14 Hours in Doha

Walking into the Hamad International Airport in Doha, what struck me the most was the utter silence.  The place is massive and sound really doesn't carry.  There is no music and despite being moderately busy, you just don't evenhear a pin drop.  

In the main terminal, the showcase is the $6.8 million teddy bear statue...

As a business class passenger, I had access to the enormous Al Mourjan lounge, which has a capacity of 1,000 people.

Initially empty, it filled up quite a bit close to midnight, then thinned out quickly in the early hours of the morning while I waited for my 6am flight.

Overall, it was a very tranquil place, especially the reflecting pool under the grand staircase...

I was eligible to purchase access to the Al Safwa First Class lounge, but for $165, I didn't see the value.  It's supposedly very empty now as a result of the embargo in the gulf and only really offered nap rooms with a twin bed to get some rest.

Instead, I opted to spend $107 for a 50 minute deep tissue massage and access to this 25 yard swimming pool.  When was the last time you got a workout in an airport?!

I scheduled my massage for 1am and after a quick swim, I decided to power through the jet lag and took the new Metro into the city...

...to spend 4 hours with a friend of a friend.

Back in the airport, I took solace in the lounge a nice quiet place to listen to podcasts and decompress.

Around 3:30am, I decided it was time for some breakfast...

After shopping for a couple souvenirs, it was already time to head to my gate and board my next flight!