Kids Who Stare at Goats

Our Adventures in Oman

This past weekend we ventured out of the country for the first time since we arrived.  We traveled by car to Oman, the country just East and South of the UAE.  It is about a 2 hour drive, and our resort was on the coast of Oman just outside Dibba in a little cove called Zighy Bay.  Paradise was waiting, but alas we got lost on the journey.  And when you are "lost" in the desert, it is not the "Augusto is too proud to stop at the gas station and ask" kind of lost.  It is LOST.  As in, dirt roads, no road signs AT ALL, no civilization, no other cars. The roads are totally unmarked, and if you consult your navigation system it cheerfully advises you that you are driving in the middle of nothing, not even on a road.  However, much like California (only reversed), if you continue to drive East you will eventually hit the Gulf of Oman and you can go from there.  So, we weren't too worried (although the dead camel by the side of the road did give me pause), and soon reconnected with our course. 

In order to access Zighy Bay, you can either parasail, speedboat, or take your car over a steep dirt mountain pass.  We opted for the speedboat.  We departed from Dibba Port, which was filled with old traditional Dhows (large transport boats), and the moment we left the port all you could see was the Gulf and mountains.  

We cruised taking in the beautiful mountains for about 15 minutes, when we rounded a rock formation into a stunning cove.  Set against the mountains was our resort, Zighy Bay.  It is difficult to explain the beauty, because it is so sparse and almost barren, but the organic, untouched mountains are spectacular.  Our room was set right on the soft sand beach, complete with it's own pool, and the resort is the only civilization in the cove.  The tiny figure in the picture below (taken from directly in front of our room) is Caroline

We were lucky to be joined by some wonderful friends we have made here - the Bryant Family.  Emily, Deric, Blake (9), Olivia (7), Luke (5) and Lilly (1).  The children quickly formed a beach posse, and went native.  They played in the surf, sand and pool for hours and hours, enjoying the largely deserted resort.  They kayaked out around the cove and snorkeled, seeing a school of Angel fish, two Squids, Sea Snakes, a giant Ray, and all kind of other critters.  The cove is densely populated with wild goats, and the kids had a blast feeding the very friendly four legged friends.



We spent a long, luxurious and relaxing weekend, and we were all sad to leave.  Feeling adventurous, we opted for the 4X4 mountain trek on the way out, and wound our way on dirt switchbacks up and over the mountain.  It was nail biting, but stunning. 



Coming from the urban sprawl of Dubai, this little part of Oman was simply heavenly.  As always, we think of each of you when we travel, and in a very real way you are always on our adventures with us!