Winter Holiday 2012 in the Middle East - Oman

Oman is never a place I thought I'd find myself in. Much like all the other countries I knew nothing about before deciding to visit, Oman existed only in the periphery of my consciousness. When my friend suggested it as a possible destination for our trip, I was unnerved because, as a Muslim country located on the Arabian peninsula (and even as a Geography major, I had to look up exactly where on the peninsula), it surely was one of those 'dangerous' places that Western people, especially women shouldn't go, right? WRONG.

Facts about Oman:

• It is a Sultanate, also known as an "absolute monarchy", approximately the size of Kansas.
• It was originally colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, came under Turkish control for about 100 years and gained independence in 1741.
• For a time, the capital of the Omani empire was located all the way down on Zanzibar - an island off the coast of Tanzania in Africa.
• It only began allowing tourists into the country at the beginning of the 1990s.
• Women have been given the right to be elected to the country's Shura Council since 1997.
• In November 2010, UNDP listed Oman as the nation most improved during the preceding 40 years. 
• According to international indices, it is one of the most developed and stable countries in the world and certainly the most stable country in the Middle East.
• The central desert is an important source of meteorites for scientific analysis.
• The USA established a free trade agreement with it in 2009.

Granted, I learned all of this after setting foot on Omani soil, but I am so glad that I did.  This country, with its mercurial and hauntingly beautiful landscape, its welcoming people, peaceful and well-ordered society, and varied history as a center of trade captured a piece of my heart (and a decent piece of my wallet.) It's not often that I express an interest in returning to a place that I've already visited, but I started mentally preparing myself for a second trip before I had even finished this first one. Of course, it will be a long time before I make it back there because this country is expensive, but mark my words, Oman, we will meet again.