A globetrotter with fond Oman memories
For Indian tourist Saurav Arya, Oman has definitely been very special because of its amazing landscape, food and people
MUSCAT: Saurav Arya may have visited more than 80 countries across the globe, but his time in Oman will always be some of his fondest memories.
Having spent a week in Oman this July, the Indian has always had a passion to explore the world, having even gone as far as to set up a lifestyle business that fits in around his globetrotting adven- tures. “I was born with a backpack and had this thirst for experiences from the time of my childhood days,” said Arya, speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman.
“At the age of 21, I decided that my life long quest was to chase wonders and collect countries. People often ask me what I’m running away from. I am running from a life that isn’t authentic, that isn’t me.”
“People ask me what I’m afraid of,” he added. “I am afraid of a life unlived, afraid to look back as an old man and wish I hadn’t wasted it on forgettable things or trying to be someone else. I love great conversations, because they help me in connecting with inspirational and courageous people and creative work.”
Desk job
Arya had initially landed himself a desk job, but found a 9-to-5 job to monotonous and humdrum.
“After five years of working from nine to five, I broke up with the cubicle nation and started working remotely,” he explained. “Now, I travel while working remotely. I run a lifestyle business, which gives me flexibility to work from anywhere.”
“When I told my dad about my plan, he first felt it to be a very selfish decision and thought I didn’t care much about the family,” added Arya. “Now, he feels proud of my adventures, shares my travel stories with his friends and often asks me when I’m taking him on my next trip.”
While in the Sultanate, Arya visited the capital, Muscat, Nakhal Fort, the Bimmah Sink Hole, Wakan Village and Wadi Shab. It’s not just the places he’s been to that will live long in the memory, though, but the people of Oman as well.
“I found people there to be very friendly and hospitable,” he recalled. “I’m definitely coming back to Oman to explore the Salalah area and enjoy Omani hospitality.”
“I travel on a shoestring budget and pay for my travels through my savings,” said Arya, encouraging people seize any travel opportunity that comes their way. “If not now, then when? If not you, then who? The world is boringly safe and best time to explore this beautiful world is now!”
Exotic places
Arya has been to some of the most far-flung and exotic places in the world, including the Chinese city of Urumqi, the most inland city on earth, the Red Sea in Jordan, Bhutan, one of the happiest places on the planet, the famed New Zealand spa town of Roturua, and Vietnam, where played dress-up and imitated the Vietcong.
“Each of the places I have been to has been special in one way or the other,” he explained.
“Oman has definitely been very special because of its amazing landscape, food and people. Now I can say I’ve been to all the countries that begin with the letter O,” he quipped.