Dubai, UAE

Less than 48 hours in Dubai ended up being SO MUCH FUN. Due to visa restraints, we were required to leave Qatar. We decided to make the most of it and fit as much as we could into our short trip. Highlights include staying in the world's tallest hotel, visiting an aquarium, going to the Burj Khalifa, riding the metro, regularly sampling ice cream, and skiing in a mall.

so happy to be in the Burj Khalifa!!!

Women and children only on the metro!

We had so much fun!!! So cool to experience Dubai.

off the road

Loved spending last weekend driving through Zekreet, Qatar. Zekreet is on the about an hours drive opposite of Doha. It really showcases how beautiful Qatar can be. BEIGE IS BEAUTIFUL :-)

I'm loving my time here and having such a blast! Thanks for all the love. 

An Indian Village

Five things I learned in Adasarlapadu, India:


1. I LOVE INDIA!!

2. I'm terrified of stray dogs, especially when they try to attack me.

3. I am not very skilled at taking bucket showers.

4. How to eat with my hand. Indian people artfully eat with their right hand at every meal and it is FUN!

5. I love Indian bananas. They are tiny and delicious and I ate sooooo many of them in the village.

Come & Get It

Thanks so much to all my pals who joined me in making my first music video. After a few months of filming, here is the final product:

India

India was a dream come true. Watch my first VIDEO.

We spent the first three days of the trip in Hyderabad, with our new friend/tour guide, Dileep, and trusty driver, Swarmy.

We toured film city, where popular Bollywood films are shot.

Watched some Bollywood dancing. They danced to Jai Ho, my favorite Indian song!

Climbed to the top of the Charming with the group (Mackenzie, Elias, me, Maryan, and Karin).

Took a ferry ride out to a buddha statue.

Discovered THE BEST mango juice ever. The look on my face says it all.

Woke up early to visit the market with Dileep.

Went saree shopping.

Dileep is a pro shopper.

Found Baskin Robbins!!! Wow yum ahhhhh happiness.

My first Indian meal. twas SPICY!!!

I loved Hyderabad. The traffic was crazy and the colors were bright. Everywhere we looked we saw something bright! Next up was a 7 hour long road trip to Adasarlapadu, a village in Southern India, for our friend's sisters wedding. We were honored to be invited to this wedding, and they were honored to have us! We were the first EVER foreigners to visit the village.

Pre-wedding henna

Walking around the village as a local celebrity. Took photos, handed out autographs, and practiced English with the kids.

Wedding tent

Asha and Ramakrishna

A love marriage :'-)

DILEEP!!!

Is it too late now to say Saree?

America

This buffalo was wild.

Back in Doha, as my henna fades, I know the memories never will :'-)

P.S. thanks to Karin and Mackenzie for the pictures, I only videoed!

National Sports Day

Qatar takes the second Tuesday of February off every year in the name of exercise. We went to the Islamic Museum Park and played around all day (I also snagged a nap in the sun). Seriously an awesome day created to encourage everyone to stay active.

Red carpet entrance

Free kites for everyone!

A plethora of water bottles for the public

The dream team

Pro paddlers

The day ended with a pan of brownies to gain back all the calories we worked off. Nothing like eating peanut butter and Oreo brownies in the name of National Sports day.

January 24-30

Highlights of the Week

1. Arrived home from the Philippines after 24 hours of travel

2. Learned how to skateboard

3. Went to a musical soirée

4. Visited a Qatari home/museum

5. Iraq vs. Japan soccer game

Japan won!!!

6.  Made my first ever balloon dog

7. Tried Qatari food (delicious!)

8. Visited a dreamy park

9. Ate Shake Shack

10. Had a BLAST!!