2nd visit to The Sultan’s Palace (aka The Al Alam Royal Palace)

  Approaching the palace in Old Muscat.  Sultan Qaboos has quite a few palaces around Oman including in Salalah, Sohar, Barka and this one in Muscat.  This is probably his most famous palace as it has a “Walt Disney castle look” to it that is obviously quite popular with the tourists.   And a closer look at the cannon…     Che and I were here for our 1st look at the palace 6 months ago. ( http://andyinoman.blogspot.com/2008/11/sultans-palace-muscat.html)  The mountains just behind the palace.  I noticed something different about the small fort up there on the hill.  Look real close…Doesn’t that look like someone looking out the window?!    But on closer look (with the help of the zoom button on my camera)…      Aha! That’s another cannon! Just imagine the poor sucker(s) who had to carry that thing up the mountain!  Is that gorgeous, or what?!    It surprises me how many people I’ve met who’ve been living and working in Oman FOR YEARS and have never been to even the most famous tourists spots here!  What a shame to simply work 9 to 5 and never experience the real beauty of this country.  If God has brought you to this fascinating land, why not explore its forts, museums, beaches and sites of interest?!?  I, for one, plan to take in as many sights/sites as I can.  Living in Oman truly is like a “working vacation” and sometimes I want to pinch myself to make sure that it’s not all a dream!  And guess what, they are actually paying me to be here!!! 

Muscat Gate

  Muscat Gate is a beautiful gate that many people drive through on a rush to get somewhere “more exciting”.  Park the car and explore this historic site, I say!  Take in the view, smell the flowers and learn a little from the Muscat Gate Museum!  My friend, wife and love, Che Brown! (Looks like that should be illegal! )  And here’s a pic of an ancient Muscat Gate, taken at the Bait al Zubair Museum   “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Che, Che, Let down your hair that I may climb the golden Muscat stair.”  Here’s a view of Muscat Harbor from the top of Muscat Gate  And this is looking on the other side   The museum is open Sun to Thur 9:30am-1pm, 4-7pm  This pretty cool painting is on the wall just behind the Muscat Gate on Riyam Street.  I hope you all enjoyed these pictures of Muscat Gate.  Have a safe, relaxing and BLESSED weekend, everyone!    If life is getting you down, LOOK UP TO GOD! (Colossians 3:1-2)  (The weekend starts on Wed afternoon here in Oman!)

Kalbooh Park, Muscat, Oman

  Kalbooh Park, near Muttrah and Old Muscat, is another example of the beauty of Muscat Parks!  As you can see, Kalbooh Park is just down the road from Riyam Park and the “giant incense burner”.  As you drive from Muttrah Souk, past Riyam roundabout on the right, you will see this sign showing the way to Kalbooh Park on the left.  (Be careful that’s a dangerous turn and cars can suddenly come flying around the corner!)   The water is incredible here and we saw quite a few local boys swimming in the shallow area near the road.  Kalbooh Park is quite popular with the locals but not well known to tourists.  Many tour books even leave this gorgeous park out!   I, myself, find it hard to “wacth children while I’m enjoying different play equipments.”   It’s highly recommended to bring a lunch and cooler with drinks to sit on the grass and enjoy this place.  If you don’t, no need to worry as they can whip you up something simple to eat here.  It is obviously no Ritz Carlton but good enough for a hungry soul!  Plenty of toys for children and the young at heart as well!  Kalbooh Park – fun for the whole family!  So if you have time, it’s best to get down to Kalbooh Park before the heat gets unbearable!  You won’t be disappointed as it truly is a gorgeous spot!

Markaz Al Bahja Shopping Mall

  This pleasant, medium-sized and not often crowded mall is located just past Muscat City Centre as you drive towards Sohar.  More precisely, it is located at the al Mawaleh roundabout between Seeb and Muscat.  They have an Al Fair supermarket, Baskin Robbins, Marks & Spencer, a nice food court, and 3 floors of shops.  There is also a movie theatre, pool tables and a bowling alley on the lowest level.  By the way, in case you were wondering why there is a Korean flag hanging there (I sure was!), it is because they had a Taekwondo club/competition promotion going on. (Tel: 247715485) Open Sat-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri 2pm-10pm  Henry & Ansu, Che and Tracey posing at Markaz Al Bahja on the bottom floor.   Don’t ask! I have no idea what they are up to! I simply take the pictures!    Thought I’d just mention that I get most of my info about shops/museums/restaurants business hours and phone numbers from this great magazine which is available at Borders in the Muscat City Centre for only 1.5 RO.  This magazine sure has come in handy!

