First Impressions of Qatar 🇶🇦☀️🌊

My first trip to Qatar was full of surprises from the moment I landed—highly recommend! ✨ 🏨 Stay at Rixos Doha The hotel staff were incredibly welcoming, even offering complimentary lunch at check-in 🍬 Plus, it's right next to a FIFA World Cup stadium—even as a casual fan, the vibe was electric! ⚽️ 🥵 Qatar is HOT! Summer visitors: sunscreen and hydration are a MUST. Note that most places open late on Fridays. But Uber here is lightning-fast—rides arrive in just 1 minute! 🛻 📍 First Stop: Katara Cultural Village Every corner is photogenic 📸 Heads-up: Only the mosque is open Friday mornings, but the architecture alone is worth the visit (I snapped so many pics 🤳). 🍽️ Lunch Blew My Mind! A stunning fish restaurant behind the Fish Market—pick your catch and they cook it fresh. Absolutely redefined Middle Eastern seafood for me 🐟✨ The market itself? Gorgeous and affordable! 🌊 Standing by the Persian Gulf = Pure Magic Sea breezes made it feel surreal. 🏛️ Afternoon at MIA Museum A must-visit! The Islamic art and architecture left me speechless, especially the Arabic calligraphy exhibits—powerful artistry 🖋️ 🏜️ National Museum of Qatar The "Desert Rose" exterior wowed me. Loved learning about Qatar’s pearl-diving history (though the similar buildings had me walking in circles 🤣). 🌙 Night at Souq Waqif My favorite spot! At night, it feels like an old Arabian film set. Tried a famous Persian restaurant—ambiance (those lanterns! ✨) outweighed the so-so food. 🕌 Magical Moment: Hearing the Call to Prayer The echoing adhan under the stars was soul-soothing—a memory I’ll cherish. 📿 Bonus: Bought a Pearl Bracelet Now I’ve got a wearable souvenir of this adventure! 🌟 Final Verdict: Qatar is friendlier, more beautiful, and richer in stories than I imagined. If you’re eyeing the Middle East for travel, start here! #Qatar #TravelDiaries #SouqWaqif #Wanderlust