Day 6 - A day in Oman

The United Arab Emirates consist of seven emirates. We have already visited Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. There are four left: Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman and Fujairah.
Three of them will remain a mystery to us. The other one is on the program today, although we only drive through it: Fujairah, the only Emirate that is not adjacent to the Persian Gulf. It mainly consists of mountainous area. Our goal is Dibba, a town in Fujairah that is also shared by the Emirate of Sharjah and ... neighbor Oman.

Starting from Dibba we will sail a day in the Bay of Musandam which is an exclave of the Sultanate of Oman. Because the quay where the boats moor and depart is officially Oman's territory, we leave Fujairah again just as quickly. For Oman,we Belgians need officially a visa. But here in Dibba there is a simplified procedure with a 'laissez-passer' for tourists from the United Arab Emirates. The border formalities are therefore quite smoothly. The boat we stay on today is a wooden dhow, traditionally decorated with carpets and comfortable cushions to sit on.

It is a clear blue day, perfect for a day on the crystal clear waters of Musandam. The Bay is surrounded by the Hajar Mountains. Once in a while you can see an old fishing village. The boat is anchored in a beautiful fjord. Because of the many fjords, the area is also called the Norway of Arabia.

From our anchorage we can swim to the shore, where there is a small sandy beach for some fun on land. But there is also a possibility to snorkel because in the bay lives a variety of fish and other underwater animals including the so feared jellyfish but apparently not the pricking kind. With some luck there are also dolphins to see but today they clearly do not want to share in the water fun. Maybe we have a little too much fun and they do not want to disturb us? Fans can ride the banana boat, which will give you a wet suit for sure. I leave for a ride on the speedboat at high speed around the bay. Hair in the wind, brain inactive, the sun that burns on your skin, the cooling of the splashing water, adrenaline rushing through the body. Pure fun.

Back on the boat I enjoy the peace. No more engine noise but sipping on drink in the shade. The sun is too hot at the moment. I enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains. After lunch is served in the form of a cold buffet, we are treated to a magic show and the undersigned, as a Chinese volunteer, is asked to act as an assistant. I have no idea how he does all that, and I  am right there. To finish the day, fishing is offered. The Oman coastguard has come closer to ensure that everything is done according to regulations. Because of the arrival of the coastguard boat and the waves that this creates, our boat starts to rock very hard. Too hard for someone like me who easily falls prey to seasickness ... and yes, my lunch disappears in the water, right in front of the coastguard's nose. Instead of bait, there is now a nice lunch in the water and the fish still do not want to bite 😂.

While the boat lifts the anchor and slowly returns towards Dibba, the sun disappears behind the mountains and we quietly disappear back towards the Emirates. We enjoyed our day in Oman and under the influence of the beautiful surroundings, the cooling wind, the blissful weather, the relaxation and the absolute tranquility, I put Oman on my bucket list as a future travel destination. Oh man ...