I’ve been home almost a week now, and am just starting (today, actually) to feel like myself again! I lazied around all morning watching movies in bed, but am making up for it this evening my making a chicken stock, going for a run, and doing a rush house cleaning because the contractor is here doing measurements for the basement wall removal – our in progress home improvement! It’s nice to be home and doing these normal things again.

My last few days in Doha were rushed, and exhausting! I did want to share a few pictures from these days though, as I tried to enjoy a couple of my favorite things about the Middle East, and the things about Doha that grew on me.

First – mansef! This is a Jordanian dish that is certainly an acquired taste – but something I have not had since my friend Bryan’s birthday a couple of years ago. There was a Jordanian restaurant behind the hotel and I headed there with a few of my co-workers on one my last nights there. Mansef is usually boiled lamb or goat with a salty yogurt sauce, pine nuts, and parsley. Yes, I am aware of how it sounds.

Next, the Souq Wagif. A souq is simply an outdoor market, but this souq is large, partially covered, with a combination of tourist restaurants as well as more traditional Arab shopping. I would spend most Thursday nights at the souq with co-workers for dinner, or just to enjoy sitting outside and drinking tea.

Towards the end of my trip, I discovered this side of the souq which has horse stables. I think that this view, with the more traditional looking buildings and the modern city in the background is a good representation of Doha.

The trek home was long, and I was not feeling that great, so I think that has made my readjusting rougher – but, one thing that was very welcome upon my return was a spring snowfall! 🙂 All I have been wanting was snow – and it snowed away while I was gone, much to Erin’s dismay. But – I was so happy to have one beautiful white day upon my return!

The snow was gone by the evening, and today we’ve been enjoying beautiful spring weather! We got this photo on a walk the other night.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter – I know my family is having a big get together, and I am sad that I will not be there to join them – but, I am planning to work in the yard tomorrow morning and then spend the rest of the day hitting some museums!