Tag: City

Doha in the Dark – Doha, Qatar
On a long flight from the USA to South Africa, I had a 18 hour layover coming up in Doha. My original plan was to try and catch some rest at the airport but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I, as a South African national, didn’t require a visa to visit Qatar. This meant I could rather spend the layover exploring the country’s capital city than being stuck in the airport!

Doha is the largest city in Qatar with a population of almost 1.2 million and is home to the vast majority of the country’s population. Qatar gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1971, and since then Doha has been developed into one of the main financial centers in the Middle East.

Doha Skyline

Although I felt very safe when strolling around Doha at night, the effects that the recent FIFA World Cup had on the city were clearly visible. Standing at certain intersections and roads you see brand new and fancy buildings on the one side, with old and somewhat run down apartments and shops on the other.

Sights & Attractions

The city of Doha has a lot of attractions, most of which are either fancy things to do for the rich or culturally orientated attractions related to the Islamic culture and the Qatari national heritage.

The Flag Plaza is located down by the Doha Port and is open for anyone to view free of charge. For the avid travellers, this makes for a fun game of spotting the flags of the countries you’ve visited in the past. Just behind the plaza is the MIA park and the grounds that surround the Museum of Islamic Art, one of the iconic attractions in the area. This park is also open to walk around and you can follow the road around the Old Doha Port which has some colourful traditional buildings surrounding the marina.

Flag Plaza

Like most Islamic states, there are many mosques all around the city. These buildings have beautiful architecture and some even contain artworks. Whether you are religious or not, seeing these buildings first hand is still quite aware inspiring, especially when they are lit up at night. I viewed the Al Shouyoukh Mosque with its tall minaret and was lucky enough to be allowed inside before one of the the call to prayers.

Looking out over the Doha Bay is the government office for the Qatari Emir. On the site of these buildings was once an old fort, which was renamed Amiri Diwan when Qatar gained independence. Some of the grounds around Amiri Diwan remain open for the public to walk around.

Most recently, Qatar is remember for the World Cup it hosted in 2022. Since the country is so small, most of the stadiums and associated event venues are situated close together and can be easily accessed. For sports fans, Doha is a fun place to try and see a couple of the newly built stadiums. I stopped by Stadium 974 on my way back to the airport, which has a capacity of just of 44,000. Interestingly, the stadium was originally planned to be a temporary structure that would be disassembled after the World Cup so it was built from almost a thousand repurposed shipping containers.

Some other attractions include:
- The 2022 World Cup statue on Old Palm Trees Island.
- Katara Cultural Village and the Pearl Island to the north of the city.
- The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum which houses some cool Formula 1 and automotive exhibits.
Activities & Experiences

I was in Doha over night so I wasn’t expecting to find many things open other than a few late-night restaurants. Unfortunately, I got out the airport after the museums had already closed, but I walked past some of them to see them from the outside anyways. There are numerous museums and cultural centers in the downtown area. The main ones are the Museum of Islamic Art, pictured below, and the National Museum of Qatar with is interesting architecture. Admission to the museums is fairly well priced so look into visiting one if you’re in Doha during the daytime.

Museum of Islamic Art

A popular activity to do in Doha is to take a ride on one of the dhow boats. There are many different operators, with most situated around the Dhow Harbour near the souq. I didn’t catch a ride this trip given the time constraints. Most of the boats operate late into the night between the the harbour and the Doha Corniche area. If a boat ride isn’t your thing, you can head down to the Doha Fishing Port and check out the fish market which is also open quite late.

Doha is centered around the famous Souq Waqif which is the city’s largest and borders the Doha Bay on the south side. the word “souq” means bazaar or marketplace in Arabic and most Islamic cities and towns are built around them. This souq is not as old as some of the other more historic souqs in the Islamic world at just over a century old, but the architecture and winding streets and alley ways are fun to walk around and explore nonetheless.

In the souq you’ll find various small restaurants with local eats. The area is a great place to do some souvenir or garment shopping. Even though it is very touristy, I was surprised that most of the shops and restaurants were still relatively cheap.

