Did you say QATAR?

Last weekend I met my friend J for dinner. While eating delicious Italian cuisine and discussing men, food, movies, friends, family and gossip, J mentioned that her friend recently moved to Qatar.

I cleared my throat in utter shock. “I’m sorry, did you say QATAR?”

“Yep, Qatar.”

J proceeds to tell me this enchanting story of how her friend was sent to work on an architectural project in Qatar and met the man of her dreams. Over the period of several months, she met and fell in love with an Irish lad also working in architecture in Qatar.

Minor detail: he lives there permanently.

So what does J’s friend do? SHE MOVES TO QATAR.

She came back to the U.S., packed up her stuff, moved to Qatar and they are now engaged to be married.

In an Irish castle.

You see the thing that I can’t get over (besides the fact that she’s going to be married in an Irish castle–clearly, I’m jealous) is the fact that she moved to Qatar permanently. If I came home one day and was like, “Hey family, I’m moving to Qatar,” my family would immediately lock me in a room. Sure, parents are crazy but the thought of moving to Qatar also sounds a little bit crazy. So I wouldn’t necessarily blame them for this kind of reaction.

And yes, I know people move all the time for love.

It’s common, I know. Job transfer, graduate school, armed forces, new adventures… I get it. I’d move to a new city or state, move halfway across the country and maybe even consider Canada (that’s a bit of a stretch) but I can safely say I probably wouldn’t ever consider moving to Qatar. I’m not talking about a study abroad program or a little travel… I’m talking about moving my entire life.

Plus, I like wearing shorts and skirts. I like tank tops and sleeveless dresses. I like being able to live in an affordable apartment (in Qatar, her’s is $2,000/month). I like being able to drive down the road or take a short flight to see my family and friends. I’m totally up for living in new places–heck, you only live once–but this whole Qatar concept just baffles me.

Would you do this? Would you move to Qatar for love? Would you pick up your entire life? Would you even hesitate?

And don’t let the whole Irish castle thing sway you… I know, it sounds pretty fabulous.

- L

Tagged as: life & love, love, marriage, moving

http://twitter.com/avulpineheart a vulpine heart

i don't think i'd ever feel comfortable in qatar – for obvious reasons. are we even allowed to visit qatar?
http://qatariadventures.blogspot.com Sknox40

Haha…the Irish Castle does sound quite lovely. I live in Qatar and love Qatar, but I would NEVER move here on a permanent basis. Honestly, I don't know anyone who does. MAYBE, Middle Easterners? Nevertheless, I wish J the best of luck, after all, home is where your heart is.
http://www.lauriesteiner.com Laurie Steiner

Agreed. It is my understanding that if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport, you can't enter the country. But besides that, the whole concept of moving to a foreign country halfway around the globe (in the Middle East or not) is something I couldn't do permanently.
Curious

Hi Sknox40, How long have you been living in Qatar for and where are you from originally? You said you love it, so why would you not live there on a permanent basis? Thanks! From Curious about Qatar
Lhunter714

I don't know about moving for love, but my good friend moved her whole family (including an 18-month-old daughter at the time) to Macedonia for work. Amazing opportunity for her, both personally and professionally, but we certainly miss her. Her assignment was for 2 years and just ended – but she's now taken an additional overseas assignment. She and the fam (her daughter just turned 3) are now moving to Saudi Arabia. (!) Again, I don't begrudge her the opportunity, but I do confess that I would never move my family to the Middle East. A little too volatile for my taste. But, best of luck to those adventurers who follow their hearts!
http://www.lauriesteiner.com Laurie Steiner

I know, right? Who wouldn't LOVE getting married in an Irish castle? That would definitely seal the deal!

I'm sure Qatar is a beautiful place to visit but agreed, I couldn't imagine moving there.

Also, what are you doing over there? Working? Traveling?
http://www.lauriesteiner.com Laurie Steiner

The concept of moving for a job seems completely different than moving for love–in my eyes. Like you, I don't think I could ever have the courage (or desire) to completely pick up and move to the Middle East for either career or relationship-related reasons. Sounds like it's worked out nicely for your friend though. Hope you get to Skype with her often!
http://qatariadventures.blogspot.com Sknox40

Laurie & Curious…my husband and I (Texans) have been here 3+ years. Our youngest dght moved here with us and attended her senior year at The American School of Doha. She wouldn't trade the experience for anything, nor would I. My hubby is working on a joint venture through Chevron Phillips. It is a cultural melting pot here and opens your eyes to the world around you. It is honestly a very safe environment. The biggest crime you hear about are house servants having “illicit” sex And no, we don't have to “cover” like in Saudi. The extra income also allows us to visit many places we would not be able to afford otherwise. Bottom line: I advise anyone with a positive outlook to give it a whirl. I wouldn't do it on a permanent basis, because I have four kids in the states from age 20 to 26.
http://www.lauriesteiner.com Laurie Steiner

