Chillin' in Oman

A common misconception about the middle east is that everything is dangerous and everyone is a threat.

We can't really help it, it has somehow perniciously become part of how the "west" perceives the Middle East after years of questionable "freedom bringing" wars and drone strikes, endless religiously motivated bombings, suicide attacks and all sorts of intolerance from side to side.

With "big bad" Iran across and war torn Yemen next to it, Oman could have easily made more than one traveler suspicious regarding either safety or security.

Well, from our experience and from that of many friends who have either lived, worked or traveled there, the Middle East overall (and I very much include Iran here) and Oman specifically is a country of peace with Muscat certainly being a place of tolerance.

Though relatively small in size and population, Oman is a fairly wealthy state and through its wealth it has certainly attracted a fair amount of foreigners searching for a better life. Here they have found a country with educated people who gladly speak english to you, who happily smile at strangers on the street and with an essentially non-existing crime rate.

Oman is very much an Arab country and it proudly keeps its traditions, clothing and religion but it does all of this while also welcoming strangers and accepting their differences. While in Muscat we met and saw people from many different countries and everyone seemed at peace.

I cannot think of a single moment walking down the street where either I or A felt in any way uncomfortable or worried in any single way. The country oozes tranquility and after a couple months in Africa it was a much needed change of pace.

If ever you consider visiting Oman but worry in any way regarding safety or security, all I can say is do it! Come chill in the Arabian sea!