A view of Expat Life

Being an expat sometimes means not being in charge of your own housing. Not in Qatar. No choice. And, after 3 years in one villa, we are being moved to another villa. Here's how it works:

1. Show up at a "town hall" meeting. This is a nice euphemism for "villa drawing."

2. WAIT, and wait, and wait for your name to be drawn out of a hat.

3. Proceed to the next table where there is a bowl with only 4 slips of paper left, reach in and voila! Your new home has been determined.

4. Proceed to the compound map where every single person who has drawn before you is still standing, visualizing where your new villa will be, and marvel at the "villa-trading" taking place before your eyes. Realize how many people will be living in the new compound, all of whom WORK FOR THE SAME COMPANY! Wonder how successful you will be at staying out of compound politics.

5. Rejoice in the multicolored hues of your new villa, no sandstone-villas here, and admire the very modern lighting fixtures you will enjoy.

And just like that, you have a new home. Welcome to Qatar.