Intro to the Middle East

Today is our last day in Oman, and our introduction to the Middle East has been a fascinating one. We've actually felt safer here than in SE Asia which I think most people would be surprised by. Oman is full of the nicest people, but is a bit bizarre and full of contradictions. For example, the malls have stores like the Gap and H & M, but almost all of the women wear burkas and are completely covered all of the time. In other areas we'd see rows of shops with identical plain black burkas lining the store windows. In Muscat all of the buildings are white which gives the city a sterile feel, but the people present a potent culture. Muscat is also full of western fast food chains and other modern amenities, but it all feels a bit forced, like the city has been artificially modernized. In many ways it has. With oil money and a competent Sultan, the infrastructure of the country has only recently sprouted up. Of course most of the country is still a vast, uninhabited desert. We got to make the 11 hour drive between Muscat and Salalah, and I've never seen so much nothing! We drove for hours seeing only sand, dirt, and lots of camels. Driving through the Empty Quarter was great though, it was awesome knowing that whatever direction you went there would just be more desert until you hit the ocean or Saudi Arabia.

Our other activities in Oman included 3 days of rock climbing, playing in the waves of a deserted beach, visiting Jebel Shams (the Grand Canyon of Oman), and eating lots of good food! We got to climb over the ocean, do some great bolted routes in a small canyon, and explore some unclimbed rock in Salalah. Jason and I spent a day cleaning and setting 3 routes on rock that hadn't been climbed before--it's hard to find that in the U.S.! The canyon was very impressive and different from other canyons I'd seen. There are very few colors so each one seems crisper than if there were many. The distinct shades of brown and gray stand out against the blue sky. All of the Omanis we have met have been so welcoming and helpful! Many speak English so getting around hasn't been difficult, and we've definitely gotten to experience some Arab hospitality.

One of the best parts of Oman has been visiting with our friend Shannon from the U.S. She lives in Salalah and was the most generous hostess! She showed us the best parts of Oman, took us to great meals, and let us stay at her home with her. Thanks for everything Shannon!

Tomorrow we are heading to Dubai for a few days. The Burj Khalifa is one of the things we've been most excited to see along with the other architectural feats the city offers. We will also go to the first Taco Bell of the trip! It feels like it's winding down fast unfortunately, but I think the last 7 weeks in the Mid-East will be great!