Richard And Jo Demeester's photos with the keyword: Musandam

The commentary shows just how excited and happy I was.

One stop involved a walk and a climb up 400+ steps. This beautiful lookout had two different seas on either side. Gulf of Oman, or Oman Sea. Arabian Gulf, or Persian Gulf. A rewarding climb. Meanwhile, men working on the path, making picnic tables and benches, walls, and steps, did the climb carrying bags of cement. Who knows how many times they climb those steps each day.

We spotted dolphins at about 5 or 6 locations on our way. When they were near the surface, the captain would put the boat in to high speed and aim towards them. We joined him and the crew member in clapping and whistling. Often, nothing resulted. A few times, the noise and speed of the boat got the dolphins to turn and engage with us. Swimming alongside and darting under the boat to appear again on the other side. What do they think of us? This most beautiful interaction which they seem to reap no benefit other than play.

After boarding our wooden dhow, we thought we might be waiting for more passengers. However, we soon pushed off, and it was just the two of us. We could swap from shade to sun, snorkel as long as we wanted, opt in and out of stops (which we did opt in for all), There were drinks and fruit available the whole time, and a lunch fit for a Sultan or Sultana.

Fort with concise and informative on-site museum. We particularly loved the restored wooden boats in the compound, showing the different styles which had been in use in the area over the last century or so.

We had booked a "king room" at this hotel, and it was actually a small corner suite. We could see the cliffs that come down to the sea on both sides of Khasab, and the complete harbour. Docked just opposite was the Sultan's yacht. The space between the road and the mooring had 5 or 6 armoured vehicles, Occasional helicopters circled. I have to confess, I felt odd trying to take photos. The soldiers were all on alert, and I felt that opening curtains from such a prime location might already draw attention. So, opening windows or taking photos might invite a full police tactical unit to visit us. A little later, walking through town, we came to the main road to find it fully blocked. Soon after, streams of police and military vehicles came, followed by many brand new green four-wheel-drives, followed by a vehicle with the sultan, and then more entourage, and more security. Overhead, helicopters kept a watchful eye on the proceedings. People along the road waved and took photos. We waved and took photos. We got a wave back, too.