Turkish House Restaurant

  This restaurant, Turkish House Restaurant, which is located in al Khuwair has become a favorite of Che’s and mine.  The food is awesome and the prices are quite reasonable!  “The Turkish cuisine is one of the famous cuisines in the world.  Despite the simplicity of its preparations, the freshness of the ingredients, which is used in the cuisine, gives it rich and delusions taste that satisfy your craving.  The variety of soups, appetizers, and the main dishes of fish and meat followed by the Turkish sweets before ending the feast by drinking hot Turkish coffee.  Food critics assure that the Turkish cosine is one of the best three cousins in the world.” (The menu-word for word)  The baker and oven according to the menu…

And “the REAL deal”, ha!ha!…:-)       One of the best things about the Turkish House Restaurant is the bread!  This here is the bread/houmous appetizer which is worth the trip to this place alone!  Mixed Grill-my favorite dish, by far, at the Turkish House!  Grilled shrimp – a favorite of my honey’s!   Sharks teeth near the cashier counter

If you’ve never been to The Turkish House, you really need to check it out!  They also serve parties and do home delivery in the al Khuwair region. (Tel-24488071 or 99215583)  They are open daily from 11am to 1am.  We are ALWAYS surprised by how low the bill is when it comes.  Another great aspect to this restaurant is its informal, charming atmosphere.  They certainly don’t aim to dazzle you with the premises-they choose to dazzle you with the food!

Cool Muscat Knocker

  Would be quite surprised if you knew where this knocker is from (within the Muscat city limits)…If you DO know, there’s a high probability that you are a woman…

Muttrah Gate

  A friendly Omani with Muttrah Gate in the background   Che Brown at Muttrah Gate!

A Day at the Beach

  So nice to spend time at the beach with my love!  Tracey Mackenzie, also from Canada, soaking in the rays while she chats on her cell phone!  Beach babe!   Qantab village   These fish were swept unto the shore by the strong waves! Fresh fish, anyone?!  If you zoom in, you can see several dead fresh fish on the shore.  And a not so fresh fish…sometimes it’s pretty disgusting what you can find rotting on the beach!  It’s unbelievable how much rubbish we see on some of the beaches!  What a shame that the beauty of these beaches can be tarnished by quite a few lazy people (tourists and locals).  Something for you to think about on this ”Earth Day“, 2009.

The Golden Horses of Wadi Al Kabir

  These golden horses are very eye-catching as you drive along Wadi Al Kabir street!  Henry, Ansu, Che and Tracey.  This was on the 1st weekend that Tracey, Henry and his wife, Ansu, stayed over at our place.  They are working at Ibri College where I worked last year! Imagine that!  Praise God for new Christian friends!  “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” (Matthew 19:29)  Whenever I drive past these majestic looking Arabian horses, I am reminded of one of my 1st memory verses: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7)  Wow! Beautiful or what?! (and the flowers aren’t bad either! )

Muscat – Beautiful Parks Abound!

  Che at a lovely park on Qurum Heights Road (between Qurum and Ruwi)  One thing I love about Muscat is the abundance of parks to enjoy!  Once you get out of the car, walk across some grass, hear the birds chirping and feel the wind blowing in the shaded areas amongst the trees, there’s no telling what you’re likely to do as “your inner child” comes out, ha!ha!   You can often see groups of Indians or Omanis enjoying a pleasant picnic in such secluded parks across Muscat.  It really is an incredible place to live!   I love these little rest areas you can find all over Oman!

DAISO – The AWESOME 600 Baiza Store in Ruwi, Oman!

