The local mall

There are many local malls. Thankfully, most things are written in English and Arabic.

Islam prescribes modest dress in public places for both men and women, involving covering the legs, arms and head for men and hair and neck for women. Women's dress is varied and often has a decorated long dress or an embroidered tunic called an abeyya. The head veil or burka can be thin and decorated covering the face but not the eyes.

Most Omani men wear a floor-lenght 'shirt dress' called a dishdasha. Most are white, some have collars, while others are edged in tassels and embroidered at the neck. On ceremonial occasions, the dress is complete with a belt and ceremonial dagger.

Five times a day is the number for the call to prayer for the Muslims. There are signs for prayer rooms in mall and allotted areas which hold prayer rugs.

One of our first restaurants on arrival was Nando's originating from South Africa with a Portuguese/ Mozambican theme. The mint lemon drink is a popular Middle Eastern drink and the coconut cooler was simply yummy. They love their fresh juices here.

Famous for the chicken and the peri peri sauce, this Nando's Espetada Rustica is served with a slice of Arabian bread.

Local mall entertainment

The lemon mint drink was fantastic. We recently went to the vegetable souk and bought a box of lemons and a bunch of mint to try this at home. You should give it a shot!

Lemon Mint Cooler

Lemon juice – 1 cup (8 to 10 large lemon)
Sugar – 1 cup (adjust to your sweetness)
Salt – a sprinkle
Crushed ice – as needed
Fresh mint leaves – 2 bundles (washed and cleaned)
Bottled water – 2 ltr

Prep:

1)Blend together lemon juice, sugar, mint and crushed ice. Blend till there are no more traces of the mint leaves. 2)Transfer to a wide mouthed bottle. Shake it vigorously with bottled water. 3)Adjust the sweetness and serve with crushed ice. (I just placed juice back in blender with ice) Yummy!