Job Discussion Forums

[coiffe]

My second question was kind of buried in the last topic, so I'll make a new one here.

I get an accommodation allowance when I get to Oman, but it was never mentioned how much you need to move into an apartment. What is standard, do you think? First and last month? or what? This would be about an hour or so up the coast from Muscat.

[coiffe]

I find it strange that there is no response on what seems to me a really routine question. Is it because all apartment move-ins in Oman are negotiable, so there is no set answer? Hopefully it isn't because I've asked something unspeakable?

coiffe

[veiledsentiments]

I think it is more likely that no one knows much about Al-Musanna. I don't even know where it is... I had to google it up. I've never been in that part of the country.

Most teachers are provided with furnished apartments by their employer. I suspect that every landlord makes his own rules. I do think that these are questions that should be answered by your employer and that they should provide assistance.

VS

[Neil McBeath]

Coiffe,

I, too, am surprised that you haven't had a reply on this.

So, for what it's worth, this is the best that I can offer.

Landlords sometimes demand as much as six months rent in advance, but there is no fixed rule on this. If you are lucky, the landlord might just want a month in advance.

In Musannah, the rent would be lower than in the Capital Area, and so you might be paying just under 200 Omani Rials a month, but obviously it depends on how big a place you are renting.

Musannah is centrally placed on the Batinah Coast, between Barka and Suwaiq. It is not in any way remote, being less than one hour from the CApital Area on a major highway. The college where you will be working is not, however, in Musannah itself. It is just off the roundabout at a junction calleed Muliddah, and Muliddah is on the road to Rustaq, so that gives you a bit more choice.

One problem. Musannah is the venue for the 2010 Asian Beach Games, and quite a lot on construction is going on there at the moment. This could have led to rent imnflation, but as I pointed out, you don't have to live in Musannah. You could try Muliddah, Hazm, Thirmid or Abu Abali - all perfectly pleasant villages with small shops and enough to keep you going during the working week.

[coiffe]

Thanks for this. What about transportation? To be honest, my recruiter hasn't given me much information. Pretty soon I think I'll get a motorcycle, but until then, is there any transportation in that area? Cabs? How much are they (or is it)?

[Neil McBeath]

If you take share taxis or basisa buses (minicabs) then you should have no problem during daylight hours, but you obviously have to allow a bit more time for the journey.

From Thirmid (north) or Abu Abali (South) you would be looking to pay about 300 baisas for trip to Muliddah. From the roundabout the college is within easy walking distance - no more than about 400 metres.

In the summer, the Batinah gets very hot and humid, but that will not adversely affect you until about April. By then you should have fixed up some sort of transport routine.

[veiledsentiments]

As to the motorcycle, as NM said, it is very hot and humid from April through October. If you are arriving soon, don't be fooled into thinking it is perfect riding weather there , as daytime temps will stay right around 100 degrees for that 6-8 months starting in April. The roads are fantastic in Oman... smooth and mostly well-lit, but a large percentage of the drivers appear to have a death wish. Like suburban US, a car is crucial in Oman.

Be sure to take your up-to-date US driver's license with you.

VS

[Neil McBeath]

Coiffe,

If you want to get a motorbike, go for it.

I once worked with a British NCO who rode from Muscat to Sha'afa on a daily basis, throughout the year. It was a distance of about 120 Km in each direction, and at that time the road to Izki was nothing like as good as it is now.

A car in Oman is NOT crucial. It probably helps, but I do not drive, I have never driven, and I still manage to get about without any problem.

[johnslat]

Dear Coiffe,

But don't forget to wear a helmet.

At the age of 46, a few weeks after leaving the service, Lawrence was fatally injured in a motorbike accident on a Brough Superior SS100 in Dorset, close to his cottage, Clouds Hill, near Wareham. A dip in the road obstructed his view of two boys on their bicycles; he swerved to avoid them, lost control and was thrown over the handlebars of his motorcycle. He died six days later. The spot is marked by a small memorial at the side of the road.
The circumstances of Lawrence's death had far-reaching consequences. One of the doctors attending him was the neurosurgeon Hugh Cairns. He was profoundly affected by the incident and consequently began a long study of what he saw as the unnecessary loss of life by motorcycle dispatch riders through head injuries and his research led to the use of crash helmets by both military and civilian motorcyclists. As a consequence of treating Lawrence, Sir Hugh Cairns would ultimately save the lives of many motorcyclists."

Regards,
John

[jdl]

Can't recommend the motorbike enough.

http://pinaki.info/om_jebel_mingi_3870.htm

http://pinaki.info/om_port_jim.htm

[coiffe]

I want to thank everyone for their input. Really much appreciate it.

Coiffe

[Geronimo]

Is Al Mussana the same place as Al Musanaah?
If so, it is not very far away from the new The Wave development....
barely 2 minutes down A�Seeb Street on a motorbike....
http://www.thewavemuscat.com/Home.aspx

Geronimo

[jdl]

The Musanna with the Al Musanna College of Technology (ACT) is further up the coast about as far passed Barka as A Seeb is on the Muscat side. But you are right, it is a 'shortish' bike ride....about an hour or less depending on the speed of the ride .

[Geronimo]

Aha, in that case, jdl, Al Musanna is close to the Al Sawadi beach resort and its scuba-diving facilities, yes?....

http://www.alsawadibeach.com/main.html

[jdl]

Indeed it is....good diving!