The British explorer, Wilfred Thesiger wrote that it’s impossible to be alone in the Arab world. This is a sentiment echoed by Mark and the team as they have travelled through Oman.

After the toughest day of the expedition so far yesterday, day 20 of the expedition was the complete opposite.

The day started with a walk along a beautiful, deserted beach of white sands and azure, blue water before they arrived at an abandoned fishing village. Before long some other travellers arrived and soon conversation over coffee was in full flow.

Mark describes his love for the hospitality and generosity of the Omani people. Because later in the day they met the fisherman would refuse any money for the fish he insisted the team cook around the campfire that night, the mechanic who helped fix the shredded tyre wanted only a smile and the coffee shop owner who heard the expedition team had arrived at his coffee shop insisted the round of coffees was a gift from him to the team.

Mark reflects on this being one of the many things that makes the country so special for him.

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The Jewel of Arabia Expedition podcast is produced by Adventurous Audio