Extreme Beach Event, Muscat, Oman!

  The following ad seemed to be posted/printed all over the place last week, so I decided to head on down to Al Hail Beach near The Wave with a good friend and his son to check it out for ourselves on Thursday, February 4th.  It really was a beautiful day at the beach with perfect sailing conditions!  As you can see in the photo above, this event at Al Hail Beach was the last of 3 main venues of this extreme sailing competition.  Take a look at the Oman Sail website (www.omansail.com) for some great info and pics.  The “highlight videos” on the bottom right are really well done and I recommend watching them! Like me, you might learn a thing or two and walk away with a deeper appreciation of sailing!  They had these informative boards on the beach and dozens of volunteers to help out at this big family oriented event.  It was kind of hard to see the race with the naked eye as the boats were so far away (unless you went out on the rocks like some daring spectators!).  It was a good thing I brought my video camera along as it allowed me to get a closer look!  Here is a short 3-minute video of one of the regattas. Here’s another video: This one is 7 minutes long.  There seemed to be a lot of confusion (which you can see in the 1st video) about whether the regatta was “2 laps” or “3 laps”… 

Another confusing thing about the beach event was the location of “The Jewel of Muscat“.  There were signs which seemed to be leading people unto the Wave project area to see “The Jewel of Muscat”.  The signs instead led to a dead-end wall! Many cars (including ours!) drove all the way there and had to circle back for nothing. (?)  On a positive note, it was nice to look around the Wave and see how far they’ve come along!     Here’s a photo of the ship, “stolen” from the official “Jewel of Muscat website”,   http://www.jewelofmuscat.tv/ .    As far as I can tell, they plan on sailing this beautiful 9th century Omani style ship to Singapore as a gift from the Sultan to the people of Singapore.  It is scheduled to leave Oman mid-February, making stops in India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.  Check out their educational website!  This last pic is of my friend, Jonathan, and his son, Joshua who I enjoyed hanging out with at the beach.  Here’s a quick vid of some young Omanis busting a few moves on the beach.  Some of the guys should view the vids on this site for some breakdancing lessons, ha!ha! 

One thing this day got me thinking about is the potential harm of energy drinks such as RedBull.  I am somewhat concerned about events sponsored by an energy drink company advertising products with questionable effects on the body…Here’s one article about such concerns: http://hubpages.com/hub/Dangers-of-Energy-Drinks-Are-Energy-Drinks-Bad-For-You  Some people believe that this kind of sponsorship of extreme sports is only a smokescreen which these energy drinks hide behind as they make HUGE profits at the expense of the health of the youth whom the companies claim to support.  Something to think about!

Anyway, it was good fun at the beach.    Overall, I’d have to say that The Wave, Hi FM (95.9 FM English radio!) & Hala FM (102.7 FM Arabic/Muscat) and Oman Sail did a pretty decent job of organizing this event!  Never a dull day here in Muscat, Oman!!!

Omani-French Museum in the Heart of Old Muscat

  The Omani French Museum is a great way to learn a lot about Oman’s history, not just about the history between Oman and France (as some may assume from the name of the museum…).  There were plenty of stamps on display in the museum.

  The Museum itself is located in the building which used to be the 1st French Embassy in the Sultanate.  Before that, this white building was a palace which was then presented to the French Consulate by Sultan Assayed Faisal bin Turki in 1896.

AMOUAGE – The Gift of Kings

“While in Muscat, don’t miss the experience of visiting the world famous Amouage Perfumery.  Visitors are always welcome and conducted around the Perfumery by Omani hosts with a passion for the unique 2000-year-old perfumery heritage of Oman and its modern day manifestation, Amouage.”  www.amouage.com   Admission is free.  Visit on any day from Sunday to Thursday between 8:30am and 4:30pm.  Appointments are not necessary, but you may call Moza at 245-34800 or Francis at 993-46811.  To get there, take the Nizwa/Salalah turn off at the Sawha ClockTower Roundabout.  Get on the service road and just past the filling station you will see the sign above.  This is the main entrance to the Perfumery.  Nice door!  There are dozens of products to choose from and the staff would be more than happy to sit with you and let you sample each one.  They have 2 booklets listing/explaining all their products: “Fragrance” and “Bath“.  This is the welcoming lounge where they sit with you and go over all the products as you search for the perfect gift.  They really give you the royal treatment when visiting the perfumery!  This gentleman, Sulaiman Al Kasmi, served me delicious dates and Omani coffee while waiting for the saleslady who was busy with some other customers.  I simply loved the over the top descriptions of some of their products written in the pamplets.  Here are some examples: Reflection Woman – “Reflection opens with a lush green freshness reminiscent of morning dew in the spring time.  A sophisticated bouquet of white flowers crowns the fragrance with richness and depth while embracing musks and woods wrapped with warm amber notes confering a magic aura to the skin.”  Ciel Woman – “This fragrance burst alive with the freshness of rich floral notes, leaving an inner warmth of lightness and serenity.”    Jubiliation 25 Woman – “Created for the elegant and sophisticated woman who lives her life as an art form – transcending the time, place and cultures in which she inhabits.”  Ciel Man – “Refreshing and invigorating, this fragrance contains frakincense and rich woods, reflecting the intensity of the glorious sky.”  Ubar Woman – “Romancing the mystery of Ubar’s splendour, paradise is regained with echoes of bergamot and lily of the valley complementing the majestic damascene rose with the eternal presence of sandalwood.”  Lyric Woman – “Beyond the transcient beauty and purity of Lyric lingers a poignant song without a beginning and an end.  Inspired by the rose, Lyric is a floral oriental fragrance suspended in time with a mythical melody.”  And my favorite, over-the-top description is of Epic Woman – “This spicy oriental fragrance is inspired by the eternal legends of the ancient Silk Road from China to Arabia.  In the mystical twilight with the desert wind blowing against her veil she follows the guiding light in search of the long lost aria.  Beyond truth and immortality a Legend is born.”  My!  Seems to be promising so much more than just a nice smell, doesn’t it?! ha!ha!   I guess those descriptions are so much better than just, “This one smells REAL good!”    This is the Amouage shop in City Centre Mall.  Other locations include the perfumery, Sabco Centre, Al Bustan Palace and the Chedi.  One small complaint I have is that prices for the products are not found anywhere and you have to ask the prices of each item!  (The prices are not even written in the product booklets!) ” They are afraid that the customers might be frightened by the prices”, is what one of the salespeople told me.   Sounds scary but the prices are really not that bad!  This is Rahabi, a very friendly saleslady at the main perfumery, who was very helpful in helping me pick up a nice gift for my honey!  These miniature collection gifts (one for men and one for women) are the best!  They contain 6 popular fragrances from Amouage.  Made with crystal glass, these exquisite bottles are perfect for travel or as a luxury gift.

If you’ve never been to the Amouage Perfumery near the Sahwa clocktower roundabout, why not go in for a quick look?!  If you have time (I didn’t as I came just before closing time…), they will even give you a full tour showing you how the perfume is made in the factory in back!  I look forward to seeing that on my next visit! 

Al Sahwa Park/Gardens

  This gorgeous park is located between Muscat International Airport and Muscat City Centre, next to the Al Sahwa Clocktower roundabout.   Like most of the parks in Muscat, there  are play areas to keep the kids busy.  Al Sahwa is another popular spot for family picnics!  The parks of Muscat are so comfortable  that you might just want to lie out on the grass and fall into a deep sleep like this gentleman! 

“The Renassiance/Awakening Tower”, also called “SAHWA Clocktower” (Burj Al Sahwa)

  One of the most recognizable icons of Muscat is this clock-tower near City Centre as you are arriving in Muscat from Salalah, Nizwa or Sur.  I was told that “Sahwa” (Arabic word) means “awakening” in English and this connects with a speech that Sultan Qaboos made when he first came to power about Oman “awakening” or arising to new heights.  (Burj is Arabic for “tower”.)  There are 3 exits/entrances to this landmark site: the road to Muscat City (41 kms),  the Sohar/Seeb road (195 kms to Sohar and 14 kms to Seeb) and the highway to Nizwa/Salalah (Nizwa 137 kms and Salalah 996 kms).  There are 8 beautiful mosaic-tile scenes on the 4 sides of this tower; 4 on the outer wall and 4 on the inner.  These masterpieces should be admired and considered as they represent important scenes from Oman’s dynamic and colorful history.  Due to traffic, this can be a very dangerous roundabout for both drivers and pedestrians.  Do take care if attempting to cross the road here!  I really like this fishermen scene.  Here is a closer look at the mosaic to give you an idea of the work put into these art pieces…  This is the view of the tower coming up from the underground passage.  There is only one spot that lets you walk below the road to get to the tower.  Some of the roundabouts in Oman are so beautiful that people are often tempted to snap photos while driving! (which is obviously quite dangerous!)  The best thing to do is park the car, walk around the place and take it all in.

