Notables about Oman

So, there are a few things I have noted about Oman over the past several days that might help paint a better picture of what day-to-day life is like here (not necessarily in order of importance):
1. Pastries -
Whether it's the influence of other cultures or not, people aren't afraid to stuff things in delicious, crispy, warm pastries here. You name it, you can get it in pastry - fruit, nuts, meat and beans, and, my fave to date, spinach and goat cheese.
2. Coffee -
The coffee here is delicious. It is a far cry from anything we had in Honduras. People mostly drink espressos and cappuccinos (which come dusted with a light bit of chocolate -mmmm). And, unless you go to Starbucks or another chain, it is not common for coffee to come in a "to go" cup. This is because people typically sit around with their friends and enjoy their coffee (rather than running off with it) - often along with a cigarette or a smoke from the shisha. (A shisha is a hookah that Omanis smoke fruit flavors or tobacco out of). A lot of times people enjoy coffee and a smoke during their lunch break, which can be quite long. Omani companies (not the ones Brian and I are working for) often work what they call a "split shift," which means they work for 5 hours in the morning, take a 3 hour lunch break, and return for 3 or more hours in the evening. How awesome is that?!? I think we need to adopt this schedule back home. Think of all we could do in 3 hours...workout, walk the dog, take a nap, knit, whatever. That would be pretty nice.
3. Breakfast -
Anything goes. Hummus and olives, cereal, eggs, pastries...all served with a delicious cup of coffee, of course.
4. Holidays -
There are several public holidays that are celebrated on the same date each year. However, some holidays are based on the sighting of the moon, rather than fixed dates; therefore, some holidays may be confirmed less than 24 hours in advance…kind of like a surprise holiday!
5. Dress Code –
Most Omanis wear traditional dress during work/social times. Men wear ankle length gowns with long sleeves, typically in white (called a dishdasha) and a brimless embroidered hat (kumah) or a square of cotton wrapped around the head (muzzar). Women wear colorful loose trousers and tunics and a “lihaf” that covers the head and shoulders. In public, women often cover their normal clothes with a full-length, flowy, black cloak dress (abaya). Expats can wear whatever they want; however, out of respect for the local culture, people may dress more conservatively than they do at home. For example, women may wear shorts to the knee cap and t-shirts. However, when we visited beaches last weekend, people were in bikinis and speedos all over the place.
6. Food –
Every kind of cuisine can be found in Oman. Turkish, greek, and Omani food is delicious and we have also found decent Mexican and Italian food in the past week. All kinds of worldly spices are sold in the souqs at great prices, including cloves, pungent curry, and beautiful saffron.
7. Religion –
Because Oman is an Islamic country, you can often hear the calls to prayer while going about your daily activities. It’s amazing because you will be in the middle of this large, busy city and hear these beautiful melodic tones emanating from the mosques. It’s amazingly calming and wonderful. Expats can also find and attend other churches as they please.

All that said, these are observations made from several jaunts around the city and to local towns while being based out of a hotel. We are looking forward to getting into our own place and sharing more experiences after we are settled in Oman!