Qatar

On our way home, we booked a three-day stopover in Doha with Qatar Airways. It was something of an afterthought—a nice little add-on, but not something we’d planned with much anticipation. That made it all the more surprising when it turned out to be an incredibly interesting stop.

Doha is a fascinating city, striking a balance between ultra-modern skyscrapers and the charm of traditional souks and narrow backstreets. We wandered through gleaming malls with marble floors and then ducked into alleyways that smelled of every spice imaginable. One moment we were sipping flat whites in a polished café, the next we were wandering through bustling markets.

A particularly surreal moment came when we saw police patrolling on horseback—and camels. Whether this was genuine or a show for the upcoming tourist influx, we weren’t sure. But it made for an unforgettable scene either way. At the time, the whole city was in transformation mode, gearing up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Cranes dotted the skyline, construction was everywhere, and everything seemed to gleam just a little more brightly in preparation.

We spent our days exploring slowly, still slightly limited by Will’s dodgy back, but Doha was surprisingly walkable in its central areas. There was a calm, almost sterile cleanliness to the city, but enough colour and culture to keep it engaging.

Oddly enough, the highlight of our stopover wasn’t a sight or an activity—it was our hotel.

Thanks to a Qatar Airways promotion, we scored three nights in a five-star hotel for around $40 total. It was utterly sublime. After weeks of Airbnbs, guesthouses, and hobbling through ancient ruins, the cloud-like bed and rainforest shower felt like therapy. The staff were just as memorable. Many were from Bangladesh or Pakistan, and we bonded instantly over cricket talk, sharing a few laughs that made the stay feel even warmer.

The true standout moment? Ordering pizza.

Most five-star guests probably wouldn’t dream of asking the concierge to help them order takeaway pizza to the room—but we were well past the point of caring. After six weeks of travel, all we wanted was something normal. Friday night pizza and movies kind of normal. The staff found our request hilarious—but happily obliged. And that pepperoni pizza, eaten in plush robes with a movie playing and Doha glittering beyond the window, was perfection.

A short stop, but one we’re glad we took.