We’re back in Oman with the 2019 version of our Natural History and Contemporary Culture of Oman (a.k.a. Rock Music Oman) winter-break study program. It may be gray and wintery in Williamsburg, but the skies over Oman are blue and the temperature is close to perfect.
Twenty-one intrepid William & Mary students left the States on New Year’s Day, and arrived in Oman on January 2nd. After a short night of rest, we were off to discover Muscat and the surrounding terrain.
During the daylight hours of our first full day in Oman, we delved into the heart of Muscat with visits to the iconic Bait al Baranda Museum, Muttrah Souq, Al Alam Palace, and National Museum. When the sun set, we rolled onward into Seeb to join the Oud Hobbyist Association for a vibrant concert followed by a delicious dinner.
Friday, January 4th was a day of outdoor exploration as we traversed Wadi Mayh from the mountains to the sea. We began at outcrops of schist in the badlands of the Saih Hatat and finished on the sandy beach at Qantab, examining a large slice of Omani geology in just a few hours. Evening found us at Ambassador Ahmed Al Hinai’s house, where he and his family provided both a spectacular meal and splendid conversation (on topics as varied as the Khareef1, camels, international politics, and the Seattle real estate market).
It’s been a busy two days.
I’m stoked because we’ve got an academically diverse and engaged group of William & Mary students with us and Oman is, once again, demonstrating its warmth and amazing hospitality.
Check out the pictures to see more of our adventures thus far.
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