Feb 3, 2013 - Goodbye to Muscat

We’ve had a great time visiting my sister and her husband in Muscat and we have enjoyed living the expat life for a while – it is interesting to see the challenges that they face as well as enjoying the wonderful lifestyle. Having spent our time observing the Omani women in their traditional dress I decided to try it out – definitely not for me too hot, mind you I don’t suppose you have to worry about bad hair days! We now head off to Hong Kong which will be a completely different change of pace.

Jan 29, 2013 - No luck at the gold souk!

We decided to revisit the souk at Mutrah – the last time we were there it was in 2008 and as it was our wedding anniversary I persuaded Jim that it was about time that he got a wedding ring as after 27 years he was probably stuck with me. We recognised the souk but with the port of Mutrah becoming a regular stop for Middle East cruises we were disappointed that many of the stalls had changed to selling more obvious souvenirs (tat). However, as we went deeper into the souk, down narrower and narrower alleyways we found the jewellery quarter...

Jan 27, 2013 - Where did this Week go?

After all the anxiety about the weather affecting our trip we were really pleased that our arrival into Muscat went so smoothly - within 30 minutes of landing we had purchased our tourist visas and were in the car with my sister and her husband, Debbie and Hugh heading to their home. We spent a couple of hours catching up and went to bed exhausted – hardly believing that we had actually arrived at our first destination. Debbie and Hugh moved to Muscat from Dubai in June 2012 and their new home is on a new development, their section is...

May 6, 2012 - Muscat

Tried to get to Janqul and then to Sohar (mainly to cover new territory, see new sights) via bus but found it impossible, only hired taxi which is out of the question. So, back to Muscat... 5-6 I got up and out by 7:15 to check the location where the desk clerk said we could catch a Bus to Janqul. He had drawn a map the night before but it was not clear the distances and the best place - there were 2 stops he indicated. I walked for 40 min. before arriving at the one he'd indicated was closest! When I left the Hotel it was fairly 'cool' but...

May 2, 2012 - Muscat

Wiki Info Muscat Karmil & Salah - Al Wafa Hotel Since we didn't get to sleep until past midnite we arose late...besides it is never below 85°F (35°C) outside. For Mari who likes heat this ideal weather, but I wouldn't mind staying inside with AC on all day. We had to leave for lunch but otherwise spent time on internet which just happened to be right in front of the hotel. Cooling down a bit late afternoon we head towards the Cornish - the walkway along the sea. Taxi drivers here are like everywhere, see us as marks and quote outrageous...

May 1, 2012 - Muscat, Oman

In Dubai: Got a late start...Metro to Al Baker stop then walk, and walk...heat is oppressive (45/100) to Oman National Transport Co., the only one which will take foreigners over the border. Get there at 10:45am...bus leaves at 3pm, 6 hours. Missed the only other one at 7am, but never would have made it with Mari (not an early riser). On the way to an internet 2 blocks from bus station to Muscat, I passed no less than 17 car rental agency store fronts! In an internet with no AC so will finish this off, I'm beginning to swim in my shirt,...

Apr 13, 2012 - Muscat, Oman and shopping with the Chef

As we pull into port and are docking, I look out at the entrance to the port and see this huge ship coming in. Oh my gosh!! It's the Queen Mary 2, loaded with 4,000 passengers and 2,000 crew. Ugh, this can only mean it will be crowded in town. This morning we are invited to shop with Chef Kurt; our cute young chef from Belgium. As it's a holiday in Oman, and everything is closing early, we get an early start. We are at the local Mutrah market by 8:30 searching for fruit, vegetables and fish. This port is well known for it's fishermen and...

Jan 27, 2012 - Jem 4 - Oman-Abu Dhabi-Dubai

Oman – Dubai – Abu Dhabi I write this entry several weeks after actually being in Oman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi and already it feels like a lifetime ago. Memories start to get a little hazy, dates get all muddled up but one thing is for sure we all came away thoroughly enjoying Oman, thinking Abu Dhabi was OK and coming to the conclusion that Dubai was totally bonkers. Belinda missed out on Oman as she returned back to New Zealand for her sister Amanda’s funeral. The kids and I arrived into Muscat gone midnight on a Swiss Air flight from...

Dec 11, 2011 - Hardik and Mihir 2007

Hardik and Mihir are like my older brothers. When I was born in America, my mom stayed at their house for 6 months. Acutally Priti, Hardik and Mihir are the sons of Viraj Aunty and Arun Uncle. Arun Uncles brother, Haresh is a really good friend and a classmate of my dad. He has 1 son, Harsh and 1 daughter Urmi. the photos are about when they came to Muscat and their Janoi in Surat.

Dec 11, 2011 - Rishi Fracture 2007

Today is 11th December 2011 and I am writing for the first time. I am writing about the fracture that I got in my right hand in June 2007. It was a Green Stick Crack and I had the plaster on for about 6 months. I was working in my dad's warehouse in Muttrah when this happen. In the afternoon I had watched a movie called Dhoom 2 so people said it happened because I tried to imitate the actor. But no, it was just bad luck. I was working when my foot slipped I feel into the hole that was open from the first floor. All happened in just a flick...

Dec 11, 2011 - Champaranand Harshil in Srinathji 2009

The trip to Champaran was an experience. I would'nt say it was fun but you should visit once. Before going to Champaran, Me, Yash, Mama, Nani, Nita Masi, Jitesh Mama, Gunjan Mami, Neha, Devu, Harshil, Rajan ( Gunjan Mami's brother), his wife, and his son Parth, with his Grandparents, we all had gone to Shrinathji for Harshil's Taklo Mundo. Then, the program was for all of us to go to Champaran but everyone got sick so it was just the 3 of us who went. At Champaran, Kana Fui joined us. So we were 4.

Apr 1, 2011 - Top Photos

Oman: My Choice of the Top 40 Photos ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For those who have neither the time nor the inclination to plough through the all the posts (shame on you) I have selected this list of 'Top Pictures' from the 450 loaded. The aim is to give a flavour of the country and of the trip and maybe motivate you to look further. The pictures are stored at a low resolution but if you want to see a sharper image you can click on the...