tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77595593262780769372012-02-02T10:09:28.838-08:00The definitive Guide to Oman, realised by a french man expatriate in Muscat giving his experience of this nice country.Orelihhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819256592397457838noreply@blogger.comBlogger1121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-9121688386480243812007-11-07T03:11:00.001-08:002008-11-18T23:59:56.547-08:00

This blog is the summary of my 1 year experience as an expatriate in the sultanate of Oman. Depending on your interest, I give you below my recommanded links to explore my blog :Expat :You're an expat in Oman or you are about to become one-> expat thought : what is it to be an expat in Oman ?-> cost of living in Oman : how much it will cost you to live in Oman-> women expats in Oman : If you are

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-13276136517914569762007-11-03T09:53:00.000-07:002008-06-10T14:15:12.882-07:00

After almost a year in Oman, it is time for me to go back definitely in my country. I would like to thank all my readers, and all the people that I've met in Oman and that brought me so much. Even if I won't be able to create a lot of new posts in the future, this blog will remain a helpfull guide for futur expats and tourists to Oman.I think it is time to give my final review about Oman :In

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-89384666503578516752007-10-30T11:11:00.000-07:002008-12-07T04:12:13.610-08:00

Turtle beach is a marvelous place located 30 minutes away eastward from Sur. The place is supervised by the authorities, and you can only access after recorded at the point of control.The turtles come here all year long, to lay during the night and they leave just before the rising of the sun. in early morning you can see baby turtles fighting to reach the sea.You can sleep at the turtle beach

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-71558179993999587892007-10-28T02:39:00.000-07:002011-03-28T13:28:42.137-07:00

- edit : according to latest comment : Blue City officially closed down the project end March 2011. -"Blue city" is an $20 billion project which the aim is to build a new luxurious 35km² city, 1 hour away to the west of Muscat. It reflects very well the transformation in progress in Oman and the ambitions of the sultanate for the future.This project is so huge that it has been divided in 10

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-6450419548979268172007-10-25T08:21:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:23:27.826-07:00

It does no harm just this once, I will speak about a new french book, named "Le sultanat d'Oman, une révolution en trompe-l'oeil". I wish I could have read this book at the beginning of my expatriation, it would have help me to better understand the country where I've lived for almost a year now.In this book, the author (a french researcher, Marc Valeri) describes the history of the country (

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-71534000497055846642007-10-23T08:51:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:24:07.346-07:00

Wadi Shab is located just next to Wadi Tiwi. You have to park at the entrance of the Wadi and continue by foot. The path and goes inside the gorge and is very lovely, even if Gonu has destroyed a lot of palm trees...on the path you will find several small natural pools where you can swim. But the big fun is at the end of the wadi (after 1hour walking) : you can access a little cave by swimming,

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-35906539959486115512007-10-19T01:02:00.000-07:002011-02-24T10:58:22.004-08:00

As Dubai is only few hours away from Muscat, it's not hard to go there for a long week-end if you get bored with Oman. You will need between 4 and 6 hours to reach Dubai from Muscat by car : it depends on how fast you're driving, the traffic jams and the time you'll spent at the border post (If you have a Omani hire car, you will need also to get a 12 OMR insurance policy extension at your rental

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-88611082143843682602007-10-15T02:31:00.000-07:002007-10-15T02:46:39.046-07:00

Ramadan Kareem is over since last saturday, so happy Eid Mubarak to everybody !Ramadan has been a quite a boring period for all the expats in Oman, because bars and clubs were closed, and it was not even possible to drink wine in the restaurants, so it is quite a relief that it is over !There is now 4 days of public holiday and the ambiance in Oman is very festive, you can see a lot of people in

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-74037061172081872302007-10-12T09:46:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:25:03.041-07:00

Every morning, until 1pm, stands the fish market in Mutrah. To find it, just follow the big smell which spreads around the place. The fishermen are grouped together in a big building and sell their freshly fished items directly on the ground. You can find a lot of kinds of fishes : tuna, shrimps, octopus and even shark sometimes !Besides the fish market stands a big vegetable markets and some

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-75105068303026642202007-10-06T23:01:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:02.015-08:00

Posting about Safari pub, I realised that I didn't write yet about the Hyatt hotel ! This hotel is one of the top luxury of Muscat. It is located in Shati-Qurm, about half way between the airport and the Ruwi, not far from the Intercontinental hotel.(photo from Flickr)In the same way that the Chedi excels in a elegant minimalism design, The Hyatt excels in a exuberant Arabic style ! The main

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-90483358833562075622007-10-01T22:36:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:25:29.020-07:00

The Safari is a bar in the Hyatt complex. Although this place is completely closed presently because of the Ramadan, I write this post to continue my series about nightlife in muscat. You can compare this place to the Al Ghazal pub, but here the decor is more "exotic" as you could expect with such a name. There is a live band almost every night after 10pm, and some people are dancing. But when

