A parental visit

In the first week of October, Gideon’s parents came over for a first visit. Despite the still ongoing summer heat and the fact that we could not really provide them with a decent bed (we are still in transit accommodation), there was nothing that could stop them from getting a much needed shot of ‘Vitamin M’, as Grandpa put it. And with Matilda around, it indeed didn’t matter too much that some of the attractions and areas of Muscat were closed for a couple of days because the President of Kazachstan was visiting the country. We had a good time in the swimming pool of the hotel in which Oscar and Liesbeth stayed, at the Club on the beach, and at home.

 

At the same time, our car was finally delivered and it came at the right moment for a visit to the mountains. Seeing that the car could easily transport four adults, a baby and the necessary luggage related to such a party, it can be concluded that our new vehicle is pretty BIG. It is a real joy to drive, too.

We spent two days at Jebel Akhdar (the Green Mountain). It is a large plateau at 2000m above sea level. Because of the cooler temperatures (it was 24 degrees instead of 38 in Muscat) and more annual rainfall, the area has some green vegetation, and fruit is grown throughout the year. Our visit was in the season of the pomegranates, and during our hikes we encountered many beautiful small-scale, terraced orchards with trees full of pomegranates.

 

We made a short hike through these terraced areas, hopping from village to village. The terraces are irrigated through the traditional falaj system, a system of water channels and mini aqueducts that are connected to natural springs.

 The views were magnificent!

We also paid a visit to Nizwa, the largest town in the ‘interior’ of Oman. It is home to Nizwa Fort, dating from the 17th century. It has a large tower which in former days was used to catch an eye on ‘the enemy’ (that could be any neighbouring clan or other invaders). Hot date syrup (!), canons and traps in the staircase were used to keep unwanted visitors out. To us, the fort tower just provided beautiful views of the oases surrounding the city, and the fort was an interesting labyrinth to discover.

Thanks Oscar and Liesbeth, for spending such a nice week together!