So, the US didn't fail to pick up on our humorous (and sometimes obsessive and ridiculous attempts to re-write Omani history). I'm not entirely sure why we can't just admit that His Majesty overthrew his father in a semi-bloodless coup in 1970. We're happy he did because he did a world of good for this country. To read the Washington Post article on this, click here.
On another note, Carrefour was a true disappointment. There are about four or five products that I would drop in for every once in a while, but nothing with the 'wow' factor. Lulu is ten times better, more organized and clean (there were flies sitting on the peaches at Carrefour). The live calf in a cage on opening night was HORRIBLE and bad taste.
And finally, despite all the rain and storm warnings for the weekend, Salalah got about 2 minutes of drizzle on Thursday night. That was it!
I heard rumors that they cancelled Women's Day at the festival forever! Is it true? For years and years, Sunday was female day at the monsoon festival. It was the 'safe' day when families would dump their girls at the festival for several hours to play on the rides, chill out in the restaurants, and do their shopping. It was the highlight of the summer for many girls. I never went on Sunday because it was too crowded (i.e too many women pushing and shoving), but it's kind of shocking to hear it was cancelled altogether. Here's a photo of the festival on women's day, all abayas and not a dishdasha in sight! 
