Day 46 - Doha: Rain, Resorts, Malls, Memories & a Chanukah Surprise

Today we arrived in Doha, and it was a disembarkation/embarkation day, so the ship felt unusually busy and a little out of sync. With the gym closed first thing, I adapted my routine with a walk and stretch, followed by my usual veggie juice to start the day.

It was raining as we arrived — not something you expect in this part of the world — but it soon eased, and the sun did its best to break through the clouds. The port had put on a lovely welcome with music and entertainment, adding colour and warmth to the morning.

Two Very Different Days

Joe had booked himself a day at a beach resort, and despite the weather, decided to go anyway, hoping it would improve — which it did, slightly. Unfortunately, when he arrived, he realised he had forgotten his spare swim shorts.

He checked the hotel shop, but at $300 for a pair, he decided swimming wasn’t that important. He stayed for lunch and then sensibly returned to the ship. Not quite the beach day he had envisioned!

I, on the other hand, stayed onboard for a while — doing my crossword, chatting with some of the crew, and then decided it was time for a little solo adventure. One pair of my sandals had broken yesterday, so I headed out to the Villaggio Mall in search of replacements.

Villaggio Mall – Doha on a Grand Scale

Doha is an impressive city — everything is done on a grand scale. The port itself is enormous and even has its own aquarium, which is absolutely stunning. I’ll try to take better photos tomorrow, as today’s didn’t quite do it justice.



I grabbed a taxi from outside the port — surprisingly very reasonably priced, especially compared to Gib standards. The infrastructure and buildings are superb, and the city is already decked out in flags ahead of Qatar National Day next week.

The Villaggio Mall is something else entirely — vast, elegant, and packed with everything you could possibly want:

  • A huge Carrefour

  • All the UK favourites: Boots, M&S, and more

  • High-end designer stores

  • Endless restaurants and cafés

  • Entertainment areas, including a funfair

  • And even a canal with gondola rides, Venice-style!

While wandering around, I stumbled across a blast from the past — The Outback Steakhouse. We used to go there often in the UK, especially the one in Enfield. It was perfect for Joe and the boys — and Joe had a particular fondness for their steak knives, which somehow multiplied in our kitchen over the years!

Retail Therapy (Well-Timed!)

It was lucky I’d come shopping, because while browsing, my second pair of sandals broke. Clearly, the universe was nudging me firmly toward new shoes.

So, I treated myself to a few pairs from Hush Puppies, and then enjoyed a delicious burrata salad at L’ETO for lunch.



It was such a joy to have a day with no agenda, moving at my own pace, soaking in the atmosphere, and simply enjoying being in a new place.

Evening Adventures & Chanukah

Back on board, I caught up with Joe, who was most jealous of my mall adventure and promptly decided we should go back in the evening.

We got ready and first attended the first night of the Chanukah service. Given that there hadn’t been many Jewish guests onboard previously, we were surprised — and delighted — to find the room completely full.



Afterwards, we headed back to the mall — though this time we clearly got a rogue taxi driver. He drove in the opposite direction to my morning route, took twice as long, and cost nearly three times as much. His excuse was that the other roads were blocked — we were unconvinced.

Joe was also less than impressed by the music blasting in the taxi, which he found particularly irritating.

Eventually, we arrived and went straight to Boots, where Joe hoped to find some tablets — no luck. Then, of course, we went into Swatch, because naturally Joe desperately needs another watch.

And yes… we left with another watch.
(It could have been more — there were a few contenders!)



Dinner with Nostalgia

We finished the evening with dinner at The Outback, purely for nostalgia. The Blooming Onion was still on the menu, so of course we had to order it.



Joe was slightly disgruntled to discover there was no alcohol served, so he settled for a watermelon juice instead. Not quite what he had in mind, but he survived.

The taxi back was much quicker — though slightly hair-raising, as the driver came alarmingly close to crashing several times. Still, we made it back safely.

Another full day, full of contrasts, humour, and memories — and tomorrow, another adventure awaits.

Daily Reflection:

Some days unfold exactly as planned, others take delightful detours —
broken sandals, rogue taxis, unexpected reunions, and full hearts.

Highlight of the Day:

✨ A surprise full house at the first Chanukah service — a reminder of connection and community wherever we go, a timely reminder after the sad news reaching us from Australia. 

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