Today we went to the beach...it was my first time so far in Oman.
Well, the day started with a breakfast at a crepe restaurant with Nura, Shamsa, and her fiance Adil. It was sooo nice. Just sitting there chatting over delicious crepes. Yummo.
I then changed and we went close to the marina in the historic part of town. There we met up with some Omanis that are friends of the AIESECers here. They took us to a small fishing village only 20 mins or so away from the historic town center. There were only a couple of houses, a mosque, and a marina. We took a small fishing boat that was only meant for probably a max of 7 people, yet there were probably 15 of us plus food and bags. The scenery was gorgeous! and then we arrived at the beach and it was a small nook surrounded by high cliffs and the bluest water you've ever seen. The sun was amazing and i'm really surprised that i was probably the only one that did not burn.
Anyways, there were two highlights for me.
1) The water was incredibly warm and I ended up swimming out to snorkel. The water was incredibly clear and the fish were cute. There was a small cave that I swam into...it was sooo cool. I really need to get a camera that is water proof. Also, I dove down and touched the bottom of the sea floor. I ended up really hurting my ears though. I guess it was all worth it in the end. Just incredibly beautiful.
2) Along with the typical group of AIESECers there were 4 others that came along. One of them was the fisherman guy that was in charge of the ghetto boat. Other than that was Hasan, a guy that works at HSBC and is a good friend of the organization, Hussein, Hasan's brother, and Chris, an American who has been working in Oman for the past year. Chris ended up being a really cool guy. He's in real estate development and has just started a 250 Million USD fund. He was just a really chill and nice guy. And then I also had a great chat with Hasan. I like being surrounded by nice yet also successful people.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Appreciative
I had a frustrating day today, but Raji and Asma made everything better. I left work being really appreciative of all the people that have taken me under their wing and have ensured that I enjoy my time in Oman. I have never seen this level of kindness and generosity anywhere else in the world.
Nura has been amazing at making me part of her group of friends. There is nothign better than chitchatting with a bunch of gals after football practice or a night out at the club. Through her I met Ahlam, a fiesty girl with whom I get into pinch fights with. Also, she's the one with whom I ride around town with, windows rolled down, singing Mariah Carey or Beyonce at the top of our lungs. Weird glances towards our car are a guarantee.
Also, at work there is Raji and Asma who allow me to vent and are always there for an encouraging hug. Also, they have been the key for helping me progress at work. Who knew that in a work environment dominated by guys in high powered positions, it would be two females that have the true power of getting things done.
Finally, I must comment on Ghassan, my lebanese friend who has too much Arabic generosity. The happy smiley guy that is always there for me no matter what. Also, his Egyptian friend Adham who knows the best and most exclusive places around town. Somehow I have the best conversations with these guys. The nicest guys you'll ever meet.
These are the key people in my life in Oman right now. I know this group will change, correction be added on to, but for now these are the people that are making my stay in Oman amazing!
Nura has been amazing at making me part of her group of friends. There is nothign better than chitchatting with a bunch of gals after football practice or a night out at the club. Through her I met Ahlam, a fiesty girl with whom I get into pinch fights with. Also, she's the one with whom I ride around town with, windows rolled down, singing Mariah Carey or Beyonce at the top of our lungs. Weird glances towards our car are a guarantee.
Also, at work there is Raji and Asma who allow me to vent and are always there for an encouraging hug. Also, they have been the key for helping me progress at work. Who knew that in a work environment dominated by guys in high powered positions, it would be two females that have the true power of getting things done.
Finally, I must comment on Ghassan, my lebanese friend who has too much Arabic generosity. The happy smiley guy that is always there for me no matter what. Also, his Egyptian friend Adham who knows the best and most exclusive places around town. Somehow I have the best conversations with these guys. The nicest guys you'll ever meet.
These are the key people in my life in Oman right now. I know this group will change, correction be added on to, but for now these are the people that are making my stay in Oman amazing!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Soccer
This Saturday we went and watched a football match. The match was Oman vs Japan and was held in one of the stadiums around town. We arrived at the match without tickets and with no expectations. We were asked to go from one entrance to the next until finally we got to a gate where they didn't even charge for the seats. Everyone just sits outside in an uncovered stadium. Water and drinks as well as snacks are free and everyone is encouraged to take. The overall atmosphere started off as very positive and spirited. The team started off very good, scoring a goal within the first 30 mins. During half-time the police band played, and it all seemed very western. There were local chants and a traditional band playing during the game.
