Pixels For Four

An expat friend once told me, if you want to explore a place deeply, go to its markets, or souq in Arabic. In markets, you will find the heartbeat of the community that lives there. And I was reminded of that when I went to Oman last November. On the landing page of my search for the list of top things to do in Muscat is a visit to Muttrah Souq suggestions. *Al Dhalam (Darkness in Arabic) Souq is the local name for the Muttrah Souq. It has been named after darkness because of the crowded stalls and lanes where the sunrays do not infiltrate during the day and the shoppers needed lamps to know their destinations. As one of the Arab nations' oldest souqs, Muttrah Souq plays an important role in the preservation and presentation of time-treasured customs and history. You will see khanjars (daggers), vases and jars, kuma  (Omani headgears), sandals, and even frankincense, myrrh, and gold. If you check out my Instagram posts, you will read bits of my experiences there. The time I...

It's 2017! Happy New Year to us all! More than a month has passed since I came back from Oman when I attended the momentous launch of  Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront . It was one of my most unforgettable moments as an expat here in the Middle East. It's one thing that doesn't happen every day. And until now, the experience hasn't left me. I still cannot believe I went there alone. Or that I was able to interact with strangers who turned out to be some of the friendliest people I know. I wanted to post the other places I've been to after the launch, but I decided it would be best to present my experience and the places chronologically — except for the Plaza Premium Lounge in Muscat International Airport — which I will tell you about on my last post about Oman.

The Port Sultan Qaboos area in Muttrah Friends and loved ones know me for two things: my passion for travel and my eye for beauty. Sandwiched between them is that love to share with others these two things. When I received an invitation to the launching of Phase One of Mina al Sultan Qaboos (MSQ) Waterfront  in Oman, these three things went berserk. Although the idea of me going to another country for a short period of time, without my family, and with strangers waiting for me there seemed surreal, I rejoiced in the idea that this won't happen if it's not meant to.

Being a graphic designer, I love fashion. I love anything that touches on color, variety and beauty. I'm always inclined to check what's in and what's new. But believe it or not, I don't patronize it. I mean, I don't buy clothes just because they're on trend. I don't put on this lipstick color even if it looks good on others. I just love looking at vogue dresses, make up and accessories. That's why I love going to exhibits focusing on beauty and lifestyle. So when the company I'm working at participated in the Saudi Women Show 2016, I grabbed the chance and headed on to Four Seasons Hotel where it was held. I thought it's all about fashion but it showcased clothes, jewelries and more. It highlighted almost everything a woman is concerned about: beauty, health, food, business, tourism, hobby, etc. The Kingdom Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel. Many Saudi women attended the event. I am so clueless how much is the entrance fee for this e...