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Oman's first premier Travel magazine
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Dive easy
Vol. 1, Issue 5 ,Vol. 1, Issue 5 , November 2011- January 2012,November 2011- January 2012, Winter SpecialWinter Special
Blessed with beautiful tourism sites
Spectacular wadis, Celebrity say & more
Balcony Laden Floating CondominiumSnorkelling with sea lions
Awafi Festival in RAKMost spectacular sites & more
Oman-Trail Globe-Trail
Oman’s first premier travel magazineOman’s first premier travel magazine
November 2011- January 20124
Readers Forum
It is neither the highest, nor the widest waterfall in the world, but it is the largest
– that much can be said about the Victoria Falls or more precisely, the Mosi-
oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders). The world heritage list recognises both
names. The claim is based on a width of 1,708 metres (5,604ft) and a height
of 108 metres (354ft) forming the largest sheet of falling water in the world.
Susan’s (Susan C. Thornton – May-July 2011 issue) story on Mosi-oa-Tunya
was fantastic because she took me on the same path that I had traversed on
and I concur on her sentiments: this is where nature is at her most powerful.
David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and explorer, must have been truly
amazed at the sight. Like Susan mentioned, “imagine running into something
like this by chance”! Wow, I would go crazy. Thanks for taking us through this
natural wonder and we hope that we will be able to read more about such
wonders in future issues too.
Miguel J.Ruiz, Seeb
Jumping off a plane is not easy. I know. It took me nearly four years to do that. I
love adventure sports, but I am severely handicapped when it comes to heights…
in the sense, I have a great fear of heights. Right from childhood, I am having this
fear and finally my friends at my workplace decided that I should get over this fear.
During a trip to Dubai, they tried to get me unsuccessfully into Bungee jumping. I
tried to show off and said that I was not interested in Bungee jumping, but if there
was some way that I could jump off a plane, I was game. Little did I know that I had
put my foot in my own mouth as there was a skydiving club right there in Dubai and
my friends promptly took me there and signed up. Honestly, I still don’t know what
I did, or what happened, but that day I killed my fears, not only looking down from a
height, which was so many thousands of feet above and more importantly, jumping
off from that height. For nearly four years before the leap, I was mustering courage
to do it but never had the guts, then, suddenly from out of the blue, something
happened and I just broke free from my fears. It was a leap of faith for me!
Sanjith Aaron, Al Khuwair
The Okavango Delta is surely the perfect
location to have a luxury safari holiday.
We had such a fantastic time there (in
Botswana) and I cried when we had to
leave. We stayed at several camps; the
first one was a very small one but good
and the second one had a spectacular
setting – it was right on the delta. We had
some interesting episodes with hippos!
Jane Sims, Qurum
I agree with the author of the tandem
sky diving piece. The adrenaline rush
you gain by jumping off a plane is really
something. I must have done that dive
several months back and yet now even
when I talk about it or write about it, I get
a full rush of adrenaline. Wow! Nothing
like it!
Todd Ronald, Ghala
True leap of faith
White lions grace captured
Perfect location
Adrenaline zing
E-mail your letters to footprints@blackandwhiteoman.com
The wonder that thunders
I would like to congratulate you for this excellent
publication. In fact, the white lions’ photos and the
accompanying article (Issue 2 , August-October 2010)
is quite good and has a real impact. The grace and the
dignity of the lord of the jungle, although in a different
shade, is quite evident. I am not alone in praising the
Footprints and would like to add here that my friends
and colleagues also share the same sentiment.
Congratulations from all of us!
S.A.S. Naqvi,
Sports consultant, FMEC/OHA, Muscat
November 2011- January 20126
C o n t e n t sO
n t
he
cove
r
Design: Beneek Siraj
Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC
Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos
Office location: Hatat Complex A, Office no: 212, II Floor
Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496
e-mail: footprints@blackandwhiteoman.com
Editor-in-chiefMohamed Issa Al Zadjali
Managing editorPriya Arunkumar
Work editorAdarsh Madhavan
Design and productionBeneek Siraj
PhotographerAli Raisi
Advt. & marketingShannon D’Souza, Priyanka Sampat
PrintersOman Printers
20
10
Snorkelling with sea lions in the
Galapagos Islands
The sea lions were not the only ones
whom the writer bumped into during
his watery sojourn: Two Galapagos
penguins, a marine iguana, reef sharks,
Sally Lightfoot crabs made their day!
“Balcony Laden Floating Condominium”
After P.N. Devaya’s recent
experience, he no longer considers
that description of large cruise ships
uncomplimentary. The balcony
with the stateroom elevated a
great experience to an absolutely
unforgettable one, he says
Globe-Trai l
1010
A joint venture with Zahara Travel and Service Bureau
presentationA
November 2011- January 2012 7
46 56
42
5646
30
Read what
Oman’s tourism
minister has to
say for those
who are yet
to visit this
tourism-rich
country
Spectacular Wadis, not just for bashing
A wadi is a dried up riverbed found
in the mountain valleys. Wadis come
into their own after heavy rains, when
the rivers start running again and
the vegetation is restored. However,
some wadis have year-round running
water, with deep, cool pools in which
it is quite safe to swim if the currents
are slow
Dive easy
Dramatic wall drop offs, scenic
coral lined fjords, several thousand
kilometers of coastline, clean and
unpolluted waters, fantastic sea
conditions…Oman is an untouched
paradise for divers.
Honey, my Venice is sinking
Some unique spots are under threat
of disappearing forever. So, try to
catch sight of them before they
disappear.
Oman-Trai l Oman-Trai l
Blessed with beautiful tourism sites
November 2011- January 20128
Oman is a country blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and resources. The
best part of this is that a major portion of it is still untouched, unexplored... Look at
the vast coastal line Oman is endowed with. How many of us have even explored
just a portion of it? We are content with the same beaches, same picnics with repeat
experiences.
Some years ago, a friend of mine suggested underwater diving to me. I have not yet
attempted to dive, though I have marked it in my hobbies list to pursue.
I am sure it is going to be a great experience, which will get you hooked on to diving
forever. Oman is indeed a safe country for all sorts of hobbies and I have never heard
of any accidents underwater!
So go ahead, take a dive in to a new world of beauty and serenity.
Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali
Editor-in-chief
Ready for a new underworld experience
Friend, phi losopher & guide
November 2011- January 201210
Words and photographs: P.N. Devaya
“Balcony Laden Floating Condominium”
A seven-day cruise in Alaska’s Inside Passage
Globe-Tra i l
November 2011- January 201210
November 2011- January 2012 11
After our recent experience, I no longer consider that description of large cruise ships uncomplimentary.
The balcony with our stateroom elevated a great experience to an absolutely unforgettable one.
Golden Princess was laden in so many ways.
True, we had 2,600 passengers and 1,000 crew, but there were loads of choices: dining, entertainment,
activities and interesting places, with remarkable service all round.
