Currently flying back from Qatar (wifi on the plane!) after a week in Doha. Watched 9 games in total (1 on Monday, two every other day). Absolutely cream crackered, but I have loved every minute of this trip (with the possible exception of the first 45 mins on Monday, and the 111 mins yesterday).
Just a few thoughts based on my experience:
1/ The Qataris were super organised. Everything went well. The tubes, the buses. Plenty of volunteers helping everyone out. Management of queues heading to the tube stations (lots of walking!)
2/ The stadiums were phenomenal. We did 7 of the 8 (all except the shipping container Stadium). My favourite was Al Bayt, which was the furthest away- out in the desert. The food served within was functional if unspectacular, but expensive.
3/ The people! From the locals, to the tourists. Everyone buzzing to be there. Just the one angry Uruguayan, who called my friend a puata, but other than that- no drama. The Arabs were friendly and welcoming. It was amazing speaking to people from all over the world… felt like the United Nations.
4/ fan culture from other continents puts us to shame. We joined an Argie fan procession on day 1, with hundreds of them… huge Maradona flags and banners. A real good vibe. In the port, the Argies removed the English flag from its pole
. The North Africans were brilliant as well. Tunisia in particular. The best atmospheres involved North African and South American teams.
5/ the women. I had high expectations for the South Americans…. But the North Africans won hands down. They have one default setting: massive bangers and red lips. Beautiful.
6/ Qatari customs. A lot was made pre tournament about the alcohol ban, and their stance on homosexuality. Alcohol was freely available if you wanted it in relevant bars. But I actually think the absence of booze from in and around the stadiums improved the experience. Not a sniff really of trouble at any of the games. And a local expat was telling us that there are gay venues in Doha. “People just get on with their own business”, was what he said.
The trip has been brilliant, although we are all feeling a bit flat after yesterdays game. Home soon now anyway…
Just a few thoughts based on my experience:
1/ The Qataris were super organised. Everything went well. The tubes, the buses. Plenty of volunteers helping everyone out. Management of queues heading to the tube stations (lots of walking!)
2/ The stadiums were phenomenal. We did 7 of the 8 (all except the shipping container Stadium). My favourite was Al Bayt, which was the furthest away- out in the desert. The food served within was functional if unspectacular, but expensive.
3/ The people! From the locals, to the tourists. Everyone buzzing to be there. Just the one angry Uruguayan, who called my friend a puata, but other than that- no drama. The Arabs were friendly and welcoming. It was amazing speaking to people from all over the world… felt like the United Nations.
4/ fan culture from other continents puts us to shame. We joined an Argie fan procession on day 1, with hundreds of them… huge Maradona flags and banners. A real good vibe. In the port, the Argies removed the English flag from its pole
. The North Africans were brilliant as well. Tunisia in particular. The best atmospheres involved North African and South American teams.5/ the women. I had high expectations for the South Americans…. But the North Africans won hands down. They have one default setting: massive bangers and red lips. Beautiful.
6/ Qatari customs. A lot was made pre tournament about the alcohol ban, and their stance on homosexuality. Alcohol was freely available if you wanted it in relevant bars. But I actually think the absence of booze from in and around the stadiums improved the experience. Not a sniff really of trouble at any of the games. And a local expat was telling us that there are gay venues in Doha. “People just get on with their own business”, was what he said.
The trip has been brilliant, although we are all feeling a bit flat after yesterdays game. Home soon now anyway…
