of Billies and Nannies...

Well, now that time is getting short here, a lot of it is being allotted to reminiscing, and reflecting on the past ten months. The things I liked, the things I disliked, and that which was just so bizarre and alien that I couldn't even pass judgement on it.

This post is dedicated to an animal that I grew to like and respect, while I was in Oman. It's a member of the animal kingdom that often gets looked over and dismissed. Though this animal has a great many fine qualities. I would like to take a moment right now to extol the virtues of the common goat (Capra aegagrus hircus).

First of all, they are really cute. They sometimes have crooked horns, lazy eyes, unkempt hair, but they are extremely engaging in their appearance, and their cool, dismissive attitude toward most things.

They are steadfast. When they have something in their head, they go toward it with tenacity and vigor. We could learn a thing or two from these 'tenacious' creatures. If they see a branch that they can get to by standing on your truck, they will do so, without a hesitation. They will climb a tree if what they want is in it. They are also gregarious. I have seen them eat everything from leaves, thorny branches, rotting garbage, and even plastic. One must respect a creature with such a diverse and accommodating intestinal track, and digestive fortitude. Mother nature's garbage disposal unit, on hooves!

They are also, contrary to popular belief, quite intelligent. One might argue that the goats here are the smartest creatures in Oman. To put this to a test when compared with the local inhabitants, one must just watch both creatures cross the road. Only the goat will look both ways! Although both creatures don't seem put immediate family outside the dating pool (as evidenced by the obvious congenital disorders apparent in both species) The question is, who learned it from who?

One day I hope to be in an economic position to afford myself a few luxuries. A little piece of land that is mine. A rocket-car, a bionic prehensile tail, and a 'gaggle' of goats to amuse me. Maybe, if God smiles on me...

Note: For those of you who are viewing this through facebook, the original post, with links and pictures can be found at:

http://www.henrickinoman.blogspot.com