Crossing the desert

Winter is back again in Kuwait and it takes me back to the trip we made during the end of last winter.

A road trip through GCC countries had been in our bucket list since long and then KSA opened up and we grabbed the chance. We watched YouTube videos and read whatever google offered. Hubby took the Saudi tourist visa before we could change our minds. It was our first border crossing by road and there was a lot of apprehension. Our plan was to travel to Qatar and then visit Bahrain on our way back. In Qatar we had a few friends who had shifted from Kuwait a decade ago and few cousins too. We left for the Kuwait border early in the morning to avoid the crowd and since it was mandatory to take biometrics to cross Saudi. This took almost an hour since there were a lot of travelers like us taking advantage of the 4-day long weekend. The rest of the formalities went on quickly and we started the first leg of our journey. There were petrol bunks every 100 km or so where one can have some refreshments and visit a restroom. But I had packed some food and had also brewed some black coffee. Did try the tea at one stop and did not like it at all. Our first stop was at Al Kobbar where we dropped a friend who wanted to visit his brother. Lunch was done at their place, and we proceeded to Qatar soon after lunch. Guess it is okay to say that Qatar is what Kuwait was in yesteryears. We had a lovely time with friends and relations. Drove around Qatar and saw tourists from all around the world. On our drive back we did visit Bahrain as planned. A short visit though but could get the feel of the place. The border crossings can either be short or long depending on the country. Sometimes they let you pass without much ado; else the whole vehicle will be checked. 

Such road trips are possible since there are restrooms across the region. Since prayers are mandatory, mosques are mandatory and hence there are restrooms attached to these mosques too, if not petrol pumps. It is possible in India too since roads are essential, why not restrooms too?  Making it mandatory is essential too? Clean toilets maintained by the same folks maintaining and building the roads? (NHAI or  National Highways Authority of India) Yes, there are restaurants everywhere but one would need to eat too even if not needed. I have used a toilet attached to petrol pump once in Kerala but it is guarded like a bank vault :). 

Anyway, it was during this trip that another wild idea got hold of us but never thought it would materialize so fast. (Youtubers can be inspiring and encouraging too!)

The Rub Al Khali desert or the Empty Quarter beckoned us since there were loved ones at the end of it. 

'A road between Oman and Saudi Arabia,^[8][9] through the Empty Quarter, was completed in September 2021.^[10] Measuring between 700 and 800 kilometres (430 and 500 miles), it extends from Ibri in Oman to Al-Ahsa in eastern Saudi Arabia. A 160 km (99 miles) stretch of the road is on the Omani side and 580 km (360 miles) on the Saudi side.^[8][9] The road also goes through the archaeological sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn in Oman.^[10] '

We have already visited Oman by air but crossing the desert was a once in lifetime opportunity and we latched on to it before we could change our mind. While crossing it, the scenes were stunning, especially the changing colors of the sand dunes. We travelled during the day and hence could stop in between. Crossed the Saudi stretch and reached Oman in time for some lovely food. On our way to Oman the roads were fine but during the return trip it was windy, and the sand piled upon the road. One had to be very careful. We had 3 drivers eager to take turns so none complained of tiredness. In Oman, we watched the dolphins swim and while the youngsters snorkeled, I tried testing my fear of water and found it is still terrifying. 

There is Riyadh and Dubai beckoning us now... maybe... who knows?