News From Home!

Brendan's sister Julia and her husband Mike just had a healthy baby girl, Eleanor Isobel Tite, on the 27th January. We so look forward to seeing her later this year! Kisses from Uncle Brendan, Aunty Samantha, Cousins Isabelle & Matilda

Isabelle has lost her first tooth!

I can still remember the day this tooth popped out when she was four months old! Doesn't seem so long ago. Our baby is growing up!

(SCROLL DOWN FOR CHRISTMAS IN SWEDEN PHOTOS!!)

Happy 2007! from Qatar

Hello!

Hope you all had a joyous Christmas/Hanukkah and a fantastic start to 2007!

We really had a magnificent trip to Sweden. It all started with knowing half the plane on our way there (many families leaving Doha once the school term was over). The girls coped really well, and Brendan found out how much ‘fun’ it can be flying with kids. (I'm wondering how he got away with avoiding it for so long!) Nineteen hours later, we were at my uncle & aunt's home in the south of Sweden. It was wonderful being there in their home. Full of memories for me (spent many happy days there as a kid every summer), and such a warm place, both in temperature and in spirit. The house was decorated in true Swedish style, glowing lights in all the windows and on all the tables, lots of Christmas cheer. Just one thing missing, snow! According to the media, it was to greenest Christmas since 1957!

On the first day, we spent some precious time with my grandparents. They relished the chance to see the girls and to meet Brendan. Last time I was in Sweden was for the new millennium seven years ago! That was “pre-Brendan”, so everyone was eager to meet my little family.

The next day was already Christmas (we celebrate on the eve in Sweden) and we had the most delicious table laid out in front of us. I lost count on how many meatballs Isabelle ate, and both Brendan and I kept returning to fill our plates! Brendan sat next to my uncle who kept the schnapps flowing. It was a very MERRY Christmas, indeed. Santa arrived at the back door, having trekked through the forest. He was a hit with both adults and kids!

Next caught up with Mum’s cousin and her husband, who lived in Doha 25 years ago. They showed us a video of what it looked like then, which was fascinating. Needless to say, Doha is more than two major roads and one hotel now. Brendan was most impressed by Ingmar’s purpose-built bar downstairs, and they both disappeared for a while.

We took the speed train up to Stockholm and stayed in a destined-for-Vogue-living apartment right in the heart of the city thanks to a close family friend. How lucky were we! Caught up with a school friend who I haven’t seen for 17 years (!!) and another close family friend, and how fortunate it was that her daughter and family were visiting from Portugal. Spent the days showing off the beautiful city, visiting Pippi Langstrump, and shopping. Oh yeah, and did I mention eating!? Coming from café-bare Doha, we certainly indulged gastronomically. Brendan was impressed that I still managed to find my way around (actually I think the word he used was “amazed”). I had a wonderful 29th birthday, and got a lovely watch from Brendan. I’m a very lucky girl.

We returned to the south of Sweden, and stayed with my cousin Annika and her husband Johan, son Erik, two Icelandic horses, two Old English Sheepdogs, and cat on a fabulous property. Much to my delight, we went horseriding in the forest a couple of times – oh, the feeling of galloping in the open is marvelous! I’m determined to find a riding school here in Doha now. We celebrated New Year’s Eve on the second storey balcony with champagne watching fireworks all around us. This is legal in Sweden, so every Tom, Dick & Harry lights up their own pyrotechnic show in their backyard. It was awesome!

On our way back to Doha, we stopped in Malmo for a night and met another cousin and her family. Also, had time to shop a little more, and eat a bit more bacon! So, with our near-bursting suitcases (c’mon, we only had two bags… next time I’m bringing extra empty cases!), we boarded our plane to Frankfurt, and then home to Doha (again, there were several Maersk families on board!)

I can honestly say it felt good coming home. Not only returning to our own beds, but to our life here. Isabelle woke up the next morning, got dressed and ran out to see all her friends, and we didn’t see her until 6pm that night! I’ve returned feeling recharged, and ever so grateful for the opportunity to connect with family again.

We took hundreds of photos, but I have put a just a few on our blog. Again, it is www.whitefamily8.blogspot.com

Look forward to hearing your news in 2007!
Samantha, Brendan, Isabelle & Matilda xxxx

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! God Jul och Gott Nytt Ar!

Here is my entry about our wonderful trip to Sweden!

We had a blast!

We arrived late on the 22nd December in Copenhagen, then took the train directly to Hassleholm where my uncle Johnny picked us up. Walking into Johnny & Agneta's warm home, both in temperature and spirit, was reallly wonderful. I have an abundance of joyful memories of playing with my cousins every summer growing up. After a good night's rest and a mighty breakfast we headed out for a 5km walk to Lursjon... it was definitely chilly, I even had to steal, I mean borrow, my own child's beanie!

Got to spend some precious time with my grandparents. I hadn't been back in Sweden for 7 years (pre-Brendan) and they were delighted to meet my little family.

Christmas is celebrated early in Sweden on the eve, so here is Brendan tucking into his 3rd helping of food and continuous schnapps on the 24th!