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-28998160743538187772007-09-29T22:39:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:26:23.442-07:00

Bani Awf (or Bani Auf) is a wadi that links Rustaq to Nizwa. The road in this wadi is really made for 4WD cars : some part of the tracks are flooded and you need an elevated car to go on. also at the end of the track it goes very (very) steep.The main point of interest of this track will be the "Snake canyon", which is 300 meters deep, where you can go canyoning or via ferrata but better to have

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-31404668026272645072007-09-27T00:52:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:04.268-08:00

The 100th posts is always a milestone in the development of a blog, and I'm very happy to reach it ! I would like to thank all my readers and all the people that left me encouraging comments ; you are about 50 to 70 visitors each day to read this blog. I'm in particular very pleased to see that a lot of Omani enjoy reading my blog.Don't hesitate to leave comments on my blog, I will always be

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-1703737403152137742007-09-24T23:48:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:20:25.001-07:00

This trek is 2hours long (one way) and goes across 3 small villages lost in the mountains of the Sayq plateau. The altitude is 2000m, that ensures you a certain coolness even during the summer.The trek is not difficult but there are a lot of stairs that make it sporty ! But it is worth the effort because the view is amazingTo access Sayq plateau you need to have a 4wd otherwise you will be

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-45259921400883803782007-09-23T03:24:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:27:18.365-07:00

"The restaurant" is actually the name of the Chedi restaurant. From my opinion, this is the best restaurant in Muscat. The decor is very sober and classy, you have a pianist with a grand piano, and several kitchens that can be seen behind their glass walls...Each kitchens correspond to a kind of regional cooking : Asian, Arabic, European... The dishes are very well presented, and of course very

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-52972297526165798782007-09-16T06:48:00.000-07:002007-10-28T11:01:46.704-07:00

The Oman dive center is located between Qantab and Barr Al Jissah, 10 minutes away from Ruwi. It is basically a private cove lost in the cliffs with a nice beach, a swimming pool and a restaurant (which is opened all the day, during Ramadan only alcohol is not served).Different activities are proposed in the center :- You can just pay the entrance fee (3 OMR) and enjoy the private beach and the

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-72206349701938912382007-09-14T09:35:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:06.273-08:00

Well, today has begun the Ramadan in Oman and it will last until mid-October. During this period it is not allowed to eat, drink or smoke in public by respect to the Muslims fasting during the day.Most restaurants and small shops are closed during the day (even the fast-foods) but re-open after 6pm. Also, all the bars and clubs are definitely closed during this period (including the bars I've

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-81377225723320343782007-09-10T23:20:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:28:06.786-07:00

The Al Ghazal Pub can be found inside the Intercontinental hotel. It is the best pub in Muscat, and when you enter the place you cannot avoid to say to yourself "welcome to england". Indeed, the clientele is predominantly english.There is a large bar, surrounded with private loges. you have also 2 pools (always busy) and even darts. Almost each night there is an activity, like a "Quizz night", I

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-72536454829089430832007-09-09T03:45:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:29:49.204-07:00

My first post since my holidays and it will be also the first one of a serie about nightlife in Muscat."Rock Bottom" is club located in Qurm, not far from the Crown plaza. You can book a table to dinner before clubbing if you want, the food is not excellent but at least it will avoid you to pay the 10 OMR for the entrance to the club.Once inside, it looks like a small regular club (compared to

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-46032729665549335622007-08-23T22:19:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:09.633-08:00

I'm going on holidays again to Paris until September 3th and I will eat a lot of "croissant". Meanwhile you can read, or reread, the most popular categories of my blog :cost of living : discover how much you need to live in Oman if you come in expatriation.expat thoughts : what have been my interesting thoughts living as an expat in Oman so far...supermarket : it seems a lot of people are

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-69714563501695771512007-08-20T22:41:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:30:23.705-07:00

This small restaurant is located just in front of the Sultan qaboos sport complex in ghala. It represents very well the kind of small arabic food restaurants you can find in Muscat, which serve correct food, quickly and for cheap prices. Some would say they are the traditional arabic fast-foods !The meal you can see below has just cost 2 OMR and it was excellent ! And you eat with your hand. The

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-6239922963086747322007-08-17T00:43:00.000-07:002008-06-12T06:16:04.129-07:00

I've seen a lot of people wondering how is the life for a woman expat in Oman. Well, I've asked my wife to write a post on her resentment toward her situation here, here is the result :"The good points that have surprised me compared with what I was expecting before leaving to Oman :Women are pretty free in Oman : they can drive and work as a man would do.There is no obligation to wear a veil for

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-41859077122802405172007-08-13T22:39:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:30:50.157-07:00

