Al Hamra, January 20, 2024 🇴🇲
Al Hamra lies at the foot of Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman. We stroll through the old quarter of ornate mud-brick houses, some of the oldest and best-preserved in Oman. At Bait Safah, an “interactive museum,” you can experience the customs and traditions that have shaped—and continue to shape—the lives of the people of Oman. We’re given a detailed tour by a local guide, meet a few more Omanis, and chat with two couples from France. The museum was actually originally a sheikh’s house and is furnished accordingly. You really feel as if you’ve been transported to another era.
To wrap things up, there are… dates and coffee. That was a fascinating tour—we’ve gained a few more experiences.
Wadi Ghul, January 20, 2024 🇴🇲
Today we’re heading once again into a wadi—Wadi Ghul. We drive almost all the way to the village of Ghul, a settlement consisting mostly of houses built from natural rubble stone dating back to the early Islamic period. The hike through the wadi of the same name begins shortly after we turn in, as the road narrows and becomes very challenging for vehicles. We continue on foot and are truly amazed by the massive mountain walls rising up before us. We venture deeper and deeper into the wadi and completely lose track of time. There are small pools with fish, caves, rock carvings, goats, and rugged mountain landscapes. The weather suddenly reminds us that it’s winter here; dark clouds roll in and it cools off noticeably. The temperature drops from 30 to 20 degrees, which is already a bit cold for us and prompts us to turn back. But as always on our journey, no rain comes; the clouds clear away, and it’s hot again….
Misfat al Abriyeen, January 21, 2024 🇴🇲
We move our campsite about 10 km to Misfah, a mountain village situated a bit higher up. We arrive at our campsite at noon and immediately set out on a hike along the terraces. The whole hike takes a little over 30 minutes, but it’s well worth the effort, and at the end, we enjoy a cup of coffee with a breathtaking view. Our team of tour guides always finds amazing places where we can explore Oman from a unique perspective, either on our own or as a group. For that, a very heartfelt thank you👍👍👍
Jabreen Fort January 22, 2024 🇴🇲
The fort was built and used as a summer residence by BalĘżarab ibn Sultan in 1670. However, when he was appointed Imam, he moved the seat of government from Rustaq to Jabrin, making the fort the political center until his death in 1692. During his reign, he came into conflict with his brother, Saif ibn Sultan I, which led him to reinforce the fort with additional walls and defensive towers.
An extensive renovation was carried out in 1984. The exhibits inside include various pieces of furniture and everyday objects and are intended to convey the atmosphere of former court life in Oman to visitors. The building itself is adorned with, among other things, elaborate wood carvings, ceiling paintings, and stucco work.
We take our time exploring the palace, though this involves a lot of stair climbing.
By the end, we’re a bit tired but glad to find a cozy café where we enjoy a coffee with Jules and Neps.
Wadi Damm, January 23, 2024 🇴🇲
Our campsite is located in Wadi Damm, and even the drive there is truly spectacular. We do need to have a head for heights, as the path drops quite steeply down into the gorge. In return, we’re rewarded with a great campsite, a beautiful sunset, and a campfire.
Wadi Damm, January 23, 2024 🇴🇲
Unfortunately, our time in Oman is already coming to an end, and today we’re heading to our final campsite just before the border. In Ibri, we stock up on the last of our groceries, fill up on water and diesel, empty our toilet tank, and treat ourselves to a good cup of coffee. Our Joey gets one more stop at the beauty salon, and then we continue toward the border with Saudi Arabia. The rest of the drive is fairly uneventful, though the landscape changes from mountainous to flat, with more and more sand dunes. A brief informational meeting in the evening covering the key points for tomorrow’s border crossing wraps up the day.
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