In Qatar

After a generally un-eventful travel, Debbie and I have made it to Doha, Qatar for our layover. I say generally un-eventful because really, it's been surprisingly easy - even with some confusion once we arrived in Doha about how to get to our transit hotel!

By 11am on Saturday morning I had finished packing - but my train to NYC wasn't until 4pm - so I was at a little loss of what to do. I mean really, to be completely ready so early - who would have thought???? (ok, friends - I know you all expected no less from me!!).

Fernando and I had a nice lunch, ran a couple errands and then he brought me and my big 3 bags to the Amtrak station. Yes, I've become one of those people who cannot take care of her own luggage - horror! I paid the redcap to get my luggage on the train and had them call ahead for one in NY. Unfortunately, that didn't work, but I did manage to yell one down and get my luggage up to the taxi stand where Debbie magically had gotten to the front of the line and had a taxi waiting. Of course, only magic to me as she'd been waiting an hour in the cold.

After an easy ride to the airport, and a 45 minute wait to get our tickets, our luggage was taken (no extra charges) and we were off. The 11+ hour flight was overnight so I slept much of it and got some work done. It took about 1.5 hours from landing to get to our hotel, which happens to be right next to the airport, but we made it. And Debbie and I did manage to find the hidden bar to get a nightcap in this alcohol-free country.

Tomorrow - Nepal! We get in at 4pm so I don't think we'll have a chance to visit the orphanage but my Nepali coordinator, Bishnu, will meet us at the airport and give us a plan for the next day when I'll finally get to meet Tara.

Lots of anxiety and excitement!