13 June – Mina Qaboos, Oman

We only had from 8.00am to 12.30pm in Muscat today, not really enough time to do a lot. Most people who didn't go on ship's tours either hired a cab or just went to the Muttrah Souk. Friends hired a cab for US$10 each (4 of them) and were very happy with their tour. They said they saw everything that was listed in the ship's tours. Cabs were readily available at the entrance to the pier where Princess provided a free shuttle. It was only one kilometre further to the Souk but they dropped everyone at the gate. Apparently taxis were reluctant to take people just to the Souk. For next year, if you want to do your own thing, I'd suggest get the cab for a couple of hours, go to all the tourist sights then have them drop you at the Souk.Though, next year, you are here all day. There were plenty of cabs offering to take people back to the ship from the souk. We stayed at the Souk. We walked the 1km and then further around past the fort and back.Most people dressed appropriately – long trousers and long sleeve shirts for both men and women, or skirts below the knee for women. Saw one guy wearing shorts and a singlet. There's always one. He said 'they don't do what we want in our country so why should I do what they want here'. There was beautiful jewellery in the Souk but it was quite pricey. I like ethnic jewellery from markets but there was nothing I was prepared to buy. John wanted a white, Omani type shirt but there were no large sizes. I bought a couple of shawls, like I don't have enough already. The temperature at 9.00am was 41 degrees and I heard that it went to 43. Came back to the ship and had two large glasses of their lemonade (not the fizzy kind – real lemon and not much sugar) and ice. Then had a lovely mussel salad for lunch. Mina Qaboos, where we stayed, was very interesting. It's built on a narrow strip of land along the harbour with stark mountains behind, with the old fort overlooking the town. we weren't hassled in any way. People weren't friendly, neither were they hostile – neutral I would say. Of course, there are all the minarets and arabic architecture that make the place interesting. The Sultan's yacht was moored beside our ship. It's said to be the most expensive private yacht in the world. Has a helipad. We sailed past the Sultan's palace on the way out – most impressive. I think Mina Qaboos is the most interesting port so far. The souk had a lot of interesting things but they were repeated over and over. The stalls were mostly run, if not owned, by Indians. One of the stall holders (George) dressed John up in arab head gear. I will attach a photo. I asked if it was OK to put the photo on my blog. He seemed pleased and gave me his card so I could put it on the internet too. So if anyone needs Arab headgear, see MC George, Muttra Souk, Sultanate of Oman.   Dubai tomorrow where our captain, who departs in Dubai, says it will be hotter.  We have also passed a couple of warships(friendly) who, according to the Captain, will know exactly where we are at all times as we head through the Straits of Hormuz.

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