In this episode of the Sultanate, I sit down with Tom Ordeman to discuss Wilfred Thesiger and his novel Arabian Sands. Tom Ordeman, Jr. is an information security practitioner at Oregon State University, and a part-time military historian. When he was an anti-terrorism consultant in Kuwait from 2010 to 2012, Oman became part of his responsibility. Later, Tom fell in love with the Sultanate of Oman during a life-changing visit in 2012. He's written several articles for Small Wars Journal, and...

In this episode of the Sultanate, I sit down with my friend Nadhira al Harthy to discuss why there are so many chip brands in Oman, the quirky ways to consume the sumptuous fried snack, and conduct a taste test to find the most popular chip in Oman. Be apart of the conversation. What is your favorite chip in Oman?  Follow the show and find more about Oman at: www.beyondtheroute.com Facebook Instagram Twitter Do you like what you hear? Be sure to tell a friend and tell me what you like in...

This month on the Sultanate podcast we sit down with my friend Nadthera to discuss a noteworthy section on Oman’s food culture, the chips! The episode launches on the 10th of January, 2019. Subscribe using Sticher, the iOS Podcast app, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you don’t know how to do that, learn here. Follow the show and learn more about Oman at: www.beyondtheroute.com Facebook Instagram Twitter

Ashura is a significant occasion for all Muslims, but it is particularly important for Muslims practicing the Shia branch of Islam. Little known to outsiders, Shias in Oman quietly observe this occasion openly among the narrow streets of Muttrah. Join me as I share with you the unique sights and sounds of Ashura in Oman. Be sure to view the images, and learn more at the associated episode post on my website. Check it out!  Follow the show and find more about Oman at: www.beyondtheroute.com...

This month on the Sultanate podcast we visit downtown Muttrah, late at night to observe a unique religious event. You don't want to miss this one. The episode launches on the 10th of October, 2018. Subscribe using Sticher, the iOS Podcast app, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you don’t know how to do that, learn here. Follow the show and learn more about Oman at: www.beyondtheroute.com Facebook Instagram Twitter

The best time to visit Oman is... well, it depends on a lot of factors. The climate and weather being the most significant. Just like the British, it seems us Omani residents discuss the weather, a lot. Usually it’s something like, “It’s really hot today,” or “Wow, the humidity came out of nowhere.”  There is no hiding the fact that Oman is a hot, desert country. We are within the tropic latitudes, and hold a portion of worlds largest sand desert within our boundaries. High temperatures are...

Here in the Muslim world it is the holy month of Ramadan, where worshipers fast during daylight hours to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Mohamed. The major mosques in the sultanate host post-fast meals called Iftar which take place at sunset and before the Maghrab prayer. For this audio postcard I’m here in Ruwi, which is the business district of Muscat, observing the moments before Maghrab and Iftar. In the parking lot of Sultan Qaboos Mosque, an area is...

This month I am sending you an audio postcard from the town of Ibri at the animal market. One of the popular activities tourists do in Oman is visit the animal market in Nizwa on Friday. While this is nice to do, it gets overrun by tourists at times. What people don’t know is these animal markets happen all over Oman in the major towns. So, it’s not just unique to Nizwa. The Ibri market happens on Saturdays, and as you can hear is very lively. The buyers stand on the outer perimeter of the...

Nestled at the entrance to the world's largest contiguous sand desert, al Hashman is a calm oasis in an inhospitable neighborhood. To your east and west your neighbors sit 70 kilometers away. North of you flows a sea of angry red sand. Those who are crazy enough to venture into that sea should hope to find the Saudi border before being shot at. Al Hashman is fascinating place. At first glance you wonder, "why would anyone live here?" However, look deeper and you'll realize al Hashman is...

Read my post about my friend Jeff, it's a goody. Follow the show and find more about Oman at: www.beyondtheroute.com Facebook Instagram Twitter Do you like what you hear? Be sure to tell a friend and tell me what you like in the comments at www.beyondtheroute.com. You can also leave the show a review on iTunes. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you. Music: "Valantis" by Blue Dot Sessions

Oman is full of exciting places to explore. Places like our lush canyons and soft deserts. However, this excitement doesn't just reside in far flung and off-road locations. Most of these interesting places are right in front of us like the town of Mazyunah. Of course, Mazyunah isn't really an easy place to reach, or on the normal tourist route; but it is an accessible town nonetheless. Mazyunah is located on the border with Yemen and there really aren't many reasons to be passing through...

