Day 1
THE JOURNEY
A little view of another country
Dear Students,
This morning I was talking to one of you about your fears about camp. I think the important thing to note is that it is ok to feel fear and be afraid of new experiences but don’t let that fear keep you from accomplishing the things you want to. I get scared and anxious every time I travel to a new country but if I let that fear take hold I would never have a chance to see the world and make a change. You have to face those fears and believe in yourself. I know you all can.
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” Mandela
So today I faced my anxiety and got on a 16 hour plane to Qatar. Think about that... I would have been on the plane for two full school days! But they have food and movies and even an empty middle seat! Plus you are in a giant flying machine. That is pretty darn cool.
I have a 15 hour layover here in Qatar so I’m taking a tour and I’ll take notes as I go so you guys can learn about this country with me as you see the vlog.
Some things to learn about Qatar on our tour:
2.8 million people-- 85% expats (people from another country)-- 180 nationalities
Rarely rains-- Water comes from sea they desalt it-- Arabic is official language
Major religion is Muslim-- 1 USD = 3.6-- Typically warm-- Rocky terrain-- First Income from fishing and pearl diving; now- oil-- Qatar has one of the lowest tax rates in the world-- World’s richest country-- Lowest crime rate in the Middle East
One of safest countries in world-- Medical care is free for locals
Goat, sheep, and camels found here-- If you live here for 20 years and speak Arabic you can apply for citizenship--Oryx is national animal-- Arabian camels can store 35kg of fat which turns into water and energy when they can’t find water or food--5,000 a month to rent an apartment on the Pearl, a man made island-- Traditional clothing is worn, it helps with heat and sandstorms
Women wear the hijab- just like in Amal Unbound--Handshakes are not common here-- Traditional foods are seafood based-- Pork is not served-- There is a royal family who lives in a palace and his majesty’s face is all over the buildings and cars-- Camel racing and falconry are popular-- World Cup will be held here is 2022-- Weekend is Friday and Saturday-- Work week starts on Sunday