we got stuck in the desert…
Summary
TLDRIn this adventurous travelogue, the narrator recounts an extraordinary road trip through Oman, marked by unexpected challenges and heartwarming encounters. After a tire deflates in the desert, leaving them stranded, a local named Ali emerges as a savior, assisting them with tire repair and demonstrating Oman's legendary hospitality. The journey continues with exploring local markets, cooking unique meals like 'guaca heini', and visiting historical sites such as the fort in Niswa. The trip culminates with a breathtaking campsite on the rim of the Grand Canyon of Arabia, offering a view that tops all others on their itinerary.
Takeaways
- 🌄 The travelers encountered a breathtaking view after waking up to five camels during their Oman trip, which was part of a larger bucket list road trip.
- 🚐 They rented a custom-built Unimog in Dubai and drove it into Oman, exploring the country's natural beauty and having unique experiences like picking up a hitchhiker.
- 🏜️ They aimed to camp alone on the tallest dune in the desert, pushing the vehicle and themselves to their limits for the remote experience.
- 🛑 A major problem arose when one of the tires deflated overnight, leaving them stranded in the desert with limited resources to fix it.
- 🔧 Despite having an air compressor, they struggled to fix the tire due to a large gap, and without the proper tools or a jack, they felt helpless.
- 👨🦱 A local named Ali unexpectedly came to their aid, offering a solution and helping them lift the vehicle using bags of camel feed to change the flat tire.
- 🤝 Ali's kindness and determination to help two strangers exemplified the Omani hospitality and generosity, even during Ramadan when he himself was fasting.
- 🏛️ The travelers visited a historic fort in Niswa, which had unique features like 'murder holes' for defense, and enjoyed the local market for fresh produce and handmade goods.
- 🍜 They experimented with local flavors by creating 'guaca heini', a fusion of guacamole and tahini, and enjoyed the scent of frankincense resin in their camp.
- 🌅 The trip concluded with a memorable campsite on the rim of the Grand Canyon of Arabia, offering a spectacular view and a sense of accomplishment.
- 🏞️ Throughout their journey, they experienced Oman's diverse landscapes, from expansive beaches to towering cliffs and vast deserts, leaving a lasting impression.
Q & A
What is the main challenge the travelers faced during their trip in Oman?
-The main challenge the travelers faced was a flat tire on their Unimog in the middle of the desert, which left them stranded and unsure of how to fix it.
How did the travelers attempt to fix the tire issue initially?
-Initially, they attempted to fix the tire issue by using an air compressor on board to blow air back into the deflated tire.
What was the significance of the Unimog in the travelers' journey?
-The Unimog was significant as it was a custom-built vehicle they rented in Dubai to explore the natural beauty of Oman, and it also provided them with a means to camp in remote locations.
How did the travelers end up meeting Ali?
-The travelers met Ali when he drove by their stranded Unimog in the desert and offered to help them with their tire issue.
What role did Ali play in resolving the travelers' problem?
-Ali played a crucial role by providing a solution to lift the Unimog's axle using bags of camel feed, which allowed them to change the flat tire.
What was the cultural significance of the dates given by Ali?
-The dates given by Ali were a symbol of Omani hospitality, and it is considered rude to refuse them when offered, as per the local custom during Ramadan.
What was the travelers' initial plan for their time in the desert?
-The travelers' initial plan was to camp alone on top of a tall dune in the desert, enjoying the remote and natural beauty of Oman.
What was the outcome of the tire issue on the travelers' mood and perspective?
-Despite the initial frustration and helplessness, the travelers eventually found humor and a sense of adventure in the situation, turning it into a memorable part of their trip.
What was the purpose of the trip to Oman as described in the script?
-The purpose of the trip was to experience a bucketless road trip through Oman, exploring its natural beauty and having adventures in remote locations.
How did the travelers adapt to the challenges they faced during their journey?
-The travelers adapted by coming up with creative solutions, such as digging a hole under the tire and using camel feed bags to lift the axle, and by maintaining a positive attitude throughout the ordeal.
Outlines
🐫 Stranded in the Desert with a Flat Tire
The video begins with the narrator counting camels and expressing surprise, followed by a serious problem that leaves them potentially stranded in the desert. The narrator is unsure of how to resolve the situation and considers their options, which include using an air compressor to inflate the tire. The video then provides background on their road trip through Oman in a rented Unimog, the adventures they've had, and the current predicament of having a deflated tire in a remote dune with limited resources and cell service. Despite the dire situation, they attempt to inflate the tire with an air compressor, only to find that the tire has a massive gap, making it impossible to hold air.
