After weeks staying in shared accommodation with 2 other teachers, we have finally found our own place to live.
We chose an area called Madinat Al-Sulatan Qaboos (M.Q.) because Muscat is a large city spread out along the coast and M.Q. is pretty much the only area that you have shops, restaurants etc within walking distance so it's perfect for us as we're not driving and were spending a fortune on taxis. We've got a supermarket that annoyingly stocks Waitrose products so even away from Kensington I still have to shop there and more importantly a licenced Mexican restaurant that feels a little bit like a strip club in the sense that all of windows are boarded shut so that nobody can see the debauchery that's going on inside (namely an Indian band playing soft rock covers and people drinking cocktails while munching on nachos)
We live about 5 minutes walk from the main plaza with the aforementioned establishments and it's very peaceful and relaxed. There is a lot of welcome shade provided by trees and the colourful plants and flowers provide a pleasant contrast to the desert surroundings of our old place. The whole area was designed by the British in the 60's/70's and is mainly home to European and Indian expats. We found an old building that looks quite quirky from the outside although not as appealing as some of the surrounding villas! However inside there is lots of charm including a big wooden door to lead you into our flat which is much more modern and cleaner than some of the other places we saw.
Inside we have 2 bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, living room and a balcony with great views of the mountains that trap Muscat between themselves and the ocean. The ocean itself is not too far away, maybe a 20 minute walk or a quick taxi. Also, there's access to the roof via an old wooden ladder that will be great for sunbathing, exercising or barbeques once the weather cools down a little bit. (in about a month or so we're told)
Due to having to pay 3 months rent in advance we're basically camping at the moment, sleeping on an airbed and cooking on an electric hob we bought for 5 OMR (about £7.50) but not to worry, today we ordered a mattress, fridge and washing machine and a few days ago we managed to acquire a cooker from a friend who's moving to Abu-Dhabi so normal life will resume soon!
I was going to take some photos today to put them up here but it rained for the first time since we've been here. It was very dramatic with thunder and lightning right on top of us but didn't lend to good photos so I'll take them tomorrow when the weathers back to its usual beautiful, sunny self. Until then, we hope you're all well and look forward to hosting those of you planning to visit us in our new home.
