Is Oman a place to visit
Jul 23rd, 2004, 09:20 AM
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Dear Nancy,
It's all depends on what you have in mind. Have you ever traveled to the Middle East?? I've been to Oman twice. It's a lovely country to visit, with wonderful people and a fun place to scuba dive. Pls let me know your intrest. I'm an expat who been living in the Middle East for 14 years.
It's all depends on what you have in mind. Have you ever traveled to the Middle East?? I've been to Oman twice. It's a lovely country to visit, with wonderful people and a fun place to scuba dive. Pls let me know your intrest. I'm an expat who been living in the Middle East for 14 years.
Jul 23rd, 2004, 09:36 AM
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We have been to Oman numerous times and return again in October.
A very impressive country that has made remarkable changes in the past 25 years. The Sultan has ruled wisely and uses the oil and gas revenues( small by Middle east standards)to develop roads, schools ,colleges,and health system.
One of the most progressive countries in the region, you will find the people friendly, for the most part well educated, excelent food and many sights to see.
Muscat is the largest city, has the best international connections and forms the base to explore .
Numerous hotels in all categories- best ( 5 star- Al Bustan Intercontinental and The Chedi) all major hotel chains seem to have hotels.
The city still retains its " Arab architecture , culture and feel" It has no tall buildings like some of its neighbors.
Beaches are great with clean water.
Diving is available and numerous boats to sightsee and whale watching.
The Muttrah Souk ( shopping area ) is a must see. You must bargain for good prices.
Muscat also has several old forts, good museums and has the Sultans Palace.
About 2 hours from Muscat is Nizwa. An old city with well restored fort and excelent shopping, especially silver. A local market is also held on fridays. Fun to see it. Numerous other old forts and watch towers are in that area.
No problem to drive yourself as the roads are excelent.
Four wheel tours into the desert are also available.
Several resorts cater to the divers and water sports groups too.
Salalah is a southern city about 100 km. south of Muscat and offers much green areas and frankincense.
The country is very safe for foreigners.
Many people speak english and the government is making a good effort to " Omanize"- bring more Omanis in positions of authority to replace many foreign workers.Thus you will have contact with the people and not some hired foreign worker as you find in other contries of the area.
Women have good rights and are seen working, driving and shopping.
It is no problem for women tourists to travel.
It can be very hot. the later you would go in september, the better.
Obviously, we recommend Oman. It does not attract too many tourists like Dubai.
It is culturally rich country and has something for everyone.
A very impressive country that has made remarkable changes in the past 25 years. The Sultan has ruled wisely and uses the oil and gas revenues( small by Middle east standards)to develop roads, schools ,colleges,and health system.
One of the most progressive countries in the region, you will find the people friendly, for the most part well educated, excelent food and many sights to see.
Muscat is the largest city, has the best international connections and forms the base to explore .
Numerous hotels in all categories- best ( 5 star- Al Bustan Intercontinental and The Chedi) all major hotel chains seem to have hotels.
The city still retains its " Arab architecture , culture and feel" It has no tall buildings like some of its neighbors.
Beaches are great with clean water.
Diving is available and numerous boats to sightsee and whale watching.
The Muttrah Souk ( shopping area ) is a must see. You must bargain for good prices.
Muscat also has several old forts, good museums and has the Sultans Palace.
About 2 hours from Muscat is Nizwa. An old city with well restored fort and excelent shopping, especially silver. A local market is also held on fridays. Fun to see it. Numerous other old forts and watch towers are in that area.
No problem to drive yourself as the roads are excelent.
Four wheel tours into the desert are also available.
Several resorts cater to the divers and water sports groups too.
Salalah is a southern city about 100 km. south of Muscat and offers much green areas and frankincense.
The country is very safe for foreigners.
Many people speak english and the government is making a good effort to " Omanize"- bring more Omanis in positions of authority to replace many foreign workers.Thus you will have contact with the people and not some hired foreign worker as you find in other contries of the area.
