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Hi

I am a published author, and my books include detailed accounts of my experiences in Oman—a country that has become an inseparable part of my life. Having lived here for over thirty years, I can say I’ve spent more than half of my life in this land.

Before arriving in Oman, I spent time in Qatar, Bahrain, and briefly in the UAE. But it was only upon reaching Oman that I felt something truly different. Unlike the other Gulf countries, where I often felt like an outsider, Oman welcomed me with a warmth and sincerity that made me feel at home. Here, I was never treated as a foreigner or expat; the people’s hospitality and the respectful, trusting environment made me feel like one among them.

I deeply admire this country for its unique ambience, unmatched hospitality, and the genuine trust it extends to residents and visitors alike. If there’s anything Oman may need to further its growth, perhaps it’s only the push toward a more dynamic business environment—which it is fully capable of achieving. The day is not far when Oman will rise uniquely and remarkably, setting itself apart from the rest of the region

Homesickness is a difficult and complex feeling. I am a Brit. I am married to an Omani. The Omani people are in general more polite, more friendly and yes, in many ways more civilised than the Brits. I am different. We are all different, even from our own compatriots. I am a non-conformist even in England. Omanis are conformists. They are conservative in their ways. I am not. Omanis are intelligent people but for the most part I find them uninspiring. They find me eccentric or just plain difficult. But most of them like me. Now this may sound ridiculous- but above all I find most Omanis too nice. I miss the sharp edge that comes with living in England.  Some people prefer food which is quite bland whilst others, like me, prefer my food highly spiced. Much as I like Oman at times it feels as though I’m living in a bubble, cut off from the harsh realities of the real world. It’s like being wrapped in cotton wool. But it’s my problem and it all comes down to my being English. You can take the man out of England but you can’t take England out of the man.