After half-time, the Omani team fell apart. There was no energy and no effort. The guys would get a small hit and ask for the paramedic to take them away. There were probably 5 guys that were taken off the field. It was frustrating and annoying that the team was playing at such a low level. I enjoyed my time at the field but I am not sure that I'm going to go watch another game.
After half-time, the Omani team fell apart. There was no energy and no effort. The guys would get a small hit and ask for the paramedic to take them away. There were probably 5 guys that were taken off the field. It was frustrating and annoying that the team was playing at such a low level. I enjoyed my time at the field but I am not sure that I'm going to go watch another game.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Nizwa
So on Friday we somehow all managed to wake up at 5:30 so as to leave for Nizwa at 6 am. It's a historic city 2 hours away that is known for 2 things- the morning souq (market) and a fort. The morning souq is renowned for the goat auction. We arrived into the city at 8:30am just in time to see the market in full bloom. While the city is only 2 hours away in the interior, it is really a small world away. While Muscat is international and diverse, Nizwa is much more "Omani". There are more people that are in traditional dress and you can really see the agricultural aspect of the culture. The center of the market has an auction of goats and cows...which literally entails a man walking a goat around a circle and people bidding on it. Then some of the animals are taken into the main part of the souq where they can be slaughtered in small primitive butcher shops. Also, there are small farmers that sell their produce and fish being literally slaughtered in the street. The most interesting part for me were the craft shops. Here the locals stack up on everything from pottery, to knives, jewelry, and the essential rifles. There were walls and walls of different guns and rifles with decorative bullet holders. Interesting how the guns were hung right by the live amunition. Overall, the souq was interesting but the craft and handicraft area got a tiny bit touristy. I ended up buying a souvenir, although I know I got ripped off...eventhough the price is better than one that I would have gotten in Muscat. The morning souq closes at 10 am for prayer and only reopens at 4pm. It was interesting how trusting people are in Nizwa and in Oman overall. Many of the stall keepers just lcosed down their shop but left some of their wares unlocked and still out on display. The souq was abandoned within 5 mins of it turning 10am, and in any other country it would be a thief's paradise.
The next stop on our tour of the city was the Nizwa Fort, a historic landmark as one of the most secure forts in Oman. The most interesting aspect of it were the historic ways of the people to kill any invaders. They used everything from honey to hot water to traps and hidden doors.
For lunch we found a place that was actually open and had some good Omani food. The owner of the restaurant brought out our food with forks and spoons, somethign that Omani's don't use. We quickly corrected him and asked him to take all the utensils away. Along with our normal AIESEC group, Ghassan also joined us. I was able to chat with him during the trip, which was nice. I definitely learn much more about talking with Omanis and non-Omanis that have lived in Oman for a long time. I got his take on the date scene and life for him.
On the way back we were in a small accident. Everyone is fine and the car will need repair but it has insurance. The reaction of the other car and the police. Everyone was incredibly friendly and nice and apologized about how this accident might ruin our impression of the country.
The next stop on our tour of the city was the Nizwa Fort, a historic landmark as one of the most secure forts in Oman. The most interesting aspect of it were the historic ways of the people to kill any invaders. They used everything from honey to hot water to traps and hidden doors.
For lunch we found a place that was actually open and had some good Omani food. The owner of the restaurant brought out our food with forks and spoons, somethign that Omani's don't use. We quickly corrected him and asked him to take all the utensils away. Along with our normal AIESEC group, Ghassan also joined us. I was able to chat with him during the trip, which was nice. I definitely learn much more about talking with Omanis and non-Omanis that have lived in Oman for a long time. I got his take on the date scene and life for him.
On the way back we were in a small accident. Everyone is fine and the car will need repair but it has insurance. The reaction of the other car and the police. Everyone was incredibly friendly and nice and apologized about how this accident might ruin our impression of the country.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Copacabana
Copacabana is one of the most expensive and exclusive clubs in Muscat. With cover charges going up to 20OMR (55USD) per person. Inside, it's like a small inkling of Rio de Janero with Carnival and Brazilian inspired decor. Yet, for one time per week the club is invaded by abayas and men are not allowed. Under the shadow of their abayas and the night, girls come into copacabana to break loose and have fun. "Just for girls" time is 8-11pm on Thursdays, no cover charge, and one free drink. Definitely unique and different from all the other nights at the club. The girls come in wearing abayas and being completely covered, yet as they get into the club they throw their abayas on the tables to reveal the true clothes they're wearing. This is usually very revealing, almost to the point where it's skimpier than something that would be found in an American or European club. The DJ (his booth being hidden by a white sheet), plays only the best music with hip hop and R&B beats.
