Merry Christmas 2012

Merry Christmas from Oman

The Clipper Odyssey arrives into Muscat

Cruising into Mina Sultan Qaboos is always an experience, the harbor really looks great from the sea.

Muttrah from the Clipper Odyssey

Of course though enjoying the views it was also a sad occasion as my work giving lectures on the Clipper Odyssey was drawing to a close. We visited Nizwa and enjoyed not only its fort but

Sea and Sun in Musandam

Waking early enabled me to enjoy sunrise over Musandam as we entered Khasab on the Clipper Odyssey. It was a treat to visit the forts of Bukha and Khasab both of which have dramatic mountainous backdrops as they look out to sea.

Bukha Fort Musandam

But for me the

Museum of Islamic Arts Doha

We made our first stop of the morning in Doha at the Souq Waqif, and with splendid Arabian Horses walking through the streets it was a wonderfully atmospheric location.

Souq al-Waqif Doha

Falcons were

Zodiacs onto Sir Bani Yas

The Zodiacs of the Clipper Odyssey ably lead by John Yersin came in handy to get us onto Sir bani Yas  .

John and the Clipper Odyssey off Sir bani Yas

I joined other bird watchers and we managed to spot a