Muscat, the Capital of Oman, was our next port of call and totally different. Sailing into the port, we observed the rugged mountain scenery which reminded us much of southern Spain.

As we walked walked through this city we enjoyed seeing the people in their traditional costumes.
We walked through the Mutrah Suq where the stalls were full of Omani items such as Dullah (bronze coffee pots), exotic spices and frankincense. I thought I was in church.

After a light lunch we boarded a traditional wooden Dhow boat for a glorious scenic cruise along the Muscat coastline. As we cruised along the rugged coastline we were served dates and Kawah (Arabic coffee) which was a mixture of coffee, rose water and cardamom - absolutely delicious and very refreshing. We did notice, however, the influence of the " western world " creeping in, with some beautiful resorts springing up, but the buildings very much in keeping with their traditional architecture, with all mod cons, I am sure.

Before returning to the ship, we stopped off the most magnificent Sultan's Palace, flanked by the Portuguese forts, Jalali and Mirani.

A wonderful, almost mystical day, which ended with an illuminated dusk sail away, which we enjoyed enormously, as we sipped Margaritas with a couple of friends.