And here we go! Again. A little week long interlude for mid term break has seen us escaping from Dubai on the Costa Diadema. We are in for some R&R. Actually, I will be working and there is some concern over the current COVID-19 pandemic but, here we are. Decision made and we are ready to go cruising again Doha!
Cruising Again:
Day 5 – Doha
I wake up feeling unwell. It has been coming on for a couple of days, the familiar symptoms of sinusitis. Still, I have meetings and scheduled follow ups from a work trip a couple of weeks ago. So, knowing I am unlikely to be contagious, I head into the office after breakfast.
We say goodbye here and the boys head off for the day. I take the lift up the aptly named Tornado Tower. It looks, and feels in the lift to the 40th floor, like a tornado.
The boys walk from here into the shops at the City Centre Mall, Doha. After a wander around they find the Al Dafna (Sheraton Grand Hotel) park where they can let off some steam. This turns into a good place to grab a sandwich for lunch on the waterfront.
In the afternoon, Souq Waqif calls. The animals are always a hit if you don’t think about it too much (I’m not sure RSPCA guidelines are widely followed here). Once the novelty of the animals and the narrow alleyways wears off, there is another playground nearby.
MIA park, next to the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), is particularly large and conveniently and ideally located. It is very near to the terminal for the bus back to the ship. An ice cream tops off the holiday feel for the boys and they make their way back.
My work eventually wraps up and I make it back in time for dinner. I am still not feeling on top of the world.
Good To Know
Complimentary port transfers are usually available. These will drop you off near the entrance to the port. From here the Museum of Islamic Art and the MIA playground, the Doha Souq and Dhow rides across to the CBD are all within walking distance.
If you intend to explore further afield, for instance The Pearl or the cultural village at Katara you will need to take a taxi. Doha taxis are metered and safe but beware of peak hour traffic. It can get very congested along Al Corniche Street between West Bay and the Port and delays are common.
Would I Return?
Yes. Doha is a delightful city.
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