Muscat, Oman

We went to Muscat, Oman in August 2013 for a short 3 day trip.  

We had gotten back from our visit Stateside and Doha was still sweltering hot. Humid. Miserable. We wanted to go someplace close by and get away for a few days. Oman is about an hour flight away, if that. (Oman is also part of our Stake.) Believe it or not, it was about 20 degrees cooler there! It's still on the Arabian Peninsula and has a very Middle Eastern feel, but has a different ecosystem there that allows for much more greenery and much cooler temperatures. Just what we wanted. We got a Qatar Airways staff discount on the Shangri La hotel, plus a discount for it being off season and staying mid-week. Even still, we could only afford 2 nights. Oman is EXPENSIVE!!!! Apparantly, all the rich Arabs vacation here regularly. Visas were expensive, the rental car was expensive, and the hotel and food were a small fortune. It was such a swanky hotel, that they figure if you stay there you have got some cash in the bank. So, it's mandatory that you donate money to a charity upon checkout. Like a sizeable, undisclosed amount. I actually think that's a good idea, but I was surprised by the 'mandatory' part.

So, what did we do in Oman? Swam and swam some more. The lazy river, pool, splash pad, and ocean kept us entertained. Mid-day we would go to our room and take a nap. The last day there we drove around Muscat and saw a few mosques and fortresses. Oman has an interesting history because it is one of the few countries in the region that has remained independent and not changed as much since the discovery of oil. There is more history you are able to see in Oman than in Qatar. It was fun to see another country in the Middle East.

Duty Free in the Doha airport sells these enormous Nutella jars bigger than Matt's head. Food Storage. One must have chocolate to survive. Qatar knows what's up.

 Our accomodations: the Shangri La. It was incredible. Fanciest place I have ever stayed. There was a lazy river with tubes and splash place for kids. Staff gave out cold bottles of water to guests, which was so nice because it was still really hot, even though it was cooler than Doha!

 This is what the Arabian Sea looks like. Notice the trees and greenery!

 Mom and her crew.

 My 3 squishies.

 Hotel living is the best. And so is Dad!

 The hotel was so pretty on the inside, we kept taking pictures of it. I love the Middle Eastern flare to the decor. Tear drop shaped arches, patterned rugs, coiffered ceilings, marbled staircases, and my favorite--the bronze lamps for indoor/outdoor lighting. It was so, so beautiful.

 Looking back towards our room. It was a huge resort. We are at the far end where the splash pad was located.

 Our tired 1 year old.

 Eating local Omani food. We were put in this room with carpeted walls, and sat on those red floor cushions. The boys loved it! They would take a bite, then run around. Take a bite, then run around. We had some soup-y dish with chicken in it, rice, flat bread and hummos. Not my favorite, but it was edible if you were hungry.

The Grand Mosque was really fantastic. Touring the regional Mosque is a must when you visit Middle Eastern countries.