Arriving in Doha, Qatar my eyes saw a city that is maintained to a high standard and honestly perfect. Bushes clipped into pristine shapes and skyscrapers one would only imagine in a futuristic sci-fi movie. I was shocked by this. Although I knew Doha was not lagging in modernization, my expectations were not prepared for the level of westernization I was met with. The buildings and landscape were not the only things that are modern. The social culture is rapidly adapting in? certain areas. We see that Qatar values education and education for both men and women. The country is welcoming to foreigners and has created a melting pot of people as they host numerous nationalities, religions, and of course with that, cuisine.
Prior to arrival, I knew that Qatar stood as an Islamic country and was eager to see how day-to-day would differ here. I was unready for what little difference I would see. There are those who choose to fully cover in public, there are those who do not. Those who choose to pray five times a day, and those who do not. The religious divide is present but not divisive. No one expects those who do not follow Islam to do anything additional than one would normally participate in. If I was required to follow the customs of the faith, I undoubtedly would feel that shift in daily life, but Qatar has derived a peaceful place inviting all to learn about their culture. I have had the opportunity to learn more about Islam and the customs that surround it through visits to the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar National Library, and Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center. All vastly different experiences but growing, nonetheless.
The food is great, the people are extremely hospitable, and I am having a wonderful time seeing and learning about things far different than Texas. To CIBS and Ms. Kerri, thank you for such an opportunity.
