We seem to have drifted into a period of poor sleeping patterns, particularly for me, and we can’t really work out why, as nothing much has changed. The alarm was set for 7:00am but we were awake well before that and heading up to deck 14 for a very light breakfast, as we knew that lunch was included on our private tour, arranged by Joanne.
This was our second visit to Salalah as it was a substitute port in 2011 and we enjoyed it then. Jo had used the same contacts and tour company as before.
Many people had cancelled tours on this leg, fearing the local troubles would have extended to Oman. Others seemed to have been put off by the resident port lecturer, who painted a gloomy picture, stating that as it was a Friday, the Islamic holy day, everything would be closed anyway; the taxi drivers would charge an exorbitant rate etc.
The Salalah port is a secure working port and as such, you are not allowed to walk around anyway, but our small coach was allowed access along with the Princess coaches. We were met by an immaculately dressed Ahmed who spoke very good English. (I could never live in an Arab state as I know only too well, that the pure white Arab gear would very soon be rather grubby…)
We set off in a westerly direction where it is very much as you’d expect – sandy, dry and rocky. In this deeply religious country, there are by the roadside, designated areas for prayer and with a water supply.
We passed a holiday beach by a few miles, to look at a frankincense tree at close quarters, before turning around and heading back to Maneef Beach, where we went off to look at a blow hole. The rock formations overhead were spectacular. The beach area was not exactly as we’d expect in the west, but apparently is very popular.
We then continued past the town and out the other side and started climbing into the hills. The coach seemed to struggle up the hills, but we made it. There is almost a line, when it goes from dry desert, to lush greenery, on the way to Job’s tomb. There was also a small place of worship (too small to be a mosque?) and we arrived at about midday, as did the local worshippers. Car parking appeared to be totally random but once the prayers had finished, the ute that blocked us in was off anyway, so we weren’t delayed.
Down the steep hills again to a fresh water spring that was also a popular swimming place for the locals. I had to smile as the concrete fences had been painted and sculpted to look like timber! Very Disneyesque I thought…
On then into town for lunch at about 1:50, when the other private tour group of 20 were to join us. A very nice lunch, with two curries, plus skewered chicken, very nice rice with vegetables and nuts, plus naan bread. Delicious - but I ate far too much… We were joined by the coach operator/owner, the ever smiling Ali, who we’d also met in 2011. He is so positive and enthusiastic about the country and genuinely wanted us all to feel welcome. Somewhat bloated, we waddled out to the coach and a quick discussion of the time left and the options available, meant we didn’t travel the 40 kms out and back again to our planned call, so we went to the souk instead. Sure, most places were closed, but there were enough open for most people to do a bit of gift shopping in the half hour available.
One more photo stop at the palace before a 4:15pm return to the ship.
My knees were a bit troublesome as the coach was designed and built by the Japanese for the Japanese, not for lanky Europeans… We called at the atrium for a drink before heading for the cabin, where Paula was out like a light!
We missed sail away and after a shower, we were still too full for dinner, so we attended the Vista 7:45 show, with James Lamont, a juggler, escapologist and comedian. This was the same performer who had Garry and Jo on stage in 2011 and the act was almost the same, but still enjoyable. A 7½ out of 10.
We still were still less than hungry, but managed a light snack in the HC before an atrium coffee (tea for Paula) and crashing, a bit before 11pm.
Two more sea days ahead – and we weren’t chucked off the ship in Salalah as some predicted, so that is a major hurdle out of the way!
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