Some of you may or may not know but I lived in Oman as a
child briefly in the early 80’s. My memories
are more of short photograph memories but I still hold on to them and when I sit
with the family and we reminisce about growing up we are reminded of our short
2 year stay in Muscat. Here are some of
those memories.
1. Being dragged to the Muttrah souk by my parents
to buy material, or get something fixed.
As a kid I hated it. Walking
those tight alley ways, all the smells, the noise etc but as an adult I’ve embraced
all of that and wish I could have told my 8 year self to suck it up and enjoy
it. I walked the corniche as a child
with an ice cream my parents were probably having those conversations we have
today where we are admiring the buildings and imaging the stories they could
tell. If only!
2. Going shopping at what is now CCC centre to Al
Fair supermarket – in those days it was all sand parking and bumpy. My video
shop was also there called ‘voice and view’ - BEST copy video EVER! Today its a
buzzing spot on the weekend of eateries but when I got there I do close my eyes
and remember.
3. The Corniche Fish market. Gosh I loved the Corniche fish
market. Dad used to take us early in the
morning to get king fish and prawns to go the barbecue that afternoon. While I lived in Oman as an adult I loved
visiting the one at Seeb. I would stand and watch the bartering on the large
marlins or watch the guys discuss the catch of the day. 'Andak' fish was my
favourite buy; such a great fish for a fish curry. If you haven’t tried that fish, I’d recommend
it. Its a large red grouper fish. It’s really meaty with great texture.
4. Princess Restaurant in Al Khuwair. We had a take away from there every Friday. It was the best food ever and time always
went soooo slowly on Friday only because I wanted to get take away.
5. The Airport seemed so far away and yet today its
only up the road. Weird how your mind remember things.
6. The donuts from the bakery at the
Intercontinental Hotel. Every Thursday Dad
would go and get the donut box. My love
of donuts lived and died in Oman. I don’t
like donuts anymore but every time I see a donuts I think of Oman.
7. I remember the obsessive car cleaning syndrome
my parents had. My parents were never
ones to be getting fines and so they became Obsessive Car Cleaners. I’m sure we
had the most polished cars on the street.
8. The Saab showroom what is now where Ferrari is today
on the road up to Madinat Qaboos. I fell in love with those cars and vowed I’d
own one when I grew up. I never have
done as it happens but that was my car choice and probably where my car
obsession also started.
9. Oh the funniest memory was doing Guy folks night
at The British School – MQ. (When I was
there it was Muscat English Speaking School) Down on the sports pitch we created a massive bonfire where the whole school turned up
to watch. BUT sadly it didn't last, the
fire brigade came along and promptly put it out. The Headmaster at the time Mr. Jones wasn't best pleased and his paperwork didn't count for anything. Wonder what Mr. Jones would say about that
now? It’s a funny memory.
10. The Express way which when I was there was a
dangerous curvy road to take particularly at night because there was no lights. Thankfully they improved that road and made
things better.
So those are my short memories. There are many more but I wanted to just
share 10 of mine and see if any of you can relate to any of these. Do you have childhood memories of Oman?
