Memories of Mutrah, Oman von Maxine Burden

"Memories of Mutrah, Oman: Fishing Village to Vibrant City" brings forth the fishing background of the villages of Sur on the East Coast of Oman, and Mutrah. Sur is where the trading ships from India would sail to during the monsoon season before sailing onto Zanzibar on the East Coast of Africa. Fishing was always the lifeline for local inhabitants along the coast of Oman. Today fishing is still a main export as freezer loads are driven daily from villages to Dubai to sell. A wadi forms the main alleyway of the market area known as Mutrah Souq. Dating as far back as 600 years the local inhabitants have gathered here to exchange news, reflect on the health of their families, and purchase food and living requirements from this traditional marketplace. The first shops were built in the souq around 300 years ago. They were small with shelves for displaying goods and had no roof. The souq was a functional souq back then. Shops sold rat traps, brushes, ropes, foodstuffs, and fish along with traditional Omani fabrics from India. >Mutrah is also a popular tourist destination offering the wonders of a traditional souq along with a new fish and vegetable market complex, featuring restaurants and cafés. The Mutrah Fort has undergone renovations allowing visitors to walk up the many steps and take in the scenic view over the port and Mutrah city.

>Today Maxine resides in Tasmania on a lifestyle property. It is here that she wrote her second book. She undertakes volunteer work with the Burnie City Council informing and assisting cruise ship visitors who visit throughout the season from October to April. As a tour guide, Maxine also guides coach tours from visiting cruise ships to various parts of the Northwest Coast of Tasmania. She also has plans to author more books about her travels throughout the world over the last twenty years.