A Blurry Souq Waqif

Near the entrance to the souq is the Souq Waqif Art Center. This center has various Islamic and middle eastern artworks on display and even hosts some workshops. You can walk around and see the artists painting late into the night. I randomly spotted this Mr. Bean portrait on my way out and was very tempted to buy it!

Some other activities that could be fun include:
- Walking around and viewing the modern skyscrapers in the Doha Corniche area.
- Doing some shopping at one of the big malls such as the Villaggio Mall or the City Center Doha Shopping Mall.
- Exploring the Al Bidda Park or park at the Aspire Zone.
Food & Drink

The downtown area, especially around Souq Waqif, has many restaurants and places to grab some food. I was only in Doha for a long night so wanted to try the most iconic dish of the local Qatari cuisine. After some Googling, I set out to find some majboos or machbous, the national dish of Qatar. It wasn’t long before I came across a place serving this dish in the souq, and for very cheap too! After dinner, I found some delicious dolmas to snack on for dessert.

You can find various restaurants serving a wide range of middle eastern and local foods. I noticed restaurants serving Mediterranean, Egyptian, Iranian, and even Palestinian food. Muslims are not allowed to consume alcohol so bars and restaurants serving alcohol are not common. Certain establishments and luxury restaurants do have permits to sell, but this comes at a premium. Fresh fruit juices, different types of teas, and of course Arabic coffee are very popular and cheap. I really enjoyed the mint tea and pomegranate juice.
- Qatar is almost entirely surrounded by ocean so seafood is a staple in the country. You can find restaurants serving up freshly grilled fish.
- Another popular dish is madrouba which is a type of savoury porridge made from overcooked rice and various spices.
- Sweat desserts and treats are also popular. Some include luqaimat which are a type of sweetened doughnut ball, khabees which is a type of date and toasted sugary flour mixture, and various rice and sago puddings such as Umm Ali.
Transport & Accommodation

I flew Qatar Airways to and from Doha. This was my first time flying with them and I have to say I was very impressed with the airlines and the service. The airport in Doha is the Hamad International Airport. This is a large and relatively new airport with lots of shops and places to eat, although these are much more expensive than the places in the city. There are also some fun things to do to keep you entertained in the airport such as walking around the indoor garden The Orchard or finding some of the sculptures like the Small Lie large wooden teddy bear. Just note that there is no luggage storage at the airport, which I was quite surprised by.

Small Lie Teddy Bear Sculpture

To get between the airport and the city, you can take the metro, a bus, or a taxi. I used the metro to get to the souq station downtown and I was very impressed with the facilities. The Doha metro might even be my favourite one yet. It was clean, on time, ran regularly, had good air-conditioning, and was well priced. I would favour this mode of transport if I find myself back in the country again.

Final Thoughts

Although I only spent one long night in Doha I managed to find lots to do and see. The local food was particularly good, and something I hadn’t eaten before. The city is quite tourist orientated with these areas being very clean and well kept. I was impressed with the metro and how easy it was to get around Doha, even late at night. Being an Islamic state, Qatar operates under Sharia law. It’s best to look into such things and plan accordingly before arriving in the country. It would be nice to have a longer stopover in Doha in the future, hopefully during the daytime to experience some of the sunny weather and beaches.

How did you find your trip to Doha, or what are you excited to do when you visit Qatar?

Download this map for your trip to Doha!
November 7, 2025
Another Wet Day in the Pacific Northwest – Portland, OR
I’ve been given conflicting opinions about Portland over the years. With some noting the unfortunate issues with the unhoused population, while others highlighted the great brewery and street food scene. Back in March 2024 I found myself up in Seattle for a work trip with a weekend off, so I decided to get a bus down to Portland for a day trip to see the city for myself.

Iconic White Stag Sign

Portland, Oregon is the second largest city in the Pacific Northwest region with a population of around 650,000. The city is surrounded by beautiful woodlands and green spaces, with the Willamette River winding through the centre and out into the Pacific Ocean. Arriving in Portland, you are greeted by the various industries in and around the city’s waterways. I arrived at Union Station on a cold and wet Sunday, so the downtown area was a bit quiet and lacked the typical hustle and bustle one would expect from a city of its size.

