It was hard to believe that this was our final day in Doha, the time having passed by all too quickly. We’d arranged a late check out so set off on foot after our leisurely breakfast to take a look at the National Museum of Qatar which opened in Spring 2019. It took around 25 minutes in the blazing heat to reach the Museum and although it wasn’t too far, with hindsight we should have taken an Uber as there was no shade.
The museum is located at the southern end of the Corniche and is connected to the shore by two footbridges. Its innovative exterior design was inspired by the desert rose which gleamed in the morning sunshine. We didn’t feel we had time to view all the galleries so decided to leave visiting for a future stopover in Doha. The museum is a celebration of Qatar’s cultural history and features exhibitions on the natural history of the desert and the Persian Gulf, sounding very interesting.
We then wandered slowly along the waterfront towards the Dhow harbour, pausing to take in the views of the Museum of Islamic Arts on the way. I’d already visited this museum on my previous visit so on this occasion just enjoyed its idyllic setting.
The seafront was deserted except for a few people trying to sell boat trips around the harbour. There seemed to be a lack of places to sit on the Corniche but eventually we found a shady bench to sip our bottled water which had become lukewarm and didn’t taste very nice.
Returning to the hotel through the Souq we inhaled the aromas of the Spice Souq one last time and hoped it wouldn’t be too long until our next visit. There was still plenty of time for a swim in the rooftop pool and a chance to freshen up before checking out of our room at 2.00 p.m. As the airport was close by we didn’t need to leave until 3.30 p.m. leaving ample time to enjoy some lunch. We settled on Moroccan cuisine and our lunch on the terrace of Tajeen was delicious, if a little on the large side! We opted for their set lunch menu which comprised gently spiced soup served with a basket of rolls followed by lamb kofta with chips and salad then macaroons for dessert. We couldn’t manage the macaroons so wrapped them up in napkins to eat later at the airport. (Set meal including soft drinks QR 35 (£7.50 each).
Back at the hotel we bade our farewells to the front of house staff who had been most welcoming during our stay, offering us cups of Arabic coffee each time we’d come back in. It only took a few minutes for our Uber to arrive and despite not ordering a large vehicle, there was ample space for our large suitcases in the car boot. Soon after setting off we suffered a short delay for a very unusual reason – we were following the camels who were returning from the Royal Palace to their home at the Camel Souq. There was no room to pass so we crept along behind them until they turned off towards their enclosure. After that we sped along, arriving at the airport in 25 minutes. The fare was QR 22 (£4.70) which seemed very reasonable. The driver helped us with our luggage and within a few minutes we had checked in for our overnight flight to the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. As the majority of Qatar’s passengers just transit through Hamid International Airport there were no queues at baggage drop, immigration or through security.
Once airside, we had a wander around the shops then found a seat near to our departure gate where we caught up on the news on our iPads until it was time to board our Qatar Airways Dreamliner 787-8 aircraft. Unlike our flight from Manchester, it was almost a full load and this time we didn’t have the luxury of an empty seat next to us.
A drinks service appeared promptly after take off so I enjoyed a refreshing gin and tonic and a small packet of pretzels whilst waiting for the dinner service to commence. To pass the time I watched the film ‘Yesterday’ about a would be singer who had gained the ability to memorise all the Beatles hits following a motor accident. It was reasonable but not something I’d go to the cinema to see.
Of the three main course options for dinner we both opted for the beef casserole with mashed potatoes, vegetables and a sweetcorn and pineapple salad. It was quite tasty, the highlight being the stracciatella mousse for dessert. I washed this down with a glass of red wine which sent me off to sleep nicely for much of the remaining 8 hour 35 minute flight.
I only woke as the breakfast trolley appeared and wasn’t really ready to eat but managed some scrambled eggs, fruit and yoghurt. I did fancy a cup of coffee though but had to make do with orange juice as it became turbulent and the cabin crew were unable to serve hot drinks. I then dozed for another hour until we touched down in a hazy Jakarta at 7.20 a.m. local time.
