Jane's 9th birthday trip to Muscat with Mom

We started a fun tradition two years ago when Regan turned 9 - you get a weekend away with just mom.  Now it was Jane's turn.  We had to go about a month late due to calendar challanges but we still managed to keep it a surprise and spring it on Jane the day before (so she could tell her friends/ teacher at school since she was going to miss a 1/2 day).

Early on a Friday morning, Jane and I got out the door before many were stirring and headed to the airport.  Muscat (in Oman) is a short 1 hour flight away and it was a clear day with nice views of the rocky mountains that distinguish Oman from the UAE.

Our family spent five or so days in Oman a few years ago so we didn't have much of an agenda to sight see a whole lot - this weekend was mainly about Jane and I getting some good time together.  The main adventure on our agenda was to go out on a boat and see the dolphins.  We went out two years ago but didn't see any dolphins (the only people I've heard of where that has happened!).  Well, wouldn't you know it that the day we had the trip planned (and the only morning that worked with our travel schedule), it was super windy and they cancelled all the trips due to rough seas.  Doh!  Jane handled the setback incredibly well.  We had also planned to hit the big Muscat festival that was going on during our weekend but heavy rains the day before we arrived canceled that as well.  It was clear, this was destined to be a quiet and relaxing couple of days!

Our first (successful) outing over the day and a half trip (it was a short one!) were to the traditional souk (market) they have.  It's a lovely souk that is mainly covered but still outdoors with lots of winding alleys.  Abu Dhabi was never really big enough long ago to have such a large and interesting souk so it's fun to visit other middle eastern cities that have them (Muscat and Doha both have lovely ones).  We were on a mission at the souk to find something with a dolphin on it to commemorate the dolphins in Oman that we keep missing!  Mission accomplished - we found three and one was a clear winner.  Jane managed to inadvertently negotiate the price down a little.  The souk (like the festival) was suffering from the rain.  Since Muscat is nestled up against the mountains, the rain comes rushing down and even though we were at the souk a couple of days after the rain, it was still like a small creek rushing through it.  It made the quest for our dolphin all the more adventurous.

Our second outing was to the relatively new Royal Opera House of Muscat (it was under construction when we were there in '10).  I had been wanting to go and was thrilled to see a family performance during our weekend there.  We were able to see the Afghan Youth Orchestra.  I think Jane was a little bored but I absolutely loved it.  I loved hearing the story about about how the Taliban banned music for nine years and all the instruments were destroyed and how many people worked very hard to get this orchestra up and running after conditions were more favorable.  They played traditional Afghan instruments as well as a more traditional orchestra.  I was so curious about all these young people and what their lives have been like.  The orchestra included both boys and girls from Afghanistan and several Omani youth musicians were also invited to perform in the traditional orchestra.  I think they travel all over the world - so definitely try to see them if they come your way.

The rest of our time was spent exploring, relaxing and eating at our hotel.   It was way too chilly our first afternoon to swim but it was warmer the next day.  We splashed at the beach a little and Jane ventured into the pool.  The hotel had a really wonderful playground that we hit at least three times over the two days.  It even had a "Flying Fox" which is a favorite playground element of the girls.  In fact, as we were walking towards the playground, we talked about how hotel playgrounds tended to be oriented towards younger kids so we didn't have high hopes on our way over.  We also talked about Flying Foxes (kind of like a zip line) and how the girls' school was one of the only playgrounds that had one.  We were excited to see the large playground and while Jane tackled the monkey bars, I spied the Flying Fox which really just made Jane's day.

Overall, a quick but still relaxing weekend and how lovely to spend that time with just Jane.  In the midst of our crazy schedule, it's hard to get time with just one kid at a time so I really treasure these weekends.  Jane was a great travel buddy and we both had a wonderful time.

In taxi on way to airport - big, stuffed Sydney is joining us!

Brrr - first afternoon there was breezy and cold (but check out those tourists in the background - they must be visiting from Europe and think this is warm!!!)

They  brought little kid appetizers (toasted pb&j and mozarella stick) to each kid before their meal arrived.  Jane felt very special and pampered!

Beautiful beach and mountains

Climbing wall

Monkey bars

Yippee - the Flying Fox!

Beautiful fragrant flowers everywhere

Check out that sunset behind Jane

We thought they were setting up for a wedding reception - but it was a Valentine's dinner.  I didn't get to celebrate with *my* Valentine but weekend away with Jane was a good substitute!

Ahhhhhh - this is the life!

Sunset the 2nd night

At the souk on a quest for a dolphin

Muscat Corniche with harbor behind - that big boat is Sultan Qaboos' yacht.  Everyone seems to love Qaboos there. 

Doing one of my favorite things with Jane

They brought flowers for my little Valentine

Splashing in the ocean

Royal Opera House of Muscat

The interior of the opera house where we saw the Afghan Youth Orchestra

We hit the buffet our 2nd night.  Jane definitely loaded up for dessert.

Chocolate fountain!

Good-bye Al Bustan Palace