The Benefits of Being a Foreigner

Prior to our departure on the ferry from Musandam, we had to get our boarding passes. We were the only foreigners in the entire room. After our bags were scanned, we were put into different room from everyone else who was from South Asia most likely Indian or Bengali. Before, I entered the separate room I saw a long line of men waiting to get their boarding passes. We were called from the room and skipped approximately 35 Indians or Bengalis to the front of the line to receive our boarding passes. (We took our “rightful” place in line.)

The entire time I said to my friends shaking my head this is not right but of course I let it happen and did not do anything about it. There was nothing I could have done or said given my position as well. We were not better than them but we were foreign in the sense that we came from a westernized country so we received special treatment. Because of the place I was born I was automatically treated better and did not have to do anything. Being privileged feels good but only when you are the privileged one. Until you are on the other side of the fence does it become an issue because now you are the disadvantaged one. Well, I have been on the other side of that fence which made me feel even more worse because I know how it feels. I guess in this world we are never truly equal until I can go to a place without being stared at intensely because we are different and I am put in the same line as a Bengali, Indian, Philippino, Cambodian, Indonesian, etc.

There is a difference here. I feel it. I’m treated differently here because I’m of [from a country located in South Asia] even though I’m American. Members of my host family only talk to the other girl who is white. They don’t even look me in the eye. They ask questions about me through the other girl as if I’m not even there. And she doesn’t even try to include me either which is more frustrating. I hate it here. They made it sound like Iqbali’s were more tolerant and accepting but that is not the case.

Take Away the Servants’ Passport

Indians, Bengalis, Pakistanis, Indonesians (anyone from South Asia who is an indentured servant working in Oman) along with Ethiopians are treated differently compared to Omanis and foreigners. They are second class citizens and their needs come second to any Omani. In addition, they are subject to poverty and live in disgusting unsanitary places that are separate and secluded from other Omani residences on the outskirts of a city. Bicycles are are the main transportation for them but walking or piling up in one vehicle is a common sight.

Usually, the men who are working live in shacks and the women who are usually Philippino, Malaysian or Ethiopian work as maids who cook, clean, take care of the children and must obey their bosses which means they are subject to the whims of their employers. Most of the maids have their passports taken away from them preventing them from leaving the country. Taking away their passports is considered to be an act of securing ones investment because it prevents them from fleeing and it would be a waste since a lot of money is spent on bringing them from their country. I was told that none of this matters since our country is better than the country they are coming from which is overrun with corruption and war.

Bob Marley in Ibri: Racist? Stereotypical? or Ignorance?

Given my physical appearance, I have the ability to look like I’m from multiple regions in the world however, the way I talk completely gives me up. I’ve been confused for Syrian, Indian, Dominican, Ethiopian, Puerto Rican, Half Black/Half White, and Native American. I have become somewhat accustomed to this confusion and I understand the curious border lining ignorant nature of people, but this affected me in an unfamiliar way.

As I’m about to get on a ride at a confusing amusement park, I hear “Anti Bob Marley” “Bob Marley” “Baigha Hasheesh” “Heen Hasheesh?”– “You are Bob Marley, you look like Bob Marley.” “Bob Marley!” “I want Hash.” “Where’s your hash?”  As someone who has listened to Bob Marley since the age of 9, I consider myself a hardcore fan. He was one of the first albums I bought and I have a lot of his paraphernalia. So, on the first level I’m insulted as a fan because there is no way I can even be compared to someone as great as him. Also, calling me Bob Marley (no matter how fabulous I am lol) is an insult to his memory. On the other hand, I look nothing like Bob Marley (just because my hair is twisted doesn’t mean they are dreads). It’s the same belief that all Asians look a like or all Black people look a like. Maybe in a different country with different circumstances (and I was an awesome reggae singer) I would take this as a complement.

