May 5th- Muscat, Oman

Sailing into Muscat Harbor

Oman is the third largest country of the Arabian Peninsula. The first Arab state to establish diplomatic relations with the U.S. 50% of its population of 2.2 million is under the age of 20.

Royal Sultan Family Tree (notice anyone missing?Mom, where are you?)

It has been a supreme sultanate since 1744, ruled by the Al Busaidi line, namely, Sultan Al Qaboos after ousting his father in 1970 and  successfully unifying some quarreling factions. Oman has always benifitted from its favorable geographical position as a trading route from Africa to India and the Far East. It has expanded its own commodities of Frankinsence and Arabian Horses to oil and most recently, tourism.

 
Unlike Dubai, it has retained its traditional architecture and its modernization has been incorporated within it. Muscat, Oman's capital, is a port that states its nature upfront with its low profile residences and souqs (shops) and colorful mosques. Atop its mountainous entryway stands an awesomly huge incense burner.

Most Omanis practice the very tolerant Abadhi-sect of Muslimism. When George purchased and sported one of the traditional Omani caps...many Omani men stopped him to talk, others smiled and waved. This young family even agreed to a group photo. I think (hope) we are spreading American good-will!