Oman truly is the hidden gem of Arabia, it
has something for everyone. I know for
many it has been perhaps a little too easy to fall in love with it all, the
people, the landscape, the adventure and the food. I have been blessed to enjoy an incredible six
years in Oman. After only coming to
visit initially, I feel truly speechless when I stop and think back of all that
I have experienced, which is to say the least, more than I ever imagined
possible. I have not just made friends
but joined a family of adventure seeking, off-road, nature loving people and
adopted into the Omani society.
My work is my love and my passion, and it
is so rewarding to be able to share some of the unique beauties and experiences
with everyone. 2014 has been a full year
for me, many adventure across Oman, from Musandam all the way south to Salalah,
with Omanis, expats and tourists from over 50+ countries. I have enjoyed weddings, and Eid meals in the
villages. I get surrounded by Bedouin
children whom know me by name, and every weekend remember the convoy of jeeps
that visit their auto garage. I receive
endless smiles and friendly waves, and am proud to have brought many smiles to
faces through sharing Oman with them. What
I love most is that even after seeing and experiencing so much I continue to
discover new things.
It is the above reasons that has actually
made me step back over the last few weeks and really reflect on my time in
Oman, and especially the last year… that’s also what makes it so hard to narrow
down some of my top experiences.
It has been an interesting few weeks as I
have stepped back and really reflected on my time in Oman, and especially over
the last 12 months. It is so hard to
narrow down some of the top experiences, but it has also been an incredible
journey to step back through those memories and cherish them again, and
again. Here are 4 incredible memories of
my 2014.
Top Camp
Site Location: Bar al Hikmann
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| Bar Al Hickman |
Crystal blue water laps at the shore
creating the only sound track for the weekend… How can one not sit back and
loose themselves in complete relaxation (not something I am admittedly good
at), with the silence, and the soft silky sands to dig your toes into, and
nothing for kilometres and kilometres it was truly a slice of heaven. It’s not an easy place to venue if you don’t
know the tracks as you hear the numerous horror stories of people getting stuck
and stranded in the soft sludgy salt flat (and exactly as the sign warns you
about), but should you find yourselves adventurous and with friends who know
the way, I couldn’t recommend it higher.
We enjoyed it after a weekend in the desert which made it even more
special and an extended weekend away from Muscat. I’d recommend allowing at least 2 or 3 nights
here… especially if you are driving from Muscat specifically.
Top WOW-factor
journey:
Seeing Musandam by water
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| Musandam |
Needless to say I spend majority of my
time, knee deep in sand encouraging groups of 4x4 through the desert sands,
which made me a little bit of a fish out of water for this journey, which
literally had me speechless. I spent
unforgettable 3 nights in sheer luxury on board MY Ibra, with the wonderful team
from Ocean Blue Oman. We motored from
Shinas up into the Musandam peninsula, where the coastline changed from long
stretched beaches of the Battinah plains to sheer towering cliffs that shot sky
high (and to incredible depths below).
There is something so mesmerising about the ocean, a calming of the wide
open surrounds, and being able to pull into a bay and drop anchor for the day…
WOW!
Top
Cultural Interaction: Omani women at Bait
al Saffah
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| Al Hamra Musbrick Village |
This delightful working Omani Museum set in
the heart of the fortified mud brick village of al Hamra, has been a long-time
favourite of mine. It is a rare location
where one can experience a local taste of female interaction and life in the Omani
home. What I love most is that the
ladies are doing what they normally do… singing, laughter and chatter resonate
throughout the museum as the ladies grind wheat, roast coffee beans and brew
traditional Omani Coffee. It won’t be
long before they have guests joined in and working hard. I adore that the situation where language
doesn’t create barriers, when using smiles, laughter and miming can be used to
create such beautiful lasting memories.
When you do visit, don’t forget to stop for a moment and appreciate the
conveniences we have in modern life.
Top
Taste Experience: Eid with friends, enjoying Omani Shuwa
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| Eid Shuwa Platter |
Eid is a special time for families in this part
of the world, where importance is placed on joining together as a community and
sharing a meal surrounded by friends and family. I was delighted to be invited to Khaboora by
Sheik Ghalib, to enjoy Eid Lunch again this year. The warmth and hospitality amongst the
village is heartening, the little boys giggle at a lady being present, and the
young girls (who have joined their father for the main lunch) grin from ear to
ear in their beautiful Eid dresses.
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| Tough life on Board my Ibra |
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| Bait Al Saffah. Laughing & Dancing while making Rheikal (Omani Bread) |