In the “China Mood” at The Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental Hotel

  China Mood is a fantastic Chinese restaurant inside the Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental Hotel.  I surprised my wife by reserving a table at China Mood on our 1 year wedding anniversary.  We have eaten out at several other Chinese restaurants around Muscat and had talked about China Mood but this was our first opportunity to try it out (after hearing great reviews from others).  The tea lady!  This Chinese lady goes from table to table serving tea to customers from this unique long-spouted teapot which really adds to the ambiance of the restaurant.  At exactly 9pm each evening, they have a special “tea show” in the outside balcony of the restaurant.  Here is a video of this special ceremony:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG3QpNBKqis  If you want to see this ceremony for yourself, come to China Mood sometime within the next 6 months as this lady is scheduled to finish her contract and leave Oman at that time.  There were 4 set menus to choose from as well as a lot of dishes à la carte.  It really is best to go with the set menus as they have put a lot of thought into which dishes best complement one another.  (Something to consider – many of the dishes available  ”à la carte” are just as expensive as complete set menus!)  “The most beautiful view is the one I share with you!”  Crispy fried squid with pepper and chili. (yum! yum!)  The Cantonese marinated seafood rolls (not pictured here) were also quite delicious!  This Cantonese style seafood soup was so good that my mouth is watering just remembering it!  Definitely no complaints about the Stir-fried mixed seasonal vegetables and seafood fried rice!  These stir-fried noodles (simply titled “noodles” on the menu) were incredibly good and I’m not normally a “noodle kind of guy”.  This dish, the Szechwan stir-fried Omani lobster with spicy sauce, was definitely my favorite! Although I have no complaints about the other Chinese restaurants we’ve tried around town (I’m VERY easy to please when it comes to food!  ) , China Mood gets a few extra points on quality and taste.  One of our PCO church friends, Helma, is a manager at the Al Bustan Hotel and we were very blessed to see her while celebrating our anniversary at China Mood!  Cantonese streamed hammour (my wife’s favorite fish!) with spring onion and ginger.   There was SO much food on our table that this poor fish had to wait patiently on the side until we finished off the other plates!  Nothing like having the dish “give you the look” as you eat his carcass, huh?!    The crispy honey banana with vanilla ice cream was a perfect way to end the meal!  The staff at China Mood really made our night by preparing this lovely anniversay cake for us! WOW! Talk about customer service!  (They do that for birthdays or anniversaries if you reserve well in advance.)  “Love doesn’t make the world go ’round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”  (Franklin P Jones)  “There is no remedy for love but to love more.” (Henry David Thoreau)  Depending on the weather and season (October-March), sitting outside is always a nice option.  We preferred sitting inside as they have lovely music softly playing in the background.  When outside for the tea-show, we also noticed that conversation at other tables can be more easily overheard than inside…  The great thing about going to one of the incredible restaurantst at Al Bustan (whether it’s Vue, China Mood, The Beach Pavilion, Seblat Al Bustan or Al Khiran Terrace) is that you get a great opportunity to look around this fabulous hotel which has the reputation of being the best in the Middle East and one of the finest in the world!  The main lobby at the Al Bustan is a fabulous place to grab some pics!  You can see an Omani familyenjoying themselves in the background.  There is always the chance of seeing famous stars/leaders from around the world when coming here as they would most likely be staying at The Al Bustan when in town.  For example, Tony Blair was staying here on our evening out and security was tight.  (He had an entire floor to himself for security reasons!)  One last look at the Al Bustan, the jewel of the Sultanate of Oman !

We were really impressed with the quality of food and service at China Mood and it definitely gets the “Andy in Oman stamp of approval”.  I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great place to take that “special someone” out to while here in Muscat!  If it’s your anniversary or their birthday, even better!  For reservation, call 24-764-000 or email BoxOffice@albustanpalace.com

Sunrise at Al Bandar (al Jissah) Beach

  I decided to get up real early and start the morning with a nice sunrise in a beautiful location near Muscat.  I found this website which told me that the sunrise (on this particular day) was supposed to be 6:49am so off I went to see the crack of dawn!  Al Bandar Beach is one of the more beautiful beaches in Muscat.  Here’s a video from some time ago .  It shows local and expat families enjoying themselves at this great location.  “With each sunrise, we start anew.” (Anonymous)   “We can only appreciate the miracle of a sunrise if we have waited in the darkness.” (author unknown)

LIFE IS PRECIOUS!!! “Drive to Arrive Alive!”

  The R.O.P. (Royal Oman Police   http://www.rop.gov.om/), in conjunction with CityCentre and Oman LNG, are trying to educate/persuade the general population to drive safely (once again).  The gentleman pictured here, Yasser Mohammed, is an art teacher from the Batinah region of Oman.  The campaign they are running is being held at the biggest mall in Muscat, City Centre, featuring drawings on road safety.  Omani school children (from Batinah) between the ages of 10 and 18 have sketched these drawings and they are pretty amazing and insightful.  WARNING: even though they are only “drawings”, some of them are rather graphic with lots of blood and some even contain scenes of dismemberment!  Okay…you’ve been warned!  So here are what I thought to be some of the best drawings:  According to the week magazine (www.theweek.co.om ), there were more than 100 accidents which saw 10 people killed and 150 injured in road accidents in the first week of January in the Sultanate of Oman. That included 62 collisions between vehicles and 27 collisions with a fixed oject.  During the next week (Jan 9-15), there were 117 more accidents with an outcome of 15 dead and 132 injured!  Notice the high-speed smoke and cell phone in the pic.  Excessive speeding is one of the many causes of accidents here.  What makes it worse (I think) is that tailgating is so common here.  The ones speeding flash their lights and expect everyone to get out of their way!  In addition, so many accidents seem to be caused by the use of cell-phones! 14 pedestrians were killed in Toronto, Canada, during the first 3 weeks of January, 2010.  Most of those accidents were caused by cellphone distraction, either by the pedestrian or the driver.  As a result, there will be a $500 fine for people caught using cellphones there.  They are even considering banning the use of “hands free phone sets” because statistics show that it is not so much the cell-phone but the fact that people are engrossed in conversation which takes their attention off the road.  Some of these drawings are so insightful; they really express the hurt and pain caused by the loss of life and limb in car accidents.  Some of the artwork, like this one, seems to be a short story or movie in itself.  Here is an extremely helpful guide (it’s a powerpoint presentation) on driving in Oman published by PDO (Petroleum Development Oman).  I would highly recommend any expat who drives or is thinking of driving in Oman to check this out!  I agree wholeheartedly with their statement that, “Safety of people comes first, anything else comes second!“  There is Arabic in many of these drawings but language is often unnecessary.  I can only imagine that this boy is crying, “Abba (Father), Father” as we notice the blackened portrait of a man on the wall in the background.”  I wonder how many of the kids who did these paintings know someone who has been injured or killed in accidents.  More than a few, I guess.  “What is happening on our roads should be of everybody’s concern. Misuse of vehicles of different categories by different people causing many deaths is an irritating and worrisome phenomenon.” (Sultan Qaboos Bin Said)  Check out this nice website with vids and info on road safety and why kids seats are extremely important.  This picture seems to be of 2 men arguing about who is to blame for the accident.  It would be awesome if someone could translate this for me!    This picture shows the sad reality that many parents here do not insist that their kids wear seatbelts.  Kids can often be seen horsing around and jumping in the backs of cars or mothers holding infants on their laps in the front passenger seat.  I really like this one.  It’s like the kid wants us to weigh the consequences that accidents have on Oman.  The picture above and the one below describe a dangerous scene that is a common occurence here in Oman during flashfloods.  Impatient drivers often put their lives and the lives of those in the car with them at risk by attempting to cross deep wadis (valleys) overflowing with water.  There are a few videos of such events on youtube.  Here is one video.  And another.  And yet another.  Finally, here’s one of a helicopter rescue video.    This picture really captures the heartbreak that accidents (oftentimes PREVENTABLE accidents) bring.  Here is a close-up of the above artpiece but focusing on the mother and her baby in the drawing.  It really is sad knowing that such scenes are repeated time and time again, in reality, due to human error, misjudgment and neglect.  Better to have blood on drawings (even if they do “shock” people) in order to get people to realize the sanctity of life than for blood to keep being spilt on the streets!  Look at the face on the kid in the passenger’s seat.  Priceless!  I like the fact that the police officer in this drawing is female.  Many people (including myself when I first arrived!) are surprised to learn that there are quite a few ladies in the police force.  Check out the smoke pouring out from the tires.  There were several smoking tire paintings in the collection.  Young boys love peeling their tires down the road late at night and doing donuts after their favorite team wins some silly football match.  Here are some videos again to show you this punkish-aren’t-I-so-cool-attitude which is so prevalent among many of the young men here: vid 1, vid 2 (the sad thing is hearing the people encouraging this behavior with their cheering!), vid 3, vid 4.  This stuff REALLY makes my blood boil as no amount of education can change a proud spirit which is only out for attention or self-interest.

So which of the paintings do you “like” most?  If you live in Muscat, try to make it down to City Centre and check the rest of the paintings out.  Let these drawings, by some very talented young Omani kids, speak to your heart and hopefully as a result, allow you/us to take road safety more seriously.  Above all, DRIVE SAFELY out there!!!

6am on Al Bahri Street along the Muttrah Corniche

  The Muttrah corniche runs along the harbor for about 3 kms.  It’s always a treat to see not only Omanis but people of all nationalities walking, chatting, sitting, taking pictures and jogging along this popular promenade!  There are quite a few picturesque statues such as this one along the walkway.  Muttrah really is a great place to start the day in Oman!  As the sun slowly begins to rise, the sprinklers add to the scene, sending forth a dream-like mist.  There are also quite a few Indian streetcleaners dressed in orange overalls picking up trash from the sides of the roads.  This welcoming (or not so welcoming…) sign is posted on the top of the stairs at the entrance to the Lawatiya Mosque near the merchant houses.  As far as I know, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Azaiba is the only mosque which allows non-Muslims to visit (and only during a short specific period in the morning).  One of the rest areas along Al Bahri Street just before they turned the lights off  The landmark “giant incense burner” at Al-Riyam Park and a nearby watchtower all lit up  If you ever find yourself in Oman and you happen to be an early morning person, try to make it to Muttrah between 5:30 and 6am.  It really is an awesome way to start the day! 

Looking back on a Tremendous Year of Unimaginable Blessings!

   “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:10-12)  AMEN!   “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” (Genesis 2:18)
  “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.” (Song of Solomon 1:2)  “When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.” (Deuteronomy 24:5)  “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4)     “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.  Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”  (Genesis 2:23-24)  “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” ( Proverbs 18:22)  “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.” ( Proverbs 12:4)  You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are His. And why one? Because He was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. ( Malachi 2:14-15)   “Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 9:9) 

¹The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! ²Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah. ³For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head. ⁴He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever. ⁵His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him. ⁶For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance. ⁷For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved. ⁸Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee. ⁹Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them. ¹⁰Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men. ¹¹For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform. ¹²Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them. ¹³Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power. (Psalm 21)

The Nightlights of Muscat

  These pics of Muttrah Gate were taken about 5:40am.  These pics of the Al Baranda walkway and Al Mina’a Roundabout were taken about 5:45-5:55am.

6:30am at the Muscat Marina

Donuts Donuts in Oman! 24 Hours a Day!

