Oman Air will be flying into Muscat from Heathrow in 2009. I must admit that the schedule suits me well at Heathrow - leaving at 2130 and getting in to Muscat the following morning at 0845 – the flight from Muscat at 13.20 is equally good and arrives at Heathrow at 1740. But Gatwick I found, on what I have to say will probably be only my second visit in my life, was far easier to get around and the train in from Charing Cross was so easy. I don’t expect they will run both – or will they?
Update - new times (as of 30 Aug 2009 – are depart Heathrow 22.35 and arrive 09.15 and from Muscat to Heathrow depart 13.45 and arrive Heathrow 19.05
Categories: London · Muscat · Oman
Tagged: Gatwick, Heathrow, Muscat, Oman Air
The fields of English sub-urbia
The rain of a typical British Summer has kept trees in early summer leaf (except the Horse Chestnut which, where we live, has been badly affected by the new fungus which creates an Autumn brown off in early July). On the ground the constant downpours have forced the birds of the garden under the creepers, rather than on their well-stocked bird-tables. Floods have again damaged peoples lives. Its has been a difficult summer for many – but travelling with Oman Air from Gatwick shows many clouds do have silver-linings and rain’s of course is the green mosaic of the sub-urban countryside.
The flight into Muscat was moving off from its bay early and kindly they called the last 3 passengers by name; mine included. Fortunately, Gatwick is not Heathrow and a distance that was signed at 20 minutes actually was around 5. The meal included Tamarind Sorbet;
Tamerind Sorbet
Tamarind by ‘Al Nabil’ is probably my favourite drink (its usually only availably during Ramadhan unfortunately). This sorbet was tasty but could have had a little more sugar to hold it together and was on the verge of being a drink . I chose Lamb Rack for the main course,
Lamb Rack
which was generously garnished with thyme. The flavour was excellent, though overcooked to my taste, Omanis would disagree as they expect well-cooked meat. It was quite tepid when served – the right temperature on airline meals must be a very difficult target to achieve.
and finally the best part of the flight – landing ahead of schedule into a warm Muscat night – home
Categories: London · Meals · Oman
Tagged: Airline, English Countryside, Flight, Food, Gatwick, Home, London, Meal, Muscat, Oman, Oman Air, Rack of Lamb, Tamarind, Tourism, Travel
