Spring Break in Oman Part 2

We also decided to do a snorkeling/dolphin cruise.  We saw quite a few dolphins but the snorkeling wasn't great.  The sea was very cloudy and when you focused your eyes you realized it was baby jellyfish!  We are also really spoiled from snorkeling in the Red Sea.  I am not sure if we can ever beat the snorkeling we get here. 

Hard to photograph!

Can you see the lion head?  The geology here is amazing!

Since Carter's learning to sail experience he has decided that he doesn't like boats.  Silly kid!

 

When visiting Europe we spend time looking at churches and when you explore the Middle East one spends time looking at Mosques.  The Mosque in Muscat was amazing!  The Sultan had it built as a gift to the Omani people.  When visiting a Mosque men should wear pants and women should cover their heads, arms, and legs.  We had a great time on this adventure.

 

 

This is the largest single piece of carpet in the world.  It took 600 people and 4 years to make it by hand.  It came from Iran.

 

So, our adventure was successful!  We would like to go back to Oman for some camping, cliff jumping, and turtle watching.  Here are some random photos to end our wonderful vacation.  Thank you Grandma Johnson for building memories with us!

 

 

 It is 5:00 somewhere!

 





Spring Break In Oman Part 1

Bryan's mom was with us for Spring break and we wanted to explore the Middle East a little bit more, so we decided to take an adventure to Oman.  Oman is a country on the south border of Saudi Arabia.  It is bordered by Yemen on the west and United Arab Emirates on the East. Across the Arabian Sea is Iran.  Oman is a country that usually remains out of the conflicts happening the Middle East.  It is fascinating how this country remains at peace.  Some call it "The Switzerland of the Middle East." We loved Muscat Oman!  It was so clean, the people were so friendly, and their are so many adventures yet to discover. 

It is important for us to have a relaxing spring break since working here is long, busy, and can be intense.  No more power spring break vacations for the Johnsons.  We will leave that for the Fall, Winter and Summer breaks.  We enjoyed our hotel pool, beach and one outing a day.  It was perfect!

We logged several hours a day in the pool.

 

We also logged several hours in the Arabian Sea!  I can't believe I can say we have swam in the Arabian Sea.  I constantly have to pinch myself to see if I am dreaming these days!

 

 

The first thing on our list whenever we visit a country is to find the local market.  This gives you a sense of what the country is about.  It is always a cultural experience and if you are willing to explore and be adventurous you can find some pretty cool stuff.  This is probably my favorite outing we did.  We went two times.

 

Markets in the Middle East are called Souqs.  This Souq was the cleanest we have see so far.  Much cleaner than our market in Seattle!

Do you know how many deals you can get when you dress your kids in the National dress?

Dressing them in the National Soccer Uniform is also a good technique to getting deals and help when needed.


(This ends part 1 of Oman.  I don't think my blog wants we to add anymore photos!  Grrrr)