HEARTC♡RE

Al Alam Palace in distance

Today is Oman's 46th National Day! I cannot believe another year has passed, you can read about last year's National Day here. Unfortunately, I am in Atlanta this year and have missed out on the city lights and celebrations. I have been living vicariously through social media. Good wishes and festive sweets have graced my feed.

(obviously) not my photo

Happy National Day Oman! And Happy Birthday to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.

One of my favorite blogs, How To Live Like an Omani Princess, wrote a post on the occasion and one sentence in particular really resonated with me:

"The most maddening and beautiful thing about living in Muscat, I have learned, is that anything is possible. It simply is. What was yesterday, can be changed another day. Tomorrow is not, the same as today. Your dreams can change, and that's okay too." - This morning in Muscat, my National Day post

It struck me because this is how I feel about Oman. It makes me happy to know that my perception of Oman is not just a result of my girlish dreams. That there is at least one more person who sees the magic, the mysticism, of this beautiful country. (Trust me, I am fully aware of Edward Said's interpretation of Orientalism, and I use the aforementioned words for how I feel about Oman without any relation to the country's . . . erm reputation)

I can't really go to into depth without talking, or typing, your ear off, cheesiness included. But, when I think of Muscat and my future there (Inshallah), I feel very optimistic about life. You know the old saying, "the world is your oyster", it is simply where I think it will transpire. The goals, ambitions, and aspirations I conjure up in my head (some more seemingly ridiculous than others) seem achievable. When I change the setting to elsewhere, they seem less likely, dry, not feasible, and frankly, I'm not interested. I know what you're thinking, but no, I don't have a bad case of tunnel vision. I honestly do think everyone has their own place (not necessarily a location), where they can be their best, flourish, and ultimately be succesful. & I have found mine. I think because I imagine a career that contributes to Oman's prosperity that I am more invested than someone who might be solely attracted to Oman's physical beauty and rich, complex culture. Perhaps contribute in the efforts for economic diversity (in lieu of oil dependency), protecting wildlife and preserving the environment, non profit to improve life for the underserved, focusing solely on women's issues, or maybe in tourism. Though I don't feel half as smart and qualified for half of what I mentioned. But, do I sound excessively optimistic? I'm sure even Omanis would roll their eyes. Trust me, I've spent the last year plus preparing myself for disillusionment (especially in the workplace), I talked about it here back in April.

The concept of "hope" is something that I have revisited over and over since my teenage years (yes it feels weird to say teen when I still feel like one). My relationship with God then was much more zealous then it is now. As I said in a post in January of 2012, I had always felt God's presence and outpour of blessings. Fast forward five years and my sentiments remain the same. I remember having an intimate conversation with a friend and saying that I could never imagine a life without God, because my life would feel empty and hopeless. No matter my situation, so far in life, I have always felt hope. And a life without hope might just be my greatest fear. I guess that is the argument of many atheists and others, that humans create these fictional deitys for answers and comfort. Although I am confident in my faith and religion, I honestly think I would take the fictitious over say, nihilism. The thought of that alone gives me anxiety. My point is to say, that I think Oman is my place of hope. And if in time, God were to take that from me, take me from there, and I was confident he was redirecting me elsewhere, I'd like to think I wouldn't put up too much of a fight. (God always has more in store for us, than we do for ourselves right?)

I would feel less weird talking about this, if it was France or Spain to be honest. Perhaps because they are more mainstream locations, Western (. . . and okay international) capitals of fashion, culinary, art, CHEESE. I always said Muscat is to me what Paris is to others, and I always get the same bewildered look. 😉

*all photos are mine

bf & bff

The prices were more than reasonable, Omani & GCC nationals paid 1 OMR, residents 2 OMR, and tourists 5 OMR. Luckily, I had my KSU ID and students had free admission. Walking in, I felt like a child in a candy store. The museum is divided into several different galleries that showcase different aspects of Oman's history and culture, from it's very beginnings, before civilization, to modern times.

museum selfie with body guard in tow 😉

Back in October of last year I did a post on Women's Clothing in Oman. I wrote briefly on the do's and don'ts, as well as the common fashion. I also said I would do a post on men's dress, but never got to it. Fortunately for me, I found some AMAZING infographics on Oman's National Dress. So I will revisit the topic. I will post photos for both male and female, followed by the amazing infographics. Click the (YES I'LL SAY AMAZING AGAIN, sorry I fell in love) infographic to open the source and see it closer. It's super interesting. Photos are from Pinterest. EDIT: inforgraphics are from Times Of Oman (click for interactive website).