Floating over the open sea and Alaska’s Inside Passage, it was smooth sailing all the way, thanks to
good weather and ship stabilisers.
Like an upmarket condominium; all amenities, no jostling crowds, well designed spaces, well honed
procedures.
Plus, the view kept changing.
November 2011- January 2012 11
November 2011- January 201212
Globe-Tra i l
We sailed from Seattle on a sunny
Saturday evening, straight to Juneau
two nights later. Our rental van was
waiting, so we weren’t tied to tour bus
schedules and took our time savouring
every experience (Mendenhall Glacier
and Nugget Falls – wow!) with time left
for some extempore exploration. The
serene and scenic Shrine of St Therese
on a small, wooded island overlooking
the bay was a fortunate find off Glacier
Highway. On Douglas Island we drove
along a scenic local road, saw a deer up
close and finally returned to the ship’s
onboard attractions.
In Skagway the next morning, our pre-
booked excursion on the White Pass
& Yukon Route turned out to be one
of the high points of our cruise, with
exhilarating scenery varying from coast
to summit with rocks, greenery and snow
all coexisting.
From the modern comfort of our vintage
rail coach, we saw parts of the trail where
thousands of men, women and pack
horses had headed for distant gold. The
train hugged steep slopes that had been
blasted building this line. In Dead Horse
Gulch far below, 3,000 pack horses had
died while attempting what took us just
10 minutes to cross. The abandoned steel
bridge there had been world famous and
one of the railway’s many engineering
marvels in 1901. It was a journey through
both geography and history. After that
three-hour train journey, we explored
Skagway, soaking in gold rush and
railway lore.
The coldest day followed, cruising in
slow whisper mode inside Glacier Bay
National Park, wearing layers of winter
clothing lugged across continents just for
Alaska.
Poolside aft (back of ship)
Deck - putting course
Stateroom
Deck chess - Lifesized
November 2011- January 2012 13
Park Rangers came on board providing
a running commentary on the impressive
glaciers and wild life while ensuring that
the ship followed all Park rules. This is a
World Heritage Site and, with Admiralty
Island, one of the largest internationally
protected Biosphere Reserves. Each
winter, humpback whales migrate from
Glacier Bay, with its half a ton per whale
daily meal plan, to breeding grounds in
Hawaii. They return in summer; 4,500
km and 40 days each way between bed
and board. We welcomed them back.
Other creatures also thrive in Glacier Bay
thanks to the efforts of conservationists
and Park authorities. For example, there
are over 4,000 sea otters today in Glacier
Bay, from none 20 years ago.
Early next morning came Ketchikan, with
its large collection of old carved-wood
totem poles portraying native legends
and family histories. We walked around
town, enjoying poles, parks and streams,
the youngsters took a long steep hike
up a mountain and finally there was
shopping near the docks.
The next leg, a long one, brought us
to Victoria where we spent our limited
time walking through scenic residential
neighbourhoods, verdant public gardens
and busy downtown streets. Too quick
for such a lovely town, but we had to
reach Seattle early next morning.
After this, our small group of family and
friends all went separate ways with time
to reflect on a wonderful week with rare
queues and no body scans. Though
tinged with sorrow and disappointment
on a personal level, overall we had a
holiday that would be difficult to replicate.
We were lucky to be among friends, able
to plan well in advance and then leave it
to OUA Travels to get us some very good
deals and suggestions from cruise line,
hotels and car rental. Also fortunate was
the almost perfect weather, quite rare in
Alaska.
Hats off to Balcony Laden Floating
Condominiums.
Visit: http://www.princess.com/learn/
ships/np/index.html
Mendenhall glacier near Juneau
In Glacier Bay
Ship’s bridge from balcony
In the inside passageNovember 2011- January 2012 13
November 2011- January 201214
Globe-Tra i l
November 2011- January 201214
November 2011- January 2012 15
MV MalaspinaThis mainline ferry is the senior vessel of the Alaska Marine Highway System fleet.
We were lucky to hear the tribute to Malaspina on our cruise ship’s public address system and privileged to admire her sailing by;
a beauty built over 40 years ago and still providing an essential service with the fleet. Malaspina’s routes serve various Inside
Passage communities from Bellingham near the US/Canada border going north to Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines, Skagway and other
places in between. She can carry 499 people and 88 vehicles.
There are many communities in Southeastern Alaska (which includes the Inside Passage) that have no road access and are almost
totally dependent on ferries and barges to transport people, vehicles and freight. Even where there is road access in theory, it is
usually not a viable option. The distance between Skagway and Haines, for example, is about 30 km by ferry and about 500 km by
road.
In this situation, the Alaska Marine Highway System plays the vital role of providing regular scheduled transportation services
equivalent to a railway or bus line.
November 2011- January 2012 15
Globe-Tra i l
May-July 201116
1899 model snow plow
Ketchikan street and stream
Ski shop - faced with skis
Douglas Island road
November 2011- January 2012 17
The White Pass & Yukon Route
The arrival of nearly two million dollars worth
of Klondike gold caused a media frenzy
in depression ridden North America and a
stampede ensued - the Gold Rush of 1897.
Stampeders generally sailed Alaska’s Inside
Passage to Skagway and Dyea before the
overland trek to the Klondike. Approximately
100,000 left, 40,000 reached, 4,000 found
gold, 400 became wealthy and perhaps 40
retained that wealth.
White Pass & Yukon Railroad Company began
construction of a narrow gauge railroad in
May 1898. In hindsight that was too late, the
Gold Rush having peaked the previous winter.
Though they completed their “impossible” task
in only 26 months, the railway was redundant
before its first locomotive steamed.
They had invested $10 million, employed
tens of thousands of workers and 450 tons of
explosives to blast through the solid granite of
steep coastal mountains. The track climbed
almost 900 metres in 30 kilometres, with
grades up to 3.9 per cent, cliff-hanging turns
of 16 degrees, two tunnels and many bridges
including the steel cantilever bridge over Dead
Horse Gulch, the tallest in the world in 1901.
Was it all a waste? Not at all.
The White Pass & Yukon Route went on to
become a fully integrated transportation
company providing passenger and freight
infrastructure for Yukon’s population and
mining industry.
A very successful transportation innovator,
they pioneered inter-modal (ship-train-truck)
movement of containers in 1956. In 1994, they
were designated an International Historic Civil
Engineering Landmark, an honour shared by
only 36 world civil engineering marvels such as
the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty and Panama
Canal. Operations were suspended in 1982
but the railway reopened in 1988 as a seasonal
tourism operation and is today Alaska’s most
popular shore excursion carrying almost
400,000 passengers during the May to
September tourism season.
Visit: http://www.wpyr.com/
On our old rail coach
Coping with weather and terrain
Trail of 1898
November 2011- January 201218
Globe-Tra i l
November 2011- January 201218
November 2011- January 2012 19
Alaska Cruise
A cruise may not be the best way to
experience the immense depth and
variety of Alaska, but it is perhaps the
most convenient, comfortable and cost-
effective way of sampling America’s last
frontier.
