Page 55 of Johan. (Van Den Bosch #8)
Johan
The flight from London to Muscat is long but uneventful.
I sit in the plush first-class cabin, exchanging minimal conversation with Lukas and Ludovic.
My mind is preoccupied with the challenges ahead, while Ludovic seems focused on his own plans.
Lukas, ever the observant one, watches both of us with quiet interest.
As the plane begins its descent into Muscat, the landscape below shifts from urban sprawl to the stark beauty of the desert. The sprawling city gives way to endless dunes and rocky outcrops. The golden sands stretch out beneath us, shimmering in the intense sunlight.
Upon landing in Muscat, we quickly transfer to a private plane waiting for us on the tarmac.
This smaller aircraft will take us directly to the remote site of Shisr, where the excavation is already underway.
The flight is shorter, but the anticipation makes it feel longer.
The private plane offers a glimpse of the vast emptiness of the Rub' al Khali desert, also known as the Empty Quarter, one of the largest sand deserts in the world.
As the plane descends towards Shisr, I peer out the window. The base camp appears as a cluster of tents and equipment set against the harsh, unforgiving landscape. The plane lands on a makeshift airstrip, kicking up a cloud of fine sand.
The heat hits us as soon as we step off the plane.
It's a dry, intense heat that saps the moisture from my skin and makes the air shimmer.
I adjust my hat and wipe the sweat from my brow, taking in the scene before me.
Lukas is already sweating profusely, his shirt sticking to his back.
He looks at me with a weary smile. "How are we going to survive in this heat, Johan?
" he asks, wiping his forehead with a handkerchief.
We are greeted by a group of Omani officials, including a tall, lean man with a neatly trimmed beard and sharp, intelligent eyes. He wears a traditional Omani dishdasha, a long white robe, and a turban, giving him an air of authority and respect.
“Welcome to Shisr," he says, shaking hands with me, Lukas, and Ludovic. “I’m Rachid, the site supervisor. We are honored to have you here. Let me introduce you to the team."
Rachid then introduces the other officials and translators. The locals are already busy with the excavation, their movements precise and practiced under the relentless sun. I can see the dedication and expertise in their work, which fills me with a sense of purpose.
"We've set up a base camp just over that rise," Rachid continues, pointing to a distant cluster of tents. "Let me give you a tour."
We follow Rachid to the base camp. The walk across the sand is exhausting, and the heat feels like it's pressing down on me from all sides.
Despite the harsh conditions, the camp is well-organized and efficient.
The main tent serves multiple purposes, housing a dining area, a lounge, and a small library.
It's a welcome oasis in the middle of the desert.
Rachid shows us around the main tent first. Inside, the temperature is significantly cooler, thanks to portable air conditioning units.
The dining area is simple but functional, with long tables and benches.
The lounge has comfortable seating and a few tables for working or relaxing.
The library, though small, is well-stocked with books on archaeology and local history.
"Feel free to make use of the facilities," Rachid says. "We want you to be as comfortable as possible while you're here."
Next, Rachid takes me to my mobile tent. It's a sturdy, well-made structure with heavy-duty fabric walls and a proper door. Inside, there's a comfortable cot, a small desk, and a portable fan.
“The nights can get quite cold,” Rachid says, handing me an extra blanket. “But during the day, you'll need to stay hydrated and cool.”
I nod, appreciating the advice. The heat outside is relentless, but the tent provides a welcome refuge from the sun. After settling in, I freshen up and change into lighter clothing, eager to join the team for the welcome dinner.
As the sun sets, the temperature begins to drop, and the camp comes alive with activity.
The main tent is now bustling with people.
Long tables are set with an array of Omani dishes: fragrant rice, grilled meats, fresh salads, and a variety of flatbreads.
The scent of spices fills the air, mingling with the cooling breeze of the desert evening.
We sit down to eat, and the food is delicious. The grilled meats are tender and flavorful, the rice perfectly cooked, and the salads refreshing. As we dine, I immerse myself in the conversations around me, learning more about the local culture and the significance of the excavation site.