Donuts Donuts in Oman is nothing new.  In fact, they’ve had Dunkin’ Donuts here since June of 2008.  They even have 2 branches that are open 24 hours(7 days/week)!! The two 24-hour shops are in Ghala at the Oman Oil petrol station near the Royal Hospital and one in the departures building at Muscat International Airport.  It’s great to be able to pick up a dozen donuts every now and then!  This is the friendly Omani lady who works at the Ghala branch of DD.  It’s a small branch so sometimes the person in the back of line has to wait awhile while someone tries figuring what flavors to get.  Reminded me of this funny “Donut Lady video clip” I saw on youtube.  These are the donuts we picked up the other day.  Check out the donut with the “Omani colors” on it.  It’s the flavor of the week but the lady there told us it’s been the ”flavor of the week“ for the past 3 months!  These are new menu boards.  The old ones had a “bible-like verse” on it that read, “Man does not live on coffee alone“.  Sound familar?  It was a play off of Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:4 when Jesus says, “Man does not live on bread alone but on every word which proceeds from the mouth of God.”    Khaled El Dalaty, Operations Manager for Dunkin’ Donuts in Oman, has said (from this article), “If the 24 hour service proves as popular as we believe, we will consider opening more outlets around the capital for these extended hours.”  MMmmm…Donuts!  http://www.dunkindonutsoman.com/locations.htm

Mokha Cafe Buffet at Grand Hyatt Hotel, Muscat

  Grand Hyatt is located in Al Shati Qurum in the embassy area.  No complaints about the food! The buffet cost 16 rials/person (+ 17% tax).  Tracey McKenzie getting personally served by the German chef, Stephan!  Mrs. Che Brown at the back of the hotel patiently waiting for her silly husband to take a pic so she can get her barbecue!  Naif, a friendly Omani local, has been working at Grand Hyatt for 3 months and loves his job!  The ladies seemed to have problems deciding what to have for dessert.  For me, it’s quite easy.  Try them all!!!  One of the paintings on display in the lounge  One of the employees of the hotel serving coffee to guests and visitors!  Nice touch!  Quite the lounge!  While we were enjoying the buffet downstairs, they had an extremely talented pianist playing upstairs which really added to the ambiance.  Mr and Mrs Brown 356 incredible days after getting married!  All thanks and praise to God!  The whole motley crew: Collette Shay, Che Brown and Burnie & Tracey Mackenzie mere hours before Burnie’s flight back to Canada after a lovely visit with her daughter!  No 5 star hotel would be complete without the standard Omani doorman wearing an impressive Khanjar! 

Demons/Jinns in my Bathroom?!

                                                                 Have you ever searched the internet on things dealing with ghosts, demons and other mysterious things.  People seem to love that stuff as there are SO many sites (like this one) on these topics!  Another reason I think so is that my blog post (a very simple one) on “The Haunted House in Muscat” always seems to be among the top posts on my site.  (By the way, if you like ghost stories, here is a very interesting ghost story told very well by Andrew Klavan.  You have to watch all 4 parts though.)

First of all, YES, I do believe in demons.  I believe that they exist because they are clearly explained in The Holy Bible.  Revelation chapter 12 tells us that when Satan rebelled against God, he took 1/3 of the “hosts of heaven” with him.  2/3 of the angels now follow God.  The other 1/3 of the angels, fallen angels, are known as “demons” or ”evil spirits” and together, they work with Satan/Lucifer with the main goal of “leading men astray” and even “controlling men towards rebellion from God” (ex: Ephesians 2) and “veiling their eyes to the truth of the gospel” (2 Corinthians 3-4).  Their main goals, described in John 10:10 are to “steal, kill, and destroy”, not only physically but more importantly, spiritually.  Quote from Father Merrin in the movie “The Exorcist”: “Especially important is the warning to avoid conversations with the demon. We may ask what is relevant but anything beyond that is dangerous. He is a liar. The demon is a liar. He will lie to confuse us. But he will also mix lies with the truth to attack us. The attack is psychological, Damien, and powerful. So don’t listen to him. Remember that – do not listen.”                                   I am somewhat suprised with Omanis beliefs (even obsession) with “jinns” or “evil spirits”.  They are not exactly the same as the spirits mentioned in the Bible…Just a quick google search of the word “jinn” will show you what I mean about peoples fascination with this topic.  Here is a realistic video that is supposed to be of a Jinn.  There is even a website advertising “jinn rings” which are supposed to have spirits in them to give powers to the owners!!!  One female blogger does a pretty decent job of explaining the local belief in 2 different types of jinns on this blog post.                                                                                     

I mention these things, as an introduction, because I can’t believe the tiles they have installed in all 3 of our bathrooms.  They have what look to be some kind of evil face (demon like) on part of the tile.  When you consider that there are more than 300 tiles in each bathroom, that’s a lot of “demons” to encounter each day.  What makes it even stranger is that Muslims believe that these “jinns” have a special fascination with bathrooms.  I am not making this up.  Again a quick google search of “jinns” and “bathrooms” or “toilet” will reveal this.  You will find sites such as this or this or even this or this one.    

Anyway, here are photos from each of our bathrooms.  What do you think?  Don’t they look like some kind of evil face?  Does anyone else in Muscat/Oman have such images on their bathroom tiles?

The “Whale Hall” at the Natural History Museum

  One of the friendly workers at the museum  The highlight of the whale hall is this giant skeleton of a male sperm whale which was stranded at Barka (65 kms to the north) in September of 1986.  It was about 25 years old and 14 meters long.  The bones alone weigh 3.5 tonnes!  The whale itself, while living, would have weighed about 35 tonnes!  All the bones are original except the teeth and digits (replaced by wood), and the cartilage (replaced by plaster).  The earbones are missing.  It has been painted to preserve it and to reduce the oily smell.  Skull of a young killer whale stranded at Ras Marbat in June, 1989 (Killer whales are rarely reported near Oman.)  This skeleton is of a common adult male dolphin.  It was beached near the Bustan Palace Hotel in March 1990.  It was 2.5 meters long.  This skeleton is of a very young “false killer whale” which was drowned in a net off Ghubra (near the museum) in April 1987.  It was 2 meters long.  I had never even heard of “false killer whales” before entering this museum!  They are actually large dolphins and are fairly common in Oman’s waters.  The large conical teeth resemble those of the larger Killer Whale, hence its name.  This skeleton is of a young dwarf sperm whale which was beached near Muscat in August 1989.  It was just over 2 meters long and the museum reports that “it is probably the only skeleton of this species to be exhibited anywhere in the world”.  Shy and slow-moving, it is the smallest to be called a “whale”.  Less than 3 meters long, but robust, with its head resembling that of a Sperm Whale.  Its small and needle-like teeth on the jaw are for catching cuttle fish which it hunts at the edge of deep water in all warm seas.  This is a picture of the odd-looking “Sea Cow” or “”Dugong”.  It is the only sea-dwelling truly vegetarian mammal in the world.  It is the only surviving species in its family and is in danger of becoming extinct.  It breathes through 2 valved nostrils on the top of its nose while the body remains submerged.  A peculiar fleshy nose-disc enables it to seize seagrasses and their roots in the silty seabed. A female Dugong may live for 70 years, but she is very slow to breed.  She doesn’t have her first calf till she is at least 10 years old and has only one calf at a time, every 3 to 7 years.  The largest of the living cetaceans is the Blue Whale.  One at over 31 meters (101 feet) long, would weigh 160-200 tonnes, the size of at least 30 of the largest existing land mammals-the elephant.  Only water can support such a massive animal.  Compare this with one of the smallest cetaceans – the finless porpoise-barely 1.6 meters (5 feet) and 45 kgs.  Picture in the museum of a stranded Sperm Wall  (They say that an injured or ill cetacean may beach deliberately to avoid drowning, a fear all marine animals may have.  Interesting!)  Various bones of whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) including ribs, vertabrae, skulls, craniums, humeri, pelvises, radii, phalanges and scalpulas/scalpulae.   Stages of burial, cleaning and transport from Burka to the Natural History Museum of the Sperm Whale Skeleton (Physeter Macrophalus) 1986-1987.  Stages of assembling and mounting of the Sperm Whale skeleton 1988-1990

PDO Cemetery

  There is a cemetery located at PDO (Petroleum Development Oman) where a lot of expats are buried in Muscat, Oman.  They usually hold a “Remembrance Day ceremony” on November 11th of each year to remember fallen soldiers.  I think it’s always a healthy thing to think about life, death and eternal things at the beginning of each New Year to put life in its proper perspective.  An interesting sign next to the gate reads “No dogs please“.  For any student of Scripture, this may bring to mind the verses in the book of Revelation describing the New Jerusalem, “¹⁴Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.  ¹⁵For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” (Revelation 22:14-15)  When the Bible states that “dogs” may not enter, it refers to morally  unclean people and sometimes to false teachers, heritics and evil doers (as in Philippians 3:2)  Nice gate!  Right out of John chapter 10! “⁷Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.” “⁹I am the door (or “gate”): by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  It was very peaceful walking through the cemetery, reading the tombstones and considering the lives of many of these expats who left family and friends behind to come to Oman.  People love to put such sentimental nonsense on tombstones.  Here is the poem in full (on another tombstone in the same cemetery):  A couple of things about this type of “cemetery poem”.  They often, like this one, assume that “God will take everyone“, as if ALL people are going to heaven… Then there’s the line ”no finer person this world could hold” which is quite an exaggeration to say about any person who lived in this world apart from Christ!  Here’s an interesting quote from the poem, “The Soldier“.  Another wishy-washy sentiment.  This concept, that the dead are never really dead as they “live in our hearts and in our memories” is one that is very popular today and takes peoples minds off the fact that there is a real heaven and a real hell and a judgment for each of us.  Here is a scene I’ve never read in my Bible (God: “Oh, you smiled at quite a few people during your life.  Sounds good enough for me.  Come on in!”)  This is a great image with which to end my stroll through the cemetery.  It conjures up the image of “resting in peace”.  I really enjoyed this article by Richard A. Ciarrocca on this very topic.

