There is a lot to learn from a tourist. Follow a tourist yoy learn about their preferences, as tourism attractions vary from one individual to another.
For Abdulwahab Badje, a tourist from Paris, it was an invitation to Nepal that made him look through the route as he was to be on transit via Muscat while flying to Nepal.
He had watched a video on Oman and now if he is going to be this close, he is going to step out and experience the Sultanate of Oman.
With just three days in hand, his attention now was on what he could manage experiencing Oman in just 72 hours.
“Looking back what comes in my memories is about Muscat and its neighbourhood and how Oman is different from other Gulf states because of its strong traditions and an economy that is not based exclusively on hydrocarbon,” said Abdulwahab.
During his research he had come across camels and barbecues.
He was all set for Friday experience, “I went to a neighborhood mosque on Friday. I also went to the Muttrah Souq and enjoyed the corniche. The visit to the Sultan Qaboos Mosque was very much in the itinerary. Took a boat excursion to watch the dolphins and do some snorkeling.” he reflected.
“I wanted to explore the Omani street food and I discovered Mishqaq on the web. Got into a taxi and checked out the Mishqaq. I had heard about camel meat but was not I also enjoyed the chicken Kabouli rice at an Omani traditional restaurant. At the same time, I also went to a big mall. Had lots of O taxi travels because the application is easy to use. The drivers were patient and the price is interesting compared to paris,” he explained.
Even though he was comfortable with the public transportation, he opted for walking in the August summer.
He chose to walk by day and night even when the temperature was high compared to what he is used to.
“It was respirable due to pollution free environment. Yes, I was a little scared to come in August but i had no choice due to my work and the distance. So for me it was hot but doable for few days.
I had not taken real holidays for a while because of my type of job contract. This year was the first time since many years I took two weeks. I was going to Nepal to see my friends and when I saw my trip pass through Oman as a transit I told myself, why not try to stay few days on my way back.”
He pointed out that Oman had been in his short list for a while, “It is an Islamic country with an economy that does not depend on petrol alone and it is still not into mass tourism. Oman has a big cultural identity.
I also wanted to explore the IT sector, but I did not have time to check this aspect.”
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