All about Oman

Well, here I am, again, this time on the way to Iran (Bandar Abbas) from Oman, where I went on a Dolphin watch and snorkel (for the others!) adventure. There were hundreds (at least!) of dolphins swimming, cavorting, leaping, diving, and always avoiding my camera! However, Marcel always used to say that the most important pictures were the ones we carried in our memory, and the spectacular view of one of the dolphins leaping into the air, and twisting into a swan dive before reentering the water, is really etched on my brain! I did go into the water, but I hesitated to use the snorkel and fins, because I had never tried them before, and all the others seemed “at home” with them. It turned out that they didn’t see anything of interest under water, so I don’t think I missed very much. However, there was a strong current, and it was not easy for me to swim any distance; I was afraid of not being able to find my way back to the boat. We were only about 14 people altogether, and a very friendly crowd. It was a beautiful sunny day, and not overly hot, with a cool breeze.

When we returned to the ship, I went up on deck and fell asleep in the sun, waking up with enough time to go into the Jacuzzi, and then quickly into the pool, although by that time, there was a really cool breeze blowing. Because I still had to shower, etc. it was too late to go to the Friday night services which are always at 5 p.m., so I am back in my stateroom writing this. However, there is a special World Cruise Party in ½ hour, and I really should go to it, especially since I have skipped the last two in favor of answering emails.

Oman has really only been developed in the last 40 years; it’s a kingdom where the royal family is off limits to even mention! No one knows how many wives the king has, nor anything else about him, and one cannot question, either! However, it is a country with no taxes, no crime, no poverty, and free education for all. Visitors are discouraged from remaining, and can only get a work permit for two years, after which it is very difficult to get a renewal, if at all. Everyone I spoke to, who took a city tour, was really impressed with how clean the streets, etc. are.

It is typical desert land, with many very interesting hills and outcroppings formed from volcanic upheavals in ancient times. There is plenty of new building going on, and the only greenery one sees are some palm trees, usually surrounding the palacial hotels. Otherwise, everything is tan or brown, except for many of the houses, which are white.

Tomorrow, two fo us had planned to take a cab, and look around, but apparently, the ship has frowned on that, and instead, we will take a bus shuttle into town, and just see what we see before returning to the ship.

This segment is full of land days as opposed to all the sea days we have had until now. Actually, I prefer the sea days, especially since I am such a poor sightsee-er and get too tired walking any distance.

Now, it’s time to get ready for the party, and dinner thereafter. Fond regards to all.