Muscat, Oman

Oh my goodness. Oman is such a beautiful place! I have no idea what schools are like there, but I would not cry if I was told I had to move to Muscat! (No, that's not happening, but what a great place.)

We had such an amazing few days. Ok, I had an amazing few days with the munchkins. The husband was too busy working to play much. We did get to have some very nice dinners with some very enjoyable people! All 'work' for the husband, but great fun for the wife!

The day we left Muscat to head for home, we were invited to go out and do some fishing off shore. There was some red tide, so there were no fish to catch. But, the dolphins were out feeding in force. We saw hundreds. These dolphins are smaller than the ones I'm used to seeing back home, and they are darker in color. But, wow, when they'd jump out of the water - totally awesome to see. It was an amazing experience to be out on the water, surrounded by dolphins, beautiful mountains in the distance, storm clouds gathering over the mountains, and calm seas. Absolutely fabulous.

Oman could be a big ecotourist place. But, I think too many people are afraid to travel to the middle east, which is sad. Walking through the souq, Munchkin #2 was hungry. I tried to purchase a single large orange for her. The shop keeper, a very old Omani gentleman, said, "Just one orange? For her? [Insert large smile here from shopkeeper] She may have it." "But, sir," I replied, "Can't I pay you something for it?" "No, [big smile again]. She may have it." Warm and friendly people. Not all the middle east is war and sadness.

Peace.