This
weekend went by in a blur. Between traveling all around Doha, working on
homework, visiting the sites, and working on things at the Convention Center I
am not actually sure how I fit so much in. Saturday I had slept in late after
battling with myself in deciding whether or not I wanted to go to the first
ever march in Doha. I decided I did not. There were a couple reasons other then
the fact that I was incredibly tired. The cause was a good cause, and it was
exciting that this march was even happening. This means potentially a more
receptive attitude to free speech on the part of the Qatari government, but it
also was a direct illustration of the changes that are happening in the Middle
East. The downside to this march is that local residents might have a more
difficult time obtaining the permits to do something like this. In Qatar there
are a lot of migrant worker issues and abuses, and if a group of them wanted to
protest I am not sure they would be able to with permission from the
government. At least not while the UN is not here. I think Qatar wants to show
itself internationally as a modern and free society with its hosting of this
conference and the World Cup in a couple years, but they seem to be missing
some key components to making this a reality.
After
sleeping in I headed to the convention center to work on homework and the Part
of the Solution Campaign. It was a long day, and I am not really sure about
everything that I did in those hours while at the convention center, but time
slipped past and quickly. I was at the convention center until 7:30 at which
point several people from the US and China met up to have dinner. We took
several buses from the convention center to Katara, a shopping mall of sorts I
guess you would call it. There was a beautiful auditorium in the middle and you
can look out into the Persian Gulf. Scattered throughout Katara are
restaurants. We went to one, and it was some of the best Middle Eastern food I
have had. Considering I have only eaten twice outside of the convention center
I guess I was also excited for something different. Hookah smoke filled the air
with many different smells and there was a small group of men coming around to
all of the tables and playing music. They served just baked pita bread and it
was delicious.
While
at the dinner I got to learn more about carbon markets. I was sitting next to a
gentleman from China that worked on pricing for carbon markets and research and
another gentleman from the Sierra Club delegation that is helping develop and
improve California’s carbon markets. It was an interesting conversation that I
listened to and the environmental justice implications of the markets are
pretty strong. You do not want to just allow those who have money to pollute
because they can, and that is what happens in carbon markets, which limits the
markets for other items more. It was interesting to hear the perspective of
those who develop these systems though. We also talked about the differences in
the United States and how the perspectives and opinions of some states can
differ so much even when they are right next to each other such as Arizona and
California.
It
was eleven by the time that we finished dinner. At that point of time we walked
down the pathway to the expo center to catch a bus to the nongovernmental
organizations (NGO) party. Now
mind you in Qatar alcohol is not allowed in the country except apparently at
beach resorts about an hour away from Doha on the Persian Gulf. So we hopped on
a bus not knowing to expect. The bus drove past huge refineries that looked
like little cities that were on fire. I seriously thought for a little while
that they were going to take us out to the middle of the desert and leave us
there to look at the refineries then laugh at us because they got rid of the
pesky NGOs J
Just kidding sort of. Anyway.. so I went to the NGO party. There were small
tables scattered throughout the beach area with blankets and pillows to sit on.
It was about midnight when I got to the party and everyone was dancing by the
stage. Left of the stage there were camels that people could ride on. It was a
little crazier then I was expecting given that it was an NGO party.
I
awkwardly danced in several circles of people in the sand. It got more relaxing
and fun as time went on. It was a nice gathering and I got to play in the water
for a little while too. By the time I left the party it was 2:00 am. I did not
know where anyone in my delegation went and so I hopped on a bus with one of
the people that went to the US Chinese dinner because I wanted to get home. We
were able to pass the magnificent refineries again… and at 3:00 am we made it
back to the expo center. By the time I got back to the hotel it was 4:00am.
The
next day we were out the door by 10:30. Today was my day to explore Doha. We
started at the Souq Waqif, which we walked to from our hotel. This would not
normally be a problem but due to the lack of sidewalks it was. There was a maze
of shops and vendors. They had everything from fine cloths, to spices, to
figurines, books, shoes, jewelry, and even pets. They had a table full of baby
bunnies. I was able to haggle and find gifts for my friends back home, which is
always an adventure. I ended up with several rugs, scarves, a Qatari flag, and
little camels. We then ate lunch at a quaint café. It was delicious and really
relaxing. It was also the first meal I have had here where work was not
discussed in any capacity.
We
departed the Souq for the Islamic Art Museum soon after. The museum itself was
on of the most beautifully designed buildings I have ever seen. Palms line the
walkway up, and on all sides of the building is the Persian Gulf. Wooden boats
surround the building, and you can see the skyline of the modern buildings in
the distance. When you get to the top of the walkway you are at a fountain in
the shape of an octagon. The style of the building reflects traditional Islamic
architecture and art. Entering the building there is a circular staircase that
goes to the second floor. From there you can move up to the 3rd, 4th,
and 5th floors all filled with art in some form or another. There is
another fountain in the foyer as well as a 5 story window that show the waves
lapping at the building below. The
art itself was amazing as well. I saw metal work, books, paintings, rugs,
lamps, glasswork, and carvings. Arabic is a beautiful language and is
incorporated into art so easily.
The
rest of the day I spent working on homework or in the delegation meeting. We do
not have internet at the hotel really so that makes it a bit difficult, but I
would say it was a successful weekend.
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