Cloudy View of Downtown Portland from Vista Bridge

Sights & Attractions

Steel Bridge

I hung out mainly around the Downtown and Central Eastside neighbourhoods, and there was plenty to do and see here. After a short walk form Union Station I arrived at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This narrow park follows the Willamette River from the Steel Bridge all the way down to the Marquam Bridge, crossing under 3 other bridges along the way. The Portland Market is held here on Saturdays and its a popular with joggers. This park makes for a nice spot for a picnic or to park off for a coffee with a view of the river and bridges.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Walking around Portland it was evident that the city has a good art scene. I stumbled across many sculptures and interesting street art murals, from a robot sculpture with a heart to a realistic T-Rex dinosaur. If I get the chance to come back in the summer, I’ll definitely try find a walking street art tour!

Some other highlights include:
- Viewing the USS Blueback submarine from the jetty behind OMSI.
- Seeing Mill Ends Park which is said to be the smallest in world.
- Head up to the Pittock Mansion for great city skyline views.
- Head out to Forest Park to see the Witch’s Castle.
Activities & Experiences

It’s not hard to find things to do in Portland. I had a great time just wondering around the downtown areas and popping in to browse random stores or looking at the city’s architecture.

With a view of the courthouse and some of the older buildings downtown, the Pioneer Courthouse Square is a good place to start. A couple blocks behind the square is the Multnomah County Central Library which is a nice place to grab a souvenir for the trip. On Southwest Broadway are a few concert halls and theatres. No events were on the day I was in town, but this is a cool street to walk down. The Southwest Parks are situated around the corner opposite the Oregon Historical Society. These parks are home to various interesting sculptures and make for a fun walk.

If you’re a sports fanatic like I am, you have to go see the Providence Park stadium. Home of the Portland Timbers, the stadium has a unique architecture with ivy growing up the entrance walls. Unfortunately, the Timbers weren’t playing this weekend, but I always enjoy seeing the local sports venues nontheless.

I stopped in at The Cheerful Bullpen across the road from the stadium. With sports memorabilia covering the wall, this cosy dive bar was a good pit-stop before heading up the hill to Washington Park. On the way to the park you walk through a residential area with some beautiful Redwood trees. I went up to the Vista Bridge as well to see the Downtown skyline. Although its a pity the views are somewhat obstructed by the safety fence.

I entered Washington Park at the entrance at the top of Southwest Park Place. As you enter the park you pass the Lewis and Clark Column with the Sacajawea Statute just behind it. The park was empty when I got there so it was nice and peaceful. A bit further into the park is the amphitheatre, the International Rose Test Garden, and the Portland Japanese Garden. Unfortunately the rose garden was being landscaped when I was there, but the walk around the area and the other garden were worth the trek up from downtown.

Sacajawea Statue

After strolling around the park, I decided to walk back down into Goose Hollow to get a bus back down to the Willamette River. I hopped off just before the Hawthorne Bridge to walk over bridge to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). This museum houses various industrial artefacts and has rotating exhibits. I didn’t go for the full admission as the the turbine hall was free to view. On your way out, walk around to the back of the building see the USS Blueback submarine and get a beautiful view of the Marquam and Tilikum Crossing bridges.

Old GE Turbine

After the museum I walked across the tram tracks to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. This center houses a couple antique and vintage locomotives that used to be in operation in the Pacific Northwest as well as an old workshop used to maintain them. The center is volunteer run with a small souvenir shop to raise funds. At the time I visited there was no admission fee, so I bought a fridge magnet on the way out to give thanks.

Here are some other ideas for things to do in Portland:
- Make a wish at the Wishing Tree on NE 7th Ave.
- Explore the historic underground Shanghai tunnels. The tours are a bit pricey though.
- Head up to Mount Tabor park for great views of the city.
- Browse through the books at the Iconic Powell’s City of Books.
- Explore the Hoyt Arboretum visit the Redwood Observation Deck.
- Wonder around some of the other green spaces such as the Lu San Chinese Garden.
- Visit the Oregon Zoo.
Food & Drink

Portland is known for its street food, food trucks, and brewery scene. Just stumbling around the Central Eastside and Buckman neighbourhoods you’re bound to find some delicious food and good beer. There is also a good coffee scene, with lovely cafes and coffee shops all over the city.

