Well thought I’d better update the blog. Went to karate a week gone yesterday and really enjoyed it. The warm up is the best I have done for a long while and I felt really good afterwards (but I must admit a little tired as well). Was ok the next morning and got on with the job of teaching but come home time both my ankles had started to ache. On Tuesday I was feeling all the exercises and my arthritis in both my ankles was pretty bad (this has gone on all week now so missed Karate on Wednesday an last night).
News on opening a Ju-Jitsu club. I have been asked to trial a club at school as part of the extra curricular activities (which every teacher has to do 1 hour per week), been down to the gym and checked out the mats which are ok for now. Mr Iyad (He’s like a vice principal) has asked if he can join in as he has wanted to do Ju-Jitsu for a while (must keep him on my side!). So will be starting soon and see how it goes…..Paul get your Gi ready!
Started looking for a car as the girls have decided to buy their own, so keeping a look out for any good deals . Will let you know how I get on over the next few weeks. Still keeping the hire car on for now as you really need transport here.
Went to a bar b q on Wednesday. Was a good night but very humid, must have sweated buckets. Thursday morning went off to Marjan Beach again to do a bit more snorkelling. Donald and Rene (teacher from Port Elizabeth, South Africa) came along as well. Rene got talking to a couple of guys on the beach, turns out one was a teacher (Ernie) from South Africa and his friend was from Egypt (Fiasal) and runs a gym. When you look at the pictures I’ll let you decide who is who!
After that apart from shopping and resting my ankles, it’s been a pretty standard week, a bit like being at home but without the cold and rain and of course no pubs to go to at the minute. (Ramadan finishes a week come Wednesday).
Don’t forget to leave any comments for me or be brave and send me an email, love to hear from my friends and acquaintances.
Links to the photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/Lezmcg54/MarjanBeachAgain#
Monday, 22 September 2008
Sunday, 14 September 2008
Sunday 14th September Temp 34c
Another weekend over, thought I was going to have more to put on my blog but it wasn’t to be, just stayed in last night and chilled.
Anyway another week has gone by and everything is coming together, classes have been sorted out, syllabus checked and teaching has started in earnest.
Wednesday night we went to Mutrah Souk again (met Jonathan, Jessica and kids and took them along) and ended up in the port side café where we went before, again very cheap!
Had quite a busy time on Thursday, as around teatime went for a walk along the beach. Tide was on its way out and nearly every 30 yards or so had left a ‘blow’ fish on the beach. In fact the beach seemed to be littered with sea life. I’m sure some of you budding oceanographers and scuba divers can help me identify them, I’ve took a guess but I know you will put me right! Click on this link to see photographs.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Lezmcg54/OnTheSeaShore#
Well on the way back from the beach we decided to stop off at Cirt’s for a fruit juice and that’s when I got roped into playing cricket for the school! I mean ME playing cricket! I don’t know which way to hold the racket never mind the rules! Turned out to be a good night even though we got beat! So as you can see I am keeping up my exercise. Even signed up to play in a friendly tennis tournament!
Anyway Friday was chill out day and tidy up day, so nothing much to report.
Tonight I am going to join Karate, just for something to do! Still looking to open my own club here but waiting for the principle to get back to me on insurances etc.
Will let you know how I get on. Catch you all later!
Anyway another week has gone by and everything is coming together, classes have been sorted out, syllabus checked and teaching has started in earnest.
Wednesday night we went to Mutrah Souk again (met Jonathan, Jessica and kids and took them along) and ended up in the port side café where we went before, again very cheap!
Had quite a busy time on Thursday, as around teatime went for a walk along the beach. Tide was on its way out and nearly every 30 yards or so had left a ‘blow’ fish on the beach. In fact the beach seemed to be littered with sea life. I’m sure some of you budding oceanographers and scuba divers can help me identify them, I’ve took a guess but I know you will put me right! Click on this link to see photographs.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Lezmcg54/OnTheSeaShore#
Well on the way back from the beach we decided to stop off at Cirt’s for a fruit juice and that’s when I got roped into playing cricket for the school! I mean ME playing cricket! I don’t know which way to hold the racket never mind the rules! Turned out to be a good night even though we got beat! So as you can see I am keeping up my exercise. Even signed up to play in a friendly tennis tournament!
