5 Things which Could Surprise you in Oman!
Oman does not often appear on the list of destinations in the itinerary of Czech tourists. And so when we heard about this courageous lady, Helen, who headed to Oman and slept there just under the open sky, we simply had to make an interview with her! Much of what we´ve learnt about this exceptional country was fascinating to us!
In Oman you can sleep out of doors really anywhere!
You can thus become part of the stunningly beautiful nature here. In Oman is possible to camp anywhere you want. And if you wanted to sleep just under the open skies, you can. As you wish! Such unrepeatable sunsets and sunrises as in the wild, cannot be experienced in any hotel complex!
In the mountains the conditions are completely different than by the sea
Be prepared that the temperature at the sea and in the mountains may vary even by 20°C! Remember that, if you are you planning a trip to the mountains. And you certainly have to plan one! The highest peak is Jebel Shams, rising to the height of 3,028 above sea level. But you will not be able to get to the very top, because there is a military base there. But you can enjoy the views from the height of 2,990 above sea level. If you set off from the mountain resort of Shams, consider that it will take you 10 hours in total, which you will need to climb the mountain and get back.
Oman is a rich, but at the same time inexpensive country!
Oman is a very rich country. It is governed by a Sultan, who keeps improving the road infrastructure, schools, taking care that the country flourishes. Therefore don´t be surprised that in your journeys you will also pass deserted villages. The local people work in administration and are certainly not interested in menial jobs; these are undertaken by immigrants from the Philippines, south-east Asia, India and Africa who receive in Oman much higher salaries than for the same type of work in their own country. So it often happens that they live for a long time in this ´country of dreams´, separated from their families, to whom they send cash, or they go home with the savings after some time.
Bathing in natural ponds is an unforgettable experience!
Although Oman is a coastal state, more than by the pure sea, the visitors are captivated by the crystal-clear water inland and the possibility of swimming in the beautiful natural ponds. You can set off for example to Wadi Al Shab (in translation wadi means valley), where you have to experience a dip in a luxurious pond with a waterfall. You would be hard pressed to find a better place than this one or other similar ones to refresh yourself, when the heat wave lasts throughout the whole year!
Would you like a camel?
In Oman, camels may be observed in the wild, but also bred specially for meat. Camel steak anyone? If not, choose something different from traditional Omani cuisine. Delicious mix barbecues and various skewer grills are very popular, pale-yellow rice with meat etc.
A few hints to finish
If you like a glass of alcohol, it would be better to bring it with you. In Oman you would be hard pressed to find a reseller. In a country which has an area of 309,501 km² there are only about 5 specialised shops, where you can find alcoholic beverages, but the selection is limited, as well as the opening times.
Opening hours in general may actually be a problem, too. Therefore be prepared that in Oman you will have to observe the afternoon siesta. From 1 to 5 p.m. you will simply not be able to buy anything! Also, pay attention to the days of the week; our Friday in Oman is a Sunday, this means that nobody works at all! Saturday is our classic Saturday, Sunday is like Monday, etc.
Ladies are recommended to wear a headscarf. It has some advantages: you will not burn your forehead, you will blend in the crowd and feel more comfortable. For this very reason it is safer to cover your legs and arms. You are in a Muslim country.
Although the holiday time has just started, if you do not want to indulge in 40°C scorching heat, postpone your journey to Oman ideally to February. It will be a little bit fresher then! The current forecast at the time of writing this article reports temperatures of 40°C; even at night!