  My gorgeous wife, Che, with  Henry and Ansu who came all the way from Ibri to visit Muscat.  (Seeing my reflection in the door reminds me of that scene from Liam Neeson’s movie “Taken“, ha!ha! But I digress…)  Apparently, these “Japanese 100-yen shops” (Japan’s #1 Value Store) are blossoming in the Middle East.   The 1st ME Daiso store opened in Dubai, UAE in 2004 and I only recently came to know about this shop here in Oman which opened on Dec 8, 2005.  There are at least 15 of these shops across the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.  They are similiar to the “$1 store” or ”Looney Stores” of Canada.   Shampoo hat, anyone?! ha!ha! Okay…some of the items for sale here are just RIDICULOUS! (but that’s what makes it all the more interesting! A Japanese store in Oman?!)  I like how some guy described these stores saying “You can stand in the aisle for 15 minutes wondering if the product you have in your hand is for eating or something for washing your armpits!” LOL!   Just look at those cute little piggy-panks!  I bought one of the pandas! Remember-EVERYTHING in this shop is only 600 baisas or $1.55 US/$1.90 CAD.   What home would be complete without “the animal magnet“?!    (And YES, I did buy this one!) Some of the products here are cute-others are outright hilarious! (Let’s not forget that Japan is the country that gave us “Hello Kitty”!)  The English errors on some of the packaging are worth the trip alone, ha!ha!  To enjoy other Japanese attempts at labeling products in “Engrish”, check out this site: www.engrish.com (CAUTION! You may crack a rib from laughter!)  If you live in Oman and end up in Muscat, you HAVE to check out this store.  It’s located in Ruwi next to Khalijana Supermarket and has over 3,200 ft²(300m²) of shopping area.  The opening hours of this store in Ruwi, Oman are: Sat-Thur 9:30am-1pm, 5-10pm; and Friday 5-10pm.   For any of you Canadian viewers out there, there is one daiso store in Canada.  It’s located in Richmond, BC. http://www.daisocanada.com/contactus.html  If you are reading this and pouting due to the fact that there is no Daiso store in your area, take heart, dear reader, for there is an on-line site!   http://www.daisojapan.com/  There are friendly employees ready to help you out in this store…but they are cautious as there have been reports of “cultural problems” – “”We have tried saying ‘Irasshaimase’ (Welcome) when customers visit the shops, but this annoys some people. And in Kuwait, where there is fairly strict adherence to Islamic principles, I made a man angry when I was explaining to his wife how to use our products. I think he thought I was ogling her or something,” he said. (from http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20070609a4.html)  More info on Daiso found here: http://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/english/about/about04.html  So if you are ever in Ruwi with some extra time on your hands, why not check this shop out?!  You will have a good laugh, find some interesting products you might not find elsewhere and you will feel as if you have taken a “small trip to Japan” as an escape from the desert heat!

Walkway along Bait Al Baranda

  This beautiful rest area/walkway is just behind the Bait Al Baranda Museum in Muttrah  They put up these neon looking lights which give the place even more of that touristy look!  If you are ever in the Muttrah area early in the morning, why not check this place out?  Make sure you come before 6:15am though as that is when the lights turn off.

Al Bustan Palace – Where Kings and Queens Trod and Continue to Tread

  Che with Saleh, a friendly Omani whose job is greeting people at the main entrance of Al Bustan Palace  Abdullah just inside the main entrance of Al Bustan who greets customers, offers them coffee, and will even light up some incense at this here rest area to make you feel at home  Che and the fountain in the main lobby of the hotel – Al Bustan was closed for about 2 years for renovations and reopened to the general public just this January.  The chandelier in the main lobby – This impressive hotel has the largest ballroom in Oman and a 300sq m presidential suite.   My princess in the palace!   These exotic flowers, native to South Africa, are known as “birds of paradise“.  Beautiful!  Forgot your swimsuit?! No problem at these 5 star (and +) hotels! They have shops that sell anything your heart desires.   The gate that lets you know you are approaching Al Bustan Palace as you get off the Al Bustan roundabout  Che near the hotel parking lot with the palace in the background

  Al Bustan is definitely one of the major icons of Muscat, Oman!  It’s hard to get the entire lobby into a photo as it’s 38 meters high!!!  A garden view room here costs 220 RO/night! (and that’s excluding breakfast…) (24799666  albustan@albustanpalace.com)

The Beauty of Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental Hotel

  The grounds to this hotel are GORGEOUS! (As I hope you can make out from these amateur pics.)  Al Bustan Palace is spread out over an incredible 200-acre section of Muscat’s prime coastal property!  A definite must see for any visitor to Oman!

