Thursday, June 13: This evening, I extend an open invitation to teachers from the Foundation Institute who aren’t already on their summer holiday to come over for an open house sale of my “stuff” and a farewell gathering. It turns out that not that many people come, but the people who do are the ones who matter the most to me. Tahira makes a salad, Anna makes paella, and Fouzia makes a wonderful carrot cake to which everyone becomes quickly addicted. I mostly just bring stuff from the deli at Lulu and of course, as I do at every party I’ve ever hosted, I buy way too much, especially for the number of people who come.
my entryway… Welcome!
food spread starts to grow
For sale! and partially packed boxes (so exciting!)
the beginnings of packing
Living room
Living room/study 🙂
I actually prefer an intimate party to a loud boisterous one, although it’s great when we have some boisterousness in a small group. We all sit around together and talk and eat, and only at the end do a couple of people walk out with my goods, namely Anna, who buys the best coffee table I have ever owned for 20 rials. I am sad to have to leave it behind, but it is way too big to ship, especially with the exorbitant shipping costs from Oman to America.
goodbye to my beloved coffee table
my bedroom
Last shots of my house before people take off with my stuff
In attendance are Fouzia and her son Yassim, Tahira and Lynnette, Malcolm, Mario, Anna, and Robin. We mostly tell funny stories about our students and the university and our colleagues. All good for a few (or more) laughs. I will really miss these kind-hearted and humorous folks who have become my friends during my time at the fabulous University of Nizwa. 🙂
Robin
Malcolm
Anna chews on a plastic cup
At this point I still have two more weeks in Oman, and in the next week I need to finish packing all my stuff to ship by cargo to the good old USA.
Love those lavender colors in the bedroom!
Thanks, Annette. I did ship home that paisley duvet cover.
Still sad I missed such a nice party – was sure I would buy everything as you know what I am like, plus we spent the who of the previous Saturday together in Muscat which I like to think was our little farewell. I am so glad you had a such a nice evening and that you take some nice memories with you when you leave Oman and Middle East forever in a few hours (you are on your way to the airport as I write). You were the kindest friend to me, both before and after I arrived, and I am thankful I do have a few things of yours which will come with me wherever I go, not to be sold and left behind. You loved your red Chinese blanket, and I will always think of you now that it belong to me. God bless you on your adventures, and may you have the best time in Spain and Portugal. What comes after that, is much too far down the road for you to worry about now. Just remember this is to be your time, the next four week, and may God keep you safe throughout that time and the rest of your life. I shall always treasure your friendship for the rest of my life. Take care, safe journey, and remember… what happens in Europe…. stays in Europe!!!!! Your friend, ml
Thanks for your kind words, Mona Lisa. Good luck to you and I hope all your dreams come true. I’m not too worried about the future right now; just arrived in Heathrow and am happy to be back in the West. I feel like I’m at home in any Western culture. 🙂
No matter how many days I set aside before ‘moving on,’ i always wish for one or two more days!
parting will be sweet sorrow for you. they will surely miss you!
I know exactly what you mean, Lisa. I was happy when all the preparation was forced to come to an end, and I finally got on the plane. Now it’s done. I will miss a lot of people I met in Oman. 🙂
Now you’ve made me think about what it will be like when we sell our house here in S Africa. I have sooo much STUFF which can’t go to Florida with us. Glad you had a great party with your friends, and I’m sure your coffee table will be treasured. 🙂
Yes, I left a lot behind, Sylvia, but not enough apparently as it cost me a lot to ship stuff and now I’ve packed too much for my trip. How on earth do we accumulate so much?? 🙂
I really don’t know, Cathy. I guess we’re hoarders, like a squirrel with his nut supply. 🙂
Have a safe trip back to the States! I totally miss being in America after fabulous four years there. Americans are sweet and friendly and I shall always remember the good friendships I made!
Thank you so much, Khalsa. I’m glad you enjoyed your time there. Were you studying? Where?
What a lovely home you had there and how beautifully you decorated it. Safe travels.
Thanks so much, Sybil. I really did love that flat. Some people were clamoring for it after I left. I hope the future owners love it as much as I did. 🙂