The last leg of my trip away saw me endure a 13 hour layover in Doha. What you’ll do for a trip on points, hey. On the way over I had three hours in the airport and bought probably the most expensive pint ever – AUD$28.23 or 65 Qatari Riyals. Thank goodness for the lounge.
Qatar doesn’t really kick into gear until 10am, even at the famous Souqs or markets. I arrived at Doha airport at 7am and with 20 minutes I was out of the airport on a one day visa. Half an hour later on the efficient metro I was at the markets. Some falcons and camels were on display but no one was selling anything. I finally found a Qatari Starbucks to escape the 34 degree heat.
After wandering around the beachfront and admiring the tall buildings for a few hours, it dawned upon that very few people were walking. The occasional polite toots were cabbies trying to attract the attention of the crazy Westerner casually strolling in the now 40 degree heat. After seeking relief in a shopping centre (and enjoying a Laksa for the @thewoodbournelaksadiary Insta account), I looked at drinking options.
The only places you can drink in Doha are bars in large hotels. The only one open at 1.30pm that was anywhere near me was Aussie Hive in the InterContinental. Funny old place if you are an Aussie with an eclectic collection of Aussie kitsch. I paid no attention to price, it was just excellent to have a beer in air-conditioned comfort after trudging the asphalt, concrete and steel metropolis of Doha.
I reckon I’ve ticked Doha off. The sand dunes into the sea would be fun, but I’d need to be organised for that. Seeing the Souqs in full swing would also be good, not sure if it is enough of a draw for another visit. Depends how desperate I am to use points.
back of the ferry 