I would like to paint a picture of Salalah for you….

Good things about Salalah:

1 Brand new hypermarket just opened with great fresh food, bakery, fresh fish, chocolate and lots of UK goodies.

2 The Hilton Hotel a couple of kms away has beautiful grounds and a swimming pool and beach where we can chill for £10 day ( hoping to find time for that soon)

3 The Oasis Club just around the corner is very European (British Legion Club springs to mind) and serves cold beer and wine and reasonable food.

4 The rest of the rally are here and we hope to arrange a few social events and tours during our stay.

5 Our local sim card gives us internet connection on the boat

Not so good things about Salalah:

1 To respect the local customs, women are advised to cover up from head to ankle, including shoulders and arms. All the local women wear the full black Abaya with just a slit for their eyes. If you do not cover up you are made to feel very uncomfortable.

2 It is not acceptable for women to be out alone – so no early morning runs or walks for me as a chaperone is a necessity.

3 It is not acceptable for women to drive, although it is not against the law.

4 We can’t use the beautiful local beach or swim in the sea as bikinis are a definite No No

5 It is illegal to posses or consume alcohol in public and even on the boat we have to be very discreet.

6 There is a distinct lack of interesting shopping

Are you getting the picture ? This is no place for a women !