Breakfast Buffet at Al Bustan Palace

  Breakfast buffet is served at the Al Khiran Restaurant in the Al Bustan Palace daily between 6:30-11am and the food is unbelievable!  The view from our breakfast table!  This has to be one of the most gorgeous locations I have ever enjoyed breakfast!  Hard to tell where the pool ends and where the sea begins!  The friendly chefs at Al Khiran are ready to cook you up anything your heart desires if you crave something not found on the menu!   We found the staff very helpful and quick to serve.  Just a small example of some of the food available at the buffet.  The breakfast buffet is 12 RO/person.  Breakfast desserts?! Count me in!   Although 12 RO might seem like a lot to some people, it really is a reasonable price when you consider the incredible food available at Al Khiran and the gorgeous location.

Mumtaz Mahal – Muscat’s Most Popular and Most Expensive Indian Restaurant

  Che and her sister, Marites, at Mumtaz Mahal.  We decided to check it out to see what all the rave was about!  From the bottom of the hill on the drive up to the restaurant.  Mumtaz is on the upper hill of Qurum Natural Park and lights up the sky in green neon as you drive by on Sultan Qaboos Street.  The restaurant from the main entrance. The restaurant is upstairs and the “Left Bank” Bar is on the ground floor.  The restaurant is named after The Taj Mahal in India.  From the menu, “The story dates back to 1607, when a prince of the royal Mughal strolled down the Meena Bazaar, accompanied by a string of fawning courtiers.  He caught a glimpse of a girl hawking silk and glass beads.  Five years later the regal 20-year old went to wed his 19-year old bride.  It was a fairytale union from the start, one that withstood court intrigue, battles for succession and finally, the grand coronation.  And when she died in the 19th year of their marriage, he etched her story in stone.  The Taj Mahal is a living symbol of the monumental passion of Shah Jahan and Arjumand Banu (Mumtaz).  To people the world over, the Taj Mahal, mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s chief wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is synonymous with India.  As a tomb, it has no match upon earth, for mortal remains of immortal love have never been housed in greater grandeur.”  I couldn’t disagree more.  Take note that it was named after his CHIEF wife-He had other wives and plenty of concubines! Is that love?!  And HE didn’t build it-He had hundreds of SLAVES build it!  If that is the world’s idea of love, it certainly is warped.  Che on the stairs to Mumtaz with the main street of Muscat, Sultan Qaboos Street, in the background.  Pina Colada, Mumtaz Punch and Lemon Iced Tea!  Indian bread known as “naan”.  Tasty and comes with different spices for the customers to dip it into.  Joe and Rachel have been incredible friends to Che for the past 3 years.  This was our opportunity to thank them for being such great friends.   This is the Mumtaz Mahal’s famous “Snake Coffee”.  To see a a 4-minute video on how this unique creation is made, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ysJBVQ-c6k

We had a great time at Mumtaz simply because of the company we shared.  The best advice we could give anyone who is thinking of going here is to go to any of the other decent, more reasonably priced Indian restaurants available in Oman at a fraction of the cost.  At least if you do go (for a special occasion such a birthday, for example), we would recommend calling ahead and making sure that they have the cultural dancing with music going on.  You have to call anyway to make a reservation as this place is always packed!  (Tel:24605907, open Sat-Thurs: noon-2:30pm, 7-11:30pm; Fri 1-3pm, 7-11:30pm))

Amazing Technology Here in Oman!

People might get the wrong idea about Oman if they only see pictures of camels, souqs and desert trails.  Technology over here is just as incredible as it can be elsewhere.  Here is one quick example that still impresses this small town Canadian boy.  I get an SMS message on my cellular phone every month to let me know that my salary has been deposited!   Something I find even more impressive-whenever I withdraw money from my back account, I get a message in MERE SECONDS telling me the exact amount that has been deducted.  Some may not find this impressive, but I sure do.  We are living in incredible times and I don’t want to take such “small things” for granted.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.  This is just one of the small and many hints that we are living in the “last days”.  “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” (Daniel 12:4)

The Movie “Fireproof” Now Available in Oman!

  Che and I were excited to see “Fireproof” in the New Releases section of E-max Electronics at Muscat City Center (96824558062).  It sells for 5.9 RO.   Here are 7 of my favorite/most interesting lines from the movie:

1)  A woman’s like a rose.  If you treat her right, she’ll bloom.  If you don’t, she’ll wilt.

2)  Wayne (the rookie): Aren’t you afraid of dying?

Michael: No.  Because I know where I’m going.  I just don’t wanna get there because I got hit by a train.

Terrell (who overheard): Hey, captain, hold on for a second.  You know where you’re going?

Caleb: I’m going to my office

Terrell:  No.  Do you believe in heaven and hell?

