Nakhl really is one of my favourite places in Oman. I feel so calm and relaxed [not too mention cool] walking in the shade of date plantations, letting little fishies kiss my feet as I wade through crystal clear softly warmed hot spring waters, and exploring the architecture of adobe-like Sarooj at Nakhl fort. Afterwards, I always stop for a kebab stick or 2 of goat "mishakeek" and a cup of cooked corn and just stand for a while and soak in the local life as the small souq shuts down with the sun as it is setting and the dusk prayer is called. Being that Nakhl is so close to Muscat, I wonder that alot of tourists don't make a go of it as it never seems busy to me, as Nizwa fort and Jabrin fort can. Just a turn off from the Barka roundabout [the one with Lulu to the right driving from Muscat] and then less than twenty minutes straight from there until you see 3 Omani flags marking government buildings clustered to your left, and up right from there, there really isn't a good sign to show exact directions until you see Nakhl fort arise [as Angry in Oman noted]. Speaking to locals, I felt though, that some of the tourists that do come disrespect that Ain Al Thuwayrah [the hot springs] is right next to the traditional village and part of it. Playing loud music in the car park and drinking, and engaging in sexual activities [I am not talking hand holding by couples or a cute peck on the cheek] IN THE HOT SPRING have made the locals disengage themselves from being more welcoming in the traditional manner I find part of the essential Oman experience. I miss the days when no one would ever hesitate to invite a stranger for at least some sliced fruit and cardamon infused coffee in this region. The villagers of Nakhl are some of the most giving Omanis you'll ever get to know if you make yourself suitable for them to open up to [how many know Nakhl families and are forced to stay for dinner late into the night when the family kills a goat in their honour and a fresh feast is prepared for you, the guest, right? lol]. Unfortunately, in the last few years, ROP friends have given disapointing news of Nakhl where a few angry locals made off with tourists camping gear and kit, not to have stolen it, but to disregard it somewhere else. In all these cases tourists should have known their behaviour would upset the local populace. Dear gay tourists, yes Nakhl is still safe for you to visit, but do not disrespect the locals by having sex in the hot spring pools [this also goes for you Muscati Omani boys with your girlfriends] and if you are going to try and hit on a Nakhl guy local, being a guy yourself, well, when you go for a swim, don't leave your plain clothes or your gear unattended. Really, in that case, if it goes missing only to be found a day later half a mile up the road or hanging from some tree, don't be surprised, as lack of respect for local customs and sensibilities will surely get you the same in return. Yes, this is bad behaviour by the locals, but yours was culturally worse on the terms of ignorance, so I find it hard to reprimand the villagers of Nakhl for their change of attitude regarding the welcoming of guests, such an integral part of their culture. And something I guarantee you, you don't want to miss out on, because if you've stayed for more than 3 cups of tea in the homes here, you have probably found a true friend for life.
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