Since, I’ve been here my race has been questioned. Some people ask twice where I come from because they do not believe I am telling the truth. When I was riding a horse I was told, “Oh you’re from Africa, you’re used to this. You know how. Come on Africa.” In Morocco, everywhere I went I was called “Mama Africa.” I was playing the game charades (that acting game) with my foreign friends and in order to guess Chris Rock and Whoppie Goldberg one girl pointed to my hair and one guy pointed to my skin. Who knew twists could bring out racism, stereotypes, or ignorance in people. Even though, I am experiencing this in Oman from both locals and foreigners, I’ve experienced all of this everywhere except in France. It’s not easy being a foreigner in a country along with the added stress from language learning and lack of support from fellow peers; but it’s something I have to get used to. But the truth is no matter the circumstance I will never get used to it. 

A Confusing Amusement Park

So there’s this small amusement park in Ibri. It’s surrounded by lights on the outside and inside so it’s hard to miss. There are simple rides like a ferris wheel, bumper cars and paddle boats. The more intense rides like the octopus basically give you whiplash and you feel like you’re about to fall out. (I feel sorry for the little girl who sat next to me; she did’nt even crack one smile no matter how hard I tried to make small talk). Candy, ice cream, cheap presents were available at a reasonable (cheap) price compared to Six Flags. The rides are simplistic in nature compared to what I am used to, however, I was still cautious considering the safety hazard. These rides were not up to date, they squeaked, and clearly were just old. So yes! Be on your guard and hold your stuff.

Considering the amount of foreigners Omanis in Ibri see in reality (which is very few), they seemed to have lost it when we walked through the park (the ultimate staring followed by whispers and giggles). Literally, every head turned. In addition, to Omani families with a minimum of 5 children young Omani males, the local shebab, seemed to just hangout there. This innocent child amusement park seemed to also be shebab central (which is sad but considering the amount of things to do in Ibri; it’s understandable). Most of them were dressed in white, black, or grey dishdashes while others dressed in western styled clothes that were clearly influenced by Hip-Hop.

Also, there is no order. Women and men cut in line and push to the front. Oh and I forgot to mention that the lines were divided by gender (how convenient?). So the males go first and then the women and it continues to alternate. Because we were the only foreigners in line (in the entire park) some of the women used that as justification to cut (REALLY! Do you not see me right here?!) (Move out my way). However, the ferris wheel was different. The most cliche song from the 90’s came on, “We like to Party” along with some other house music. Of course, us foreigners start to dance doing silly shit while trying to be culturally appropriate. We were accompanied by some Indians who also liked to “party.”

Overall it was an interesting experience. While feeling uncomfortable, watched like a hawk, and semi-excluded, I still experienced a unique scenario that one can only understand if you go to this confusing amusement park.

Khasab Musandam ~ The Ferry Ride Review +/-

It’s a 5 hour ferry ride to Musandam from Shehnazz, Oman. On the way there, I sat in the corner next to the window which I don’t recommend doing because it becomes very hot there. The best seats are located in the middle ship because the AC is always flowing that way. So sit there even if you want to look out the window, you will regret it otherwise. The lunch was ten times better than any other lunch I’ve had on international flights. Also, the crew is very accommodating especially for foreigners. There is a difference in treatment which is unfortunate. Enjoy the seats and don’t be afraid to ask for more soda.

ON THE WAY BACK
When we were boarding the ferry we were the only foreigners in the entire room full of Indians or Bengalis and one maybe Malaysian men just like when we first took ferry. However, this time was different. The staring was soo fucking intense I wanted to punch everyone in their face. (Like what the fuck are you looking at and then give the middle finger.) It was so bad that one of my friends felt so uncomfortable that we had to ask one of the cab members to move one guy who just could not stop staring. Apparently, he was intensely staring from the time we were getting our boarding passes to point where he actually chose a seat that directly faced my friend so he could stare. He smiled at my friend and that was the last straw for her. She started tearing up and turned red due to the uncomfortability she felt from this man.

I felt wrong asking this man to give up his seat because he does have the right to sit there but should she feel uncomfortable for a 4hour trip on the sea with this man constantly staring/watching her?

Khasab Musandam ~ Dhow Ride Review

It was HOT on the Dhow Ride but drinks and fruit are provided even during Ramadan. The water is very salty so watch out for the eyes but still perfect so you’ll be fine. I was only able to see some small striped fish and some okay coral reefs which were not the best. Considering the amount of wildlife I saw which was small, this experience would probably be a 6/10. However, since I’ve been living in Ibri I’d give this experience a 9.5 only because of the heat. It was a refreshing experience and a nice change of scenery. As a first time snorkeler it was hard getting the water from entering into my tube but eventually I got the hang of it .

