Wadi Shab

Having to wake up at 5AM when all I was craving was for some more time to rest was something I almost came to regret...almost. I had pre-booked a sunrise yoga for my stay here and since it was already paid, I might as well go for it. I arrived at the hotel lobby to see a few other people who were joining the sesh. Our instructor was an Indian from Rishikesh. We made some small talk as I was going to India next after Oman and he was happy to learn that I was going to be going to his hometown.

While everyone got into place, my yoga mat was placed beside his and it was us both in front. Not sure if it was on purpose but it should be fine since I had ample experience in yoga. And it showed. I didn't realize the gap would be big but everyone had a difficult time to do even the most basic of poses. I was very flexible so one of the gents even asked the instructor if I was actually also a secretly hired teacher. All in all, it was a good experience to be doing yoga out in the desert during sunrise. I was lucky enough that immediately after that, there was a falcon show and we got to learn a lot about the art of falconry and got to see it in action as well. Big bonus for the day.

I then went to have my breakfast buffet and tried to stuff myself up as much as I can for the long day ahead. I had no idea when the next time I would be having lunch would be. I checked out and said goodbye to one of the Salam's before the other Salam drove me back to where I parked my car in Bidiyah. From then on, it was time for another long desert road trip.

I tried to go to Wadi Bin Khalid first but it seems like the Google Maps point I was following was wrong as it took me to the middle of nowhere. Really unfortunate that I wasted so much time here, but I moved on towards Qalhat Beach. The town of Qalhat itself was an ancient city so there was much history here though the empty beach and beautiful mountain range was really the main draw for me.

The highlight of the day would have to go to Wadi Shab, it was also the most crowded place in Oman. It was difficult to find parking and quite tight too. I forgot to get waterproof bags as suggested by Linda. I thought I could get it from the other side of the river but it was too late now as our boat had already crossed. From then on it was a more or less flat trek with a slight incline towards the inner wadi. What strikes me the most was the emerald flowing waters contrasting with the beige cliffs. It was nothing short of magnificent. I reached the end of the rope however as I couldn't swim through the valley due to my belongings and there were too many people so I couldn't leave my things laying around there as well. I had to turn back. I even wounded my toe right after someone said it was dangerous to be hiking in slippers. Well he wasn't wrong. I was a bit worried about the bleeding and it looked like I wouldn't be able to swim in the Bimmah Sinkhole as well to prevent infection. I was bummed and it was getting hot too.

I drove to the nearby Pebbles Beach which was also very picturesque and away from the crowds. The nearby Bimmah Sinkhole was impressive but not as impressive as Wadi Shab. I like to imagine it was a giant crater formed by a meteorite.

I visited the Quriyat Salt Pans next, the drone photos looked so pretty but I could only do so much at the ground level. The wind here was unrelentingly strong, it was an exhilirating experience. They even had a pink pond here from all the salt. Still it was more long drives towards Muscat, the mirages on the road certainly didn't help. I went to Al Serah Tower which was inside some sort of compound. It was pretty and the people here seemed to go around the roundabout and out after seeing it. It was on the way so why not?

I tried to go to Bandar Al Khairan, hoping to make it to catch the sunset and some bioluminiscent plankton but the roads turned into grainy terrain and it started to seem a bit sketchy to keep going on. The fact that my car felt like it fell off a tiny cliff pretty much scared me and I decided it was better to just head back to Muscat at this point. Right after that, my car started to make these grainy sounds most of them from the debris but it started to get louder and I was afraid it was some engine trouble. Notwithstanding the fact that I was on a highway, I was quite nervous and pulled over into one of the empty lots and tried to get in touch with my rental car company. I tried to explain and send them some videos but the internet was slow as hell. They said it's alright and to keep going to the nearest gas station so they can have a look and fix it up, but I was quite apprehensive to keep going as the sounds were very nerve-wracking. I went to the most right lane and put on hazards as I went as slow as 40-60 km/h. Cars honked and passed me by and soon I saw that there was a truck behind me that was flashing its lights. I thought he was signaling that he wanted to pass so I moved the car in the middle lane only for the truck to pull up beside me. I wasn't sure what to do so I slowed down even more so it could just proceed but it slowed down as well and started flashing lights again. I looked over and we made eye contact and I finally understood that they wanted to help me. He signalled to pull over and once I did, both of them went out of their truck and started to investigate my ride. They quickly found out that it was a small issue concerning a flap that had come undone and was slapping wildly due to the speed and wind. Such a small issue that was fixed by a short metal string. I was so grateful and beyond relieved to have experienced such kindness and help from strangers at such an hour of need. It truly solidified the Omani people for me.

I gassed up and had my car cleaned in a gas station on the outskirts of Muscat before driving straight to my hotel to park and find dinner on foot. I ended up in an Indian restaurant and got some biryani which was more than enough. Amazing service too, always weird for me when the waiter serves the food directly to your plate, I am guessing it's a South Asian thing.Read more