On the Road Again

Ok, raise your hand if you know where Doha is. How about Qatar? I know, me neither! But I know now, because this was our next destination after flying out of Bangkok. We came to this decision after a very well reasoned and careful process of travel planning- not!

 Actually, we decided to bypass India since we were not up for the challenge of more heat and well, India . We were just a bit low on stamina after more than a month and a half in Asia, and decided we should rethink that original plan. So we looked at Skyscanner, which our new travel friends told us about. We put in "Bangkok to anywhere " and it brought up a list of possible destinations and airlines. By the time we finally decided on Istanbul as a destination, our airline choices had narrowed, so we chose Qatar Air, with an overnight in Doha. What a great choice it turned out to be! 

We arrived at the airport in Bangkok with time to spare and were pleased that we beat the crowds to check in. However, we got an officious clerk who didn't like the fact that we had no onward flight booked out of Istanbul. He refused to let us on the flight until we did! So, he sent us to customer service who told us how to get free wifi at the airport. Double Aack! We had to register for that, then go on Skyscanner and randomly pick a flight. So much for being spontaneous! I was a nervous wreck, and also a bit angry about having to make this last minute reservation. Fortunately Jim was not at all worried and tried to calm me down. We picked a flight to Athens, as it was cheap and we knew it was not a huge loss if we couldn't make that flight. So, we went  back to the check In counter, but all of the agents dealing with us before had gone to the gate. We got there just as the flight was boarding, with no time to spare. 

Qatar Air was a delight, with good food, drinks, and plenty of first run movies. I finally got to see the movies I didn't have a chance to see at home! 

When we arrived in Doha, we were able to take a free bus tour of the city, courtesy of the airline. Now, that's good service! 

What a beautiful city it is. Everything is new, new, new, with most  buildings being built in the last several years.

The skyline of new Doha, as it is called. 

Museum designed by IM Pei

I love the color of the sea! 

It is a very small but wealthy country, and the city is no Dubai, but we liked the scale of it and got a good overview during our two hour tour.

I really wanted to take a boat trip, but there was not enough time.

We saw a very fancy mall,( one of many)with all the top designers, plus a convenient Rolls Royce and Lamborgini show room nearby.

We ended our day at the " old" souq, which was also newly rebuilt after a fire. It looked a bit like Disneyland. Which one of these youths is happier? 

Still some old timers around.

Trying on a new robe...

But these guys were my favorite. Handsome Arab security guards on horseback- what's not to love?

It was worth the stopover ( and VISA fee) just to see them! 

And jim enjoyed( sort of) trying some coffee and shisha. 

While I discovered the art center full of galleries and art classes. These women were fully engaged in an art project. Wish I could have joined in! 

And one small purchase of henna stencils. I'm ready for a henna party! 

So long, Doha...