So, we are in Doha!!! But what a journey we have had... It all started so well - leaving Cardiff, Heathrow-bound, at lunchtime yesterday and taking time on the bus journey to the airport to read and bounce ideas about our research format etc. This was short-lived however, and was soon replaced with sheer excitement and butterflies about the adventure that awaited us! So much so, that we were exhausted by the time we reached our villa at 7am today and so took a much-needed nap to catch up :)
Our home here is beautiful - lovely spacious rooms and all of the facilities we could ever need to feel at-home and welcome in this unique place.
I say unique, because this is EXACTLY how I would describe Doha on first impressions. We were treated to a whistle-stop tour and lovely dinner with our super supportive mentor Wendy from #Dohacollege and the sights, sound and indeed smells were truly breathtaking. As always, the call to prayer is super touching and would stir emotion in just about anyone, but the harmonious tones of the men reciting from the mosque just outside our compound was truly something else!
The Corniche (harbour-front area) is a perfect juxtaposition of splendidly luxurious architecture and the calm waters of the harbour itself - with old traditional boats bobbing up and down boasting the Qatari flag at every opportunity.
The Souq Waqif is just like Marrakech, with the smell of succulent spices entwining with the sweet, fruity smell of shisha pipes on every street cafe. BUT! Beware of street cats, as they are rather partial to pizza it seems - as well as Hannah's arm!
However, The one thing which has struck me most about this awesome city is the sense of patriotism. For such a young country to have such a solid sense of its identity - despite Doha being HUGELY diverse, is a real treat to see. With flags flying on cars and buildings, children proudly wearing images of Sheikh Tamim etc. it is clear that, regardless of the issues this country faces right now, Doha is stronger than ever and I cannot wait to explore even more, before I begin my #actionresearch project and meet my lovely class on Sunday :)
Plan for tomorrow: A tad more orientation and then to plan how exactly I am going to find my baseline and measure pupils' progress throughout my #flippedlearning intervention. I have written and shared that plan now, so hopefully I will stick to it and not be distracted by the shiny sights of this amazing place! I am accountable to you all now :)