There is no line at immigration when I arrive so I’m straight through - after having my photo taken and right hand finger printed.
Now the waiting begins for my bag. Thankfully I have some time before my noon shuttle. One positive with the waiting is I can charge my phone which is basically out of juice.
After 20 minutes I’m still waiting. Not what I had expected with such a high class airport. The wait continues, but finally it turns up!
I have a couple of minutes wait before my shuttle arrives (early, no longer on Pakistani time) then we are off into the big wide world of Qatar.
It’s a quick 15 minute drive to the hotel - with so much to look at along the way.
On arrival at the hotel I’m informed with the Qatar stopover deal I can use my hotel room for 24 hours. I am encouraged not to check in quite yet. Ok that works for me.
I charge my phone and battery pack then go to change my top into a tee shirt - feeling like a bit of a rebel!!
Walking outside into the sunshine is lovely. Fingers crossed I don’t get sunburnt.....
The hotel had recommended a Middle Eastern restaurant near by which I decide to go to before heading to one of the museums.
As I enter the restaurant (Oriental Pearl) there is a date cart at the entrance. YUM.
I’m super excited for fresh food and vegetables. Not that the food wasn’t fresh in Karachi, it was all about meat and of course rice. I can happily have a month without rice!!
Wholly smoke Dorothy, we are no longer in Kansas City (Karachi)! Feeling satisfying full I walk towards the Museum of Islamic Art.
After a false start I’m sent in the right direction. Wandering through the park there are lots of locals who are either already set up with their seats and food.
Having the light sea breeze is cooling in the hot sun.
The Museum of Islamic Art is built on an island, which is off an artificial peninsula and is surrounded on two sides by a purpose-built park. It houses Islamic Art from three continents over many many years!
I have a couple of hours wandering around the Museum of Islamic Art.
On the first floor there are two outside areas – both have water features and arches, which are central to Islamic design.
As I exit the sun is starting to set. Brrr it’s a little chilly. Will definitely need to go back to the hotel to get a jumper at some stage.
I wander along a small part of Al Corncihe (a 7km waterfront promenade) towards the Souq Waqif. There are many locals and foreigners around.
Based on Wikipedia, Souq Waqif was founded at least a century ago. It was renovated in 2006 to conserve the traditional Qatari architectural style.
I just wander down the alleyways, deciding at each junction which one to go. The smells are amazing! It’s definitely a place for both locals and foreigners alike.
Getting back to the hotel proves a tad difficult - I know directions aren’t my strong point but I thought I was going in the right way, clearly not. Thank goodness for google maps on my phone!!
On arrival at the hotel (at 6pm) I check in. This way I have the room until 6pm tomorrow. My plan is to chill for a bit then go for dinner. The view from my room is amazing!!
Well my plan didn’t work out! I’ll spare you the details other than I was terribly sick for a few hours and had to get housekeeping up at least three times to clean the rubbish bin and bring me a blanket.
Tuesday 31 December I spent all morning and early afternoon in bed, basically sleeping. Having a shower at 2.30pm zaps my energy. And washing my hair, well seriously. Take me back to Karachi where I had it done for me.
I decide to pack up and head out to see something. Not sure how this will go but I need to at least try.
Check out is nice and easy - I don’t need to do anything other than give my key back.
My Uber arrives a few minutes later. I don’t have the energy to walk like I did yesterday. A little odd as there are two people in the car - the passenger advises he’s training the driver. Ok then. On arrival at the Falcon Souq I’m informed the ride is QAR 9.83, a little strange given I’d accepted the ride at QAR 8 but hey ho.
The Falcon Souq, next to the Souq Waqif, is dedicated to all things to do with falcons.
I wander around the Falcon Souq then into the main Souq. At times I ended up in alleyways I was in yesterday.
It’s great to just wander with no fixed abode. Unlike Morocco I’m not spoken too / encouraged to enter each shop as I walk by.
I decide to sit and have a mint tea and either rice or bread. After a while I select a place.
Tea and rice are ordered. So much for no rice for another month....
Sitting here watching the world go by is great. Not what I thought my last meal in 2019 would be but needs must. Ideally I would like to be tucked up in bed sleeping. I’m hoping that means I’ll sleep on the plane.
I wander a bit more around the Souq - purchasing some dates then cashew nuts with the rest of my Qatar money.
I wander back to the hotel – this time knowing the way!
Back at the hotel I doze on the sofa for close to 3 hours. Not sure how I would have survived without it.
The airport shuttle is outside at 11pm, it’s a quick journey to the airport. Within 50 minutes of leaving the hotel I’m in the lounge - talk about convenience.
I “celebrate” 2020 with a glass of sparkling water. I just want my bed. Not a great way to end a trip.
We push back from the gate a few minutes late at 2.05am; while my time here hasn’t been all fabulous it’s been nice to visit and see another place in the world. Still so many places to visit.....what will 2020 bring??!
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