This is the beginning of my fourth and last week in Oman (by the way, if I haven’t mentioned it already, weeks in Oman run from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday being the weekend. Friday is the day for prayer here).

Some random things I’ve noticed:One of the muezzin (guy who does the call to prayer) near my neighborhood uses a cadence that really reminds me of the opening lyrics to “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath (here is a link to see what I mean: https://youtu.be/bE5g8TDgLjQ?t=62)

As a teacher, I can easily identify when my own teachers are giving me “Mickey Mouse” lessons or activities just to fill the time. For example, writing flashcards during class time. Or, like today, taking a field trip to the mall for no real reason. Still, I enjoyed it and it was nice to have a slight break. Most significantly, on the way back from the mall, I got the chance to make my travels here a complete success, because:

These camels were grazing (on trees and brush, not just trash) by the side of the street. They are not wild camels (I don’t think you can find those much in Oman). I think their owners were the dudes hanging around in cars next to them. My teacher said people keep camels for racing or maybe for milk. Apparently, camel milk is easy to find in grocery stores in certain Middle Eastern countries, but not so easy to find in Omani stores.

I think the role of camels in Oman is similar to the role of horses in America. The average Omani doesn’t have much to do with camels, nor do most Americans come in contact with horses regularly. Both animals, in the past, were important to each nation’s respective culture and economy, but now are not. Also, the racing of both these animals is popular, though there is no betting during Oman’s camel races.