Now THIS is exciting – an entirely new part of the world to travel to. I have not been to the ‘middle east’ yet (This probably supports an entire conversation on its own: Middle East? Arabian Peninsula? Gulf States?)

I am going into this trip with zero expectations or standard for what I think it’s going to be – my goal is to write these as I’m traveling to get my real-time reactions! Like many westerners, I associate the Middle East with war, violence, and restricting women’s freedom. I have been dying to see this part of the world for a long time to 1) see it’s beauty and 2) reframe my belief (and hopefully others) in this region.

Qatar (Doha) was nothing like what I expected. The best I can relate it to is Vegas…. But without the drugs, prostitutes, gambling, alcohol, or general dirtiness.

Firstly, exiting the planes was interesting. All the planes landed and then taxied together in the center of the runway area. These were not small planes – but like 10 large passenger planes exiting passengers down the stairs onto the runway. There was something strange about the way they were all congregated. I’ve never seen them like that before.

The airport was completely empty. Nobody in the immigration line. Nobody sitting waiting for planes. It was empty and quiet. The only people around were the workers cleaning. And let me say this airport, and the streets and sidewalks around it were spotless. It’s the cleanest I’ve ever seen any public space.

In talking with my driver into the city, they take great pride in the architecture and design of the city, and in support keeping it clean. You also will notice the lack of garbage anywhere on the streets or graffiti anywhere in the city.

Qatar is a country that is 10% Qataris and 90% Immigrants. While nobody is granted citizenship, it is quite easy to become a resident. No taxes, free healthcare, no crime. The country is so rich from oil/gas that the rulers decided they don’t need tax from the people. Additionally, they have diversified so much that even as green initiatives take over, their real estate and tourism industry will keep them a rich country probably forever.

I went into the city, the Pearl, the expansion of the man-made islands. They are like out of a barbie dream world. It reminded me of Vegas because of the themes. There were areas that looked like Venice with canals and colorful architecture. Istanbul, Europe, etc. There were pockets of themes for people to stay and work. It was surreal. Again, everywhere I turned was clean.

The skyline was out of this world. The buildings were so tall and unique. Most of the best buildings were government buildings.

When I asked my drive and a tour guide about the situation in Israel and whether or not they are seeing any refugees or fall out in Qatar. I received a bit of a scoff “absolutely not, they know better”

Doha was absolutely gorgeous. It may just be the charm of the first place in Arabian Peninsula I’ve landed but I really liked this city. I would love to live here for a year so I could easily travel this part of the world!