WHERE IN THE WORLD: MUSCAT, OMAN

Travel notes from the tour zone with George Fontana

Despite previous preparation and onboard lectures about Muscat, we were completely taken by surprise by the Arabian city’s dramatic setting. Much of Oman, the mythological home of Aladdin, is arid desert, visited only by Bedouins. Indeed, its borders with much-in-the-news Yemen and Saudi Arabia are officially noted on maps as “undefined”. Coastal Muscat’s scenic harbor, however, is surrounded by rugged, steep hills with jagged spines. Unexpectedly striking, and quite clearly defined. The government is basically a one man show, an absolute monarchy. The Sultan is Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Minister of Health, Minister of Commerce, etc. While there is no parliament, he does have a privy counsel – mostly relatives. We docked near what appeared to be two luxury cruise ships, which, in fact, are the Sultan’s private yachts. It’s good to be the Sultan. Oil, natural gas, dates, and frankincense are important sources of revenue. A massive symbolic frankincense burner stands on a rock promontory proclaiming the historic and commercial importance of the fabled resin (along with myrrh) to Oman. Beautiful setting, clean streets, whitewashed buildings, friendly residents, the beckoning Mutrah Souq – Muscat is a treasure. Oman is no longer Aladdin’s secret.

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