Indian blogger connects emotionally with Oman
Indian travel blogger Suresh Joseph completed an eight-day visit to Oman on Thursday covering over 2,000km from north to the south of the sultanate.
A globetrotter, Joseph has been regularly taking time out to drive across India and to distant lands abroad for the last 12 years. He holds 15 Indian and three world records related to travel, and has driven on the four longest highways of the world.
Oman was the 53rd destination of the 64-year old resident of Chennai who visited Muscat, Sur and Salalah.
“Travelling gives me time to introspect and peek into my soul. My solo travels have helped me find answers to many of life’s conundrums. “
Joseph described Oman as being on his wish list for long, and the visit as being worth the wait. “I rode buses, cars and boats to travel around Oman. I am impressed with Oman’s breathtaking natural beauty, including mountains, wadis and seas. I loved the sinkhole of Bimah and the pristine beauty of Wadi Bani Khalid.”
His drive from Muscat to Salalah was the highlight of the trip, although overcoming the heat was a challenge. “I saw the harsh landscape of the Yemen border as well as the serenity by
SureSh JoSeph
the sea in Qantab. Such diversity is tough to find anywhere.”
The trip to Oman was a birthday gift to himself this year. “Everything happens in time and at its own pace. I scheduled my Oman sojourn to coincide with my birthday.”
Joseph, however, left Oman with a few regrets. Among others, he didn’t have enough time to visit an Omani family to experience Omani hospitality. “Also, I missed the khareef, the historical city of Sohar and the Empty Quarter.”
During the trip, his daily routine started at 8am and ended at sunset. He made the itinerary himself and followed it religiously. “I research the places I visit well in advance, looking at all options and aspects. From tradition and culture to nature and cuisine, I make sure to note down all elements and plan my days. It is more fruitful than a travel agent arranging your trip.”
Joseph uses Google Maps extensively, initially as a guide to plan halts and eventually as a navigation tool.
Prior to Oman, Joseph visited UAE. “Oman provides more of an emotional connect. I can see that the country is close to nature and values the environment,” he said.
Next on his itinerary are South America and Antarctica, where he plans to be next year.
Oman provides more of an emotional connect. I can see that the country is close to nature and values the environment