My first stop was for a bite to eat at Nong’s Khao Man Gai. I had heard about this Thai resaurant before coming to Portland so had to stop in and try the Khao Man Gai Piset chicken and rice dish. To this day I still think about how good this meal was. Perfectly tender chicken and rice, with flavourful and fresh dips, what’s not to love? The next time you’re in Portland make sure to add this to your itinerary!

Khao Man Gai at Nong’s

There are many breweries and dive bars on the east side of the Willamette river. I really enjoyed B-Side Tavern for its laid back dive bar vibe and tasty beers. Walking down East Burnside, Southeast Stark, and Southeast 6th streets are good places to start. Most of the breweries and bars have nice outside seating, perfect for a lazy summer day!

Food and drink ideas:
- Tour the city for the best doughnuts. Don’t forget to stop in at the famous Voodoo Doughnut shop.
- Take one of the many brewery tours.
- Grab a drink at the Huber’s Cafe, the oldest bar in Portland.
- Check out some of the other dive bars, such as Billy Ray’s Dive, Speakeasy Tavern, or My Father’s Place.
- Do your own food truck tasting tour.
Transport & Accommodation

I took a FlixBus to Portland from Seattle and back for a day trip. The bus dropped off and picked up around the corner from Portland Union Station and was cheap and clean. I don’t think a metro pass is needed for a short trip, as the downtown areas of Portland are very walkable. I took one trip on the metro bus and the light trail tram, and would use the public transport again for getting around the city when I’m not feeling walking.

I didn’t stay over in Portland, but the west coast, unlike the east coast, is known to have a couple of good hostels. You should be able to find a good hostel for under $50 a night.

Clock Tower at Portland Union Station

Final Thoughts

I was pleasantly surprised by my trip to Portland. The city often gets a bad wrap, but I think this is a bit unfair. Albeit short and a bit cold and rainy, I had a fun time. The city boast a bunch of cool breweries, street food spots, and quirky neighbourhoods. Situated on the confluence of two major rivers and surrounded by the Pacific Northwest forests, Portland is also great city to visit to explore the nature in the area. Keen to make it back to Portland in the near future!

Highlighted spots for your trip to Portland!
November 6, 2025
American Pizza History – New Haven, CT
New Haven is a small city in the North East region of America. This city is centred around the historic Yale University campus with its Gregorian and Gothic styled architecture. The history of New Haven dates back to the mid 1600’s and is know for its Italian-American food, quaint neighbourhoods, and American revolutionary history. A great weekend or even overnight trip away from the bigger cities in the region.

New Haven Skyline

Sights & Attractions

New Haven is a walkable city with most of the city centre accessible by foot. The downtown are isn’t that big so you should be able to see most of the attractions in an hour or two. There are some nice parks and green areas in the area that make for nice picnic spots or even just to relax a bit with a coffee. The New Haven Green is the main park and is surrounded by the main city buildings including the New Haven City Hall, the New Haven Free Public Library, and the US District Courthouse. At the centre of the park is the New Haven Green Flag Pole, which honours the the lives lost during the First World War.

The Yale Old Campus is situated at the back of the New Haven Green. This campus is surrounded by a picturesque courtyard and beautiful buildings. Walking around the courtyard and seeing the different historic halls is a must in New Haven. After this, you can go see Harkness Tower, walk up Library Walk to see the courts, and then loop down to the Yale University Art Gallery.

Just north of the city centre is the Yale University Science Hill. Walking up Prospect Street you’ll get to the Ingalls Ice Rink. This indoor arena has a unique architecture and worth stopping by if you’re into cool looking buildings. Nearby is the Yale Peabody Museum that houses natural history exhibits and artefacts. This museum is one of the largest and renowned university museum in the world, so make sure to set aside a half day or so to have a look at these exhibits.

