An easy day after the camel torture. We get up fairly late and Tomie takes us to Muttrah. After wandering around the old souk for a while and buying some jewellery, we head for Taeko's favourite cafe and we order her favourite fruit cocktails. Heaven in a glass. I don't know what fruit is in this, but I don't care, its fine.

fruit cocktail

A big old fort looms large above the town, so Taeko and I head up the steep steps to see what we can see.

fort at muttrah
flag at muttrah fort
fort at Muttrah

And all we can see was... a closed door! The fort was closed - its too hot for tourists this time of year. We do get a good view out across the town though.

muttrah fort door
from the fort at muttrah
muttrah harbour
muttrah to the hills
muttrah rooftops

We drive off to have a look at Al Bustan hotel. Its set in a palm tree grove next to rugged, rocky mountains.

palms and rocks
flowers and hills
al bustan hotel
al bustan hotel

Up on the roof, we get a view across to the ocean and down to the swimming pool and gardens.

al bustan hotel
taeko at al bustan
al bustan reflection
al bustan
al bustan hotel

The hotel features ornate balconies and birdcages used as lampshades.

al bustan hotel
al bustan hotel
al bustan hotel
al bustan birdcages
al bustan birdcages

Inside, we relaxed in the big armchairs and looked in the little shops.

taeko and tomie relaxing
tomie relaxing
barrence of arabia
tomie in al bustan hotel

The architecture outside is reflected inside, up to the decorated ceiling.

al bustan interior
al bustan interior

We went home and Taeko and I took Tom out for a long walk in the late afternoon heat.