Classes were cancelled for Thursday our last day of the week. I’m sure you’re wondering why. Well the tropical storm Ashobaa will be hitting Muscat (the city where I will be living). The city will be in a state of emergency as a precaution. The last time a storm hit Muscat it DEVASTATED the city. The Dean of our college explained it could even be as bad as a Katrina situation or it could just be a little drizzle. The officials are not sure exactly how devastating the storm wi

Yesterday I had my first test. It was difficult. I believe I did well, but I would never say that it was easy. The Arabic language itself is very different from English. Personally to study I break it down into three categories. I learn how to pronounce it using phonics by writing the pronunciation in English, I learn how to write it Arabic, then learning what I means in English. Unlike languages such as Spanish and French you have to learn an entirely new alphabet! Also ther

Yesterday we went on another adventure. We went to the ancient cities of Nizwa and the ancient village of Misfat Al Abreyyin. The village has been inhabited for over 4,000 years! Not much has changed in these as you will see in the pictures, but that’s what makes these so unique. Nizwa was our first stop. It was once the capital of Oman.

So yesterday I did something completely outside of my comfort zone and not a typical Mallory thing. I climbed these huge rocks that hurt when you fall (trust me I know) to get this beautiful pool of water in the mouth of a cave. From the moment I got here everyone talked about wadi shab. These magical water caves where you can go spelunking (something I wanted to do as a child because the word sounded cool). When I heard water and spelunking I wanted to be signed up immediat

So Sunday I went to the Royal Opera House to see musical about Ibn Buttuta. He was an explorer from Morocco where he traveled to China, North and West Africa, South Central, and Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. I suggest reading a little bit about him. He was an interesting man.

Like promised this post is about the Q and A from our tour of the mosque. Our guide was more than happy to answer any questions we had about Islam, Oman, or anything else we wanted to know. At the very beginning she introduced us to her friend who she very proud explained was a female engineer. She attended University and received her bachelor degree then masters in the UK. She then came back home to Oman and now works as an engineer with men. She gets paid just as much as t

Today was another wonderful day. Today we visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Using the word grand doesn’t give this beautiful place justice. Besides being so large it was also extremely beautiful. The grand mosque had beautiful architecture, stained glass windows, and carpets. Parts of the building came from all over world. Places like Iran and India. Our tour guide joked that even the tvs aren’t Omani and were made in the China. The only Omani product were the stain gla

Today was by far the best day I have had since visiting Oman. My group, also known as Squad, went dolphin watching and snorkeling in the Arabian Sea which feeds into the Indian Ocean so basically the Indian Ocean. And it was magical. We shared the boat with two other families, but they didn’t seem to mind the loud American young adults.

Yesterday was our first Omani cultural lesson. It was very interesting and informative. We learned about traditional Omani قهوة (coffee). For this lesson the leaders separated the men and women. Women were taught downstairs while the men were taught upstairs. We were told to sit around a mat as a professors demonstrated.

So I’ve been in class for four days now. I’ve been asked a few questions about the Academic side of this Study abroad trip. The “main” reason while I’m here. Classes are offered Sunday- Thursday. Fridays- Saturdays are considered the weekend. I have been taking intensive Arabic classes from 8:30- 1:10.

Well it’s been about four days here in this beautiful city. It’s a great, wonderful place. Very hot, but great. The first day was mainly touring and the other three we class. I will be noting a few observations here:

The first full day is really where the adventure begins. I was able to get to know my flat mates better, and I am blessed to be with some amazing ladies. One of them actually attends school with me and it was a pleasant surprise to see a familiar face and the other two attend universities in the states as well. My group is small compared to the other groups that are here to study at the university, but I do like them.

I have finally gotten time to write. It has been my second day here in Muscat, Oman. My first day was absolutely wonderful. I spent so much time on the plane that finally stepping off was wonderful.

For those who don’t know I am going Muscat, Oman!!!!! Originally I was going to go to Morocco, but due to internal issues within the program my trip there was cancelled and I was given this awesome to go to Oman. Either way I know my steps are ordered by the Lord.For those who don’t know I am going Muscat, Oman!!!!! Originally I was going to go to Morocco, but due to internal issues within the program my trip there was cancelled and I was given this awesome to go to Oman. Eit

The first country I will visiting the sultanate of Oman. It is located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, to the east of Yemen and south of Saudi Arabia. The national language of the Omani people is Arabic and the national religion is Islam.

Traveling on a budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice adventure or culture. In fact, some of the most enriching experiences can be found in destinations that are easy on the wallet. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, here are five budget-friendly travel destinations that promise unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank. Eye-level view of a scenic beach with clear blue water 1. Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon is a vibrant city that offers a r

Traveling is more than just visiting new places; it’s about the stories we gather along the way. Each journey brings unique experiences, and often, the most memorable moments come from the interactions we have with others. In this post, I will share some of my favorite travel stories, enriched by inspiring comments from readers who have shared their own adventures. The Magic of Unexpected Encounters One of the most beautiful aspects of travel is the unexpected encounters that

Traveling is not just about visiting popular tourist spots; it's about discovering the hidden gems that make each destination unique. For adventurers seeking authentic experiences, exploring lesser-known locations can lead to unforgettable memories. This guide will provide you with practical tips and insights to help you uncover these hidden treasures on your next journey. Eye-level view of a serene mountain lake surrounded by lush greenery Understanding the Allure of Hidden