Unlike North American institutions that have already completed admitting students for the fall term by this time (July), UCQ is only now able to finalize the admissions of students to start their programs this September. So we are in the thick of things in Student Services! No time for those catch-up projects that you think you can get to when the place empties out and there's little else to do. It is also difficult to get things done because there are so few people around to consult with and make important decisions. Email and Skype help, but it's just not the same as having decision-makers on site.
Outside of work, things are quite dull. It is far too hot and humid to go out for a walk - thank goodness for treadmills. The other night as I got out of the car, my glasses fogged up!! I look on-line for events and activities to go, and at this time of year there is not a lot going on. I took in the last philharmonic concert of the season last week. The orchestra now performs in the brand new Opera House at Katara - a new cultural centre in Doha that opened last year. Katara is very nice - right on the water with a long lovely beach. There is a huge amphitheatre, the Opera house, several restaurants, a gelato shop, some art galleries, a mosque and much more to come. The Opera House is a lovely building, but when building it I don't think any thought was given to sight lines from the balcony. Our seats were comfortable, but we had to lean waaay forward and rest our chins on the railing in front of us to see anything. I am afraid of heights, so I spent much of the concert just sitting back listening to the music. The orchestra is quite good and the concert was wonderful.
During the week there was a fund-raising Quiz Night for QAWS (Qatar Animal Welfare Society). It was held at a local club that used to have a liquor license, but lost their license a few years ago. The food is good and the quiz (trivia) was fun. It was good to get out!
I am watering plants and checking apartments for some of the people who are away right now. It's in the 40's (Celsius) every day, so I'm amazed that the plants are staying alive. I'm afraid it all might be for nothing, tho, since I will be going on a Baltic cruise at the end of August and that's before anyone returns so there will be no one to water the plants while I'm away. I'll likely come home to dead plants. Oh, well, at least we won't have to move them.
Our lease is up on our apartments at the end of September and rumour has it that we will be moving rather than renewing the lease. The process of finding a new place has been quite frustrating. We have a couple of colleagues from the building working with the HR people on this. They looked at many buildings, made their recommendations, and from what I understand if this had been Canada the deal would have been done a couple of months ago. However, we are in Doha and the final decision of where we will live seems to hinge on whose palm is getting greased. At any rate, the move will take place while I'm in Canada. I'm not looking forward to having to pack up my apartment at the same time I'm packing to head to Canada!
But first we have to make it through the holy month of Ramadan which starts on the first of August. It's illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during Ramadan. We have to eat/drink behind closed doors at work so we won't offend any of our Muslim colleagues. Grocery stores are open, but malls and other stores don't open until after sunset and stay open until very late. Driving is crazy here at the best of times, but just add hungry, thirsty drivers to that equation and you know you are in greater jeopardy than usual.
So spare a good thought for me this summer - it truly is a test of my resilience! Looking forward to seeing family and friends in September!
