This month on the Sultanate we go into the Hellhole. But do we all come back? There are literally thousands of caves in Oman, and this one in particular gets a really special name by us. It’s not the deepest, it’s not the most decorated, it’s not the most challenging. However, it is special in its own way. So, have a listen and find out how this karst gets its name, and if we can accomplish our mission. Hellhole Gallery Sultanate Ep 035: Hellhole Links Learn about, and see other MECET expeditions. MECET on Facebook Follow the show and find more about Oman at: iTunes (please lea ..read more

On this day, July 23, in 1970, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said took power from his father Sultan Said bin Taimur Al Said in a coup d’état. This was the day that the Sultanate of Oman entered into its renaissance, and this day is celebrated as Renaissance Day. Who is Sultan Qaboos, what is the renaissance, and why is he revered among Omanis? Sultan Qaboos Born in Salalah on November 18, 1940, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said was his father’s only child. He was educated in Oman until the age of 16, when he was sent off to England to finish his basic education at Bury St Edmunds. In 1960, Sultan Q ..read more

I find it very interesting how all this COVID-19 stuff  is panning out. Sure, Oman is affected by the virus like most places in the world. As I write this we have 503 cases/million and 2 deaths/million. Compared to other countries, that puts us somewhere in the middle for cases, and at the low end for deaths. The government and citizens are clearly doing a great job, but at what cost? COVID-19 is Expensive They say there is no free lunch, and the same applies to Oman and COVID-19. For the last five years Oman is trying to undergo a campaign to ween the economy off of oil and diversify; lo ..read more

Over the National Day holiday weekend this year, I was part of cave expedition to a notable karst in Oman, and possibly the region. Currently we think it’s Oman’s deepest cave. Here’s the story of that trip. Cave Protection Firstly, I need to say this isn’t the full story, at least for now. I’ve been asked not to share certain details to help protect the cave, as well as protect all the hard work put in by the people who worked tirelessly, for years, to push down into this cave. For that reason you won’t see images which help geolocate the entrance. Also, details like the exact depth and geol ..read more