Alaska covers about one fifth of
continental US, with almost no road
networks and very low population.
While it is possible to study how native
Alaskans lived in harmony with nature;
forests, mountains, sea, rivers, wildlife
and glaciers, there are hurdles of
logistics, safety and expense that would
deter most travellers. A cruise is a good
way to gain a first exposure.
Selection of a particular cruise would
depend on one’s wants, personal tastes,
budgets and priorities. It would be good
to get group consensus on these before
starting to research various options.
Typically, Alaska cruises depart from
Seattle, Vancouver or San Francisco.
They could be one way or round trip with
durations measured in days, weeks or
months.
There is a wide range of choice in
cruise companies and ships, catering to
different profiles and segments.
We found answers to almost all our
questions in various references online,
including sites like CruiseAlaska and the
TripAdvisor Alaska Forum. The cruise
company’s site is essential reading.
WP&YR track carved into granite mountain side
Snorkelling with sea lions in the
Galapagos Islands
Globe-Tra i l
November 2011- January 201220
Was it…an alien? A being from outer space swimming in the seas? What? Our eyes popped out of our snorkels as we came face to face with a lion – but, a sea lion!
It was the first live underwater encounter with a sea lion and it will remain an unforgettable experience! We were visiting the Bartolome island, which is the
youngest volcanic islands of the Galapagos, when we came in close contact with the sea lions, who are not only very curious, but also very playful creatures. They swam and swam around us. Snorkeling with sea lions was an indescribable experience!
November 2011- January 2012 21
November 2011- January 201222
Globe-Tra i l
November 2011- January 201222
The sea lions were not the only ones
whom we bumped into during our watery
sojourn: Two Galapagos penguins,
a marine iguana, reef sharks, Sally
Lightfoot crabs made our day!
Animals aren’t afraid of humans. At least
not in the Galapagos Islands! This is one
amazing behaviour that you will witness
throughout your stay in this island
paradise.
The Galápagos Islands (official name:
Archipiélago de Colón; other Spanish
names: Islas de Colón or Islas Galápagos)
are an archipelago of volcanic islands
distributed around the equator in the
Pacific Ocean, 972 km (525 nmi) west of
continental Ecuador, of which they are a
part. Wildlife is its most notable feature.
The Galápagos Islands and its
surrounding waters form an Ecuadorian
province, a national park, and a biological
marine reserve. The principal language
on the islands is Spanish. The islands
have a population of around 23,000.
The group consists of 15 main islands,
three smaller islands, and 107 rocks
and islets. The islands are located at
the Galapagos Triple Junction. It is also
atop the Galapagos hotspot, a place
where the Earth’s crust is being melted
from below by a mantle plume, creating
volcanoes. The oldest island is thought
to have formed between five million
and 10 million years ago. The youngest
islands, Isabela and Fernandina, are
still being formed, with the most recent
volcanic eruption in April 2009, where
lava from the volcanic island Fernandina
started flowing both towards the island’s
shoreline and into the center caldera.
The islands are geologically young and
famed for their vast number of endemic
species, which were studied by Charles
Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle.
His observations and collections
contributed to the inception of Darwin’s
theory of evolution by natural selection.
Since the Galapagos Islands are a
national park you will have to pay an
entrance fee of $100 per person. So
visiting the Galapagos is expensive but if
you’re interested in the animals and their
environment it is worth it.
Magical experience Once there, you will be taken through
some of the most incredible environments
ever imagined, from the awesome
moonlike volcanic landscape of Sierra
Negra Volcano to the natural habitat of
the Giant Tortoises in the Highlands of
Santa Cruz.
What makes a visit to the Galapagos
Islands such a magical and unforgettable
experience is the encounter with
wonderful and unique animals. Some
of them may include the Galapagos
sea lions, Galapagos giant tortoises,
marine Iguanas, lava lizards, blue-
footed boobies, flamingos, frigate birds,
pelicans, Darwin´s finches, Galapagos
fly-catchers, Galapagos mockingbirds,
etc.
Lonesome George Speaking of giant tortoises, the real
attraction of the Charles Darwin Research
Centre in Peurto Ayora is the tortoise
breeding centre. Here, you can see not
only full grown examples of the species
that gave the islands their name but also
baby ones. One of the enduring stars is
Lonesome George, aged between 90 and
100, who is the last remaining member of
the Isla Pinta subspecies.
Described by the Guinness book of world
records as the “rarest living creature”,
it is the only known living Geochelone
abigdoni tortoise. His companions are of
a similar but different species.
Lonesome George, weighing 90kg (14st
2lb) was a native of Pinta, an isolated
northern island of the Galápagos. By the
late 1960s, it was noted that the tortoise
population on the rarely visited island had
dwindled close to extinction. George,
discovered in 1972, was immediately
brought into captivity at the Charles
Darwin research station on the island of
Santa Cruz.
Tortoises on the Galápagos have been
hunted for their meat by sailors and
fishermen to the point of extinction.
Charles Darwin, when he arrived in the
Galápagos in 1835, described how he
and the crew of the Beagle lived entirely
on tortoise meat. Also, the habitat of the
tortoises has been eaten away by goats
introduced from the mainland.
November 2011- January 2012 23
November 2011- January 201224
Islands in the stream
Bartolomé IslandA young island where you can climb atop the summit of a once active volcano, gaze
across a panoramic view from the famous ‘Pinnacle Rock’; crystal clear waters give you
a chance to snorkel with schools of tropical fish, swim along with penguins. On the other
side of the island encounter sea turtles and white-tipped sharks.
Tower (Genovesa) Island Tower Island is one of the most spectacular islands in Galapagos. After a wet landing
on Darwin Bay’s coral beach, wind your way past tide pools where swallow-tailed and
lava gulls gather. Enter a forest of mangroves where colonies of great frigate birds nest.
The males inflate their red-throated pouches to attract females that fly overhead. Take
a ‘panga’ or dinghy ride along the jagged shoreline. See the beautiful red-billed tropic
bird. At Prince Philip’s Steps, find storm petrels and the elusive short-eared owl, and
watch the famous red-footed boobies nesting in palo santo trees.
Santiago (James) Island Puerto Egas - This is a wonderful location for looking for octopus, starfish and other sea
life caught in the tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed
on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, oystercatchers and
yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water
where we encounter fur sea lions that were once on the verge of extinction.
Fernandina (Narborough) Island Punta Espinosa - Located in the western part of the archipelago, Fernandina is the
youngest and most pristine island found in Galapagos. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the
largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea
lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory. Flightless Cormorants
build their nest on the point and Galapagos Hawk fly overhead. Evidence of recent lava
flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast.
