The Bite Magazine - Spring 2019 - Issue 24

bite travel thanks to the well maintained roads, and best of all, there was no traffic! The journey was made more pleasant as all around us we were surrounded by scenery of ragged mountains lay- ering on top of one another and creating a somewhat dreamy backdrop with the angle of the falling light of the afternoon sun. Nizwa used to be the capital of Oman in the past and an important centre for trade, culture and education. Today, it is the second biggest tourist destination of the country thanks to its proximity to the Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar Moun- tains which are popular among hikers and thrill seekers, and the town itself is full of character with its mud-brick houses, historic fort, traditional souq and weekly livestock market. No holiday to the Middle East would be complete without a trip to the vast desert land, which is why Oman’s Wahiba Sands was naturally a must on our list, too. There are plenty of organised trips to choose from or you can book from one of the many accommodation providers who offer an unforgetta- ble experience to spend a night in a tent village under a star-lit sky. This is after you’ve had an adventurous afternoon of dune bashing on a four-wheel drive, quad biking along the sandy dunes or learning to ride a camel. Alternatively, those not keen on the activities, can simply just unwind and take in the peace and silence of the empty wilderness. The breathtaking sceneries of this diverse country continue to surprise you as you carry on your journey back towards the coast. Oman has many wadis (valleys) and one of the most popular, Wadi Bani Khalid, is a short distance from Wahi- ba Sands and a perfect place to visit following your desert experience. The place is truly spectacular; it is an enormous site surrounded by magnificent mountains, fertile palm trees and large natural pools. We simply couldn’t wait to jump into the turquoise waters and rinse off the last traces of desert sand. Visitors should note that strict rules to respect the local culture apply here and swimmers should wear shorts and t-shirts to cover up. Our last stop before heading back to Muscat was the seaside town of Sur. It is less popular as a tourist destination but we totally fell in love with the town thanks to its relaxed Mediter- ranean feel, striking traditional dwellings and old-fashioned wooden vessels anchored by the shore. Sur also serves as an ideal base for visiting the turtle reserve at Ras Al Jinz, which we decided to skip as the best time for spotting the turtles hatching is during the summer months. Along the coastal route back to the capital city you will find another stunning natural wonder, Wadi Shab, and the striking Bimmah sinkhole, both offering an opportunity for a refreshing dip into the crys- tal clear waters to seek comfort from the burning sun. To sum up, this was a trip of a lifetime, but one we will definitely repeat as there’s so much more to see, explore and experience in beautiful Oman.

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