Snorkelling and kayaking

 This morning I went to Bandar Kahrain with a colleague to go kayaking and snorkelling. We had to leave at 4:45 to get there on time but then had an hour to spare because it was a particularly low tide so we had to wait. We took the opportunity to paddle on a beach in Sifah.

I haven’t been on a kayak before - I remember going canoeing when I was little but I don’t think that counts. I assume my dad did most of the work.

It was great, easier than I expected, until I had been doing it for 45 minutes then had to spend another 20 going against the current to get to the snorkelling spot. By that point I was cursing all things kayak but pretended I was fine because I don’t like to admit weakness!

We snorkelled for about an hour. I saw parrot fish, pipe fish, a puffer fish and various others. I don’t have an underwater camera so obviously no photos but I’ll find them online and post them. Most excitingly were two turtles. I swam with them for a while - they are so beautiful and so graceful, it was a magical moment. Sorry for the cliche but it’s true, no other way to explain it.

On the drive there were many donkeys and goats. The goats were wild but they all looked immaculately well groomed. I don’t know how everything is so pristine here. The donkeys weren’t wild but were clearly so well cared for.

On the way back, Cherry drove me round some places: the corniche which is a promenade in Muttrah. Apparently when people talk about Muscat they are generally referring to this area. We drove past the souq and fish market. I saw the Sultan’s palace and his two huge boats, not sure what he needs them for but why not I suppose. We went to The Wave / al Mouj which is the fancy tourist area with lots of hotels with private beaches. We also went past a couple of private country clubs, although they probably don’t call them that here. I just need to befriend a rich sheik to sign me in for the day.