It is one of those afternoons where we almost had nothing to do. The nearest shoreline is about two hours away so fishing or swimming is not a viable option to beat the summer heat.
We decided to take a drive along the hills near our place. We brought some food, a mat and our camera to snap some photos. I am planning to tackle the career of a travel photographer, by the way.
Utoy spotted this one hill that looks interesting to him so we parked on the foot of the hill and while I am preparing our stuff for the uphill climb, Utoy and Bossing started their ascent.
The breeze atop is refreshing and the sun stopped biting since it’s almost 5:30 in the afternoon. We snapped photos like crazy, enjoyed the view, ate our food and just relax at the “summit”.
While we are resting, we spotted one water truck heading our way. Bossing got anxious but I told her to relax and reminded her that this is Oman – home to the friendliest people of the Middle East. So we stayed foot while looking down at the water truck that parked at the foot of our hill.
The guy shouted to us “Kumusta Ka!”, the Filipino’s greeting that translates to “How are you?”. It was then that we realized that it is our water-delivery guy, Mr. Hilal. He climbed up the hill and told us to come to his home which is just nearby. He speaks in mixed Arabic and English. He said he has “jamal”, I think that’s camel; and “baaa—baaaa”, which could be goat or sheep. He also said he has chickens.
Utoy immediately got excited, but Bossing was apprehensive. I assured here that I got this one and so we went down the hill and followed Mr. Hilal’s water truck.
Mr. Hilal took us to his mini farm, which is just beside his home. He is Arabic, though, and I understand they have strict customs so we did not get to meet his family.
He showed us the goats and the fowls. Utoy had his time chasing some of the goats. We had this little one that is so friendly he comes to us like a cute puppy.
After some time, Mr. Hilal told us to come with him to his camel pen which is located a little farther from his home. The camels are in the wadi nearby. There’s two of them which I believe is a couple. We took some photos of the camels.
It was a little late in the afternoon so we bade goodbye and thanked Mr. Hilal for his hospitality.
Another day has passed. One day closer to our long-awaited vacation in the Philippines. But also another day spent with a friend and in the outdoors. Days that the Nomads like us really love.
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