On the original October post, I focused on the abaya:


Abayas are the common dress for women in the GCC, but it is definitely not the Omani woman's traditional dress. Abayas are most commonly black (October post shows an array of designs), but the national traditional dress is much more lively and vibrant.

Earlier today I read some good news from Oman that made me feel a bit excited and relieved. The news is irrelevant to those who do read my blog and partially irrelevant to me given the fact that I don't live in Oman (yet). But maybe it can give you some insight into the struggles of expat workers around the world, in this case Oman.

I am unaware of the situation before, but when I was in Oman during the last half of 2015, there was a buzz about "The 2 Year Ban." This ban refers to expat workers being forced to leave Oman for at least two years if they are interested in changing their place of employment. The only way they can avoid this two year ban is if their current employer issues them a NOC, or No Objection Certificate. Now you'd think it would be so easy to obtain that letter, but complications can happen and it is a very scary situation to be where you are just stuck in limbo. I also read that even when the employees received the NOC there were so many confusions and red tape that they were still not allowed to receive their new visa and work for the new company. It even said that the previous employers or sponsors were needed to come into the office to sign of the NOC in person. That's a bit awkward and what employer wants to waste their time with their ex employee?

The main concern for employers/businesses are the possibilities of the losses they will take when they bear the costs of training and bringing in the new employee. Sometimes the employee quits soon after arriving, or before their contract is up, for a better or higher paying job. This is a concern that should be taken into account, but why should your employer hold your future in their hands after you have completed your contract and responsibilities?

In this situation you have two options.

1. stay at a job where:

• there is no room for upward mobility, 
• it's no longer stimulating and you're not being fulfilled
• its just not your cup of tea
• all the while there is a better job offer

2. or you leave the country

Leaving is such a hard option for expats who genuinely love Oman and have built their lives here. Why would an expat buy property or invest if there is no guarantee that you will be able to stay? After spending a decade, or more or less, why would you uproot your life and live elsewhere for two years, and come back just to start from the bottom? If you have family here or are married to an Omani, what choices do you have? (I'm told if you're married there shouldn't be a problem). Why am I asking so many questions?? LOL. Personally I think I would be devastated if I have worked in Oman for lets say four years, have established life there, only to be told that I have to leave. I can't even imagine the headache of selling or moving half way across the world (even less with kids and family), start over, and experience reverse culture shock on top of that.


In today's article from Times of Oman, they shared some statistics of the growth and decline of educated expats. The number of expats holding either doctorates, master, any higher education along with current university students have all dropped from the end of 2015 to the middle of 2016. While, those with no education or only to a secondary level, have risen by 200%.

An expat with higher education who wants to stay, who has worked in Oman for a long time, has both experience and knowledge in their field along with experience in the country is 100 times better than new employee that may or may not adjust easily to life in the Sultanate, is not familiar with the business culture, and may want to leave as soon as their contract is up. There would be too much turnover in employees for any progress to really culminate and it all just seems so. . . . unproductive. I understand protecting businesses, so there should be a necessity to fulfill your contract, but not allow them to hold it over your head.

The exciting news that popped in my feed today is that the Ministry of Manpower is heavily considering removing the need for a two year ban. This is also after other GCC, specifically UAE and. . . . .  (I forgot) . . . oh yes, Qatar have began the process to be more flexible with their labor laws. Removing the two year ban is not only a positive for expat workers, but for Oman's economy as it will attract investments and new businesses.

Again, it said considering and let me quote this from the article:

“We will remove the NOC option. It will be removed. The plan is being considered seriously,” Said bin Nasser Al Saadi, the advisor to the Minister for Manpower, told Times of Oman in an exclusive interview.

So he is saying it will be removed, but right after he says considered, which is a bit confusing. I don't want to be too confident until it is properly announced and the law is amended. Again, it doesn't affect me at all now, but it's good to be aware of the laws and policies.

1/26/16 edit: In January, Ministry of Manpower & Shura Council agreed that the two year visa ban should stay for those without a NOC. But discussions are being held on the details of NOC.

The other day I was thinking of all the cons that would come with living permanently in Oman (in case it wasn't obvious, living in Muscat after I finish my undergrad in Atlanta is the current goal.) I'm sure you gasped at the title. Like I, Melissa Ortega, would actually have any cons about living in Muscat.




Every now and then I would imagine what my first apartment would look like. I imagined it nestled under a canopy of dark, green trees, and experience the changing seasons. The scenery in Muscat will be quite the contrast. Not a negative, just a point.



