We'd been getting stunned looks since checking in at the Kathmandu Airport 28 hours earlier. The woman there called security to come investigate us when we told her that we didn't have a connection in Oman and that the country was in fact our final destination. Then the staff at the Oman airport told us we were going the wrong way when we walked up to the tourist visa counter while the rest of the white people on our plane followed the sign for transfers. Although Oman is an up-and-coming tourist destination, what accounted for all the confusion was that it's rare for tourists to come outside of the season, which is November - March, because of the crazy high temperatures. But there Brian and I were, walking around the fish souq (souq = market) in 50 degree Celsius/ 122 degree Fahrenheit weather.
I smiled, walked over to her, and replied, "Yeah, we know." She asked why we didn't instead come to Oman during winter when the weather is cooler. I explained that we were traveling around the world and the tickets from Nepal to Oman were the right price. The pictures of the country looked amazing so we decided to take advantage of the opportunity to see old Arabia. I added that we were drenched in sweat because we hadn't rented a car and we were walking everywhere. She laughed and then said, "You are coming to my house for lunch."
Forty-five minutes later Brian and I were sitting in the living room of Nargis and her husband Abdullah and we stayed there for the next 9 hours. We told stories, discussed religion & politics, and learned about Oman customs - including how to eat like an Omani.
Back at our hotel that night, I found myself all choked up when I tried to process what had happened that day. Friends have had us in their homes and strangers have said hi to us on the street, but here were strangers who invited us - also strangers - into their home, drove us around, and took care of us for a whole day. I'd never experienced anything like that.
Back at our hotel that night, I found myself all choked up when I tried to process what had happened that day. Friends have had us in their homes and strangers have said hi to us on the street, but here were strangers who invited us - also strangers - into their home, drove us around, and took care of us for a whole day. I'd never experienced anything like that.
I was also so moved because stories in the news about Christians and Muslims tend to be about fighting, about terrorism, about hate. Yes, there were differences between our beliefs- and pretty significant ones at that - but our time together was defined by consideration, compassion, and warmth. Call me crazy (oh wait...Nargis already did), but it gave me hope for what could be.
During the 8 days that we were in Oman (May 29-June 5), we ended up spending half our time with Abdullah and Nargis and had awesome adventures driving to their favorite places, seeing the sights, and tasting the food. Their kindness not only defined our time in Oman but also provide us with a new standard for hospitality, one that we hope we can live up to.
Moments after Nargis told me I was crazy.
Brian and Nargis chatting it up.
Lunch time Omani style. Photo-ops all around.
Cheese!
Abdullah, Brian, and Ahmed (Nargis & Abdullah's son) philosophizing on the beach.
Nargis and Abdullah introduced us to this Zanzibarian dish. We don't remember what it's called but it was soooooooo good.
The gang at the Grand Mosque.
Ahmed getting ready to do some serious parkour.
When this is the temperature... (52 Celsius = 125 Fahrenheit)
... this is what happens.
The boys changing the tire.
Shopping for a hanjar (an Omani ceremonial knife) for Brian.
Success!
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