🔨 Unconventional Desert Repair Attempts
The narrator discusses their lack of tools and resources, such as a jack, to change the flat tire and considers digging a hole under the tire to lift it off the ground and reinflate it. Despite the precariousness of the situation, they attempt this method, only to have the vehicle shift and leak oil, complicating matters further. The narrator contemplates other options, such as walking across the desert to find help or digging out the other front tire to relieve pressure on the flat one. The situation intensifies as they grapple with feelings of isolation and the realization that they may be stranded for an extended period.
🤝 Unexpected Help from a Local
In a twist of fate, a local named Ali appears and offers assistance. He quickly assesses the situation and, with determination, helps the stranded travelers find a solution. Ali devises a plan to use bags of camel feed to lift the vehicle's axle, allowing them to remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare. His efforts are successful, and within a short time, the tire is changed. The travelers express their gratitude and are touched by the kindness and generosity of the Omani people, especially during Ramadan when Ali has not eaten or drunk anything since sunrise.
🏪 Visiting Local Market and Fort in Niswa
The travelers continue their journey, visiting the oldest market in Niswa and a historic fort. They indulge in the local culture, purchasing fresh produce and handmade pottery, and experience the rich scents of the market. They also create a unique dish, 'guaca heini,' a fusion of guacamole and Middle Eastern flavors using tahini. The fort visit reveals its historical significance and unique architectural features, such as 'murder holes' designed for defense. The day ends with the travelers searching for a campsite, leading them to an abandoned city and a narrow gravel road with boulders, culminating in a beautiful campsite with a stunning view.
🌅 Waking Up to the Grand Canyon of Arabia
The video concludes with the travelers waking up to a breathtaking view at the rim of the Grand Canyon of Arabia. They reminisce about the highlights of their trip, including the various campsites and experiences they've had. The travelers express their gratitude for the opportunity to borrow the Unimog from Freedom Overland and recommend others to explore Oman, especially with the right vehicle. The video ends on a humorous note with a brave goat attempting to enter their camper, providing a light-hearted conclusion to their adventure.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Unimog
💡Desert
💡Flat Tire
💡Stranded
💡Ramadan
💡Camping
💡Oman
💡Hitchhiker
💡Bucket List Road Trip
💡Rescue
💡Cultural Exchange
Highlights
Witnessing an unusual sight of 1, 2, 3, 4, five camels in the desert.
Experiencing a major problem that potentially leaves the travelers stranded in the desert.
The travelers' attempt to enjoy their morning coffee while ignoring their predicament.
Day 8 of a bucketless road trip through Oman with a rented custom-built Unimog.
Picking up a hitchhiker and the uncertainty of where they are taking him.
A daring drive into the desert to camp alone on the tallest dune.
The Unimog and its driver being pushed to their limits for the perfect camping spot.
A sudden tire deflation in the middle of the night causing a serious problem.
The challenge of fixing a flat tire without proper tools or a jack on a rented Unimog.
An innovative plan to dig a hole under the tire to fix it in the absence of a jack.
The travelers' failed attempts and the growing sense of being stranded.
A chance encounter with a local named Ali who offers assistance.
Ali's effective strategy using camel feed bags to lift the Unimog and change the tire.
The emotional relief and gratitude felt towards Ali, the unexpected helper.
A recommendation from Ali to leave the desert and the travelers' compliance.
Finding a campsite that resembles Mars and the anticipation for the next day.
Using a shower in the desert to wash off sand after a long day.
A visit to the oldest market in Oman and the vibrant local culture.
Creating a unique Omani twist on guacamole with tahini.
Exploring a historic fort with unique features like murder holes.
The travelers' attempt to lock the Unimog and the sense of safety in Oman.
Camping on the rim of the Grand Canyon of Arabia with a breathtaking view.
Reflecting on the best campsites of the trip and the memorable experiences.
An encounter with a brave goat attempting to enter the Unimog.
