Seems like just the other day that I was writing about my first day at my new job, and today marks six months of me being here.
It has been quite the journey, I must say. I’ve written things I thought I was never capable of, learned so much about Oman that surprised me, met some really great people at work, attended the most hilarious meetings and felt like quite a boss.
Unlike in India, the photograph-taking culture here isn’t all that prevalent – so on the occasion I thought I’d put up the group picture we took for the company profile and write a little about the people who have become my team here.
From left to right:
Samer, our Syrian Arabic copywriter. He’s been a business journalist in Oman for the past decade and always has exciting stories to tell us about the country, the media and other odd comical bits. He epitomises Arab hospitality and does a mean dance if there are belly dancers around.
Abdullah, the Salalah boy who has been trotting around the globe and is one of the most open minded Omanis I have met. We’re always striking up a delightful conversation about religion, mindsets, liberation for women in the region and the likes!
James, our Kiwi general manager who is indeed a cool boss. He bakes brilliant sausage rolls, recently bought an Enfield which he rides to work each morning and has discussions with me about Wingnut Films, Weta Workshop and how Peter Jackson has transformed New Zealand.
Malcolm X, as he likes to call himself, is a school senior geek who I have no recollection of. Most probably because he was an athlete and I stayed away from anything that involved running! The go-to guy on cars, games, anime and all thing technology – Malcolm is the other English writer, and often my partner in crime.
Rebecca, who joined the company on the same day as I did, is the one who I exchange looks with when a funny email pops into our inboxes. She’s one of the nicest people I’ve met, always inviting me to fishing trips, beach barbecues and general tomfoolery. Welsh girl in Muscat, she brings so much energy with her, and often very kindly drives me around town. Not to forget, she says the most wonderful ‘Meh’ I’ve ever heard – dripping with disinterest 🙂
Me, looking like a dork (Because nobody told me it was team photo day!)
Al Hanoof (or Fakhriya) who is a walking and talking GPS in Muscat is in charge of administration and has a lovely sense of humour. On random lunch trips she often had us rolling of our chairs!
Alya, Khadija and Aysha – are SQU graduates in translation and the gang of girls with whom I escape to beaches on overcast days. They’re really lovely and my Arabic lessons are going rather well thanks to them. !شكرا
Its a small team but it has been a great half year and I’m looking forward to good times ahead – although they might not necessarily have to be at work 🙂