Caleb: I don’t know.

Terrell: When I die, I’m going in the ground.  That’s where I’m staying.

Caleb: You know, you and Michael both seem so sure, but one of you is wrong.

Terrell: It ain’t me.

Caleb:  How do you know? Hey, listen, you might not agree with Michael…but you and I both know he’s the real deal.

3)  Michael:  You know what that ring on your finger means?

Caleb:  It means I’m married.

Michael:  Yeah.  It also means you made a lifelong covenant.  You putting on that ring while saying your vows.  The sad part about it is…when most people promise for better or worse…they really only mean for the better.

4)  Caleb:  Marriages aren’t fireproof.  Sometimes you get burned. 

Michael:  Fireproof doesn’t mean that a fire will never come…but that when it comes, you’ll be able to withstand it……But, Caleb, I’ve seen you run into a burning building to save people you don’t even know.  But you’re going to let your own marriage just burn to the ground.

5)  Catherine (Wife): When did I stop being good enough for him?

6)  “When a man is trying to win the heart of a woman, he studies her.  He learns her likes, dislikes, habits and hobbies.  But after he wins her heart and marries her he often stops learning about her.  If the amount he studied her before marriage was equal to a high school degree, he should continue to learn about her until he gains a college degree, a master’s degree and ultimately, a doctorate degree.  It is a lifelong journey that draws his heart ever closer to hers.”

7)  Michael: “Man, God made marriage to be for life.  That’s why you gotta keep your vows to Catherine.  You gotta beg God to teach you to be a good husband.  And don’t just follow your heart, man, because your heart can be deceived.  But you gotta LEAD your heart.”

Anyone who loves God and His holy institution of marriage would love this film.  It’s also great for anyone experiencing marital problems and secretly crying out for help.   Marriage is seriously under attack around the world.  Marriage was set up by God.  Therefore, Satan wants to destroy it.  Che and I bought 17 copies to hand out to couples we love here in Oman.  If you are married out there, don’t give in and don’t give up! May God bless all you out there on this holy day of Easter!!! 

Resurrection Sunday in Oman!

  The PCO (Protestant Church in Oman) held a 5:30am sunrise Easter Sunday service which was so beautiful.  Pastor Jack gave a powerful sermon based on passages from Luke 23:50-56; 24:1-11.  A common greeting between Christians on Easter Sunday is one says “Halleluia! Christ is risen!” and the other responds, “He is risen indeed! Halleluia!”  A photo of me and Che on our 1st Easter together as a married couple!  The Protestant Church in Oman has a nice Easter tradition in which members bring flowers and attach them to the cross.  Mr. and Mrs. Bosch just after the service with their son, David.  Dr. Donald Bosch and his wife, Eloise, are among our eldest and most respected members of the PCO.  What you don’t see in this photo are the hundreds of people behind me eating a wonderful breakfast buffet and enjoying  fellowship together on this glorious morning.

HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY, EVERYONE!!!  HALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN!!!

Jack Bauer – a Picture of Christ?!

  We got this DVD collection of 24’s season 6 at E-max at the Muscat’s Carrefour for 19 RO.  I love this show.  I was wondering if people could see slight connections between Jack Bauer and Christ.  (Only in regards to making a sacrifice for others I mean-NOT in sinless nature, holiness…and so on. Don’t mix up what I’m saying here!)    This seems like a far stretch of course but think about it while reading some of these great lines.  

President Palmer to Bauer: “Your sacrifice will not be in vain.”

Tom Lennox: “It isn’t right.  It isn’t wrong.  It’s simply our only option.  Bauer has to be sacrificed so this country can survive.”

Jack Bauer: “Do you understand the difference between dying for something and dying for nothing?  The only reason I fought to stay alive in China was because I didn’t want to die for nothing.  Today…I can die for something. My way, my choice.  To be honest with you, it will be a relief.”

Morris (to Chloe as she’s crying): “I know it’s truly awful, but if it stops these attacks, it’s for the greater good.  There’s no one that understands that more than Jack.”

Compare these lines to lines from the Gospel of John which happens to be one of my favorite books and movies:  “…I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:15)

“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.  If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.  And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.  And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.” (John 11:47-52)

“The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of what fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:24)

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth (crucifixion), will draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32)

Whenever you see a policeman, fireman…or anyone putting their own lives at risk to save others, you are seeing a small example of the greater reality of Christ offering his life as a substitute for each of us.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)       HAPPY EASTER!!!