“Faces of Oman” by Tonny Holsbergen

  “Tonny Holsbergen, born in 1952, is a well known Dutch painter and portrait artist who has held many successful exhibitions both internationally and in Oman.  She first visited Oman in 2001 overnighting in the desert.  When talking of those times she says “I became obsessed with Oman and its people, particularly with the Bedouin, their hospitality and way of life.  I listened to the sounds of the desert surrounding me, and I just wanted to start drawing immediately.  She describes these times as the best of her life.  About her return to the Netherlands she says “I couldn’t concentrate on anything that was not about Oman.  All of my other commissions suffered.  Painting portraits of businessmen, actors and poets just didn’t seem to flow.  I was too inspired by the Bedu women with their golden birkhas and the beautiful dresses that they wear with such grace.  Every scene moved me.  I wanted to capture an essence of their lifestyle.”  “The first time Tonny Holsbergen came to Oman she found herself in the desert of the Sharqiya accepting the hospitality of local bedouin.  Without a language in common the Dutch artist and the Omani bedouin communicated with each other by way of Tonny’s art.  She drew sketches of her hosts, to which they responded with immediate enthusiasm, insisting that she make more.  From this encounter, and from Tonny’s deeply felt empathy and passion for the people of Oman and the land in which they live, there has flowed a rich stream of paintings and drawings, a small selection of which are shown here.  This passion for people and for a way of life that is in danger of disappearing altogether, amid the pressures of modern life, is evident in every stroke of her brush.  Of course it is the work of the artist to create – to make new things in the world – but it is also, here, to make a passionate appeal to preserve what we already have.” (Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi)  “She shows that the desert is anything but a place of emptiness.  In her vision it is always a landscape full of colour and movement.  It is perhaps the colour in the paintings that strikes the eye most immediately.  Reds, in particular, seem to glow with an especial intensity: a tribute, perhaps, to the bright fabrics worn by the women of Oman’s desert interior.  She also captures quite beautifully the changing conditions of light in the desert.  A low evening sun picks out the delicate shade of luminous purple in a dish-dasha, which glows in the painting as though responding to an ultra-violet source.”  “Linger with one of these works for a moment longer, and, as the colours continue to vibrate, the movement of the figures, communicated with a flurry of graceful and precise lines will captivate you and draw you into the instant of action itself.  A hand raised in gesture, a leg twisting in dance, faces alive with character, with warmth, with vitality.  Drawing is at the heart of her art and such is the refinement of her technique here, that the human figures in her work seem to leap with muscular energy from the two dimensions of the painting’s surface.” (Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi)  “Muscat City” glass art (RO295)  “Omani Mask with Hologram Eyes” (in various colors and designs) (  Glass Art (RO 375)  “Waiting for the market, Nizwa” ink and watercolor on handmade Nepalese paper 27X37cm (RO295)  “Bow at Command” oil on canvas 50X60cm (RO 500)  “Coffee server, Mutrah” oil & glass on canvas 90X80cm (RO 1800)  “Folkdance with Drums” ink and watercolor on handmade Nepalese paper 37X54cm (RO 325)  “Woman with Calf” ink and watercolor on handmade Nepalese paper 37X27cm (RO 295)  “Carrying the Goat for Eid” ink and watercolor on handmade Nepalese paper 39X29cm (RO 295)  “Carrying Lucerne” ink & watercolor on handmade Nepalese paper 37X27cm (RO 295)  “Two ladies Carrying Stone Bottles” ink & watercolor on handmade Nepalese paper 37X27cm (RO 295)  “Coffee Server, Mutrah” ink & watercolor on handmade Nepalese paper 37X27cm (RO 295)  “Old Man Carrying Baby Goat” ink & watercolor on handmade Nepalese paper 80X50cm (RO 1250)  “Woman Carrying Baby Goat” ink & watercolor on handmade Nepalese paper 80X50cm (RO 1250)  “Omani Mask” glass art (RO 275)  “Little Shop in Bahla” ink and watercolor on handmade Nepalese paper 27X37cm (RO 295)  “Vegetable Market in Nizwa” ink and watercolor on handmade Nepalese paper 27X37cm (RO 295)  “Sitting in the Shade at Nizwa” pastel 50X65cm (RO 575)  “Folklore Musicgroup” ink and watercolor on handmade Nepalese paper 37X54cm (RO 325)  “A Walk through the Desert” water colour 35X45cm (RO 550)  “Camels in the Desert” & “Before the Start” pastel on palette (RO 400 each)   “Discussion about Fodder” pastel 40X48cm (RO 550)  “Study of Camel” water colour 30X40cm (RO 295)  “Passing a Door” pastel 70X90cm (RO 1500)

These are just some of the amazing pieces of artwork by Tonny Holsbergen available at Bait Muzna Gallery.  You better hurry though as this display is only on for 3 more days (ends on January the 8th).  If you are interested in any of the pieces, I’m sure that the ART director of the Gallery, Ellen Molliet, would be able to help you out.  ellen@baitmuznagallery.com   www.baitmuznagallery.com  (Tel: +96824739204)  Fax:+96824739205

Bait Muzna Gallery in Old Muscat, Oman

  “Nestled in the heart of Muscat old town, surrounded by steep mountains and 16th century Portuguese forts, the Bait Muzna Gallery, originally the home of a member of the Oman Royal Family, is a unique traditionally styled house renovated as an art gallery in January 2000 through the vision and dedication of American-born Sayyida Susan Al Said.”  “Art is the soul of a culture and the Gallery recognizes that modern & contemporary art is an essential indicator of the state and progress of a society.  As Oman continues to develop and open up to international business and tourism, Omani art and artists are set to benefit from this increased exposure.  A main goal of Bait Muzna Gallery is to introduce Omani artists to the international Art scene and provide a unique accessible and welcoming venue to showcase these talents.”  The friendly Filipina lady who works at the Gallery-Noor-is more than willing to assist with any questions you might have concerning the artwork.  Tel: 968-24-739-204, Fax: 968-24-739-205, Mobile: 968-24-739-204  www.baitmuznagallery.com  www.omanart.com   This oil on canvas piece is titled “Splendor” and was painted by the Lebanese-German painter of Armenian decent, Emmanuel Guiragossian. (8300 RO)  Another piece by Emmanuel Guiragossian titled “The Champion” (/(RO 6950)

  “Reflection from the Moon”, oil on canvas by Omani artist, Hassan Meer. (RO 2800)  “Born in 1972, he grew up in Muscat, the capital of Oman.  He received his Bachelor and Master degree in Art from Savannah College of Art and Design Georgia, USA in 2000.  Meer exhibited extensively in Oman and internationally for the past 20 years.  He obtained many awards including the Golden Palm from the second Exhibition of the Gulf States.  Hassan Meer is also the curator of the Circle Show that is taking the lead in encouraging new forms of art in Oman and in the Gulf.”  “Omani Door XXIX” by Omani artist, Abdel Majeed Karooh. (RO 400)  “Born in 1975, Omani artist Karooh started painting since the age of 8.  His inspiration comes from his childhood, filled with happy memories, as well as the unique heritage and folklore of the Sultanate of Oman.  His successful contemporary “Omani Door” series are set in bright yet natural colors which are the memories of his family ancestral home.  As for his “Oman Architectural” series, they were inspired by his father, one of the capital’s main constructors, who taught him all his knowhow.  Karooh is a member of the Omani Society for Fine Art and the Youth Studio.  He has won three distinctive awards and has exhibited in Oman, Egypt, Dubai and New Delhi.”  “Old Civilization I” (RO 380) & “Old Civilization II” (RO 380)  are “Mixed Media on Campus” created by the female Omani artist, Enaam Al Lawati. “Omani artist Enaam Al Lawati has a fascination for history and roots of people and she takes inspiration from the ancient Arabic civilizations to bring her work alive.  Her artwork has ancient calligraphy as a predominant theme; the calligraphy of the old civilizations of the Arab world and those discovered in the caves of Salalah called ”Al-Mussnad calligraphy”.  In her paintings, she uses clay to sculpt some of the stamps, depicting scenese from the lives of primitive people, which were related to those old civilizations.”  This “giclee print”, painted by Alan Reed, is titled “Sur”. (RO 49)  This photo is by Said Al Harthy and is titled “Salim”. (RO 150)  “Said Amur Al Harthy is a free lance Omani photographer and a member of the OSFA Photographic Club since 1996.  ‘Through photography I express what I see and feel, my Images frame the emotions and feelings that I come in contact with. I am greatly inspired by Rembrandt. I specialize in black and white photography and hand printing, documenting both landscape and people. I have participated in local and international exhibitions and competitions. I won my first award at an exhibition in Sweden.’”

If you LOVE art and happen to be in the Sultanate of Oman, you definitely have to make it to the Bait Muzna Gallery which is just across from the Bait Al Zubair Museum in Old Muscat.  Even if you’re not that much into art, I highly recommend a visit anyway as the pieces are beautiful!  Only 5 days left of the exhibit by Tonny Holsbergen on “Faces of Oman”…more on that tomorrow…

Ringing in the New Year – PCO Style!

The NewYear means different things to different people.  Some celebrate.  Some don’t.  Those who choose to celebrate do it in a number of different ways.  There are some (many, I dare say…) who choose to get crazy drunk and end up starting the NewYear with an agonizing hangover.  Others choose to spend the evening with family and friends.  Many Christians around the world ring in the NewYear at church in prayer with fellow believers.  I think it’s the best way to start a new year, turning it over to God.  The main message preached by Lead Pastor, Michael Peppin, was from Hebrews 12:1-12.  In this passage, we learn that the race laid out before us is a SET race.  It has already been marked out by God.  While that is true, the Bible also makes it clear that we have personal obligations in running this race.  We are to “lay aside every weight which hinders us.”  One of the most poignant points that Pastor Michael mentioned which would be good for ALL of us to consider is: “What sin made you stumble the most in 2009?”  Another important point from the service, which matched the banner on the wall you see here, is that we must consider the goal.  Saying “YES” to Christ means saying “NO” to other things.  We, as Christians, do not forget that Jesus is “the author and perfector/finisher of our faith”.  “I am no longer my own but yours.  Your will, not mine be done in all things, wherever You may place me, in all that I do and in all that I may endure; when there is work for me and when there is none; when I am troubled and when I am at peace.  Your will be done when I am valued and when I am disregarded; when I find fulfillment and when it is lacking; when I have all things, and when I have nothing.  I willingly offer all I have and am to serve You, as and where You choose.  Glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, You are mine and I am yours.  May it be so for ever.  Let this covenant now made on earth be fulfilled in heaven. Amen.”  What better to start the NewYear than in sharing communion with other believers!  Christ has died.  Christ is risen.  Christ will come again.  “And so, LORD, we obey His command with this bread and this cup, by which we recall His death and resurrection, the source of our life and salvation.  Grant that we, who share in this Holy sacrament, may be united by Your Spirit and grow into perfect love.  Bring us, with those who have done Your will in every age, into the light of Your presence and the joy of Your kingdom.  On the back of the church bulletin, was this BEAUTIFUL letter from Pastor Michael Peppin:

Dear Fellow Christians,

Someone said, “Life is like a coin, you spend it only once.”  2009 is past, and what is passed cannot be retrieved.  So this calls us to live with priorities in mind.

