Exploring Doha

When I was a kid, I have always wanted to fly high like the airplane that I always see in the sky. Everything was surreal to me when I traveled abroad. My excitement made me study the culture, food preference, religion, way of clothing and their customs as well. I also bought Arabic dictionary with translation, for me to learn their language. I guess I want to impress the Arabs since Filipinos have brilliant memory (haha).  It was September of 2008 when I left the Philippines for Doha, I was so ready and looking forward to a new beginning, meeting new nationalities and getting to know our differences. It was a 10 hour travel from Philippines to Doha, and when I arrived at Doha airport I pinched myself and believed that I am seeing a desert and feeling the hot weather. 

THE VIEW

Doha is the capital city of Qatar on the coast of Persian Gulf, and considered as the largest rapidly growing city. It has set to become one of the premier cities in the gulf. On my first week, I got to jog around the Al Corniche. It is a long seaside that curves around Doha Bay and you'll get to see the view of the Palm Tree Island and the skyscrapers. Many locals walk and jog around 5 in the afternoon for the panoramic sunset view. 

Office tower, Doha Qatar at Al Corniche

ABAYA

Doha is now an open city. However, most woman still wears abaya "cloak". It is a black wardrobe-like dress for Muslim woman, worn with hijab, a clothing such as the veil and headscarf as a symbol of modesty. The abaya covers all parts of the body, so their hands are covered as well, and I tried wearing one. Most woman that I see wearing abaya look so beautiful. They groom themselves well, put their best make up on and use super high heels to look smart in carrying their traditional wardrobe. 

Abaya

DOHA AT NIGHT

Most locals have fun at night-time because of the cool weather at Souq Waqif. It is known as the "standing market" and renowned for its traditional garments, handicrafts, spices and souvenirs. There are many restaurants where you can relax and their favorite pastime is watching football match on the big screen, screaming and ordering of seisha in restaurants or coffee shops. I have tried their seishas with flavors namely: Tufa (Apple), Saloom (tobacco), Nana (Mint), and their Double Apple seisha. They say that it is much worst than 1 pack of cigarette in one day. It is equal to three (3) packs of cigarette according to my Moroccan friends. Seisha costs QR25 to QR30, depending on what you will order served with coffee or tea with mint (leaves). The food that they serve is very different from ours. They eat Kobus bread most of the time with grilled chicken or lamb recipes with Arabic salads like Tabboulleh, Baba Ghanouj, Fattoush and Moutabal. I have observed that most of the time, they do not use spoon and fork, instead use their hands to eat. Food ranges from QR50 up.

At Souq Waqif

With Maricel and Sahllie. Done watching the football game.

Hi Mom!

Hi Dad!

Asiana Express 

Turkey Restaurant

DOHA CITY CENTER

The City Center mall is one of the prestigious malls, because of its accessibility. It is open from 10 am up to 12 midnight. The Al Corniche, Souq Waqif are some of the nearest places that you can visit after malling. Doha City Center has a lot of features specially for family bonding time during their holiday (Friday). It has Fun City for family and kids amusement, the anticipated Bowling Yard and Ice Rink. Grand cinema viewing is also available at the City Center mall from 10am to 12 midnight, but during Ramadan (holiday) it is open from 10am -5pm ; 7pm -2:30am. Most Filipinos love to walk around the malls in Doha on Sale because it is really affordable (so you have to be ready for it).

At the Doha City Center

DESERT SAFARI

The sand dune bashing in Doha topped off my adventure. I got to see the view of the desert as you hear the sand shift on your Safari ride. We had a perfect lunch and swam at the warm beach before heading back to the city. The great dunes provides an unforgettable experience in the desert using a 4 WD air-conditioned vehicles. Make sure to bring sunscreen and cameras too. Those are the places that I have visited when I was in Doha. I have heard there are newly constructed buildings for great gatherings and in preparation for the upcoming FIFA 2022 (if I'm right). ASSALAM ALAIKUM! MARHABA! 

Sand Dunes

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