While in Dubai to lead a two-day C-Suite leadership retreat, I had a free day. I could have rested. I could have caught up on work. But instead, I took a risk: I bought a ticket to Oman—no visa, no driver, no itinerary—just a deep desire to explore, understand, appreciate, and learn. Some of my favorite growth moments happen like this. Unexpected. Unplanned. Unscripted. So I packed light, boarded the short flight to Muscat, and dove headfirst into the unknown.
Landing Without a Plan
When I landed at Muscat International Airport, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was immediately granted a day visa—no hassle, no delay. I walked out of the terminal into the thick Omani heat, thinking I’d find a taxi and head to the Grand Mosque. That’s when I met Ali. He was young, friendly, and confident, but quiet. A university student standing just outside the arrivals area, posing as a local tour guide. Maybe he was waiting for someone else—or maybe it was meant to be. He asked if I wanted a tour. I paused for a beat, then said yes.
The Unscripted Tour
Ali drove me through the city with pride and ease. We visited:
- The stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque a marvel of architectural reverence.
- The majestic Royal Opera House echoes elegance and cultural pride.
- A museum of symphonic sound and acoustics, where the science of music meets its soul.
- And yes, the local fish market, unforgettable not for its sights but its scent—especially in 103°F heat.
We talked as best we could—English wasn’t easy for him, and I certainly wasn’t fluent in Arabic. But conversation found its way through. Over lunch, I learned about his family, his dreams of working in the ports as a merchant marine, and his pride in Oman’s heritage. The exchange wasn’t polished—it was real—a bit awkward, a bit beautiful.
The Gift Exchange
As the afternoon wore on, I knew I needed to return to the airport. But before we parted ways, Ali handed me a gift: three bags of his favorite local potato chips. It was unexpected. It was simple. But it was full of meaning. I had offered him lunch. He offered me chips. But what we really traded that day was far more lasting:
- Mutual curiosity.
- Shared respect.
- A willingness to trust the unknown.
And a deeper appreciation for how two people from opposite worlds can sit at a table and simply connect. Reflections on a One-Day Journey The flight back to Dubai took just over an hour, but the insight I brought with me will stay with me much longer. Everywhere I go, I notice the same paradox:
- Each culture is distinct. Every people group is unique.
- Yet everyone longs for the same things—to grow, elevate, and become.
Whether in a boardroom, a backstreet café, or a hot afternoon drive through Muscat, that longing is what unites us. And sometimes, all it takes to tap into that shared humanity is a single decision to say yes to the unfamiliar. What’s one moment when you said yes to the unfamiliar and returned changed? I’d love to hear your story.