Learning Arabic in Oman was one of my goals when I arrived back in 2011. I thought it would be easy to pick it up since I'd have plenty of opportunity around me to practice, just like when I learned Spanish. Well, it is 2018 and while I can speak enough Arabic to get by, and understand more than I can speak, I am nowhere near proficient. Before I leave this place I have to learn Arabic. My challenges to learning Arabic in Oman are: Time commitment Non-roman script Native Arabic speakers...

This month on the Sultanate podcast we visit Noor Majan Arabic Institute to talk about learning Arabic in Oman, the Omani dialect, and how to talk like a local: Omani greetings, 10 ways. This is a fun one, you don't want to miss it.... mark your calendars. The episode launches on the 10th of February, 2018. Subscribe using Sticher, the iOS Podcast app, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you don’t know how to do that, learn here. Follow the show and learn more about Oman at: ...

The world's tallest dune is a magnificent sight. Standing tall at 455 meters, it pierces the barren landscape like a surgeons scalpel, but without the precision. Its meandering arms radiate, twist and bend in an attempt to dissuade you from clamoring to the peak. However, the luscious red sand seduces you into thinking it's possible. After a more than a 900 kilometer journey into Oman's Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), I stand at the foot of a behemoth, the king of all giants, the grand daddy...

Bonus cilp from episode 24 of the Sultanate. listen to the full episode here.  Follow the show and find more about Oman at: www.beyondtheroute.com Facebook Instagram Twitter

This month on the Sultanate podcast we visit the tallest dune in the world which is located right here in Oman! Joining me on this adventure is my friend Fahad Alabri who attempts to handstand on the peak. It's not an easy task, but can he do it? Tune in to find out if he accomplishes his mission and why he handstands every city. The episode launches on the 11th of January, 2018. Subscribe using Sticher, the iOS Podcast app, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you don’t know how to do...

National Day is celebrated on the 18th of November, the birthday of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. The whole country decorates the streets with Omani flags and portraits of their dear leader. For me it's the best time to be in Oman. Here's why: 7 Reasons Why National Day is the Best Time to Visit Oman 1. Weather The weather in November feels amazing. At this time we finally start to feel the affects of the coming winter, so the days are warm, and the nights are cool. This is also a good time to...

Bonus cilp from episode 23 of the Sultanate. listen to the full episode here.  Follow the show and find more about Oman at: www.beyondtheroute.com Facebook Instagram Twitter

Who knew Surfing in Oman is a thing? While Oman is best known for many wonderful things includeing its expansive dunes, towering mountains, endless wadis, aromatic roses, and delicious honey; surfing in Oman is not one of them. However, quietly, this sport is alive and practiced by a group of friendly locals who tell me the waves are surprisingly good. In this episode of the Sultanate we meet three guys from the very welcoming group, Oman Surfers. Nasser al Gadani, Maynard "Japz" Ringor, and...

Bonus cilp from episode 22 of the Sultanate. listen to the full episode here.  Follow the show and find more about Oman at: www.beyondtheroute.com Facebook Instagram Twitter

This month on the Sultanate podcast we go on a surfing safari with the Oman Surfers. The episode launches on the 12th of November, 2017. Subscribe using Sticher, the iOS Podcast app, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you don’t know how to do that, click this link. Music: "Surfing Day" by Marcos H. Bolanos Follow the show and learn more about Oman at: www.beyondtheroute.com Facebook Instagram Twitter

Recently the Muscat Municipality opened the doors to the long awaited Muttrah Fish Souq, so I’m down here poking around and finding out what’s changed under the roof of this modern building. Has tradition and charm left when we tore down the old? Let’s find out! In this episode of the Sultanate I bring my microphones down to the tour around the new souq. You can view images from this visit to the souq at the associated episode post on my website. Check it out!  Sultanate Ep 021: Muttrah...