Qatar: land of sand and chocolate
STOP THE PRESS: Someone visits Doha and doesn't moan about a thing. Quick guys - you better set her straight and express your negative experiences of all the things she did.
"Wasn’t that the place that was bombed in the Iraq war?” sighed my mother down the phone. “No, Mama,” I assured her, “Qatar wasn’t bombed and I’ll be perfectly safe – it’s just like Dubai, you know.”
And so it was, a few weeks later, that I set off for Qatar, its eponymous airline setting the tone for the country to come – a sparkling new plane and charming service. Six hours and 16 comfortable minutes from Heathrow, I landed in the seductive midnight heat of Doha.
Driving in the dark past minarets and low-slung white buildings, I arrived at the marvellously rococo Ritz-Carlton hotel. After sampling the rainbow collection of fresh juices and sweet meats and easing myself into a deep bath pre-filled with tropical flower petals, I stumbled into my Frette-sheeted bed. I was going to enjoy Qatar.
The next morning I was excited to see what lay outside. Pulling back the curtains I wasn’t sure what to expect. The result was a surprise. Pure, yellow desert and sandy nothingness. For miles. Land, seemingly meeting the sky. It was beautiful in its starkness.
In appropriate contrast, the Ritz-Carlton offered a sumptuous breakfast on the giddy 23rd floor. My later reconnaissance revealed an Olympic-sized indoor pool, two tennis courts, an outdoor pool complex, three other restaurants and an enticing spa, all framed by palm trees and sandstone.
The spa won. Especially attractive was the diamond facial – said to make you look five years younger in 90 minutes. I think it worked. Never mind that my boyfriend didn’t notice. He was busy getting a massage. Fortified and relaxed, we stayed at the hotel for supper at the Porcini restaurant – I couldn’t have had more delicious food in Italy.
After dinner, we wanted to explore the Doha souk. But I was worried. Was it safe? Was it the kind of souk where you need a guide to prevent all manner of advances? Making enquiries, I was met with an astonishing fact: there is virtually no crime in Qatar. Women can walk freely without worry at any time. A number of people told me they never lock their doors.
Insouciantly, therefore, we wandered in the balmy night around the exotic and pristine souk. Carpets, falconry gear, lacquer boxes, lutes, spices and honey jars were all on colourful display, circling a series of open-air “shisha” lounges where Qataris meet for late-night socialising and hubble-bubble pipes. And it wasn’t shopping mall ersatz chasing the tourist buck, it was the real deal – but a wonderful tourist attraction nonetheless.
The next day we toured the Al Jazeera TV station, which has its base in Doha. This might have been my mother’s bomb reference as President Bush had allegedly planned to bomb the station in 2004. I had imagined balaclava clad, AK-47 toting reception staff ushering me through as they took furtive delivery of dusty video tapes. I couldn’t have been more wrong. What I saw was a super-slick set up; an inspiring looking workplace with state-of-the-art technology and a team dedicated to providing reporting from all sides of any story. I felt a myth had been busted.
Later that day, we moved to the Four Seasons, situated on the edge of the Corniche, the glamorous coastline that is the setting for many Qatari picnics, strolls and jogging sessions. We lazed for a while on its private beach while pool attendants brought iced towels, water bottles and a selection of fruity cocktails.
The heat increasing, we ventured to the spa. My goodness, the Four Seasons does good spa. Our three-hour chocolate delight dual treatment was strange, sticky but divine, and the hydrotherapy lounge, with its heated tile beds and steam rooms, a dream.
That night, after another delicious Italian feast at the hotel’s Il Teatro restaurant, we swayed to an imported jazz band by the shore. Life at night here can be as good as life by day.
The weather is gorgeous in Qatar most of the year – in the upper 80sF – rising to over 100F in summer, and another hot clear day saw us off on a 4 x 4 expedition to the celebrated Inland Sea. Forget Alton Towers, the 80ft dunes en route, ridden with cowboy-like abandon by our able driver, were white-knuckled fun. The “sea” was deserted and ice cold, framed by Qatari dunes and distant Saudi hills. A once-in-a-lifetime swimming experience, the turquoise water dropped quickly away to shocking depths.
Back from the Inland Sea, it was time for our final move to the recently opened Sharq Village, a refreshingly un-resort like resort. Aged wooden artefacts sit among magnificent tile works, peaceful cushioned areas and rich flora. The spa takes this theme further with a souk-like labyrinth of softly hued wood, tapestries and plunge pools. Sitting in the top-floor panoramic shisha lounge, after a world class massage and a delectable Lebanese dinner, I felt as if I were living in the Arabian nights.