Jesus gave to His disciples this priority when He said, “Seek first God’s Kingdom…” (Matthew 6:33)  This means that we must, in 2010, come to terms with which kingdom we are going to serve.  The kingdom He represented was altogether different from the “me-ism” of today.

This “me-ism” philosophy is best described in these words: “I’ll have my own way, Lord, I’ll have my own way.  I’ll be the potter, You be the clay; I’ll mould You and make You after my will While You are waiting, yielded and still.”

King Nebuchadnezzar, in the Old Testament book of Daniel is a classic example of this philosophy.  Then as a broken man, he surrendered to God’s Kingdom and authority. (Daniel 4)

As we step into 2010, be assured that the kingdom of the world will not only confront us but assault us.  If we are here just for ourselves, then to stay on the top of the heap, we will manipulate, deceive and scheme.  But if we are committed to His kingdom, then “we will seek His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).  We will be governed by kingdom concerns.  This means, that in 2010, every step we take, will make us ask: “Is this His will?  Would this honour God and bring glory to His Name?”

People who are committed to Christ the King will strive for excellence and not for mediocrity.  People who know their God will resist the pressure of the world to conformity.  The pastors and their families, the PCO council and our staff join me in wishing you a Christ-centered NewYear.  In His love, Michael Peppin  It’s later than we think!  Here’s an incredible presentation performed by Jess and the gang!  Enjoy!  Happy New Year to everyone out there!!!  Wishing you all of God’s richest blessings in 2010!!!

Standing Watch over the Qurum Heights Road

  If you’re not that observant, you might not spot these creatures peering over the cliffs of Qurum Heights Road between Qurum and Ruwi.  I’m not sure if it was the government who placed them up there or what but I think little things like that add a special touch to the look and feel of Muscat.  This is supposed to be an oryx, a special animal and symbol of the Sultanate of Oman.  Unfortunately, some PUNKS (and they have their fair share here) must have thought it would be good fun to rip the horns off…  This is what was left of the horns I found in the bushes nearby.  I wonder who would be responsible for fixing these majestic guardians of the Qurum Heights Road?!  Anybody know?

“Christmas Leftovers”

Readings & Reflections for Christmas Eve

  “She will bear a son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

There is a special blessing in the Christmas message that is frequently missed by many.  The birth of Jesus is not simply an interesting fact of history, wholly unrelated to present-day life.  Rather it has direc bearing on your life and mine.  Here’s why.  Something extraordinary happened before Jesus was born.  First, the angel Gabriel came from heaven and announced to Mary that she would bear a child and that the child would be “the Son of God” (Luke 1:35).  Then, sometime later, an angel came to Joseph and told him that Mary’s baby had been conceived by the Holy Spirit and that Joseph must “call his name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21)  Have you ever thought that it was for you that the Savior was born? Did you realize that when God sent His Son into the world, He sent Him to become your Savior?  Listen to the words of the angel who first proclaimed the birth of Jesus: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).  (A nativity set in Lulu’s supermarket in Oman on Christmas Eve! I don’t think you would even  find a nativity set in a supermarket in Canada with all the political correctness going on there!)

Jesus did not come to be the inspiration for sacred art.  Nor to be the theme of Christmas songs.  Nor to be a great moral teacher.  No, Jesus came to be the Savior – He was born for me, He was born for you.  How did Jesus become our Savior?  Bound inseparably with Jesus’ birth is the fact of Jesus’ death.  He came to save, and to save He had to die – to die in our place as sinners, to pay the full penalty for our sin, to bear the divine wrath of God that each of us deserves.  Just as Jesus was born personally for you, so also Jesus died personally for you.  What an amazing, personal message of God’s love and grace – a message that likewise calls for our personal response.  The Savior who was born is God’s gift to you – a gift that can only be received by faith, by believing that Jesus was actually born to be your Savior and that He died for your sins.  And because He rose again, He conquered sin and death, and He offers you, and to all who will receive it, the gift of life and joy – here and now, and for all eternity, in the presence of Jesus forever.  Won’t you receive the gift of God this Christmas?  (Adapted from “Christmas Blessing to You” by Dr. Willard M. Aldrich)  The delicious dinner my wife and sister-in-law prepared for Christmas Eve.  I thought about how appropriate it was for them to prepare lamb as Christ was the Passover Lamb the Old Testament pointed towards.  Hard to explain so here’s a link to explain what I mean. (and another) 

Hope you’re all having a blessed Christmas season! 

Setting Aside the Holiday “Hustle and Bustle”…

to focus on the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.  The Williams family in the Good Shepherd Chapel of the PCO lighting the 4th advent candle (once the AC and fan were turned off… ).   Sumith & Family lighting the 4th candle of Advent in the Ruwi church chapel last Sunday.  The three wise men guys at the nativity play where the children & youth of Ruwi church put on a fabulous performance.  Vanlal played the role of Joseph during the play.  The whole gang  2 weeks ago the PCO put on a special service where 17 different congregations under the PCO sang one Christmas song each.  Different passages related to the birth of Christ were read in various languages between the songs.  C.S.I. Oman (not Crime Scene Investigation) -  I remember seeing a bumber sticket that read, “C.S.I. – Christ Saves Individuals” but C.S.I. in this case stands for “Church of South India”.  The Telegu Pentecostal Fellowship perfomed an interesting song that involved dance and drama.  This scripture from Luke chapter 1 was read in Indonesian and French!

The Tropicana Buffet at Crowne Plaza, Muscat

  It’s pretty cool how the Crowne Plaza is shaped like a boat, but you have to see it from the right angle to notice that.  The beaches around the Crowne Plaza in Qurum are some of the most beautiful in Muscat!  The brunch buffet at Tropicana is only 13 rials per person (+17% tax).  Not bad for a great meal at a 5-star hotel!  Nice pool.  Out of curiosity, I asked how much it costs for non-guests to use the pool for the day.  10 rials! That’s steep! (Only 2 rials at the Al Falaj and normally 5 rials at other popular hotels)  There were certainly no complaints about the food! Awesome buffet!  It’s always nice to have lunch with the wife and sister-in-law!  Artwork found in the Crowne Plaza main lounge  Che and Marites with the pool and Qurum beach in the background  I’m not into bars (anymore, thank God!) but this is definitely a great place to enjoy a beer or glass of wine in the late evenings!  This section of the Crowne Plaza is known as “The Edge”.  It is a lovely, romantic spot in the evenings.  Seating is limited though so reservations are recommended!  It was in this spot that my honey and I had our first few dates some 2 years ago.  Ahh, the memories! 

“Gulf-Style Christmas Decorations”!

Return to Al Hoota Cave

  Check out the Al Hoota Cave website for info on this amazing site.  Pastor Michael Peppin and his wife, Vinoo, with Che on their first visit to Al Hoota.  This was my second trip.  If you’re interesting in reading up on my previous visits, click on these links: A Beauty Beneath and A Lion & A Blind Fish.  I wonder if this train is EVER working!  Che, Vinoo, Pastor Michael and Deepa in the articial tunnel just before entering the actual cave.  This is leading down the pool with blind fish in it.  There is a very nice giftshop and museum in the Visitor’s Centre.  There is also a nice restaurant at Al Hoota.  We enjoyed the buffet there which was pretty good (5 RO/person).  Che and the giant coffee pot next to the Al Hoota Cave Restaurant.

Majestic Mountains around Nizwa

  This cute artwork is located just outside Nizwa.

CHRISTmas JOY 2009!!!

  Last Friday, volunteers from different congregations of the church in Oman helped out with “Christmas Joy“-a yearly event in which 500 migrant workers are fed, entertained loved and served.  In the above photo, Don is setting up the welcome banner of the event.  These are the sheets given to each worker.  There is a raffle with tons of prizes which is always great fun.  They are also served a nice hot meal, either vegetarian or non-veg.  The gift is a gymbag filled with all kinds of necessary items such as shampoo, towels, soap and such.  The gifts mean a lot to the workers who live in such hard conditions here in Oman making next to nothing.  The entrance to the basketball court at the Ghala church where the event took place.  Reverend Michael Peppin and his daughter, Deepa, looking very “Christmasy“.    It’s such a treat to have Deepa with us during the Christmas season!  Vinoo Peppin and Che Brown taking a break at the nametag station  for this “Kodak moment”!  A wonderful photo of Pastor Jack Buteyn (RCA) and his wife, Linda.  It was good that I took this photo before Jack decided to “bust a few moves” on the dancefloor.  Caleb was a real help at Christmas Joy.  He was such a gentlemen, walking around and handing water out to volunteers and guests.  There was a large presence of youth on hand to help out this year which really added to the atmosphere.  Awesome!  Getting snacks ready for the ladies as they entered the compound.  This year we served 500 female workers.  Each year it changes.  Last year it was the men.  These volunteers are separating the Nawras phone cards (2 Ro) which were given to each lady, one of many gifts they received.  Preparation is the key to success!  The female migrant workers as they entered at the start of Christmas Joy.  The snacks were meant to keep them satisfied until later in the evening when they would get a decent hot meal.  Some of the volunteers on the left table  And other volunteers on the right  The significance of Christmas explained in the language of their choice, generously offered by the Bible Society! (“Ang Cristo Ng Pasto” in Tagalog, for example, means “The Christ of Christmas“)  While waiting for other workers to arrive, some of the more social volunteers convinced the ladies to get out of their chairs, unwind and dance! Here they are singing, “This is the Day that the LORD Has Made“.  The ladies had a real blast at the event.  Esther Sagar, the church secretary, amazed many when she finally revealed her secret talent of dance, ha!ha!  Pastor Jack and Dotty serving the ladies  One of the highlights of the event for the ladies had to be the raffle.  There were so many incredible prizes handed out including tvs, oven ranges, toasters and other useful devices.  The mobile company “Friendly” graciously provided 50 cell-phones for the raffle!  Bridget and Mauriel leading the ladies in a “locomotion”!  You can see the storm clouds brewing but not even downpours of rain could threaten this wonderful evening of fun, music and fellowship!    Santa and the Peppins!  I think I might have overheard them requesting “a gorgeous, godly son-in-law for their daughter, Deepa” but I could be wrong!    Don and Dotty with Santa.  The Santa seen here should by no means be confused with the joyful principal of TAISM…(The American International School in Muscat)  Click here for a fun video of Santa’s arrival and music+dancing.  Like last year, the ambassador of India, His Excellency Anil Wadhwa, took time out of his busy schedule to encourage the migrant workers and to wish them all a merry Christmas.  Here is the Ambassador’s speech to the crowd at Christmas Joy.  Listen carefully to his words as they are profound.

