Doha Days: Exploring the Capital of Qatar

There is so much talk about Qatar lately, especially because it became one of the richest states not just in the Middle East but also in the whole world. For soccer fans, it could also be because the nation will be hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022. When I first step foot on Doha, I was excited to explore the city.

Souq Waqif is the place to visit if you want to explore Arab culture and enjoy the waterfront. Those who are ready to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine can have their fill at the numerous cafes and restaurants in this area. If you want to buy traditional garments, spices, crafts, scarves, and souvenirs, this place has it all.

 Image source: Wikimedia.org

Those who would like to see Qatar in its splendor must visit the West Bay. It is the perfect place for those who want to explore the futuristic structures and attractions of the city. This place bursts with color—an expression of Qatar is a city that welcomes people from different nations and cultures.

Image source: Dohanews.com

Doha has a different charm compared to the other Middle Eastern cities. I am looking forward to going back to enjoy other sites in the city that I haven’t seen yet.

My name is Louis Habash. I am lucky enough to have a job that pays me to travel. Join me in my odyssey to explore the whole world—one snapshot at a time. Follow me on Twitter for more updates.

The Jot Down: Keeping a Travel Journal

A good journal is a place where memories live. It adds meaning to every journey, and it gives the writer a whole new perspective about their destination.

If you know me personally, you’ll probably think that my memory is a mess. But with my love for wandering and my chosen profession, I need to jot every detail of my trip down to make sure I write the best piece of travel advice I could give.

Still not sure on how to start with your travel journal? Here are a few tips that will help you get started.

 Image source: shutterstock.com

Write down your itinerary

Keep track of your trip by writing down your itinerary before you start with your daily on-trip entry. Your itinerary may include the mode of transportation you used to get to your location for the day, expenses, and notable firsts while on your journey.

Go deep with the details

Your entries don’t have to be grand and artsy all the time but don’t be afraid to describe what you experienced. It can be in the form of words, a picture, or a sketch.

 Image source: theletsgoladies.com

Take time to reflect

What did you learn while on a trip? Traveling exposes us to different cultures and beliefs, and there’s surely a takeaway from every destination you set foot on. Take time to reflect, and express your soul through your entries.

Traveling is all about learning about one’s self while experiencing different places. Get more travel tips when you follow me, Louis Habash, on Twitter.

One Step Closer: A Trip To Korea’s DMZ

Have you ever wondered how it feels like to stand in two places at the same time?

If you’re a curious tourist like me, the Korean DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is the perfect place for your adventure. I went there one winter morning with some new acquaintances because my other friends were not into the idea of stepping foot in North Korea.

Image source: telegraph.co.uk

Most people opt to take DMZ package tours offered by various travel agencies (price ranges from $34 to $80), but I vowed to look for the cheapest way to get to North Korea—by Korail.

I took the public DMZ train from Seoul Station to Imjingak.

I was lost as soon as I arrived at Imjingak, so I asked a group of people who looked like they just got off the train from Seoul, just like me. They told me that even if we took the public train to Imjingak, we’d still have to pay for a bus tour that will take us to certain sites and landmarks.

From the station, we walked 10 minutes to where the bus tours were. Below the observation deck, we went to the ticketing office. I had to present my passport and pay for the trip, which costs about 8,000 won (roughly $7). The tour takes two hours.

The bus tour was not bad at all! For just less than 10,000 won, I was able to see the Imjingak Park, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, DMZ Theater, Dora Observatory, and the Dorasan Station.

Image source: commons.wikimedia.org

I don’t want to spoil the fun for you because I want you to experience crossing the border yourself. Here are some friendly reminders, though, if you want to take on a North Korean adventure:

• Always have your passport with you. You’ll need it at different points while on tour.
• Photos are not allowed at some points. (Well, a lot of people have tried to take pictures, but it would be too risky to do it.)
• Don’t think about your #OOTD, and just wear something decent. You can find a list of what you can and cannot wear while in DMZ here.

We went back to Seoul after the tour via the public Korail train, too. Overall, I spent roughly $25 including meals for my trip to the DMZ.

That’s it for now. I hope you’ll enjoy crossing the border as much as I did.

Louis Habash here. Follow me on Twitter for more budget-friendly travel tips.

Gute Idee: a Budget-Friendly Guide To Visiting Berlin

Image source: Telegraph.co.uk

It’s very easy to fall in love with Berlin. The German capital’s artsy atmosphere and laid-back appeal are a treat for tourists. There’s no need to worry if you’re a first-time traveler. You’ll be surprised to know that you can do so much in the city without sacrificing your budget.

For music lovers

If you appreciate classical music, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra usually conducts free concerts featuring the best musicians from different parts of the world. If you’re into rock bands and pop acts, join summer street parties like Karnavale and Fete de la Musique. Some jazz clubs also have free shows during weekdays. Berlin is the perfect place to explore various music genres because it is home to the world’s renowned music schools.

For art and history geeks

Image source: Travelsmartblog.com

The Museumsinsel is an island north of the Spree River where state-owned museums are located. In fact, the whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can purchase a ticket for all of the five museums, which is usually cheaper than buying a ticket for each building. Afterwards, you can check out the majestic Berliner Dome and have a picnic at the Lustgarten. But don’t leave Berlin without seeing the East Side Gallery, filled with street art from citizens, in memory of what was once the wall.

After the concerts and museums, you can also go to the flea market during the weekend. Aside from eclectic pieces for sale, you’ll also enjoy a wide selection of food items from different stalls. Just a tip: the churros and pizza margherita in Tiergarten are amazing.

Hi, Louis Habash here. I am a journalism graduate who fell in love with traveling. Explore the world with me on Twitter.

Kutna Hora: The Bone Church

In a previous post, I sang the praises and pleasures of traveling to Prague, in the Czech Republic. If you want to get even more out of your trip to the Czech Republic, and you are fascinated with the bizarre or macabre, you simply must take a day trip to Kutna Hora.

Situated about 90 minutes outside of Prague, this town is famous for its Sedlec Ossuary, more commonly known by tourists as the Bone Church. Built in the 13^th century, this small Roman Catholic Church was not much different than many other churches that were established across Europe during the period. However, because the abbot of the Sedlec Monastery had sprinkled the grounds with soil from Palestine, this church was considered very holy ground and was a popular burial spot for Czech residents.

Image source: ArmchairTravelogue.Blogspot.com

 However, during the Thirty Years’ War in the 17^th century, the demand for burials in this sacred spot outstripped the available plots in which to bury the dead. In order to accommodate the desire to be buried in holy soil, they began digging up previous corpses and started to decorate the church with those skulls and bones.

As you walk into the little church today, you will be awestruck by the walls, chalices, and even a chandelier, that are decorated with the bones and skulls of previously departed souls. It feels cold upon entry, even on a hot summer day, and you will probably remain speechless as you walk around this rather spooky chapel.

Image source: OpenTheVox.Wordpress.com

While this is not the only tourist spot outside of Prague that is worth visiting, you can certainly say that it is the most unusual place to visit, perhaps in all of Europe. It is definitely worth the time to visit and explore. However, I would not recommend you spend the night inside it, unless you are an uncommonly brave adventurer! (Just kidding: it is only open during the daytime.)