It was here that the penny dropped as to what makes Qatar special: not a Dubai-like glamour, but tradition, a rich architectural and cultural heritage. It is also a place worthy of superlatives, which is why Doha is currently enjoying such a boom.
At the airport, my sadness at having to leave was mollified somewhat by the spacious splendour of Qatar Airlines’ Premium Terminal, typical of the stylish modern approach you find across Qatar. With just enough time for another spa treatment and some delicate canapés, I walked the plank home. But, hey, when I next need a hot and quick getaway with cultural depth, I’m coming back.
Source: The Telegraph (UK)
I agree with xyned, if you lot are so pissed off, what are you doing here? Go home, wherever that is !!!!
Dont like qatar? Loose the chip. Stop cussing
I thinks its time to hit the gin again..............
You made some good valid points in your comments, still, one of my dreams I need to fulfill yet, is to drive around Doha, your most expensive car that you own.
:)
“Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful,”
Amnesia, well said.
Although I did have to laugh at some of the things in this article.
...or the winner of last year's Miss Universe Pageant.
"Everything in this book may be wrong." Illusions: The Adventures of The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach
I'd prefer to be moddest, or else I'd end up having people talk about me :(
The only luxurious place that she spoke about was the ritz, I don't consider AL Jazeera or Souq Wagif that great.
My point is, everywhere has nice things and bad things. Some see the good, some see the bad, some see both sides.
There are 10 billion threads with people complaining about something they don't like on QL. Why can't there be one thread on one happy experience?
Now for the extra side notes: I don't live in a luxurious house, I don't drive a ferrari, I do see so many things in my country which annoys me and causes my temper to rise, I do know that there's a wide spectrum of opinions and experiences in Qatar, I don't like to generalize, I do like to ensure that people know that what I say is an opinion, and I do hope that more people would take their energy and try to find a positive outlet.
@janey, I agree.
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Mr. Q's Blog - A Qatari's view on Qatar.
Promote your own country!!!
Live Life free of worries
i'll keep my eyes open for one of those rose-tainted glasses for you saggi lol....
the weather's not goh-geous in summers..
cheers,
paul
Amnesia, I'm sure if all of us were to go on holidays anywhere in the world to enjoy the most luxurious things for free.. no one will ever dare to say anything bad about it. Don't you think so too?
i sure would love to borrow her rose-tinted glasses.....wish i could see doha in the same light(sigh!)
Keep smiling!
Saggi!
and nothing else to do
PK
Yay! Someone got the point of my post!
here's a shocker.
Could it be that those who spend money, make an effort to go out, and go to nice places will enjoy themselves?
Rather, a lot of people would rather wallow in their own misery and moan. People are only as bored as they are boring.
Just as some argue that she makes things sound great, a lot of you make things sound much worse than it really is.
*sniifff* I smell double standards in the aiiiiiir.
Everywhere has it's great areas and bad areas.
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Mr. Q's Blog - A Qatari's view on Qatar.
she forgot to mention she's transported by a private jet when she travelled around Doha
How come she didnt mention the almost everywhere road construction in Doha and the always-puking scent of arabic perfume.my goodness,iv spent more than 3 years trying to get used to that smell but i just cant.Ugh!
and whats so good with the souq filled with indian bazaars?
Live Life free of worries
she didnt notice the ogling bachelors in the souk?
oh she probably went on a friday...
Great story... great description... but how many people enjoy such life in reality here???
Great story... great description... but in reality how many people enjoy such life in reality here....
obviously had to give rave reviews.
Remember also, that she only sampled the five star treatment..
lol @ sugar! No danger of that being moderated. You're so polite Novi!
SUgar ! And here is me just booked and paid our hols in far east. When i could have enjoying Qatar instead.
It most be one of Qatar Airways five star commercial...
“Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful,”
Stupid Cow........lets see her point of view from the other side of the fence....imagine if she went for a drink in Garveys heaven forbid!
"I had imagined balaclava clad, AK-47 toting reception staff"
Uhh, exaggerated much? :P
........... or you might end up being detained like some GT reporters found out. The truth must not be told!!!!!
You tell me t-coffee .......... is it something you do?
What's wrong with men holding hands
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Yeah, QTA, whose site is blocked by Q-tel. Hahahahaha
I don't think the Telegraph paid for it, by the sound of the article, I would say Qatar Tourism Authority paid (bribed) for it.