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Seemed like a pretty relaxed end to your time in Doha, although it probably helps that you’d been before. Looking forward to reading what you got up to in Jakarta 🙂
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Doha was just as nice, if not even better the second time around. I do hope you get a chance to visit once we can all move around freely again as Im certain you would like it too.
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one day Ill fly Qatar they seem an excellent airline. Doha seems nice but the weather in that part of the world is stifling! also it seems perhaps TOO clean…
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Thanks again for your welcome thoughts Andy. I’d recommend travelling Qatar Airways as we’ve see hem several times now and mostly been very pleased with their service. It was second stopover in Doha, the first a year earlier was in early May when it was much cooler and we even needed a jumper in the evenings so quite a contrast from the stifling September weather so I’d recommend travelling early in the year.
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My home town where the ONLY affordable thing is uber! How did you walk ANYWHERE in this heat!? Great post x
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Thank you for taking an interest in this post. We enjoyed visiting Doha but it was so very hot when we were there in September.
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I love the way the modern architecture seems so tasteful and artistic without competing with something totally different beside it. I imagine they have the space and expanse in the newer areas to stretch out, then I take a second look at your header photo and realise the city centre is a metropolis. But one I hope to explore one day – armed with all your guideline tips . . .
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Thanks Gwen for your kind words. I’ve really enjoyed both of my visits to Doha and would happily return for a stopover in the future. I do hope you get an opportunity to visit as well on one of your future trips back to Europe. Hope you enjoy a good weekend.
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Such an interesting trip. Didn’t know a thing about Doha before reading your posts and its been fascinating. So clean and the food looks great. Love a museum too. Great posts.
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Thanks so much for your positive thoughts Jonno. Doha is one of those places that I’d happily spend a few days in at the start of a longer trip. Let’s hope we’re all able to do this again before too long. Hope you have a good weekend.
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Hi, Marion. I was wondering, would you recommend Qatar Airlines? I was offered them on my first trip to the UK and declined because they were new and I knew nothing about them. I ended up with horrible flights with Emirates.
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Hi Coral, I’ve flown Qatar Airways numerous times now and the majority of the flights have met their five star standard. Their fares are priced competitively and I think you would enjoy their service. Even if you don’t intend to stopover in Doha, changing flights at its airport is very easy. Thank you for taking an interest in these posts Coral, it’s much appreciated.
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A very nice series. Thank you for taking us on the travel.
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It’s my pleasure Ian. Thank you for taking an interest in these posts on Doha and hopefully you will enjoy the next part of the trip too.
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My old home…Doha. Beautiful memories of Qatar Airways.
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Thank you for your kind words. Let’s hope it’s not too long until we can return there.
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It is astonishing how these cities on the Arabian Peninsula have been able to use their resources to develop so quickly, skipping several centuries, like a time accelerator. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you for taking an interest in this series of posts on Doha. Qatar has developed very quickly but I think it has been more tastefully achieved that other Middle East countries.
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I really enjoyed reading your Doha/Qatar series! Such an insightful look into the small country, and now I’m very interested in visiting some day. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!
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Thanks Rebecca for your kind words. It’s so nice to read you enjoyed these posts about Doha and I do hope that you have a chance to visit before too long.
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You seemed to have made the most of Doha and after reading all your posts I am tempted to have a stopover there. Although I won’t be walking in that heat! I would definitely enjoy the food.
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I’m pleased you enjoyed these posts on Doha Alison. At some parts of the year such as springtime the temperature is much cooler so that might suit you better. The food is delicious and good value. Thanks for taking the time to comment, it’s much appreciated.
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I learn so much from your detailed posts Marion. Very interesting. I’ve never been to Doha but if I’m ever headed there I will review your posts! Interesting about the camels in the street- we’ve seen the Queen’s horses in the street in London heading back to the stables at Buckingham Palace!
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Thanks Sandy for taking the time to comment. Doha is certainly worth a few days if ever you find yourself flying Qatar Airways. I’ve been twice now and wouldn’t hesitate to return so I think you would enjoy it there as well. Seeing the Royal household’s horses is a wonderful sight too. Let’s hope we can all start enjoying these things again soon!
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