Wow, Now I’m traveling.
I step into ‘real’ Arabia. The feeling is authentic.
Everywhere I hear the music of the Oud (a guitar like instrument) – it’s calming, like the vibe I experience thru-out Oman. No crowds, no pushing…calm, respectful, educated people – Oman comes as a surprise.
I was expecting more of an Egypt type of experience… - it’s not even close……I get the feeling of safety and order – not chaos. Very cool.
Visiting for a short 4 nights, I’m impressed by the high-quality of life here – and the Omani I meet.
An easy Taxi transfer from their modern Airport – and I’m in another country. 7 OMR’s (Oman Rial’s), about $18 US.
Don’t forget to get and print an Oman VISA before traveling here!! Luck me, I figure that out before I arrive. Travel smart. Immigration a breeze. No line, no hassle.
Arriving un-prepared and un-knowledgeable about Oman … it’s like stepping into the void. The unknown. I think it’s my comfort zone. 😊
Oman has Oil, like the other Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf) countries.. and they have used that wealth to bring a 90% literacy and modern health care to its people and a high quality life style. Overall – I find Oman an expensive place to explore – I had no idea.
…who knew about Oman? not me. I learn so-much on this visit – it fills a huge gap in my understanding of Islam, the history of this region and the surrounding nations.
The world is never as you think from just books/internet … seeing is the path to true understanding. I know there is so-much more to understand of Arabic countries (and Islam)… but I’m inching forward.
Oman is an ancient country. The oldest Arabian country, and a former empire in-their own. It has a strategic geographic location, and has been a stop-over from East-West for hundreds of years. Controlled by Portugal during the 1500-1700’s.
Just 5 million people, in a big mountainous/desert country. Islamic traditions and culture dominate the country.
My time in Oman is spent mainly in Muscat, the capital of Oman. No skyscrapers, just clusters of 8-10story buildings along the Gulf of Oman.
I discover it’s impractical to explore the city by walking – everything is so far apart. Everyone in Oman has a car ....it’s the only real option. (or maybe Camel in the countryside?). In Muscat and along the coast,,the roads are first-rate, unbusy – quality expressways. Taxis at the airport are plentiful, but aren’t easy to find around the hotel or on the streets. You need to call for one, but they are available 24/7.
…Maybe on another visit, I’ll rent a car. It’s a very safe country, so driving here is not as crazy as-it might sound. I notice other foreigners renting at the airport..so I’ll definite make that a plan. Driving looks easy here. Open, uncrowded roads. All the signs in Arabic and English.
Exploring Oman is less of a safety issue and more of a challenging transportation issue. A car would have changed my entire experience in Oman. … next time!
I book at Crowne Plaza OECE…a rushed decision. It’s a fantastic hotel, but its location too-far from the Cornishe and Souq (old quarter) ....… I wish I could walk there ..… another hotel option might have been better.
But hotel choices are difficult in Oman – there seems only two options: high-high luxury, or cheap-cheap. The Crowne Plaza choice is luxury.
One interesting experience at the hotel::: Its Ramadan during my visit. And my hotel has a huge Grand Buffet each night – with 200-300 guests…. Local Omani’s, not staying at the hotel. Dinner is a giant collection of foods – with a great mix of Oman and Western options. The Lamb is outstanding!!
anyway…..back to the experience ..….I am the only tourist at my Hotel dinner each night –
Hundreds of men in White Thobe’s; most wearing a Taqiyah (skull cap) – (a few with Ghutra and Egal’s instead). And all the women in Hijab’s ……. Then there is Bruce, in black jean-pants and a collared blue polo shirt.
Everyone notices; I’m unsure of how they felt about my presence. I am well-respected, welcomed and politely addressed; but I am definitely a little out of place.
*****
Exploring Oman: I take a private city tour of Muscat, \\ pricey - $181 for half-day. But I had a fantastic guide and vehicle. We visit:
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- Royal Opera House
- The Corniche (promenade on the Harbor)
- Mutrah Souq (bazar/market)
- The National Museum
- Al Alam Palace grounds (Sultan’s home)
Each city site, a relaxed uncrowded experience. The Mosque is beautiful (of-coarse), very modern with the 2ed largest chandelier in the world.
The Corniche Promenade and the attached Souq is the one place that deserves more time here. We tour this ‘old-quarter’ too quickly; a visit in late evening would be an outstanding return-trip plan…. Another reason to visit again 😊
Still, I find a patch for my Backpack during my time at Mutrah Souq… An Oman flag - success!! My souvenir of Oman.
Joining a group day-tour out of Muscat, I travel down the Gulf of Oman coastline. Like most group tours, the price is very reasonable – this one $100 for a long-full day outside the city. (the private tour closer to $400+). … but I’m always worried about group tours,,they often waste most of your time and are filled with un-traveled tourists.
But WOW.. this day-tour is a great plan!! The highlight of my visit to Oman.
Wadi Shab, in the Al Hajar Mountains. It was spectacular! A perfect day to explore the planet.
Wadi Shab is a Slot canyon, about 2 hours south of Muscat. The group tour is on a 12-person van – comfortable,,,, and lucky for me,,,,,all the other clients are a pleasure to meet. A funny, friendly group; from all over the world – a great mix of people. New friends.
After a 45min hike thru the canyon, we start swimming. Not-far – maybe 100m, against the gentle push of the stream. Much of it wading. The hike/swim leads to a ‘hidden’ cave – with a tight swim-thru, a key-hole. Inside the cave; a waterfall, more caves and a deep pool. All surrounded by mind-blowing geology.
Its Utah meets the Caribbean.
The group-tour trip adds a short stop at the Bimah Sinkhole – just a minute from the parking lot. I take the stairs to the salt-water pool, but skip swimming ….
My time in Oman comes to a quick close. This is just a short visit – but definitely worth it.
Time to pack-up again. Onward travel waits.
Signing Off: Your Man in Oman.
YMIO
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