In the ghala district of Muscat, just in front of the Majan hotel, is the large Sultan Qaboos sports complex. This complex has many facilities : a giant football field, tennis fields, multi-sports gymnasium... I've tried the swimming pool recently. There is a olympic size pool, a 25meters pool and a diving pool. Actually we were only 2 using the olympic pool ! It was a very different experience

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-58182772661069782402007-08-10T01:18:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:31:31.836-07:00

To finish, some unusual facts about Salalah :yes there are cows in Oman ! In fact you can only found them in Salalah region, and most of the milk produced in Oman is coming from here.On This picture you can see a grouping of blue tents : These kind of camp are actually "camel drivers" who live in the valley during the monsoon. a lot of grilled meat seller s are here also, spreading a sweet fumet

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-25751013908282642007-08-06T22:22:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:32:35.524-07:00

Driving around Salalah, you wil see a lot of interesting spots :here on this picture is the lovely water spring of Jarziz, which was unfortunately dry beacuse of the rain shortage of the previous monthes.On the way to the beach, you can see this impressive canyonThe splendid beach was a little bit ruined by the weather (too much fog !) but it was still nice to swim in this deserted sea :)

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-13499291353186192532007-08-04T22:18:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:13.818-08:00

Salalah is a famous city at the extreme south of Oman, in the Dhofar region. it is well-known for its suprising low temperature and its green luxuriant nature.That's why this region is very appreciated by Omani and other people from the gulf during the Summer, who like to spend a week-end having picnics in these unusuall green mountains.Moreover, it is not expensive to go to Salalah from Muscat.

Orelihhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819256592397457838noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-76149165826669315062007-07-30T22:13:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:29.535-08:00

Behind the Muttrah souk, if you walk like 5 min, you could find this original shiite mosque :This amazing wooded minaret is full of colour, and friends told me that at night lovely little lights create an even more nice aspect.

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-6799870464393532952007-07-27T09:27:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:31.610-08:00

I'm realising that I didn't post yet about the most famous souk of Oman : Muttrah souk. Muttrah is a popular district of Muscat, generally crowded, and near the sea.The souk is composed of various littles shops, which sell mainly : spices, fabric and clothes, Omani traditional items (like silver coffee pots, Omani knifes called Khanjers), Shishas, incense ...The souk in itself is very lovely with

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-38849513067163047262007-07-24T01:38:00.000-07:002007-07-24T06:46:36.236-07:00

It is kind of unusual how the vacation holidays are defined in Oman. Usually you hear about incoming public holidays, but you don't know about the exact dates. Then, only few days before, the Sultan defines officially the date of the incoming public holidays.For example, yesterday was the "Renaissance Day" celebrating the day the Sultan has acceded to power. But we only had the confirmation of

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-2563355758164283972007-07-10T07:37:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:31.828-08:00

I have to say that a surprising thing about Oman, for a expatriate like me, is that there isn't any online yellow pages here (such as a yellowpages.com, or a pagesjaunes.fr)...I use the online yellow pages all the time when I'm in France : to find a restaurant, a doctor or any company addresses. These kind of website gives you phone numbers and addresses of the corresponding companies, but it

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-14947592395216025442007-07-10T02:24:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:32.310-08:00

I've been asked recently for "what is the typical price of a meal in Oman ?". Well, here is for example what I eat every noon :a greek salad a small portion of pasta yogurt water danao doghnuts (for my tea break)I've bought these items at Lulu supermarket for a total of.... 1,230 OMR (2,5€) ! The same meal in France would cost at least 7 €.I'm sure this little info will help futur oman visitors

Orelihhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819256592397457838noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-55650098317651384612007-07-09T07:44:00.001-07:002008-11-19T00:00:32.519-08:00

I wanted to let you know that there is a British council in Muscat, located in Madinat Qaboos along the highway. This establishment is in charge of providing English lessons, advise on education opportunities (in uk) and promote arts & culture (even if I didn't hear about any events organised by the British council yet). This is equivalent to the french CFO but for the English.There is a very

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-46400327970105909522007-07-04T06:24:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:32.922-08:00

Café Barbera is a relaxing place where you can get a drink or eat something. The interior is very elaborate (you have big sofas like in the "Friends" TV program), the menu is international (food is very good i have to say), and the staff is very devoted.But there is no rose without a thorn : you have to spend at least 2,5 Rials for a meal, and 1,5 Rials for a juice.This Café is located just next

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-22667853024346460732007-07-01T22:51:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:33.165-08:00

Here is some information on how to gat a liquor permit. As you can see it is not a easy process :Required documentsCopy of passportCopy of labour card2 passport size photographsNo objection letter from the companyLabour card application in original - copy returned after issuing labour card. This is to confirm basic salary as registered with the Ministry of ManpowerEmployment contract attested by

