Qatar beach activities teach Arabic traditions

Photo By Dustin Senger | A Qatari falconer helps U.S. Army Capt. Lauren Vanderhoff, from Lansing, Kan., feed a falcon pigeon meat after lure training at a beach home in Al Khor, Qatar, Jan. 12. Qatar military officials hosted more than 1,300 U.S. service members over a four-day span of activities, which explained local Arab traditions. "The falcons are very powerful – you can really feel it when they pull away while eating," said Vanderhoff.  

AL KHOR, QATAR

01.13.2010

Story by Dustin Senger 

Area Support Group - Qatar

AL KHOR, Qatar — Qatar military officials completed a four-day outing for U.S. service members at a beach home in Al Khor, Qatar, Jan. 13. Over a four-day span, more than 1,300 troops participated in the opportunity to learn about local Arab traditions.

"This is quite the treat — I never expected it," said U.S. Army Col. Bobbie Luba, from Canonsburg, Pa. She had recently arrived from Iraq as a Central Command rest and recuperation pass program participant at Camp As Sayliyah. "I came here to chill out and this does the trick!"

Servers cooked crepes, flat breads and other food items popular in the Gulf countries. They poured fresh tea, coffee and camel's milk. Traditional Arabic sweets and finger foods had been arranged as well. Popcorn, pizza and soda awaited those with less adventurous appetites.

"Opening the beach home to almost 400 troops to come and enjoy is such a nice gesture," said Luba, while seated on the dock, enjoying a seaside ambience during the third day of events. Warm and calm 75-degree Fahrenheit temperatures represented typical January weather conditions in Qatar. A new marina provided a launching pad for twenty watercrafts, four fishing boats and diving.

Aside from the beach, several other activities captivated curiosity elsewhere. Service members hopped on four-wheelers for a ride through the nearby desert terrain. Camels presented an alternative method for travel and photographs. Groups lined up to pet Salukis, one of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dogs, and hold one of nine valuable falcons.

"The falcons are very powerful — you can really feel it when they pull away while eating," said U.S. Army Capt. Lauren Vanderhoff, from Lansing, Kan., while feeding a raptor estimated to be worth around $10,000, according to the Qatar officials. She released the falcon during a lure training demonstration prior to feeding it a portion of pigeon meat.

A lavish evening feast finished each day's activities. While seated in an enormous Arabian tent, a buffet-style banquette served 14 lambs, 140 pounds of beef, 140 pounds of chicken, nearly 80 pounds of rice, as well as possibly the most interesting choice for many: four camel humps. Hummus and various salads, breads, and seafood items were also dished up.

"It gives a different perspective," said Vanderhoff, who believes the experience introduced a great opportunity for CENTCOM war fighters benefiting from a four-day pass. "They get to see another side of Arabic culture."

"The Qataris are definitely willing to partner with the United States and maintain close ties — not only with senior leadership, but by getting all soldiers involved."

• Date Taken: 01.13.2010
• Date Posted: 01.13.2010 11:12
• Story ID: 43768
• Location: AL KHOR, QA