The club probably has 40 girls all sporting their own unique style. There are some girls that opt to wear more conservative clothes or those that go with their personality and let it all show. Some were skimpy clad, some in jeans and t-shirt, and some that were just butch. I think there was a couple there (danced the entire night very intimately) while the rest of the girls were either single or married. One of the best dancers was Sauda who had an amazingly curvaceous body and knew how to work with it. She gave the best lap dances and knew how to grind like no other. All of the girls bust a move on the dance floor, which left me wondering where they learned all their amazing moves. Going to the all girls night at the club was an experience. Constantly being surrounded by abayas you start to wonder about their personalities and their true styles of fashion. I guess I learned all of this last night when the abayas came off and revealed that deep down the Omani girls are like normal Western girls just wanting to have fun. Except here they have deep restrictions and fears that prohibit them from doing it openly. So for now they let loose and have fun once a week for 3 hours and then go back to their abayas and traditions.
The club probably has 40 girls all sporting their own unique style. There are some girls that opt to wear more conservative clothes or those that go with their personality and let it all show. Some were skimpy clad, some in jeans and t-shirt, and some that were just butch. I think there was a couple there (danced the entire night very intimately) while the rest of the girls were either single or married. One of the best dancers was Sauda who had an amazingly curvaceous body and knew how to work with it. She gave the best lap dances and knew how to grind like no other. All of the girls bust a move on the dance floor, which left me wondering where they learned all their amazing moves. Going to the all girls night at the club was an experience. Constantly being surrounded by abayas you start to wonder about their personalities and their true styles of fashion. I guess I learned all of this last night when the abayas came off and revealed that deep down the Omani girls are like normal Western girls just wanting to have fun. Except here they have deep restrictions and fears that prohibit them from doing it openly. So for now they let loose and have fun once a week for 3 hours and then go back to their abayas and traditions.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Being a Woman
Warning: This will be a long post!
Early in the week we received our fourth trainee, Mikael from Finland. To honor the fact that there are now a total of four trainees we got a large group of people together to go to a traditional Omani restaurant (although we opted for the Yemenese food). The group ended up being the 9 AIESECers and trainees as well as member of the local AIESEC committee and their friends. The group was around 20 people at end count. We all sat on the floor swallowing the delicious soup, hummus, honey bread, and all the other dishes that were set before us. The main course was served on 3 enormous plates, piled high with rice, chicken, lamb, and beef. The main task of the meal was to accomplish eating the pile of food with only your right hand. I somehow managed to get part of the technique down after it was taught to me. At the end of the meal your hands are sticky, dirty, and disgusting. Naturally everyone slowly made their way to the bathroom area with large communal sinks standing outside of the bathrooms so as to wash hands. I went alone to the bathroom and had an employee point to me the stairs that I had to take so as to get to the female bathroom. I walked up to see a tiny bathroom where the water wasn't working. I came back down and decided to just wash my hands next to the other guys. What was the big deal, we all had different sinks and we were just standing next together. Aparantely I was wrong, and ended up having a guy from the dinner stand next to me so as to imply that we are together. Had he not been there, I would have been highly discouraged from using the sink and probably had gone completely against the cultural norms. All of this started to make me think about women here in Oman. I sat back and drank my sumptuous clove and mint tea and thought...
Coming to Oman I expected there to be many restrictions and rules placed on women. I thought that I would have to wear an abaya and somehow manage being treated like a second class citizen. When I arrived I was impressed at how Westernized and modern the treatment of females is. Not only are they allowed everywhere and allowed to do everything, but they can also sometimes choose not to wear an abaya. Now that I've been here for two weeks I feel like I'm starting to slowly see the truth. The westernized treatment of females is a reality for westerners but just a facade for the Omani women. Behind everything there are still firm traditions and rules that govern the land. This past week I had the opportunity to explore the city with two local guys, play on a female soccer team, and go to a female night club.
