Twenty-two countries and counting! A couple from the United States is currently in Salalah, relishing the majestic khareef season.
Jesse Emerson and his wife Catherine embarked on their journey from Oregon, USA, in January 2020 in a ‘1983 Toyota’ camper truck, affectionately named 'The Yoda Home'.
Their travels have required the truck to be shipped three times: Over the Caribbean Sea from Panama to Colombia, across the Atlantic Ocean from Uruguay to South Africa, and then over the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea from Kenya to Salalah.
“It has been a wonderful journey and an amazing lifestyle. We call it a 'vocation-vacation' life as we are always working and always travelling simultaneously. We absolutely love it,” the couple remarked about their overall journey.
Commenting on Oman and Salalah, they said, “It’s wonderful, and getting ever more magical with the changing season. The Omani people and everyone we have met here from around the world have always been kind, friendly and helpful. It’s truly amazing. It’s also much more organised than other places we have experienced, which we really appreciate.”
Comparing their experiences with other countries, the couple found the Sultanate of Oman to be “one of the most unique countries in the world! Oman’s people are clearly unified and happy, which is a wonderful sight to see. After four years travelling through Latin America and Africa, it is refreshing to be in such a safe, clean and organised community.”
One of the most interesting aspects of their journey was the birth of their daughter, Prana, during the tour. Born in Ecuador, she holds dual citizenship.
The couple arrived in Salalah on April 21 and, captivated by its beauty, decided to extend their stay through khareef to experience the monsoon season. “Almost everyone we met told us about the khareef season, and being here, we are excited and grateful for everything. This is our first time in Salalah, and we are loving it day and night,” Jesse shared.
HAVING A BABY ABROAD
Catherine added, “Actually, this is my first time outside of America, and I have surprised myself with how casual I feel about it all. I wouldn’t trade this life of adventure and global connection for anything! Having a baby abroad was also surprisingly comfortable. I find that challenges are manageable with a positive mindset, which is a skill.”
Prana is a natural traveller. From the beginning, she has been at peace while experiencing so much of the world. Now two-and-a-half years old, she is showing an interest in making friends.
“She is constantly stimulated with new fun things to do and new ways of learning. She learned a little bit of Swahili in Africa and knows some Arabic words too! We plan on homeschooling her, or rather ‘worldschooling,’ as it is called among other travelling families,” said Catherine.
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