Oman’s Batina Bulls and Bees

close with bees – and a good distance away from bulls on the Batina

Dashing up the Oman Batina Coast I managed to enjoy the sight of Oman’s Little Bee ‘Apis florea’ . These are less numerous than Apis mellifera (the honeybee) – but are probably better adapted to Oman’s summer heat. Unfortunately, like the honey bee they are suffering from a unknown swarm killer (possibly virus ) .

Apis Florea in Oman
Apis Florea in Oman

At the opposite end of the scale one of Oman’s Bull Fight spectacles included over 30 bulls brought for their day of glory. Of course, not a drop of blood is expected to flow – this is Bull against Bull – and when it becomes clear which of a pair is the more dominant they are pulled apart and taken off.

The crowd at the bull arena
The crowd at the bull arena

Back again in Muscat – it’s raining; a great thing for Oman as always, though apparently in the north-west several deaths have occurred.

rain clouds gather near Muscat
rain clouds gather near Muscat
Oman

Author: Tony Walsh

Book author including the current Bradt guide to Oman