It's been more than a year since my first visit to Oman. I was blessed to have been invited to the launch of Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront.
I've told you what I did there here and where I went while I was there. But I remember I haven't told you how I got invited. For those who have been asking me about this invitation and for the sake of archiving this adventure, I will discuss it here.
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HOW I GOT INVITED
I honestly don't know. It's just that one day, I received an email from a PR agency in Oman asking media staff to attend the launch of MSQ Waterfront. I ignored it, thinking it was a spam. But after two days, while I was cleaning my emails, I saw it again and I thought of confirming if it was a legit invitation.
So I replied to the email and asked, "Are you sure it's alright to come? I'm just a blogger." Mahmoud, the Omani PR staff who sent the email said, "It's alright. You may come." He asked for my KSA mobile number and we then communicated thru Whatsapp. They arranged all the travel documents including Oman visa, plane tickets, and hotel bookings. I applied for an exit re-entry visa here in Saudi Arabia. And the rest is history.
After the launch, while waiting for the driver to bring us to the airport, I had the chance to ask Mahmoud how he got my email address. Turned out, they hired the services of a company which provides a database of media companies. So, that's how.
HOW MY EMAIL ADDRESS GOT TO THAT COMPANY'S DATABASE
I am so clueless until now. Mahmoud didn't mention the name of the company and I don't remember signing up or filling up an application form to be included in any media database.
Or maybe, when I subscribed to a blog or a travel website's newsletter, the owner of that site shared my email address with that database company. Maybe, when I entered my email address, I didn't read the Terms and Conditions of that site which may have stated that they may/may not share my email address to any of their affiliates.
I guess that's what happened. I guess, that's what REALLY happened.
DID I DESERVE THE INVITATION?
No, I didn't! My blog is not popular. It's honest - I only post things that REALLY happened during my travel or stay on a certain place - but still, my blog is not popular. I don't have a thousand followers on Instagram and my individual posts' likes do not even reach a hundred, except for one which wasn't even about travel! My blog doesn't have a Facebook or Twitter account. The posts are sporadic. What's written on my Instagram profile – that I am a blogger by passion – is so untrue. My job as a graphic designer here in Saudi Arabia and my tasks at home prevent me from updating this blog as often as I want. (I guess, I have to update that profile soon!)
I wanted to tell the PR company that I do not deserve to get invited. I strongly believe that there are more blog owners out there who should have been invited. They are passionate enough to post weekly and their social media followers are in thousands! I was on the verge of telling the PR company that I am a passive blogger and that I'm not a social media enthusiast. But, I didn't. I only told them after the event. I made up by posting about it here and in my Facebook and Instagram accounts. They said they're okay with that.
Anyway, I think I explained it well enough. Let's move on to what really mattered.
HOW I MANAGED MY FIRST MEDIA TRIP ABROAD?
Haha. Until now, I didn't know how I handled it. Let's just say, I just enjoyed the experience. And when you enjoy something, it shows. I may have appeared anxious and felt awkward in front of those media personalities but I shrugged the feeling off and just enjoyed the moment. I just thought that that could be our first and last meeting. They have their assignment, I have mine.
So what did I do in Muscat for two days?
Waited at the Plaza Premium Lounge in Muscat International Airport. My first time. I can't afford this.
Dined at a restaurant inside The Chedi Muscat, a five-star luxury hotel. I forgot what I ate for dinner there. I only remembered its elegant ambiance.
Attended a press conference at Oman Convention and Exhibition Center, a state-of-the-art exhibition center.
Had lunch at S&H Chocolate Lounge.
Sneaked in Qurum Beach. The driver was so accommodating that instead of bringing us back to the hotel after our lunch in S&H Chocolate Lounge, he brought us here! So thankful!
Shopped for souvenirs at the Muttrah Souq.
Stayed at Intercontinental Muscat.
Visited the Sultan Qaboos Mosque.
Enjoyed the view in Muttrah Corniche.
Checked out the Al Alam Palace and Old Muscat.
One important tip: if you start your trip in the morning, go to the Royal Opera House first. I wasn't able to go there on my second day because I thought of visiting it last because it's near Intercontinental Hotel where I stayed. But I found out later that it's only open for a few hours daily.
So that's it. That's how my solo trip to Oman went. I could have visited more tourist spots in Muscat have I not attended the event on the first day but no, I wouldn't trade any other agenda for that launch. I had a glimpse of Omani culture, their hospitality and their food!
I would love to go there again, but next time, I want to visit the southern part of it. Most friends recommend Salalah.
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