I didn't know where to begin.  Many things are the same and there are american brands here.  I have yet to try the local cuisine, but I will.  It is now Sunday morning, I have been up for a few hours, as again I could not get a good nights sleep, but I'm sure tomorrow will be better.  Today I get picked up at 7 a.m. and I get to see my new school!
P.s.  I am working to get photos up, it is just not as easy as you would think.

Arrival

I was picked up at the airport by my recruiter, Gail's, husband and his friend, both of whom are italian and when I told them Italy is the place I want to go to the most they suggested I go there next summer instead of going home, I don't think that would go over too well with my family, I told them.  I spoke to Gail and she informed me that Saturday was a free day for me and that I would be picked up on Sunday at 7 a.m. to go to school. I arrived at my apartment in a quick ten minutes.  From what I saw in the dark I felt like I was in a new city but not necessarily on the other side of the world.  My apartment or flat as they call it here, is beautiful. Hardwood floors, lots of dark wood, I have my own bathroom, with a tub, large flat screen tv in the living room.  I'll post some pictures soon.  I have one flat mate, Georgina, 23 from the UK, she is also a new arrival but has been here for about a week.  She was in the other apts. the school uses and says these ones are much nicer.  We went up to the roof of the building and I met quite a few other teachers, most of whom are new to Doha.  They also come from all around the world: New Zealand, UK, Toronto, Australia to name a few.  Everyone was very kind and welcoming, I am sure there will be good friendships made.  By 12:30 a.m I was feeling quite tired and hungry so it was back to the flat, ate some toast and jam, unpacked, had a nice bath and set out to sleep in my new place.

Travel

I left Portland, Oregon on Thursday, 8/27, at 10:20 a.m. and arrived in Doha, Qatar on Friday, 8/28, at 11:00 p.m.  This included stops in San Francisco and Dubai.  Longest day of traveling in my life, but well worth it.  My flight from SF to Dubai was pretty cool (for a girl new to international traveling).  It was a pretty empty flight, so I had the middle 4 seats to myself, and was able to stretch out to sleep.  There was tons of food (free), and real utensils! I also met some great people while traveling: A woman who has been teaching at international school for 15 years, she had lots of insight for me and shared my excitement of the beginning of this, and my many other adventures to come.  Secondly I met a guy who works for google who was able to sort out some things with my new computer.  My last and shortest flight was quick and full of anticipation.  I arrived to very humid 95 degree weather!