Week 3 - FISH!!

The longer I stay in Oman, and the more I learn about the Omani people, the more I like it here.  I have been told that the Omani people are generally very friendly, and that they are a bit more relaxed than many of the other Arabian countries.  My experience so far has yielded so much evidence of this, and my opinion of them is that they are not only friendly, they are extremely helpful, and also very tolerant towards others from different cultures.

Take yesterday for example ... I was taken to the Ministry of Police to have my photos and fingerprints taken in order to get my Omani ID document.  This document allows you to leave and enter Oman with ease, and it prevents the long queues at Customs at the airport.  The proficiency of the staff is commendable, and although it took a few hours to eventually get the ID card, about 6 000 people were assisted during this time.  Khalfaan, the Omani driver who took me there, probably also had a lot to do with the way in which I was handled, because it seemed like he knew everyone, and that he was well-liked by most of the staff.

This morning I went for another walk on the beach, and I saw quite a few skiffs out beyond the surf, all trying to catch fish.  I did my normal route until I reached the Wyatt International Hotel along the beach, turned around and started walking back.  Along the way I saw that one of the boats had beached and they were off-loading their fish.  I stopped and admired their catch.  I told them I was from South Africa, and explained that I love fishing, and that I also like to eat fish, and asked if they would consider selling one of their fish to me.  "No problem" came the reply, and as I started to produce my wallet, the 2nd fisherman intervened: "No problem - no pay - we fish - gift for you".  The owner of the skiff then asked me if I would like to join them on a fishing trip.  He gave me his telephone number, and introduced himself as Aylib, and his crew members were Salim and Mohammad.  He told me to phone him a day in advance, and he would arrange everything for the fishing expedition.

I could not thank them enough, and as I left I started planning my dinner for the evening.

 

 

Back at my Guesthouse I had a closer look at the fish, and cleaned, skinned and filleted it, ready for dinner tonight.  The flesh looks very much like the Elf, or Shad that we get in South Africa.  Hopefully the taste will be equally delicious.

 

Tomorrow morning I hope to be able to visit one of the biggest mosques in Oman - The Grand Mosque.