[oman-l] Re: shopping in Muscat

[Billyboy]

Hi Nicole:

You asked:

> So where are cheap places to stay?

I've delated answering this, in the hope that some real
experts would answer, but since they haven't here are my
thoughts.

Oman is not organised for travellers (which I define as
people who have lots of time but very little money) but for
tourists (which I define as people who have very little time
but lots of money).

Prices I quote are in Rials Omani.  Multiply by 1.6 to get
to UKP, and 2.3 to get to USD (both VERY approximate).


Food is no problem, so long as you like eastern food.  You
can get substantial meals for RO 1 or less.

There is no network of cheap pensions or hostels.  You will
be lucky to get a hotel bed for less than RO 20.  There are
a few 'rest houses' - I think they charge RO 10 to 15.

There are 3 options:

ONE.  Stay with friends.

TWO.	Sleep out.  Personally, I enjoy this.  The modern thing
seems to be a tent - but why bother?  You get hot 'n' sweaty
putting it up, and it's hot 'n' sweaty inside it.  A camp
bed under the stars is enough - once you've worked out how
to defeat the mossies!

THREE.  Rely on hospitality.  The people of the interior are
very hospitable.  As an Arabic speaker, it will be easy to
make contact with Omani women (just smile and say 'Salaam
alikum'), and they will take care of you.  Personally, I'm
embarrased to do this!  In connection with my work, I've had
great hospitality in the interior, but I'm usually left with
a feeling of guilt.  Many people in the interior have very
little, and, by contrast, in terms of material things, I
have so much!!  I am embarrased to take hospitality, and to
give so little in return!  (Read Thesigers story of not
having eaten for a few days, of finally catching and cooking
a rabbit, and then having to watch unexpected guests eat
it!!)

Has anyone got any other ideas?

> Toodle Pip?

Yes.  A farewell, used quite extensively in UK from about
1915 to 1930/40.  I quite like it!  I have licenced its use
to one or two other people around the world.  ;-)

Toodle pip!!

Bill