Blacktop Mountain

October 4^th, 2006

The moon continues to wax from its barely visible crescent which started Ramadan 10 days earlier. Another 17 days or so and Luna will complete its monthly progress and Eid will begin. Hopefully during Eid Al Fitr, we will be camping for a few days along the south coast of Oman. It will be a long drive, but we have not visited this remote area of Oman.

Last weekend we drove up a mountain called “Blacktop”. It was our first time that we really needed out 4WD. The mountain road was 25 km in length and took us over an hour. Taj was happy as he played a version of “Beetle Bug” with goats and sheep. The camping area was fantastic. There was nobody else in this area and the views were stunning. Taj is getting into the routine of camping. He gets excited to set up the tent, hike, collect firewood, and sleep with mommy and daddy. Mia also does well, but in a more oblivious fashion.

Since the firewood was a little scarce in our immediate area, Taj and I drove the car 300 meters down the road to search. We came across a traditionally dressed young man who was heading home for Iftar (breaking the daily fast). When we meet people like this, Taj does not see them different then us. I was being polite and offering my greetings to him. We were having trouble communicating with language, but we could both hear Taj ask repeatedly: “where the wood?” over and over. The man had no idea what he was saying and just smiled.

Around Muscat this week, the weather has definitely broken a bit. It is very pleasant both in the morning and evening. I hope it lasts!