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-46596328287061847562007-06-24T10:43:00.000-07:002011-05-10T04:03:26.453-07:00

Some people interested in a possible expatriation in Oman asked me what is the cost of living here in Oman. So it gives something like this, based on a month of living for a couple :Food shopping : between 100 and 250 Ryals per month (for my wife and me it is 200 Ryals).Petrol : around 20 Ryals if you use your car about 45min each day. you can see how petrol is cheap herePhone : 5 Ryals for a

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com95tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-53276947669883471632007-06-19T02:50:00.000-07:002007-07-09T08:00:40.591-07:00

From May to September, temperature and humidity become very high in the Sultanate. Outdoor activities , such as tourism or trekking, are not possible anymore. You have to make do with indoor activities, such as :Intercontinental club, where you can use the swimming pool, squash courts and gym room.cinema, one of my favourite activities for the moment during the summershoppings in highly

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-17155120558644548312007-06-14T02:50:00.002-07:002008-11-19T00:00:33.744-08:00

I've just got back TV signal, since the parabolic antenna has been damaged 2 weeks ago by the cyclone. I've thought it could be interesting for the futur expats to describe what is TV like here in Oman.So basically you have access to 999 channels, coming from different satellites : hotbird, nilesat, arabsat. Half of these channels are free, but the major ones are not (MTV, CNN, HBO, ESPN, TF1, M6

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-9574730856936288272007-06-09T23:44:00.000-07:002007-07-09T08:03:52.755-07:00

Here are some pictures of cars damaged by floodings :

Orelihhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819256592397457838noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-38661146305548580772007-06-09T23:41:00.000-07:002007-10-28T11:05:18.867-07:00

In my building (Al Khuwayr), the water has come back yesterday. I can now take showers again, flush my toilets and wash my dishes... This is great ! But in other areas (here in Ghubra) of Muscat, water is still missing. Some trucks distribute water, and people are generally rushing for this kind of distribution :

Orelihhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819256592397457838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-43150031235025393212007-06-09T23:39:00.000-07:002007-07-10T02:23:29.974-07:00

Here is some pictures of flooded areas after the cyclone. This is between Al-khuwayr and Shati Qurm :This is in Al Ghubra :

Orelihhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819256592397457838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-8412169896576960772007-06-09T23:21:00.000-07:002007-07-10T02:21:40.521-07:00

Here is some pictures from friends of the Qurm beach after the cyclone. As you can see, we will need some time before beeing able to access this beach again.

Orelihhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819256592397457838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-81157733257217518272007-06-09T03:29:00.000-07:002007-07-09T08:03:52.758-07:00

Here is a little video taken from the terrasse of a friend living in Ghubra during the rains :Three of my friends living in this area have lost there cars.

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-90718477091287825922007-06-08T22:33:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:34.999-08:00

The Cyclone which has reached Muscat yesterday is gone now. The winds have not been so strong but the rains have been heavy ! Severe floodings made a lot of damages : numerous cars have been crashed by the waters some roads have been destroyed there is no more running water in some area there is no more electricityConsidering these damages, and the army helicopters flying over muscat, it gives a

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-21523774261822427392007-06-05T00:19:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:35.412-08:00

I've just come back from my holidays and I hear that a cyclone is coming ! His little name is "Gonu", and he should arrive tonight on Muscat...I think if you stay at home there will be no risk, but the rain will make a lot of damages like the last time a flooding occured.

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-23774330421452373782007-05-23T07:50:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:35.567-08:00

I'm leaving Oman for a short week of vacation in France. I'll go to Paris and in Bretagne to some friends and family.So I won't blog untill June 2nd. see you soon !

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-47243997939288187012007-05-22T05:34:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:36.080-08:00

This is what main Muscat beach look like in the evening :The whole beach is suddently transformed in a mass of improvised football fields. If you want to join a game people will usually welcome you. But I've to say it has becomen very difficult to play football with this temperature for me, especially when you have to run in the sand !

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-77494019342196858092007-05-19T21:58:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:36.162-08:00

A classic in Muscat. This restaurant serve simple but good quality food. it is located just near the sheraton resort complex (shati Qurm). The most appreciable falicity is the terrasse, which is always full of people (mainly expat people) when it is not too hot (i.e. from november to mars). prices are around 2,5 Ryals.A good address when you want to eat a excellent club sandwitch, sitting outside

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-22290325195933742932007-05-13T22:58:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:33:36.172-07:00

I realise that I've not spoken much about the restaurants of Muscat. So I've decided to fix this and give you some good addresses in Muscat (from my point of view).If you like sushi, I recommand you the "Jade & Garden" at the Sheraton Qurum Resort.Every thursday evening, there is a "all you can eat" sushi bar - with excellent and fresh sushis, sashimis, soups, makis ... And good point also is

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-23043456516950126792007-05-12T07:18:00.000-07:002010-06-07T00:16:19.297-07:00

Manal is an old deserted village between Muscat and Nizwa. the houses are made in earth, and you can recognise fortifications ruins in the mountain.I don't think this spot should justify a dedicated trip, but if you're in the area you should make the detour to see this village, recognized as unesco heritage.