Globe-Tra i l
November 2011- January 201224
November 2011- January 2012 25
Hood (Española) Island Walk along seemingly endless stretches of sandy beach where you’ll find colonies of
sea lions. Swim and snorkel with the sea lions and enjoy the colorful diversity of sea life
near Gardner Islet.
Other species endemic to Galapagos and found on Espanola include Darwin’s Finches,
Galapagos Doves and Galapagos Hawks. Observe a unique species of marine iguana
identified with traces of red and green colorings. Colorful lightfoot crabs crawl along the
shoreline near to the famous ‘blow hole’.
Isabela (Albemarle) Island Tagus Cove - Six volcanoes flowed together and formed Isabela, the largest island in
Galapagos. On a nature walk, discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook, and a
spectacular view of lava fields, volcanic formations and the ocean. Note graffiti dating
back to the 1800’s is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore Tagus Cove in pangas or sea
kayaks and find Galapagos penguins and other seabirds.
Santa Cruz Island Watch the scenery change as we wind our way through all seven vegetation zones found
in Galapagos. From June to January you can find giant tortoises on a private farm in the
highlands.
We also visit Los Gemelos ‘The Twins’, a pair of large pit craters where we find the bright
red male vermilion flycatcher. Afterwards, we head to ‘the tunnels’, the largest lava tubes
found in Galapagos.
After lunch at a highland ranch, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Scientists
from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy
to zoology. Get your picture taken with the giant tortoises. Observe year-old tortoises
and learn about the captive-breeding program.
Next, stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora (population: 10,000) –the largest town in
the Galapagos. Buy souvenirs, mail postcards and absorb local charm in the social heart
of the Islands.
November 2011- January 2012 25
November 2011- January 201226
Globe-Tra i l
November 2011- January 201226
November 2011- January 2012 27
The Galapagos island is also host to the world’s rarest living creature –
‘Lonesome George’ – one of the enduring stars among the giant tortoises
November 2011- January 2012 27
November 2011- January 201228
Globe-Tra i l
on December 16
Awafi FestivalRas Al Khaimah
begins in
The 9th Awafi Festival will begin this December 16, 2011 in Ras Al Khaimah. An elaborate opening ceremony has been planned, the higher organising committee of
the festival said.The opening ceremony for the festival will be held at the Awafi Stadium in the Awafi
area, which is a key tourist destination in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
Globe-Tra i l
November 2011- January 2012 29
According to Faisal Abdul Aziz Al
Matar, general coordinator of the 9th
Awafi Festival, the organising committee
has approved to re-establish the opening
ceremony as a key attraction of the
festival after it was left out in the last few
editions.
The ceremony will reinforce the status
of Awafi Festival as one of the major
events in the emirate, while enhancing
the festive spirit of the activity. Moreover,
organisers also aim to further promote
the festival among local, regional and
international tourists by holding a more
elaborate opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony will last about
45 minutes. One of the key highlights
of the ceremony is the screening of a
documentary about the emirate of Ras
Al Khaimah which has been produced
by a Dubai-based company under the
supervision of the higher organising
committee of the Festival. The ceremony,
which will feature a special fireworks
display, will also felicitate the Festival’s
‘guest of honor’.
“We are working hard to produce
a distinctive, elegant, concise and
culturally sensitive ceremony that befits
the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and Awafi,
highlighting the value of the festival as
a great manifestation of the tourism
offerings, heritage and natural beauty of
the emirate,” Al Matar said.
The opening-day activities will also
include the opening of the new heritage
village in the area, and the unveiling of
the world’s largest gathering of ‘Toyota’
cars, a world-record attempt which is one
of the main activities of the festival this
year. A representative from the Guinness
World Records will be present to witness
the attempt. The current record is 223
cars, which was established in the UK.
In the event that a new world record
is set, the Guinness World Records
representative will officially announce the
feat during the opening ceremony.
This year’s Awafi Festival features a
number of crowd-drawing sporting
championships that will gather different
teams representing UAE companies,
institutions and communities. There will
be a football tournament to be held at the
Awafi Stadium, a Jiu Jitsu championship
in the closed hall of the UAE Club in
Saih Albrairat, Ras Al Khaimah, an ‘arm
wrestling’ championship, and a ‘bench
press’ championship.
The Festival, which will conclude on
January 5, 2012, will also host a ‘tug of
war’ championship, while the organising
committee is currently considering
hosting a bodybuilding championship as
one of the festival activities.
November 2011- January 2012 29
November 2011- January 201230
Globe-Tra i l
If you have followed the news recently, you would have come across an item, which speaks about how the most spectacular sites are slowly disappearing. It is true (we are replaying the news item here for your perusal). Whatever the reasons, human or natural, some unique spots are under threat of disappearing forever. So, try to catch
sight of them before they disappear.
Honey, my
is sinking
VENICE
One of the gems of Europe, Venice is used to living in
close proximity with water. It is laced with canals since it
is basically built on islands and on pilings over a lagoon.
However due to the rising Adriatic Sea, these canals are
causing more than a hundred floods a year in the city.
In a few years time, this could rise up to 250 floods a
year. To prevent the city from becoming the next Atlantis,
government officials have launched Operation Rialto and
Project Moses which would elevate city landmarks and
create mobile seawalls respectively. In effect, Venice has
sunk by around 7cm a century for the past thousand years,
but a report suggests that process has sped up and in the
last 100 years, Venice has sunk by 24cm. Climatologists
believe that Venice could be uninhabitable by 2100.
November 2011- January 2012 31
November 2011- January 201232
Globe-Tra i l
THE AMAZON RAINFOREST
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November 2011- January 2012 33
More than 20 percent of the world’s oxygen is produced in Brazil’s
Amazon rainforest, which is why it’s often described as the lungs of
the planet. The Rainforest is one of the world’s natural marvels, with
more than half of the estimated 10 million species of plants, animals
and insects on earth, living in its tropical forest. However, between May
2000 and August 2005, Brazil lost more than 132,000 square kilometers
of forest—an area larger than Greece — and since 1970, over 600,000
square kilometres of Amazon rainforest have been destroyed. With de-
forestation running at such a rapid rate, experts estimate that the last
remaining rainforests could be consumed in less than 40 years.
November 2011- January 2012 33
November 2011- January 201234
Globe-Tra i l
THE DEAD SEA
Globe-Tra i l
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November 2011- January 2012 35
It’s the world’s most salty body of water, famous for its healing
properties and the fact that no matter how hard you try, you simply
can’t sink in its buoyant waves! However, the Dead Sea is under threat
of draining dry. In 2006, according to the now ex-Jordanian Minister
for Water and Agriculture, Hazem Nasser, “There is a declination in
the level of the sea at about one metre every year.” Jordan is lobbying
for more water to be pumped into the Dead Sea from the Red Sea. The
authorities say that unless nearly two billion cubic metres of water per
year is pumped into the Dead Sea, it will disappear in 50 years time.
