Friday 19 / April / 2024
Muscat: Indian School Salalah organised an International Award Scheme Expedition for its awardees from December 27 to 30, 2015. The annual expedition is a part of the award scheme to understand the local culture, geographical diversity and explore new things. Wadi Bani Khalid (near Muscat) was the destination for the expedition.
A total of 42 awardees from the secondary section, escorted by five award leaders, embarked on this trip to the capital region with a lot of anticipation. On the morning of December 28th, the team awoke to the clear sky and cool weather of Muscat.
After a delicious South Indian breakfast, the team headed for the pristine Yiti beach, presenting a real opportunity for the lensmen to execute their skills. Refreshed, they moved to the Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, just the perfect place for photographs. The team was in high spirits when it visited the Defence Armed Force Museum. The children were extremely happy to get an opportunity to see an extensive collection related to Oman's history of warfare and the military. The well kept museum is an open encyclopaedia for any visitor. It was a great learning experience for everyone. After lunch, the students went for an industry visit. At the Nabil Biscuit Factory, the students had a firsthand experience of learning the procedure involved in biscuit manufacturing. Later in the evening, the team visited the Grand Mosque and enjoyed the tranquillity surrounding this beautiful architectural marvel enclosed in a landscaped garden.
Sur was the next destination. Everyone was eagerly waiting for a glimpse of the huge turtles, a species that the town’s beaches are known for.
Soon after the sumptuous dinner, the team went to visit the turtle beach to take a look at the endangered species of green turtles open to the public only in Sur.
The students saw the turtles laying eggs, covering these with sand and their journey to the sea. All the students, charged with a lot of zeal and zest, boarded the bus after breakfast for site seeing.
The first destination in the list was Wilayat Sur beach where they enjoyed a thrilling boat ride. The cool breeze and blue waters made it a memorable experience. They witnessed huge cargo vessels passing by. After the ride, the team visited the maritime museum that highlights the role played by Oman in maritime navigation over a long period of history.
After the visit to the museum, the team used the spot map and compass to find its way to the Wadi Bani Khalid, their destination in this expedition. After reaching the destination, the team trekked for 6 kms and was delighted to have lunch on an oasis.
The expedition has proved its success in team work and its ability to explore new things. After lunch, the team visited ‘Habiyat Najm’ Sink hole at Wadi Bani Khalid. After spending some time at the beach garden, near the sink-hole, the students were taken to Al Shayam Dam. It was time to return. After travelling 330km, the group halted at Nizwa for dinner and shopping. After two days of hectic schedule, shopping was a relaxing moment.
The team members thanked Principal Mr. T.R. Brown, Vice-principal Mrs. Omana Mathews, AVP Mr. Srinivasan and the teachers for their unmatched support in making the expedition a memorable one.
