Oman and Qatar 2019-20 (how I spent my entire Christmas break and then some).
This trip was sponsored by Qatar Foundation International where I had been on the first teacher council for the past two years learning about the Middle East with other teachers around the country.
Highlights from Oman:
First, let me say how much I loved, loved, loved this country! It is truly so welcoming, beautiful, cared for, interesting, and the list goes on. I would go back in a heartbeat, especially during winter. When I was there it was about 72 degrees f, every day!
The national opera house. An incredibly gorgeous piece of art in itself, inside and out. I was in awe.
This seating room is called a majlis. It is everywhere in the Middle East and where guest gather, have tea or coffee and chat. We had many moments like this. This one was not in a home but in a museum.
Wearing traditional Omani wedding attire.
The sultan's (at one time) seat and flag of Oman. The dagger is a symbol there, and men pass them on and wear them at weddings and important events.
In Muscat, the capital.
At the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. This sultan, who had ruled since the 70s, modernized Oman, but passed away from cancer shortly after our visit.
If you see this in a mosque (the quibla wall), this shows the direction of prayer, toward Mecca.
One of our guides showing how the washing is done before prayer. Ahmad was amazing. He once lived in the U.S. for a time and is married to an American.
outside the mosque
In a souk (market)
I cannot say enough about how much I love the food in the Middle East. So fresh and flavorful.
A frankincense tree does really smell like it. It comes from sap that is dried into a resin.
At a sinkhole.
Can I say that Oman is a little like Utah with gorgeous beaches? You will see why in a bit when you see the canyon and desert pics.
This melon head on Christmas Eve at the buffet at our hotel was slightly disturbing, but you should have seen the Christmas festivities they had for the western tourists on Christmas Eve! Music, amazing food, lights, decor!
We went to see if we could see baby turtles hatch, but it was not the season. Instead we had a traditional picnic on a rug with dates and coffee and good friends. We also saw amazing stars that night in a clear sky. I will never forget that Christmas Eve across the world where the wise men came from.
These are dhow boats and an important part of Omani culture and the economy. We went to a factory where the best ones are made. One was being made for the Prince of Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. They are all hand made.
A wadi. We went swimming here on Christmas Day.
A family style dinner at a home on our travels.
About to enter the desert dunes.
A favorite moment of my life, watching the sun set in Oman on Christmas night.
Why all white? Consider the heat in the summer. Every vehicle is white there. Literally every one.
At the glamping desert camp.
My room, which had air conditioning though it was not needed in December.
We all danced that night to some live music. Seriously, go dance in Oman. We laughed so hard.
A few of us awoke before 5 to catch a total solar eclipse, which was happening about a two hour drive away in the desert. We watched it happen near this mosque out in the middle of nowhere for the herders.
Camel riding. These sweeties have personalities just like your other pets, and this darling was very tender and friendly to me.
Yes, there was a McDonalds in Nizwa. And we went bowling at the mall.
The Nizwa Market, famous for its trading of goats and sheep. I also found jewelry for my daughters at the souk at excellent prices.
At the Grand Canyon of Oman. A spectacular little hike we took.
For real, camel crossings are a thing.
At a UNESCO World Heritage site of an old village and fort.
Qatar
Qatar Airlines is pretty sweet, as was the suite we enjoyed as guests of Qatar Foundation International
Scenes from the souk in Doha. This place was amazing and surreal. Loved every moment there, and the indulging of all five senses.
Learning to play a traditional game (though this is a custom for men).
One of so many fantastic meals together! Truly, the cuisine of the Middle East is my
favorite in the world.
The National Museum in Doha is designed architecturally to be like a desert rose stone.
Part of the Doha skyline.
We were invited to one of our QFI guide's (Shahad) home to enjoy a meal together and chat. What a wonderful experience. They are originally from Syria and not Qatari.
The National Library of Qatar
The Museum of Islamic Art is a beautiful building inside and out. On New Year's Eve, we took a dhow boat cruise around the harbor.
Inside the art museum. See what I mean? It has won numerous prizes for its architecture.
In a beautiful mosque in Qatar where we heard the call to prayer and watched the prayers. I do feel the inspiration in these grand buildings of the connection to God and the universe.
Outside the mosque with Qatar's skyline.
In a Persian restaurant. Nothing in Doha is dull. It is like Beverly Hills there in the main area.
At Aljazeera media company. I respect the free journalism and the perspective AJ offers and have been reading for years, even before this.
We had henna painting on our last night at the hotel by some experts. These young women worked fast and produced beautiful work.
One of my favorite parts of the souk was the falcon market. Every native Qatari family has at. least one pet falcon. These have been a big part of their culture for centuries.
