We didn't ride any camels, but they were everywhere.

With Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia leading in the race for best port city, coming out of nowhere is Oman. I honestly was not expecting much, but Muscat delivered. We took a desert dune drive in 4X4 Landcruisers. It was awesome! This is one of my favorite activities we've done so far. It was so different (in a good way), i.e. it wasn't another city with buildings or temples to see. It was one of the very few tours that had an "A" for Activity with an activity disclaimer. Cunard definitely needs to get more of these trips in their tour book.

The day started off waiting for our tour to group up in the Queen's Room. We saw Nora and Morgan and said we would ride with them in the 4X4, the young people car. So the tour group marched out to the pier. We didn't know if we were riding a bus out to the dunes or if the suv's would be there, but we saw fifteen Landcruisers. Sweet, wasn't looking forward to a 2 hour bus ride out to the desert. So Morgan picked number 6 in the caravan. Only to find out that our driver didn't speak English. It would be a provide your own commentary kind of tour. All the other drivers saw the young people car; they were asking who was driving it and if he wanted to trade. We were quite a hot commodity.

After everyone was situated in the suv's, we were off in caravan fashion. At least for a while, number six was to become a caravan of one shortly. It was exciting driving out; it felt like we were going on a mission. Arabic music was playing, very mood-setting. The port gate was the catch in the tour, causing us to be separated from everyone. We pulled over on the side of the road, next to Lu-Lu's Hypermarket. We kept waiting, not seeing any white suv's headed our way. A cell phone was eventually pulled out, conversations had, and then we were on our way. Hopefully to meet back up with the group. The thought did run through my head, "What if a van pulls up, and we're thrown in. News headline: Four American kidnapped in Oman." It was a fleeting feeling. I never felt in danger, but it is better to always be playing out scenarios and to be prepared. "I have a pen in my purse. Weapon?" It worked for Jason Borne. 

We were on our way, driving though the city. Everywhere we looked were car dealerships, not just a section of the drive but the entire drive out of the city. Past the airport and out of the city, I looked to see how fast we were actually traveling. I had noticed that we were riding people's bumpers in traffic, but I never looked at the speedometer. After doing the calculations (10k = 6.2 miles, thank you cross country), I informed everyone that we holding a steady speed of 102 mph. Amid more Arabic shouted phone calls, we finally took an exit, only to go over the pass and get back on the interstate. We only backtracked one exit. Speeding down the two lane highway, we spotted the group. We were happy to see them, and they to see us. They were waiting at a "comfort stop," quite literally a single hole in the floor. It is bad enough for a lot of women to be quick, but remove the western toilet and add a little Cunard attitude, you've got issues. 

Back together, we headed off through the mountains and over wadi crossings (valleys that are dry except in the rainy seasons). Palm trees/little oasisses, long haired shaggy goats, donkeys, and camels were right off the road. It was really scenic. Past the city of Ibra, we started to see sand off to our right. A quick regroup outside the town, and we were off the pavement. There was a warning sign about driving in the desert. Started off with "Dear Tourist," listed some rules and cautionary guidelines, and ended with "Enjoy your trip!"

Driving in the sand was a lot like driving on snow. A lot slipping and sliding, with an occasional fishtail. All quite adventurous. We stayed in caravan formation, until some of the drivers got a little impatient with the slower ones. Then it was no holding back. Landcruisers were passing each other, kicking up sand. Everyone was holding on to the "Oh Crap!" handles. Our driver took us off the main "road" onto some ridges. Pretty sure the car was airborne for a split second. So fun.

The drive out ended at a camp compound, where we had a grilled lunch waiting for us. There was chicken, lamb kebabs, rice, pita bread, olives, hummus, and fruit. A nice spread for being out in the desert; there were even western restrooms, with an "s." There were some camels right outside the gate, too. Sandy took some pictures before lunch. I went out with Nora and Morgan, who had a mountain dew. I think the camel knew what it was; he had Morgan pinned against the wall, nudging the can. It was a priceless sight; Morgan looked like we was facing a firing squad. 

Loading back into the cars, I sat in the middle back seat. Perfect viewing. The music was down from when we entered the desert camp, but our driver turned it up once we hit the dunes. My response, "Perfect! The soundtrack to my death." One song was a really bad megamix of Arabic songs. There was no fade in/fade out, let alone an underlying beat to connect the songs. Other than the megamix, the music really did put a movie soundtrack feel to the trip. My view could have been "Camera one" in an action movie. Think "Blood Diamond," when the group of reporters are attacked and Leo takes the suv off-roading without the use of a steady-cam. Also, the other cars were like the bad guys chasing us. So exhilarating! 

Some of these old women that went on this trip were a riot, in that they didn't want to go fast on the sand. The tour was called "Desert Dune Drive," did they think it would be a Sunday drive? I would have been irate if they wound up in my car. 

After all the fun on the dunes, we started the two hour drive back to the ship. We were slightly late, but that is the beauty of booking a trip from the ship. They won't leave you. Once again, it was surreal rolling into the port caravan-style, like we were some returning from a very important mission. Everyone was out on their balconies waiting for us. It was a great day, A must-do if you ever find yourself around a desert.

crj