Been here in Qatar for almost 24hours. Here for the first time. Here for two days. I took the opportunity to stopover; for practical reasons, a chance to sandwich a transit between two long-haul flights β for the indulgence of curiosity, to experience something new.
Despite being in this destination for just a moment, the desire is try to glimpse along the edges of a world unknown β to sail beyond the sunset.
Yesterday was much of a blur. Off the plane. Into the unknown. Corralled queues for security and immigration. People in motion, crowding, pushing, moving all around. Passport stamped with a hand tattooed in henna. Out into a huge hall.
Facing taxis holding names β found mine, escorted outside the airport. Sat on a bench and waited while the driver went to get his car. He returned and we drove in to Doha.
Only a 15minute drive to the hotel. It was dark and dawn and light and morning all merging. The first call to prayer sung and carried with its divine beauty through the cool air. Roads were quiet. He said there would be fireworks and a parade. He also told me everything was preparing for the World Cup. On my flight I remembered there had been a man from Zambia flying in to attend the match β decked in the red of the European Champions.