Women have good rights and are seen working, driving and shopping.
It is no problem for women tourists to travel.
It can be very hot. the later you would go in september, the better.
Obviously, we recommend Oman. It does not attract too many tourists like Dubai.
It is culturally rich country and has something for everyone.
Jul 23rd, 2004, 03:12 PM
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Most people that travel any place other than the USA can recognize distances in kilometers as well as miles.
As Oman would not be a likely destination for a person that has little travel experience I quoted distance as shown in that country.
For those with nothing more to do then worry about miles versus kilometers- continue to limit your travel to Disneyworld.
As Oman would not be a likely destination for a person that has little travel experience I quoted distance as shown in that country.
For those with nothing more to do then worry about miles versus kilometers- continue to limit your travel to Disneyworld.
Jul 23rd, 2004, 04:13 PM
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>It's unlikely the poster asking the question is from Oman.DUH.
And far from assured the poster is from the US either. Generally, outside the US and UK distances are measured in km and experienced travelers such as molker tend to think in km. Moreover, more people around the world measure in km rather than miles so molker played the percentages correctly.
Oct 1st, 2004, 08:19 AM
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miles or Km. Salalah is a lot further!
I lived in Oman for a year and a half, I travelled all the time. Its a superb and exotic place, really. Depending on your interests is really how good the place is. If you are happy to rent a 4wd buy the 'oman offroad' book, get some camping gear - and just go, you will be flat out seeing the place. A tour ? maybe depends on what you like. Personally i dont take tours, I never saw the need and in Oman the people are so accommodating and there is so much to see that well you can take your pick. and there is so much room to camp.
Scuba diving? Its OK but that isnt why you go to Oman. Perhaps I'm a snob but if you want to do this just go somewhere that is dedicated to it - the barrier reef, the sth pacific.
The coast is one trip the mtns of Musandam another, making sure you cross over to the UAE and reentering Oman and then going up behind Khassab, one of the most amazing roads you will ever drive on. but you cnat et out again that way and you have to come all the way back. The Wadi Beh road into tthe UAE is also problematic. I was back ther last year and it was blocked off to tourists. etc etc look get one fo the Oman Offroad books its really worht having nice pictures and good information.
There are hotels but not a lot and most arent all that good. I did hear form a friend still there that they just did a big about face on the visa on dmeand that they had for a lot of countries for a long time and now many cant enter without one gained before hand. Dont know who this is try and check with the local omani consulate but dont expect too much, like most arabs ( and i have a great affection for them) they are a bunch of bunglers even if friendly.
I lived in Oman for a year and a half, I travelled all the time. Its a superb and exotic place, really. Depending on your interests is really how good the place is. If you are happy to rent a 4wd buy the 'oman offroad' book, get some camping gear - and just go, you will be flat out seeing the place. A tour ? maybe depends on what you like. Personally i dont take tours, I never saw the need and in Oman the people are so accommodating and there is so much to see that well you can take your pick. and there is so much room to camp.
Scuba diving? Its OK but that isnt why you go to Oman. Perhaps I'm a snob but if you want to do this just go somewhere that is dedicated to it - the barrier reef, the sth pacific.
The coast is one trip the mtns of Musandam another, making sure you cross over to the UAE and reentering Oman and then going up behind Khassab, one of the most amazing roads you will ever drive on. but you cnat et out again that way and you have to come all the way back. The Wadi Beh road into tthe UAE is also problematic. I was back ther last year and it was blocked off to tourists. etc etc look get one fo the Oman Offroad books its really worht having nice pictures and good information.
There are hotels but not a lot and most arent all that good. I did hear form a friend still there that they just did a big about face on the visa on dmeand that they had for a lot of countries for a long time and now many cant enter without one gained before hand. Dont know who this is try and check with the local omani consulate but dont expect too much, like most arabs ( and i have a great affection for them) they are a bunch of bunglers even if friendly.
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Queenie
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