Oman 🇴🇲
Shina, December 13, 2023 🇴🇲
We leave our campsite on the beach in Fujairah and head toward the Omani border via Kalba. Before crossing the border, the town of Kalba awaits us—yet another place with many architectural highlights. There are new buildings and monuments, as well as buildings that have been renovated in a very traditional style. However, it becomes clear just how much money is available in the UAE… We cross the border without any problems and are back in Oman in no time. Our first campsite is on Shinas Beach, surrounded by nature.
Hawra Burghah, December 14, 2023 🇴🇲
For a change of pace, today’s route includes a short hike up a hill….
Sohar, December 15, 2023 🇴🇲
Today’s campsite is in the city of Sohar, the sixth-largest city in Oman. We’re right by the sea, but Friday night also means the weekend has begun, and we’re not entirely alone. In the evening, we have our official Oman dinner. At Victoria Restaurant, we enjoy a wonderful Lebanese dinner.
Al Sawadi Beach, December 16, 2023 🇴🇲
We start the day with a run on the beach, where we watch the fishermen at work and observe the many different species of birds. In the afternoon, we’re treated to a Russian cooking class, since it’s our tour guide Valery’s birthday today. Before we get to enjoy our culinary creations, we take a short trip to Sawadi Island. At low tide, this island can be reached on foot, and the view from the tower is one-of-a-kind. In the evening, we’ll celebrate Valery’s birthday with music and singing, and we’ll enjoy the Russian meal accompanied by Russian water.
Barka, December 17, 2023 🇴🇲
In Barka, we head to the fish market. Unfortunately, we’re a bit late, and the selection is already limited. We decide on a white fish—a barbel, according to the vendor. The vendor explains that this fish is very healthy and good for building muscle. In summary, it’s safe to say that the fish was certainly invigorating—especially after the meal, on the way back to the camper, when I couldn’t quite make it to the bathroom in time…
Wadi Al Abiyad, December 17, 2023 🇴🇲
Wadi Al Abiyad is where we’re camping for the night. In the afternoon, we went for a hike along the wadi, and in the evening, we had a Q&A session about Oman around the campfire. Christine, a German woman living in Oman, filled us in on various local topics.
Nakhl, December 18, 2023 🇴🇲
On our way to today’s campsite in Wadi Mistral, we took the opportunity to get a foot massage and learn a bit of Omani history. The hot springs in Nakhl are known not only for their warm water but also for the “nibbling fish” (suckermouth barbel/doctor fish). We endure the nibbling for almost an hour and end up with shoes that feel at least one size smaller. Afterward, we visit a castle—or, as they call it here, a fort. Unfortunately, we only have time for an exterior tour, since we’re heading straight to Wakan to visit the mountain village. Always so rushed….😎
Wakan Mountain Village, December 18, 2023 🇴🇲
An adventurous jeep ride along very steep mountain trails takes us to Wakan, a traditional mountain village. We cover the last few meters on foot along perfectly maintained paths. In return, we’re rewarded with a sensational view. Our jeep driver is very experienced, which makes the ride a real pleasure.
Muscat, December 19, 2023 🇴🇲
Back in Muscat—last time we went to The Chedi, today to the parking lot…. We’ll spend the next few days at the beach near the Al Bustan Hotel, which is just around the corner. Our first stop is at the Amouage perfume company, home to one of the world’s most expensive perfumes. This was already on our itinerary during our last visit to Muscat, and this time, too, the credit card has to take a hit…. Afterward, it’s on to the must-do activities: shopping and looking for a new parking spot. Since the parking spot is located right on the other side of Muscat, we take in a few sights along the way.
Muscat, December 20, 2023 🇴🇲
Today, we’re going on another city tour. We start with the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman. We’re very impressed by the mosque’s exquisite design. We’ve already seen quite a few mosques on this trip, but this one is certainly one of the most impressive. Next, we visit the Royal Opera House, another truly impressive structure. The movable organ, which weighs an incredible 500 metric tons, is almost unbelievable. We took the opportunity to also visit the adjoining Music Museum, which we highly recommend. Now we’re off to the Crown Plaza for lunch—a hotel situated on a hill with a great view and an excellent buffet. Refreshed, we’ll head to Old Muscat, where we’ll visit a museum and view the Royal Palace (apparently just the “Reception Palace”—the main palace is in Muscat) from the outside. A very interesting day with many new experiences.
Muscat, December 21, 2023 🇴🇲
A day off at the beach…what do you (and your wife) do there? Enjoy the beach, of course! A morning run on the beach, followed by snorkeling (cut short due to rough waves), swimming and just lounging in the ocean, reading in a deck chair… yeah, a day off like this can actually be pretty exhausting. In the evening, we head to a seafood restaurant with a few friends and enjoy a really cozy evening.
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