Transcripts
[Music]
I can see 1 2 3 4 five camels I have
never seen that before in my life
[Music]
we have woken up with a massive problem
that in all seriousness May mean that
we're stuck in the desert and I'm not
being overd dramatic I don't know how
I'm going to fix it and if I don't fix
it we genuinely cannot leave for a few
minutes I'm going to pretend like this
problem doesn't exist and I'm going to
enjoy my
[Music]
coffee while we are caffeinating and
enjoying this beautiful morning ignoring
our problems let me fill you in on how
we got here in the first place it's
currently day 8 of our bucketless road
trip through the incredible country of
Oman we rented this epic custombuilt
Unimog in Dubai and drove it over the
Border here to Oman where we've spent
the last week exploring the incredible
natural beauty of this special country
and what an adventure it has been we're
picking up a
hitchhiker I'm not really sure where
we're taking him yesterday we aired down
our tires left the pavement behind and
drove 3 hours into the middle of the
desert with the goal of camping
completely alone in these expansive
Dunes we pushed the Unimog and my heart
rate to its limits in order to camp on
top of the tallest Dune for Miles once
we safely arrived we celebrated how
amazing it felt to be completely alone
in such a remote place I don't know if
I've ever seen Nate this excited this is
what van life dreams are made of but now
our plan has completely backfired on us
all right let me show you what's going
on last night in the middle of the night
we heard the sound that we thought was a
dying animal it was right outside of our
window and it was
going which was our entire Tire
deflating it's come off of the rim
there's this massive Gap like I can
stick my hand up inside of the tire and
I'm pretty sure that it's tubless we
have an air compressor on board so I
could attempt to blow it back up but I'm
pretty sure that all of the air is just
going to leak out of that massive Gap
like at this point I don't even have an
idea of how to fix this we do have a
spare tire on the back but if you missed
the first couple episodes we rent it
this Unimog we don't own this I don't
think there's a jack I don't even think
I have the right tools to take the spare
tire off of the back and even if I could
take the spare tire off of the back I
don't know how we lift up the Unimog
especially in the sand I mean I am 95%
sure it's not going to work but I'm
going to try to blow it back up because
that's literally the only thing I can
think to do right
now you see what I mean car's like can't
we just blow it back up I just can't
help it laugh I me we're just so
helpless how is this going to hold air
the other thing that adds another layer
of difficulty to this is that we have
the tiniest amount of cell phone service
so we can't Google anything for
Solutions and we might be able to make a
phone call or send a text which could be
what saves us I think if we could lift
the car with what then it might like set
back on the rim enough for us to blow it
back up the good news is we bought
enough water to hydrate an army
yesterday and we have at least a week's
worth of food could be worse I've got a
little backpack fill that with food and
water we can walk out call the rental
company tell them that their Unimog
sitting in the desert if they want to
back this is filling up the air
compressor that sits underneath the
truck I don't think this is going to
work but again it's the only thing that
I can think to try right now
as expected all the air is just coming
out of this massive Gap in the tire um I
have no idea what to do in this
situation or how to help so I'm just
going to wash all of our dirty dishes
from last night and wait for Nate to ask
me for
help it's just comical that we found
ourselves this situation all right Plan
B so I've been thinking is the desert as
our enemy but I think it might be our
friend considering that we have no Jack
and we have no way to raise up the truck
anyway I'm thinking if I can dig a hole
deep enough underneath the tire and get
it off the ground then that may allow us
to get the tire shifted back to the
right place where we can reinflated it
if I can get a hole deep enough dug out
and find the right tool in here to take
the spare tire off the back we may just
be able to replace the tire there's a
chance we're going to be able to do this
on our own
[Music]
that pretty good camel
noise I'm feeling really good about this
right now if I'm being honest I think I
feel just good that there's some hope
you know surely it's not going to tip if
I just dig out this tire right surely
[Music]
not I'm getting under there fast
actually oh the whole car just shifted
did you hear that yeah I mean it it's
leeding
a lot oh man I'm sure if you know
something about cars you're probably
screaming at the camera right now like
don't keep digging it's going to flip
but we can't ask the internet as far as
us being able to save ourselves this is
definitely the only option okay it's not
off the ground yet but I do just keep
feeling like it's going to flip it any
minute and the further I dig the more it
leans this
way that kind of sounds like it's
holding air if this works it's awfully
quiet oh you know what what it might not
be holding air that might have just been
the compressor running out of air so it
sounded like it was holding
air got to let it fill up right
[Applause]
[Music]
now all right at this point we are down
to desperate op
I think we have two I can walk across
the desert there's a camp way out there
on the other side of the valley but I
feel like the chances of a small desert
Camp having a jack that can lift a 5 ton
Unimog feel like those are pretty slim
the other option is to dig out the other
front tire until the front axle is
resting on the sand then that would
allow me to finally dig out underneath
the flat tire to take all the pressure
off it and potentially be able to reinl
it but that's not guaranteed sounds good
does it
I have no idea I've never been stranded
in the desert before I don't know what
the right decision
