  After we leave the sands we head for Jabrin. Here a beautiful fortified palace was built in the 17thC and very well restored a few years ago. The rooms have fabulous painted ceilings and it has all been very tastefully done.
This is a great contrast from many of the restorations which seem to have been almost over done. The buildings have been restored to the condition they were in the day that they were built.
Jabrin was restored by the Italian Architect, Costa, who has retained and restored many of the fine features. Geometric carvings and writing, screens and ceilings are all very well done.
Later in the day we visit Bahla where a huge fort is being restored. Unfortunately you will need to wait another 7 years to see the result!
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Wadi Beni Khalid is another fantastic gorge, this time further inland and reached by a great new road. More limestone cliffs and fresh water pools. Today we meet these kids dressed up in their weekend best.
Not far from the Wadi is the entrance to the Wahiba Sands. A large sand sea with 300ft high dunes.
From Forts to markets. We spend the night in Nizwa and early the next morning visit the goat souq. It is Friday and everyone is dressed in their finest apparel. In a mass of people men and boys are parading goats and sheep which are quickly bought by the assembled onlookers. It is a great scene - not surprisingly we are not the only tourists and we feel a mixture of privilege and guilt as we photograph the goings on.
We drive 2 hours from Nizwa up towards Jebel Shams. At over 2000m it is cooler and we have a great walk along the 'Grand Canyon of Oman'. Then back to Muscat for a cold drink.
