Inspiration from My Trip to Doha, Qatar
One of the things I love about my day job as a freelance producer is that I get to travel to all kinds of places and work a variety of events. I have gotten to work in Los Angeles, New York, New Orleans, Glasgow (Stay tuned for a post on this trip!) and as of this past fall Doha, Qatar.
Having never been to the middle east I had no idea what to expect but was delightfully surprised. The first thing I noticed when I got there was the HEAT! When I wasn’t trying to stay inside air-conditioned buildings I managed to get some great sightseeing in.
Museum of Islamic Art
The first place I visited was the Museum of Islamic Art. It was full of wonderful artifacts and did not disappoint. My favorites were the Turkish tiles (Hello design inspiration) and their jewelry collection. The building itself is also worth noting. The architecture is just stunning.
Looking up at the ceiling inside the Museum of Islamic Art.
Gorgeous Turkish tiles that I want to replicate in my home.
Beautifully detailed wood work.
The thing that I love most about the Arabian style is that everything is so intricate and detailed; the art, the architecture and the textiles are all so ornate. Which leads me to my favorite place I visited:
Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is the oldest market in Doha and a very popular attraction. I HIGHLY suggest it. It is filled with hundreds of local shops and restaurants. I could have spent days wandering around and still not have seen everything. My goal was to find some scarfs for souvenirs and a lamp for my home decor. I found everything I was looking for and more. But be prepared to haggle-something I am quite appalling at (yes you can take all my money). Fortunately I went with a group and a local who helped me out.
Lamps on display at a shop in Souq Waqif.
Hand punched metal lamps.
One of several alleyways in Souq Waqif full of beautiful textiles.
Desert Trip
Of course my time in Doha would not be complete without the tourist trap of a desert trip. (I am a tourist, I’ll act like one if I want to.) After a jeep ride over sand dunes and what felt like a near death experience, we rode camels and swam in the Persian Gulf.
Base camp on our desert trip.
Persian Gulf
As a designer, getting to travel is not just a joy and a blessing but a wonderful way to expose yourself to new perspectives, cultures and styles. I definitely came away with some new design ideas.
One of my last nights in Doha.