Day 47 - Qatar Desert Safari, Dunes, Swings & A Quiz Victory



Today started bright and early as we headed off on our desert safari into the Qatari desert. We were taken straight from the port and into 4x4 vehicles, ready for another adventure on the sand.

This time, we shared our jeep with a lovely couple from Denver, Colorado, which made for great company. Joe, once again, secured the front seat, so he was very happy from the outset.

Our driver, Wadi, was excellent — calm, confident, and incredibly knowledgeable. As we drove out of Doha, he pointed out the many football stadiums built for the 2022 World Cup, explaining the symbolism behind their shapes and designs. It was fascinating to learn how much thought and cultural meaning had gone into each one.

Because of the early start, breakfast was room service, and with the gym closed at that hour, I did my usual walk and stretch to wake my body up before the day properly began.

Into the Dunes

Once we reached the desert, the real fun started.
Wadi was a far more confident dune driver than the one we’d had in Dubai — and the dunes here were bigger, steeper, and more dramatic. It was exhilarating, bouncy, and occasionally gasp-inducing in the best possible way.



We eventually reached the famous Sealine point, where desert meets sea. We got out to stretch our legs, take photos, and look across the water toward Saudi Arabia, visible in the distance. Standing there really brings home how vast and interconnected this region is.

The Oasis & A Slower Pace

Back in the jeep, we continued on to the oasis for our lunchtime stop. Here, guests could choose to swim, walk along the beach, or simply relax. With the weather a little windy and overcast, Joe opted not to swim, and we both chose to chill instead.

The beaches were beautiful, the water cool and refreshing, and the whole setting felt calm and unhurried.



After a lovely buffet lunch, I took a long walk along the beach to digest the food and soak up the atmosphere. I dipped my feet into the cool water, enjoyed the resistance of walking on sand, and then did something I realised I hadn’t done in years…

I sat on a swing and simply swung.
Back and forth, letting the breeze carry me, smiling like a child. It struck me how easily we forget these simple pleasures amid the busyness and stress of everyday life — and how healing they can be when rediscovered.

Joe was perfectly content at the oasis too — especially as there was Wi-Fi, meaning uninterrupted access to his beloved phone.

Back to the Ship & Celebrations

Soon it was time to return to the ship. The planned immigration checks were postponed until tomorrow when we arrive in Abu Dhabi, which suited everyone just fine.

Joe arrived back in time for his now-favourite activity — the quiz. He was absolutely delighted when his team came joint first, giving him a well-earned reason to celebrate.

We rounded off the day with dinner at Compass Rose, enjoying a relaxed and familiar end to a full day.

With another early start tomorrow, Joe headed for an early night, satisfied, sun-kissed, and still buzzing from both the desert adventure and his quiz success.

Daily Reflection:

Sometimes joy arrives quietly — in a swing by the sea,
a shared laugh in a jeep, or the rediscovery of simple pleasures
we didn’t realise we’d left behind.

Highlight of the Day:

✨ Swinging by the beach at the oasis — a small moment that felt unexpectedly profound. 

Comments

  1. KathrynDecember 16, 2025 at 6:12 AM

    Thank you for your updates - it's great to be able to follow along! And I did some swinging last time I was in the UK! Love it! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BDecember 16, 2025 at 11:44 AM

      Thank you for your lovely comment. You cannot beat a bit of fun on the swings xx

      Delete

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