November 2011- January 2012 35
Globe-Tra i l
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
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It is predicted that if carbon dioxide emissions continue the way they do, 95
percent of the Great Barrier Reef would be gone in four decades along with
more than 300 species of corals and 1,500 species of marine animals. Also, this
reef serves as a protection for Polynesian towns including Moorea. Without it,
they will become more vulnerable to storms and tsunamis. It is believed that
the cause of this destruction are rising sea levels and intensifying storms.
Again, this can be traced to green house gas emissions. According to the United
Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Great Barrier Reef,
and the nearly $5 billion tourist industry built around it, could be “extinct” by
2050. This is due to climate change and pollution. A process called bleaching
happens when the acidity of the ocean increases due to the absorption of
carbon dioxide, which kills off the micro-organisms that make up the reef.
November 2011- January 2012 37
November 2011- January 201238
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
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November 2011- January 2012 39
Built around 2000 years ago to keep out the marauding hordes, the
Great Wall of China is a dazzling man-made achievement. At its
peak, the Great Wall reached 4,500 miles from South Korea to the
Gobi desert. However, the World Monuments Fund has put the Great
Wall on a list of the 100 most endangered structures and the Beijing
Daily Newspaper reported that, “Around a third of the 2000-year-old
structure is merely rubble and the same amount again has completely
disappeared”. Sandstorms are to blame for a more than 37-mile
stretch of the wall being destroyed, although a great deal of the wall
has been destroyed thanks to generations of farmers using the wall
to build and repair their homes and farms.
November 2011- January 2012 39
November 2011- January 201240
THE ALPINE GLACIERS
Globe-Tra i l
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Also known as The Alps, this range of snow-capped mountains can
be all but gone by the end of the century according to scientists. This
is caused by warming temperatures and irregular rains in the area.
Decline in tourism value is just the first problem that the melting Alps
pose. According to geologist Christian Bodgal, the toxic chemicals
trapped in the glaciers could end up in lakes in a few years.
November 2011- January 2012 41
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Oman-Tra i l
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November 2011- January 2012 43
Blessed with beautiful
tourism sitesSo you have never visited Oman? If you are reading this, then read
what Oman’s tourism minister has to say for those who are yet to visit
this tourism-rich country.
“The Sultanate is blessed with an array of beautiful tourism sites
and vibrant and rich history, which gives the country a clear edge
over the other countries of the region. Khareef Salalah, the rugged
mountainous ranges, wadis and mountainous villages and pristine
beaches are some of the attractions on offer in the Sultanate,” says
Sheikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah Al Khalili, tourism minister.
He also added that Oman’s unique selling point (USP) was cultural
tourism. “We have hundreds of castles and forts spread across
the country. We can exploit their potential,” he said in his first-ever
interview with Footprints. Cultural tourism is that part of tourism, which
focuses on culture and cultural environment of a region, including
landscapes, values and lifestyles of the community, heritage, visual
and performing arts, industries, traditions and leisure pursuits of the
local population.
The target set for tourists visiting Oman in the Eighth Five Year
Development Plan is 2.5 million tourists by 2015. The total number
of tourists is expected to rise year on year in the coming years. Our
endeavour will always be heading towards achieving the highest
possible growth rates and will take the necessary steps and measures
to accomplish that,” the tourism minister said.
November 2011- January 201244
Excerpts:
What is the best part of being a tourism
minister?
The best part of my appointment as
the minister of tourism is the honour
bestowed on me by His Majesty Sultan
Qaboos bin Said, which avails me the
opportunity to serve my country to the
best of my ability. The tourism industry
is a very promising sector with vast
potential in as far as income generation,
job creation and helping in achieving
regional development are concerned. The
industry is also very challenging, which
demands extra efforts and enlightened
work from all of us as major stakeholders.
From a banker to a minister of tourism
- how exactly has the transition been?
Apparently, this looks like a big change
in the field of work, in reality; there is not
much of a difference between the two
fields - banking and tourism. Managing
a banking enterprise or tourism sector
needs the utilisation of modern and
advanced technologies and new
practices in both fields. That is why I felt,
from my first day in office, that I am no
stranger to the tourism field. I can safely
say that the transition has been quite
smooth and free of any big problems or
constraints.
What are your immediate
responsibilities as a tourism minister?
As I have said before, this is the first
year of the Eighth Development Plan,
where efforts will be directed towards
the completion of on-going projects
from the previous development plan.
Action will also be needed to expedite
the finalisation and approval of the
new tourism law. The upgrading and
improving the regulations and rules on
a continuous basis is an important part
of my responsibilities. Another important
responsibility which ranks high in our
agenda is the stability and satisfaction
of the ministry’s staff about their present
status and future prospects as well.
What are the goals of the tourism
ministry?
You know that 2011 is the first year of
the current Five Year Development Plan
2011-2015. So the current goals for the
first year will represent the starting phase
towards the implementation of goals
pertinent to the following objectives
approved in the current plan:
• Firm commitment to and application
of the standards and principles of
sustainable tourism development
• Achieving regional balance in tourism
development
• Encouraging and promoting domestic
tourism
• Implementation of the human resource
development strategy in tourism
establishments
• Provision of the appropriate
environment for attracting private sector
investment
• Diversifying tourist products
• Participation of local communities in
tourism development
• Developing small scale enterprises in
tourism sector
The Sultanate can promote cultural
tourism as a unique selling point (USP),
by exploiting the hundreds of castles and forts spread across
the country. The current development
programmes undertaken by the
ministry to equip and furnish these sites
with relevant services and facilities would
strengthen their position as a unique
selling point
Oman-Tra i l
November 2011- January 2012 45
Have the protests in the country
created a dent in the tourist arrivals to
the country or affected the Sultanate’s
tourism drive in anyway?
People in general and tourists in particular
are very sensitive with regard to their
personal safety and security and their
decision to travel to any place outside
their usual place of residence depends
on the stability of the destination they
would like to travel to. The recent
protests, though limited and sporadic,
impacted on the inflow of tourists to
the Sultanate. As observed by our
representative offices in some European
countries, a considerable number of
bookings were cancelled or postponed
during those months. However, such
impacts are always temporary and the
sector has been known for its resilience
and usually recovers from shocks, faster
than other sectors of the economy. The
Sultanate’s developmental efforts in the
area of tourism will continue and more
robustly than before. We are determined
to get a fair share of the tourism market
that is concomitant with the Sultanate’s
diversified natural resources and rich
heritage.
Will Oman employ a new tourism
strategy post protest era?
I don’t really think that there is any need
for employing a new strategy to cater
for the post protest era. As I have said
before the protests of recent months in
the Sultanate were limited and sporadic
and both the protestors and the
government officials involved, were very
wise and rational in settling the demands
either immediately for those related to
employment or unemployment benefits,
with a solid promise for addressing the
other demands in the appropriate time.
