A Walk Down Memory Lane — Mili's Corner

This year, 2023, will mark, 20 years since my family and I moved to New Zealand, and made it our home. I had travelled to Europe before we moved here, but still the culture shock that followed was quite significant. I had moved to the corner of the world, with no real sense of when I’d see my friends that I had known for 10 years, again.

Muscat, was not really, a hop, skip and a jump away, anymore. Never in my life had I ever felt the distance between us. Yet, each time I called, or jumped on MSN (ah good ol’ memories for the 90s’ kids), it seemed like they were just down the road. We went back to India a number of times over the years, and in fact, I had gone to Muscat in 2007, but this time, it was different.

A hastily planned trip, courtesy of my brother, who wanted to orchestrate a family reunion in the Middle East. Followed by the easily accessible flights, the decision was simple. We were headed to Muscat as part of our trip to India in December 2022. Even though none of my friends were based there any longer, there was still a little butterfly in my stomach. Oh to see it all again.

We had no real plan. No itinerary planned. The idea was to chill, even in the 30degree heat. Luckily the resort we were staying at, allowed for the chilling. I do have to take a moment and acknowledge, how beautiful Muscat has become. It’s a tourist’s haven, and Oman Tourism, if you need help, and happen to be reading this blog, let’s chat! If you’ve never been to Muscat, then definitely put this place on your map.

The day of arrival, the whole crew got in at around 3pm. So, that day was all about the pleasantries and weather chats. Killing the awkwardness at its roots. Nothing a few cocktails can’t fix. The main event was that night, when a select few, including myself, got in the car, and drove to Istanboly. The holy place of the Shawarma. The Chicken Shawarma holds a very special place in every kid that has grown up in the Middle East’s heart (and well stomach). It is perfection. Am I salivating as I type this? Yes. A large size just isn’t enough, despite what the button on your jeans is saying.

The next day, was the only day we had any real plans. That plan involved, going down memory lane. We started with the first house we lived in. I would have lived there from the ages of 1.5years old to 7 years old. There was a weird feeling. Standing in front of our house, which wasn’t our home anymore. We forced ourselves to knock on the door, and say hi to the current tenants occupying an apartment that we once called ours. They invited us in, and well this was an awkward situation so no one really knew what to do. We stayed for a few minutes.

The next stop was the school. This was overwhelming. It was 80% refurbished, but it still had hints of the building that it used to be in the 90s and early 2000s. Walking through the hallway, into my first classroom. The desks are the same, the chairs are the same. What has changed, is the blackboard is now a smart board. The water coolers at regular intervals through the corridor. The main reception. The school hall. Only a handful of teachers from that time remain, rest have all moved on with their lives in various parts of the world. Some still teaching, others pursuing other interests.

I have to admit, going to the school, made me more emotional than I would like to admit. Once upon a time, I hated going there, but this time, I had to be pushed out to leave that place. We were visiting during the holidays and with COVID still looming in the air, the staff onsite, had to be extra careful. They did allow us to have our moment but within reason.

The last stop on this tour, was the second house we lived in. I would have lived here from the ages of 7 to 12. So much development has occurred around this area, that we couldn’t really do much. There wasn’t any parking available, so we had to park down the road, and walk up. Somehow, the emotions here weren’t the same as the one in front of our first house. I still took photos to capture the moment.

I feel I needed this trip down memory lane, as a reminder of my journey. Where it began, and where it is now, and everything that has happened in between. I do hope that someday, I can take more of my friends and those special to me, on this walk down memory lane.

Until next time,

MiliG

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