Grand Escapades
Travel Photography & Travel Experiences of Africa, South America, the Middle-East & Asia
Nizwa Fort
Oman is special. Where else on the Arabic Peninsula has some of the “Sinbad the Sailor” feeling survived? Besides this 1001 Nights flair, we were stunned by lush oases, ancient fortresses, sandy beaches, dramatic mountain scenery, rolling desert dunes, picturesque wadis, deep fjords and overly friendly people. All in one country!
The Peninsula of Musandam, Oman’s most northern enclave, is sitting right on the Strait of Hormuz, facing Iran and one of the most important sea trade-route in the world. For those with a more untamed mind, the rigged coastline resembles giant crippled fingers reaching out into the ocean. Steep slopes of bare rocks, completely void of vegetation, line these long inlets. The longest of these fjords, Khor al Sham, is 17 kilometers deep and a popular place to visit by Dhow. Continue Reading →
Wedding Ceremony in Khasab, Musandam, Sultanat of Oman, Arabic Peninsula
A small procession was moving down the street, women and men together, blocking traffic. Some of the men were firing shots from ancient rifles. What could be it possibly mean? Continue Reading →
View of Musandam, Flight from Khasab to Muscat, Sultanat of Oman, Arabic Peninsula
All day speedboats from Iran arrive in the harbor of Khasab bringing goats, fruits and vegetables. They return with everything ranging from TV sets, perfume to cigarettes. Rumors have it that even small cars are loaded into the small boats. Continue Reading →
Khor as Sham, the longest Fjords of Musandam, Sultanat of Oman, Arabic Peninsula
Our little propeller plane slowly descended on the Peninsula of Musandam, Oman’s most northern enclave. We could make out Iran in the distance and big oil tankers below us in the Strait of Hormuz. Then suddenly, the incredible coastline of Musandam glided into full view for those sitting on the right side of the aircraft. Cameras clicking and gasps of excitement filled the small plane. For those with a more untamed mind, the rigged coastline resembles giant crippled fingers reaching out into the ocean. Steep slopes of bare rocks, completely void of vegetation, line these long inlets. The longest of these fjords, Khor al Sham, is 17 kilometers deep and a popular place to visit by Dhow. Continue Reading →