Even today, they are offered with black coffee to guests. The impressive Nakhl Fort overlooks the green date palm oasis. The massive forts are outstanding landmarks in Oman. They were constructed on strategic locations to protect the villagers from enemies. The oriental markets are exotic and lively, where local inhabitants in their immaculate white Dishdashas meet and bargain loudly over prices.
Bargaining is traditionally a matter for men.
Markets not only serve to acquire essential goods, they are also gathering places for exchanging the latest news. The mountain roads in Oman are engineering masterpieces and spectacular. Some have a blacktop surface, others are just graded dirt roads, only negotiable by 4-wheel drive vehicles, but all of them lead through unique mountain scenary. Stillness lies over the lonely desert camp in Sinaw One often forgets that water shortage is the central problem of daily life. The animals are presented to the crowd on the round market place with much shouting and bargaining, until a buyer is found.