Isabelle and my cousin Anneli getting into the Christmas spirit. We lost count on how many meatballs Isabelle ate!

Matilda and I digging in too! Yum!

Christmas Day morning... we discover that Matilda is a die hard animal lover - she squeals with delight when she sees cats, dogs, horses - all of which we were surrounded by on our trip!

Caught up with Mum's cousin and her husband... Isabelle charmed them! (I have no photographic proof, but Brendan got cosy in Ingmar's purpose built underground bar.)

We spent a few days in Stockholm where it was so cold the squirrels froze to the stones...

Back in the south of Sweden, we stayed with my cousin Annika, her husband Johan, son Erik, and baby number 2 on the way. It was marvellous! All 3 White girls got to go horseriding on their Icelandic horses, and we were all so delighted!


Indulging in hot chocolate and mandarins in the hayloft after one of our rides.

On our way home to Doha, we stopped by in Malmo to catch up with one more cousin and her family. Nicole, Olof, Sebastian and Alice.

We had such a joyous Christmas and New Year. Lots of lovely memories to warm the heart.

Thanks to all who contributed to this.

Matilda visits the Souks

Here we are in the downtown souks, picking up some last minute trinkets for Christmas. It took a bit of persuasion to get Matilda off the donkey!

Christmas Party in Green Village 8/12/2006

What a party!! We had 62 excited kids to entertain with several activity stations. We made tree decorations, angels, tea light holders; we decorated homemade cookies, had our faces painted and pinned the nose on Rudolph! It was so much fun! And best of all, Santa arrived on a Harley Davidson! I organised a Secret Santa, so everyone bought presents for other children. Here are some photos...

Michelle, face painter extraordinaire!

Jill, juggling her own three kids and an activity station!

Baskets full of presents for the children from Santa Claus! (Do you like the fake snow?)

Now, where is Santa?? The kids were hanging out of the windows chanting his name...

Here he comes! Thanks for the ride, Thierry!

The kids mobbed him in the street and brought him in to hand out the presents!

Isabelle was very patient and happy to get her present (she got just what she asked for - the most beautiful Barbie in the world). Matilda didn't cry, but was very concerned about the man in the red suit.

We had lots and lots of homebaked goodies to indulge in after!

Here we are talking to Green Village's newest resident - Karen! She was born here in Doha, and is already 3 months old!

Sisters!

Lovely photo of sisters in our kitchen.

Morning after

Girls (& Brendan) playing with our Opening Ceremony participation kits. Flags, glowing pearls, strobe lights, drums, flashing fans... so much fun to be had!

And here is Matilda splashing around in rain puddle right outside our front gate. Smart girl getting her sister's shoes wet instead of her own!

15th Asian Games in Doha, and we went to the Opening Ceremony!

We hosted a pre-ceremony BBQ at our house, and then walked down to Khalifa Stadium to join the other 40,000 people for the opening ceremony. Unfortunately, it poured with rain (go figure - it hasn't rained in two years!) and we got soaked on our way there. Our spirits weren't dampened though, with excitement building all around us.

Fortunately we were seated somewhere above the Emir of Qatar, so we were under cover and protected from the elements. The show was brilliant! Here are some of my photos, but for better quality shots, go to www.doha-2006.com (actually a good spot to have a look at photos around Doha). This event is second only to the Olympic Games, in regards to size and budgets. It is also run every four years, and involves 45 countries competing in 39 sports.

This is a photo of the HUGE torch next to the stadium built by a sheik who now has a 4 storey apartment is the middle of it, with a pool extending out from the tower. Amazing but true. It is lit up from top to bottom and is here scrolling "ASIAN GAMES DOHA 2006".








Here we are entering the stadium grounds. The red arc you can see is the border of the WORLD'S LARGEST SCREEN. It was transparent until they started showing images on it!

(L) A thousand Qataris in dish dash (white gown worn by men) on stage light up red & white torches to make the Qatari flag. Audience waving wildly also.
(R) Giant images of Asia suddenly appear from wagons brought on by dancers in elaborate costumes.












(L) Fifty Arabian horses ridden in formations at high speed and accuracy.
(R) Paying tribute to oil and gas reserves... I think this is when Brendan started cheering!












Some fireworks on stage...
There was also an amzing show of fireworks at the end, but my photos don't do it justice. Let me just say, they had spared no expense!











(L) At the end of the parade of nations, Qatar's team enters to huge applause and cheering. (catch a glimpse of the Emir on the LARGE screen)
(R) Singapore's team in red in the middle... GO SINGAPURA!

Then we listened to Hong Kong popstar Jackie Cheung sing and later Jose Carreras perform. Thousands of Qatari school children ran on with glowing doves to signify peace.




























"The Torch found its way to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Qatari equestrian captain who rose through the floor of the stadium astride his horse to accept the Flame. After giving a brief salute to the Emir, Al-Thani then turned and urged his mount into a gallop as he gallantly rode up a ramp that reached the full height of the stadium, much to the audience’s amazement. At the top the Torch lit a gold star, which turned upwards within revolving circles which became the astrolabe of the Seekers quest. The Flame was lit signalling the start of the 15th Asian Games."


