I.M. Pei

For some time I have been looking forward to the opening of the Museum of Islamic Art here in Doha. I was excited for many reasons. The greatest of which is a chance to see a building designed by the world renowned architect I.M. Pei. The VCU Qatar Interior Design department faculty and students were invited to a panel discussion in honor of Mr. Pei. We went this morning, knowing Mr. Pei would not be at this event. He was at the big grand opening last night. At the beginning of the panel discussion we were informed that he might join us later in the discussion. About 10 minutes into the discussion the speaker said, "I have been informed Mr. Pei has joined us." The audience immediately started clapping. I looked to my right (I was sitting at the end of the row) and there he stood, right next to me. In my mind I thought, "the world famous architect, I.M. Pei is standing right next to me, I should take a picture." I pulled out my camera and only had time to take a shot "from the hip"and shoot the picture without looking through the view finder.

So I now have a lovey picture of Mr. Pei's jacket lapel and buttons as proof that I was next to him.

I was able to take a picture of him at the luncheon afterwards. (The lunch menu itself was worth going for.) I probably could have had my picture taken with him but so many other people were doing it so I didn't want to bother him.

Girl Scout

Yesterday Abbey was inducted into the Girl Scouts of America. There was a flag ceremony, including the pledge of allegiance, a skit, then the actual induction. This photo shows Abbey with one of her leaders, Cydney Woolley, as Abbey sees her reflection in the water. Abbey is a Brownie Scout. She did a great job and has a lot of fun.

This is Abbey with the girls in her unit and other units in Doha. (I don't know what you call a group of girl scouts.)

Abbey taking part in a skit. Where would the world be without girl scout and boy scout activities? Where else do you really get to act your age and get rewarded for it?

Another Field Trip

This time I joined a fellow professor on a field trip to a couple of restaurants in the old souque. A former student of his agreed to take the students to a couple or restaurants she designed. They also happen to be her husband's restaurants. She was very nice and took a lot of time with the students. Both restaurants are near completion and will open in two weeks. They were very intrigued to hear how an interior designer works in the real world.

This is a photo of the students with our host in the middle and another adjunct professor behind her. Our host is also expecting a child. Here in Doha most of the work is done on site because the art of reading architectural drawings has not been too well developed. The past few months have been difficult for her to spend so much time on site.

Even though the restaurants are not opened they are fully staffed. We were treated to what I think was Moroccan tea. I didn't drink any of course but I was fascinated by the service.

A shot of the tables outside the restaurant.

One more. I'm getting kind of artsy with the camera angles.

Here is a shot of the restoration going on at the old souque. I believe the timber pieces are original.

Wedding

I just wanted to share some images from Ben and Mary's wedding and our trip home.

The happy couple.

Dianna at the wedding dinner.

Abbey before the wedding dinner.

Our heroes, Ed and Ann, Parent's of the bride. Thanks again for everything. We are looking forward to Sunday dinner next summer.

The rock solid family, Jared, Kristy and Thomas. Thanks for being there.

Including Kimball.

This is what happens when Grandpa is allowed to babysit.

It was so good to see everyone else also: Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma Giggey, Grandpa and Grandma Drawe, Marcell, Brook and Rod, Jake (thanks for coming all the way from Chicago) Jan (Abbey was surprised to learn that you are not our blood sister), Mark and Amy, Our dearest friends the Reilleys, Blake (the wedding video rocked) Aunt Kathy, all of the Smith family, our friends from the Bountiful Shadows ward, Joel and Jenny and their children, Esther and so many others. (I don't think I used any full names, I want to be internet safe) We love and miss you all.

Finally I wanted to share one last experience. While waiting in the Amsterdam airport for our flight home we met Lance Corporal Huff of the US Marines. He was on his way home for a two week leave. He is stationed in Iraq. He was making a bitter sweet trip. He was going home for his father's funeral and while there he would see his newborn daughter for the first time. We are so grateful for our troops and we pray for them. He gave me an insignia from his uniform with his rank and name on it and asked us to pray for the troops.

We love our friends and family. Thanks to all of you who wanted to be there and couldn't. We miss you too.

Friends

We have met so many wonderful people that we love so much since we have been here in Doha. This is a family we met through church. Flauber, Julianna and Vivian. Dianna has written about them in her blog. They were over for dinner on Friday and we learned all about them, their culture and their homeland of Brazil. They were very kind to spend so much time with us and let us share a little about ourselves as well. Vivian speaks very little English but you can tell by the smile on her face that she gets along just fine. We are learning a very little bit of Portuguese from her.

Field Trip

Today I took 5 of my students on a field trip to a mid-rise office and residential tower under construction. Out of respect to thier costumes or religion I asked for permision to take their picture. Three of them said no but suggested I take this image that does not show their faces. I think this is a very telling image of our experience here in Doha. My students want very much to be a part of the amazing development and progress that this world has to offer while respecting their own heritage and family traditions. It is not often you would see women in Abayas and hard hats on the construction site.

This is an image from the same tower looking east across Doha into the Arabian Gulf.






... and west with the desert and Saudi Arabia beyond.