The Honeymoons is Over...

I've never been on a honey moon before, but from what I hear, they are lovely.  Would anyone like to take me on one?

These first three months has been a honeymoon in the sense that it was not reality as I know it.  But - about 1 month ago I walked into my apartment and thought, I live here.  This odd life I live is my new reality.   This world of Doha is so far from what I would consider normality.  Nevertheless, after 3 months, it has become just that.  Normal.

Here are some aspects of my new normal:

• I live alone.  I've never done this before.  Living alone unveils who you really are....when no one is watching.  Let's just say fellowship brings out the best in me.  So-- I am working on consistency in my character.   
• Roundabouts.  You can't drive more than 1000 feet without encountering a lovely roundabout.  (I say this sarcastically).  This makes me MISS Houston driving.  And I HATE Houston driving.  Here, when asking for directions they say go to the roundabout and take a right -- but from which direction am I approaching?  Makes for a few good stories.  Here is a teaser -- Context: I was looking for a lock smith, with no gas, having to go to the bathroom, on a deadline.  I find myself hollering at 6 arab men as they tried telling me which way to go on about 5 different roundabouts to find MR. KEY (because this is the only place to get a lock here).  I accused them of the illogical roundabout design and made them fully responsible for my situation.  It was a very weak moment for me.  Story ended with me getting a good dose of humility.  I found Mr. Key - begged for a bathroom, ran across the street to a squat-pot toilet to discover -- NO toilet paper.  But, I did make my deadline.    
• Food.  WHOA.  So good.  So fresh.  I'm currently rearing back - my clothes are not fitting as they should. 
• Caste System.  This place is hard on the eyes.  It is a developing country that has a lot of money and depends on a lot of affordable manpower.  It doesn't sit well with me.  You see these "labor workers," as they call them, everywhere.  They are here, away from their families, for needed manpower for the multitude of projects going on.  They work so hard.  I admire them a lot - but it's hard to process.  Everyone says they are better off here than where they came from...so does this make it ok?           
• This is not America.  But I am very American!  In the USA - persistence is a virtue.  Here - persistence is reason to hang up on someone.  In the US- I am very virtuous.  Here - I am obnoxious.  So, I'm learning to swallow answers like "later" "no" "I will come...when?...sometime" "call me tomorrow."  
• Coffee.  Seattle is NOT into coffee.  Seattle is into coffee flavored desert beverages.  Coffee is a drug here and it is amazing.  They take it in quick, strong dosages.  I've fully embraced this part of the culture.  Along with Shisha (aka Hookah).
• Christianity.  This is a Muslim country.  There are varying opinions of how closed you should be about the fact you are Christian - I haven't quite figured it out.  But having grown up in the US and in the Church, it is a unique experience to be in a place where the majority of the people don't know the song "Jesus Loves Me."  Where the entire country is centered on a singular religion.  Where Easter is not acknowledged.  What will Christmas be like?     
• Abayas.  The women here where black garbs and black abayas over their heads.  It is hilarious how fashion is just an idea that people get convinced of.  I have gone from thinking these abayas are so dull and boring to walking up to people saying "wow, I love your abaya."  I sort of want one.  They are strangely enticing.  :) 

Yes, It's only been 3 months.  But, I am definitely stepping into a rhythm of life here .  Curious to what the next 21 months of this Doha reality will bring.