Sunday marked the start of our full week of clinical days. From Sunday to Thursday we didn't really do much of anything but the occasional trip to the Souq Waqif or to the grocery store. We have settled in to the time change and way of life here a little better. We're still blown away by the way that most Qatari people live so extravagantly here. Being at the hospital though, we have seen the large disparity among expat workers and the Qataris. It has been a great experience to see all of the different procedures and cultures in the hospital. In particular this week, Lisa witnessed CPR performed on a patient using a Lucas device - a mechanical compression device that does CPR! Subtle cultural differences are everywhere in the hospitals. For example, each room in the hospital has a sticker on the ceiling to accommodate for Muslims wanting to pray in the correct direction. We are getting great clinical experience, but we are mostly enjoying the welcoming staff and friendly people - and Starbucks.

Lisa, Meaghan, and Taylor enjoyed some amazing McDonald's delivery on Tuesday night. The ¼ pounder with cheese and chicken Mcnuggets taste the same here, as we were happy to discover! Again on Thursday evening we ordered some delivery from a Chinese/Indian/Turkish/Everything-else-you-can-think-of, and Lisa and Meaghan were entertained as Sharon fought with the delivery man over her missing drink.

The highlight of this week was definitely kayaking on Friday. There were about 10 of us that went sea kayaking along the coast near Al Khor, north of Doha. We met a nice couple from the US that told us all about their experience here over the past 2 years. It turns out that Doha isn't actually that different from Calgary or North America, once you get past all of the construction and different religion. Though the tour description made it seem like it would be mostly mangroves, we ended up kayaking along the sea, against a strong wind and current. Our arms will be sore for a while from all of that paddling! We kayaked across the sea a little ways to a small island/peninsula and saw a group of flamingos and other birds, which was really cool. Because we were drenched in salt water, we didn't have our cameras, but we are waiting on the tour group to send us some pictures that they took! We headed back to our cars after that- but not without some crazy wind to conquer and some motor boats to dodge! In two years, the hardly developed beach that we saw in this area will be a 5 star resort.

Once we got back to Doha we spent the evening at the Souq Waqif and had some very good Iraqi food - with delicious complimentary dessert! Friday marked the first day of the spring festival in Doha, so the Souq was packed with people and different things to see and do, including a giant wall to color on, living statues, magic shows, and bouncy castles! There were several stages set up throughout the market, and there were very famous Arabic performers there. All of the people from the Middle East were very excited. We will definitely be back to experience more of this festival as is continues throughout February.