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I worked a little more than a half day on Wednesday, before heading out on my first flight from the new airport in Doha: Hamad International Airport. Previously, I had done a lot of work on the airport for the subsurface investigations, so it was pretty amazing to see it - that I had worked on it and now that there are no more buses! Woohoo!!!!
While they're still getting the pieces together, it means that there is free parking! Yes, I was able to park right next to the entrance and park for free. No taxis taking me back from the arrivals terminal to the departure terminal. No taxis taking me period! I had already checked in, but there are already many more counters and a more efficient layout (it reminds me of the checkin layouts in Jordan and in Madrid). Going through customs was a breeze - I think the security guy had me go through the VIP line because I was a woman (I saw no other reason). There is a giant million dollar teddy bear piece of "art" in the middle of the main hall. W.T.F. A teddy bear. Like, a teddy bear. The country's symbol
is the Oryx. What is the meaning of the teddy bear??? At first I was a little peeved by some of the other art along the hall until I realized they were actually copper structures that made up mini kids' playgrounds. That was actually pretty cool.
So far, it does not seem there are many restaurants or shops open yet, but I am happy enough knowing that now I can fly through a real airport, clean and new and shiny. The architecture really is amazing. And taking off... the runway was so smooth (maybe it was my imagination, but it felt nice and even).
So, I arrived to DXB (not the new Dubai Airport, Al Maktoom DWC) and was quickly out the door and in a ladies taxi, with a little speed demon behind the wheel. I had to walk from about the Dubai Marina Mall to the apartment because the bridge is under construction, so I was hot and sweaty when I walked in. I downed a bottle of water then cracked open a beer. Jamie, Addi and I got ready for the Kings of Leon Concert which was playing at the Atlantis on the Palm. So
exciting!!! We got a cab and sat in traffic (shocking) and finally made it up because our driver was pretty cool.
The concert was on the sand and you could see Dubai in the background - just amazing. It was supposed to start at 8, but it didn't start until almost 10. We had heard they were going to postpone it until 9:30, most likely because of the heat. It was by far the sweatiest, hottest concert I've ever been too. I mean, just so hot. We were able to share a bunch of heinekens and danced. I didn't get to see my other girlfriends who were right up at the front. Then when it was over, we headed to the free buses (for drunken expats) which dropped us off right at the Marina Mall, so we were able to have a late drink and check out the marina, and slowly walk home. So much fun!
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D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley
Airport
Very cool to see your finished product