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-49086414063583022742007-05-07T23:02:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:37.884-08:00

One unsual thing about Muscat is that there is no sewage system. Thus, dirty water is drained off by, what we call between us, "poo-poo trucks". These yellow trucks wander around Muscat looking for full septic tanks. When they don't do their job in time, it happens that the system overflows and a good smelling spreads in the area.

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-64391673190588769012007-05-05T01:04:00.000-07:002007-10-28T11:10:51.020-07:00

This weekend we've found a nice little beach inside Muscat itself, in the "Qurm" district. This beach is very interesting because as you can see on the picture there are some seaweeds, and thus there are a lot of tropical fishes ! This gives a very good spot for snorkeling...Actually, There are also some turtles swimming in the water, and I've been even able to touch one swimming next to me ! The

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-4889898966673623012007-04-29T23:29:00.000-07:002007-07-10T02:23:05.598-07:00

Seeb is a small town at the limit of Muscat. It is 15 minutes away from the airport. the main road is surrounded with a lot of small shops and restaurants. the beach is not far from the center and nicely set out.I currently work in Seeb at the moment. Hopefully there is also a lulu supermarket where I can spend some times shopping for my leisure.

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-32128876875030021382007-04-27T22:52:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:38.542-08:00

The temperature this days is becoming really hot in Oman. One unexpected consequence is that cold faucet gives boiling water ! This is because water tank are placed on the roofs of the buildings and it heats with the sun...Pretty annoying when you want to take a shower or brush your teeth. The solution to this problem is simple but surprising : you have to switch-off your water heater, and use

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-31579891341029771712007-04-23T06:53:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:39.124-08:00

As you know, friday is the day-off in Oman, corresponding to sunday in France. One of our usual activity on the friday is to go to Qantab (15 minutes from our house) and take a boat to go in litlle coves like this one.It is not as culturally fulfilling as an interesting art exhibit (which would correspond to my usual activity on sunday when I am in Paris), but it is still better than a visit to

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-71018499049822551952007-04-20T02:11:00.000-07:002007-04-20T21:54:56.481-07:00

Now that I know the Muscat City Center, I realise that high-tech product prices are more interesting here in Oman than in France. For example I've compared prices with the famous shop in France "la Fnac":Ipod 2 Gb : 140€ in Oman (69OMR), 160€ in FranceIpod 30 Gb : 230€ in Oman (115OMR), 280€ in Francelaptop Toshiba A120-189 : 790€ in Oman (395OMR), 900€ in FranceI really hesitate to buy this

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-62864289045810835872007-04-18T01:21:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:34:13.190-07:00

The Barr Al Jissah resort is a luxuous complex comprising three hotels, several pools, private beaches...It is some distance from muscat (about 20 minutes) but the area is very nice.My opinion is that the best hotel in Muscat would be The Chedi, but if you have kids I would definitely recommand you to go to Barr Al Jissah resort because it is more suitable to family : there is waterslide, and

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-48364413766991823872007-04-15T21:27:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:40.729-08:00

Constructions are booming in Muscat. buildings are raising all over the city. Often, in the rush to finish the job fast, workers don't finish their task properly. In this case the result is an elevator control pannel kind of "messy".

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-55042772970089169192007-04-14T05:39:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:41.614-08:00

I think what could be considered as the real "city center" of Muscat should be the Sultan Qaboos highway. This highway goes through the middle of Muscat, from Seeb to Muttrah. If you are willing to reach another area of Muscat you will use the highway :But this highway is very dangerous for mainly two reasons. First reason is that some pedestrians decide sometimes to cross the road, which is

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-83976895913258404612007-04-10T23:20:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:41.969-08:00

"Muscat city center" is known as the biggest and the luxuous mall in Muscat. Despite its name, it is not localised at the center of Muscat but after the Seeb airport. I have to say that I've been impressed but the width and the crowd in this mall. And I've found a lot of intersting shops (including the Carrefour), especially for clothes (here below Mango & NEXT shops). My wife too and it has cost

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-25392038992770934852007-04-09T22:35:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:42.488-08:00

Carrefour is a well-known french hypermarket. It is amusing for a french to see the differences between a Carrefour in France and a Carrefour in Oman. For example, in France there wouldn't be room of prayer in the supermarket :Also, there wouldn't be a cash counter dedicated to women :Except these little cultural differences, we were very happy to find french products in this Carrefour : "formage

