Wadis, the saving grace of Rustaq

Well lets be honest, Oman is the developing world. Being the case, there are a lot of things that you don't get her, which you would in a place like the 'States and Europe. That especially the case with where I am, in Rustaq. Now in a place like Muscat (the capital city) you do get many of the conveniences of a developed nation (don't get me wrong, you pay out-the-ass for them, but they are available). Things such as Starbucks, Swine, and Booze, god love 'em all.

Though one thing that Oman is very well stocked up on, especially the outer regions, is natural beauty.


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So I'm not really in the interior, but I am away from the coast. Its not too bad. I mean, I am 1 1/2 away from the capitol, two and a half from the Emirates, Etc. If you look on the terrain view of the embedded map, you will see that I am nestled in the crocth of an incredible mountain range. That is significant. This is the place where the really cool Wadis are.
A Wadi, is a dry river bed. Remember this is the middle east, it seldom rains. But when it does, it flood. SO the water collects at the lowest point and flows. Over many many years it carves a path through the low-points, making a river-bed or a valley. It also usually has some sort of an Aquifer under it because some of the water does go down into the ground. So you find some amazing flora here. I must admit, it does look out of place in the middle of this Arid steppe, but it is beautiful nonetheless.

So going to hike in the mountains at one of these Wadis is really cool and beautiful. I live maybe within 'striking' distance from 5-6 of the major Wadis in Oman. So here are some pictures of Wadi Bani Kharooos, which takes about 3-5 min by car to get to.
Well, I need to go pack for the Emirates trip tomorrow. When I come pack, expect a post on Dubai and Cirque de Soliel, and probably how bad Ex-pat English teachers suck as a group-entity. So until then, I hope you enjoy the wonderful pictures.