Doha, the Enchanting City

After seven long years, the moment to return to Doha had finally arrived. My last memories were of a city under construction, the landscape dominated by the ambitious rise of infrastructure and skyscrapers that promised to redefine its skyline. Doha, a city where I had dedicated years to the noble cause of medical research and infrastructure development, awaited my return. The connection I felt to this place, where expatriates like myself outnumbered the local populace, was undeniable.

The Journey Begins Part 1

In the heart of our bustling family home, preparations were underway for an adventure of epic proportions. The destination? A whirlwind tour from the scorching sands of Qatar to the verdant jungles of Bali, culminating in the winter wonderland of Hakodate, Japan. The itinerary was packed: seven formal occasions, countless dinners, rafting, hiking, and nights out in Japan. Needless to say, the concept of ‘packing light’ was as foreign to us as the lands we were about to visit.

With seven check-in bags, four carry-ons, my wife, and daughter in tow, we arrived at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, ready to conquer the skies. Little did I know, our luggage saga was about to take a turn for the comedic, thanks to the airline’s baggage policy. Qatar Airlines, with its two-bag limit and weight restrictions tighter than my daughter’s shopping schedule, was about to teach me a lesson in travel logistics – and humility.

The gate agent, a paragon of professionalism cloaked in a polite smile, informed us of the additional $255 fee for our extra luggage and the need to shuffle our worldly possessions around to meet the weight requirements. There we were, a flustered troupe of travelers, repacking our bags in the middle of the airport, performing a juggling act that would rival any circus performance.

But oh, the plot thickens! As if summoned by the spirits of travel mishaps, my daughter’s eyes caught the glint of a pink travel bag in the duty-free shop, a perfect match for the brown one she already possessed. “What’s one more bag?” I muttered to myself, a phrase that would soon become the unofficial motto of our journey.

Our adventure commenced from the bustling Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with our final destination being the South Pacific and Japan. However, our chosen path took us through Doha, courtesy of Qatar Airways. The decision, driven by efficiency, comfort, and a significantly lighter hit on the wallet compared to other airlines, seemed like a no-brainer. Yet, as we approached the airport with an arsenal of luggage, little did we anticipate the minor hiccup at check-in, a reminder of the travel nuances when navigating through different airline policies.

Business class aboard Qatar Airways, though slightly different from my recollections, provided the comfort of a private suite in the skies. Despite the changes in crew demographics and English being a distant third language, the anticipation of our layover in Doha remained high.

Doha Unveiled

Landing in Doha during Ramadan presented a unique perspective of the city’s daily rhythm, with its daytime calm and nocturnal vibrancy. The magnificence of Hamad International Airport served as a testament to the city’s transformation, a project that I had a personal connection with through my professional endeavors.

The introduction to Doha’s hospitality began with the seamless service of the Al-Mahad private meet and greet, ensuring our entry into the city was nothing short of royal. The drive to our hotel offered panoramic views of the now completed cityscape, a stark contrast to the construction sites that once dominated.

The St. Regis, with its exceptional staff, welcomed us as if no time had passed since my last visit. The personal recognition and warmth we received were unparalleled, setting the tone for our brief yet immersive exploration of the city.

Exploring the Heart of Doha

Our adventure led us to the Souq Waqif  a cultural and commercial hub that offered a glimpse into the traditional and modern facets of Doha. The bustling lanes, filled with a myriad of shops and cafes, provided the perfect setting for our first encounter with the city’s vibrant life.

Despite the initial jet lag, within two hours of landing, my girls found the allure of the gold market and the promise of an evening filled with exploration kept our spirits high. With the first purchase found at Atlanta duty free, now here at the gold market I begin to think if I need to call my bank and give them a warning, but that moment passes with the girls deciding not to by the copy of the Tiffany Gold Bracelet, but informed me they wanted the real one. I think I am going to get in trouble all through this trip….

The next site was the outdoor bird market, with its cacophony of sounds and colors, was a highlight that brought joy and laughter, encapsulating the essence of our experience in Old Town Doha. 

As our eyes grew heavy with the toll of travel, the comfort of our hotel awaited. With only one day to fully experience Doha, we retired with anticipation for what the next day would bring.

Reflections on a City Transformed

Doha, with its blend of modernity and tradition, left an indelible mark on our journey. The city’s rapid development, juxtaposed with its cultural roots, presented a narrative of progress and perseverance. As we prepared to continue our journey to the South Pacific and Japan, the memories of Doha, both old and new, promised to linger, a reminder of the enchanting city that bridges worlds. I am thrilled my “girls” got to see Doha and I wish we had more time to explore and meet with my fellow past collogues, but time is short and tomorrow is another day. All in all a wonderful first stop.