I bless the rains down in Africa

Matt went on an exciting trip to Rabat, Morocco in Africa.

Storks were everywhere.

Discovering Oman

Going on a 4 day school field trip past Nizwa with a bunch of 6th graders. They sang Barbara Streisand all 4 days. I guess it could have been worse.

Misfat al abrein was a hike through the town, up the mountains following a falaj until we found the natural spring waters.

The falaj runs through the town. The sink above has the falaj running behind it to get cool water. Next to the sink were two stalls for the "shower". They had a system that would warm up 5 gallons of water to bathe.

There were many towers around the village. People still occupy them to this day. Each family in the village is responsible for having certain towers covered. The villagers told us they were still used to monitor water usage per family (each family and families animals have a certain time to be at the watering hole), incoming sand storms and communicating with the village if needed.

Here are two Omani boys bathing in the falaj.

The villagers also stated they could not tear down the town but are only able to build on top of the old buildings. The ground level building are empty but the stairs lead to more "modern" accommodations.

A side view of the town build on a cantering hill.

Omani Heritage Center facinated the children with stories of traditions, flying carpets and magic genes. (yes, genes not genies. I guess thats Omani)

How to make a goat carpet demonstration.

A little palm weaving exhibit.

To keep up to code, they installed a fire extinguisher but please don't annoy!

An Omani cooking range.

Camping a few nights outback style. When there are no trees around, the potty situation can get creative. Love the bucket of sand to fill the hole as needed.

Birkat al Mouz is a small village meandering up the side of a small mountain. Most of the area is abandoned but a few residents still reside in the ruins.

Wandering up the streets you find fallen walls and floors. In several rooms you may find a woven baby basket or Karan.

Fascinating to see that most walls had shelving build in. We were even able to see man-made holes in rooms to keep storage items.

A few rooms were decorated with a red, blue or green color.

Everyone really wants to see the public toilets. You actually crouch through a tunnel to the falaj. They had separate entrances for men and women.

Tanuf was one of my favorite stops. This is the falaj leading towards the village. You can enter the holes on the side of the mountain to climb up the stairs.

On the top of the hill in Tanuf, there is a graveyard and a 20 foot cave entrance.

Wadi Ghul entrance

The villagers have moved to higher ground but still come back to tend the farms.

Bait Safa has been inhabited by the same family for over 400 years.

The family welcome you in their humble home. They make fresh Omani bread, coffee and serve us ginger tea and dates.

They roast the coffee before grinding with a stick, filter and serve.

This is the top of the roof on Bait Safa.

Local herders taking their sheep to the watering hole.

We were shown an area where there are old carvings in rocks. This is where some of the "genes" stories came from. The above rock has a man holding a child's hand engraved into the stone.

Al Hoota area - The rock formations were fantastic.

Enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Our Omani guides

Nizwa Fort

Nizwa fort is a convenient centre from which to explore the Interior of Oman with many fascinating forts, wadis, mountains and the desert, all within easy reach. The fort itself has a great history and the souk is right around the corner.

Traveling to unknown areas, you need to know all the bathroom signs when entering. You would hate to enter in the wrong stall.

Women on left

Man on Right