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-9045351301042212702007-04-08T23:40:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:42.901-08:00

Sefah is giant deserted beach 1hour away from Muscat. First you have to take the road of Yitti, then you follow the road to Sefah. The day I went there the weather was not very ok (yes it can happen in Oman!) but It was really a nice trip beacause we mad a barbecue and we went snorkeling near the rocks on the pictures and We've seen a lot of fish !You can see on the piuctures there are a lot of

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-79941638268697288332007-04-05T07:48:00.000-07:002007-10-28T10:48:23.145-07:00

Just a short video showing some difficult passages of the trekk in Wadi Mistall

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-181897433922168222007-04-04T07:49:00.000-07:002007-04-04T07:54:01.628-07:00

A good way to discover the "overwhelming" content of this blog is to use the "tag" feature. Here below are the top 5 most used tags by the visitors of this blog :tourismbeachfoodwatertrekking

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-10445140176325275382007-04-02T21:44:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:43.126-08:00

I've been able to make all these treks thanks to the Oman trekking explorer guide. You can find it in almost all the libraries of Muscat. This book describes where to start the treks, how long is the walk, the difficulties, ands so on...I think this book is a "must have", as well as the Oman off-road explorer.

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-53951281955081660722007-04-01T01:06:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:35:07.869-07:00

2 hours from Muscat is Wadi Mistall (4x4 car is needed). Here you can make a 2 days loop trek in eastern Ahkdar.This trek is very difficult because the mountain is very high (2000m), very steep and there are a lot of difficult passages. And you have to bring a lot of water and food which makes you carrying heavy bags.The trek is 2 days long : We've started the trek at 8.30am and we were back the

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-14111004891742955802007-03-28T02:33:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:45.158-08:00

Yitti is a wonderfull beach, 30min away from Muttrah. With the Oman off-road guide book it is very easy to find. The place is so huge that you feel like you're alone on the beatch. I recommend you to bring a picnic and to stay half a day in Yitti. You can do snorkelling close to the rocks at high tide.

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-74757798797204756752007-03-25T23:31:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:45.333-08:00

The CFO, i.e. "Centre Franco-Omanais", is a organization promoting cultural exchanges between France and Oman. Its principal purpose is to offer french and Arab lessons. I've personnality went to a 3 monthes arab session (for 45 Ryals) and it was very good. The CFO also organizes cultural events, such as the short-movies festival currently held everyday at 19h30 till the 27 mars. You can watch a

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-80244092303803100392007-03-25T02:35:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:45.800-08:00

(I think this is a nice pile of 4x4 ! lol)Last week, just before I came back from my holidays, floods occur again in Muscat !The pictures are from Al-Khuwayr, not far from my appartment. impressive isn't it ?

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-82557946274990208822007-03-23T08:18:00.000-07:002007-10-28T11:03:06.427-07:00

In my previous post, I was listing the things I miss the most in Muscat compared to Paris. Now I’m listing the exact opposite :Continuous nice weather.maybe I will change my mind during the next summer in OmanDiversity and beautiful of the nature : the sea, the beaches, the desert, the mountains… and eveything is accessible half an hour from MuscatCheap prices : petrol, restaurants (except the

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-39791628307198532492007-03-20T22:28:00.000-07:002008-11-19T00:00:45.933-08:00

Back from my vacations in Paris, relaxing at the “palm beach club” of the Intercontinental Hotel in Muscat, I wanted to compare my life in Paris and in Muscat.So I've made a list of the things I miss the most in Muscat compared to Paris :ADSL for 15Ryals/month at home !!! And when I say ADSL I mean 10Mbits. For the moment there is not even available new phone numbers in Al khuwayr !Night life,

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-77029207574053840702007-03-06T01:17:00.000-08:002008-11-19T00:00:46.163-08:00

I'm going on vacations to Paris during 10 days. I will be very happy to eat cheese and drink french wine again :)So I won't blog untill 20/03. see you soon !

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-50044590600364193372007-03-04T05:43:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:35:31.033-07:00

the original trek is 14 hours long and starts from Wadi bani Khalid to Wadi Tiwi.In our case we improvised a good little trekk in the Wadi Bani Khalid it self. It was more a climbing trip than a trek but still fun !And the advantage of bani khalid is that you can finish with a nice swim in the fresh water of the wadi.Note : you can do this trek yourself refering to the trek number E35 in the Oman

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-53956877646356295632007-02-28T07:19:00.000-08:002008-11-19T00:00:47.068-08:00

Let's see the cost of 50 liters of petrol in Oman : 6 Ryals (12€) ! i think this is just great :)

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-12466093711597842502007-02-26T02:20:00.000-08:002007-10-28T10:48:23.146-07:00

small video presenting a panoramic view over Wadi Nakhr.

