We all went to a destination lecture, Salalah-Land of Desert and Green Landscapes. Steven Dutch, Geologist, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay.
This will be our first stop on the cruise.
TIPS AND FACTS on VISITING OMAN:
When visiting Oman, DON'T - talk or laugh loudly; use exaggerated "American" gestures; disrespect the flag, government, culture, etc.; photograph people or official objects without permission; no photographs means it; get paranoid.
DO - keep voice down, careful with gestures, dress conservatively, show respect, learn some courtesy expressions
[As we cruise, borders are ill-defined in these areas. We will be going through some pretty rough "neighborhoods" with Yemen and Somalia, e.g. (Hmmm, that gives me pause to think about where we really are!)]
The coastal plain of Oman. The rocks are limestone. There may be a few waterfalls and streams. Salalah was once a hub of Frankincense trade, still well known for this and is produced by a broadleaf tree, a gum actually. In town there is Sultan Qaboos Mosque. Always show respect in dress and talking.
Sights to see: Burj an-Nahdah Roundabout clock tower. Souks (marketplaces) around everywhere. Al Baleed, Wadi Darbat (a bird watching area), Taqah Castle, Mughsail Bay with blowholes. Population is 200,000.
Sue stopped to join a line dancing class. I passed wanting to "save" my knees for tomorrow's excursion in Oman. This is a good excuse for laziness and picking up my book to read. Truly, I wish I could forget my knees and just dance, but I want to be able to do my tours.
Activities galore are available on the ship. Sue and I signed up for a four-session cocktail clinic seminar. Today at 2PM, Cocktail Clinic #1-The Martini. No problem with my knees with this one!
At 1PM we attended a Longevity Lecture by the same man from Raleigh who lectured on Complexity of Life yesterday. Gathering a tip here and there from him might be helpful. I like his lectures.
Jeff Davidson of Raleigh, NC., BreathingSpace.com.
Tips: Secrets to long and healthy life:
1) proper sleep
2) sparse diet
3) hearty climate
4) medical advances help for awhile
Factors of longevity:
1) expectation of longevity ***Expect to live a long time.
2) choose an age which you will exceed
3) reside in a hearty climate.
4) develop sound sleep habits. 8 hours
5) get and stay married.
6) maintain active social life, friends you look forward to seeing.
7) eat at least two balanced meals a day - greens, beans and berries -
8) remain within 15 pounds of high school weight
9) reverse meals big to small
10)) avoid yo yo dieting 100 up then down
11) retain your teeth--good chewing
12) stay hydrated -- brain needs -- urination at least 5X a day
13) lower stress -- exercise, meditation, e,g,
14) We weren't meant to worry.
15) meditate, practice yoga, or have other forms of mental health
16) associate with a worthy cause
17) don't smoke
18) See a doctor when you suspect something is wrong.
19) keep making future plans
20) choose parents well
Letter of feedback on any lecture, and he will send free CDs. (Sex, learning new things, humor) ndp
Rediscovering hobbies, next lecture.
Jeff is punctual, keeps his lectures to a definite 45 minutes. We have time to get to the R-Bar in the Centrum for our Martini Seminar.
Cocktail Clinic #1: THE MARTINI
Francisco was our expert mixologist. He entertained us with many spectacular tricks. Our group decided to be a club and meet for all four seminars planned for sea days. Instant community. Sue and I liked the cucumber martini best out of cucumber, coffee, classic and key lime pie martinis. We received a packet of martini recipes.
At dinner none of the Germans appeared. We saw them at another table later and greeted them. They were not receptive. Auf Wedersehen, I know that much German (but they didn't give me a chance to say it).
Here we are: Owen, Nancy, Sue and Ray enjoying ourselves. Who needs table mates?
Happy Birthday, Sue!
Our show tonight was Ballroom Fever featuring the Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers. Our Cruise Director is Simona from Naples, Italy.
We are early to bedders, early to rise, too, soon will probably be healthy, wealthy and wise, for turning down all the nightlife on the ship.
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