Michael Gallagher has died on 27th July.
Michael authored The Birds of Oman and Continue reading “Michael Gallagher – 1922-2014”
Michael Gallagher – 1922-2014
Category: Muscat & Northern Oman
Northern Oman’s built history stretches back 5,000 years, its one of the Arab world’s most enduring cultures. Today its interconnected through modern highways and impressive mobile telecom networks
Public Services in Muscat
Tucked away in a corner with Bougainvillea cascading over the wall is one of Muscat’s new Public Services in Muscat – high-tech Japanese toilets.
The lack of public toilets in Muscat Continue reading “Public Services in Muscat”
Rumba Lattina Restaurant at The Cave
We arrived after Iftar for a meal at The Cave, Muscat’s newish restaurant complex (intended to have numerous themed dining choices). Currently there are two choices of venue, one with a buffet that seemed to have been cleared – so we had no choice but to walk to the single option open, which was Rumba Lattina.
As there did not appear to be any service offered outside this restaurant we ‘chose’ to sit Continue reading “Rumba Lattina Restaurant at The Cave”
Eid Mubarak Oman July 2014
Oman’s Vehicle Sales in 2013 – over 200,000 sold – where will they all fit
Vehicle sales in Oman continues to rumble around the 200,000 unit mark annually. In 2013 another 204,880 units joined the existing road inhabitants.
For a couple of years sales have been around Continue reading “Oman’s Vehicle Sales in 2013 – over 200,000 sold – where will they all fit”
Strike at Lulu Supermarket
Arriving at the fruit and vegetable counter to get my Clementines weighed I was told firmly, but very politely, by the two Omani staff manning the scales that they were on strike. The staff on strike wore distinctive clothing and were asking for increased wage, bonus and better physical areas to work in.
Lulu seems to be one Continue reading “Strike at Lulu Supermarket”
Meal at Al Mandoos the Omani themed restaurant.
Though centrally located in Muscat it was a struggle to find Al Mandoos, the Omani themed restaurant in Ghubrah. It was found on the parallel side-road to Shell, just behind a small bakery. The menu had a reasonable selection that allowed choice without overwhelming the decision process.
The waitress kindly gave her suggestions which we took. The food then arrived in startlingly quick time, Continue reading “Meal at Al Mandoos the Omani themed restaurant.”
Cyclone Nanauk near Oman
Over recent years the Arabian Sea in June seems to have waters warm enough (32c) for cyclones to form, just before the sea get churned up and cooled down by the monsoon.
In June 2007 Continue reading “Cyclone Nanauk near Oman”
Meal at Relish Qurm
We decided to have a meal in Qurm and to go for the new rather than old.
Relish is a vegetarian restaurant, well located where the old Al Bustan Bakery was. With a bright cheerful decor and both inside and outside seating, it’s an inviting place to eat. It turned out we were fortunate to get a table on arrival – for those arriving after us had to wait for space.
The menu was almost entirely Indian and so we took a bit of advice and went for one Mexican !! and two Indian dishes to share. I chose a fruit juice simply based on the name.
Grand Fish Restaurant
We had a meal at the Grand Fish Restaurant near Muscat City Centre. It’s clearly a popular place, as mid-week all indoor tables were full and doubtless if it wasnt for the rain the outside ones would have been used as well.
Sticking to its theme Continue reading “Grand Fish Restaurant”
Bedouin and Horses on a trip in the Wahiba Sands
Driving through the Wahiba Sands in the afternoon I passed this group
of horses with Continue reading “Bedouin and Horses on a trip in the Wahiba Sands”
One of Oman’s small Forts and a nice Camel Race
With the nice weather it was great to be able to make a very early start and attend Camel Races on the open plain in Oman.
Some of our Continue reading “One of Oman’s small Forts and a nice Camel Race”
Tripartite deal involving Oman, UAE and Iran to settle Islands Dispute
In what must be one of the more intriguing diplomatic agreements in recent years – Oman, UAE and Iran seem to have made various agreements regarding various pieces of territory . The Christmas Eve visit by Sheikh Mohammed Al Nahyen (the effective leader of the UAE – though his brother is President) into Oman may have been the critical discussion period between Oman and the UAE – if true.
The interesting claims in the link below – rest on a high-level source in the UAE – who may be trying to bounce the agreement along. Oman has held on to its Musandam territory against fierce opposition – so if true it would be extraordinary. The islands in The Gulf – the Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa, (were immediately occupied by Iran under the Shah when Britain pulled out ‘East of Suez’ – & the might of the USA was not interested in readjustment) – will have their above-sea land occupied by the UAE and the seabed by Iran. Possibly as a means of getting agreement on that island release, Oman is said to have been willing to grant Iran a base in Musandam, Oman’s northern peninsula. Iran will supply Oil and Gas to Oman via a pipeline – to be constructed.
Oman could use the energy for many reasons mostly for re-export I guess – though it does have gas via the Dolphin pipeline from Qatar. Iran presumably wishes an oversight across the Straight of Hormuz, and it has found a way to effectively occupy land on both sides. The UAE is going to be happy at its increase in real estate quite apart from the diplomatic agreement.
Oman centuries ago occupied various ports in Iran, including what is now Bandar Abbass. Sultan Qaboos made a visit into Iran in 2013 and it seems the two countries are maintaining the pace of diplomatic entente. Oman and Iran seem to be quite comfortable in their long-term relationship – the result of millennia of contact – and population mixing.
The USA is claimed to be accepting of this, but one wonders what Oman’s neighbour, Saudi Arabia will make of all this – indeed Oman has yet to make a comment. Its a nebulous piece of journalism.
Tour in Oman over Christmas for Steppes Travel
I enjoyed leading a small group from Steppes Travel on a tour in Oman over the Christmas period.
This has been a mid-price program since I started organising it for The Traveller (British Museum Tours) who Steppes purchased. Continue reading “Tour in Oman over Christmas for Steppes Travel“
Western Marsh Harrier in Oman
With bright sunny weather we had a nice day trip down Oman’s East Coast.
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