Back in the State of Qatar

So here I am again....oh, said that already.

I am now back in the Middle East. The flight wasn't bad, as I managed to get myself into an emergency exit seat with extra legroom. The only problem was the delay in take-off, which was an hour and a half.

I arrived at about half past midnight local time. A meet and greet by Al Maha services had been arranged, and it certainly beats standing in the passport control queue. When greeted, you are guided to a little room with comfy chairs and drinks to help yourself to. At least, I think you help yourself. No-one asked for money. While you are waiting, the Al Maha ladies take your passport away and deal with the formalities on your behalf, and by the time it's all sorted out, you just have to show your face and passport to the immigration people and breeze on through to the baggage claim area.

Doha airport really is a small operation, with only six baggage reclaim conveyors. It's little wonder that they are building an entirely new airport when you think how fast the place is growing. On the plus side, you only have to walk about 100 yards in total after leaving your plane.

My hotel pick-up was there as expected and I was transported the short distance to the Qatar Royal hotel. It's not a major chain hotel like Ramada or Marriot, but it's pleasant enough and of a decent standard. It didn't take me long to hit the sack and get myself into the land of nod. The fifteen hour trip had taken it - whatever it is - out of me.

This morning I laid in till nearly ten o'clock. I had been woken by the mournful echoes of the call to prayer at 4am and had wondered why it caught me by surprise. I'll get used to it again, I'm sure. When I finally rose, I showered then ambled down for a leisurely breakfast. I was on my own in the restaurant, and the breakfast buffet had obviously seen better days. All the food had the look of things that had been left for a few hours. The scrambled eggs looked congealed and unappetising, so I had some toast. Lesson learned.

The rest of the day has been about kicking my heels and relaxing, grabbing a power nap every now and then. I will finally get to meet one of the people from my new company tonight, as he is taking me out for dinner. I'm hoping it won't be too extravagant; I've come here with the notion of trying to eat healthily. For those readers experiencing Deja Vu, I am sticking my tongue out at you.