Our tour guide
The ride back to the ship took just as much time as the ride out. The road was jammed and we could now see the construction work on the other side of the coach. After we passed over a large concreted area with stacked containers we came back to the turning area by the ship.
The majority of passengers walked back to the ship. We stayed by the coach to decide what to do next. There was still a couple of taxis and a small minibus parked at this side of the containers. I struck up a conversation with one of the drivers. I was interested to know why they were inside as opposed to being outside the port with all the other drivers. The minibus driver explained that he had a special permit that allow him into the port area
We started negotiating about hiring him for a tour of the city. I was joined by another couple and between us we negotiated a good rate for a tour for the six of us. This was a much more pleasant discussion and that any of us had had with the taxi drivers previously.
Out of the port
The minibus set off back up to the port road and joined the long queue of trucks leaving the port. Ahmed told us that the concrete skeleton to our left was to carry gas pipes into the port.
Once out of the port we joined a wide dual carriageway and after a couple of roundabouts we began to pass large private houses. We learnt that the Sultan gave a plot of land to each Omani citizen. We were now passing houses built on these plots. Some of the houses were large, some smaller and others not fully built.
The Royal Palace
Our first stop was at the Royal Palace. We stood across the road from the ornate gates.
Other passengers from the ship was similarly taking pictures of the gates and all the walls.
Market by the beach
Not quite a bustling souk this market was a row of shops and across the dusty road was a collection of stalls.
Beyond the street we could see a beach and then the sea. We had time to walk around the shops and the stalls.
I joined a group of German tourists who are receiving a sales talk on all the spices on offer at one of the stalls.
Into the city
We then passed through the city itself. There were wide streets and five or six story high buildings. Ahmed explained that there would be no tall skyscrapers as the height of all buildings was strictly controlled.
The food market in Salalah
Ahmed took is next to the covered food market and here we entered the bustling covered market.
We were parked near where the vegetable sellers stalls were. Ahmed explained that the majority of all the vegetables had to be imported.
First off we went to where the fish were being prepared.
Next we walked through the meat market where the beef was being butchered then the next area was where the camel meat was prepared.
We watched as one worker sliced meat using a knife held between his toes.
In the next part of the market we walked past spice doors and general household merchandise. I was approached and given a photo copied pamphlet about Islam. As I took the pamphlet I was welcomed to Salalah and received best wishes for our stay.
As we left I asked Ahmed if I could take his picture. So here’s my hurried portrait shot by the vegetable stalls.