My real point is, I imagined coming home to that imaginary apartment with a full bag with my latest collection of unnecessary purchases from Target. Maybe have a funky chair from TJ Maxx as the latest addition to my home. A few artisan throw pillows from World Market. And guess which of those stores Muscat has? None. (I don't mean they don't have stores that can provide the same (DEBATABLE), but I have attachment issues) But actually, I do worry on the availability and affordability of the kind of decor I'm interested in. But okay that's being way ahead of myself.

I will also mention that Starbucks rewards cards and points are useless and don't exist there, they also don't have any of the Teavana line or the carbonation option, so say goodbye to green and chai tea lattes. I just opened a Barnes and Nobles membership and it dawned on me that although they do have B&N there, it is about a quarter or a fifth of the size of the ones here and I'm sure the membership won't work.

The closest Ikea is a 4 hour drive to Dubai. Did I mention there's no Target? 😟 OH and no Old Navy.. . . Chick-Fil-A. . . .
Another thing is food. . . . . Although Muscat does have a lot of dining options, I think there is really something cool about Atlanta's diverse food scene that hasn't and probably won't culminate in Muscat for the next several years.
Maybe ever, and I am saying this because the country itself has a population of roughly 4 million, Metro Atlanta alone has around 4.5 million along with high movement from surrounding states.

I don't know if some of the population's dietary restrictions (no pork, alcohol, whatever else halal entails, or vegetarian) is worth a mention as one of the factors that affects the expansion of the food and beverage industry but I'll toss it out there.

I have already talked (*coughs* complained) about restaurant prices and although I acknowledge that you can also eat for ridiculously cheap, there is no in between (fast food only?). There is not a lot of variety to choose from if you decide to play with your budget and get good food in the process.

Oh, while on the topic. Limited access to alcohol as well as the prices. Although I'm sure you can find better prices, that's where key word *limited access* comes in. Especially if you're a first time expat with limited to no connections then it will probably take you a while to figure it all out.

Fun fact if you didn't know, they actually do have liquor stores but they're really obscure and you can only purchase from there after applying and receiving a liquor license from the government. You must be a working resident and provide them with the details of your yearly salary. You then request a monthly allowance for spending, I think it caps at 10% of your salary amount. You, as well as Muslims, can still buy alcohol at bars and all, this is specifically for liquor for your home. Sorry got on a tangent, I don't think this is a necessarily a bad thing just some knowledge for you.


Oh, and you don't have mailboxes from house to house. I still haven't figured out how it works like does everyone get one or you decide for yourself, but you can have a PO Box.
But then you miss out on things like Amazon and other American businesses that don't ship internationally and if they do it's almost the same price as whatever you're purchasing aka an arm and a leg (thumbs up for tilt shift photography).


 Luckily, these are all superficial worries and although I do have more serious concerns (the majority in the areas of logistics and efficiency. maybe healthcare), they pale in comparison to all the positives. Muscat is a place I would love to call home and actually already do. It's amazing to think that I spent the majority of last year in Muscat. I also have some ideas for plans for when I make the move, but that will have to wait.

Hello everyone!

As I mentioned previously, I am doing a summer internship for my host parents. If you follow regularly, actually not even, you probably know that my host dad is a chef. Sometime last year in November I wrote a post on my host dad's week at the Shangri La here in Oman as a guest chef at one of their five star restaurants. Before that in September, I was in Milan for my host dad's appearance as a chef for the Etihad Pavillion. They have also had a lot of success as both a home based catering company and as prominent wedding cake creators.

Point is, this is really just the beginning of my host parent's journey into the culinary world. It's been a long, winding road, but things are quickly coming together for the opening of their new restaurant, Al Loomie! 🎉

It's an amazing feeling to have been able to be there last year when the ball really started rolling. Now, being back and actually being physically a part of the process to their dreams is three levels above that.

And I am in the process in two different ways. . . . writing (eh) and tasting (yay). For last few I have been tasting while they have been perfecting the recipes and menu. This week, we had a test run so they could get more familiarized with the pace of things and perfect their timing for prep, cooking, plating, and serving. And guess who was one of the guest guinea pigs. C'est moi. 🐝

Al Loomie is Omani fine dining with set five or seven course menus.  For our tasting we were served a five course meal that was perfect for seafood lovers.


Signature Prawns


Silqah Soup


Goat Cheese Profiteroles


Chef Salim's Baploo Risotto


Symphony of Luqaimat


Overall it was such a wonderful experience. As I mentioned before, it's so surreal being part of these critical steps. Surreal and delicious. They agree that they have some things to improve, as there will always be, but they are already up there and it's so exciting. I'm not a professional food critic (note I said professional 😜) so won't grandstand and waste your time. In the meantime, enjoy the photos as much as I have enjoyed the food. 😊

Thanks Al Loomie 😉