goodbye yellow brick road

Indeed, Qatar has been a sort of Oz for me. Weird, yet interesting, but not glittering green. At any rate, I spent my last hours in the Middle East having the time of my life with my favorite people.

I ignored the future-intense city and shared a fantastic Italian meal with the other students and then headed out to celebrate my roommate Katie’s 21st birthday. And, where did we go, you ask? An Irish pub at the Sherton hotel. Yes, we really stepped outside of our comfort zone. Ha.

However, in our defense, I have not seen a single falafel, shwarma, or shish taouk here in Doha. It makes you wonder if you really are in the Middle East. But, then you step outside and feel the blast of desert heat, and you are put back in your place.

Back to the pub. We danced the night away with Australians and Brits. Most of us we bouncing around the dance floor at all times, or at the very least, performing air guitar solos at our table. We ended the night with “Zombie” by the Cranberries. That sealed the deal. Everyone was on the floor, jumping and singing at the top of our lungs. We were a sweaty mess of very happy Americans. It was fantastic.

We bonded, again. I can actually say I will miss most of these kids (I can call them kids since I am older than most of them). And, for the record, I did not dip my big toe in the Persian Gulf. I went in all the way. It was warm and salty and a complete blast. I had the time of my life and I can say the others did too.

We are coming home. I’m feeling a mix of things but I’m happy to be coming home.

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