Day 1 - Salalah

I wake up early in the morning and look at the clock - it's 6 o'clock local time and since I'm not getting picked up until 8:30, I treat myself to another half an hour... I wake up again (my phone alarm hadn't gone off yet), about to enjoy a few more moments of sleep and then I see it - my watch shows 7:50😣 My phone ran out of battery and didn't ring🤦🏻‍♀️ So, I quickly get out of bed, shower, brush my teeth, and pack my things for the day... Now I'm standing in front of the hotel on time but without breakfast, and I'm picked up on time by a small bus - well, at least that's a good start...👀

The first stop of the day is the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Salalah, so I take off my shoes, put on a long-sleeved cardigan, and cover my hair with a scarf. Apparently, I look so "authentic" with it that a woman from Germany wants to take a picture of me right away - what has this lady not noticed since she arrived?!? My outfit clearly screams tourist, as it has nothing to do with the black garments worn by the local women... But well, the lady takes her photo and is happy.

Today is the first time in my life that I'm inside a mosque and I'm truly impressed! The prayer hall with its large carpet from India, the big chandeliers made of Murano glass, and the beautiful interior with marble from the region. Our guide's explanations are very interesting and I learn many new things about the Islamic religion. Of course, the mosque also has a restroom for women, and I decide to use it because who knows when the next opportunity will come. The toilet is like the ones in Italy in the old days - you have to stand🙃 It's not a problem at all, but unfortunately, my bag gets caught on the scarf, and when I pull on it, it happens... My sunglasses become independent and fall right into the hole in the floor - bullseye🙄🙄🙄 You really have to see it to believe it🤦🏻‍♀️ The day keeps getting better...

So now I'm walking to the bus with squinted eyes and we're heading to the next stop - the frankincense market in Salalah. Unfortunately, parts of it have already been demolished to make room for newer buildings, and the rest might have to go too... We learn about the four different qualities of frankincense and we also get to try it. I'm sure some of you are wondering about the tasting🤔 Yes, you're right because frankincense of category 1&2 is chewed or dissolved in water and drunk - it's the local remedy for the stomach and digestion. I can't really pinpoint the taste and I think I'll stick to my chewing gums, but hey, you have to try everything at least once.👌🏻 Of course, I also buy some frankincense and charcoal pieces to take home, and whoever visits me in the future is welcome to have a sniff😉 Overall, frankincense is almost everywhere here and I find it very pleasant because it's a subtle scent that is never "overbearing".

On our way to the frankincense museum, we stop by the roadside and treat ourselves to a fresh coconut - a great refreshment in these hot temperatures! The humidity is also quite high, so any form of cooling down is appreciated. After visiting the small museum, we head back to the hotel where I spend a cozy afternoon.

I want to buy some water, juice, and snacks at the supermarket, and even this shopping experience is very interesting for me. (Unfortunately, I have to admit that I might not be free from prejudices and/or simply don't know much about this culture😔) 1. Just like at home, there are families or even just men doing their shopping here. 2. They have everything except for alcoholic beverages (and very fragrant, open spices). 3. There's a fast lane just for women😉 4. Whoever thinks that Americans invented the big packs maybe needs to think again😬 5. If a tourist with only three items stands in line with the big shoppers, they will also be allowed to go first😄

I have dinner again at the hotel restaurant, and after sunset, it's really pleasant to eat outside. There's a buffet again and a fresh orange juice😋 Very tasty!

Tomorrow, I'll be going to the mountains and the beach for the first time, and I'm really excited about what awaits me. Hopefully, a ringing alarm clock in the morning😜😅 That's it for today, and I wish you a good night! Sleep well😘