Luca and Lucia, an Italian artist duo – well known among the artist community as well as socialites in Oman – now plan to share their memorable moments in Oman, juxtaposed with their adventures around the world, in a unique offering

Dr Luca Moretti and Lucia Oliva, a bubbly Italian artist duo known for their multi-dimensional artistic presentations in Oman over the past decade, have given a new spin to their sojourn in the sultanate by documenting their experiences in a book to be published next month.

“The title of the book is: With Utmost Adventurousness. Through the title itself, we let the reader understand that the content is about the most bizarre and adventurous facts we lived in our 25-year long career,” Dr Luca said, adding that it will be a glowing tribute to Oman wherein they had some wonderful experiences over the past decade.

There are endless other episodes about Oman (in addition to the short ones we touched upon here above). One full chapter is dedicated to the Faerie Tale of Venice and the incense Trade Route. The illustration on the cover refers to the VIP Premiere of the Faerie Tale in Muscat in 2024, he asserted.

“The book recounts memorable backstage moments from the many artistic experiences lived over the course of a long career, across the world and most dearly here in Oman, a land that captured our hearts from the very first time we came, fifteen years ago, at the time simply on holiday,” Dr Luca explained.

He further said, “A few years later, that initial enchantment with these places led us to put down roots – this year marks the tenth anniversary of our artistic and professional presence in this beloved country, which we have come to regard as our second home.”

The book will be released in mid-June to promote Oman along a summer tour in Italy, with presentation events in noble mansions, literature clubs and libraries. Presently, it will be in Italian, then translated into English, as well. It is a ‘four-hand’ job (Luca and Lucia) to tell real life episodes from our artistic life.

Excerpts:

(We begin with a lighthearted anecdote from that very first discovery of the country when we arrived here on holiday 15 years ago – a week of wandering through the city, visiting museums, and spending long hours by the sea.)

One day, as traffic had been suspended in an area where a cycling race was due to pass, we ended up setting off on foot, walking along the vast roads completely empty of cars – from the golden horses of Wadi Kabir to Al Bustan village. It was an adventure that won us over all the more for its originality.

On the highway in slippers

We were heading back to the same beach we had visited two days earlier – vast, quiet, wonderful. And close by as well.

Today we would be on our own, as the couple of friends we were travelling with on this first trip to Oman had decided to rest at the hotel and in its surroundings.

We had arranged to meet the taxi driver we had met the day after our arrival in the city – kind and sharp, he had helped us out of an awkward situation by pointing us to a cozy, decent and reasonably priced hotel, which turned out to be perfectly located for reaching the most beautiful beaches. From that moment on, he had become something of a point of reference for our little group of four.

As we approached the roadblock, the police questioned us, but in the end they waved us off cheerfully, clearly amused by these two Italians walking under the sun along the wide, immaculate road that leaves the town centre behind and winds its way through climbs and steep descents toward the more rocky, wild, and captivating areas.

“Stay to the side, the race will be coming through,” he cautioned.

“Of course, all right!” we chorused.

Passing on foot beneath the triumphal entrance crowned with horses filled us with energy, happily ready to face the climb ahead.

***

Sense of harmony

Going downhill is more pleasant, and a light breeze begins to rise, perfect! We cross a roundabout, the one at the junction leading to the other beach, and then continue down to a second, larger one, where we are struck by a scene that feels almost surreal in this setting.

At its centre, stands a group of more than twenty men of different ages, singing and dancing in a circle, synchronously swaying slender sticks in their hands – simple and fascinating movements, yet pulsing with an ancient sense of harmony.

They are smiling – some with youthful faces, others marked by beautiful, time-worn wrinkles. They are waiting for the cyclists – this celebration is for them.

***

Del Peiro

The reason of this title for this chapter will be self-evident once you finish reading. In it we describe some anecdotes during one of our many journeys by car from Muscat to Dubai and vice versa. At those early times, years and years ago, we did not know Oman well and everything was new. We were struck by the politeness and kindness of people (in the first short story of this chapter) and of policemen as well (in the second episode).

We pass Barka, about thirty minutes from the capital… we shouldn’t be far now.

It’s already two in the morning, and after nearly nine hours on the road we’re exhausted. To avoid any mistake, we pull into the first service area we see. We park and go inside.

Mohammed greets us with a smile. Yes, he knows where our hotel is – but before giving directions, he insists we sit down with him, have something to eat or drink together.

We try to explain that, given the hour and our fatigue, all we want is to reach our destination.

There is only one solution: to go along with him – and follow him.

At two in the morning, this man is offering to guide us all the way to our hotel? Could there be something behind it? Should we be wary?

In time, we would learn that such behaviour is entirely normal, and that kindness and hospitality are defining traits of the Omani people.

Without venturing into philosophical explanations, the truth is simple: Oman is a genuinely safe and welcoming country, at any hour of the day or night.

***

Warmth and openness

The story is now almost at an end. If what emerges from these episodes is the warmth, openness, and hospitality we encountered in these small moments, there is still one final cherry on top.

We pull over into the emergency lane to study the map more carefully and figure out what to do. After a short while, a police car stops behind us and two officers approach, asking if we need help. Or at least, that’s what we think – they might just as well be about to fine us for stopping in the emergency lane or for unknowingly breaking some traffic rule.

I say “we think” because the communication is not easy at all, even though they are consistently calm and kind. It quickly becomes clear that they genuinely want to help, seeing us in difficulty.

They don’t speak English, and we don’t speak Arabic. So, we’re left to rely on similar-sounding words, or those that have somehow made their way into both vocabularies.

After a brief moment of confusion, I point to my chest and say, “Italy.”

The officer’s face lights up, “… Del Piero!” he exclaims.

In that instant, it’s as if a switch has been flipped – a shared, unspoken language suddenly taking shape between us.

Riding that wave of enthusiasm, we show them the name of our hotel, and with clear gestures they make us understand to follow them. Slightly embarrassed by the silent flashing of their siren, we are escorted all the way to the hotel.