The philharmonic and other oddities

I guess you start feeling at home somewhere or anywhere by the end of about 4 months. It seems like we settled into a routine about that time and started looking for non-touristy things to do. Well, that's not quite right. We still do touristy things when I can drag J. along! It's just we seem to know where things are now and we know what google sites to check for what is going on ------ and we know some people that keep us informed of things we might enjoy. There is a very decent philharmonic here. Members for the orchestra were recuited from all over the world. We went the other night. It was fun and the music was really fun too! Some was classical and some was very modern. It was the brass section of the orchestra, so the conductor had the brass play pieces written for strings and for other instruments, which again was just fun! Today we attended the closing of the Cai guo-qiang exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art. Cai guo-qiang was present for the closing and we watched a live "conversation" between an arabic art collector and Cai where Cai answered questions about what he is currently doing (he just finished an exhibit in L.A.) and what he has in the works (Brussels, Brazil and Australia). He also talked about his life in China and how religion has played a role in his art. He discussed how his art has changed over the years as he has aged. He lives in China and NY and has a wife and 2 children (age 22 and 8!) ---quite a contrast in many respects. He calls himself a very quiet man so he does his art work in the public to get some time away from his introspective self and talk about his art with others. We enjoyed his exhibit very much, so coming back for the closing was especially nice. This past week, we also met with a young man who is interested in a Fulbright to the U.S. We met him in the Dubai airport. He works at Education City at one of the American Universities here in Doha. While he was interested in some contacts and information on the Fulbright, he was also kind enough to offer us a tour. What an amazing place this is. We toured Carnegie Mellon and Georgetown and the new conference center. I took lots of pictures. It's overwhelming when you consider the cost and the concept. These universities were invited to open their best colleges here in Doha. Qatar paid for the building and pays for the faculty. The quality is to be identical to the U.S. and the admission policy is to be the same. Cost is also identical as in the U.S. Students from the U.S. and Doha have reciprocity and the graduates are graduates of the U.S. universities. Across the highway from Weil Cornell is a new medical facility that is still being built. It's "budget" is $20 billion. It will connect to Weil Cornell by a tunnel under the highway. The convention center is state of the art. There are at least 3 large theatres in the building, many meeting rooms fully equipped with the latest technology and a ballroom that is outstanding. There are 27 chandeliers in the ballroom, each costs $2 million. In the atrium is a fully staffed restaurant. The parking is accessed by an underground walkway. The architecture is quite unusual and has special significance to the beduin roots of this country. Security is very tight at Education City. So, we really needed a insider to invite us. We had no idea how interesting it is. Wish we had known about all this sooner. At this point, I will stop. You get the drift! Then for a bit of fun. This morning the "Doha Mums" (the expat Brits) put on a "crafts fair". What fun, again! Mary Pat and I spent more than what we anticipated and found some lovely things made in Doha. I only wish I had brought more money with me!!! So far, I bought very little to bring home. Now, I can't say that anymore. And another thing. I think I really can find my way around this city. The roundabouts don't even phase me anymore. Wouldn't you know it ----- just when things get comfortable, it's time to move on!