Rachid raises a glass, offering a toast. “To a successful collaboration and to the discovery of the Star of Ubar,” he says, his voice filled with optimism.
We all raise our glasses, the clinking sound echoing through the tent. The sense of camaraderie is palpable, and despite the challenges ahead, I feel a renewed sense of determination and excitement.
As the evening winds down, I take a moment to step outside the tent. The night sky is clear, and the stars are brilliantly visible, free from the light pollution of the city. The desert, though harsh and unforgiving, holds a beauty and mystery that draws me in.
I take a deep breath of the cool night air, feeling a sense of peace.
Tomorrow, the real work begins, and I am ready to face whatever challenges come our way.
With the team we've assembled and the dedication I see in everyone around me, I am confident that we will uncover the secrets of Shisr and, with any luck, find the Star of Ubar.
I wake up to the sound of soft chatter and the occasional clatter of metal against metal.
Blinking against the morning light filtering through the canvas of my tent, I slowly sit up.
The air is already warm, hinting at the scorching day ahead.
This is my first morning in Oman, and everything feels both strange and thrillingly new.
Stretching, I get up and make my way to the small bathroom area in the corner of my tent.
The murmur of voices from nearby tents and the gentle hum of activity outside remind me that I'm not alone in this vast desert. I’m pleasantly surprised to find there’s hot water and a running shower.
The luxury of it feels almost surreal in this remote place.
Stepping under the warm spray, I let it wash away the remnants of travel and jet lag.
The steam mixes with the slightly earthy scent of the tent’s canvas, creating a comforting atmosphere.
I dress in breathable clothes, preparing myself for the heat, and as I step outside, I’m immediately struck by the intensity of the sun.
It’s only 8 am, but the rays are already strong, casting long shadows across the sand.
The air is filled with the scent of dust and dry earth, mingling with faint traces of wild herbs carried on the breeze.
As I head towards the dining tent, I observe the number of workers already busy at an excavation site nearby.
It’s only 8 a.m., yet the site is alive with activity.
The sight of the golden sand stretching endlessly around us is mesmerizing, the vastness both humbling and exhilarating.
Inside the dining tent, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm bread greets me.
Ludovic and Lukas are already there, chatting animatedly, their faces lighting up when they see me.
“Morning, Johan!” Ludovic calls out, waving me over.
I grab a plate and join them, the enticing smell of spiced eggs and grilled vegetables making my stomach growl.
We share stories about our flights and our first impressions of the camp.
The coffee is strong and invigorating, cutting through any lingering drowsiness.
As we eat, a lean man with a friendly smile approaches our table. Ludovic gestures toward him. “Johan, do you remember Rachid? He’s going to be your host and show you around the site.”
“I do, yes. How are you doing?”
Rachid nods, extending his hand. “Morning, Johan. I hope you’re ready to see some amazing history.”
After breakfast, Rachid and I head out into the desert.
The heat is already intense, but there’s a dry, clean quality to it that makes it bearable.
The scent of the sand, mixed with occasional whiffs of wild desert herbs, fills the air.
We walk toward the excavation site, the sound of our footsteps muffled by the soft sand.
As we approach, the site comes into full view.
It's a sprawling area, dotted with partially unearthed structures and the remnants of ancient walls.
The centerpiece is a large, crumbling temple, its stone pillars still standing tall against the desert sky, though worn by centuries of wind and sand.
Around the temple, smaller buildings and houses are emerging from the sands, their foundations revealing the layout of what was once a bustling city.
Piles of pottery shards and fragments of stone tools are meticulously sorted on tables under makeshift awnings, providing a glimpse into daily life in this lost civilization.
Workers move carefully among the ruins, brushing away sand and documenting their findings.
The air is filled with the soft scrape of brushes against stone and the occasional murmur of excitement as a new artifact is uncovered.
The ruins speak of a place once filled with life and activity, now a silent testament to the passage of time.
As we reach the heart of the site, Rachid starts to speak, his voice carrying a mix of pride and reverence. “This is Shisr, believed to be the legendary city of Ubar. Many stories speak of its wealth and eventual demise. Some call it the Atlantis of the Sands.”