Other highlights to see include:
- Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop and the iconic Town Bridge
- Q Bridge and the bay from the Canal Dock Boathouse
- Lighthouse Point Park
- Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Activities & Experiences

I really enjoyed walking up Whitney Avenue from downtown to Edgerton Park. Its a bit of a trek but there are many beautiful old New England style houses along the route. Edgerton Park itself is a nice spot to walk around. This park has a few historic buildings, a conservatory, and a small wetland area with trails. Across the road is the Eli Whitney Museum, dedicated to a prominent American inventor from the late 1700’s. Just behind the museum is the iconic red Town Bridge that crosses the Mill River. On the other side of the river are a couple short trails that loop around in the woods. The Goose Dam can also be accessed by taking a left after the bridge and walking through some thick brush. The water flows over the long dam wall and into the Mill River, making for quite a sight.

Another nice trail, albeit longer, is in East Rock Park just to the south of Goose Dam. This trail winds its way up to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and there is a great viewpoint of the city.

Chapel Street passes through the city and up to Westville. Towards the end of the street is the Yale Bowl and the other sports and athletic facilities for the university. If you’re like me and have to check out the main sporting venue in the city, don’t forget to add this to you itinerary. The Yale Bowl can seat over 60,000 spectators and still maintains its old style and character.

Some additional things to do while in New Haven include:
- Explore the Little Italy neighbourhood
- Browse the Yale Bookstore
- Walk along the Long Wharf Pier
- Explore the local history at the New Haven Museum
- See if the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium is open
- Relax in Wooster Square Park
Food & Drink

You can’t go to New Haven without trying the pizza. New Haven is known for its regional style of pizza, often called “Apizza”. This style of pizza has a very thin base, little to no crust, and is charred on the edges to create a crunchy and chewy base. The classic versions are also fired in a coal oven which helps create the charred characteristics. This style of pizza is said to originate from Frank Pepe’s pizzeria in the 1920s. A couple years later Sally’s Apizza was started by a family member of Frank Pepe and to this day there is heated debate as to which pizzeria makes the best Apizza. I went for the clam pizza at Sally’s and thought it was very tasty. If I go again I would try a pizza with a tomato base, I think the rich acidic tomato sauce is needed to complement the crunchy charred crust.

Another food spot that New Haven is know for is Louis Lunch which is know for their unique Hamburger style. Although also heavily debated, this restaurant is considered by many as the birthplace of the Hamburger. A couple blocks away is the Old Heidelberg bar in the basement of the historic Hotel Duncan. This bar is said to be opened in the mid 1700s and is a nice spot to grab a drink.

Other food and drink spots to try include:
- Zeneli or Zuppardi’s pizzeria
- Gryphon’s Pub
- The Cannon
- Toad’s Place or Cafe Nine for some live music
- BAR if you want a spot to people watch
Transport & Accommodation

New Haven is relatively close to New York and Boston, so the easiest and cheapest way to get there is via either train or bus. Both Amtrak and FlixBus have stations in the city. I took a train up from New York City for a day trip and it cost me just under $20. Another option is to rent a car. This is a good option if you want to see other cities and spots in the New England region as most don’t have a large airport and are relatively close together, at least my US distances.

Final Thoughts

The first that that comes to mind when thinking of New Haven is of course Yale University. The university campus and old buildings are beautiful and worth the visit, but that’s definitely not all that New Haven has to offer. The pizza history and some of America’s most iconic foods make the city a great weekend away or even day trip, easily accessible from New York or Boston. The city has many parks and green space, all within walkable distance from the city centre. Just be sure to try the iconic New Haven style Apizza!

Highlighted spots for your trip to New Haven!
September 25, 2025
The Trendy Texan City – Austin, TX
Austin is a trendy city located in central Texas. This city of nearly a million inhabitants is the state capital of Texas. With the University of Texas situated in the heart of the city, Austin has a youthful feel and loads of fun things to do. But be warned, the summer heat is no joke!

UT Tower from Littlefield Fountain.

