I began my 40 day journey to Thailand that I’ll conclude by attending the 2026 World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress from February 9-12, 2026.
I’ve already had new learning experiences just getting to Bangkok, a 17 hour flight with an overnight stop in Qatar. While getting off the plane for my stop-over at Doha Airport in Qatar I noticed a baby on his Dad’s shoulders about about to hit his head on the ceiling. Being a 40-year pediatric OT I instinctually guarded his head with my hands so he didn’t hit it.
I next noticed the infant’s Mom wearing traditional Islamic dress approaching me and remembered my son told me that I was a naive traveler who should try not to cause an international incident. The infant’s mother passionately thanked me for protecting her son. I was struck by while how differently some people from Arab and Asian countries dress that they act just like everyone else.
My short visit in Qatar beat Vegas for being an over the top experience. Qatar impressed me with its ritziness, new expensive buildings, extravagance, strict orderliness, cleanliness, and efficiency. I saw gold and silver jewelry, spices, colognes, and a giant toy that despite being a comic nerd I didn’t recognize. My experience getting off the plane taught me to not judge people by their culture or how they dress. The organized attitude in Qatar taught me that I should try harder to listen to and follow directions, but that’s another story. #WFOT2026