One clarification regarding this post — I haven't ever been to Israel and would love to visit one day (hopefully next summer). Until then, the Middle East is as foreign to me as getting hitched in an Irish castle. Thanks for the comments so far. Very interested in hearing more of these personal accounts and stories!
http://qatariadventures.blogspot.com Sknox40

I don't think the Israeli stamp would be an issue for an American…sorry, just saying how it is over here. We seem to get more of a “pass” than Arabs. For those that visit Israel from here (many do), I hear that they (Israel) will forgo stamping your passport to avoid any possible issues. If we ever make it to Jordan, we'll definitely make the short trek into Israel.
http://www.lauriesteiner.com Laurie Steiner

Oh okay, I see. Thanks for clarifying–that's an interesting point.
Curious

Thank you for your reply. My husband may have to move there for work and I am very nervous to go. I have read that in the Middle East the simple things we take for granted here are punishable as crimes. For example, drinking a beer, giving my husband a kiss in public, or wearing a skirt and tank top! Also, I am not fluent in any language besides English. I am absolutely terrified and feel completely lost. Did you have any resources or guidance to help you when you first moved and although you are Americans, are you of Middle Eastern decent? Thank you again!
http://qatariadventures.blogspot.com Sknox40

I'm just plain old American…light skinned. You won't get arrested for wearing a skirt & tank top…you may be stared at. Kissing in public is a no no, holding hands is fine. You can purchase liquor at the one liquor store in the country if you have a license (easy to get one). Most hotels serve liquor, as well, albeit expensive. I only speak English, which nearly everyone speaks and all signs are in English. Probably more people speak English here than in Texas I did a lot of Internet research before I came over and even read the local newspapers online so that I'd have a feel for the place. I was very comfortable when I finally arrived. Click on sknox40 above next to the camel, it will link you to my blog. I write about my experiences here in Qatar. Feel free to email me with any questions and/or concerns you might have. I will be as honest as I can about my encounters and what you should expect if you do come our way. Good luck!
Curious

What city/part of Qatar are you living in? I really appreciate your response and your offer to help. I will keep your email on file, as I feel I may need some guidance. I just feel very overwhelmed and nervous during this time about all of this. I will also read your blog! Thank you again!
http://qatariadventures.blogspot.com Sknox40

We live in Doha, the capital, as most people do. Qatar is very, very small…around the size of Connecticut. Even if your husband would work on the south side or the north side, odds are that you would live in Doha. Quit worrying, you'll be just fine. It's an adventure!
Curious

Thank you, Sknox40!! =)
http://oisme.blogspot.com Meg O.

Hmmm…. yeah, not sure I'd do that, really. But who knows? We do crazy things when we're in love. Luckily I'm married and we both are here in H-town.
http://www.maiden-voyage-travel.com Emily at Maiden Voyage

Yikes! I don't think I could do that. I would move to Europe for someone (I've always wanted to live there), but not the Middle East. It would be too much of a culture shock, and it's SO far from home! You're right, that it's such a drastic change. I would worry about having a hard time making friends and finding people who speak English. Though more power to her if she ends up liking it….
http://www.lauriesteiner.com Laurie Steiner

True story–love does make people crazy sometimes!
http://www.lauriesteiner.com Laurie Steiner

Exactly. To each his own, right?! It's so good to hear from you, lady! We must get together the next time you're in Houston. And of course, we could always meet up in SA now that our men are there
http://thetaitglobal.com Liv

found you on 20sb – so glad i did! and yes, id move to Qatar in a heart beat. I got to travel there for a couple of weeks in March and its beautiful – the people are extremely friendly, so many expats living there, people from different cultures – its beautiful. oh and they have one of the most stunning museums EVER in Doha – Museum of Islamic Art! but im not sure i'd go to Saudi Arabia – http://bit.ly/bGpRtJ
http://www.lauriesteiner.com Laurie Steiner

Thanks for stopping by, Liv. There's no doubt that the pictures I've seen make Qatar seem absolutely gorgeous. Currently working in the building industry, I would love to see all the fabulous architecture there. But I simply couldn't imagine moving there, ya know? On another note, I visited your blog–you're quite the jet-setter!
inlovewiththeworld

I’m perhaps as crazy as your friend’s friend, as I’m doing the same thing (minus the Irish Castle, and only semi-permanently (maybe five-years-ish)). Maybe I’m even crazier as I’m leaving my beautiful home and humble job in Hawaii (where he came all the way across the world to propose). But we’re both nomads, having lived in many foreign countries before (for study and work). So it isn’t exactly a new thing. It’s probably a step up as far as a cosmopolitan lifestyle with all its conveniences, compared to laid-back Honolulu with its retro-feel (and retro-hours).