coming up.....

I have taken many photos these few days, but it's impossible to upload any photo with this ultra-slow internet connection-!! The whole orchestra in this building are using one single line...

Being here for more than 3 weeks, I'm still learning the way of living in Doha. It's like kind of dreaming, or just in between, which is caused by the immediate changes of the temparatures, yes, indoor and outdoor........ Indeed, living in an air-conditioned hotel room for 10 weeks is actually a surprise anyway.

We are having rehearsal since 3 weeks, preparing for the 4-week recording session right before the opening concert, which will be held on the 30th of October.

Arabian food could be quite delicious sometimes, but it costs quite a lot for a meal normally. There are also malay food, indian, lebanese, thai....... etc.

The living standard is quite high, since everything is imported from everywhere. For the germans, you could find a salad for 50 cents, but they are selling here at the supermarket for the price, which is 24 times more expensive. If you're lucky enough to get it for like 20 Riyals, which is equivalent to 4 Euros, please take it.

It's not possible to change my national or international driving license to the qatari license. So I'm preparing for the driving test, and today was my 1st trial on the road. Since luxurious cars are affordable for qataris, 4WD could also be seen everywhere (especially Toyota Land Cruiser), besides those Porche Mercedes BMW Jaguar Lexus GMC Infiniti Maserati Rolls........ The reality is not to be forgotten: the qataris & indians in Doha are speeding all the time, even in a roundabout. Again & again, the last accident from the orchestra members was today afternoon, one of the trumpeter was injured. Indeed, I was sitting behind the driver during the very first accident on the 3rd day of arrival. Luckily we just have to pay for it, and everyone was safe.

KG