Tony Walsh – author on Oman & Arabia
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.
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”
On the 14th night of Ramadhan (the middle of that month) there is a childrens celebration called ‘Qaranqashoo’ (قرنقشوه) . It traditionally was when children went knocking on the front door of neighbours houses to ask for ‘halwa’ (sweets).
The first part of the word is used Continue reading “Qaranqashoo at Bait Zubair the Ramadhan childrens event”
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”
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.”
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”
It was a good afternoon to visit the Marine Festival at Al Bustan.
Lots of activities Continue reading “Oman’s Marine Heritage festival”
We had an enjoyable morning with Waheed Al Fazari (Oman’s Expert on Sooty Falcons ) , and Dr. Mike McGrady who with Waheed updates this blog http://sootyfalcon.blogspot.com/ ,
Dr. Reginald Victor and others on the monthly survey of Egyptian Vulture numbers in a Muscat site.
Continue reading “Egyptian Vulture Survey in Oman”
As a great start to the weekend we had a nice evening at Al Bustan Palace,
to join legends from the Barcelona and Real Madrid football teams before their ‘Legends Cup’ match in Muscat.
The meal was a Continue reading “Legends Barcelona and Real Madrid in Oman”
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”
We went to Muscat’s Royal opera House to hear Sherine, one of the Arab Music World’s mega stars.
Collecting the pre-paid tickets Continue reading “Sherine in Muscat at the Royal Opera House”
Now that the Muscat Festival 2014 is underway I went mid-afternoon for a visit.
It was nice to see the familar Continue reading “Muscat Festival 2014 in Amarat”
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”
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.
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“
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