The day I crossed over
 

Just a tongue in cheek observation of life.

There seems to be two main stream expat lives here, in Qatar anyway, elsewhere in the Gulf, I dont know.

Today I go on vacation, so no work, flight leaves tonight, so time to look around. It feels like a bit when you skip school and see how life goes on in your absence.

For 5 yrs plus I've spent at least 1 hour each way to work and back, 50km south of Doha, a routine like most other working blokes I guess. And, like most other working blokes, when ever we venture out as a 'family unit' after work, or at weekends, it's at the same time as all the other 'family units' you bump into, you know, shopping, eating out, movies, parks etc.

So this morning I tag along with the wife (I love that, 'the wife', they hate it:rofl: ) Anyway, first stop 'Le Notre' for breaky. Good here, open buffet QR60.

Now, imagine, throw your self back in time, say the early colonial days of Singapore, housewives gathered around a table sipping tea and eating scones at Raffles hotel. with colourful skirts and straw hats. Picture it?

This moment at 'Le Notre', granted, minus the hats and old fashioned skirts and aircon instead of ceiling fans, was truly a 'flashback'.

I counted, and, 80% of the tables were just as above. I thought, is this how the other half live. I couldn't help mimicking an imaginary conversation on the empty table next to us:

"I say Majorie, sip, sip, how's George doing in the desert these days"

"Can't complain darling, sip, sip, but he's so inconsiderate, if I've asked him once I've asked him a thousand times, empty the sand from your pockets before putting the overalls in the laundry"

"I know dear, James is the same, the maid just cleaned the kitchen floor and in he comes dripping sweat every where"

"Oh I know Joyce, it's so hard, another scone darling?"

Well, the wife thought it funny, even though I am encroaching on her life style. I couldn't help thinking, at this time I would usually be 30m up a column hanging on to scaffold somewhere south of Doha!

So, a few last minute chores before the airport and my wife suggests just enough time to fit Starbucks in before picking up our son from school.

Starbucks, not sure if it is an alternative to 'Le Notre' or a natural progression for the 'straw hat' brigade to relax after breakfast. But needless to say, all the soft seats were taken up and all the newspapers being read!!
At this time, on a normal working day, I would be somewhere in the desert looking at a piece of pipe.

I had to ask her (the wife), is this it? Is this life on the other side? And the answer, more or less, yes it is, so what, what else do we do? Apart from say "go get a job", I had to agree with her. (How many expat husbands would have the courage to say that hey, go get a job":lol: )

Now, I just know there are many itchy fingers out there wanting to respond with 'the story from the other side'. I am sure Mum's out there are akin to a perpetual taxi service with lots of other chores thrown in. Mothers and house wives with no maids cleaning floors. And yes, lots of wives do work.

But wait. Who's complaining here, go back to my first line.

We all know it's not easy at times, and I remember what my boss at the time told me when I first arrived, after I asked him how he'd stuck it for so long. If your wife and family are happy, then you can stay for as long as you want, (contract allowing ofcourse). once she falls out with the place, your days are numbered,

And thats my take on it, my wife does not need to work, thats her choice. What she does in her spare time, up to her, go have tea and 'wear a straw hat':thumbsup: As long as she is happy.

I just thought the initial scenario in Le Notre' was quite funny and wanted to share.;)

On my return from leave, it's back to the desert 40 plus centigrade, sipping water and eating sand ............ and wearing a hard hat!!!

Re: The day I crossed over
 

I like your style, CS. A salutory lesson in something....I'm not quite sure what. :thumbsup:

Anyhoo, that belongs on a blog.

Also, as someone who is considering a possible move to Doha from Dubai, pray tell me what I can say to the WIFE to make her see that it won't be such an upheaval?

Re: The day I crossed over
 

Yeh, it is more of a blog type thing, but who would read it there?

Oh, it will be an upheaval alright!! However, whether for better or worse is a matter of opinion.

It is a lot quieter and laid back here in Qatar, soon run out of things to do though. Why not pop over for a weekend before hand, or even send your wife over, my wife will be happy to show her around a bit.

Re: The day I crossed over
 

China Syndrome

I think I am in love - room for a 2nd wife?

Re: The day I crossed over
 

Love it ...........:rofl: ............very true.....:lol:
My DH is always telling me to get a job, hasnt happened yet.:blink:
He often compares my luncheons and coffee mornings to him walking round site in boiling hot sun 6 days a week....
Hes just jealous........:lol:

Tough life here....:frown:

Re: The day I crossed over
 

TS ... your husband must be a clone of mine ... :eek::p

Re: The day I crossed over
 

does anyone realise how much this thread has p***** me off?

Re: The day I crossed over
 

No, why? Did it hit a raw nerve?

Re: The day I crossed over
 

That was me, not clifford, by the way.

Re: The day I crossed over
 

you ok beebee??? :confused:

Re: The day I crossed over
 

yes sweetie.. never hit a raw nerve.. the opposite actually.. but i know i am the exception to the rule.. thanks for the concern .. karma sent xx

Re: The day I crossed over
 

Thanks CS . best post i've read for eons.......... When i jacked it in in Dubai i had a few days cruising round solo, and its exactly the same as Doha.....

The Lime Tree anyone????

Re: The day I crossed over
 

A great read CS, and yes I'm one of those wives. "Can work, wont work". :p

No honestly, after working and bringing up a family I've decided (think husband agrees) that this is my time. Husband just keeps asking when is it going to be his time. There's no answer to that I'm afraid :D

Re: The day I crossed over
 

Oh God, yeah. The Slime Tree Café is nearly as far up its own arse as the clientele. The staff are universally surly and ignorant (no effort required - we're the best café in town, you know), and the prices are ridiculous. The carrot cake is nice, I'll grant it that much.

Re: The day I crossed over
 

That doesn't seem fair. If you are no longer bringing up children, why should you be supported when you could be making a contribution?