Oman

Hi All,

Two days ago, we visited Oman. It’s an ancient town located on the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the UAE, Saudi  Arabia and Yemen. I’d call it... “off the beaten path.”

 Oman has been a rich and thriving port since the dawn of Islam. Considered Dubai’s untouched neighbor, Oman has slowly integrated itself into the modern world. Whereas Dubai, UAE is “over the top” in architecture, shops and tourist attractions, Oman has retained its exotic Arabian feel without the high rises and glitter. The major product of Oman is oil. It’s population is 880,000 ---predominantly Muslim Arab.

Only recently has Oman opened to outside influence. Since 1970, Sultan Said of Oman has transformed his Sultanate from an underdeveloped country to a 20th century state with modern hospitals, roads, a university and sport complexes.  Arabic designs with a Persian influence are found in the architecture of the forts along Oman’s coastline.  Oman’s wild, stark mountainous landscape has over 1,500 miles of coastline. Basically, it is treeless. Except for the wadis (fertile valley during the brief rainy season), the Arabian peninsula has no lakes or permanent rivers. Ancient aquifers exist beneath much of the peninsula and where this water surfaces, and oasis forms. In the summer, it can get to over 130º. 

Hiring a cab in Muscat, the sultanate’s capital, we visited Al Bustan Palace Hotel, the harbor area and the Mutrah souq, the oldest marketplace in Muscat. Our cab driver spoke English. He told us that he gets free healthcare and education.

We've been sailing for the past two days enjoying onboard activities, reading, eating and staying away from pirates in the Indian Ocean.

Cheers,

Mary and Bob