Magnificat – 10th Anniversary Christmas Concert

  It’s that time of year again.  Time for the Muscat Men’s Choir Concert at the St. Thomas church in Ruwi!  Wow! 10 years!  Here’s a video of Dr. Johann Ebenezer playing the piano while the men of the choir enter.  And another video of a short singing intro.  Dr. Dev Ebenezer is an amazing conductor and puts in hours and hours of work preparing his choirs (Muscat Men’s Chorus & Muscat Christian Harmony) for Christmas & Easter concerts each year!  The first song of the evening (after the prelude, opening prayer and welcome) was Mary Rock a Your Baby.  Pastor Jack Buteyn (RCA) singing “See Amid the Winter’s Snow” with the choir.  More videos: Amen-Chorus, Room at the Cross, Come and Behold Him, O Christmas Bells Ring, Ding Dong Merrily on High  Even more videos: Magnificat, Christmas Lullaby, Sanctus, and Benedictus.  You guessed it…more vids: Lullaby Little Babe, Now Thank We All Our God,

  Part of the programme including singing 2 carols with the audience: Zion’s Daughter and O Christmas Tree.  They also sang some Hindi (Sunder Raath), Tamil (Yesu Rajan Piranthare) and Malayalam (Orikkal Oru) carols.  Carina Krogh’s solo performance of “Ave Maria“  His Excellency, Anil Wadhwa, the Ambassador of India to Oman, was the chief guest of honor on this evening.  He gave a wonderful speech about the need to follow Christ’s teachings if we wish for any good to come out of this world.

  3 of the 4 original members of The Muscat Men’s Chorus! (started in October 1990)  There is a horrible rumor going around that Dr. Ebenezer may be leaving us in April of next year.  I truly hope it’s not true.  Carina and Dr. Ebenezer after the concert.  After a standing ovation, the choir sang this last sweet song for us: Merry Merry Christmas All  Christopher and Joy!  (One of several couples who are both in the choir! Sweet!)  The choir treated us all to tea and cake after the concert was over.  Even though they had blessed us with a WONDERFUL, uplifting evening of song & praise, the choirs could not let us leave without first blessing us.  Here it is and may you (anyone reading this) and your families be blessed at this special time of year. The LORD Bless You and Keep You (click on that last title!  )

2nd Week in Advent in the PCO

  A wonderful banner taken from Luke 2:14.  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.” (KJV) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (NIV)  Jesus’ birth created praise among the angels.  God’s peace and good will are extended to those “on whom He sees fit to bestow His grace”.  Some manuscripts have the last half of this verse reading “and on earth peace among men of good will”.  The KJV’s reading expresses the divine intention to offer peace and good will to all men.  Paul, Deepa and Jessica Rajesh lighting the advent candle (of peace. this week).  Reader: We light the candle of peace to remind us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and that through Him peace is found.  Dr. Ebenezer’s choirs “Muscat Men’s Chorus” and “Muscat Christian Harmony” sang a few Christmas carols to our delight.  Don and Dotty spreading some Christmas cheer!

Nature & Art

  This artificial waterfall is past Wadi Al Kabir on Al Bustan Street driving towards the Al Bustan Palace Hotel.  This Omani flag has proudly been painted unto a rockface between Haramel and Sidab, villages between Muttrah and the Al Bustan.

Flowers Fit For a King!

  There always seem to be a lot more flowers along the Sultan Qaboos Street in Muscat at this time of year.  I think it is a combination of the celebrations of National Day + Eid as well as a cooler time of year in which it is easier to look after the flowers.  These flowers are along Qurm Heights Road near one of the PDO entrances and Khoula Hospital.   Flowers at Al Athaibah Roudabout along As Sultan Qaboos Street.

Sometimes it can be dangerous driving in Muscat…the roads and roundabouts are so gorgeous that it can distract you while trying to concentate on the road! 

“Living It Up” at The Chedi, Muscat

   Located in Al Ghubra, just 12 kms (about a 15 minute drive) from the Muscat Airport, the Chedi is an elegant 5-star resort hotel along the beach in Muscat.  Most of the 5-star hotels in Oman have an Omani doorman to greet visitors at the main door!  This is the scene awaiting you as you enter the main lounge.  Impressive!  “The Restaurant” at Chedi  My wife and I have been into buffets recently and so we wanted to check out the Chedi’s breakfast buffet which was pretty good!  You can sit indoors for the breakfast buffet (preferable for the hotter months of May-Sept), or outdoors which we preferred (best from late Oct-early May)…  The scenery was wonderful as was the service.  If you so desire, they bring each customer their own personal pot of brewed coffee before diving into the buffet.  Some of the lazier, more demanding customers even ordered members of staff to get certain dishes for them instead of getting up and getting it from the buffet themselves. The only downside (besides the price, ha!ha!) of such buffets at these types of hotels here in Muscat is the sometimes snobby attitudes of the guests!  The grounds of the Chedi are very well kept and it’s a pleasure just to walk around and take in the whole scene. (especially after an enjoyable breakfast!)  So beautiful and photogenic!   Here’s a short video to give you an idea of what it’s like walking around the Chedi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPwsRGQq91E  Of course great locations and memories are even better when you have an incredible partner to share them with!    Che, my official “Andy in Oman model”, ha!ha!  This is the scene from some of the white-villa suites which have direct access to Bouschar Beach!  With breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and the Hajar Mountains, the Chedi is definitely worth a visit!  Not all would agree though…Here is another take on the Chedi experience.  This restaurant is appropriately named “The Beach”.  We didn’t try this restaurant out yet but perhaps on a different visit…

My honey and I really enjoyed our breakfast buffet and stroll around the Chedi.  It’s nice to be able to visit such luxurious hotels without paying the exorbitant prices that guests pay.  I say there’s no better way to enjoy Muscat (while living here I mean) than by checking out some of the more famous 5-star hotels while enjoying breakfast/lunch/dinner buffets!

“Festival of Carols” – 2nd Week of Advent

  During the 2nd week of advent, there was a special combined service in the Bosch Hall of Ghala at 9:30am.  It was a service of scripture and carols with choirs and instumentalists.  Like the beginning of every Friday morning 9am service, Pastor Jack Buteyn led the children of the PCO in a short song before sending them off for “Sunday Friday school”.  The song he taught them this time was, “I am a C…I am a CH…I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N.  And I have C-H-R-I-S-T in my H-E-A-R-T and I will L-I-V-E-T-E-R-N-A-L-L-Y.”  Cute stuff and the kids loved it!  Dr. Ebenezer leading his choirs, The Muscat Men’s Chorus and Muscat Christian Harmony, during their “Christmas Lullaby“.  The Muscat Singers singing “Carol of the Bells“.  The 3rd choir, which you can only see a few members of in this photo on the far left, is the British School Community Choir.  I was not in a good spot to capture their photo so unfortunately that’s all there is.  Susan Ebenezer doing one of the 11 readings during the service.  The reading I was most impressed with was a reading/song by Vinoo Peppin/Carina Krogh.  (I really wish I captured that on video!)  Here is the text they read/sang:  Silent Night /  I heard them sing the beatiful carol, Silent Night.  How lovely the sound.  But, on another occasion I also heard them cry out, “Crucify Him. Crucify Him.”  Holy Night / On that holy night long ago, a star led shepherds and wise men to the manger.  Yet on another night some thirty years later, the same stars shone down showing the way for soldiers and thugs to Gethsemane.  All is calm / The calmness of the night of Your birth brings to mind the calmness You showed, as all about you throng demanded Your death.  All is bright / The reverent brightness of that nights contrasts the darkness which came over the whole land until the ninth hour.  For the sun stopped shining, and the curtain of the temple was torn in two.  Round yon virgin, mother and Child / The image of one at peace.  Yet now I see You on that cross, LORD.  Those long thorns piercing Your scalp.  Your Holy brow dripping with sweat and Your Holy blood.  Holy infant / And carrying Your own cross, You went out to the place of the skull.  Now those huge awful nails, tearing through Your holy hands and feet.  And in spite of all the pain and agony which You experience, You suffer even more as You see your mum crying at the foot of the cross.  So tender and mild / Then in total agony, You gasped, “My God, my God.  Why have You forsaken Me?”  But as You glance at the crowd and then to the heavens, You ask Your Heavenly Father: “Please forgive them, Lord, for they know not what they do.”  Sleep… / And there You breathed Your last.  Dying a death which I deserved.  Jesus, You died for my sins.  You were sinless, yet you chose to take on my sin.  You loved me that much that You died for me when I was yet a sinner.  In heavenly peace… / When will we get it?  When will our hearts and souls be touched by this Holy Saviour, Jesus Christ?  When will we turn from ourselves and our wicked ways and, in peace, turn to You, Jesus?  Sleep in heavenly peace. / Mia culpa, mia culpa.  Mia maximum culpa.  Please forgive me.  Please forgive me.  Please wholeheartedly forgive me.  I love You, LORD.  An appropriate choice by the PCO banner team as “Joy to the World” is the most-published Christmas hym of North America.  Interestingly, Isaac Watts wrote the words of “Joy to the World” (based on Psalm 98) as a hymn glorifying Christ’s triumphant return at the end of the age, rather than a Christmas song celebrating His first coming as a babe born in a stable.”  Another awesome banner rightly created for this festive season!  “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11)

So far, it’s been a great Christmas season here in Oman.  We’re looking forward to upcoming events/concerts at the PCO!