The implementation of the tourism
strategy will continue as planned, at
least for the coming few years. The
revision and updating of the strategy is
a continuous exercise necessitated by
the rapid changes in the regional and
international tourism markets.
Have the number of tourists been
increasing year by year and what is the
scope of attracting 12 million by 2020
(as per the vision for Oman’s Economy
-Oman 2020)?
The total number of tourists in 2009
reached 1.5 million, which was less
than the level in 2008, standing at 1.6
million. Furthermore, the target set for
this indicator in the Eighth Five Year
Development Plan is 2.5 million tourists
by 2015. These figures for tourists
visiting the Sultanate at present would
not support the realisation of the 12
million tourists objective by 2020 (as
mentioned in the question above). The
total number of tourists is expected to
rise year on year in the coming years. The
rate of growth would depend on many
factors. Some are controllable, while
others are not. However, our endeavour
will always be heading towards achieving
the highest possible growth rates and will
take the necessary steps and measures
to accomplish that.
What, according to you is the most
attractive tourism factor of Oman –
What would you like to say to those
who have never visited the Sultanate;
Oman’s biggest tourism USP?
The Sultanate is blessed with an array
of beautiful tourism sites and vibrant
and rich history, which gives the country
a clear edge over the other countries
of the region. Khareef Salalah, the
rugged mountainous ranges, wadis
and mountainous villages and pristine
beaches are some of the attractions
on offer in the Sultanate. However,
the Sultanate can promote cultural
tourism as a unique selling point (USP),
by exploiting the hundreds of castles
and forts spread across the country.
The current development programmes
undertaken by the ministry to equip
and furnish these sites with relevant
services and facilities would strengthen
their position as a unique selling point.
The political and economic stability of
the country under the wise and prudent
leadership of His Majesty the Sultan is
also a good support and promotional
aide to the unique selling point.
November 2011- January 201246
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November 2011- January 201246
Dive easyDramatic wall drop offs, scenic coral lined
fjords, several thousand kilometers of coastline, clean and unpolluted waters, fantastic sea conditions…Oman is an
untouched paradise for divers. Oman is still one of the best-kept secrets in the diving world. It offers superb diving almost all year round, with an abundance
of sea life. Diving itself is relatively easy with light surface conditions, zero to mild currents and generally good to excellent visibility. With a variety of sea life to feast your eyes on and superb dive sites there should be nothing stopping the diver from
coming to this virgin paradise.
November 2011- January 2012 47
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November 2011- January 2012 49November 2011- January 2012 49
The opportunities are galore for the
rank novice as well as the experienced
professional. The sea is a draw for
everyone and there are many who come
to Oman to just enjoy this underwater
experience. Water is considered to be
the lifeblood for the body and soul and
there are many out there who are drawn
to the sea by some mysterious force.
And there are many amongst us who
automatically feel a tug towards water.
But, it is people like Stanley Berlin who
actually take the plunge.
Passion for the underwater worldIt was not mere love, but pure passion
that saw Berlin plunge headlong into the
underwater world somewhere in 1988.
Since then, for the last 23 years he has
been diving in some diverse locations,
or the other, with his passion for the
underwater world getting stronger by the
day.
Berlin’s 23 years diving experience range
from Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives,
Thailand, Egypt, India and now in Oman.
He is currently the managing director of
Omanta Scuba Diving Academy, which
he claims is Oman’s first diving academy.
Ideal scuba diving destination“Scuba diving is one of the biggest
passions in my life,” this burly man with
a flowing goatee and shining pate, tells
us. “I chose Oman to set up the first five
star Professional Association of Diving
Instructors (PADI) certified scuba diving
academy. With 1,700 km of coastline
and clean, unpolluted waters, and hardly
around 200km explored, Oman is one
of the best diving destinations in the
world. The tourism industry here is in
its infancy and the growth potential is
phenomenal. I saw the gap in the market,
the benchmark was not too high and with
our government focusing on the tourism
industry, I feel, the market is all set to
capture, not just locally, but globally.”
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November 2011- January 201250
Oman enjoys good sea conditions with an average visibility of 15 to 30 m. Diving is relatively easy and is a year round activity. During winter months, the sea temperature drops to 20 to 25 C° and a 5 mm wetsuit may be necessary. In summer, as the sea temperature rises, a 3 mm wetsuit will suffice
November 2011- January 2012 51
Berlin feels that if the scuba diving
industry has to thrive, it was necessary to
have divers in place, trained professional
instructors and quality equipment. “So
how do we get it done? Through an
academy that trains the people on scuba
diving with all professional standards
and requirements. Once the training
is done, we will give them a certificate
and give the local market the means to
welcome local residents and tourists.
With that aim Omanta Scuba Diving
Centre came up, as a one-stop shop to
fun diving, education diving and retail of
equipments.”
It is the only dive centre to have a full time
PADI course director, Graham Hogg, on
staff enabling it to run Instructor level
training in all areas. They also have a full
range of safety and first aid equipment
on each vessel and in the dive centre as
well as a full range of PADI teaching aids
for students.
Business waiting to explode “Diving is a yearlong activity and can be
pursued by all with basic good health and
inclination. Like every other sport a little
bit of discipline is welcome too. A good
sea is all you can hope for. It is a sport
that provides adventure and enjoyment,
especially in Oman, with its dramatic wall
drop-offs and scenic coral lined fjords,
ranging in depth from 6-40 m.
“Oman enjoys good sea conditions with
an average visibility of 15 to 30 m. Diving
is relatively easy and is a year round
activity. During winter months, the sea
temperature drops to 20 to 25 C° and
a 5 mm wetsuit may be necessary. In
summer, as the sea temperature rises, a
3 mm wetsuit will suffice.
Night dives are popular and divers
are often astonished by the amount
of phosphorescence found in Oman’s
night-time waters,” Berlin noted.
“One cannot deny that scuba diving is a
fascinating underwater recreation sport –
it is a business waiting to explode into a
major industry in Oman,” he added.
