Salemaleek from Oman and all I can say is "O man"..what a contrast to India....low-lying white buildings typify most of Muscat's urban landscape and as we cruised in all we saw were white pristine buildings...it was just another awesome sight. Ken says its like everyday is another movie. We open the balcony door and we are on another movie set...
Muscat is the capital and largest city in Muscat. Muscat (Arabic masquat: 'cliff") is a fitting name for the cliff-lined city. The region became important when Frankincense's (sap from the native Boswellia tree) was a popular religious instrument. The resin was believed to cure illness, and was as valuable as gold in the early Christian era. At the height of the trade, the commodity was exported as far away as Rome, but eventual decline in Frankincense trade slowed Omani development.
The bargaining in both Muscat and Salalah was very common. We were told to ask for about 1/4 of what the vendor asked. You could not walk through the street without the vendors, both men and women, including children were trying to hawk their wears. It was especially sad to see the children with their hands out. It was explained to us to just keep walking and no eye contact...not real easy.
We took a short tour in Muscat and saw the Sultan's Palace which was flanked by the Portuguese forts, Jalali and Mirani. Apparently, he does not live here but does have meetings in the palace...it is huge!! The men are allowed to have up to four wives...if the first can't produce than they can marry another. They believe it is better for a man to marry his mistress....less humiliating for their wife...really now!!!! They do have to be "fair" with all wives so if they have two, he spends three nights with each with the seventh night "off". I guess if he has four wives, he ends up getting three nights "off"!!!
Another city in Oman was Salalah which we visited after Dubai...I'll write about Dubai next.
Anyway, Salalah is the second largest city in Oman and I really don't know why we stopped there..it is known as the "perfume capital of Arabia". It is a popular tourism spot as it has "beautiful" beaches and the major attractions is scuba diving and bird watching. We went to the beach and I truly believe Destin has the most beautiful beaches in the world and so far I have seen quite a few. We have not seen sand as white as in Destin!!
We visited the souks...which means shops where they barter. I don't know how the woman can walk around in this heat with all the clothes...hyabs and abayas...on. We have had wonderful weather since we have left home...I think maybe only one or two days of rain!!
With that I am closing and saying a prayer that I have been very blessed this whole trip with a great companion who I am sure I have tried his patience but we are still talking and all is good!!!
Alekapalema,
janet and Ken
qv@cunard.co.uk#4152
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