Marine Science & Fisheries Centre, Sidab, Oman

  “Sultanate”…”science”…spelng iz vary imbortent!!  The Marine Science & Fisheries Centre is located at the Marina, in the area of Sidab, between old Muscat and the Al Bustan Palace Hotel.  The centre includes a public aquarium, a sea turtle exhibit, administrative offices and a marine science library.  The centre is open from Saturday to Wednesday from 8am to 2pm, Thursday 8am-1pm and on Friday from 3-6pm.  “Oman’s greatest natural resource after its oil is its fisheries.  Thus, the primary focus of the centre is to study Oman’s fisheries and determine the best ways to go about using them.  While the primary intent of the aquarium is to allow you, the public, to view Oman’s beautiful marine life, staff scientists also use the facility to study living specimens in captivity.  As you read the individual labels over each tank, you will see several examples of this.”  Fahel works at the entrance desk of the centre.  No, he will not ask you for any money (as admission is free!) but he will insist that you sign the guest book!    There are glass displays with many types of shells and coral, but few people seem to pay them any attention and walk quickly past them to get to the aquarium.  They even have 4 different green turtle skulls on display.  I love this wall decoration as it reminds me of the early morning scenes at Muttrah fish souq.  There are about 200 species of Moray eels in tropical waters worldwide and a few species in temperate regions.  At least 12 species are found in Omani waters.  Most moray eels are found in around coral and rocky reefs where they spend most of their time hiding in holes and crevices waiting to lunge at passing prey.  They have these informative posters on the walls around the aquarium.  All the animals you see on display are from Omani waters and the majority are from the capital area.  The aquarium staff has thus far collected over 200 species of the fishes and dozens of different invertebrates.  These bizarre looking fish are known as sharksuckers or “remoras” (“Lazak” in Arabic).  About 4 species are found in Omani waters.  Members of this family have their first dorsal fin modified to form a powerful laminated sucking disc.  These fish use the disc to attach themselves to large marine animals or ships and in this way move from one feeding ground to the next without expending too much energy.  Some appear to prefer a particular type of host but most will attach to a variety of animals.  Among the hosts include sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins and large bony fishes.  Just after reading about the sharksuckers, we were able to see a real-life example in the next tank!  The lazy fish sticks itself to others to save energy.  I know people who are like that, ha!ha!  Here’s a short video.  Marine turtles are cold-blooded reptiles and their distribution is restricted to the warmer areas of the world.  Oman is one of the very rare places in the world where turtled can be watched freely and calmly.  Turtle nesting attracts hundreds of visitors to Ras al Hadd each year to watch the site at close quarters.  It is believed that turtles live longer than any other backboned animal.  Turtles that live in the water have a flatter, more steamlined shell than turtles that live on land.  Sea turtles cannot withdraw into their shell and so they depend on their size and speeding speed for defence.  They have large flattened limbs or flippers, which they beat while swimming.  They move clumsily on land but are excellent swimmers.  The fastest reptile in water is the Pacific Leatherback Turtle, which can swim at over 30 km/h.  The Green Turtle’s local names are “Sul Hafah Al Khuthera”, “Hamas” or “Shiree”.  This is a very common species in the Indian Ocean.  It is a very popular food in many parts of the world.  The use of its meat and eggs by humans has seriously endangered its survival.  Green Turtles feed on luxuriant seaweeds and other green plants.  They are found everywhere in Omani waters and travel further than other sea turtles.  They can be seen in the hundreds, even thousands over the larger feeding areas.  Lots of coral reef fishes at the aquarium  It can be very tricky trying to capture a good photo of the smaller fish at the aquarium as they move so fast!  Although they are on this poster, I did not see any sharks or stingrays in the aquarium at all.  I think the aquarium would be so much more popular and exciting if they put a few tanks of these monsters on display!  It was a pleasant experience visiting the marine centre.  If you love sealife and don’t have the time, money or inclination to get licensed as a scuba-diver while in Oman, why not visit the Marine Science & Fisheries Centre in Sidab?!  It certainly isn’t one of the best aquariums we’ve ever visited, but we feel it’s worth checking out.  (Tel: 24740061)

The “Mus-Kids Choir” on the 1st Week of Advent

  During the 1st week of Advent at the PCO’s Ruwi evening service, a very talented group of 22 kids from Ruwi put on a very enjoyable Christmas concert.  The pastor’s wife, Vinoo Peppin, put a LOT of energy & work into getting the kids ready for this concert and did a smashing job conducting the choir.  Here is the 1st video clip I took of the group singing “Top, top, top, top, top secret service“, a song about an elite group of God’s angels making sure His will is done.  Here is a cute sample of their acting.  This is a small segment I like to call “This isn’t what Christmas is all about” in which a couple of angels try to talk sense to a spoiled, rich girl to explain the true meaning of Christmas.  Here is a cute (but deep) song about “the I wants” which many people get during Christmas.  The doctor prescribes some “humble pie”!    A sweet clip to end on is this song called “Christmas Means God Loves You.”    The kids really did a great job and I must say that this was the best kids performance/concert I’ve seen in my 2 1/2 years of attending church in Oman!  Well done Vinoo and kids!!! (& Esther Joseph who played the piano!)  For me, the most important part of any service is the preaching of the Word and this was no exception as Pastor Michael Peppin gave a meditation from 2 Peter 3:3-13 :  “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. [Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”  The next great event on God’s calendar is when Jesus comes again.  Almost every New Testament book writes about it and Jesus mentions this great event Himself.  This should prompt us to live holy lives, stay alert and watch.  At His first coming, there was no room in the inn for His birth.  At His second coming, the entire earth will not be able to contain His glory!  Pastor Michael Peppin and Vinoo after a wonderful Sunday evening service!

Musandam’s Incredible Friday Buffet at Hotel Intercontinental Muscat

  There are quite a few decent restaurants at the Intercontinental Hotel in Al-Shati, Qurum.  The same hotel all decked up for the 39th National Day celebrations.  The Musandam Cafe and Terrace Restaurant has wonderful buffets.  The Friday buffet is even better as they have barbequed food outside and about double the food of their regular buffets!  Here are some of the desserts I scooped up on a regular buffet (Sunday).  Deepa Peppin and Che Brown at the Intercontinental entrance.  Nice mosaics!  This photo was taken by the friendly Scottish chef.  We found the service to be exceptional at Musandam.  Seafood salad!  Ice sculpture! Sweet!  The artwork at Musandam is also very impressive!

The Friday buffet costs 14.5/person (+17% tax).  Unlike the buffet at Crowne Plaza, if you order coffee in Musandam, it’s included in the buffet. (A difference of many rials depending on how many are in your party…)  Nice!  If you live in Muscat, Oman, you have to try the Musandam Friday Buffet at least once during your stay here!  In my humble opinion, they should be a serious contender, if not the winner, of the “Oman2day Restaurant Award 2009″ in the “Buffet Category”. (By the way, voting ends Dec. 10th…) If you go to the friday buffet, make sure to make reservations, as it’s quite popular.  (Tel: 968 24680000 Manager-Naji Makkawi)

Christmas: A Time of Music & Praise!

There are always sure to be LOTS of music, choirs, concerts and carols at this festive time of year!  This was on Sunday, Nov. 22nd in Ruwi Church.  Songs of Worship – “A service of favorite hymns & carols with a group of instrumentalists under the leadership of Carina Krogh.”  Here’s a small clip of them playing “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee“: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrp0ggRvOZE  Here is another clip of 2 gentlemen during last Friday morning’s service:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN2AK4Ce_Eo  There will be plenty more music coming in the near future…You’ve been warned!    I hope you’re all enjoying this special time of year with family and friends!

Stomach Multi-Cuisine Restaurant, Jawharat, Al-Shati, Oman

  Stomach is a pretty-decent restaurant on the 1st floor of Jawharat (mall), Al-Shati, Qurum.  I find the name “Stomach” a little odd to say the least but don’t let the name stop you from coming!    We decided to give this restaurant a go even though we had never heard any reviews of the place.  It isn’t that big of an area so we were glad that we went when it was pretty empty. (Otherwise it might seem too close for comfort with people so close at the next table…)  The one thing I do recall hearing about this restaurant was that “the only view one has is of the parking lot”.  Here is the actual view.  Although it does contain part of the parking, the view isn’t that bad.  The bronze wall art is pretty cool!  “Prawns Biryani” which my wife enjoyed.  The “Halloumi Cheese Burger” was quite enjoyable and I could see myself returning again for this dish.  The fruit salad with icecream.  All icecream served here is Baskin Robbins.  Overall, a pretty decent place to eat if you are looking for a quick bite in the Qurum area.  Our meals with desserts and drinks came to a total of only 8.5 rials.  The great deals of this restaurant are the Friday Breakfast Buffet (3.9 for adults and 2.9 for children under 12) from 8:30am-12 noon and the  Quick Fix Express Lunch Saturday to Wednesday 12 noon to 3pm for only 3.5 rials.  You can’t beat those prices!  (Tel: 24692486)

The Natural History Museum, Muscat, Oman

  The Natural History (as well as the Sayyid Faisal Bin Ali Museum) is located in the Al-Khuwair district of Muscat across the main highway from the Ice-Skating Rink.  As it’s closed on Fridays and most people work Sat-Wed, the most realistic time to visit seems to be between 9am and 1pm on Thursdays.  Take notice that this is the back gate of the museum.  My wife and I went here on 2 different locations and wondered why the gate was closed during “opening hours”! They really need a sign here informing people that there is another entrance on another street.  THIS is the main entrance!  Located in the Ministry of Heritage and Culture Complex.  Only plants and animals from Oman are shown; furthermore, as no animals (except some insects) are deliberately killed for display, the museum has an enviable reputation for authenticity.  For specimens, it relies very much upon members of the public to bring in their finds.  The Natural History Museum is a “shop window” through which Omani and many other visitors can see and appreciate the animal and plant wealth of Oman, and where information (much of it unpublished elsewhere) can be found about the environment in which we all live.  The emblem of the Natural History Museum is the Caracal Lynx.  Chosen for its fearless courage and proud bearing, to be the noble representative of Oman’s natural wildlife.  The main building (pictured here) contains fascinating examples of some of Oman’s rarest flora and fauna.  Visitors have increased each year, from 11,123 in 1986 to 24,704 in 2004.  They come from all walks of life: teachers and Government officials, school children, students and staff from the Sultan Qaboos University, visitors to Oman from other Gulf countries and from many continents, and increasing numbers of Omanis and their families.  The first gallery, entitled “Oman-Land of Contrasts“, gives a pictorial introduction to the natural history of the Sultanate by 6 regions, and “Conservation in Action” highlights some achievements in conserving the country’s environment and its wildlife.  The Fossil Tree  The White-tailed Mongoose is an Ethiopian species, known in the mountains of Dhofar.   The white-tailed mongoose Ichneumia albicauda albicauda (family Viverridae) is known amongst cultivation on the Batinah.  It is an African species and the largest of the world’s mongooses.  The Bee-eater Merops apiaster is one of the many colourful birds which migrate through Oman every autumn and spring between their wintering and breeding grounds.  The 2nd, larger gallery exhibits skilfully preserved animals from Oman in a series of dioramas entitled “The Diversity of Oman’s Wildlife“.  On show are 24 mammals, 59 birds, 30 reptiles, and hundreds of shells, insects and photographs.  This huge egg was found in the desert in Dhofar in 1985.  It belongs to the Ostrich, Struthio camelus syriacus, a race of the largest living bird in the world.  Between 1930 and and 1941 it was hunted to extinction in Arabia; others survive only in Africa.  Standing 2.4 meters high (8 feet), the cock often had three to five hens, who together might lay many eggs in one nest.  The Horned Viper Cerastes cerastes sometimes has two raised scaly “horns”.  It lives in sandy regions and moves in a side-winding manner, it has hinged fangs and is venomous.  The Desert Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia minula is a passage migrant but also a common winter visitor to desert trees.  The plant it is resting on is the Christ Thorn-Tree Ziziphus spina-christi; a common tree in wadis and plantations, growing where the underground water level is close to the surface.  This cool looking critter is the Lesser Jerboa Jaculus jaculus vocator.  It inhabits sand or gravel desert, bounding like a small kangaroo in its nightly search for plant food.  It becomes sluggish and hibernates in its burrow in the heat of mid-summer.  The Ethiopian Hedgehog Paraechinus aethiopicus dorsalis is a widespread nocturnal insectivore of lowland.  A very young Arabian Gazelle Gazella gazella

If you are curious to know more about Oman and the animals that live here, why not spend a few hours at the Natural History Museum?  Tickets are only 500 baiza for adults and 200 baisa for children.

