Chicago vs Doha

I know this goes in and out of focus, I really just wanted to try out this Blogspot feature.

Did you know that Doha is also in the running for the 2016 Olympics? To learn more about Doha's bid, click on this website: Doha 2016 (For those of you in Chicago, you will also find a countdown clock to host/city selection!) Many of you ask how long we will be here and one definite answer I have is, we will NOT be here in 2016!

Last night Michael and I along with another couple went, along with the rest of the city, to the Corniche (gulf front) to watch the fireworks and celebration of the unveiling and kickoff of Doha's bid for the 2016 Olympics. It is actually quite humorous, every person in Doha received 3 text messages on their mobiles (this is what they call cell phones here) reminding them of the festivities.

We decided to get to the Corniche early so that we could get a seat and avoid the traffic. With bagged chairs in tow, we claimed our spot and had a great view of the fireworks. In the back drop of the fireworks were the skyscrapers of Doha! It was so funny, as we were waiting we watched skyscrapers lose all power, the entire building would just go black. Few minutes later, it would light back up and then another building would go black. It was so funny as we determined that they were trying to minimize the light coming through the buildings that were directly behind the fireworks! Eventually they identified the correct buildings and the show started. This is truly Doha!

We found this quite interesting:
The Doha 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bid represents the hopes and aspirations of Qatar. The Bid is seen through the present, but also inspired by the past. Qatar's present is full of energy, driven by its booming economy and its highly-educated citizens. Qatar's past is a rich heritage, deeply rooted in its people's hearts and minds. The logo's design represents the blossoming of these elements leading growth in Qatar. The Aldahma - the 'Flower of the Spring' - was chosen to represent the vital and energetic spirit of the season. The Aldahma's natural habitat in the sands of the desert draws a parallel with the vibrant and colourful life flourishing in the State of Qatar. The calligraphy strokes making the words 'Doha 2016' are a unique manipulation of the traditional organic Henna patterns that women use to adorn their hands and arms as part of social and holiday celebrations. The dynamic interaction between the Arabic calligraphy and the English type is an interpretation of modernity. The logo is a welcoming message for a truly energetic and celebratory 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Doha.The logo was created by students at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUQ).