035: Hellhole
Sultanate
We are going very far off the beaten path in this episode of the Sultanate, to the Hellhole! Sultanate Ep 035: Hellhole Follow the show and find more about Oman at: Do you like what you hear? Be sure to tell a friend and tell me what you like in the comments at . You can also leave the show a review on . Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.
info_outline
034: Sultan of Oman
Sultanate
In this episode of the Sultanate, I talk about the life and death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said. On this day, July 23, in 1970, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said took power from his father Sultan Said bin Taimur Al Said in a coup d’état. This was the day that the Sultanate of Oman entered into its renaissance, and this day is celebrated as Renaissance Day. Who is Sultan Qaboos, what is the renaissance, and why is he revered among Omanis? Sultanate Ep 034: Sultan of Oman Links Follow the show and find more about Oman at: Do you like what you hear? Be...
info_outline
033: Arabian Sands with Tom Ordeman
Sultanate
In this episode of the Sultanate, I sit down with Tom Ordeman to discuss Wilfred Thesiger and his novel Arabian Sands. Tom Ordeman, Jr. is an information security practitioner at Oregon State University, and a part-time military historian. When he was an anti-terrorism consultant in Kuwait from 2010 to 2012, Oman became part of his responsibility. Later, Tom fell in love with the Sultanate of Oman during a life-changing visit in 2012. He's written several articles for Small Wars Journal, and he's previously discussed Oman on the War College podcast and the International Spy Museum podcast,...
info_outline
032: Chips Oman
Sultanate
In this episode of the Sultanate, I sit down with my friend Nadhira al Harthy to discuss why there are so many chip brands in Oman, the quirky ways to consume the sumptuous fried snack, and conduct a taste test to find the most popular chip in Oman. Follow the show and find more about Oman at: Do you like what you hear? Be sure to tell a friend and tell me what you like in the comments at . You can also leave the show a review on . Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.
info_outline
Chips Oman Teaser
Sultanate
This month on the Sultanate podcast we sit down with my friend Nadthera to discuss a noteworthy section on Oman’s food culture, the chips! The episode launches on the 10th of January, 2019. Subscribe using Sticher, the iOS Podcast app, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you don’t know how to do that, . Follow the show and learn more about Oman at:
info_outline
031: Ashura
Sultanate
Ashura is a significant occasion for all Muslims, but it is particularly important for Muslims practicing the Shia branch of Islam. Little known to outsiders, Shias in Oman quietly observe this occasion openly among the narrow streets of Muttrah. Join me as I share with you the unique sights and sounds of Ashura in Oman. Follow the show and find more about Oman at: Do you like what you hear? Be sure to tell a friend and tell me what you like in the comments at . You can also leave the show a review on . Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.
info_outline
Ashura Teaser
Sultanate
This month on the Sultanate podcast we visit downtown Muttrah, late at night to observe a unique religious event. You don't want to miss this one. The episode launches on the 10th of October, 2018. Subscribe using Sticher, the iOS Podcast app, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you don’t know how to do that, . Follow the show and learn more about Oman at:
info_outline
030: Oman's Climate
Sultanate
The best time to visit Oman is... well, it depends on a lot of factors. The climate and weather being the most significant. Just like the British, it seems us Omani residents discuss the weather, a lot. Usually it’s something like, “It’s really hot today,” or “Wow, the humidity came out of nowhere.” There is no hiding the fact that Oman is a hot, desert country. We are within the tropic latitudes, and hold a portion of worlds largest sand desert within our boundaries. High temperatures are in the forecast no matter how you look at it. However, the climate or weather...
info_outline
029: Audio Postcard Ruwi
Sultanate
Here in the Muslim world it is the holy month of Ramadan, where worshipers fast during daylight hours to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Mohamed. The major mosques in the sultanate host post-fast meals called Iftar which take place at sunset and before the Maghrab prayer. For this audio postcard I’m here in Ruwi, which is the business district of Muscat, observing the moments before Maghrab and Iftar. In the parking lot of Sultan Qaboos Mosque, an area is cordoned off for a communal feast of rice and grilled chicken. There are hundreds of participants...
info_outline
028: Audio Postcard Ibri
Sultanate
This month I am sending you an audio postcard from the town of Ibri at the animal market. One of the popular activities tourists do in Oman is visit the animal market in Nizwa on Friday. While this is nice to do, it gets overrun by tourists at times. What people don’t know is these animal markets happen all over Oman in the major towns. So, it’s not just unique to Nizwa. The Ibri market happens on Saturdays, and as you can hear is very lively. The buyers stand on the outer perimeter of the shaded pen. While the sellers circle in the middle calling out their asking price for their cows,...
info_outlineNational Day is celebrated on the 18th of November, the birthday of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. The whole country decorates the streets with Omani flags and portraits of their dear leader. For me it's the best time to be in Oman. Here's why:
7 Reasons Why National Day is the Best Time to Visit Oman
1. Weather
The weather in November feels amazing. At this time we finally start to feel the affects of the coming winter, so the days are warm, and the nights are cool. This is also a good time to find rain in Muscat.
2. Decorations
Omanis go all out with decorations. The prime examples come from the displays along the highways in Muscat. The Muscat Expressway is lined with miles of Omani flags. Along Sultan Qaboos Highway you find lighted displays on every lamp post and a string of colorful lights connection them all.
In villages and towns, residents erect large portraits of His Majesty and hang Omani flag streamers which dance the the cool breeze.
Locals are also allowed to decorate their cars, something we are not normally allowed to do. The results are really fun to see. Have a look at the National Day Car Series I photographed last year.
3. Celebrations
Here's were it really gets interesting. It seems that throughout the course of November every company schedules some sort of celebration. It might be as simple as a luncheon with traditional Omani food. Or larger like a parade with a full marching band and dancing. These are all the privately organized celebrations.
The government organizes events too. Fireworks displays, parades, and performances are just to name a few.
4. Invitations
Omanis are great hosts so it's likely you will get invited to a celebration. I've heard stories of tourists driving through small towns and being stopped and invited to come and view the town's activities. A real special experience that is as real as it gets.
5. Surprises
Every town has something different to offer. You never know what is around the corner.
6. Holidays
We all love to have paid time off work, and Omani workers always receive two days off. These days, however, don't come on the 18th of November. Rather, they are usually given after the 18th and are positioned just before or after a weekend, often giving you a 4 day holiday. Who doesn't like that?
7. The Whole Month
Basically the whole month of November is set aside for National Day, with the frequency of celebrations happening closer to the 18th of November. So, you can still experience National Day even if you can't make it for the 18th.
While traveling around Oman you are bound to come across the wonderful sights and sounds of celebration. Come to Oman in November, you won't regret it.
You can view find Oman's national anthem translated into English at the associated episode post on my website. Check it out!
Follow the show and find more about Oman at:
Do you like what you hear?
Be sure to tell a friend and tell me what you like in the comments at www.beyondtheroute.com. You can also leave the show a review on iTunes. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.