Muscat Christmas & New Year 2014-2015

Every afternoon, lateon, scores of locals appear to play football on the beach. Some teams are 5 a side, others 11 or more. Skill levels vary but most are pretty good and very enthusiastic. Friday and Saturday games are followed by picnics with the extended families getting involved. They clear up after themselves as well - we could learn from that in the UK.

25 December 2014.

After a superb Christmas Day lunch and Santa had given out the presents, it was time for a stroll on the deserted beach.

How's this for starters?

We had an enjoyable 2 hour drive out of Muscat to visit Oman's 'Grand Canyon'. En route we stopped at Al Hamra, which  lies at the foot of the Hajar Mountains. Al Hamra is one of Oman's oldest villages. People are building new houses there and thus many of the old mud brick houses on the upper slopes are abandoned and left empty. It has an eerie ghost town feel.

Wadi Ghul in Nakhar Canyon - otherwise known as Oman's Grand Canyon.
It isn't a mile deep or a mile wide but it is impressive nonetheless. It was marvellously quiet and  as we walked up the canyon. Although the temperature is high, the walking is not demanding and the 100oft cliffs provide plenty of shade. The wadi can be a torrent after the rains but today it is just a peaceful trickle. The shallow pools are teeming with small fish and birds flit about amongst the flowering shrubs. It is lovely and peaceful.

This near the top of Oman's highest mountain (the top is controlled by the military ) and one of the local recycling merchants at work.

Getting ready for the New Year's Eve bash.

Below: One of the less dramatic photos of the hotel - you can find the professional ones on the net. Grand Hyatt, Muscat? We loved it.

A New Year's Eve welcome before the champagne reception, dinner and great entertainment.

Wonderful food.