Earlier this month, we traveled to Qatar, where we stayed in Doha. On arrival, our first impression was how friendly the locals were. We were warmly greeted in our hotel and this continued for the rest of the week.
Qatar is not yet well-known as a holiday destination. Yet it is a country worth visiting. It is super safe - you can leave 100 $ on a table of for instance a restaurant, leave, come back a couple of hours later and find your bill as you left it. Prices are not too expensive, either. As a woman, you are quite safe walking the streets and dress western like. Personally I advise to be a bit careful, though. We went for trousers and t-shirts, out of respect for the country's culture.
Qatari's are the richest of the oil states, still they don't show it like in Dubai. The emir himself doesn't drive a Maserati or Lamborghini, but an ordinary cruiser - and he expects his countrymen to do the same.
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we met our tour guide who took us to see Souq Waqif, where different trades have their headquarter. We first made a tour of the souq. What we discovered wasbhow clean everything was. You can of course find everything in the souq (we bought some items, for a reasonable price, like pearls which are dived for locally; and dresses, which cost us about 15 € a piece. Our guide also showed us into a little café, where older men gather to play Dammas. One of them was willing to show us the game.
Next it went to the falcon market. The Qatari like falcons, which they use to hunt. In the souq there are shops where you can find out which falcon you like best, and they also offer advice on how to train the bird. We got to opportunity of trying it ourselves.
We also visited the camel market. Here camels are trained to take part in races, which are also very popular in Qatar.
Worth seeing is the Blue Mosque in the souq. It is allowed to enter this mosque as a foreign woman, but of course you leave your shoes and wear a shawl.
What you must certainly try out in Qatar is the local drink 'karak'. It is based on black tea with milk andifferent spices, especially cardamon. It's quite tasty and we plan on making it here at home as well (we got the recipe from an old woman who was willing to share it).
Can you believe it, cars stand in cue at stalls where karak is sold!
We also visited the north of the country. We went to Al Khor where dhows (the wooden boats used by the pearl fishers) are repaired and where you also find a fishing harbour with fish market (also very clean).
Then we drove to the mangrove forest, one of the biggest in the world. Here Qatari come to spend a day out, kayaking and such.
In the desert, we saw the Al Zubarah fort and rock formations that looked like mushrooms.
One thing I also must emphasize, is how clean this country is. Even the public toilets (or whatever toilet in whatever place) is clean. A cleaning woman or man is present at all times and they clean the toilet before you use it, and afterwards - for free.
So I hope you feel inspired to visit Qater as well. You won't regret it!
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