Ghassan and his friend, Adham, invited John and I to see their favorite parts of Muscat this past Friday. They drove us around showing the best cliffs to dive from, the most expensive houses, and the luxurious hotels. It was interesting though that in the mall is where I had the largest cultural experience. Within the mall there are benches for people to sit. I accidently sat on one while waiting for the guys, and noticed that the other males just slowly stood up and walked away. Then later I realized that I was not sitting on a "Ladies Only" bench. I was in breach of the male personal space and they had to move away. Interesting how two identical benches have different standards as to who should sit there.
Also, I have recently been hanging out with Nura, an Omani girl that works in my office. She is spunky, fun, and funny. We definitely get along and always leave each other's company with a belly ache from the laughing. She invited me to go play soccer with her. I arrived at a fairly barren field where the girls (Brits, Japanese, Egyptian, and Omani) were coached by a former national team player to have fun and play soccer. It was amazing to play with girls here, some of whom were crazy and still had their head covering on and had their elbows and knees covered. Yet, we sadly had to leave the practice early due to the fact that the guys wanted to use the field and they had priority. On one hand I was greatly impressed that the government set out to allow girls to play for free while being trained by a coach (he gets paid by gov't), yet also why did we have to leave if we are the ones that are always on the field between 6-8.
Then today, the club...
Early in the week we received our fourth trainee, Mikael from Finland. To honor the fact that there are now a total of four trainees we got a large group of people together to go to a traditional Omani restaurant (although we opted for the Yemenese food). The group ended up being the 9 AIESECers and trainees as well as member of the local AIESEC committee and their friends. The group was around 20 people at end count. We all sat on the floor swallowing the delicious soup, hummus, honey bread, and all the other dishes that were set before us. The main course was served on 3 enormous plates, piled high with rice, chicken, lamb, and beef. The main task of the meal was to accomplish eating the pile of food with only your right hand. I somehow managed to get part of the technique down after it was taught to me. At the end of the meal your hands are sticky, dirty, and disgusting. Naturally everyone slowly made their way to the bathroom area with large communal sinks standing outside of the bathrooms so as to wash hands. I went alone to the bathroom and had an employee point to me the stairs that I had to take so as to get to the female bathroom. I walked up to see a tiny bathroom where the water wasn't working. I came back down and decided to just wash my hands next to the other guys. What was the big deal, we all had different sinks and we were just standing next together. Aparantely I was wrong, and ended up having a guy from the dinner stand next to me so as to imply that we are together. Had he not been there, I would have been highly discouraged from using the sink and probably had gone completely against the cultural norms. All of this started to make me think about women here in Oman. I sat back and drank my sumptuous clove and mint tea and thought...
Coming to Oman I expected there to be many restrictions and rules placed on women. I thought that I would have to wear an abaya and somehow manage being treated like a second class citizen. When I arrived I was impressed at how Westernized and modern the treatment of females is. Not only are they allowed everywhere and allowed to do everything, but they can also sometimes choose not to wear an abaya. Now that I've been here for two weeks I feel like I'm starting to slowly see the truth. The westernized treatment of females is a reality for westerners but just a facade for the Omani women. Behind everything there are still firm traditions and rules that govern the land. This past week I had the opportunity to explore the city with two local guys, play on a female soccer team, and go to a female night club.
Ghassan and his friend, Adham, invited John and I to see their favorite parts of Muscat this past Friday. They drove us around showing the best cliffs to dive from, the most expensive houses, and the luxurious hotels. It was interesting though that in the mall is where I had the largest cultural experience. Within the mall there are benches for people to sit. I accidently sat on one while waiting for the guys, and noticed that the other males just slowly stood up and walked away. Then later I realized that I was not sitting on a "Ladies Only" bench. I was in breach of the male personal space and they had to move away. Interesting how two identical benches have different standards as to who should sit there.
Also, I have recently been hanging out with Nura, an Omani girl that works in my office. She is spunky, fun, and funny. We definitely get along and always leave each other's company with a belly ache from the laughing. She invited me to go play soccer with her. I arrived at a fairly barren field where the girls (Brits, Japanese, Egyptian, and Omani) were coached by a former national team player to have fun and play soccer. It was amazing to play with girls here, some of whom were crazy and still had their head covering on and had their elbows and knees covered. Yet, we sadly had to leave the practice early due to the fact that the guys wanted to use the field and they had priority. On one hand I was greatly impressed that the government set out to allow girls to play for free while being trained by a coach (he gets paid by gov't), yet also why did we have to leave if we are the ones that are always on the field between 6-8.
Then today, the club...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)