The last couple of days I was on the move again from Jebel Shams to Jabel (Jebel) Akhdar (the Green mountain). It is a mountain range 80km x 32km wide.It primarily is between 2-3k metres in altitude and its Mediterranean climate produces pomegranates, roses and even papayas!
En route we stopped to see a few interesting places, like the Nizwa fort and castle which was built in the 17th century. The fort is a circular tower that dominates Nizwa, a crossroads of vital routes across the region.
We also visited the local souq where I tried every imaginable type of date. The souqs in Oman sell many similar items: spices, scarves and various head coverings, dates, silverware, pottery, tea, dates and rose products.
I also went to see various farms, one being a date farm. I find it quite amazing that farms exist in such a rocky and dry environment but they have managed to use a 2000 year old irrigation system which still works well today.
I arrived in my hotel at 2000 metres, the Indigo hotel, part of the IHG group which own a variety of names like the Six Senses.The views from the rooms, gym and restaurants are breathtaking.
My mountain guide took me on a walk across the mountain villages (steep) to see the gardens, farms and lifestyle.. The people are very nice and friendly and I’m impressed how clean the country is. Pretty spotless.
There were even ancient fossils in the rocks from coral in the oceans before the plates pushed them upwards. This region is still rising.
I can only imagine the colours on the mountains when the roses are in bloom and the pomegranates ripe. Families haul huge baskets of roses to make oils, water, soaps, salads, etc.
Of course the sunsets are breathtaking.
Tomorrow I’m off to the desert!
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