It was a sunny Saturday morning as I arrived at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar.
Stepping off the plane, I was greeted by a towering 13-foot tall sculpture of a teddy bear. This quirky art installation brought a smile to my face and set the tone for my adventure in this fascinating city.
After clearing customs, I stopped by the airport’s Starbucks for an iced coffee to shake off the jet lag. Sipping the cold brew as I people-watched, I marveled at the diversity of the crowd.
My time in Doha was short but sweet. I soaked up the sights and sounds of this rapidly modernizing desert metropolis. The juxtaposition of sleek skyscrapers against the timeless sand dunes was stunning. Vibrant markets displayed wares ranging from glimmering gold jewelry to intricately woven rugs. Everywhere I went I was struck by the welcoming hospitality of the Qatari people.
Before I knew it, it was time to depart. As my plane lifted off into the dusk sky, I bid farewell to Doha. Its spirit of cultural crossroads and architectural innovation had captivated my imagination. I knew I would be back to further explore this bridge between East and West. But for now, the lights of New York beckoned on the horizon—the next stop on my world adventure.