Good Friday/Easter in Muscat, Oman!

  Church banner in the PCO’s Bosch Hall at Ghala.  “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” (Isaiah 53:4)  Banner on the other side of the altar.  “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:30)  These words are of the utmost importance.  Read up on their significance at http://www.ravenhill.org/finished.htm or http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings/john19.htm OR hear the Gaithers sing about it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCKdxMEGy6E  You won’t find any crosses in Oman during Easter but there are plenty of chocolate rabbits and eggs for sale…  Christmas Easter candycanes (?) for sale at Al Fair supermarket in Al Hail, Muscat.  Just a few aisles away from the chocolate eggs.  They must have the Christian festivals mixed up here.  Any idea why they would have a sale on candycanes during Easter?!

A Mother’s Care

Down the Stairs and into My Heart…

  “Faith goes up the stairs love has built and looks out the window which hope has opened.” (Charles Spurgeon)

More Church Banners from the Protestant Church in Oman!

  “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23)  “They (the LORD’s mercies/His compassions) are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:23)  “And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:3)   “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,” (John 1:29)    “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.  Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and fore-knowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.  ” (Acts 2:17 -24)  “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  I AM the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” (John 10:10-11)  When Jesus used the terminology of “good shepherd”, thoughtful people remember Psalm 23, “The LORD is my shepherd…” and even understand Jesus’ claim to be God.  In verse 11, Jesus again predicts His crucifixion.

“Modern Omani Hieroglyphics”?!

  “Walk like an Egyptian Omani”

Nando’s Restaurant at (CCC) Commercial City Center, Qurum

  Nando’s is a pretty popular restaurant in Muscat.  I avoided the place for the longest time as I thought they ONLY served spicy dishes.  Che convinced me to go and I’m glad we went.  Apparently, it’s an international chain of restaurants. Check out their website at www.nandos.com to see what makes their food preparation so famous.  As you can see from the inside cover of their menu, they have different “torture levels” when it comes to spices at Nando’s.  For the brave, there is Extra Hot Peri-Peri while the sensitive tastebud possessors such as myself should stick to Mildor Lemon and Herb.  This was Che’s dish, the 1/4 chicken with side dish, which she enjoyed a great deal.  The Mediterranean Salad, which I ordered, was scrumptious!  This dessert, Chocolate Passion, tasted as good as it looks!

So…if you are looking for a reasonably priced restaurant in Muscat with both ambiance and flavour, I recommend trying Nando’s out!  It definitely gets the “Andy-Brown-stamp-of-approval!”

The Fish Souq in Muttrah

Last Thursday, Che and I got up at 4:45am so that we could be at the Muttrah Fish Souq at 6am.  Between 6 and 6:30 the fishermen come to the souq and off-load their catch from the boats.  Off the boats and into the wheelbarrows  A closer look   Others, in front of the souq, sell the fresh  fish directly from trucks after piling them off the boats  Getting the fish into the souq   Wheelbarrow of blood….yummy!  Into the souq, into the fishmongers’ stalls, and ready for purchase!  Ready for customers!  It’s hard to get a good action photo at the Muttrah Fish Souq as most of the men are nothing more than a blur of activity as they prepare their areas for morning sales!  Sardines anyone?!  If you see this landmark Samaka roundabout in Muttrah, you would be right in getting a “fishy feeling” that you were very close to the fish souq!  Turn around, it’s right behind you!  A peaceful, early morning scene at Muttrah at 6:15am on Thursday, April 2nd  Zooming in across Muscat Harbor   Gorgeous view!  If you live here in Oman and love fish, try to make it to the Muttrah Souq sometime between 6 and 6:30 in the morning.  Nothing beats fish FRESH OFF THE BOAT…Just make sure you bring a cooler with ice!

HOSANNA!

