Time to Get out & About. By Rebecca Mayston (The Guide Oman)

From pristine coastline with long stretching beaches to jagged towering mountains with pockets of dusty emerald date palms and crystal clear waters, and then into an ocean of golden red sand dunes is just a snippet of all that Oman has to offer.  There is much to see and do, and living here we are blessed with many weekend options, but it is not always easy to know where to go.  So with the improving weather I urge you all to be a little more adventurous and get out there and enjoy.  Having been immersed into the Omani landscape for many years now, I feel blessed to have seen and enjoyed A LOT and will share with you some of my top favourites.  Enjoy the adventures.

DRIVE and CAMP.  Sharqiyah Desert.  A favourite playground and retreat for many, where 200km2 of rolling golden dunes extend into the horizon.  Join a Guide Oman Safari to learn off-road driving skills and feel the thrill of achievement as you conquer this terrain.  If off-road driving (and camping) is not your desire, settle into one of the camps and enjoy a night under a carpet of stars, with Bedouin songs and the bonfire warmth.  The following day you can opt for the traditional 4x4 ride… camels!

Note:  Nights can be surprisingly cold, (especially in Dec/Jan) so be prepared with some warm layers.  Please never attempt to drive off the Bedouin Highways unless you have other vehicles with you for support.

CAMP and HIKE.  Jabel al Shams, Grand Canyon of Arabia. The chill of the mountain weather at over 3,000m above sea level is a nice contrast to the heat of city life.  Spend a night at one of the resorts or simply enjoy the camping before rising early to tackle the W6 hiking trail into the Canyon.  Allow 3-4hours return trip to enjoy this exhilarating hike on goat tracks clinging to the edges of the canyon.

Note:  Temperatures can drop to freezing, and weather can change very fast.  Always notify someone of your hike and be prepared for the unexpected.

SWIM and SNORKLE.  Damaniyat Islands Nature Reserve.  Prepare to be speechless with pristine beaches, crystal clear blue waters and incredible volumes of fish, turtles and corals.  Take a good covering of sunscreen and plenty of energy for endless hours of snorkelling and wandering the lonely beaches.  Even bobbing around on the surface you will be amazed at the wild life on show.

Note: Various companies run trips departing from the Marina, The Wave, Sawadi and Mussanah taking approximately 45min by power boat.

ISLAND LIFE.  Masira Island.  Those willing to travel the distance are rewarded with a complete escape on this island, with resort or camping options.  You will find wide open spaces, deserted beaches and plentiful fresh fish supplies from the local fishermen.  Those seeking a little more challenging activities can check out this haven known for wind/kite surfing.  Allow 6hours driving to reach Shana, to catch a ferry across to the island.

Note the ferries run to the schedule of departure when full, and can be exceptionally busy during public holidays.

6 Top Winter Activities in Muscat by Vaishnav Ramesh

So with winter round the corner all of us are sure looking forward to it. I've been here only 5 months as on date so I'm really looking forward to winter in Oman - my first winter experience in Oman, more so because all I've heard right from time I landed till date is the beauty of winter in Oman - so that makes it all the more curious.

So here are a couple of things we can indulge in making the best use of winter.

1) Take your machine on a drive - One thing that has been giving me utmost pleasure in Oman is the fantastic road infrastructure. In this part of world with such pleasure-to-drive roads and extremely cheap fuel the best option would be is to endlessly keep driving, go on long distant drives, a desert safari. You could pretty much do anything by yourself when you go on a drive. 

2) Go Camping - This is one thing that is so common in this part of the world. Just the fact that you've such lovely landscapes around, good cars and roads to drive, camping somewhere on the outskirts would be a good option too

3) Take a stroll on the beach with your loved ones - The best chance to start work-life balance! 

Considering the life we all live in money plays so much importance. We are all dragged into the maddening rat race of business and personal chores. But, as we all know it there's more to life - End your hard days of work by taking your family to the beach, go on and walk with them and have a good laugh. With winter around you don't have to be worried about sweating. It's no-sweat time, literally!

4) Start that long pending exercise you've been wanting to start - Ever since! 

I'm sure most of us have been wanting to hit the gym to stay fit. Instead how about a jog? Save the buck and may be start running - trust me you will love it!

5) Sit by the beach and there's so much you can do - Spend time talking, or make some barbecue or just read a good book - the best way to let your creative brain work. Oh well, if you're making some barbecue please make sure you invite me. 

6) Karak Tea - If you're a tea lover let's forget the fancy swanky coffee shops (I love them but let's have a change). Stop by one of these small tea shops and experience the Hot karak tea. We will let you experience it rather than us explaining it to you. 

These are some of the suggestions I've to offer at the moment. If you've more please feel free to suggest and share so that I make sure my first winter in oman is exciting.

Thank you!

Regards,

Vaishnav Ramesh

(A member of the Muscat-Where Can I Find Community Writing Team. If you would like to contact Vaishnav, his email address is vaish1703@gmail.com)

No More Excuses - by Vidya Ramaswamy

It’s that time of the year in Oman, when we can no longer hide behind our favourite excuse to avoid being outdoors. “But it’s too hot outside! Inshallah next month.” Well you better believe it, that month is here. It’s October, folks and soon the land of sun and sand will pretty much become the land of just sand (well not quite, but you know what I mean).

I’m sure that we have spent enough time in the air-conditioned shopping malls, the air-conditioned cinemas, the air-conditioned homes, the air-conditioned offices, not to mention the air-conditioned cars that take us to and fro. Our bodies must be starved for some much-needed fresh air, and there’s no better time to get loads of it.

“But everything is so far away!” What’s that? Is that another excuse I hear? When’s the last time you took a stroll down the Muscat Corniche? How about just lying down on the grassy areas along Shatti beach? Speaking of beaches, we are lucky to be surrounded by such clean, wonderful beaches. I don’t know about you, but I love the feeling of cold sand under my feet. It’s almost sort of therapeutic.

Of course, for the more adventurous, there are plenty of wadis and canyons and villages that need exploring. Sometimes, you don’t really even need a destination to get to. Find a nice secluded spot in the middle of the mountains, and camp there for a night. Tell me that watching shooting stars zoom by in the clear night sky doesn’t make you feel like a 5 year old again. However, when you’re leaving city limits, please only venture out in groups. It’s just safer that way.

“But all my friends are lazy. Where do I find people to get out of town with?” Aha! Nice try, you almost got me there. Guess what? You’re at the right place. All you need to do is…

MWCIF people who want to get out and enjoy the glorious Muscat winter with me?

… and watch the responses flow in!


Vidya is a member of the community Writing Team for Muscat - Where Can I Find.  Her email address vids249@gmail.com.