Travel Diaries #10 Salalah, Oman

Upon my arrival back to Oman, I had booked a weekend stay in Salalah for Eid Al Adha. I was so glad to have booked this mini-cation as I had been wanting to go to Salalah for ages, especially during Khareef season.

I stayed in Fanar Hotel and Residences which was amazing. When I arrived to check-in, I was given a ice cold drink of mango juice and then 5 minutes later I was all checked in and the porter was taking my suitcase to my room. I explored my room as you do and then I took a shower and had something to eat.

The next day I had booked a tour and to my surprise it was a female guide. I was really surprised and also happy to learn that she was the only Omani tour guide in Oman! Now that's extremely credible. She took me to Wadi Darbat, Mughsayl Beach and the Blowholes and also fit in a trip to view some beautiful Frankincense trees and a special location to view a secret beach. She was very knowledgable, kind and hospitable as most Omani's are. We spent the whole day laughing, joking and talking about everything and anything.

Salalah is best seen during Khareef season which is basically monsoon season in the South of Oman. It is so amazing how the scenery differs from Muscat. It's so luscious, green and full of nature. i loved seeing natural greenery and the beautiful wadis too. It was nice to walk in such cool temperatures as well. I saw literally hundreds of camels, a giant camel spider and other creepy crawly insects too.

On the second and my last day, I went horse riding in the morning. It was really nice learning how this South African family are caring for unwanted and poorly treated animals. Horse riding was hilarious. It took me ages to hoist myself over the horse and then to get down... that was a mission too. As it was my first time, I felt extremely nervous as if the horse was going to tip me right off but it was very nice and the people were so friendly and reassuring. I would definetly recomend them, if you're into horse riding or just want to support them with the hard work they do.

Below are a selection of photographs from my trip.

Mughsayl Beach

Wadi Darbat

'Secret' Beach

A massive herd of camels!

I hope you enjoyed reading and plan your trip to Salalah!

Love, Sara x

Education: Harmony Programme for Teachers at the Princes' School of Traditional Arts.

Before I headed back to the U.K for my summer holidays, I was searching for an online CPD course that would be relevant to my educational practice. I am not sure how but I stumbled across the PSTA website and was drawn in to this programme they were offering.

The course was titled 'The Harmony Programme' and it was directed at educators who had an interest in nature, geometry and art. I was intrigued as it seemed quite interesting, so I delved further and read the course content and thought it would be a great addition to my professional development. I didn't hesitate to book my place and it was even better as I was eligible for the teacher bursary too. The course was over 4 days, across 2 weekends.

So, the course was designed as a result of the Prince of Wales's book titled 'Harmony' was written to embrace nature but also inspire UK schools to plan, deliver and create inspirational art. I never knew about the book and have had a glance through. It addresses some interesting information, views and ideas not just for educators but for everyone.

The was delivered by Lisa DeLong, Will and Leila. They were friendly, thorough with their delivery and extremely knowledgable about the topics covered. In total, there were about 7 of us of which only 2 including me were teachers. The others came from engineering, dance and administrative backgrounds. It was really great that different minds came together as we got on really well and learned from another too.

The first weekend, I looked at Autumn and Winter. We all got given books with all the literature, ideas and content to deliver sessions to children and young people. I found them quite useful to jot my notes next to the activity we were carrying out. It was handy that inside the book, they had noted the areas of the British curriculum and how they related to each season.

The second weekend, the group explored Spring and Summer where we focused on plants and flowers. Our learning and activities were centered around the construction of flowers and how they are related to the fibonacci theory. We made kites, looked at 3D shapes, nets as well as sound and vibrations too.

During the course we carried out a variety of activities which included mixing colours, investigating binders, constructing geometric patterns, making snowflakes, looking at natural dyes and marbling amongst others.

Dyeing fabrics with tumeric and red cabbage.

Dyeing cotton with indigo

Marbling on to paper

3D shapes made from cocktail sticks and chick peas.

Kite making

Overall, I found the course to be informative, fulfilling in terms of the content and ideas. I wish that they had perhaps scheduled a visit to Kew Gardens and maybe followed up with an activity or planning session. But saying that, I did enjoy the course, especially as I got to be all artistic again!

If you're interested in taking an traditional arts course at the PSTA, visit the website: https://www.psta.org.uk/.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post.

Love, Sara xx

Travel Diaries #8: Bosnia

Hey everyone,

I've just realised I haven't blogged in a while and again in all honesty it is all due to school. I've been crazily busy and have really only got all my school work out of the way now which gives me some free time.

So, during my Spring Break, I decided to visit my good friend Saida in Bosnia. I had been saying for a number of years how I would go and visit her and I finally just booked the trip on a whim! I was so glad that I did because I really had such an enjoyable time.

Flying to Bosnia took around 7 hours and that includes transits. When I got there I was so amazed at just how green it was. I think I really appreciate the environment and nature more when I see it in a different country.

Even though I was only there for a few days, it was lovely. We talked and talked and talked about everything and anything! Bosnia is heavily influenced by the Ottomans, hence the Turkish style decor and influences with the food too.

She was so sweet and took me to eat lots of delicious food as well as visit some beautiful spots in and around Sarajevo. I officially love Bosnian food as it's so tasty but then again I am a foodie!

I would honestly recommend you to visit this beautiful country and also read up on the history too. There is a bridge in Sarajevo where Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated which instigated the First World War. I actually remember that from my history lessons at school and when Saida told me I was amazed! It is also home to one of the oldest synagogues in Europe too! I love history!

I definitely want to visit again, as there is so much more to see but for now enjoy my mini collage of some photographs below that I've taken from my instagram.

Lots of love,
Sara