Its already time for me to be leaving beautiful Paphos and heading for my next destination. This will be an extensive and tiring day including buses and two flights, but not overly complex, I hope. Here is my long travel day Cyprus to Oman via Rome on Ryanair and Oman Air.
Paphos PFO
Beginning early, I start the overcast day with a bag drag lasting 35 minutes. This brings me to the bus station at the Tombs of the Kings. From here I can catch the 612 bus to the airport, takes half an hour and costs €2, what a bargain!
Paphos airport is small and regional. I head to the counter to check my bag in and take a seat at the Costa Café for my last taste of the island. A tahini pastry and coffee. Through the security now, the departures side can feel cramped really easily as there is not a whole lot of space. There is however, a duty free and places to eat.
Paphos to Rome
Flying Ryanair, I have chosen the most budget friendly route for my trip, as usual. A walk from the terminal to the plane is quick and easy. On board the 737, the aircraft is what you can expect of a budget airline. A window seat is a must for this journey, as the views of the island from above are breathtaking.
The three-hour flight is just fine and goes by as I enjoy the scenery from above. Approaching Rome, we fly directly over the city, something I always enjoy.
Rome FCO
I have a fairly short layover in Rome that is reduced further by the size of the queue at passport control. Initially directed to the new automated machines, it seems many are not working properly. Mine one of them. I am asked to scan my fingerprints eight times, before the machine gives up and I am directed to the long line for the in-person officer experience.
Once officially entered into the EU, I have already decided that I will visit a lounge as it will be my only decent meal of the day. Through my credit card, I have a Dragonpass that allows me to pay $32 and have access to any number of airport lounges around the world. If you have flown recently, you will know that you can spend that simply on a burger and drink, so having access to unlimited drinks, food and a quiet space, quickly becomes well worth the $32 spend.
Plaza Premium Lounge
The Plaza Premium Lounge is the one I have chosen and it is packed unfortunately. I manage to find a single seat cubby hole and settle in. With only two hours to enjoy everything I head straight for the food, I’m hungry too. A little disappointed at the level of greasiness and bland taste, I do consume small plates of food and some bubbles.
Rome to Muscat
Its time to find my gate now which appears to be at the far end of one wing that is being renovated. There is no way to reach it on foot because of construction, so it’s a bus that takes me to that brand new section. Once there, I walk as much as I can before I have to board the flight. I’m looking at just over six hours red eye, through the night. I’m not able to sleep on planes, so it will be movies and games for me.
Flying Oman Air is a pleasure. Staff are exceedingly friendly, seats are comfortable and I receive a full meal which is ok overall. Take off is in the dark as is arrival into Muscat.
Muscat MCT
I am beside myself with excitement to be arriving in Muscat. Its dark, around 5am, and the airport is beautiful. Easy to navigate, the line for passport control is quite long and moves slowly. I have applied for my visa in advance as I am staying longer than the free, visa on arrival, allows.
Once I am at the kiosk, I am asked how long I plan to stay. I tell the officer and he looks at me and says “You have a visa, right?” I reply with “yes would you like to see it?”, give him a big smile, and he says “nope”. This is the one and only time I have been asked to show my visa. I wasn’t even asked of me before I hopped on the flight in Rome!
After collecting my luggage, I find the ATM machines that work on the first try, thank you, and they don’t charge me an extra fee, yay! Now it’s off to look at the SIM cards. I have already purchased an eSIM which began working as soon as I landed and connected to the local network. I am however curious of the prices. Staff are friendly and costs are actually really quite reasonable.
Here I am, waiting for my Airbnb host who has offered to come and get me, for a fee of course. It is costing 15 riyal ($55 CAD), which is equivalent to what the taxi would charge. I am happy to pay him though, as the house is a little convoluted to find on my own. I’m here! I’m in Muscat Oman and I couldn’t be more excited.
