Last Day in the Middle East

December 15, 2018

Yesterday was just one of those days that does not go as planned. We realized the Oman Air made a last minute change in our flight to Morocco.  They now have us leaving two days later. Andy went to the airport to try to negotiate options.  They were no help. I was on the phone with them.  They were no help.  Had to fill out the feedback form in hops of getting at least a partial refund. We booked another flight to get us to Morroco on Qatar Airlines. Before we had a nonstop flight and now we have a two hour layover in Qatar. It adds a bit to our already long travel day but now we don't have to get up until  3:30 a.m.  The other flight was us not sleeping at all and getting to the airport at 11 pm for a 1:00 a.m. flight.

Went to the souq.  Got there at 1:00.  They end up closing from 1:30 to 4:00.  Had a fantastic middle eastern meal just outside of the souq. Went to the fish market....closed at 1:30. Off to the Grand Mosque.....closed until 4:00 p.m. Toured the Grand Oman Opera House.  It was beautiful inside! Back to the Grand Mosque.....still closed.  A bumpy day.

December 16, 2018
Nice to have another breakfast in our place and determined to have a fun last day.  Drove just over two hours to Bimmah sink hole.  It was a round sink hole about 150 feet in diameter. Signs outside as you approach warning you that you must be dressed modestly or you will not be permitted on the grounds.

It was salt water, which surprised all of us.  Andy and the kids swam to the edge, climbed up the rock side and jumped off of the ledge a couple of times. As we were leaving another guy jumped from a ledge about 50 feet up.  So scary!

There are no restaurants along the road.  It was lunch time and we literally ate lunch from a gas station.  Full on junk food lunch of chips, cookies, candy bars and sodas.  Not a proud moment but that was all there was.

Went to the next wadi - no food around so a bit grateful for the gas station lunch at this point.  It was a boat ride across and a 45 minute walk up.  Family had no energy after that lunch so we skipped it.

We ended up 4 wheeling out to the beach.   There was no one around but a group of 5 trucks.  We pulled up and Andy went to see if it is a safe swimming beach.  Within 2-3 minutes he came back.  The group of men invited us to join them.  Me of course hesitant and Andy fully in.

They take their vehicles and create a tunnel, then put a tarp up for shade by securing it to the trucks.  Carpets are down on the ground.  As we approach they are gesturing that we sit on their carpets with them.  Within moments there is a feast set out in front of us.  They kept cutting up fruit and giving it to us.  Even though the kids and I said no multiple times they would not hear of it.  Made sure we tried their coffee, ate local foods (really it was Andy that was the adventurous one at this point) and finished off with dessert (Andy again).  Kids and I did our best to eat at least the peeled fruit and not be rude.  They all worked in the oil industry and work 12 days on and 12 days off.  They said that is where they learned a bit of english.  A few of us were at the waters edge.  Andy and Hudson just got out of the water and we were visiting with one of the guys.  Then turned and saw that they pulled out their prayer rugs and were taking a moment to pray.  We tried to be respectful by being quiet.  It is yet another surreal moment on this trip.  Then it was time for them to have fun.  They drummed on the hood of their car and sang.  Next they made their way down to the water and invited Andy join them for some swimming.  Just a really nice, sincere group of guys.  We said our goodbyes and they sent us off with piping hot green tea.  What another amazing opportunity.

Kids and I were starving for some real food at this point.  We went to a restaurant called The Turkish House.  We think it just might have been the best meal of the trip at this point. 

Definitely the best prawns and fish of the trip - maybe best ever!

Next door was their dessert store so of course stoped in for that.  They were super nice and helpful.  Grabbed a picture with them since they made us smile so much.  A nice wrap to Oman.

Kids are going strong and no one is ready to go home yet.

Some final thoughts on Oman.  Crazy that we are half way around the world. Exactly 12 hour time difference. We could definitely have used two more days.  I feel that women are somewhat second class here.  They weren't even allowed to go to school until 40 years ago.   Men get the cooler, white gowns with comfortable sandals.  Women in the full black dresses (with head and face covered) and a lot wear heels. Men everywhere on the streets and many visiting with friends enjoying a coffee or food.  No women. I was told they stay home and take care of the children.  I haven't even seen one driving a car.  This morning at the airport I took the kids to a cafe.  We got a couple bottles of water, that we handed him, and some treats that were already prepared like muffins.  The gentleman after me ordered a specialty coffee and sandwich that needed to be grilled.  Interesting enough his was given to him before we received ours.  Little things like that.  The part of me that is concerned with germs loves how they are so into washing their hands since they often don't use utensils.  The men that we did meet were very kind and welcoming to all of us.  Spoke to me with great respect.  We saw lots of wild animals along the road as we drove: mountain goats, donkeys, sheep, camels and antelope looking things.     I don't remember seeing any dogs.  So many dogs everywhere in Sri Lanka.  Since it is an islamic country, there is no alcohol.  They had funny fake road construction workers.  There were fully dressed like they were real and sometimes hold signs to tell you to slow down.  The country dripped of money. It was clean and everything felt new.   There were many big ticket cars and big homes with lots of details in the construction.  Each house had an detailed gate and a garage gate that matched.  The sheikh has messaged us a couple of times since we met him which totally makes me laugh.  It is kind of like, oh there is a message from Michele, one from the school, oh and the sheikh!  I love how the locals go to the wadis as a large group and bring a tremendous amount of food for their picnic. I wish we had two more days here.  I would love to visit a mosque, many more wadis and a few more beach towns.