Quick trip to Doha

Good morning

 Good morning.  Once again back in Cyprus after a quick 4 day trip to Doha, once again staying at the St. Regis Hotel.  Certainly live sup to its 5* billing with a lovely room with true sea view.

This trip was not without its moments with to flight changes on the way via Amman in Jordan, then Bahrain and finally Doha, meaning 10 hours all told. However I arrived safely but my case did not and for 20 hours I was without a change of clothes until eventually heading for a shopping mall for replacements.  It was 36 hours before my case eventually re-appeared.

HRH Prince Michael of Kent speaks with students

This meant I missed lunch on the first day at the Islamic Museum with HRH Prince Michael of Kent who had come to Doha to perform the opening ceremony of the new teaching block at one of the schools.  Couldn't go to lunch with members of the British and Qatari Royal families in jeans and T shirt! I have been working solidly to get this project finished for the last 6 months so it was good to see it eventually opened.  I did get to meet the Prince (we have met before at school openings) on day two when he officially cut the ribbon when I was suitably attired.  As ever he was delightful, interested and really excellent with the children.


Day three was a trip to our school in Al Khor, a 40 minute drive to the north of Doha.  We need to build some more classrooms. Not sure if it shows very well but it is the northern settlement on the picture to the left just to the north of the inlet in central of the picture.  I took the picture from the plane on the homeward journey. Currently only a few thousand people but it is expected to have 0.7 million in ten years time!

The building between Doha and Al Khor is immense and even though only four weeks since I was last there the changes are noticeable.  Al Khor will be one of the centres for the World Cup in 2022.

Flights back were fairly uneventful and I arrived complete with case.  A quick SMS to Lillian for the 'taxi service' and home.  Now here for a whole week.  Watch this space.