I received so many perplexing reactions from friends when I shared that I was travelling to Qatar. It felt as if people were deeply concerned for both my well-being and the possibility of me being able to have fun. One friend even suggested that since the trip involved seeing my brother, perhaps it would be a better idea to see him in London as he was in transit.
In every reaction there was always somehow an element that I should expect something to be taken from me or/and be prepared to offer a reduced version of myself so as to guarantee my safety. I can’t stifle my conscience, all the raised eyebrows, the uncomfortable ‘so what will you actually do there’ questions put me on edge. At one point I was even thinking that perhaps I should take my marriage certificate to justify my relation to my husband since I have not taken his name.