Customer Reviews

Maverick Guide to Oman (1st ed)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Of all the guide books to Oman I've found, this is the only one that combines excellent background information with thorough sightseeing information. It will show you all the magnificent spots of the country and fortunately not only the ones ON the beaten track, as many other guide books tend to do. The authour obviously knows this country like the back of his hand.

Well, up until 2001 this book was relevant.
Since then and especially since 2004, most of the roads
this book calls 'off-road' are now all paved.

It is completely out of date.

The only think the government in Oman hasn't paved
are the DUNES.

Here are some facts, just a few of the many that have changed:

Sorry, even the big Jebels (Mountains) are paved now. I drove up then when they were all lose falling rock and norrow as heck.
Now, safe as daylight.

As well the road from Sohar to Ibri is almost all paved !!!

Masirah Island is all paved now! Incredibly fast, and a new 5 star hotel is to open shortly.


The highway along the coast from Muscat to Sur is 80 percent done !

The road to Wadi Bani Khalid, paved years ago.

They are also building a new airport in Sohar.
And a connecting highway down the coast road from the UAE into SOHAR. The UAE government has already bought out hundreds of fishermens homes. UUHHH>..horrible right. Fisherman now live in the mountains.

This place is less and less about culture and more and more about the largest hotels and capitalism in fast action.

Sorry, I have met the author in the desert once, nice guy, if not totally enamoured with his own wonderful self and travels.
And profiting by bringing American military types to 'Oman' on sort of tourist holiday package. And yanks who are surprised not to see all the locals holding AK-47s....mmmmm well maybe they should READ some books before they join that tour.

Peter is a great story teller, and I suggest that he put his stories in book form, as they are quite nice to hear.

Perhaps bedtime stories for children about Sultans, Walis, and American fathers who travel and struggle with parent hood while
adventuring.

haha..you might as well bring them to DISNEY LAND. This is not Oman of the 1970's. This is a glossy new mercedes and safer than a gated community.

I don't recommend spending money on this book new, buy it used if you must, but new, why it is out of date with facts and figures.

The best (and one of the only) guides to a very pleasant and seldom-mentioned country, Ochs has done a wonderful job of giving us a very interesting intorduction to the culture, langiage, history, religion, cuisine, customs, geology and attractions of the safest and most attractive of the Arabian countries. Included is a wealth of information that every traveller will need to know before embarking on their trip. Also are hundreds of restaurants and sundry attractions for every taste and inclination. The rules and regulations are delineated carefully so as to prevent mishaps and fortunately, Ochs has provided for his readers, not merely the "tourist" side of Oman, but many facets of this beautiful and fascinating country that are generally overlooked by the typical sightseer. if you plan on visiting Oman, or just want information about the people or the land, this is the book to get.

This is a fairly hefty tome, written by local tour company manager Peter J Ochs II, and published by Louisiana-based company Pelican. With only eight colour pages in a dollop near the front, the book at first looks a little dull and inaccessible, but persevere. Ochs' turn of phrase is wry and easy to read and the pages are packed with information.

The frequent detailed maps that accompany the descriptions are very useful, although as with everything printed in a rapidly changing country, dating quickly. (This will be updated in the second edition, not yet available directly in Oman).

The numerous hikes, drives and trips that are outlined are excellent. However, the reason to buy this book is not for Ochs' encyclopedic knowledge of the country, its people and its history, but for the throwaway lines and personal experiences that are scattered throughout the text. A good sprinkling of spice in a dish that has been served many times.

Peter (a.k.a. Peachy) Ochs knows Oman. He loves the land and its people. It seems he has explored every inch. We were fortunate to have him as a personal guide in February 2000. The Maverick Guide and his personal insights provided an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this book to every traveler to Oman and to anyone interested in this uniquely beautiful part of the Middle East.

I met that guy last week as i walked through "Wadi bani Khalid" He really lives in Oman and he knows the country. You can book a tour with him on "Mark Tours" Further info under "arabia felix.de" or "oman.de"

he is a really funny guy.