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Finally, I've got the online journal up, and I can start using it. What is the occasion? The fact that I'll be traveling to the Middle East.

When people hear that an American is heading to that area of the world, only two thoughts seem to come to mind. These are either: 1) He must be in the military, and upon finding out that I'm not - 2) He must have a death wish. I can assure you however, I most definitely do not.

I was offered the chance to travel to Doha, as my employer, Georgetown University, has begun a campus in Qatar's "Education City." If you are interested in reading more about it, I suggest taking a look at the Georgetown School of Foreign Service - Qatar website. When the opportunity arose, I was told it was for six weeks. While that is a long time to be away from my fiance Martha, my cat, and my life in DC - it was an opportunity I just could not pass up. Who has a chance to go to the Middle East? Not many people that I know of!

At this point, I am equal parts excited and apprehensive. The more I think about being away for six weeks, the more concerned I become. However, I know that in the long run, taking this opportunity and getting out of my comfort zone will be well worth it. While there, I am staying in a compound called "Samyra Gardens" - which is very nice, so I hear. I am sure I will be doing some sightseeing, and I am bringing a digital camera, and hope to post pictures on this blog for my friends back in the States to read.

My plane takes off from DC on May 2 at 7pm, and I land in Doha on May 3 at 11:00pm (local time) - with a stopover in London. It's almost 15 hours on the plane, which is a new experience for me. I am sure that everything will go accoring to plan, however.