So we arrived. Air-conditioned bus took us from air-condishoned airport to the air-condishoned hotel. Before we decided to go outside only our phone was telling us what was happening there. And it was a lot.
We didn’t find enough courage to go outside right away. We waited until dusk hoping the temperature will drop and decided to step out of the hotel. Arm covering shirt for mum and we left. When we steped out of the hotel we were hit by high temperature. Nevertheless we decided not to waste time and go around, firstly to the Souk Waqif as it looked as a walking distance from our hotel. Before we got there we passed by Al Jabor Souq, another Doha market.
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Souk Waqif is an old Arabic market, around 100 years old, nicely restored in traditional style, offering spieces, textiles and all you can imagine. Handicrafts and souvenirs are primary goods. It’s a popular destination for tourists as well as locals. It hosts some restaurants, art galleries and different events.[photosetgrid layout=”13″]
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And when you are done shopping and have hands full of stuff you can hire somebody who will take it for you to your car. Guys with barrows wait for the oportunity to earn some money.
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Between those two markets there is an interesting building seen above the rooftops. It’s Fanar – Qatar Islamic Culture Center Mosque. It’s the largest mosque in Qatar, declared to be unique because of it’s minaret shape. Indeed impressive but cannot deny inspiration by the Great Mosque in Samarra, Iraq. Nevertheless it looks amazing, especially illuminated at night.
Leaving this area we directed towards the sea. Ola was fast asleep, tempereature still high. Hoping that sea breeze will give us some relief we got to the coast. Dissapointed of course. At least Ola woke up and decided to familiarize herself with Qatari plants. All areas of Al Corniche promenade must be well hydrated as the grass is so nicely green.
Amazing view of the city skyscrapers contrasting with old boats attracts many locals, often not leaving their air-condishioned cars at all. This is the place where they meet in the evenings, to socialise, to admire the view, to relax.
As the temperature was still high we decided to head home. And here we learned what it means that traffic light are set with the priority for cars. As the pedestrians are in minority it took ages before we got green light.
What a relief we felt when we go to our hotel!
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