From May 20th (Mon) to May 29th (Wed), I took JAL on its new Doha route and visited Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Doha. This is the final article in my series and I will focus on sightseeing of Doha, Qatar.

May 27th (Mon)
Last night, upon my return from Pamukkale, I stayed at the Swissotel The Bosphorus-Istanbul. True to its name, it offers views of the Bosphorus straight from its windows.

After breakfast and a short rest, I checked out of the hotel at 10:00 and took a taxi to Istanbul Airport. On the way, the driver inquired if I had visited Dolmabahçe Palace. Upon hearing that I hadn’t, he seemed disappointed. I wish I had the time to see it.
Later, I boarded Qatar Airways flight QR240, which departed at 13:45 and arrived in Doha at 17:55. My accommodation for the night was at the InterContinental Doha The City, where I enjoyed the nocturnal view of Doha from my window. The skyscrapers were visible across the way, indicating I was facing the residential district. In Qatar, an Islamic nation, alcohol is largely restricted. However, the club room offered a happy hour with complimentary alcoholic beverages and an assortment of dishes, which I found very convenient.

The morning view from the window is distinct, conjuring the image of a desert town.

After breakfast in the club room, I dedicated the day to exploring the city. Although I had a ticket for the Hop-On Hop-Off bus that starts at 10:00, I began my journey with a taxi ride to the Museum of Islamic Art, which opens at 9:00.

Upon paying the QAR50 entry fee, we explored the entire museum, discovering a vast array of exquisite Islamic art and crafts.

After completing the tour, we endured a 40-minute wait at the bus stop, a short 5-minute walk from our location, before boarding the bus. The buses arrived every 40 to 45 minutes, likely due to our recent departure. Despite taking refuge under a tree, the sweltering temperatures above 40 degrees left us drained. With the English-speaking guide’s narration, we made our way to the man-made island known as The Pearl.

Lunchtime had arrived, and I decided to treat myself to a hamburger and iced tea with watermelon, something I hadn’t enjoyed in quite some time. The refreshing flavors helped alleviate my tiredness. I visited a cafe named EL&N London, where the interior was adorned in pink—a bit embarrassing for someone of my age.

Finding respite in the air-conditioned bus stop was a relief. Once back on the bus, I took pleasure in the scenery outside the window. The accompanying photo was captured from the second floor of the open deck, buffeted by hot winds exceeding 40 degrees. Below is a photo of an arch bridge with a distinctive design.

Had I had the time, I would have liked to visit the interior of the State Grand Mosque, Qatar’s largest mosque.

Indeed, playing soccer at Khalifa International Stadium with temperatures around 41°C during the day and 30°C at night can be quite challenging.

I intended to disembark at Souq Waqif, but since the bus had passed it and wouldn’t return that way, I remained at a nearby bus stop. The skyscrapers across the bank were visible, yet a 10-minute walk in the current above 40°C heat proved to be a daunting challenge.

Qatar was once known for its production of natural pearls, which has since diminished owing to the impact of Japanese pearl cultivation.

During the daytime, Souq Waqif was sparsely populated and the majority of shops were shut.

After enjoying some kiwi juice at an open restaurant, I purchased a wooden box from a craft and souvenir shop, then hailed a taxi back to the hotel. Sightseeing in Doha’s desert climate is challenging at this time of year. Qatar’s population stands at 2.5 million, with 80% residing in Doha. However, only 10% are native Qataris; the rest are mostly migrant workers. The taxi driver mentioned they come from places like Bangladesh or Kenya. For dinner, I returned to the club room, as I did the previous night, savoring the nighttime skyline.

May 29th (Wed）
Today, I checked out of the hotel at 4:30 AM and took a taxi to the airport to catch the 07:15 JL050 flight from Doha to Haneda. I enjoyed breakfast at the Qatar Airways lounge, which, as anticipated for a hub airport lounge, offered excellent size, facilities, and service.

The journey was lengthy, spanning 8 nights and 10 days, yet it was immensely satisfying. As my first international trip post-retirement, I indulged in business class for all my flights, which likely contributed to less fatigue. By booking early, I secured the most affordable JAL ticket, type X, and utilized the miles gathered from previous business trips and travels, converting them into eJAL points to cover the flight cost, significantly reducing expenses.

After walking a considerable distance during my sightseeing, I experienced muscle pain. Stamina is essential for such trips. My goal is to increase my stamina to maximize my travels and enjoy new sights while I have the opportunity.