Amazing Oman

The beach by Embassy Row

View more photos 

Oman. What an amazing country (its actually called the Sultanate of Oman). Although only the second place Ive been to in the Middle East, Im certain its the best country in the region. This is mostly due to the Sultanate, who seems to be a very benevolent dictator. After ousting his father, he transformed Oman from a strictly conservative insular sultanate to a modern, friendly and beautiful country. He has a policy against visual pollution, which is very obvious from driving around the capital city, Muscat. There are people cleaning everywhere, including men who ride mopeds with brooms to sweep the streets. There is grass (rare in the Middle East) and landscaping everywhere.

Its also a very safe country (no terrorist attacks to date). The people here are incredibly friendly and helpful. Even walking around the souk is better. The shopkeepers are friendly and definitely helpful, but not pushy like in Bahrain. If you are looking for something, just ask and somebody will take you there. When a palace guard wanted us to move our car, he first introduced himself and asked how we were enjoying our stay.