I saw dolphins going to and from the snorkeling sight which caught me off guard because I totally forgot about them.They swam next to the boat rotating turns who comes up from the air so you can definitely get a nice picture and brag about it to your friends. However, sometimes people on dhow rides don’t get to see dolphins so before your ride just send good vibes.

Al Khasab Musandam ~ Atana Resort Review

My trip to musandam was worth every penny and not that expensive considering what I was able to do: Snorkeling, Watch Dolphins, Talk to Locals…(but the souk is not worth going to)

I stayed at The Atana Musandam Resort which was accommodating and served a delicious breakfast for most hotels. I got a great deal (12 rials per night) since it recently opened so I stayed in a 4 star hotel with a gorgeous pool. In addition, they provided transportation everywhere we went. They picked us up from the ferry port, took us to dinner in the city and same with our beach trips. They were nice and efficient and definitely cared about the well being of each guest. Also, everyone knows each other in this small town so don’t be surprised if your bus driver is good friends with the captain of one of the Dhow rides to snorkel.

There is one restaurant that foreigners go to which is also your best option: Al Shamiyya. Even though it’s the only one they still have good options. (You can go to others but when we tried to do that they were either empty or out of everything including hummus and who runs out of hummus??)

Overall, if you want to go to a nice place to relax and chill Atana Resort provides a perfect place for you to do this comfortably. Even though it’s really hot and sometimes it may feel like your skin is burning off during the summer the cold water in the pool cools you off. Also, you will have a chance to meet people from all over like Colombian dancers from Dubai or German and Australian exchange students living in Saudi Arabia or nice UKers.

Muslim Women & Sports

How can you wear an abaya and a hijab while playing sports? Is it comfortable? If not, then why not change?

So here’s the deal. These questions are irrelevant. When playing volleyball, basketball or even “race-walking” most girls did not wear the abaya. Depending on the physical demand of the sport like volleyball, skinny jeans, pants, sneakers, loose or tight shirts became the norm. Some girls still wore their hijab while others did not. (This is where preference kicks in) On the other hand, I was burning up and plus I have a lot of hair so kudos to those girls who still chose to wear the hijab even in warm weather. But as soon as the boss lady said picture time, EVERYONE put on their abayas. The ultimate switcharoo. For the last photo or the silly photo, we threw up the deuces (or dubtayn or peace sign) which I did not realize is very popular especially in Ibri.

Basically, everything was the same like at any sporting event with a couple of exceptions like who can play. Women who were in their 40s were on the same team as 9 year-olds. This type of organized sport definitely builds community and lessens the gap between old and young. There was cheering and some girls were talking shit, which I found to be hilarious even though I understood maybe one or two words. One older woman with a wicked serve said “sheet” (shit) when we lost a point. You could only imagine my surprise when I heard her say this. (I just had to laugh and then I said it with her…gotta love cursing with the natives).

This is also the first time where I have been to a sports ceremony where the Quran was read twice. Everyone was silent with the exception of some young binaat (girls).  We also watched a skit on why exercise is important while sipping some warm tea with saffron. It was like dinner and a show. Yes, the entire feel was different and I did not know what to expect but I had a lot of fun.

Those Goodbyes

No matter the amount of times you have traveled or seen exotic shit that people have only dreamed of. No matter how many destinations that leave you in “awe” or those once in life time experiences that seem to always leave you wanting more. Despite the connections you will make with renaissance women or dynamic men. And even the trinkets or knickknacks wrapped up in cheasy touristy cliches that remind you of those to die for moments.

As your memory fades away through the sands of time, you just might forget those moments no matter how hard you try to hold on to them. Regardless of the situation or the place and time, the sadness border-lining emptiness you feel when you say goodbye never leaves you. Even if you know, you will see that person tomorrow, there is a chance (even if it is small) that you may not be able to and that chance scares me especially when I am far away. It’s those goodbyes that are always the hardest for any trip.