Reflections on a year in Doha

We've now both been in Doha for over a year and I've learned a few things. 

• Any house becomes a home the minute the fridge is covered in magnets.
• I can be a patient driver and an aggressive driver at the same time.
• I love honking my horn.
• I love driving an SUV.
• I am slowly learning to divide by 3.64 to figure out what things cost in US dollars.  The best trick I have is that 25 Qatari Riyals = $7 USD (well, $6.86, but who's counting).
• McDonald's generally prices their ice cream cones at one of whatever the currency of the country is.  $1 in the US, €1 in Europe ($1.37 USD) or fortunately for us here in Qatar, we pay just 1QR ($0.27 USD).  Score!
• There are more Dairy Queens within driving distance in Doha than we knew of in Houston.
• When debating whether or not to go to a movie you have to consider two things... how much of the movie will actually show (we skipped Hangover 2 and Bridesmaids) and how popular will it be (so we can avoid talking and texting).
• I still can't figure out celsius.  I just know I am comfortable in A/C anywhere around 21-26.  And when it is 35-50 outside it is worth staying inside.
• I enjoy reading books again.  I've spent the last 10 years reading primarily the web and magazines.  I've finally gotten back into reading books.  I've read more in the last year than I probably ever have in my life. 
• It's almost expected that to advance in a queue you need to be pushy.  Otherwise you will wait an eternity.
• Chili's salsa is more consistently delicious in Doha than back in the States.
• Just a few weeks ago I was the first American someone had ever met!
• Who knew that you don't need to know Arabic to live here?  Tagalog and Hindi will get you further.
• Nothing beats American healthcare and American pharmacies.  What I wouldn't give for a Walgreens!

Kevin adds:

• I've learned that Houston drivers aren't the worst drivers in the world.
• To which I will add, women aren't either!  :)

I'm sure I'm forgetting a ton of stuff, but if you need more I wrote a similar mid-year post. 

Fortunately though, the good outweighs the bad here and we can both truly say we've loved the past year and love Doha.  Community has a lot to do with why we love it here so much and our little compound of 30+ families is now our big compound of 150+ families. 

Since I've now been blogging for over a year I thought I'd also share the most viewed posts:

• The big 1-0-2!
• What losing one Cassie looks like
• Last week in photos and words...

Have a fun Doha-ism?  Please add it to the comments!