Anyway Friday was chill out day and tidy up day, so nothing much to report.
Tonight I am going to join Karate, just for something to do! Still looking to open my own club here but waiting for the principle to get back to me on insurances etc.
Will let you know how I get on. Catch you all later!
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Saturday September 6th Temp 38c
Well the weekend is over and its back to school. This isn’t bad as we are on reduced teaching hours because of Ramadan. We now start teaching at 8.50 and finish at 1.30 AND have 2 x 20 breaks! Heaven!
Well last Wednesday we went out to the Qurm shopping centre for a look around and of course to try out another restaurant. This time there was me and India, Cirst, Brian and Linda. Ended up in a restaurant called Automatic. Again a very nice meal and again very reasonable (about OMR 4).
Thursday the girls were going holiday shopping so I packed my snorkelling gear for a day out with Brian, Linda and Donald. Took them to Marjan Beach (Brian was driving) and we all had a good swim and general chill out. Was really hot, with clear skies and it was the first time I felt I needed the sun block! Used factor 50 and still got a little burnt on the face!. Weren’t out too long as we couldn’t really drink anything (or eat) due to Ramadan (it’s very bad manners to eat or drink in view of Muslims who are fasting between sunrise and sunset.)
That same night though we were booked at the Shangri La Restaurant. This is right on the outskirts of Muscat (Along the Bustan Road, near Jissah). This was a special buffet type meal for celebrating Ramadan, and as we are residents we were also able to claim a discount on the bill.
Friday I’m afraid was cleaning and washing day! The main cleaning chore is to get rid of all the sandy like dust that gets into the apartments. After that I just basically chilled out although I did a little studying (Thanks for the stuff Gill! Got any more?)
Oh by the way for anybody who may be thinking of coming out here to work, try and get an HSBC international account as there are branches here and you get one free transfer per month.
I think I mentioned that Oman seems to be one big building site, but it amazing how quickly things get finished. The major road link that they are building near my apartment is nearing completion and it looked a mess 3 weeks ago!
Click this link for another mixed load of photos. http://picasaweb.google.com/Lezmcg54/VariousPictures#
Well last Wednesday we went out to the Qurm shopping centre for a look around and of course to try out another restaurant. This time there was me and India, Cirst, Brian and Linda. Ended up in a restaurant called Automatic. Again a very nice meal and again very reasonable (about OMR 4).
Thursday the girls were going holiday shopping so I packed my snorkelling gear for a day out with Brian, Linda and Donald. Took them to Marjan Beach (Brian was driving) and we all had a good swim and general chill out. Was really hot, with clear skies and it was the first time I felt I needed the sun block! Used factor 50 and still got a little burnt on the face!. Weren’t out too long as we couldn’t really drink anything (or eat) due to Ramadan (it’s very bad manners to eat or drink in view of Muslims who are fasting between sunrise and sunset.)
That same night though we were booked at the Shangri La Restaurant. This is right on the outskirts of Muscat (Along the Bustan Road, near Jissah). This was a special buffet type meal for celebrating Ramadan, and as we are residents we were also able to claim a discount on the bill.
Friday I’m afraid was cleaning and washing day! The main cleaning chore is to get rid of all the sandy like dust that gets into the apartments. After that I just basically chilled out although I did a little studying (Thanks for the stuff Gill! Got any more?)
Oh by the way for anybody who may be thinking of coming out here to work, try and get an HSBC international account as there are branches here and you get one free transfer per month.
I think I mentioned that Oman seems to be one big building site, but it amazing how quickly things get finished. The major road link that they are building near my apartment is nearing completion and it looked a mess 3 weeks ago!
Click this link for another mixed load of photos. http://picasaweb.google.com/Lezmcg54/VariousPictures#
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