  In October 2008 we visit old friends John and Hilary in Muscat, Oman. The day after a cold, autumn morning in London we are off in the boat in 40 degrees of Arabian heat.Bandar Khairan is 30 mins along the coast from Muscat and a great spot for swimming, snorkelling and picnics.
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  Muscat itself is developing rapidly as old houses are replaced by new developments. However there are some great museums, galleries and a great souq in Muttrah, the old port next to Muscat old town. Here you can buy silver, gems, rugs and pashminas, incense and perfumes and even the classic Mosque alarm clock.
The Grand Mosque, completed in 2002, is spectacular and well worth a morning's visit. The main prayer room is spectacular and elsewhere the arcades and gardens are havens of peace.
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  Oman has some great diving. We dive from Muscat itself and then head up the coast to Al Sawadi from where we take a boat to the Daymaniyat Islands, a nature reserve off the coast with fabulous fish and clear water. |
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  As a dive destination this would be a great place to stay for a few days although you would want to combine it with some trips inland if you were here for a week or more. We certainly enjoy our day's diving. |
  From seawater to fresh - we visit Wadi Shabs, a spectacular gorge 2 hrs drive south of Muscat. A stream flows from an ancient reservoir deep in the limestone mountains. Over thousands of years it has carved this fabulous canyon, now a popular day trip. |
  The water is harvested in irrigation channels (falajs) which also provide a convenient footpath for some of the climb.
After an hour or so you can't walk any further and have to swim. We swim several sections before a longer channel where you have to duck under some rocks before coming out in a cave. A great adventure.
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  Heading back towards the coast our new friend Said insists that we come back to his house for coffee and dates. Great Omani hospitality.
For more Omani action click here.
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