American Womens’ Group Mtg, 11:30AM, in the Ramee Hotel located by the port. The guest speaker for today was Maurizio Tossi, Italian Archaeologist, who spoke on “Arabs of the Sea” along with a slide presentation on artifacts discovered dating back to 4000BC. First signs of the Arab population dates back to 600AD. Muscat during this period was the only entrance to the Persian Gulf and Muscat could only be reached by sea. The harnessing of the sea made possible the conquering of the seas. Their openness in trading with other countries, establishing these friendships, was their key to survival. Tossi also demonstrates how “kingship” was necessary for “kinship”...fundamental necessity to create a sound government for the tribes at that The seaman working the dhows main source of food was dates, dried fish and guessing dried limes. Frankincense became the chief commodity for trade with Yemen, Jordan & Somalia. Traders sailing into the Oman seaports were from China, India & Portugal. Slave trade from Zanzibar was very popular with the Omani’s long before our slave trade with Africa. Omans’ surrounding mountains were aquifers for the country’s agriculture. The people constructed a system of water irrigation using the “falaj” (underground streams flowing out of the these majestic peaked mountains).The “Falaj” originates at the foot of the mountain, where the hot, sulphurous spring water gushes from underground and flows through an open trough, a long narrow depression like a gutter and trickles down through the village In former times, the water actually passed through the kitchens of the old mud/brick homes allowing the residents to scoop up the water for cooking, drinking and for absolution (washing of the feet before entering the mosque) for laundry and provided water for the animals. Believe these troughs were made with mud and dried hay or possibly palm fronds - some go on for miles. It is, even today, in some remote areas, the villages’ main source of irrigation.
Many of these archaeological digs have uncovered artifacts of bone fragments, walled villages, pottery, arrowheads, fish netting along with ropes and shelled jewelry. Oman is a haven for the many archaeological teams from France, Italy and the U.S.A. I believe I mentioned Chris, a young archaeologist from the University of Pennsylvania who is a friend of the Bosch’s, whom we met on our first day for lunch at a café called Darcy’s.
The morning meeting was not only educational but a great intro for one just entering the country as a tourist. Gives a a bit more insight into the actual origins of the country and arouses one’s curiosity to discover more. The women in attendance along with the U.S. Ambassador’s wife, Sandy, were British, Indian and Omani. Elos, David’s Mother was there with her daughter in law, Cecelia, David’s brother Paul’s wife. We had not seen them since Aniesa and Eric’s wedding in D.C. We will have many more opportunities to visit with them a bit longer in their home. Hotel served Nescafe, tea & little sandwiches with cookies. Leslie’s table favors were chocolates designed as sheards & “turtle” shaped cookies. Turtles are held in high esteem by the Omani’s and is considered an honor to have one associated with you. Tossi mentioned that in many of the mass grave sites they found the bones had been re-assembled in the shape of a “turtle” to show reverence to the deceased.
We drove from the Ramee Hotel to the Al Bustan Hotel to join David and Roger for an absolutely incredible buffet lunch. The presentation of the food was exquisite. Sitting on the patio overlooking the swimming pool cascading down onto the beach was a spectacular site. The weather could not have been more perfect for such a delectable feast. This called for a short afternoon nap before heading off to the “Bait Al Zubair” Museum. Before entering the museum there is an outdoor display of beautifully painted Arabian Oryz’s, all individual of one another and a distinct work of art on someone’s behalf. (The Oryz is the African antelope having slightly curved horns). Interesting and cultural pieces inside. Lovely gift shop showing local dress, jewelry, and articles used for self-defense. Just a short stroll frm here was the newly constructed Sultan’s palace and the new government buildings. Beautifully and tastefully done in the architecture style of the Omani culture. The Sultan has set up an elaborate “beautification” project in the portal section and following the coastal walk leading onto the highways taking one out into the other regions of Muscat.
After 7:30PM so Leslie called ahead and ordered take-out from the “Restaurant”. Indian food of chicken, marsala, dal and rice. We ate dinner out on the Bosch’s rooftop. Quite peaceful.
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