Saturday 28th January, Day 18 of 102.

Yes, I did intend to spell M.A.S.K. as in this blog’s title. Current Omani Law dictates that visitors must wear face masks throughout their visit, including on board ship. Seemingly, locals didn’t have to, and as the day progressed, nor did most of the passengers.

We are docked alongside a huge container port in Salalah, Oman.  Job refers to the Prophet whose book appears in the Old Testament.  

In 1973, I had become fairly seriously ill with a chest infection impervious to most antibiotics of the time.  For at least three weeks, my body temperature hovered above 100°F and for once, Mum and Dad were a bit concerned.  I had drifted into some kind of undescribable state, comfortable but a long way from reality.   A radio had been put into my bedroom.  I tuned into Radio 3 just as Vaughan Williams’ Job, A Masque for Dancing had started.  This piece of music illustrates the lousy time Job has when God allows Satan to attempt to destroy Job’s faith in God.  I may not be fan of Satan, but music that depicts him can be quite spectacular, especially with a temperature of 103!  Vaughan Williams and Hector Berlioz are obvious composers, some of whose works come to mind.

Thus, my curiosity was aroused when Cunard offered a trip, which included seeing the  Tomb of Job!  Knees and elbows were required to be covered to enter this small mausoleum high up in the mountains.  Shoes needed to be removed. 

This was not our first stop on this quite good coach trip into the countryside.

I don’t really recall exactly where we went. The coach stopped at various scenic vantage points, as well as at the Tomb of the Prophet Job. How many, I wondered, had read the Book of Job in the Old Testament.  Actually, I did, many years ago, after a challenge set during a sermon at St. John’s, my regular place of worship in Buxton, suggested by the late  Rev’d Desmond Carnelley, one-time Arch Deacon of Doncaster.

I came away, somewhat unconvinced, with a temperature of 98.5°!

We visited, finally, the Museum of Frankincense. This needed at least a day to explore thoroughly, not just glance through in twenty minutes.

I enjoyed the trip, seeing the landscape of an unfamiliar land.  Development seems very much in its infancy, but I foresee some spectacular resorts being on offer in the next few years or so. But, I am past the age of sunbathing and sophisticated cocktails!

The day ended after temperatures at a fabulous 31°C and glorious sunset over a hideous mix of mountains and industry. Strangely, a markedly cool breeze had caressed the area high in the hills where the reputed bones of Job lay.

Back on board, I settled into a sun-lounger on Deck 7 and relaxed for longer than I intended writing this blog. A slight chill permeated the once warm air as the sun set behind a background of industry and mountains.

Jo and I chose Alternative Dining in an area of the Kings Court set aside for an enhanced experience with very attentive service and a relaxed, unhurried ambience. While this attracts a small supplementary charge, once in a while, this is well worth the extra. At the end of the evening, the area reverts to where food and drink is available until around thirty minutes past midnight.

After a long but pleasurable day, it’s time for some sleep, ready for two days at sea, prior to our next port of call Abu Dhabi.

Many thanks for reading, David, 23.55 hrs enjoying Camomile Tea at the midnight buffet.