is all right I'm second guessing my
decision because now that I'm looking at
it those little bars hang down further
than the axle I'm scared the weight
would rest on those bars and they would
break and then we would be in even
bigger trouble
[Music]
at this point we were really feeling the
weight of just how isolated and Stranded
we were I mean look our 5ton truck looks
like a pebble and a sandbox right now up
until this point we really were both
feeling optimistic and I would even dare
to say that this challenge was kind of
fun I don't know where he's going he
just got out and started walking but
after failing at plans a b and c As I
lie here with no internet and nothing El
to do but think the unknown of just how
long we could be stuck here was
beginning to set it should I be
rationing our food and water is it
foolish to wander out on foot looking
for help should we stay together and
both venture out into the
wild just as I was starting to think
that this wasn't fun anymore we saw
something in the distance and it wasn't
a camel wow he's just coming straight
over the man to save us thank you for
stopping Hi how are you what's your name
Ali Ali yeah Nate Nate welcome Nate
thank you Jake no no Jack you Jake I
know you you he is come back here or the
guide come back here no just me you
yeah you need come back
more I'm Cara hi welcome K thank you wow
Ali came out of nowhere and he wasn't
wasting any time within seconds of
pulling up he had already assessed the
situation changed his clothes and was on
his back covered in sand determined to
help us find a solution who is this guy
okay come back me in the car a little
bit here uh
[Music]
why I have no idea what's going on but
he looks
confident so believe it or not there are
people driving around out here at the
and our new friend Ali drove by and has
offered to help his plan involves not
having the tire in a big hole so we've
just backed it out but I think he now
sees the problem that I saw this morning
back to square
one more I don't know what the plan is
but I like
it all right so it's the same strategy
but Ali had two bags of camel feed in
the back of his car so we put the two
bags underneath the axle which means
that that'll catch first and the car
won't tip and we should be able to take
the wait off the tire feed you
huh it's working oh I see
yeah no no no outside yeah I'd like to
make it clear that I'm very happy to
shovel but he has a very specific way
that he wants it
done he knows what he's doing it
literally already looks fixed I'd also
like to add that this took about 5
minutes hey don't add anything
feel like the Whistling noise is a good
thing because that means the gas getting
at least Fallen up and it can create a
whistle you no there's a juice
G
no
wow oh
what a gym he is our Guardian Angel
today our first trip to Oman the people
are what stood out to me the most just
how kind and welcoming and generous they
all were and since it's Ramadan I don't
feel like we've had the opportunity to
interact with as many locals on this
trip which has been kind of sad
but that's all I needed he is amazing we
ended up not being able to get the tire
to re-inflate we tried sticking a bunch
of plastic bags in there that didn't
work so the only option at this point
point is to change the spare tire for
the flat one so he just went back into
town to get a wrench to be able to take
the spare tire off and left us with the
bowl of dates which I read in a blog
post before we came that if you're
welcomed with dates and you say no it
can be rude so we took him he just yeah
casually gu was the best dat I've ever
had oh my gosh I just loved his energy
like he was just like you here he was so
confident I hope he comes back
last night we had Italian night I made
some pasta and we put all the leftovers
in a Ziploc bag and today for lunch
we're having cold pasta
[Music]
salad you have
sand all no laying under there like
trying to hold the back side of the tire
which is like a wind tunnel blowing it
into my eyeballs what a day the only
plans we had today were to drive further
into the desert and in a way I feel like
this is more fun we're going to remember
this day that's for sure sometimes
things don't go as planned actually let
me rephrase that in our life most of the
time things don't go as planned and the
world's kept spinning every time and
having a bad attitude just really
doesn't do much if it was a different
time of the month I could have been in a
different mood
[Music]
that's be sure to subscribe for more r
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yeah theit here is okay yeah nice nice
Ali just spent the last 2 hours of his
life driving to and from the NST toown
just to help us he picked up not one but
three different wrenches hoping that one
of them would be the right side to get
our wheel off you do high
fives
nice woo you sleep in the desert yeah
no outside s
wow oh that feels like progress I'd just
like to point out that it's the middle
of the day so the Sun and heat are at an
alltime High plus due to Ramadan Ali
hasn't eaten or had a single sip of
water since the sun came up this morning
reminds me of football
practice he could have easily used these
as excuses to just keep driving past us
but here he is sweating and working so
hard to help two random people he had
never
met okay oh nice tight please the nuts
Lo teamwork it's teamwork if you
consider 9010 teamwork you are so
strong strong not to me strong
okay
alhamdulillah
nice woo 3 hours after Ali first arrived
we once again finally had four working
tires this man is a legend nice
he just randomly found us while on the
way to feed his camels but he selflessly
gave up his entire afternoon to help two
complete strangers let me go back one
more time no no no go I'm scared it'll
tip no no no go go no go
go we've experienced the beauty of Omani
Hospitality during both of our trips to
this amazing country but this took it to
the next level that was terrifying
driving full trust in the local all
that's left to do now is figure out how
to lift this super heavy flat tire back
onto the rack and of course Ali is