We spent the weekend at Jebel Misht. Just the two of us, which meant that Sue wasn’t overly burdened with long conversations and instead found time for reflective contemplation. Always dangerous.

The result was a brilliant idea to have permanent memories of Oman once we return to New Zealand. Nigel felt that somewhere in the several thousand photographs of the region we could find one worth framing. It could be displayed where we could see it everyday – like the back of the toilet door – a constant visual reminder of this stark but beautiful place.

Too easy. Something more tactile was required. A rockery made from Omani rocks would be perfect. We will simply collect a few of the water smoothed, colourful boulders from the dry wadi bed each time we visit.

Brilliant. We can easily pile them up in our garden in Abu Dhabi until it is time to leave.

Surely the removal company will have no difficulty handling them? Perhaps they will wrap them in bubble-wrap and package in cardboard boxes. Maybe we can take a few ourselves. Hand luggage placed in the overhead lockers. A few extra suitcases perhaps.

This is the one Sue really wanted.

Nigel will continue with his early morning photo rambles in the hope that he will capture just one stunning sunrise which will persuade Sue that it is OK to leave most of the mountains where they belong.