OMAN
223 Kilometres – 11 Days Al Ain, UAE – Sobar, Oman - 110 km
Certain days were more challenging to get going than others, and this
day was one of them. After packing up and a cup of coffee, the time
was already past 10h00 before I got underway. The Omani border
crossing was 10 kilometres away and a leisurely cycle through the
town of Al Ain.
Once on the Omani side, my first stop was at an ATM, then a quick
breakfast before picking up a new SIM card. As a result, it was past
12h00 before I headed into Oman and over the Hajar Mountains
toward Muscat. Once out of the city and in the desert, the road
became a shimmering mirage. Besides barren mountains and a few
camels, the scenery remained unchanged. Oddly, the Omani border
was 50 kilometres further, making it a sizeable no-man’s land.
By the time I received my entry stamp, it was well past midday, and I
had covered only a minimal distance. I filled my water bottles and
headed for the hills. Like the previous day, the weather was windy
but the wind didn’t bother me, and a strange peacefulness prevailed.
Sunset was around 6/6.30 p.m. and, soon afterwards, darkness fell.
To my delight, streetlights lined the entire road.