March 22nd, 2017 - Muscat, Oman

I have been to Muscat several times before, but I have to say this was my
best visit, in no small part due to our wonderful guide, Salim Marhoon.
Salim was knowledgeable, gracious, kind, had a great sense of humor and
spoke great English. He also treated me to a couple cups of some of the
smoothest and best tea I have ever had, enjoyed with some of their famous
dates.

The entry into the natural port is lovely with the large Incense Corniche
and park along the shore. Muscat means "Anchorage" and lies in a volcanic
bowl.

There was a very rare rainfall the evening of our arrival - we were told
that when the last one occurred, the businesses and schools closed.

Muscat is the capital of the Sultanate of Oman. To see this modern city now
it is hard to believe that prior to Sultan Qaboos ascending to the throne in
1970, Oman had almost no roads and no industry. The roads are very good and
one does not experience the suicidal driving practiced in India! Muscat has
a population of about 800,000 and lies on the Arabian Sea along the Gulf of
Oman.

As promised, our guide was waiting for us outside the gate, and we were off.
We headed to the Jebel Al Akhdar mountain range and Jebel Shamms, the
highest point on the eastern Arabian Peninsula at 3,075 meters. We were
treated to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, cliffs and valley
1,000 meters below while also enjoying the cool mountain air.

As we traveled to Wadi Nakhr or the "Grand Canyon" there were goats
wandering everywhere - in the towns along the way and high up in the
mountains.

We made our way back to the ship we made numerous stops to take photos of
the many forts that dot the landscape.

Arrived back to the ship and wished Salim and his family a good life.

Looking forward to five days at sea with no 4 or 5 AM wakeup calls!