Alcohol

   I wouldn't say I'm a massive drinker - If I'm home by myself I can probably count the times I've had an alcoholic drink by myself on one hand.   But in this country, you generally can't drink - except if you get a liquor license (which lets you go to Qatar Distribution company and buy limited amounts of alcohol) - or if you go to a 5 star hotel. (World Cup 2022... hmmm - it'll be different to the 2006 & 2010 models I've witnessed!)

   So tonight, as part of a wider social gathering we went to a 5 star hotel, and yes - I indulged.  Multiple times. (Sorry Mum).  The bar was sort of secluded, although had curtained windows and shared a smoking courtyard with the rest of the hotel.  It was chock-full of westerners all having a drink or three, and our end of the bar was getting a little bit rowdy.  

   The weird part was leaving.  Walked out from the double door of the bars, and walked straight into the hotel lobby, where it was back to the Qatar I know and love.  It's incredibly surreal to walk out from a bar which could be in any of 40 developed countries in the world, fun happening, fully stocked bar, people enjoying themselves while reasonably lubricated on a drink or four to a hotel lobby with women who's heads are fully shrouded - black clothing from top to toe, their men in immaculate white robes.  As someone said in the car on the way home - They imagine it's what like the 1920's prohibition era was like in the US.

   Not that I'm drunk Mum.