Tony Walsh

Happy New Year from Oman

1/1/11

What a nice start to the New Year in Oman – snow on the mountains a few days ago and dazzingly clear skys in Muscat.

Of course its going to be a year full of the unexpected, but a certainty is that there will be but lots of 1’s – as here on 1/1/11 .

Christmas in Oman

with Frankincense

Frankincense offers a traditional welcome in Oman – so what better way to say Happy Christmas عيد ميلاد سعيد

Artist David Willis Exhibition in Muscat

at Bait al Baranda

I enjoyed the opening of a brief exhibition of paintings by the artist David Willis at Muscat’s Bait al Baranda.

Many of the paintings Continue reading “Artist David Willis Exhibition in Muscat”

Jewel of Muscat Exhibition in Muscat Oman

in Oman

Though the Belitung Wreck has its own museum in Singapore the Omani ship the “Jewel of Muscat” is at the core of the displays.

The Belitung Wreck (sank in the mid 9th century AD) was a treasure ship literally full of Chinese products Continue reading “Jewel of Muscat Exhibition in Muscat Oman “

Muscat Festival 2011

dates have been announced

The Muscat Festival is one of my favorite regular events in Oman. Its close to home, has variety and at the right time of the year.

Last year it was cancelled, I think because of the swine flu, so it will be nice to have it back as the dates have been announced as Continue reading “Muscat Festival 2011”

Fireworks for Oman’s National Day Holiday

are the World Fireworks Championship

We always have wonderful fireworks for National Day holidays in Oman. While they used to be the Corniche, over the last few years they have shifted, like the population, along the coast and are now held in Qurm.

Here is the first day of the event Continue reading “Fireworks for Oman’s National Day Holiday”

More Holidays in Oman

for December 2010

There have been more holidays in Oman announced – 25th – 29th December.

Its remarkable that since mid November there will have been (apart from weekends) Eid holidays, Islamic New Year holidays and the National Day holidays – all of about a working week in length.

Tour of Oman 2011

cycle race

After the 2010 tour of Oman Im really looking forward to the 2011 event which will be held 15th – 20th February.

It travels through some of Oman’s stunning scenery and should offer memorable moments.

Oman Tattoo 2010

for Sultan Qaboos

It was nice to watch the Oman Tattoo which is one of several large scale events for the 40th National Day in Oman.

Apart from the superb mass marching there was a night time parachute drop – and some of the parachutists managed to land on the bright spot.

Perhaps as a foretaste Continue reading “Oman Tattoo 2010”

Holidays announced for Oman

a nice winter break

Private sector Holidays in Oman have been declared – though its not specified as National Day Continue reading “Holidays announced for Oman”

Queen Elizabeth and Omans Horses during Queen Elizabeth Oman visit

with Sultan Qaboos

It was so nice to get an invitation to the horse event that Sultan Qaboos had organized Queen Elizabeth Oman visit.

It was at the same small Royal Cavalry area in which Continue reading “Queen Elizabeth and Omans Horses during Queen Elizabeth Oman visit“

QUEEN ELIZABETH STATE VISIT TO OMAN her second state visit to Sultan Qaboos

for her state visit

DRIVING FROM BAIT AL BARAKA ON THE OFFICIAL FIRST DAY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH STATE VISIT TO OMAN the Queen passed along the Corniche in Sultan Qaboos’s Range Rover. A squadron of Land Rovers behind her, with the Royal Standard fluttering in the wind in front.

Queen Elizabeth waves from front Sultan Qaboos Range Rover on way to the Palace in Muscat — Queen Elizabeth waves from front Range Rover on way to the Palace in Muscat

On the way to the Palace in Muscat, since I’m the only member of the public on the road, she gives me an exclusive Royal Wave.
The Queen was then welcomed at Al Alam Palace in Muscat by Sultan Qaboos.