Job Discussion Forums

[dorothy1]

To All:

Can anybody comment on living in Rustaq? Conditions? shopping? souk? Hotels for expats? and overall life? I understand it's a quiet place. Just looking for general information on the town-pros and cons.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

[Sugar K]

Rustaq isn't for everybody, but if you don't mind small town life then you'll be fine.

PROS:
* 2 big supermarkets where you can get everything you need, including a good selection of fresh fruit and veg.
* Fantastic scenery and hiking/camping opportunities. Lots of wadis and mountains.
* Less humidity, being away from the coast.
* A couple of nice-ish places to eat.
* Not too far away from Muscat. 1 hour 20 mins to Seeb. 1 hour if you're Omani!

CONS:
* No hotels, therefore no bars. Nearest place is Al-Sawadi or the alcohol shop in Barka.
* Not that many Westerners around so the locals get a bit excited when they see women.

So, looks like the pros outweigh the cons. I'd say steer clear if you want to enjoy an ex-pat lifestyle. But if you like adventuring in the great outdoors and want a real experience of Oman, go for it.

[deathbychocolate]

Was researching Oman myself last month and found this blog in case it's useful.

http://eyeswideoman.blogspot.com/

[abayawearer]

Rustaq isn't a bad place. It's quiet with lots of mountains around. Unfortunately, it's not that close to the sea.

[kuberkat]

The most comprehensive and objective information on Rustaq can be found at http://rustiki.wetpaint.com/. The site was created by college staff and covers work and living conditions, entertainment and more, all in a positive but realistic light. It also links to an annotated map of the town and campus (http://bit.ly/rustaqmap).

Inside Info: As ex-staff I would caution that the English Department is in some turmoil (now more than ever), but there are a number of truly stellar colleagues to depend on. There is considerable support for teachers who want to take on responsibility and new projects.

The sea: @abayawearer mentions that Rustaq is not very close to the sea. Everything is relative: the college is a 30 minute drive to the fishing beaches of Muladda and a 50 minute drive from Al-Sawadi Beach Resort, where you can technically hit the beach in your bikini or enjoy a tipple.

Transport: Rustaq can be trying if you do not have your own transport, since taxis are rarely available when you need them most (siesta time, weekends and holidays).

Women: This is one of the most traditional and religiously staunch towns in a country where it is highly unusual for a woman to live alone. Although the majority of expat women have built bridges with the local community, this has not always been the case, and newcomers may experience resistance until they prove themselves. Local women are rarely out and about, especially not on their own, so any woman alone receives a great deal of attention. Dressing modestly helps, but the best remedy is simply to enlist a companion, whether male or female, when hitting the town. Better yet, head for Barka (an hour away by road) or Muscat (90 minutes by road), where things are freer. Driving rather than walking or taxi-ing also reduces potential frustrations.

Rustaq is a quiet and simple town, best suited to those with a project, a purpose, a passion.

Good luck with the decision.

[Pikgitina]

Great answer, kuberkat!