January 2013 ~ NA/ME Explores OMAN!

[Dienia B.]

i made and reviewed Banana Cake-Omani Style (With Variations) 493594
Omani Hibiscus Tea 492860

[Elmotoo]

YAY we went from 5 to 44 recipes in the Omani cookbook!! Are there any more to add?

Discussion for the last week or so of the month is FOOD....what is a typical meal like in Oman?

Have a great day & stay warm!

Beth

[Dienia B.]

[Elmotoo]

making Annacia's Djaj Fouq El-Eish, a Chicken Dish from Oman tonight!

Does anyone have more recipes to submit?

[Dienia B.]

i will look for veggie recipes

[Mia in Germany]

I'm sorry that I'm so short in time - I just don't manage posting more recipes at the moment. But maybe someone does find something here:

http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Omani_Recipes

http://oumabdulaziz.arabblogs.com/kitchen.htm

http://howtolivelikeanomaniprincess.blogspot.de/2012/04/recipe-guide-for-hot-drinks-served-in.html

[Elmotoo]

Mia, never apologize - we can only do what we can & that is enough! Thank you!

[Mia in Germany]

My pleasure - thank you for doing this! I so enjoy popping in and learning about the NAME region and cooking this great stuff

[Elmotoo]

Mia in Germany wrote:
My pleasure - thank you for doing this! I so enjoy popping in and learning about the NAME region and cooking this great stuff

Thank you! Did you see this: FEBRUARY 2013 SUN & SPICE EVENT with VEGETARIAN FORUM!?

[Mia in Germany]

Yes, thanks! Annacia sent me a zmail I'm in, a girl has to cook, after all, hasn't she?

[Elmotoo]

Mia in Germany wrote:
Yes, thanks! Annacia sent me a zmail I'm in, a girl has to cook, after all, hasn't she?

that's right - we all have to eat!

[Mia in Germany]

[Dienia B.]

Visiting Oman

Oman is a stunning country to visit with mountain ranges, wadis, desert and the sea. We can offer you a day trip, simple overnight stay combined with a stay in a Muscat or Salalah hotel or a longer itinerary exploring the country. Oman is such a great country to visit we do encourage people to see as much as their time and budget will allow, whilst still ensuring they are not travelling all the time and can relax and enjoy the intoxicating scenery and interesting environment. Why not consider one of our scheduled departure options, or contact us to discuss something specifically tailored to you?

Oman has emerged from its hermit shell, revealing a land of friendly people and dramatic landscapes dotted with oasis’s, forts and palaces that inspire exploration.

The legendary home of Sinbad the Sailor, Oman retains its ancient atmosphere, coupled with luxurious hotels, striking beaches and fascinating markets. Be sure to wander the winding corridors of Muttrah Souq – the oldest market in the capital Muscat, or marvel at the surprising tropical greenery of Salalah, the largest city in the south of Oman.
Country Information

Time Zone:
GMT + 4

Measurement:
Metric

Capital:
Muscat

Government:
Monarchy with a provisional legislature (the Majlis Ash Shura)

Head of State:
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said

Major industries:
Oil, natural gas, agriculture, fishing and tourism

Ruling body:
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said is Head of State and rules by decree. He is assisted by a cabinet of ministers, Diwan of the Royal Court (the central body of bureaucratic affairs), and the Majlis Ash Shura, a body of representatives elected by the populace.

Population:
Approximately 2 million. Approximately 1.5 million are Omani nationals. The remaining are expatriates from India, Asia, other Arab countries, Europe and USA.

Area:
The Sultanate encompasses an area of 300,000 sq kms.

Airport:
Seeb International Airport, located 40km from Muscat, serves many international airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Swiss Air and Emirates. The national carrier is Oman Air, which flies to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, and Sri Lanka as well as performing domestic flights to Salalah, Masirah Island and Musandam.

Climate:
The country's climate is predominantly arid and varies slightly from one region to another. In the coastal areas, the weather is hot and humid during the summer months, while it is dry elsewhere in the interior. Milder weather dominates the mountains and Dhofar region all the year round. Winter temperatures can be as low as 15°Celsius and summer temperatures can be as high as 46° Celsius in Muscat and as high as 50° in the desert. Dhofar, located in the southern region of the country however, enjoys a regular monsoon between June and October, every year.
Average Temperature in Oman (in Degree Celsius)
Summer Winter
Day Night Day Night
Muscat 41 °C 32 °C 25 °C 17 °C
Salalah 30 °C 28 °C 28 °C 20 °C

Best Time to Visit:
The best time of the year to visit Oman is between October and April, when the weather is pleasantly warm in the day and cool in the evening. Temperature averages at 25-35 degrees centigrade during the day, down to 17-19 degrees centigrade at night.

Religion:
Islam, predominantly Ibadhi sect.
Language: Official language is Arabic. Other languages spoken include Urdu, Swahili and Baluchi. English is widely spoken and along with Arabic is the common business language. Most hotel staff speak German and French as well.

Culture:
Like all the Arab countries, Arab Islamic Culture dominates the life style in the Sultanate. However, being a cosmopolitan country, people of other nationalities are also present.

National Dress:
Men - dishdasha (robe), Kimah (cap), mussar (turban)
Women - jallabia (dress), sirwall (trousers), thobe (overdress cloak), lahaf (head shawl), abaya (black cloak). Women generally leave their face and hands exposed, while in the desert, women of the Bedouin tribes wear a mask, called a "birqa."
Working Hours:

Ministries and government establishments:
0730 to 1430 (Saturday-Wednesday, week-end is Thursday and Friday)

Private sector companies:
0800 to 1300; 1600 to 1900 (Saturday-Wednesday) 0800 to 1300 on Thursdays.

Markets:
0800 to 1300, 1600 to 2100.

Banks:
0800 to 1200.

Ramadân.
Ramadân, the holy month of fasting, is the ninth month on the Arabic calendar (lunar). Every year Ramadân shifts back approximately ten days on the western calendar (solar). Independent restaurants and other eateries are closed during daylight hours during the Holy Ramadân period. Food is still available in most hotels. Alcohol is only available in hotel minibars.

Shopping hours:
Shopping establishments are open from 0900 to 1300 and 1600 to 2100. Department stores, supermarkets and shopping complexes are open throughout the day (including during Ramadân) from 0900 to 2200, with a short lunch break all through the week, except Fridays. These timings vary from shop to shop.

Dress
Like any Muslim country it is important to treat the local culture with respect and this is particularly important when it comes to how to dress. Strappy tops and short dresses should not be worn in public places and especially when visiting cultural places and more remote places shoulders, ankles and arms should be covered.

Alcohol
Alcohol should not be take in public places except for hotels and restaurants that carry a liquor license. Please contact us if you have any queries.

Emergency Numbers
Fire: 9999
Royal Oman Police: 24560099
Khoula Hospital: 24560455
Royal Hospital: 24599000

[Elmotoo]

wow, Dee, well done! You get an A+! xo Bethie

[Annacia]

Wow, I stopped getting any emails for this thread