Understanding Arabic Etiquette in the Gulf

  This “common-sensical and entertaining guide” is a great read for anyone coming to or already living in Oman or any of the other Gulf countries.  The Middle East Economic Digest has stated that, “It should be compulsory reading for anyone visiting Arab countries.”  The author, James Peters, offers useful facts and basic Arabic expressions to help you out in various situations.  What makes it more enjoyable to read is that the author has illustrated the book himself with cartoons on every page.  There are thousands of general books out there on etiquette in Arabia but this book comes “with a particular eye on those countries which could broadly be termed “the Gulf region”.  You can purchase this book (as I did) at “Turtles” in Al Shatti, Qurum.  I’m sure it’s also available at Borders and other bookshops.  If you have trouble finding it, you can always order it on-line with the use of its ISBN number which is: 1-900988-90-9.

Chinese Garden (Family) Restaurant, Al Khuwair, Muscat

  Chinese Garden: The Family Restaurant is located in Al-Khuwair in the Ice Skating Rink building (Yes, they have an ice-skating rink in Oman if you didn’t know!)  Welcome! Welcome!  We used a visit from my old friend, Saeed al-Shabli, as a good excuse to try out a new restaurant (for us).  Did we ever order up a storm!  Here are the dishes we pigged out on:  Sweet Corn Chicken Soup  Wanton Vegetable Soup  Beef with Mushroom & Bamboo Shoots  Vegetable fried rice  Garden Special Fried Chicken  Fried Spring Chicken  Sweet & Sour Prawns  Shanghai Beansprouts  If you’re looking for a pretty decent Chinese restaurant in the Al-Khuwair area, give Chinese Garden a try.  We couldn’t believe that the complete order (with huge “doggie bags”!) only cost 20 Omani rials (including tip)!  Tel: 24489414

 

Al Naseem Public Park, Barka, Oman

  This park, also known as Naseem Gardens, is about a 20 minute drive (30 kms) from the Muscat International Airport, on the right hand side of the road, driving towards Sohar.  Al Naseem Park was the 1st park established in Oman.  It was first opened to the public during the 15th National Day in 1985.  The park is spread over 750,000 square meters.  There used to be a train that could carry up to 70 passengers but the train no longer runs.  The park itself seemed like it could be much better if it were more properly maintained.  Nice looking pond! But I read about a sad scene that happened here 7 years ago: http://www.rop.gov.om/english/newsdetails1.asp?catgid=1&newsid=175&dispyear=2002  In 2000, this small Japanese Garden was added to the Al Naseem Public Park . Built by the Japanese embassy in Muscat, the park was constructed to commemorate the good relationship that these two countries shared.  Al Naseem Park is pleasant enough but I’m not sure if it’s really worth the trip out from Muscat.  It is, however, a nice place to check out while driving through to different destinations.  Popular as a local family picnic site and a spot for Omani boys to practice their football skills, Al Naseem remains a landmark in the Wilayat (district) of Barka.

Back to Nando’s!

  Back to Nando’s to try some other dishes.    This is the meal I decided to try this time.  The Crimson Cola at Nando’s alone is well worth a visit.  The taste of pomegranates with coke was something else.  Delicious stuff!  Yes, the special beverages at Nando’s are a bit pricey but the ones we tried were great.  The ever tasty hummous appetizer!  My honey’s 1/2 chicken meal which she reports was wonderful.  “The Peri-Peri chicken is marinated for a really long time.  24 hours to be exact, so that the flavour seeps all the way to the bone.  Our chicken is freshly prepared, flame grilled and then generously basted in your choice of Lemon and Herb, Mild, Hot or extra hot sauce, making it deliciously irresistible.” (from the menu)  The Beef Espetada that I ordered.  Good eating, I tell you!!!

When trying to decide a good restaurant in Muscat to enjoy, my wife and I often disagree.  I usually opt for new places while my honey likes going back to places she has enjoyed before, like Nando’s in this case.  I’m glad we gave Nando’s a second try as it was a delightful and enjoyable evening!

Christmas 2009 at the Protestant Church in Oman

  The church brochure is out and events for Christmas 2009 have all been planned!  Here are the events planned for this coming week.  For others, check out the complete brochure at www.churchinoman.com

How Much Do You Know about Oman?

  To celebrate Oman’s 39th National Day, I thought I’d put up a wonderful quiz given to me and my colleagues by the “social committee” at my place of employment. (Every job should have a social committee, don’t you think? )

1.  In the past, Oman was known by the name Majan.  What does Majan mean?  A) the land of copper  B) the land of sand  C) the land of gold

2.  The name “Oman” is believed to originate from the name of:   A) a famous mountain  B) a famous wadi in Oman  C) a region in Yemen from which tribes migrated to Oman

3.  Based on the 2003 census, the population of Oman is approximately:  A)  3 million  B) 4 million  C) 2.5 million

4.  The founder of Al Said Dynasty was:  A) Ahmed Bin Said  B) Sultan Bin Said  C) Ahmed Bin Sultan  5.  His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said came to power in:  A) 1970  B)  1973  C)  1975

6.  The Omani National Day which falls on November 18th marks:  A) the day when the Sultan came to power  B) the Sultan’s date of birth  C) the date the Omani civil war ended

7.  During the 19th century, Omanis had presence in which African part?  A)  the Eastern Coast  B) the Western Coast  C) the Southern Coast

8.  The Omani national emblem consists of:  A) 2 swords and 1 palm tree  B) 2 swords and 1 khanjar  C) 2 swords and 1 boat  9.  Oman has 4 governorates and 5 regions.  Which of the following are the 4 governorates?  A)  Muscat, Dhofar, Musandam and Buraimi  B)  Muscat, Batinah, Musandam and Buraimi  C) Muscat, Dhofar, Musandam and Sharqiya

10.  The Renaissance Day is celebrated in Oman on:  A) July 23rd  B) July 22nd  C) July 31st

11.  Which of the following sites is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage?  A) Nizwa Fort  B) Bahla Fort  C) Bat tombs

12. The twin forts of Jalali and Mirani were built by:  A) the Omanis  B) the British  C) the Portuguese  Know the answers to these questions?! Think you can get a perfect of 12/12?!  Leave your answers under ”comments”!  (FYI, the photos posted here were taken from old murals of last year’s Muscat Festival at Naseem Gardens.  BTW, there will be no Muscat Festival this year due to the H1N1 scare.)

Oman’s 39th National Day! Happy Birthday, dear Sultan…

“I promise you to proceed at once with the task of creating a modern government.  My first task will be the immediate abolition of all the unnecessary restrictions on your daily lives.  My people, I will proceed without delay to transform life into a prosperous one with a bright future.  Every one of you must play his part towards this goal.  Our country in the past was famous and strong.  If we work in unity and cooperation, we will regenerate that glorious past and we will take our rightful place in the world.”  This is part of the famous speech that Sultan Qaboos gave to his people July 23rd in 1970 after taking over power from his father.  He has made good on his promise to Omanis and his popularity among the people is the highest of any leader in the Persian Gulf.  Today, November 18th, is his birthday and the 38th “National Day” celebration of Oman.  Portraits of Sultan Qaboos are found in virtually every business in Oman.  To give you an idea of just HOW popular and loved he is by Omanis, here are a number of photos showing the streets and businesses of Muscat lit up in celebration of his birthday, his rule and of the progress Oman has achieved under his leadership.  The Golden Tulip Hotel  The pedestrian overpasses and intersections have had such lights up during the past week and are usually accompanied with giant pictures of Sultan Qaboos.  What’s a celebration without fireworks, right?!     These fireworks were at Qurum Park. Here’s a short vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA48ecPOX5k  Another video of National Day fireworks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FddnjJbNN8A  One bonus about Sultan Qaboos having his birthday on Nov. 18th is that it puts the expat community in “the Christmas mood” a little over a month before Christmas!   Looking through my dirty windshield stuck in bumper to bumper traffic!  The Ramada Hotel all decked up for the Sultan’s birthday  Al Khuwair  Sultan Qaboos Street in Al Khuwair looking towards Ruwi  The Porsche showroom proudly displaying the Omani colors   Royal Flight near Muscat International Airport

These are just a few examples of the decorations up for Oman’s 39th National Day celebrations.  Oman has definitely come a long way in the 39 years of his leadership.  Congratulations to all Omanis and a happy 69th birthday to Sultan Qaboos!

See Oman, Feel Oman, Remember Oman

  These cool posters were displayed at a National Day event I attended today.  Pretty nice posters!  The website given, www.omantourism.gov.om , is very informative!  They have obviously done a LOT of work on it!  Make sure to check it out!  Great pics and videos included on the site.

O.M.A.N.

  Isn’t this the coolest logo?!  This is from Budget rent a car.  Sunshine, Mountains, Water and Palmtrees! OMAN!  They should sell t-shirts with this logo on it.  I’d definitely buy a few.