When we stayed miles and miles away from our loved ones, each second which we sat eyes on each other counted and meant a world to us!
For this year 2014, on the very first day at dawn of 01.01.14 - I started the day with a very big grin on my face with many words of Alhamdulillah to Allah SWT for the beautiful life I am leading with my loved ones! Amin. It has been years since we celebrated New Year together. Being a DS, I have a duty and responsiblilty to follow my better half to various posting places. Similarly, my kiddos have all grown up and they have responsibilities also especially to their jobs and some to their better halves since they too are married persons. So, it is not always easy to find a time that suits all persons. Yet, 2014 gives us a great beginning which we truly appreciate! My gratitude to Allah SWT for the opportunity for this blessed time together. We were delighted and fully utilized the opportunity with quality times together for bonding, togetherness and heart to heart talks.
Mr Right suggested that we took a half day trip to southern Muscat, a place called Nizwa. Although my kiddos had been there once with us in 2011, yet we thought it will be great to showcase the Old Capital of the Sultanate to our DiL who is a new member of R'Family. Also, we hoped to have luncheon with them in a breezy winter somewhere miles away from Muscat. We started our journey at 7.30am from home and headed towards Azaiba for Big Breakfast @Mc Donald's. After the hearty breakfast we took the high way and continued our journey to Nizwa. We saw many sign boards of smaller towns that branched out from the snake like route such as Fanja, Bid Bid, Semail and Izki before arriving in Nizwa at 9.45am. It was a fascinating view that we saw - the rugged baldy mountains and at some parts the valley with green palm trees surrounding the mostly squarish whitish homes.
When we reached Nizwa, we straight went to the souqs. Unfortunately, most of the goods were sold out for the early birds. Anyway, we managed to 'grab' some sweet potatoes for I decided to fry some and others as kueh keria. Wishful thinking Mussy! Insyallah in a day or two, there'll be kueh keria and keledek goreng in a platter :D
Then we took our own sweet time to stroll down the pavements and weave ourselves through the handicraft stalls and pretty soon arrived at the fort. At the entrance, we had to pay 500 baiza per person but I truly felt the excursion was indeed worth the money. It was an amazing fort with lots of historical perspectives and knowledge for visitors like me who wish to know more about Oman. While walking at the entrance, I quickly snapped some photos of the 'honeymooners' whom we escorted for remembrance and solid proof that they have been to Oman. And, nowadays with the popular snap shot selfie via mobile the process to taking pictures is simpler as compared to my time with Mr Right when we were newly married couple where we had to make do or rely on bulky cameras!
When we entered the magnificent fort, I read the history about its establishment. Among others it wrote that it had been built since 17th century AD during the time of Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Ya'rubi. Next to the fort was a castle or Al Husn which was built much earlier than the fort and originally constructed by Imam A'ssalt bin Malik Al Kharousi in 9th century AD. But the castle was renewed during the time of Imam Nasser bin Murshid Al Ya'rubi in 1624 AD. What I liked most about the castle was a section of well defined library and an accommodation for scholars. It truly showed that education was paramount to the people even in those days which was extremely enlightening to all seekers of knowledge! In another room, I saw a board which explicitly described "Oman was one of the first countries to answer the call to Islam." In fact, it was also clearly written on the board "Toward the end of his life, Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) sent a letter to Jaifar and Abd, the two royal brothers who together ruled Oman from Sohar ... The (Prophet's) letter which was similar to those sent to other great kings and emperors ... read (and translated verbatim as written on the board as follows):
"In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. Peace be upon those who follow the right guidance. I call thee for Islam. If you embrace Islam you will be safe and secure. I am the Messenger of Allah to all people, to warn all those alive that the case will be proved against the believers. If you embrace Islam, I will empower you to rule; and if not, your reign will be over and my horses will tread on your territories and my prophecy will supersede there." Based on the letter, the description on the board in the castle also described "... On the basis of the unanimous decision by the national council, the two royal brothers of Oman responsed to the Prophet's letter with the conviction of the great faith which they were to embrace whole heartedly, and the Prophet (Peace Be Upn Him) blessed Oman and its people until the end of time."
Yahoo! Quality Time with Kiddos :D
A visit to D'Fort & Castle which provides valuable knowledge to me and my family!
Snap shots @various places during our visit to the Old Capital > fascinating Nizwa!
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