The people are very innocent and detached from the outside world.Wherever you go, there is a small town feel to the place. The taxi drivers are very devout and peaceful and loving. You see, Omanis are not really stout, outspoken, arrogant, or lavish like other Gulf inhabitants may seem. Still, Omanis display their pride through the way they dress, the respect they show to their elders, and their village affinities.

Everyone speaks good English. People are really peaceful and open to Western ideas, but they do not rush to adopt them with blind passion as you may see in Beirut, for example. What I mean by ‘open’ is that they are not sold to misunderstood Islamic ideals that are very secular and unopen to the international world. That goes a long way for an Islamic state coming up quickly.

It is for this reason that I say that Oman has earns its gate to the international business world. Omanis language, food, tolerance, people, permitting government, natural resources, easy visa process, peaceful terrains, internet and 3G phone network infrastructure make it very inviting for foreign investments. Oman is rife with oil – Petroleum Development Oman practically builds the country, well for well. The place is growing by leaps and bounds. We tried to book a hotel and we had to go to nine hotels before finding a vacancy. Even the streets are packed – the city of Muscat can’t contain itself – it’s like the infrastructure is dated already compared to the growth the city is experiencing. A new airport is being built-in addition to Seeb International. It’s funny to see a small town grow. The perversions that it will learn will be horrible. Oh, the innocence it will lose…if only it could remain.

Ok, positive note. It’s unbelievable that in one of the hottest countries of the world there are beautiful beaches that make for beautiful getaways. Diving in Oman is a fantastic thing to do on the weekends. Oh, and did I forget the seafood in Oman is the best I have ever had in my life. Do try the prawns, King Fish, and calamari…

My conclusion on Oman is that it has a unique position in the Gulf, as compared to the towering empires of the Emirates nearby. Oman remains the peaceful, serene, innocent getaway – a fast competitive advantage and key differentiator. On the contrary, Dubai is hustling and bustling and overflowing with hype, style, energy, and pushing the edge to create the next world’s biggest this or that. Oman is not that. Oman is a counter-balance and is here to stay and flourish slowly. Because that’s the way Oman does it…

…and rightfully so. Oman is a great place to escape to get away and enjoy nature in a unique way in the desert.

Switzerland can be expensive. The weather is starkly cold compared to Oman. It has been a complete 180 for me. Going from secluded, dull, and hot to open, colorful, and cool was a complete change of pace. I feel a little ill; maybe it’s because of the drastic environment change. I’m rocking it out, though. I don’t get to come here every day now. I really wish my family was with me to experience all this beauty around me.

The green and blue go really good together here. The rolling prairies, picturesque mountains, white picket fences – it’s all too perfect here. It really seems the clock works slower here. I went to Heidi Park today. The story of the legend was pretty cute; you should Google it.

I get a feeling of elitist independence around here. Like people are completely unaware of the wars and movements happening outside the country. Not that it’s bad, it’s just so interesting each country is living exclusively its own past and executing on solely its own objectives without being very apparently aware of the outside world. Maybe it’s the socialist side of me. I’m not being a hater, this place is beautiful; just a thought that came to mind.

Anyways, was a really short trip. I desperately need to make it back here to catch winter on the Swiss Alps. Would love to test the slopes here. I think this has a completely different flavor when the winter blanket covers this heavenly country.