What to do for Eid?

Seriously, I'm so sick and tired of people here whinging and complaining about the "lack of official days holiday" for Eid. Honestly, the last 6 months of the year here is a cake walk - so many days off and lower productivity expected throughout Ramadhan, you would think people would focus on counting their blessings as opposed to feeling ripped off. *breathe* and I digress...

I for one am thankful for the handful of days we have off in a row this week, as well as the fact that we still have National Day holiday(s) to come and Islamic New Years.

So in typical Omani conversational style "What to do" people?
With the weather as awesome as it is (how can you NOT like 25-30 degree days in WINTER?) there are endless options:

* Camping
* Fishing
* Treks
* Geocaching
* Road trip to UAE or Salalah
* Cheap short tips anywhere in the region or even to Asia!

We are contemplating a quick trip to Abu Dhabi to go and visit friends and check out Ferrari World since my better half LOVES rides! I'm actually more interested in visiting Ikea, checking out some of the free events they showcase along the beach & corniche etc. Oh and maybe even bump into some celebs that are in town for the F1 Grand Prix events :)

Oodles of Couch Surfers!

Given it is just the 2 of us living in a 3 bedroom villa, we figured we would offer our humble abode to others who are travelling through Muscat and looking for short-term accommodation. It is the least we can do because let's face it, we aren't spoilt for choice when it comes to hostels or backpacker accommodation in Muscat. Sure, there are more than enough places to camp...dodgy establishments & cheap hotels etc, but it isn't all that great and can get old REALLY fast!

Having backpacked through Europe ourselves, we know what it is like to be on a budget but also wanting to meet some nice people who can give you the inside tips & hints on what to do. Oh, and a nice warm shower, home cooked meal, glass of wine and a place to do your laundry helps!

So as a result, we currently have a full house with 3 new additions - an Austrian couple who are funky, fabulous and fancy-free! They are seriously refreshing, have some amazing stories and cooked us an outstanding meal last night! We have hosted them for the past few days and will continue to do so until their Indian visa comes through. We also had a French lass join us late last night and she is lovely, most likely staying with us for a week (and today is her birthday!).

It has been really nice to meet people who are so down-to-earth and keen to travel.
Who knows, maybe we will head off somewhere for Eid and Couch Surf for the first time?

So check out the site if you are interested in hosting, being a couch surfer, or meeting up with other like-minded people in Oman for a coffee, chat, trekking or camping.

Enjoy!

Misc.

Hidy Ho all,

It has been a while and a lot has happened since my last post. Namely:

Bali = massages. pedicures. husband's with outrageous facial hair. games of euchre. tequila. wild dogs. gin. sun. a wedding. great people. rain. more sun. awesome villa. bali belly. bop it. grocer & grind. kudeta cocktails. hens night (FAIL). hens night shennanigans. bintang!

Perth = girls afternoon tea. hangover. AFL grand final #2. engagement party. family. vino. great weather. great friends. coffee & breakfasts by the beach. enjoying a run in the middle of the day. wearing shorts above the knee. Perth Zoo. Witches Cauldron. Ecco gourmet pizza. niece & nephew cuddles. Family dinners. shopping. packing. busy!

So here we are, back in Muscat and there is a lot going on. Sports and work are in full swing, we have joined the world of Couch Surfing and are currently hosting 3 fabulous people now (see next post), and the weather is cooling down a little - with today being a 'balmy' 37 degrees!!!

More updates to come, thanks for your patience...