QaTarheel: Exploring Qatar & the Arab World

March 9, 2023 One of my favorite experiences on trips is window-watching. I love that time in a car, on a train, or on a bus to stare out the window and capture the scenery. The ride to our desert adventure allowed plenty of opportunity. As we drove the thirty-five miles south of Doha, we left the city and entered more remote stretches. There were a number of massive oil and gas operations, and we learned they were placed there purposefully. Their location kept them isolated from populated areas.   There were also large storage lots with campers and other vehicles. The Qataris enjoy camping in the desert while riding their 4-wheel vehicles in the dunes. They drop off the campers in these storage areas before heading back to the city, and then they pick them up the next time that they head out. Winter is the high season for playing in the dunes, so we were there just at the end of that period. I was able to see (and hear) several parties out in souped up cars roaring and slidin...

March 7, 2023 Our first site visit was one of the most powerful for me. We started Tuesday morning at the Education City Mosque. Initially, we planned to visit both this mosque and another, more traditional one later in the week. The latter visit was unfortunately canceled, and I was disappointed not to have that other side of the worship experience in Qatar. The Education City Mosque felt modern, sleek, and intellectual. I did not have the opportunity to interact with many of the mosque's members, but I would not be surprised if they were on the younger and more affluent end of the spectrum.  Affectionately called "the spaceship," the mosque displays bold and beautiful design. As one who loves to take pictures--especially pictures of architecture and design--I was in my element. The glass panels and curved lines of the exterior played with the sunlight and sky. This building was definitely built to stand out. The Education City Mosque is actually two facilities -- a wors...