Hi all….it’s been nearly 2 weeks since I updated so here goes.

Been a busy time with new staff arriving and lots of planning and meetings at school.  I am a little lucky in that the ICT staff has not changed so most of our forward planning is already in place.  I really need to give a big thank you to the ICT staff as our results have improved again (for the 5^th year) with 100% pass for the IGCSE students including 4 A* & 10 A’s. 

Had trouble with my car so had to rely on George again to get me around.  By the way just to cheer you all up I found out the cost of petrol here…..ready for this??  Regular unleaded, 114 Baisas per litre (about 19 pence).  Anyway had to get a new radiator and I am now back mobile again.  If anybody has any questions about the cost of living here I will be pleased to hear from you and will try to get any answers for you.

Here are a few more general prices.

For my 2 bedroom flat (remember I live alone) my electricity bill is around 11/12 Rials a month (about £20) and my water bill is around 4/5 Rials (about £8.50).  This changes very little throughout the year.

Transport: It’s easy to hire a car here (with a British licence allowing a minimum of 6 weeks driving) and depending on what you want are available from about 9 Rials a day (about £16).  Lots of teachers hire a car on a monthly basis and will get something like a Toyota Yaris for 150 Rials a month (about £255). 

Taxis are freely available and quite inexpensive compared to the UK but you should set your fare before you start your journey as meters are not commonly used.  You can get to most places in Muscat for no more than 5 Rials (£8.50) but most journeys cost no more than 2 or 3 Rials.  For a cheaper (and a bit fun) option there are the ‘Baisa Busses’.  These are minibus taxis and will normally get you to your destination for around 200/300 biasas, but be aware they will often go the long way around as other people will be sharing the bus with you.  When I first arrived in the country I got on a baisa bus to go to the Seeb City Centre shopping mall…had an hour tour of the city before I got dropped off, it was brilliant!! And only cost 200 Baisas!!.

Have started my exercise regime by (trying) to swim every afternoon after school.  Must admit have missed a few days due to tiredness and being a little ill but getting back into the swing of things.  Have taken some pictures of the scenery on the way into my village and also some pictures taken from the roof of my apartment block.

Click on the link to have a look.  https://picasaweb.google.com/106587406877358873052/ViewsLeadingIntoTheVillageAndFromOurRoofTop?noredirect=1#5915171675853447154