Khalifa


Remember this? 
And This?
Fast forward 2 weeks to this. This is Khalifa. My friend Wanida recommended his services to care for our poor piano.  She told me he is a tuner by ear. He was a concert violaist for the Royal Orchestra here and due to an injury he sustained, that was no longer an option for him. So, he became a piano tuner and works for the Royal Opera House. Due to COVID the Royal Opera house is a beautiful silent building I pass all the time. It's about 3 minutes away and my heart aches to hear something wonderful inside it's doors. 

Khalifa is a true Omani, he was kind and went all out to help my piano live up to his potential. He oiled things, he brushed things, he vacuumed inside and wow! Matt might be a little annoyed because the piano is even brighter than it was before, it's beautiful. Khalifa has a daughter who studied in Cardiff, Wales-Luke is there. Khalifa insisted I play something which of course made me all nerves and guilt for neglecting but thanks to overcoming much of my Mom brain I at least have one piece I polished up last year and have memorized so I didn't completely embarrass myself. I will do better. Khalifa invited himself to meet Luke and hear him play when he returned. He also mentioned coming to his home. I hoped that when I came to Oman, that I would be able to know Omanis and not just thrive in the world of expatriated Americans(who are also wonderful people).  When I get to interact with people like Khalifa, I feel grateful. The world is full of exceptional humans.

 

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