Seven sips

by Liliya Khismatullina (Russia)

A leap into the unknown Qatar

I heard a road noise and splashing water. Warm air permeated the lungs and the eyes didn't believe what they saw. I opened them and the far shores of downtown Qatar shone with bright colors in the night sea. It was as if I plunged into another world, where people have a different way of life and mores. The Qatari people were beautiful and delighted me. I love new ones. Yes, I went on an unexpected trip. This was not planned at all. I won airline tickets in promotions. Actually, I wanted to win a backpack and I never even thought that I could win the main prize. I found out at the last moment about my win. My tickets almost fell into the hands of another lucky one. But this opportunity was presented to me and I took advantage of it. This is how my first long journey began. My month of new breath and healing started from sea and finished in the mountain landscape. The flight to Bali was unusually fast thanks to the Qatar airlines. People on this island were the most welcoming for my entire trip. Unobtrusively, I learned a few indonesian words. Everyday I drank mango shake, swam in the sea, went to massage and thanked for everything the world. I stood on the surf board, felt tired of the waves. Lightness was in everything: in communication with the locals, in food, at prices, in the air... New flight. And holiday airport met me with all beauty of Christmas time and hot rainy weather outside. Singapore has become the third place of adventure. Two days of the city of the future where a harmonious balance of nature and architecture reigned. Especially for us, the rainy season was interrupted for two days which for I was grateful. I lost my watch, but in the cleanliness of the city I was able to find them on the way back. Magic! Unbelievable reality. After hot, humid city, I wanted to plunge into the sea. But I really loved that city! Phuket hit a crowd of compatriots always. A sea with huge waves and golden sand remained in my kidneys after somersaults in the water. The big Buddha and the monk’s knitting ceremony remained digitally forever. And new sea for taste! Sri Lanka met with a local holiday, clean beach and the waves tumbling toward the shore. The water was warm as if a scarlet sunset heated it up. Huge leaves of plants made you feel in the Jurassic period. Coconut bread conquered heart and the kindness and sincerity of the owners of the hotel has become a model of true humanity for me. Dubai brought me to the ideal world of technological progress. The luxury and diversity of creativity in architecture opened a view on the infinity of human genius. Magnificent! Tears of happiness during dinner overlooking the singing fountains and burj khalifa are an indispensable part of the evening in UAE. Deep breath... And final country! Georgia bestowed coolness and hearty cuisine. The boundless colorful variety of fruits, herbs and vegetables made the mouth fill with saliva and the heart with delight. The contrast of life in Dubai and in Tbilisi blurred the impression of the city. Mountainous beauty and local customs show magical side of the country. After all flights and variety of lifestyles, taste of food, nature and architecture I understood that it was just my first tries to know the world, the real people and myself. The opportunity to try my own power on a long journey brought its discoveries in the inner world: confidence in the goodness of the world, understanding how to live in the moment, love for people and ease of contact with them. There's so many different and interesting lifes around us. You can find out a creativity in a poor countries and in a rich places. All opportunity are inside us. It is easy to find a true human nature in travel. I admire people. Other people help us to discover our new edges. On this journey, I took seven sips and assembled a new myself. And it's really amazing to live the story, then to tell about it.