being Khalid...

Last month while visiting Muscat I met Khalid.

Not everyone can be Khalid.

He consented to meet us one evening at the Chedi Hotel. May be if you havent met Omani nationals, I need to tell you that they are some of the most hospitable people on the planet. They'll make you feel so warm and so welcome! Khalid was no different.

Simplicity, Humility, and just the openess to talk and converse... I was taken aback.

You need to know ... Khalid is no ordinary guy.

Khalid is the first person from Oman to climb Mount Everest.

I should say we had a great conversation. We spoke for close to 2 hours. He brought with him an album containing pics of his Everest feat.. It was beautiful. He shared that the mountains were always his passion. He shared about the importance of both mental and physical training in mountain climbing. Also that thesedays, corporates invite him to share his stories.

Again... what stands out to me most among everything - Khalid has no airs about him... Nothing at all. He seemed so human. He wanted to know about what I was doing... I shared about my work... gave me some insight about how to go about things.. man.. He was genuine!

I have met 'few' people who have made it real BIG... but yet live ordinary lives and are willing to catch up with you over a cup of coffee =)

I'd say it takes character... being Khalid!