Khareef Dhofar is full of bling with rains, drizzles, lush green wadis and meadows as if a carpet were beneath your feet. The breathtaking drives and waterfalls are enough to take you off in an entirely different zone of serenity and tranquility.
While the daytime is to soak in the splendid beauty of nature, the evenings are meant to imbibe in the rich heritage of Dhofari art and culture. Dhofar is well known for its glorious traditions and legacies.
The municipal authorities have taken a commendable initiative to display the local culture via a walk-in museum and souq in South Saadah. You get a fair glimpse of the local people's life, way of life, and, of course, Dhofari hospitality.
Dhofar is a place where people love to mingle. Evenings are meant for leisurely sittings over a cup of tea or traditionally cooked meat for dinner.
Community open spaces play a great role in bringing people together with public amenities provided, playing areas for children, and designated areas for cooking or barbecuing. Something unique to find elsewhere, but a very staple of Salalah.
Family ties and spending time together is something very deeply rooted. Not a rare sight to find humongous family units hanging out in the community open spaces over meals or kahwa. Never do they hesitate to share their meal when you are around, as mentioned earlier, Dhofar is known for its hospitality and generosity.
While you spend your day in the lush greens of Dhofar, generally the Dhofaris who reside in the mountains are vehement to offer their fresh produce from their livestock such as camel milk, cow milk, fresh butter, dairy, or meat, and in ample quantities. Not just the food, and not just confined to Khareef, as you wander in the natural landscapes; be it mountains, meadows, beaches, or wadis, they are always welcoming and happy to help.
I can still remember, one of my friend’s car got awfully stuck on a steep mountainous terrain during the Khareef season. It was drizzling and was muddy and slippery everywhere. After putting in all efforts, the car won't move a speck up the slope. There was no one around, it was going to get dark; thankfully soon some local guys spotted us from a distance and reached out for help. They got in the car, raced it full in reverse, and eventually got the car on the road.
Likewise, this museum brings to life a candid amalgamation of Dhofar’s lifestyle in the past and present and what it beholds for future generations to come.
As you go through the museum walk, you won’t resist having a bite from the freshly made flatbread egg and cheese roll, an authentic prep by the Dhofari women themselves.
As you proceed, you can find the Omani halwa, a traditional Omani dessert, brewing in a massive pot, the aroma looming over will let you drool. The souq hosts shops selling the purest honey, the finest attars and traditional herbs, and Salalah’s very own; frankincense. Well, that’s not enough and as you walk more, the sight of traditional attire and jewelry will make you irresistible.
There is something for the kids too, in a very own local style the narrator captivates the kids sitting and listening in groups with his storytelling skills. A leisure activity that generates powerful connect between the generations which is unfortunately on the wane these days. Yet, it is good to witness such connections getting revived here.
In the main hall, one gets to know the Dhofar across ages, the magnificent snippets from the past in the form of artifacts, exhibits, and manuscripts dating thousands of years back. The remarkable works in the fields of art and literature, health, and medicine by some of the eminent personalities in the past years are worth a visit.
Furthermore, as you explore, sip in some coffee or munch on some snacks or meals at the heritage cafes and restaurants. Trust me, it will be one of a one-of-a-kind experience to take away from Dhofar.
And what’s more, grab a chair because you need not miss out on the Dhofari dance marvelously crafted and performed, with swords as props and as a magnificent piece of folk art and culture. The local tunes and songs played will leave you awestruck in some other realm.
Last, but not least, drop by to catch a spectacular view of vintage cars from the past century. For the car and tech geeks, it’s a must-watch to delve into how technology and cars have evolved over the years.
As they say, a glorious past boosts your spirits to a promising future. Never disconnect from your roots if you need to flourish. And Dhofar is a flourishing example!
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