An enthralling World Cup encounter between Spain and Germany has simply completed – and now the actual battle has begun.
We’d heard concerning the problem of getting residence from the distant Al Bayt Stadium – positioned within the Qatari desert some 50km north of Doha and the one of the event’s eight venues not linked to the $36 billion Metro community.
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And in relation to 10pm native kickoffs in Qatar and getting residence, time is cash.
There are shuttles that may take us again to the principle media hub. That is the secure choice – not essentially the quickest, however most likely the good one. But my colleague and I wish to attempt the complete fan expertise so we boldly resolve to jag an Uber that may take us immediately residence.
It is the right plan. And one, it’s going to later develop into clear, that can also be shared by a lot of the 68,000 followers in attendance.
Chaos as followers attempt to get residence from Al Bayt Stadium.Source: FOX SPORTS
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The $1.2bn venue, remarkably, has highway bridges on both finish that enable V-VIPS to drive straight into the center of the stadium. Royal household type of V-VIPs. We noticed a convoy arrive there six minutes earlier than kickoff and one other is exiting as we depart the stadium proper on the stroke of midnight.
It couldn’t be farther from the chaos that’s awaiting us exterior.
From expertise at different grounds we count on fairly a stroll to get to the designated Uber pick-up zone however our trump card is ordering one nicely prematurely. Mohamed accepts the job instantly. We have our man.
He messages to tell us his location.
‘We’ll see you quickly’… ‘Great’
It’s 20 minutes earlier than we get to the exit of the stadium. Then one other 15 earlier than we get to the place we expect we’ll be assembly Mohamed. Only that is just the start of one other journey.
The large crowd is hoarded into snaking obstacles that twist and switch, and twist once more. With each small step we and the ocean of individuals edge nearer to the promised land however progress is agonisingly gradual.
Finally on the highway.Source: FOX SPORTS
“Are you continue to coming?,” Mohamed messages. I actually hope so.
We come to a big bridge over a freeway that means we’re nearly on the pick-up level. When we lastly arrive we’re greeted by what can solely be described because the world’s greatest Uber zoo.
There are 1000’s of automobiles parked and as many drivers out of their automobiles, looking for their shoppers or providing rides. “Taxi, sir?…. Taxi?”
It’s tempting, however Mohamed has proven his persistence and loyalty and we are going to too. We should discover him.
“Find me on the map,” he says. We comply with the situation, previous an infinite row of automobiles till, lastly, Mohamed’s superb, gray Honda seems.
He is as relieved to see us as we’re him and we hop within the automobile. Now it’s go time for the nice man – getting out of this mess won’t be straightforward.
The Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar.Source: Getty Images
There are extra twists and turns – at one level even a U-turn – and a few stressed honking however we end up in what seems to be a queue with some semblance of order. Mohamed’s sport face remains to be on although, he is aware of the job just isn’t executed but.
We inch nearer and nearer and, on the stroke of 1.30am, we lastly get to the principle highway the place we are able to start the 45 minute journey again to Doha.
We thank Mohamed. “60,000 individuals, all popping out one exit,” he says, smiling.
He makes an incredible level. And all issues thought-about, it’s actually not a foul outcome. He’s not complaining, neither are we.
It’s a sentiment that appeared to be shared by most on our journey – and lots of others we’ve met at this one-of-a-kind event up to now; grateful to be right here and able to embrace the twists, turns and chaos.
