The children arrived at the camp late afternoon and settled quickly into their rooms. Everyone is very happy with their groups and their accommodation.

The journey to Ibra had been broken up by a visit to the ruins of an old traditional Omani village which provides a wonderful backdrop for photographs. The children listened carefully to Abdullah when he recounted what the village used to be like and how people used to live. The teachers were extremely impressed by the quality of the children’s questioning and their enthusiasm.  

From the village the children moved on the visit an old fort which towers into the sky and provokes lots of excited discussion.  

When I spoke to Mr Turley, the children were on their way to look at a traditional falaj system of irrigation. 
The children were feasting on traditional Arabic dishes of chicken and lamb, with a vegetarian option as well and were going to experience traditional Omani culture later in the evening when a group would visit the camp and perform traditional dances and offer henna decoration for those who wished to have it. 

It am very pleased to inform you that all of the children have been extremely well behaved and well mannered. 
I hope that you are not missing the children too much, make the most of it as they are back tomorrow! 

The children enjoyed a fabulous day yesterday and have memories that will last a lifetime as a result. 
Some of the children and adults were up to see the sun rise, others were not (Mr Parsons). Breakfast was wolfed down and rooms tidied ready for the room inspections. 

Then it was on to visit Mintrib fort and an opportunity for some careful observational drawing.

The trip into the Wahiba sands, proved very popular with the children experiencing camel riding and sand boarding. They quickly realized that it is a lot easier coming down a sand dune than climbing back up. Some of thee children overcame their nerves to ride on a camel and I am sure that they will have lots of stories to tell when they return later today. 

After all of that exercise the children were treated to a traditional feast served in a Bedu tent. When I spoke to Mrs Turner the children had just finished dinner and were about to embark on a night wadi walk to learn about the stars. 

Today,the children are off to the women’s market, then back to camp for lunch and final packing before they leave to return to Muscat. 

They are expected back at 2:00pm but I have asked Mr Turley to call me when they reach the clock tower. I will only use the contact tree if they are delayed significantly. 

I would like to thank Mr Turley, Mr Walker-Rondon, Mrs Turner, Mrs Willis and Mrs Scott for accompanying the children on this very successful trip. 

Watch out for photographs later next week. 

Best wishes, 

Lynda Haynes (Head of Primary School)