April 4, 2015
Let me start out by saying, I was more than a little apprehensive about our stop in Oman. I mean, they ARE right next door to Yemen. But my concerns were a wasted effort. We had a great time in Salalah.
And John got completely into it. Here is John , Mohamed and Gene. Besides his dashdi and muuffon, we picked up some frankincense. The Sojourn arrived right on time this morning and we were ready to head out, especially after 3 days at sea. Off of the ship at 8:15, we met Mohamed, our guide. He got us onto our bus with about 25 of our shipmates and off we went. Mohamed's English was impeccable as is his tremendous knowledge of his homeland. Mohamed told us of the current political situation in Oman. Because of an incredibly good leader, in Sultan Qaboos, the country is prospering. Free education and medical benefits for Omanis, very little unemployment and they are successfully staying clear of the arguments all around them. Some people want the Sultan would get to the fray, but most Omanis are extremely happy that he is not.
The city of Salalah is the Capitol of the Dophor region and came to prominence many years ago because of their lively trade in frankincense. The frankincense trade dates back over 3000 years ago. We toured some UNESCO Heritage designated ruins of old trading ports and the settlement of a sultan 2000 years ago.
But first, on our way from the heavily secured sea port into the city, we got to see a herd of camels heading off for a day at the beach. I didn't get any beach shots, but did get a few of some youngsters munching as they headed to the beach.
The camels crossing the road made our driver stop, but we had some good photo ops with them. And evidently, camel meat is quite health and good. Who know, we gat to try it during our trip in Jordan. The city itself is made up of many shops, businesses, government building and huge personal homes. Homes are build very large to accommodate the extended family that is such a way of life there. At one point, we drove down a wide street, right next to the beautiful white sand beaches. There has been some demolition of old buildings there and the plan is to move the road away from the water so it isn't flooded during monsoon seasons. Saturday is the second day of the Omani weekend, so there wasn't nearly the traffic there would have been on a workday.
We visited Al-Balid, a famous mid evil port, made prosperous by the frankincense trade. At the site of Samhuram, we walked about and learned of the trade centers importance over 3000 years ago. There are currently exploration digs going there and we saw basins, drainage and residential portions of these amazing ruins. As we drove from site to site, we learned of the importance of frankincense to the area since ancient times. Mohamed told us of medical components and uses for frankincense and of its uses for purifying air as it kills bacteria, calms rattle nerves and imparts a general sense of wellbeing.
The equivalent of a European coat of arms is in the entrances if the castle. 
Stall after stall of vendors selling their frankincense 
And piles of frankincense are displayed. Naturally, no tour is complete without a little shopping, right? We bought some frankincense and myrrh as well as a new set of clothes for John. Every shop has frankincense and oils. Frankincense comes in three levels of purity. The most pure is used to ingest, making a water with Italy drinking the eater calm coughing, helps remove phlegm and open airways. The other two grades are used primarily as incense.
On the personal side of things, I'm dealing with a cold that was graciously shared with me by someone on the plane. I'll be trying some of the frankincense in a drink, as well as behind my neck soon.
For now...a few pictures from this very interesting trip that was filled with lovely, warm and happy Omanis.
Just a couple of guys, on their phones. 
John is getting a lesson on dressing. 
A mosque tower. We were surprised to hot hear any calls to prayer. Mohamed told us that the timing is 5:30 am, 2:30 pm, 6 pm, 8:30 ans 11 pm. It works better with this schedule during the working days. 
This doorway was to the shoots that were used to fill the ships that wee in the bay below. 
Some dishes of the ancient sultan. 
And they ancient sustains waiting recommend. All in all, it was a terrific day. Learning of cultures that I know nothing about has been a highlight on this trip.
One last item. When we returned to our room, after dinner, our room stewardess had left a little gift for us.
An Easter basket! Happy Easter everyone. He has risen indeed. 
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