November 2011- January 2012 51
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November 2011- January 2012 53NNNNNNNNNNNNNNovovovovNNNNNNNoNoNovovovNNNNNNNovNovvNNNNNoNovNovvvNNNNNNNoNoNoNoNoovovvvNNNNNNoNoNoovovovovvNNNNNNNNoNoNoovovovvvvvvNNNNNNNNNooooovovovovovvvvNNNNNNNNooNoNoNovovovovovvvNNNNoNoovovovovovovvovNNNNNNNovNovNovNovoovovovovvovvvovNovNNNNoovovovovovovvNNNNNNNoovovvNNNNovooooovvNovNNNoovooovvvNNNovNNoNooooooovvvvvvNNNNNooooNNNNoNovNovNovoooooooovovovvvvNNNNNNNNNoNooooovovovovvNNNNNNNNooooooovoovvNovNNNNNNNNooooooovNovNovNovNNNNNNNooovooooovovovvvvNovNNNNoooovooovovovvvvvNovNNovoovvvvvvvveeeemmmbmbmbmbmbmbmbmbbmbmbbbbmbmbmbmbmbmbmbeeemememmbmemmbmbmbmbmbmbbbmbmbeeememmbmbmbmbmbbmbbbmbmbmbeeememmbembmbbmbmbmbmbbeeeeememmbmmmmbmbembmbbbmbeeeemmmmbmbeeeeeeembmmmmbmbmbmbmbmbeeeeeemmmmmbmmbbbbbeeeeeemmmmbmmmmbmbbbmbeeemmmmmmmmbmbeeeeeeemembmmmmembmbeeeeeemmmbmemmbbbbbeeeeeemmmbemmmbbbbbbeeeememmbmbmmmbbeeeeeemmmbmbbeeeeeemmmmbmbbeeeembbembmmmmbbbbeemmmmmmmbememmmmmmmmmmbeemmbbbeeeemmmmbeerererererer ereererer er er ereeerer erereeerererereeererererrrrereeeeeererer r eereereeeeereerer eereeerrreeeer er eeeeer rerereer er eeer er eeereeeeeeeerreeer eeeereeeeerr eeerrr r r eerr r eereerr 2012012012012012220120120122200000001120120110112012012202220200001110120202201201201201220200101112022022201202012002011112222222020120120120101001201112222202010120100100201011122222222020100010011111222222220101120122222222002012001201101222222001201222011201222220120002222001222220100022022222020101122201011222201122012220000010112200022222020000111111111-1-1-1-111111-1-1- 1111111-1-111-11--111-1111111111111111111--111-11---11111---1--1--1- 1 1111 JJJJJanJJanJJanJanJanJanJanannJJJaJanJanJananJaJaJanJanJanJJanJJanJJanJanJanJanJanJanJanJanJanJanJanJanannnnnJanJanJaanJananJanannnJJanJanJanJaJaJanaJannnnnJanJanJJananaJannnJanJanJanJanJaJaJaanJaanannnnnnJanJJJJaaaaaaaanJanJannnJananaaaJananaaaaaaanaJanannnJJaJaaaaaJannaaJannaJannJaaaaJaaaJaJannJJaaJanJanJanJaJanJJJJaannJJJaanJJaJaaJanJJJJaaJaJJJJJaaaaannJaJaJaJaJaaannnnJJJaJaaannnuuuuaruaruuuaaaaaaaaaaaaararrruuuauauaruuaraaaaaaaarararruuuuuauauaaaaaaararuaruarruuuauauaaaarraruaruuaaaaaraararrrruauaarararararuauaaararrruauuuauauaaaaaararruauuuuuaararruauuaarraruu ruuuuauuuuuuaauuuuuuauuuuuaaaararuuuuaaaaruuuuuuaaaa yyyyyy 2y 2yy 2y 2y 2y 2y 2222y 222yyy 22y 22222yyyyy 2y 22222yyy 22222yyyy 222222222yyy 22y 2222yy 22y 22222yyyyyyy 22222222yyyyy 2y 222222222y 222222y y 222222y 222222yyy 222yyy yy y 222yy 2y 22222y 2y 22222yy 2y 222222222y y 22222222y y 222222222yyyyyyyyyyyyy 000001201200101000011101011112212012012012222000001010012010011122012122000000120001201010101211221212000120120012012112122012000120120120120012012112200012012012012011211111220001200120101201201201112200010120120121211012220001201201212011121220000101201200010120101012001012012000 22222001220000012220120000112000100012200 22000000 5353535353533333333353535333333535353333355353555535355555555355555533535553535335555555335555555535533333355555555553533555555533555555333355555553333333555555353533333555555533353333555553333333333355533335553333355555333333355333
Divers can feast their eyes on a host of colourful fish
November 2011- January 2012 53
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November 2011- January 2012 55
There are several wonderful dive sites
around Muscat, the Capital area,
including Fahal Island, the Damaniyat
Islands and Bandar Khiran. Whatever
the choice of site, underwater life is
abundant; a variety of intact hard and
soft corals and a spectacular range of
fish can be seen. Most often a sea trip to
these sites is often rewarded by the sight
of dolphins.
Safe diving Scuba diving is quite safe, Berlin said.
“It is as safe as swimming, provided
you are trained by a certified instructor
and use relevant equipment. When you
are underwater, you need to follow the
rules and use your common sense then
you will enjoy the world of scuba diving
and the experience of exploring the
underwater world.
“And it is not too difficult to learn –
especially if you are comfortable in a
pool. The training is in three modules,
theory or classroom part, the pool
sessions followed by four scuba
training sites. You progress as you learn,
reviewing and using the skills as you go
along, under the expert supervision and
guidance of PADI instructors.”
Fish in water
People from all walks of life come in
to learn diving, Berlin said. “From the
ones who are scared of the sea, fishes,
and even the equipment to those who
don’t have a care in the world... It only
takes couple of hours to teach them fun
diving, though professional diving takes
more hours and training. Scuba diving
is not an easy sport. It is a different
experience. The alien equipment
you carry underwater makes you
uncomfortable and tired. A simple task
can be very difficult to execute under
water. The virtually suspended position,
the weightlessness causes discomfort
and makes you nervous. You are literally
floating and become part of a totally new
environment, the aquatic life. And then
you become very conscious of every
breath you take. The breathing becomes
more laborious and tough. It is not tough;
it is just that in a new environment, in a
floating condition with the diving gear,
you feel totally out of place…. But once
you master it, it is a whole new beautiful
world out there. The aquatic life will keep
you hooked for the entire life. You will
come back for more. You will be like a
fish in water!”
No fishing policy
Berlin has a very sane water policy.
Whatever he does in the water, he is not
one to take anything out of it. “The life
beneath is a path I chose. Every dive I
take is a new experience and leaves me
with a feeling to protect the underwater
beings. I never go fishing, because it
takes out of the ocean. I would rather
leave the aquatic beings down there safe
and swimming… every person living and
working in the tourism field should take
it as a responsibility to take care of their
eco system. Only last week we took up
reef cleaning, the diving centre being a
project AWARE partner.”
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not just for bashingwadisSpectacular
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Keyhole diving To reach this cave, you have to swim
through a pond of crystal clear water
and dive through a narrow keyhole, and
you can surface inside this magnificent
cave. You jump into the water, from the
waterfall inside.
The cave offers the opportunity to climb
up into the ceiling. But more magical
than the cave is the wadi I was in – Wadi
Shab, considered to be one of the most
spectacular wadis in Oman!
Mysterious qualities This wadi, which is located between
the capital Muscat and the town of Sur,
Oman, is worth a visit. It lies in Niyabat
Tiwi, wilayat of Sur, and is around 26kms
from Quriyat. The wadi combines the
attractions of coastal areas and inland
wonders. It has at least seven pools of
emerald green water and is studded with
dramatic boulders.
