I help independent travellers create journeys that go beyond sightseeing – Journeys that create memorable experiences and connections with people from different cultures. If you want to create a trip to Oman that includes interacting with Omani people, discovering their rich culture and truly experiencing their beautiful country, you’re in the right place.
‘Joussour to Oman’ is based on the Arabic word for ‘bridges’ – الجسور. Having been brought up in France, I wrote the word ‘joussour’ in a French way. But why did I choose the name ‘Joussour to Oman’ for this blog? Because I believe that immersing ourselves in another culture builds bridges between our familiar world and the new one we are going to explore.
This journey is fascinating and one of the richest experiences we can have in life but, of course, it can also be challenging at times. I get that. True encounters often change us in deep ways – and changes are never easy.
It is my hope that this blog will help you on this bridge by giving you resources, suggestions of itineraries and cultural keys.
I caught the travel bug when I was a baby. My mother is English, my father is Dutch and I was brought up in France. In the first 2 years of my life, I lived in 5 countries. Since, I have visited over 30 countries.
Around 15 years ago, I ended up leaving France and moved to Barcelona in Spain. While there, I attended an art school and taught English.
As well as delving into watercolour painting, I experimented with installation work. Here, an installation around a bench in a park in Barcelona
After the art school, I opted to finish my studies in psychology at the University of Barcelona. While doing this Diploma, I decided to write about Syrian people who had moved to Spain. However, very quickly (actually, almost immediately!), I realised I knew NOTHING about the Middle East. One of my friends warned me that I should change the topic but the ‘dog-with-a-bone’ part of me wouldn’t let go! So, I kept going.
At the time, I had no idea that this would change my life completely.
A friend had a Syrian colleague who agreed to give me ‘an intro’ to his country. As we spoke, I inexplicably felt drawn to the culture. We peeled back layers of history (and what history!), religious and political issues, and he shared funny – and not so funny – stories connected with his move from the Middle East to Europe. He introduced me to more Syrians and eventually I met Manar.
Manar.
Manar’s story was gripping and touched me deeply. A bomb had exploded on her kitchen and 90% of her body was burnt. After being transferred from Syria to Lebanon to Egypt to Algeria to Barcelona to find the medical treatment that she needed, I met her at the only therapy centre for refugees in Barcelona. She couldn’t speak a word of English or Spanish and I couldn’t say anything in Arabic. Still, we communicated and an energetic Moroccan translator helped us too. As we spoke, I felt like I was discovering a whole world – beyond the usual stereotypes that the media presented. It was a world I wanted to understand. And one day, I promised Manar that I would move to the Middle East.
This was a big decision but I was determined. I found a teaching job in Amman and moved to Jordan. I lived there for over 2 years. I started walking on the bridge that goes from my European world to the Middle Eastern one. This opened up new doors as I met new people, tasted new food, hiked in new places and discovered new ways of thinking. So enriching!
Eventually, I became curious and wanted to also know about ‘the other side’ of the Middle East…and this led me to Oman – very different from Jordan. Since, I have lived and worked here for over 4 years – and also spent one year in Dubai. Of course, there have been some messy and challenging parts but I love the country dearly. On this long-term journey, I have learnt so many new things and have met some amazing people. .
I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU EVERYTHING THAT I LEARN ON THIS JOURNEY.
I invite you to delve into the blog, start planning your next trip, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