Sights & Attractions

Downtown Austin is centered around the Texas State Capitol and is very walkable with lots of sights and restaurants in the area. The Colorado River flows on the south of the downtown area is a lovely place for a morning or afternoon walk or picnic in the many green areas along the river. Just north of the downtown area is Central Austin which is centered around the University of Texas at Austin campus.

Located in the center of downtown Austin is the Texas State Capitol Building. The building is open to the public free of charge and has a small gift store located inside. The building itself is similar to most US Capitol buildings with a large beautiful rotunda in the center of the building. Just across the road from the Capitol Building is the Saint Mary Catholic Cathedral. Completed in the late 1800s, this cathedral contrasts the modern city skyline with its old Gothic styled architecture.

Rotunda inside the Texas Capitol Building

Walking just a couple blocks north of the Capitol Building you’ll arrive at the the Bollock Texas State History Museum. The museum itself charges admission but you’ll be able to browse the gift store for some souvenirs. Just outside the front entrance is the famous Texas lone star sculpture. A great spot to snap an iconic Texas picture.

Some other highlights include:
- Blanton Museum of Art
- Walk around the University of Texas at Austin campus
- Sixth Street Historic District
- Visit some stores along South Congress Avenue
Activities & Experiences

Taking a walk around the Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium is a must do in Austin. The stadium is the home of the Texas Longhorns football team and is one of the largest in the world. The team shop is open year round and is a great place to pick up a souvenir or two. The walk around the stadium takes roughly 15 minutes and there are some side paths and other pitstops along the route.

A popular activity to do in Austin is to try catch a glimpse of the worlds largest urban bat colony. The bats live under the South Congress Bridge and come out each evening just after sunset between March and October. You can park up either under the bridge on the river walk path or on top of the bridge. This is quite a touristy activity so you may want to get there a bit early to snag a good spot.

Other fun activities to do while in Austin include:
- Search for a nice skyline view in Zilker Metropolitan Park
- Take a relaxing stroll along the Lady Bird Lake hiking trails
- Have a swim in Barton Springs Pool
Food & Drink

Texas is known for its barbecue and Austin is just the place to get your fix. The city is home to many of the best BBQ spots in the country and Franklin Barbecue is up there with the best in the world. Be warned that the queues are long, and try not to order with your eyes. I waited in the queue for just over 3 hours before placing my order. But its well worth the wait, easily the best BBQ I’ve ever had!

Franklin Barbecue

Sixth street is the main street for bars and nightlife. This street gets very busy most nights so plan ahead. Lots of live music and some very talent musicians. The open mic at Friends Bar is highly recommend, and a great spot to park off at in the quieter hours. Another fun area to walk around is Rainey Street. This is a nice street to walk up on your way back from Lady Bird Lake and stop in at one of the many spots for a drink or bite to eat.

Some other places to try:
- Grab a beer at Scholz Garten, one of the oldest German Biergartens in America
- Listen to some live music at The Continental Club
- Deep Eddy Cabaret
- Have some street tacos at Las Trancas Taco Stand
Transport & Accommodation

The public transport in Austin and Texas in general isn’t great unfortunately. It’s well known that that its very challenging to get around Texan cities without a car. Austin does have metro busses and a light rail system that operates fairly well, but using the available public transport will mean you waste a lot of time getting places. Luckily Austin is a very walkable city, at least the downtown and midtown areas. So if it’s not too hot out I walk to most spots in the city.

I stayed at the Firehouse Hostel in the heart of Downtown Austin. I was pleasantly surprise by this hostel as hostels in America generally get a bad wrap. The service was great, the facilities are clean, and they have a bunch of activities and event to do. Also be sure to pop into the hidden bar downstairs!

Final Thoughts

Austin is a city with lots to do and see. This city is a bit different from the other Texan cities in that it has a relatively young population and has a great art scene and nightlife. Centered around the University of Texas, Austin, this city is a great first place to visit for those looking for a lighter Texan experience. But be warned, don’t visit in the height of the summer if you can’t handle the heat!

Some highlighted spots for your Austin trip!
January 13, 2025