School visit to Oman

It was nice to organise a school visit through part of northern Oman. Setting off from Muscat we took in one of Omans great wadis, the Green Turtles and the Wahiba Sands.

School visit to Oman

After heavy rains a couple of days before

Dunes of Oman’s Empty Quarter

Omans Deserts are scenically very attractive with golden hues and great sweeping sand dunes.

Climbing a Mega Dune in Oman's Empty Quarter

We really enjoy travelling through them, but only in the cooler winter months; and it helps to be able to relax for a meal.

A Desert Meal in Oman

Visiting Ubhar in Muscat

Ubhar is one of the more distinctive restaurants in Muscat (unusual addition of an ‘h’ into what is more usually spelt Ubar).  Its in a central location in Qurm with a discrete appearance from the outside. Inside however it’s a fusion with dark wood, shocking fuchsia cushions and clear Perspex chairs – almost 1960s retro.

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.

Restaurants in Al Bustan Palace Hotel Oman

 

Bar Al Bustan Palace Hotel Oman

With the opening of Al Bustan Palace Hotel the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants and bars are getting into their rhythm .

Al Bustan Palace Hotel restaurant

Though it will not accept new bookings until January 1^st 2009 it will have pre-booked guests and government guests so that they will not have any chance to forget their skills.

 

 

 

Ramadhan in Oman

I was delighted to share Iftar with a friend – Iftar is the Break-fast meal after the fasting during daylight hours during Ramadhan.

Buffet in Ramadhan

It is a breakfast in a double meaning – it does break the day’s fasting: also just as Breakfast is considered the first meal of the day in Western society Iftar can be considered as the first meal of the day in the Muslim society as the Islamic day starts at sunset. As is often the case Iftar was an open buffet and one of the drinks available for Iftar is Vimto.

Vimto in Oman

This English cordial celebrates its Centennial year in 2008. It probably started its road to popularity in The Gulf in 1928 with the first shipments into Saudi. In Oman, it’s advertised heavily during Ramadhan though it’s used all year round – a cheery drink for all occasions .