A Week in the Middle East: My Time in Qatar
Over a month ago, I had the opportunity to visit Doha, Qatar for a week. Due to the chaos of life, I’ve struggled to find the time necessary (and deserved) to plop down and write about the experience. The adventure was easily one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips. I don’t like saying that since I hope to have many more similar experiences, but it is not every week you venture to the Middle East, especially in 2016.
The trip wasn’t my typical grab-a-bag-and-hop-on-a-plane escapade. I went with a group of students and advisers from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) where I attend grad school. Consequently, the trip was framed as a learning and leadership experience, which I appreciated, and also shaped some of my perspective.
Almost every night of our week there, our group congregated in our hotel (which was situated in the souqs, or an open-air marketplace) and reflected on the day. We talked a lot about what we could bring back to the States and share with our friends and peers.
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