Wonder.Food.Travel

Doha, or specifically the Hamad International Airport, is a common transit point for many travelers on long distance flights between the east and the west. I transited at this airport several times, never stepped past the immigration because of short time gap. Only recently, with a layover of seven hours, i took the opportunity to explore this capital of Qatar. I may have just scratched the surface but in the few hours there, i had a rollercoaster of emotions- excitement, disappointment, awe and fear, that made this travel unforgettable. Perhaps, a thirst for more instead. Some Qatari products. Minus queue time at the airport, minus traffic uncertainty, i planned for a four hour experience. I prioritized my visit to the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) as i saw it listed among the must dos/sees in the city and focused my research primarily on that place. Upon arrival at the airport, immigration clearance was easy as Malaysians get free visa-on-arrival. Do check if you require visa...

I read that my travel to Nha Trang would be the start of the wet season. Often, i checked its weather forecast and it showed scattered thunderstorms and pouring days. I even emailed a place to check if it opens during rainy days. So when i boarded the plane from KL, i was half expecting wet days, half hoping to get at least an hour, if not a day, of sunshine. I gambled with an umbrella on my side. Surprisingly, upon landing in Cam Ranh International Airport, i was welcomed by blue, sunny, morning sky. Whether it is global warming or a plot to deter tourists in this period (or sheer luck), i was secretly in jubilation. Shades of blue, censored by sand. The immigration counter check was quick and soon, i exited the arrival hall. Immediately, i caught sight of many Russian groups, readying to board their tour buses. Prior to my arrival, i learned that there are many Russian tourists in this part of Vietnam. Shops are manned by Russians; menus are written in Russian. Even local Viet...