Siesta In The Streets of Doha, Qatar
In late January, I had the chance to make a stopover in Doha, Qatar from my visit to Johannesburg, South Africa. Having spent almost a year in Doha on working assignments in 2005, it was a thrill be here again. I’ve met some nice people here and some of them became the best of friends.
The people of Doha are Muslims and they portray an almost aristocratic way of life… with their crisp white robe (tsaub) and white cloth covering their head, they always look resplendent. They have this measured steps, never in a hurry yet quick enough. They stand still in a queue, always a good distance away if a woman is in front of them. While same etiquette is observed on escalators, a man should never enter an elevator if it’s full of women.
While in Doha, one cannot miss visiting the Souq (an old-fashioned bazaar), a newly built structure that resembles the old establishment, as it was. During the cooler days of winter (I was there at almost the end of it), it is a joy to sit around the street cafe enjoying some hookah/shisha and fabulous Turkish coffee.
Turkish coffee in nice, cool weather. Souq, Doha
The Souq, Doha
To my good friends, AbdulAziz and Adel, you are the best. You showed me what real friendship all about. Your kindness, honesty and care are beyond comparison, something that I could repay. May Allah continuously extends His Mercy, Grace and Blessings to you and your families.
With the Qataris (AbdulAziz and Adel). Souq, Doha
Certainly, beautiful memories photos
Indeed, I had a great time. Thanks
looks beautiful there, mashAllah
Indeed it was, nice cool weather, very polite and yet very warm people of qatar, truly a siesta! thanks for commenting!
I would love to go to Qatar. If I remember correctly, isn’t it one of the wealthiest countries in the world ? I am always a bit cautious of how I would be received, especially in Muslim countries, being a western woman traveling alone. Your thoughts ?
IT is indeed one of the most wealthiest countries in the world. The people are one of the nicest around, aristocratic and yet so humble. No worries, just go there and you will have a blast.