The Big Drop

What a fine day - so many firsts! First time I’ve had a dip in the Sea of Oman, first time I’ve been to the Tropics (the imaginary line is 10 miles or so south from here), first time I’ve eaten a date straight off a date palm. And more!
Off first thing with Nabil again to see a bit of the country, starting off at the old capital and its fort, Nizwa. A decent souq with loads of fruit and veg - we stocked up on dates, which Nabil says are so plentiful that people can’t use them. I told him that if they grew in Scotland we’d turn them into alcohol. A missed opportunity there. Onward to Misfat, with its old houses tumbling down beside water courses, and bananas, dates and pomegranates. And we twice drove across water filled wadis to get there. Whoah (very well aware these are well beaten tourist trails). On to Al-Hamra with its three storey mud brick houses. Maist interesting. Then up to Jebel Shams - it’s just a big mountain, arid and scrubby, but near the top you get a view into Wadi Ghul (above) which was actually a bit impressive. And the clouds were gathering - on the descent was a real cloudburst and soon the hillsides and road were running with water.
Back, up the road and into the pool, then the sea at sunset. Later to the chocolate lounge for nosh and then yet another first. A Maltese football team - Birkirkara FC - through to the 3rd qualifying round of the Europa cup for the first time ever! Wait a minute, weren’t they playing Hearts???