Oman for Eid

Oman for Eid

We have been to Oman for Eid previously. Our last experience, in 2017, was a vastly different one to our more recent experience of Oman for Eid – a perfect long weekend of camping at the beach.

Campsite views

With the Eid holidays offering the perfect excuse for a short getaway, Jason, our boys Jasper (14) and Harley (11) and I team up with another family.… Read the rest

Diving the Musandam

Diving the Musandam

As we set off for diving the Musandam Peninsula, it feels like the most ordinary of days and yet seems to be the start of something extraordinary. Our family of four—my husband, our two boys (aged 14 and 11), and myself, embark on what promises to be the perfect weekend getaway.… Read the rest

Cruising Again, Muscat

Cruising Again, Muscat

And here we go! Again. A little week long interlude for mid term break has seen us escaping from Dubai on the Costa Diadema for some R&R. Actuall, will be working and there is some concern over the current COVID-19 pandemic but, here we are, decision made and ready to cruise again.… Read the rest

Nakhal Fort

At the base of the Western Hajar Mountain range,  near Jabal Akhdar in the northwest of Oman, sits Nakhal, a town that is set amongst date plantations and dominated by the dramatic Nakhal Fort.  The fort itself is believed to date back to the pre-Islamic era while the towers and entrance way were constructed during the reign of Imam Said bin Sultan in 1834.  … Read the rest

Wadi Aday

Wadi Aday and Yiti, the nearest town, is an off the beaten track, yet comfortable 1 hour drive, south of Muscat.  So the day hasn’t exactly gone to plan so far.  Not that I can complain – I spent the morning at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque while my husband ran the kids around in 40+ degrees Celsius at the nearest park and then got picked up and taken to lunch. … Read the rest

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a truly inspiring place both architecturally and spiritually.

It was a very quiet Monday morning when I visited due to Eid and the public holiday.  I approached from a side entrance near the car park and was redirected to enter from the main entrance at the front.… Read the rest

Royal Opera House

Wow! The Royal Opera House is a spectacular sight and I think we caught it at its best light with the pink hues of sunset reflecting off the sparkling new marble.  It’s new, with construction only completed in 2011.  It’s also grand, and while the main concert hall has capacity for 1100, there is also an auditorium, an art centre, retail and restaurants contained in the complex all set in beautiful formal landscaped gardens.… Read the rest

Snorkelling at Bandar Khayran

We were keen to go snorkeling whilst visiting Muscat and had heard excellent reports of the experience.  After some research, Bandar Khayran was top of the list of destinations and I proceeded to book an 8 hour Bandar Khayran snorkeling tour with a local company through our hotel (the Coral Muscat Hotel).  … Read the rest