I'm off to Muscat, Oman in March.
Anyone been and can offer any ideas or tips??
J x
You lucky, lucky person! My OH lived in Oman for 3 years (84-87) when he was seconded to the Sultan of Omans' Royal Navy. I went out on several very long holidays! It is the most beautiful place. If you can, get out into the 'wilds' if anyone offers you the opportunity. Rent a car! Nizwa souk is brilliant. Also, a two day trip to Salalah is worth every effort (it's a long way, so would require an 'overnight' stay). I hope the souk in Muscat hasn't been 'modernised' too much - I can still remember the smells of the spice shops. My eldest daughter was conceived in Oman, and when I took her back as a baby, one of the silver souk shop owners insisted that we have tea with him whilst he made her a gift. We still have the two little silver anklets, complete with hand made bells, which he made that morning!!! I also love the silver jewelry that we bought when there - very ethnic!
If you can get hold of a 4x4 and a map, go into the hills and have a bit of a 'wadi bash'. If they are there, you may be invited to take tea with local bedouin people - you can achieve alot with sign language - if they offer you food, please remember not to use your left hand. Also, you will be required to dress modestly - long sleeves and round neck shirts are best, with either trousers or long floaty skirts. I invested in 6 kaftans when I first arrived, as I had watched two american girls being whisked away in a police car, for wearing extremely inappropriate clothing - shorts (very!) and strappy tops - 20 years ago it simply was not tolerated. Watching the news recently, it would seem that Dubai is also getting tough on inappropriate clothing and behaviour!
Have a fabulous time - I am green with envy!
(Try not to get upset at the way some of the locals treat their animals).
ooh Jabba! It sounds wonderful! I understand about the dress - went to Dubia a couple of yeqars ago and nearly got myself arrested for showing my shoulders! Will know better this time. Sounds great - can't wait!
Not that I have ever been to that part of the world, but I would beware of dune diving or dune racing or whatever they call it - a friend of mine got a serious whiplash from that in the summer - and she's still suffering now.