Saturday 20 / April / 2024
As the monsoon clouds gather in the sky and the mountains and valleys get soaked up in rain, we know Khareef season has arrived in the Dhofar region, the time when the entire region turns into a green paradise.
This is that time of the year when tourists from within the Sultanate and from different parts of the world visit Oman to enjoy the gentle drizzle and the refreshing mists. But like last year this year too, it is a different Khareef with the COVID-19 pandemic restricting our travel plans. But don't lose heart. If you are in Oman and unable to enjoy the amazing weather of Dhofar in person, why not take a virtual tour of Dhofar this weekend?
Watch the beauty of Wadi Darbat, one of the most picturesque spots of Oman.This wadi carves its way through hills and highlands until it reaches Khawr Ruri, where it empties into the Arabian Sea. During the Khareef season, Wadi Darbat showcases the richness and colour of both the Dhofar landscape and the Omani culture. The wadi is distinguished by its thick botanical cover, in addition to a natural spring and a number of caves. The wadi’s water is the source of the water filling Teeq Cave’s cells.
Travellers are often stunned by the spectacle — the effervescent contrast to the vast regions of desert in the north. During the height of the Khareef season, the wadi’s water descending from the mountains forms magnificent waterfalls cascading from a height of up to 30 metres. In the north of Salalah is Wadi Dawkah, known for frankincense trees. Enjoy the incredible scenery.
Pick up a paint brush
The implementation of night curfew means spending more time at home and why not utilise this time in painting? You certainly need not be a pro in it. After all it is a therapeutic activity in itself, which is just what we all need right now. It is one of the best ways to maintain your mental wellbeing and also a way to tap into your creative side.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up a paint brush and get going. There are several free online classes that can help you fine tune your skills or learn the basics.
Learn pottery
If you have spare time, learn pottery. You actually can sculpt, carve, paint and seal your own pots, trinket dishes, vases, candle holders, sculptures, wall hangings, coasters, pendants and more. There are many online pottery classes that can engage your imagination. So this weekend figure out one that suits your time and requirement.
What's on Netflix?
Watch Ray on Netflix on June 25. The film is inspired by four of Satyajit Ray’s stories. Manoj Bajpayee, Ali Fazal, Harshvardhan Kapoor and Kay Kay Menon will be seen playing the lead roles in Ray. Also watch The Ice Road, starring Liam Neeson will have Neeson playing Mike, the expert driver who leads an impossible rescue mission over a frozen ocean to save the lives of trapped miners. Neeson has since stated that he would be retiring from action films, so The Ice Road might be either his last or second to last with him focusing on other genres of cinema.
