Sultan Center

This is one of many massive stores, advertised as a "bulk" food store, but really by American standards, it's about Whole-Food sized (although not quite so organic, nor quiet so expensive). It does, however, stock A-1 Steak Sauce, Hooter's Wing Sauce, organic maple syrup, limes (see previous post), and spinach lasagna pasta. Maybe you don't understand how remarkable this is...but it is.

Anyhow, needless to say, my husband George and I spent far more than we intended (which usually happens when we discover the wonders of a new Muscat specialty store). We did find some dearly need (or dearly wanted, in some cases) items. We just haven't been able to find these things at other places in Muscat: standard car thermoses, hanging plant pots, ground beef, brie, an alarm clock, and parsley. I'll pass on the Hooter's Wing Sauce, but why are these other items so hard to find in Oman?

Perhaps I haven't grasped the fact that Oman is still considered a third-world country and survives on a sometimes confusing mix of prosperity and deprivation. That in mind, I would still take a decent internet connection over most western items.

Limes, Please

It seems, after months of searching, that Oman doesn't really produce many limes. I'm sure it doesn't help that despite however many times I hear the word in Arabic, I can't remember it. In any language, however, that little sour green fruit needs to get itself imported.

One souq did have five. We took the last ones. Being only 9 a.m. at the time, that would imply great lime demand among the early morning Omani market-goers. Right? Either that or the farmer produced only five limes. I don't cross many things off the "it could happen" list here in Oman...

In any case, if anyone knows a lime exporter, clue him in please. Thanks.