Man Oman

We had a fantastic time in Oman...What a stunning place it is. We arrived in the Capital city of Muscat which is a lovely city, quite different than here in Doha. No flashy highrise buildings to be seen but many beautiful older style buildings instead. The country is only about 30 years westernised if you can call it that, but they have opted by decree of the Sultan to not go in the Dubai/ Doha fashion of huge multi story buildings, rather they have opted for the more traditional Islamic style of architecture which is refreshingly pleasant.
Some friends of ours - Sue and Dave and Sues son Fraser arrived on the second day and travelled with us for three days which was great.
Muscat is a lovely city built on the coast amongst quite dramatic rocky terrain. On our second day we went to the Muscat Festival which was on at a large Nature park. Fantastic environment with thousands of Omani families out celebrating the festival. The Omanis are very friendly people and look stunning in their national dress. We spent a few hours there taking in the sights which included a traditional cultural area with song ,dance, food, traditional handcrafts and lifestyle. There was a large lake in the middle where a stunning water, fire and fireworks display was on. We were standing around at one point and a man approached us to say he was from a local radio station and would we like to be interviewed live on air. We said no problem and went through the interview with a very pleasant Omani woman interviewer asking us about our thoughts on the festival and Oman etc...after the interview she said would we like to go and stay at a desert resort for a night, which of course we said yes we would love to so the next day she dropped off a voucher for a one night stay ( worth approximately NZ$500 ). We were able to book a night with our friends Sue and Dave and Fraser.
On our way there we went to a place on the coast Called Ras al Hadd where nearby at Ras al Jinz there is a protected beach that Green Turtles come on to the beach every night to lay their eggs and also every night baby turtles emerge from the sand and make their way to the sea. We stayed at a lovely beach at Ras al Hadd in some traditional thatched style cottages and of course went one night to get the tour of the turtle beach. What an amazing experience to see them and such a beautiful relaxing place to stay right on the beach where the water was lovely and crystal clear and warm for swimming.
We then made our way to the desert camp which was an interesting drive. Luckily we had hired a four wheel drive Nissan otherwise wouldn't have been able to get there. Real sandy desert with sand hills and the most magical light especially evening and early morning.
After our one night free stay we headed back to Muscat via a city called Nizwa to see and visit the magnificent fort there. There are forts everywhere due to the occupation centuries ago by the Portuguese. Quite a long drive that day and after dropping Sue and Dave and Fraser off at the airport we then went up the coast and found a seaside resort at a place called Al Sawadi. Luck was with us and they had a special offer of two night accommodation for the price of one night at this fabulous and luxurious 4 star resort. Accommodation is very expensive with budget starting at about $200NZ a night. We spent much time by the pool and eating beautiful breakfasts and dinners and also driving around the local area.
We then decided to go to a place called Jabal Shams which is the highest point in Oman and also where they have what they call their own Grand Canyon. After asking directions from three separate sources we took advise on what was supposed to be the quickest way there. What a trip that was. I have never seen or driven on a road like it before. Lynne was beside herself with near panic as we made our way over huge mountainous hills on what would have been once a camel track and is now a one lane road. Unsealed and with the car in lo ratio 4 wheel drive we made our way zig zagging up and down for hours to cover about 40 kms. Imagine the old Napier Taupo road and multiply that by at least 10 times worse and you may have an idea what it was like. Crazily as we made it up to the top of the highest point there to our surprise was a brand new sealed road on the other side. We nearly got out and kissed the tarmac I can tell you. What a drive.
After that episode we visited some interesting caves on our way to Nizwa again.
At a restaurant in town we met a nice couple Michael and Sunok. He is Australian and she is from South Korea. We chatted for quite a while and they offered for us to stay the night at their place which was nice. He is teaching at the University there and she j hopes to get a job there also. Very nice people and lucky for us to have a night to stay without the expense of a hotel.
Then back to Muscat for two days where we stayed at a Dive Centre on the coast in lovely little beachside chalets.
We went back to the festival again as it was such good fun the first time and as Brian's pay had finally come through we were able to buy a few nice things at the Handicraft section where they had rooms of local crafts from many different Middle East countries...along with some very yummy preserves from the Croatia room.
So now it is holiday over and back to work in a couple of days.....that is always the problem with holidays .... they finish.....

A few random shots in no particular order Click on the slideshow to make the photos bigger
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