This will not be a long post so lose the hopeful look on your face.

It’s been more than a year since I posted on my blog. Life has a way of sneaking up on you, and suddenly you find yourself in a whirlwind of unexpected moments. Picture this: You wake up from a crazy nap where you dreamt you had three kids. You wake up thinking, “Well damn that’s crazy!”, and wonder what your mom is making for dinner. Only for you to find the three kids you dreamt about seated in the living room and one of them who looks like a replica of you turns to you and says that they’re hungry. Talk about a crazy wake-up call!

Whew! In conclusion, kids are amazing and I’m a cat person😂.

Last weekend, my friend and I embarked on an unforgettable journey to the enchanting city of Muscat. From its stunning architecture to its rich cultural heritage, Muscat promised to be a destination that would captivate our senses.

If you're an avid traveler on a budget like me, here are some valuable insights to make your wanderlust dreams come true without breaking the bank:

• Visa-Free Countries: Sighs in Kenyan passport😔😂. Research countries you can visit visa-free to save time and money. Luckily, Oman offered visa on arrival for us due to our UAE residency, costing us only $22 (approximately 5 rial).

• Affordable Flights: Yes, Wizz Air really does have cheap flights. The prices we paid for our round trip wouldn't get us from Nairobi to Mombasa for a one-way trip. Keep an eye out for budget airlines and special deals to maximize savings.

• Exploration: Consider exploring your destination on your own instead of booking a tour company. This not only saves money but also allows you to truly experience the country and its people. We opted for the DIY route, armed with research on free activities in Muscat.From exploring the majestic Al Alam palace to getting lost in the vibrant alleyways of Muttrah Souq, our self-guided adventure in Muscat brought us face-to-face with the soul of Oman. Each step immersed us deeper into the vibrant Omani culture.

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Our departure was scheduled for Sunday at around 3 pm, so despite my friend's hilarious protests (whose name shall remain a mystery😂), we mustered the energy to wake up and hailed a taxi to the Grand Mosque. After some bargaining skills, we managed to secure a fare of 1.5 rials (keep in mind, all prices mentioned involved a fair amount of bargaining).

The Grand Mosque is truly awe-inspiring, and even that description falls short. The building itself is immaculately maintained, and the surrounding gardens exude a tranquil atmosphere. During our tour, we had the incredible opportunity to visit the information center within the mosque, where we were warmly invited to enjoy some traditional Omani coffee and dates. It was there that we had the pleasure of meeting these remarkable ladies who spoke fluent Swahili, bridging the gap between cultures and sparking fascinating conversations about the Muslim religion

Having read about Omanis who spoke Swahili, we were thrilled to finally encounter it firsthand. Our conversation with these incredible individuals extended beyond language, delving into discussions about the Muslim religion. They graciously entertained all our questions, even the ones we deemed "stupid"😂. As a gesture of their warm hospitality, they treated us to a delicious serving of Omani porridge and bread with za'atar. With our hearts full and our bellies satisfied, we bid them farewell and made our way to the airport.

As we bid farewell to Oman, we left with hearts full of gratitude and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of weekend getaways. Our journey not only exposed us to breathtaking sights but also opened our minds to diverse traditions and the kindness of strangers.

So, dear readers, are you ready to embark on your weekend escapades? Unlock adventure, discover culture, and embrace spontaneity. Stay tuned for our next destination, and let's explore the world together!

See you on the next trip. Kwaheri!