Larry Four-Days

[qatarperegrine]

The most memorable part of the orientation I went through when I moved to Qatar was the presentation by the US embassy, given by someone known ever after as Larry Four-Days.

In the process of cleaning up my files before leaving, I just found my notes from his presentation. They go like this:

• no PDAs beyond holding hands (esp. if gay)
• many plainclothes police
• DUI automatic 4-day jail term
• swearing/derog. comments 4-day jail term
• Call embassy if end up in jail. (Larry will bring McDonald's)
• blah blah blah.
• Don't forget to change contact info as needed

That's it, that's the sum of guidance the US embassy provided upon our relocation to Qatar. What thoughtful insight into US-Qatar relations! Thanks, Larry Four-Days, wherever you are; I raise a McFlurry to your memory.

Comments

[susancalvin.livejournal.com]

My favorite part is the "blah blah blah".

[qatar.livejournal.com]

I'm a very thorough note-taker. ;-)

[gustavolacerda.livejournal.com]

Four Days = Ford-Hayes?

[stepleton.livejournal.com]

I think it's because of all the warnings about four-day jail terms.

LOL

[shmuelisms.livejournal.com]

I'm trying to figure out who the content of this briefing reflects more strongly on. The USA, the State-Department or Qatar.

So I guess you managed to avoid the 4-day jail terms? :-D

[canyonwren.livejournal.com]

So, how many years has it been since you said, "Oh, #$%#&@#$!!?"

Embassy guidance

[intlxpatr.wordpress.com (from livejournal.com)]

I still have an Embassy hand-out from when we arrived; it says there are no real rules on the road in Qatar except to give way to any vehicle bigger than you are, and to stay far away from any truck carrying concrete bricks.

We learned also never to use any hand gestures, and never never to swear.

Re: Embassy guidance

[qatar.livejournal.com]

Don't use hand gestures -- THAT would have been useful advice.