Destination Oman

Well, a quick update:

I arrived to the Sultanate of Oman yesterday after 14 hours of travel and transit. I was greeted by my Aunty Gill at the airport, who whisked me away and safely deposited me at her apartment complex in Qurm, which appears to be an 'up-market' suburb just out of the city.

On the drive back, I got the brief run-down on the local cultural no-no's:

Coming in at Number 1: NO PHOTOS! Damn. The place is really quite pretty and I was looking forward to getting some snaps up. Though, I think this is just limited to people and beaches. Apparently taking photos of people is a big cultural no-no. The women particularly, as it is against their religion to have a duplicate copy of themselves, or something. Men will also get very angry if they have their photo taken and there have been reported altercations from tourists doing so.

So sadly no wandering Paparazzo-Andrew.

Number 2: No Shorts! Damn. It's really hot and well, I only really packed for Asia (which is also hot). So I'll be sweating it out in my jeans and cargo's for the next while, unless I pick up some dish-dash's (local religious garb).
It is even harder for women (well, also generally) as they need to cover most of their body - shoulders, legs and not wear revealing clothing. There are a large portion of Western ex-pats here and a few tourists who don't adhere - you don't get in trouble, but it is frowned upon by the locals.

So sadly, sweaty-Andrew is going to become... well, I'm sure you can conjur up the image (whether you like it or not)

Number 3: When talking to the locals, don't ask personal questions. I'm told that Omani's are quite private. If you smile, they will smile back. If you are friendly, they will be friendly back. If you're arrogant and repugnant, they will be also in return.
But, personal questions? I asked my Aunt what would be considered a 'personal question' and she replied that although she has business cards of local friends, she still does not know what it is they do.

This one will be tough. For those who know me, know that I ask a lot of questions. It's how you get to know someone, afterall!

Number 4: When greeting or being introduced to a woman, don't offer to shake her hand; as she won't.
This is also interesting, as there is a great divide between Men and Women. For example, Men and Women socialise separately, unless they are with Family, where they would socialise at Family places.

Number 5: When out walking: Look like you've got somewhere to go.
Apparently there are some members of the royal family in the neighbourhood, so I can't just go out 'strolling.' But to be honest I don't think I'll be doing a lot of walking while I'm here (unless I get to head into the mountains....) as Oman has no real 'City Centre' - but many little suburban locales.

Now, I'm finding all of the above extremely interesting, as being a Western Male - I am considered an Infidel. Western Woman are considered prostitutes (according to the teachings of the Koran). A few of the points above align with this but, also seem contradictory to this regard.

Anyway, I'm alive and well, I've eaten and even had a swim in the complex pool (which is stunning). I'm gathering my thoughts and am putting off thinking about my next move for probably at least a week. I'm seizing the moment, being here, and soaking up the sights and sounds that being in Oman can offer me. As this place is certainly off the tourist beaten track (but apparently that is slowly changing) so will certainly make use of the time now.

Thanks for all your thoughts and messages. Both my ego and body are a bit bruised and I'm still unsure if I will go back to SE Asia this year (well, at least by myself) but I am well and taking the time to reflect and enjoy my current surroundings and situation.