The tower which you saw at the beginning was simultaneously lit, and here you can see the top of the huge structure from our bedroom window the next morning.

It's raining in Doha!

Whoa! It has finally rained here! I've even taken a photo to prove it... (some drops on our dusty pavement - most of it evaporated quickly).

It was pretty fun actually, everyone came out of their homes to feel the rain. It hasn't rained for two years apparently...

Mind you, it wasn't a big shower, and now the dust has turned into mud.

Close Ups!

Just took these pictures of the girls as they were sharing a packet of biscuits... so cute!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Matilda's favourite song, and she is just working out the hand movements! She is a little groover, just loves to dance and bop along to any tune!

October & November all rolled into one!

Hello!

Wow, what a busy two months we've had! Actually, looking back, I have no idea what we did in October, just that we were busy!

Of course, we had a HUGE Halloween Party for the kids in the compound (imagine 100 kids in scary costumes and face paint, fueled by fruit juice, candy, cake, chocolate and more candy!). We decorated the club room with spiderwebs, flashing skeletons, ghosts, and pumpkins. It was awesome... and LOUD! I have put some photos on our blog... Halloween fun continued the next night with endless trick-or-treaters. Matilda and I sat at the front gate happily chatting to all the witches and vampires, showering them in candy!

Brendan had another trip to Scandinavia (lucky bugger), and was spellbound by the fjords of Norway. He can't remember what the meetings were about, because he just kept staring out the window at the amazing view! (This is what he tells me, but I'm sure it may also have been due to the Akvavit!) He had 8 flights in as many days and saw bits of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Was there in time for the first snowfall of the season, and grabbed snow gear for the girls for our upcoming White Christmas. He thinks Scandinavia is a really beautiful place, but could probably live the rest of his life without touching Lutfisk (local delicacy - jellied fish) again. Little does he know, we'll be sampling that again at Christmastime!

We went to The Qatar Caledonian's St Andrew's Ball, which was great fun. I think Brendan was the only person there without a skirt (sorry, kilt) and we definitely looked out of place when we got up for a jig, not realising that you needed a third person to join in! Oh well! They had flown in a true Scottish band, and I got a tear in my eye when the pipers entered the room (from PLC days). We left at 1am, but I hear that there was jiggin' tae the wee sma' hours.

Of course, I have been studying (ie. procrastinating) hard and have handed in all assignments and journals, and sat my exam. So, I am officially on summer break. I'm finally getting out and about in Doha, experiencing what all the other expat ladies have been up to. Brendan is getting worried, and is strongly encouraging me to look into summer school, because I have booked the painters, started sketching a mural for the garden wall, buying and planting potplants (I know! Me doing the garden?!), and eyeing more furniture for our home. I've just discovered some great shops with local and gorgeous amazing I-gotta-have-it furniture, very hard to resist. Also, went to the markets and found some treasures. Off to the gold souk (market) this week, which apparently is super cheap, because you're paying for gold by the weight and no labour costs, and you can get any design you want. I'm getting excited just telling you about it!

Anyway, change the topic. The weather has cooled down a lot, and we're all complaining about how cold we are. The airconditioners have slowly been shut off, and we're running on 2 out of 10 now. Today was especially 'cold' at a max of 27 degrees. Brrrrr.

Doha is now really gearing up for the Asian Games (of course, there has been major construction for about 2 years), with only a fortnight to go to the opening ceremony. We have tickets to the sellout show, Jose Carreras is performing, and a heap of other international stars who we are not familiar with, but are huge celebrities in Asia - think Hong Kong popstars, Bollywood actor/singers, Lebanese songstress etc. Apparently the budget for the opening ceremony (choreographed by aussie David Atkins) is 5 times the opening ceremony at Sydney Olympics. The Qatar airspace will be closed to all aircraft during the show, even emergency medical helicopters - so Brendan's work has been notified that they may not rescue anyone offshore during 6pm and midnight!

The girls are doing well. Matilda chats to anyone, including her reflection in the oven door, all day long. She is not saying anything we understand yet, but hey, maybe it's Arabic? Or Danish? French? Whow knows, she could have picked up anything in this compound! We don't see much of Isabelle... she comes home from school, eats a huge bowl of pasta, changes into her bikeriding clothes, and is gone... until she is hungry again. She sure is her father's daughter! She spends her time cycling around the whole compound, which is fairly large (101 villas), with so many friends. It is really fantastic living like this, there is always someone to play with. Plus, we always seem to have more (than our 2) kids at our house - the other day we had 6 kids in our kitchen, all thirsty for juice! And whenever I am baking, which is several times a week, I always have a couple of helpers to crack eggs, mix dough, or lick spoons! Matilda loves it, but sometimes I think she wonders if we have swapped Isabelle for a new sibling for her.

So, things are great. We're counting down the weeks now until we go to Sweden.
Hope y'all have a great lead up to the festive season.
Love, Samantha, Brendan, Isabelle & Matilda xxxx

Overnight Trip in the Desert

Brendan and Isabelle camped out in the Qatari desert by the inland sea.
Not much sleep, but great fun! (Here you can see Saudi Arabia in the background.)