One of the pools is in a cave (where I was
in) where light streams in dramatically
from above. When you swim in it, you are
able to hear your splashes echoing inside
the cave and it has a very mysterious
quality.
Gorgeous destinationWadi Shab, which is a beautiful canyon
oasis, is considered to be one of the most
gorgeous destinations in Oman. Beyond
the breathtaking entrance, the wadi
rewards you with views of aquamarine
By A. Risaldo
I climbed seven metres, right upto the ceiling, inside this magical cave, and then leapt, piercing the crystal clear water into hundreds of ripples. It is great sometimes to be alone and away from it all! I was not only far away from it all, but I was down, deep inside this enchanting cave, which is located some kilometers away from the capital, Muscat. I was not exactly alone; my partner was out there on the rocks, sketching and painting and well, keeping guard of our things.
pools, waterfalls and terraced
plantations; kingfishers add glorious
splashes of colour. For the adventurous,
there are plenty of opportunities for
(discreet) swimming and a visit to this
partially submerged cave where I was in.
Oman’s landscape is punctuated by
a string of wadis along the banks of
which lush date plantations flourish.
These pockets make attractive sites for
picnicking and excursions and some of
them have water around the year.
A wadi is a dried up riverbed found in the
mountain valleys. Wadis come into their
own after heavy rains, when the rivers
start running again and the vegetation
is restored. However, some wadis have
year-round running water, with deep,
cool pools in which it is quite safe to
swim if the currents are slow, available
information on the wadis note.
On the whole, wadis are only accessible
with a four-wheel drive vehicle, as the
terrain can be extremely bumpy. Wadis
are green, lush oases of palm trees,
grasses, and flowering shrubs. It is
always safest to visit wadis in a group
or with a tour guide. Although they are
beautiful places, they are often remote
and car breakdowns can happen to
anyone. Visitors must also be on the alert
for rain clouds, as sudden downpours
can lead to flash floods, which are highly
dangerous when in the gorges.
November 2011- January 2012 59
November 2011- January 201260
Oman-Tra i l
November 2011- January 201260
November 2011- January 2012 61
About seven kilometers away from Wadi
Shab starts Wadi Tiwi which extends 36 km
inland and ends at a mountain village known
as Mibam. Many groves and fruit trees grow
along the course of this wadi from which the
azure blue sea can be seen as you climb up
the hills and descend into the valleys. Some of
the other well known wadis include Wadi Bani
Khalid, Wadi Al Abyadh, Wadi Dhaikah etc.
Wadi Bani Khalid Wadi Bani Khalid is about 203 km far from
Muscat. It is the best-known wadi of the
Sharqiyah region. Its stream maintains a
constant flow of water throughout the year.
Large pools of water and boulders are
scattered along the course of the wadi. As a
geographical area, Wadi Bani Khalid covers a
large swathe of low land and mountains.
Wadi Al AbyadhOne of the Al Batinah region’s best loved
valleys is Wadi Al Abyadh which lies some 30
km away from Muscat-Sohar highway. With a
four-wheel drive vehicle, it will be a memorable
experience to explore this wadi, which is vested
in green vegetation and white boulders and
rocks, from which the wadi probably takes its
name. The rough road runs through the middle
of the wadi. There are pink oleander trees and
many beautiful birds.
Wadi Dhaikah Wadi Dhaikah lies in a grand canyon about 90
km eastwards from the Bait Hattat (Wadi Adei)
roundabout in Muscat. As many as 120 other
wadis lead to this great valley which features
as a large natural park extending from Wilayat
Dima W’attayyeen in the Sharqiyah region to
the Wilayat of Qurayyat in the Governorate of
Muscat.
It is easy to reach Wadi Dhaikah from the
highway, but after 20 minutes venturing into
the wadi one is surprised by massive boulders
and deep pools before coming across the
famous fruit farms of Al Mazarea and many
other attractions. In some places along Wadi
Dhaikah, the valley becomes narrow and its
walls shoot up and change into high, wonderful
cliffs.
November 2011- January 2012 61
November 2011- January 201262
Celebr i ty say
November 2011- January 2012 63
He came for a cause; he spread his words of wisdom among the autistic
kids as well as the tiny tots’ teachers and caretakers in Oman. He lent an
insight into the lonely world of autism that he had traversed on many years
ago…Daniel Tammet, a high functioning autistic savant and one of the
world’s 100 living geniuses, was bowled over by the warmth of the people,
when he visited Oman in May this year.
But what impressed this British writer with a savant syndrome the most was
the Muttrah Souq. A quick visit, to one of the oldest marketplaces in the
Arab world, had Tammet wanting more. The sights, the sounds, the colours,
the tradition, the culture and the sheer uniqueness of the ‘treasures’ of the
souq was something out of the world for Tammet who vowed to return in the
future “just to be part of this unusual cultural slice of life”.
Daniel Tammet embraces the oldest souq of Oman
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Art galleries Al Madina Art Gallery 24691380
Bait Muzna Gallery 24739204
Omani Heritage Gallery 24696974
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Raj Relics 99329842
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BookshopsBorders 24558089
Family Bookshop, Qurm 24564391
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(Used books) 24564356
CinemasAl Nasr Cinema 24831358
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Embassies and consulatesAlgeria 24 605593
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USA 24 643400
Yemen 24 600815
LibrariesBibliothèque Française: 24681874
British Council Knowledge
and Learning Centre: 24681000
Oman Chamber of
Commerce and Industry: 24707684
Public Technical
Library Science: 24673111
United States Information
Service: 24643400
Raspberry’s Books: 95086074
MuseumsBait Adam 24605033,
99356676
Bait Al Baranda 24714262
Bait Al Zubair 24736688
Children’s Museum
24605368/9
Currency Museum 24641510
Muscat gate Museum 24739005
Nakhal Fort museum 26781384
National Museum 24701289
Natural History Museum 24641366
Omani-French Museum 24736613
Oman Heritage Museum 24600346
Planetarium: 24675542
Sayyid Faisal bin
Ali Museum 24641650
Salalah Museum 23294549
Sohar fort Museum 26844758
Sultan’s Armed
Forces Museum 24588700
Sur Maritime Museum 24541466
Special interest groupsAmerican Women’s Group 24594751
Environment Society
of Oman 24482121
Historical Association
of Oman 24563074
Horticultural Association 24605493
Indian Social Club 99322713
Muscat Amateur Theatre 24562511
Oman Bird Watching Camp 24695498
Omani Women Association 24602800
Royal Omani Amateur
Radio Society 24600407
Woman’s Guild of Oman
www.womensguildoman.org
TaxisAl Dar Taxi 24700555
Hello taxi 24697997
Muscat Cab 96429096
Info
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Travel ler ’s guide
August-October 201064
November 2011- January 2012
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