Short Escape in Doha Qatar
It was one of my vacations in the Philippines and I boarded Qatar Airways. When I received the ticket confirmation last November 2009, I found that that I have a 6-hour layover in Doha International Airport. I was trying to think what will I do during that long hours of waiting for my connecting flight to the Philippines.
In Souq Waqif ,an important souq in Doha, in the state of Qatar. It literally translated to “the standing market,” this shopping destination is renowned for selling traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Taken during my short stop over in Doha last November 2009. © www.webbloggirl.com
I remembered that I have a former colleague who is currently working in Doha, Qatar. We worked before in one of the top 3 banks in the Philippines until we parted ways. I migrated to Europe and she and her family have their new home in Doha because her husband is working there.
I was asking hubby that time if it is okey for him if I go out from the airport and meet my former bank colleague. Hubby did not agreed with my idea. He was afraid that I might not be able to catch my next flight for my final destination. Since I am a strong-willed person and always determined, I decided to go out from the airport and met my friend and former colleague.
I find the architecture in Doha very interesting. Doha is the capital city of the state of Qatar. © www.webbloggirl.com
I ended up applying for a visa in order to get out the airport. This is one of the advantages of being a European citizen because there are countries like Qatar where you can immediately apply for a visa at the airport. After around 30 minutes of falling in line and the visa-processing, I finally had the permission to go out from the airport and met my friend.
My friend Jinky was shouting with joy as she saw me at the arrival gate. She and her hubby drove me to
Souq Waqif , a famous shopping destination in Doha, where we had a short sightseeing. After that, they brought me to an Asian restaurant. If I am not mistaken, it was a Japanese restaurant where we had our dinner. We had fun chitchatting and telling stories of all sorts. The evening was quite short but it was truly a memorable one!
The decision to have a short escape in Doha was all worth it. I wish I can stay longer but I need to hurry up back again to the airport for my final destination to my home country Philippines.
To my dear friend and former bank colleague, Jinky and her hubby, thanks for your time and generosity for showing me your new home Doha. I hope to visit it again in the future. Until then!
June 29th, 2013 at 4:36 pm
What a great way to fill time when on a layover for a few hours. Hanging around in airports for hours waiting for flights can be a real bore.
Great to hear that you had a friend to catch up with.
Your pictures of Doha remind me of my time in the Middle East. Thanks for sharing.
June 30th, 2013 at 9:33 am
Oh, the advantages of being a EU citizen. 🙂