     Palm Sunday Banner in the PCO’s Good Shepherd Chapel at Ghala Church    Palm Sunday Banner in the PCO’s Ruwi Church

“WHAT CHANGED?                                                                                                                                                                                                  Jesus put a damper on His own party.  On Sunday, He entered Jerusalem as the triumphant king, welcomed into the city by throngs of worshipers shouting, “Hosanna!” and honoring Him by waving palm branches.  The healer of the sick and the giver of great wisdom had come, and the masses adored Him.  What went wrong that week?  What changed the “Hosannas” to “Crucify Him”?  It started to go bad when Jesus told the people what they didn’t want to hear.  Look at what He did.  He threw the money changers out of the temple area (Matt. 21:12).  He taught that tax collectors and prostitutes could enter the kingdom of heaven before the religious (21:31).  He told the people to pay taxes (22:21).  Then he pronounced a series of woes against the religious leaders.  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees” (23:13-31).  But this is Jesus.  The righteous One.  The only perfect Man.  God in the flesh.  He was not in town for a popularity contest.  His task was to proclaim the truth and provide salvation.  And it cost Him His life.  Think about Jesus’ up-and-down week in Jerusalem.  Then praise Him for His perfection and His love-love that took Him all the way to the cross.” (Our Daily Bread“)  The nail-pierced hands of Jesus reveal the love-filled heart of God.

The Seacoast Village of Qantab, Oman!

  An Omani fisherman from Qantab graciously allowing a curious tourist to snap a photo!  One has to be very careful when collecting shells to make sure you are not stealing someone’s home!  The fishing village of Qantab is along the coast  just outside Muscat between the Bustan Palace and the Shangri-La.  Check out the general area here: http://wikimapia.org/#lat=23.5538378&lon=58.6302567&z=14&l=0&m=a&v=2  How do you spell beauty?! “C-H-E”   If you look past my gorgeous wife, Che, (a hard thing to do, I know! )  you will notice some very interesting rock formations there! One kinda looked like a dragon’s head.  Qantab is a charming village indeed!  Many people fail to visit it due to “more exciting locations” such as the Shangri-La or Bustan Palace just up the coast, but it is definitely worth taking a stroll off the beaten path!

Cloudy, Rainy Weather in Oman

  Fisherman on a cloudy Thursday morning near the Al Bustan Hotel  Local fishermen along the coast on Sidab Street

Omani Heritage Village

Located at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, this unique  Omani Heritage Village is worth a visit!  Anyone who has been to the Shangri-La here in Oman knows that the hotel grounds are gorgeous with flowers everywhere.  Large parts of this area for tourists are still under construction but there is still enough going on there to merit a look.   This place is open everyday from 9am to midnight!  The best part is that entrance is free, ha!ha!  This here rug is just one quick example of the locally produced handicrafts for sale at the Omani Heritage Village.  Some are even made right on site.  We saw one older Omani gentleman named Calif making baskets as we entered.  A lot of the clay handicrafts available  at the shops like the ones shown here, we were told, are made by ladies from the village of Bahla near Nizwa.  Omanis like to think that the people there have “magic hands” as that town is well-known for ghosts and magical legends…  5 OR  Che and an Omani gentleman, Calif, who is originally from the city of Rustaq.  He makes the dye for the baskets and hats himself and if you look at his hands, you will notice that they are purple from the dye.  He asked us for only 6 RO for the hat that Che is wearing in this photo.  Mariam, another kind employee at the Heritage Village, works at the shop that sells perfume, incense and provides “henna” (hand-decorating) for female tourists who are interested.  The people we met there today are exceptionally kind and we will try to make it back some Wednesday night.  On Wednesdays, there is a “cultural dinner” (for 15 R0 adults/7.5 for kids) that includes Omani dancing, music and Arabian horses and camels displays.   These cute camels are made of pure silver and sell for 22 RO apiece.  There are also larger ones available at 67 RO.  All kinds of souvenirs are available here no matter what you’re looking for and they are planning on opening even more shops as construction continues on the village.  My lovely wife, Che, with her new Omani hand-made hat!  I highly recommend anyone in Oman (Omani or expat) to come and support the talented artists at the Omani Heritage Village!  (Give them a call at 24776666, ext 6565 if you’d like to reserve a spot for their famous Wednesday night cultural dinner/entertainment.)

The Omani Kummah

  The Kummah is a simple cap for everyday use for Omani males.  The Kummah consists of 2 pieces of cloth sewn together; a circular top with rectangular strip attached to form the sides.  The cap is made of crisp white cotton that is embroidered in many different colours with unique highly decorative designs.  Traditionally, the women in the family would make them for their men folk.

Bible Centres in Oman

  Cecil Perseira has single handedly been managing the running of three Bible Centres in Ruwi, Ghala and Sohar with God’s abundant grace and superhuman physical strength and health.  Please keep him and his staff in your prayers as they seek to meet the Scripture and literature needs of the churches.