They probably realised that having a proper journalist would reveal warts and all, otherwise why else they not ask QL's very own roving reporter, novita77 LOL
and i thought it was the land of speed demons....oh and men holding hands..... :P
how 600 000 tourist visited the country last year... Ever tried getting a visit visa for someone? If you don't go through a hotel that charges QR2000 for the service or you don't a bit of wasta at the ministry... goodluck....
"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME
visit www.qaws.org
Land of chocolate...lol, she makes it sound like this is Belgium or Switzerland??!
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have been offered lots of money to write very flattering articles..... liked the article in the paper where the minister of tourism stated 600,000 tourists have visited so far this year and they expect another 200,000 before year end. Must all be staying in the Ritz sharing a bath full of rose petals gazing at the pearl construction....err sorry I mean the endless yellow desert....
Oh yeah, and where in all of that did she find "cultural depth"??? The fake souq? lol
Duh.
The Ritz is lovely.
Facials are lovely.
And I believe I recently commented in 2 different threads that Porcini is pretty much my favorite restaurant.
The Four Seasons, yes. Lovely as well. I would happily try a "chocolate delight dual treatment" on someone else's nickel!
Yep, Al Jazeera is quite impressive with all it's state-of-the-art whizbangs.
And doing the dunes is probably the most fun I've had in Qatar.
What a tough assignment! I wonder if the Telegraph would pay for her to spend 6 months or so, actually living here (in the Ezdan Towers, of course). Do you think she'd feel "sadness at having to leave" after that?
To quote a dear friend of ours.......Yippeeeeeeeee!
I loved Qatar the first time... couldn't wait to get back - still love it, but even I wonder where she bought her rose tinted glasses from.... maybe she can send us a few pairs.....
"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME
visit www.qaws.org
What drugs was she on???...and where can I get me some???;P
"Your born, You Live, You Die, given this premise, one can conclude since we have no control over when we are born and when we die, the only thing that matters to us should be how we live, simple really?" Mis-Cat to her philosophy Lecturer.
She shouldn't even have been staying in a hotel here with her boyfriend!
Mandilulur, its just as flowery :)
Wishin you a safe journey.
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Either that, ot the 'boyfriend' was on form for the whole holiday... the freebies probably gave him the horn;)
Did she also have a helicopter and fly everywhere?
Nah, Labda, not enough sex in Qatar for a Mills and Boon. When I came to Doha I brought many boxes of books and I was careful to screen any with "bodice ripper" covers. I'm leaving the US today to come back to Doha and I can't wait to see my sweetheart and all my friends and my QAWS kitten. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. See you all soon! Nadt, I hope you find where your heart is also. But until then, marhaba!
Mandi
(PS I'm coming from a family funeral so Doha's sunshine will be very nice.)
Mandi, i dont agree, there is a place that i would rather be in, which i consider is the best place in the world for me. You can make the most of where you live sure, but i wouldnt say Q is the best place. I never had high blood pressure until i came here..lol...
Reads like something taken out of a Mills n Boon.
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Nadt, it is! Any place you are is the best place in the world.
Mandi
This reminds me of when prior to relocating here, my hubby's relative who has lived here for over 25 years told him Qatar is the best country in the world to live in.
Elementary my dear, this is a fine example of the what-so-called "sampling error".
i wish to visit it someday ;)
It was Nice thing to say about Qatar. Certainly a lot of her readers will believed it and come here see for themselves. (hhhhmmm.... hope they won't be shock in what they will experience)
Cheers All
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Heard your wife left you,
How upset you must be.
But don't fret about it...
She moved in with me.
she surely missed to visit the Industrial Area, the back streets of the Corniche ... in other words, she really missed reality. What she saw was the "borrowed" charme of five-star services.
were she on Prozac during her trip?both Ritz & four season SPAs are over hyped & very expensive
And how dare her comparing Porcini to authentic Italian food!
As a journalist I doubt she was paying for any of it. It would be hard not to enjoy those hotels and the spa treatments if you were getting it all for free.
I did enjoy the article although it depicted a "Potemkin village" view of Qatar.
Mandi
She should have stayed at home. Doha is crap as is QA. 4x4 trip is rubbish, as are the drivers here. ;o)
Nice writing BTW
Did you Google it first?
loved reading it .. thanx tallg
made me think of seeing and experiencing some of the stuff mentioned in the article
From your average QLer that would be fine Alexa, but I'd expect far more cutting comments from your good self ;-)
btw, thanks for your Dubai restaurant tip. We had lunch there and it was awesome!