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-40263673974567100022007-02-24T22:24:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:35:49.781-07:00

This trek starts from Al Ghub (here under on the picture) to go to the village Al Khatim down to the entrance of Wadi Nakhr.It is a difficult trek because the ground is made a sharp rocks and you go from 700meters to 2000meters !The first step is to pass the small Rim on the picture below.Then you have to climb up the mountain, to reach a fabulous point of view over the Nakhr gorge, also called "

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-17862089924577248792007-02-24T00:02:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:36:05.295-07:00

Al ghub is a deserted village near Nizwa, 2,5 hours away from Muscat.It is a very nice place to visit, and you can see how Omani people were living in this king of moutains some time ago.But Al Ghub is above all the starting point of a very nice trek, that I will describe in next posts.

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-54125109216383263012007-02-20T21:11:00.000-08:002008-11-19T00:00:49.609-08:00

Just a little post to point out that in Muscat the density of 4x4 is impressive. For example, I've never seen so many Hummer in a city, event in L.A. ! compact cars, as we mainly have in France, simply do not exist here, except onetime I've seen a Peugeot 206...

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-79222474939488882732007-02-20T02:00:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:36:22.604-07:00

Have you ever ride a camel ? going to the desert is the opportunity to try it. Camels are "cool" animals, and I think people in the desert are considering camels as we are consideriong dogs in France.Moreover, the camels are definitely stylish animals...

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-69567690585243543512007-02-16T23:01:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:36:34.073-07:00

Ghala golf club is located in Muscat, near Sultan Qaboos sport complex, and in front of the Majan Hotel. It is a "Brown" golf, which means that there is no grass and people are playing on a brown ground.Membership is about 100Ryals for the year or you can pay your "Brown fees" 5 Ryals for the 18holes. No so expensive compared to France.

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-35065393622487744242007-02-13T02:55:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:36:44.444-07:00

Wadi tiwi is a city lost under the palms. It looks like a bit Nakhal but it is smaller : there is only one road very narrow climbing up the mountain. This place is very beautifull and relaxing. You may enjoy having your picnic somewhere in the city with the young female goats.

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-34564747520731083752007-02-11T20:38:00.000-08:002008-11-19T00:00:51.507-08:00

One of my favorite program on the TV is the french weather forecast (on the french channel "BFMTV" that we can receive here). I can compare the weather in France and in Oman and I'm always winning ;)

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-49270425989381726252007-02-09T21:21:00.000-08:002007-10-28T11:01:46.712-07:00

I already made a post about the "white beach", but this time it is a small video to sicken some of my friends in France who are curreltly in the cold winter...

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-15239271062692231922007-02-08T05:30:00.000-08:002008-11-19T00:00:51.733-08:00

A surprising fact about Oman compared to France, is the habit they have to use many electrical switches in their houses... In the picture above, you have a switch for :- bathroom lamp- bathroom ceiling lamp- bathroom fan- bathroom water heater- bedroom ceiling lamp 1- bedroom ceiling lamp 2- bedroom ceiling lamp 3- bedroom fan- bedroom Air ConditionningThis thing can be a little bit irritating as

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-23049086191282859492007-02-05T20:52:00.000-08:002008-11-19T00:00:52.014-08:00

If your budget is limited, you can do all the trips I was listing in my previous post by yourself. In this case, you will need the guide book "Oman off-road" (you can find the book in Muscat bookshops such as the "family bookshop" of Madinat sultan Qaboos). It describes very clearly the many paths in Oman and how to find them with your 4x4, with some GPS data also. In this case, your only expense

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-22373401288652191302007-02-04T02:40:00.000-08:002008-11-19T00:00:52.619-08:00

I was speaking in my previous posts of Dune bashing, Bedouine camp, wadi Bani Khalid, the white beach... All these activities and trips are available in the Muscat tourist agencies, such as the Muscat Diving & Adventure Center. The benefit of this last agency is that part of the team speaks french (which is a benefit only if you speak french of course). The prices are a bit expensive (up to 140

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-39656480902530052692007-02-02T21:03:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:37:11.870-07:00

Wadi Bani Whalid (2hours from Muscat) is the best wadi I've been so far. From your car, you have to walk 10 minutes in the mountain to access small waterfalls and basins of pure water where you can swim.

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-29796322761956775182007-01-30T23:53:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:37:26.506-07:00

The football Gulf cup is not a cup very watched in France. But in Oman it is a big event, especially when Oman is in final against Emirates (UAE) like yesterday night. Usually when Oman wins a game everybody takes its car and go around in the city honking and brandishing Oman flag. But unfortunately yesterday, UAE wons, so the night has been quiet in Muscat streets.

Orelihhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819256592397457838noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-84184674788918382942007-01-29T23:54:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:37:42.196-07:00

The White beach is localised between Quriyat and Tiwi (west of Muscat). You can only access to the beach in 4x4 because the highway, which is near, is still in construction.As its name let suppose it, the sand of the beach is white, and the sea is translucent.

Orelihhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819256592397457838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-22520965443926448772007-01-28T23:11:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:37:56.795-07:00

You can mount your tent in the desert near a bedouine camp. These people speak english a little bit and you can have dinner with them.Also they can propose you to ride their camel for a small trip in the desert.

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-43835270002269458602007-01-26T21:31:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:38:13.310-07:00

Dune bashing refers to an activity you can practice only in the desert, with a big 4x4. It is simple, ride the dune as you were riding a wave for a surfer.It is very difficult, this is why most of the time the guide or a bedouine are driving the car, but it is really fun : you feel like you are going to crash every minute, or you think that the car will turn over. But the major risk remains to

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-7902251751548276092007-01-24T05:09:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:38:28.980-07:00

Another very nice little trek is the one starting from Bandar Jissah beach (East of Muscat, near Al bustan).It is a very easy trek along the moutain crest, and you have very nice views over the beach and the sea.Note : you can do this trek yourself refering to the trek number C52 in www.trekkingoman.com

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-17315744590153563632007-01-22T20:38:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:38:39.889-07:00

It is even possible to find some interesting trek inside Muscat. For example the path "C38" is a 2hours walk in the mountains, but it starts and finishes in the city. It is very suprising for somebody coming from Paris to discover such preserved area inside a capital.The path offers also very nice views on the cityNote : you can do this trek yourself refering to the trek number C38 in the Oman

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-62839033373386027032007-01-21T06:29:00.000-08:002007-10-28T11:01:46.714-07:00

If you like hiking out of the pathes, or if you have a boat, you may be able to find little cove like this one in the video.

Orelihhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819256592397457838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-75446649997563406462007-01-16T20:36:00.000-08:002007-03-12T10:33:53.891-07:00

here below the top 5 consulted posts since I started this blog :- Lulu supermarket- Alcohol- Cinema in muscat- Easy food- Nakhal

Orelihhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819256592397457838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-40198192365010719372007-01-13T20:32:00.000-08:002008-11-19T00:00:59.388-08:00

The Intercontinental is one of the luxury hotels of Muscat (with The Chedi and the Crowne plaza). From outside it looks like a big bunker made of concrete, but from inside the feeling is different : it is luxuous, smart and the roof made of wood is great(image taken from the Intercont. website)The facilities of the hotel is the most interesting part. Intercont is the only hotel (except maybe for

Orelihhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819256592397457838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-73355584007535543702007-01-08T21:29:00.000-08:002007-10-28T11:03:06.428-07:00

I've finally found where the muscat festival is taking place, mainly in the Qurn natural park. The festival is from 1st january to 1st february. To have all the details about events and places it's here : www.muscat-festival.com (english) (site not working with firefox).I've only been to Qurn natural park for the moment. It is a big place full of people (mainly omani). There are several

Orelihhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819256592397457838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-38172821375304430512007-01-07T06:17:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:39:04.502-07:00

The Chedi is one of the four main luxury hotels of Muscat with the Hyatt, The Intercontinental, the Al Bustan and The Crown plazza. The Chedi is a bit off-center (if you consider that the Hyatt/Intercontinental are the center of Muscat) but it is definetely the most "stylish" of these luxury hotels (and the most expensive ? I don't know)The swimming pool with its black tiled floor is very

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-74760579547922449832007-01-05T20:58:00.000-08:002008-11-19T00:01:00.401-08:00

What is this hole in the wall of the Lulu supermarket ? It is a "coconut scrapping" desk. It means you can cut the coconut you've just bought in pieces. I've nerver seen such a service in the french supermarket.

Orelihhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819256592397457838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-71403554457154149362007-01-02T05:27:00.000-08:002011-04-24T07:39:48.251-07:00

Mutrah is a district of Muscat. It is located near the port. Its point of interest are the souk and the park. In the park is a very big incense potdon't hesitate to add a comment to my posts, to correct my bad english or to share your feeling. If you can add a link to my blog in your personal website it would be nice too, cause it would increase my visibility in google ;)

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7759559326278076937.post-6920256536430238212006-12-30T09:09:00.000-08:002008-11-19T00:01:01.903-08:00

Nakhal is 1/2hour ago from Barka. It is localised in a palm grove and there is a hot spring spot. The city is just beautiful.There is also a fort in Nakhal much more interesting than the one in Barka because it is bigger, and all the rooms are presented with traditional fourniture than you can touch. You feel like a real Omani living in the fort.Moreover, there are not much tourist (we were

Flotazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09633049015670215850noreply@blogger.com7