From the nomadic steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenetic streets of Hanoi, Asia is a continent so full of intrigue, adventure, solace, and spirituality that it has fixated and confounded travelers for centuries.
We arrived at the coastal village of Al Ashkharah just before sunset. It is known for its mild climate and beaches with brutal tides inhabited by birds and turtles. Al Ashkharah is also an essential source of Omani fish, such as Al-Sharkha, shrimp, Al-Sahwa, Al-Shaari, and Al-Safi. It is...
The oasis of Al Mintarib, or Mintrib, lies on the edge of the spectacular sand sea of the Ramlat al Wahiba desert and is considered one of the entry gates to the desert. In the days before the housing of Al Mintirib encroached on its space, this solid-walled fort with its sunken door must...
Our next stop was one of the many forts built by the Hajiri tribe after they arrived in the area in 1008. It is a large fort with a mighty round tower and a unique, separate arched external staircase. Its massive walls dominate the city center, and the fort also serves as a good...
Ibra is one of the oldest cities in Oman, and it was a center of Al Harthy, Al Maskari, Al Mughairi, and Al Riyami tribes. The old part of town is a honeycomb of crumbling mud-built houses of two or three stories. We entered by a double archway and walked through some of the best parts of...