The Exiled Pearl

by Airien Noviyanti (Indonesia)

I didn't expect to find Qatar

Qatar, a small country in the area of GCC, is one of the countries I visited last year, also, one of the most memorable trip I've ever had. Some people don't even know this country exists, in fact, Qatar is one of the biggest contributor of oil to all over the world. In June 2015, its' neighborhood countries broke their diplomatic relations as some political issues arised between them. Yet, when I was in Doha, I didn't feel even the slightest feeling of exilation. They thrive beyond measure. Qatar has the most of both natural and cultural sides. From safari on sand dunes to the ocean border, the man-made island with pearl on it, to the skyscrapers and the most futuristic museums, they have it all. As Qatar is in the Middle East, it is identical with desert. Yes, some people may think that nothing can be found in a desert but here, in Doha, you can enjoy a bumping-ride of a desert safari tour. Enjoying the sealine, riding camels, seeing the wildlife and surfing on the sand will change your perspective of visiting a desert. It is a once in a lifetime adventure! Yes, the whole country was on a desert and guess what? They created so many huge building on it and even made a whole new island by themselves and put the biggest pearl I've ever seen on the center of the island! Also, don't forget to visit their museums. Museum of Islamic Art with beautiful scenery of the Dhow Harbour and National Museum of Qatar with amazing architecture and light shows are a must. I didn't expect to find these gems out there. I was expecting desert and heat, yet i found a hidden exiled pearl which has not discovered by many people. I hope this story can inspire people to see the beauty of a country, even the most unheard ones. Because I believe every country has its own treasures that only can be found if we are willing to go in to the unknown. So, where to next?