I never thought that I would EVER say this in my whole entire life, but I went to the Middle East! Yes, I did! I went to Qatar! It's a small, extremely rich country on the Persian Gulf. They are rich in Natural Gas and are building the infrastructure of the city as well as investing in sports (think Barca Futbol Club) and Arts, hence why I traveled there. For work, to participate in a film festival. Anyway, I wont talk much about that, instead about my experience getting to know the country.
First, one of the most AMAZING experiences I had while there was crossing the Desert into Saudi Arabia, after a camel ride, we took a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by a Palestinian, and we went Sand Dune Driving until we got to the Boarder of Saudi Arabia. As the driver was going over the steep sand dunes, I constantly felt like the car would flip over or get stuck, but that never happened. The driver had DESERT FINESS! It was such a magical, not to mention nerve racking, experience. We stopped at multiple Oasis, sand sailed down the dunes and just sat and admired the scenery. Words can't really describe how unique and wonderful I felt being there. The desert was never ending, and we saw car gangs driving towards us in the distance (one couldn't help but feel as if they were going to attack us, I am American after all, and grew up watching action movies). I LOVED it!
The day-long desert adventure ended at a virgin beach, one of the most beautiful I've ever experienced. Crystal clear water and sugary sand. I wanted to jump into the water so bad, but unfortunately it's not acceptable for females to enter into the water in bathing suits (only at the international hotels, and that I did at the St Regis Doha), and I wasn't about to get back into the car in a floor length soaking wet dress smelling of sea, so I went in knee deep and appreciated the experience as much as I could.
The rest of the time in Doha, Qatar was spent at the Museum of Muslim Art, the Damien Hurst Exhibit and the various Markets-- specifically the Pearl and the Souq (pronounced Sook), as well stuffing our face in the very new and chic Katara!
 |
| The Qatar Skyline |
 |
| My friends and I at Souq Market having a snack |
 |
| Outside of the Damien Hurst Exhibit and Museum of Muslim Art |
Amazing experience. One I will never forget, and one that unfortunately many Americans don't get to experience because of the Muslim fear instilled in us by the Media. I have to say, I never felt safer in my life.
