Arabian Impressions

     I am a good traveler. I like seeing new and different things and experiencing diverse cultures. But, I must honestly admit I usually fall into the safe-and-comfortable as opposed to the no-holds-barred category when it comes to trips abroad. I'm all for stretching comfort zones, but within reason. And if credence is given to our sensationalistic media here in America, certain regions of the world can be viewed as places that go beyond comfort zone stretching to comfort zone destroying. So when circumstances recently arose that gave reason for us to travel to the Arabian Peninsula, specifically the Sultanate of Oman, I initially found myself completely closed to the idea. Truth be told, I was scared to death at the prospect of travel within the Middle East. Americans are perpetually bombarded with news of horrifying terrorist activities, political unrest, kidnappings, and other shocking events in this region of the world. But my wife and I decided to go anyway. And because we did I was able to learn firsthand that unconfirmed and biased impressions can be, and often are, completely wrong.

     Before we left I had worked myself into near frenzy. Our daughter, who recently relocated to Oman for a job opportunity, did all she could to reassure me my worries were unwarranted. But I remained resolute in my thoughts that we were doomed to all manner of mishap and danger. On the morning of our departure my anxiety level reached epic proportions, and I fell into more or less a walking coma prior to boarding the first of three flights that would transport us to the opposite side of the planet. Fortunately, the moments prior to that first flight would represent my lowest point of the journey. As travel progressed I found myself opening up more and more to the prospect of a cultural experience so extremely different from anything I'd previously encountered. And upon arrival in Oman my daughter's assurances played out precisely. To be sure, the surroundings were quite uniquely different, but the warmth of the Omani people and their hospitality was immediately evident. My apprehension was cast aside and I was able to have one of the most culturally enlightening journeys of my lifetime so far.   

     What follows is a series of entries illustrating places and events that were so unexpectedly pleasing that they have positively influenced my feelings toward Middle Eastern cultures forever. And isn't that the most successful outcome of travel? Placing yourself in new, and yes, sometimes frightful surroundings enables you to see things from an entirely new perspective. And the reward is an educated true understanding of cultures and history, an opening of yourself to things you could never have previously imagined. My Arabian adventure reminds me to not simply accept that reports of specific incidents are always representative of a whole. There is no denying that some regions in the Middle East are rife with conflict. But if you've an interest in a tolerant Middle Eastern culture that is anxious to share their country and customs with interested travelers, consider visiting the welcoming people of Oman.