From Texas to Doha: Day 7

Since our Friday was slated to last 33 hours we decided it needed to include as much food as possible. I think we were all okay with that. :)

After a slow start to the morning we settled into a lunch with some students from the Qatar Student Association. 

They really enjoyed hearing more about the daily lives of students and families and being able to learn about campus life. 

Earlier in the week all the ladies decided to buy "dresses" (that have a much cooler name than "dresses") to wear on the last day. Best decision ever. They were kind enough to let me be part of their cute pics. 

The afternoon was spent at the Chi Al Shaqab. The TAMQ students got to attend the HLSR while in Texas so we thought that this would be a good alternative. 

The facilities were gorgeous - which is not surprising since everything in this place seems straight out of a Disney movie - and the event was pretty incredible to watch.

I was expecting a horse competition that I've seen on TV. You know jumping, riding, etc. What we got was Cirque de Soleil on a horse. You see that?? That's THREE people on one horse. Doing GYMNASTICS. 

Yep. Incredible. And now I know where the "pommel horse" and "the vault" come from in gymnastics. 

THIS...

Yeah... seriously amazing.

I was really glad that I got to see this one-of-a-kind competition. Switzerland and Germany seemed liked the teams to beat - incredible athleticism and pretty swanky costumes too. 

We made our way back to the hotel to freshen up, grab our bags and head to dinner. 

Have I mentioned how incredible the food was?

We shared one last meal with all of our new friends...

and talked about our favorite memories from the past two weeks.

We were also able to surprise Rachel with a well deserved parting gift. She is simply amazing - such an ambassador for our students, leads by example, challenges thought and is pretty funny too. :) I had a blast, Rachel - thanks so much for being such a great host!

Whoop.

One last group pictures...

and we are DONE! :)

What a trip of a lifetime. So thankful for this opportunity to learn beside students and share in growing the Aggie spirit.