Picnic in Yemen

After a very nice drive through the Dhofar mountains we arrived in Yemen – where if anything the scenery is more dramatic than in Dhofar.

Enjoying the Yemeni sun

on small beach we had a simple Picnic before turning around, for the drive back to Salalah.

Fortunately we managed to arrive in time for a nice dinner in town.

Visiting Ubhar in Muscat

In the center of town (so to speak) is one of the more distinctive restaurants in Muscat Ubhar (unusual addition of an ‘h’ into what is more usually spelt Ubar). It’s got a discrete appearance from the outside. Inside however it’s a fusion with dark wood, shocking fuchsia cushions and clear Perspex chairs – better than it sounds.

Ubhars metal covered menu

The restaurant opened a few months ago and is probably suffering from the economic slump and a focus by the affluent local population on coffee shops and fast food . They are missing a unique experience . Standouts were the Appetizers, Soup, and Crème Caramel – the very personable service by the maître d’hôtel and his 100% Omani staff.

A very good soup at Ubhar

One to visit again.

Etihad to Muscat

Taking Etihad from Heathrow to Muscat I was lucky to have a brand new plane, an Airbus 340 . It was a flying advert for the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix later this year.

As is often the case in The Gulf the flight attendants were from all over the world, mostly Far East, and I’m not certain if there were any Emiratis.

Will Smith in “I Robot” looks over my Etihad meal

The meal was frankly poor – with rubber like Pasta – made worse by being served a couple of hours into the late evening flight. I found the entertainment selection extraordinary – 70films, 100 TV entertainment programs, no idea how many news Channels and presumably as many Audio choices. For a new plane it was a shock to have an aborted landing – with good recovery, thank you Mr  Pilot– because a wheel door apparently would not open. Our second attempt succeeded and it was comforting to see the fire tenders moving back into their sheds.

Arriving for transfer at Abu Dhabi into the new Terminal the Muscat flight was waiting in the old terminal – very nice because it’s distinctive. Flashing up on the TV – BBC breaking news Michael Jackson died. I can remember where I was the night Elvis (Presley) died and now will be able to add Michael Jackson to my life’s time line, through this flight.

The Jackson 5 and later Michael were not my favorites but his Music from ‘Off the Wall’ to ‘Thriller’ was so good. What a shock to his family and fans . He visited Oman a couple of years ago and I must say in Oman Michael Jackson was sooo popular that many people here will miss him.

Oman’s Rose Water production

Rose Water is prized the world over. Not just because of its delightful fragrance – but of course because it’s so costly to acquire . In Oman it’s also a desirable product – however it’s not for only its floral aroma but also for the added taste imparted by Oman’s own distillation process.

Roses in Oman

 

 

 

 

I wrote about part of the life of Oman’s Rose Water for Oman2Day Magazine (as they now call themselves rather than Oman Today) . For Omanis the production must be just sufficient for its ever-expanding Halwa industry – so why change what works.

Restaurants in Oman

In a vast swing from Muscat, over the mountains, through the desert, along the coast and back to Muscat we enjoyed some wonderful meals.

Local meal in Oman

 Some in ‘local restaurants’ others in hotels along the way and finally in Al Bustan Palace. Fish was certainly the highlight of most meals and Squid featured in a couple.

Al Bustans China Mood

 While Oman doesn’t have what seems to be a vast choice of dining options – sometimes it can turn out wonderful meals.