Immigration in a new world....

My first day at the university went incredibly smooth, especially considering how much goes into starting a new life in a new country! They had everything set up in one room, except my laptop, but that's OK. I got my phone card (a much better system than the States I must say ~ no contracts, no locked phones, no nothing. You buy a sim card, put money on it, and then buy whatever phone you want from any vendor. If you want to do post-paid, you can do that too....after the residence card is issued that is.), my bank account, my university ID card, loan application, and date for my medical exam.

That was it ~ until i got the medical exam there wasn't much to do, and since it was already thursday, I'd have to do that on Sunday, as the weekends are Friday/Saturday here. So....on comes Sunday morning at 7am, when the car is supposed to pick us up.

Around 7:30am the shuttle comes, and says he's going to the campus, and we said we needed the car for the medical place, and he said "no car". So we go to the campus, and they're very surprised to see us, as we're supposed to be across town waiting to be examined! No problem. Another driver takes us over to the medical commission. Keep in mind that this is where EVERYONE comes to get their medical cards for public health care, so there are lines, BUT Miriam, the lifesaver, has saved a spot in line with me with another employee who got picked up on time! : ) So I pay my fees, get photographed through some glass (a horrid picture if I do say so), and go to get my blood drawn (they're very strict about illnesses in this country. If you have something that isn't rampant here yet, and you test positive, you're sent home, period. HIV and TB are the biggies as far as I know.). So, this lady very effectively, and quickly, draws my blood, stamps my paper, and off I go to get an x-ray. So, I go wait inline again, which are actually chairs, but people try to walk right to the front, and we're all like "No!" Anyway, we're all changing into hospital gowns, and then I get to the front of the line, walk to the other side of the room to wait my turn. I'm watching the nurse slam people against the x-ray machine, while at the same time telling them to relax!!! Are you serious! You just dislocated her shoulder, and you want her to relax?! So, at least I knew what to expect, and sure enough ~ bam! But then it was over : ) I put my clothes back on, and went to look for the Dr., who could give me the all clear. I got it ~ I'm free of any diseases that would get me booted from the country : )

After the medical...

Now that I've finished the medical, and was approved 3 days later, I can finally apply for my residence card. Thank goodness! I seriously need to get my Qatari license so I can get a rental car to get to campus and around campus (It's large, maze-like, and it's hot!) Now, the only thing left is to get my police clearance from the Embassy, which I go to tomorrow!