Returning Home

Man, five days has past very quickly. I have learned many things about Oman in such a little amount of time. I really learned how to travel as a political act. I found out that the Lexus is a fast growing thing in Oman. Bin Said al Said has really pushed Oman towards the Lexus by opening them up to international countries and using their oil for exportation. This has really improved the economy and made them come out of their Olive Tree. As I walked through Muscat, I saw a lot of the new Lexus but also saw hints of the old Olive Tree in their culture. They still have their Muslim roots but those are getting influenced more and more by the Lexus. I think Oman is a country that is pursuing the new Lexus but holding onto their old Olive Tree roots.
        Traveling as a political act to Oman was very rewarding. It showed me that Muslim people are not what American media portrays them as. Muslim people are just like you and me and are just trying to make money to feed their families. Traveling changed me because I realized that I need to come into the trip with a blank slate and experience everything before I judge. When I get back to America, I cannot wait to tell all my friends about my adventure and inform them about my experiences. I'll tell them that not all Muslims are like what we portray them as and we need to stop judging a book by its cover. Then I'll say, "Go out and travel as a political act and you will see how much it will change you."