“Oman has made more progress than any other country in the world in the last 40 years.” Hillary Clinton
Taking full advantage of the four-day long weekend for Eid al-Adha break (see previous Eid Mubarak post here) the other half and I took a road trip to neighbouring country, Oman. From the sand dune edged roads of the desert in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi we left the UAE and crossed into the scenic mountainous landscape and endless roads of Oman. We stayed in the Western Hajar mountain region, known as Oman’s geological backbone.
Here’s the first of three posts about the trip, this one a snapshot in pictures of our little vacation that included a spot of trekking (yes, that was not a typo, actual trekking) with friends in the mountains, amazing scenery, a visit to the ancient village of Misfat al Abreyeen (read ‘Walk On The Wild Side‘ post here), Nizwa Fort and Souk and taking in some local culture and traditions. From what I saw of this part of the country (previously been to more developed area of the capital, Muscat) I’m not sure I agree with Hillary Clinton’s quote when comparing Oman’s development over the last forty years compared to the UAE.
Crossing the border at Wadi Jizzi
Long roads and stretches of empty spaces
Golden Tulip Hotel in Nizwa (bit more like Faded Tulip) with traditional Omani interior below
The mountain road to the start of the W10h trek at Sharaf Al Alamayn
All ready to start the high-altitude mountain trek
Amazing scenery and views across the Western Hajar mountain range
Lush oasis of greenery in Misfat al Abreyeen
Date Palms grown on terraces instead of the usual plains
A full crop of dates
Follow the painted trek signs
The ‘falaj’ water channel irrigates the village
Date Palm at sunset and harvested fruit left to dry below
An all new meaning to terraced houses in Misfat
Locals in traditional Omani dress
Mountains at sunset before a massive thunder storm set in
Nizwa Traditional Souk
Lots of ceramics for sale, plain and painted in Nizwa
Nizwa Mosque
Nizwa Fort
Wooden canes called ‘assas’ for sale, used by men in traditional arabic dances
The long drive back to the Oman/UAE border
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All photos on this page © Jo Brett 2014. All rights reserved.