Arriving in Qatar

---

Yes we are on the go again and as first stopover we landed in Qatar. We have not been here before and flying with Qatar airways we thought it was a good idea to see where in a few years time the World soccer is taking place. We landed early in the morning and found out we have to take the stairs to leave the plane. A bit old fashion but that could improve in next few years. At the Immigration we had to buy a Visa for around $35 per person to enter the country. A taxi took us to the Hotel not that far from the Airport where we arrived at 3.30 a.m. Not many people there so we were quickly ushered to our room where had a coffee and made plans for the next few days we will be in Doha the capital of Qatar. Later we went out for a walk to the souks to buy some water and other things we think we will need. It was 40 degrees and a hard hot wind was blowing. Nevertheless we walked on and reached the souks. Most of them were closed but we managed to find a Super market where we bought water and a few biscuits. That would be the only things we will have till tonight when we will have a sort of smorgasbord. But that would start around 7 p.m. We showered and got ready to attack this smorgasbord for we were getting very hungry. We had the wrong start for we entered the wrong room. The room was filed with men who when we entered stared at us in disbelieve. The dining room was at the other side so we quickly retracted to that side. Found a table and sat down looking at the food spread out over tables showing names in Arabic with small lettering explaining in English what it was. The seats were very low but the person serving us noticed and offered cushions so we could reach the table. Well lots to eat but we only took what we recognised, that was fried rice and spaghetti Bolognaise. There was also soup, and was delicious. Sitting there having our tea we realised that is the reason people don't go there when it is Ramadan time. Not only for the food but everything is closed and does not open till 6 or 7 at night. So our first day we spend mostly in bed. Our next day started the same. We were nearly the only ones that had breakfast. You could eat as much as you like but not the things we use to eat. We made enquiries for visiting one of the big shopping centres but were told it was closed till 6 p.m. and advised to take a cab for to walk was to far in the heat. My advise is not to visit Qatar in Ramadan time.

---

Photos

IMG_1225
Breakfast in DOHA

IMG_1226
Breakfast room

IMG_1227
Real middle East