Oman is one of the most fascinating places in the world. It has only been open to tourism a little over 20 years and prior to that it was pretty much a country of bedouins and fishermen. In the late 60's the Sultan's son went to the west for school and came back with corrupt ideas of liberty and freedom! When he tried to institute some of them in Oman his father jailed him. But he befriended his jailers and eventually they helped him escape and he overthrew his father and sent him to exile. He then set about modernizing the country, building roads, schools, hospitals and public facilities.
In 1990 the Cunard Sagafjord was the first cruise ship ever to call in Oman and I was working in the tour office, thus becoming one of the first American tourists to visit the country. I fell in love with it back then and it has only gotten better over the past 2 decades.
In 1990 the Cunard Sagafjord was the first cruise ship ever to call in Oman and I was working in the tour office, thus becoming one of the first American tourists to visit the country. I fell in love with it back then and it has only gotten better over the past 2 decades.
A modern gate is a reminder of the old city walls.
The grand mosque and flower gardens
Joan is framed by Persian Art in the mosque.
One of the largest svarovski crystal chandeliers in the world
and of course one of the largest carpets in the world
Stunningly beautiful from any angle
Out in the mosque courtyard with our guide Abdullah
The mosque flower gardens
On to the Souk (market) with some of the best diversity of old and new treasures anywhere
Taking the old road from 'Muttrah' to 'Muscat'
Before the current Sultan took over from his father there were only about 2 miles of paved road in the entire country of Oman. Now they have modern freeways and roundabouts.
Dow Roundabout near the Al Bustan Palace Hotel
Kent with the porter in traditional Omani garb at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel
Donna and Jim in the lobby of the hotel
Enjoying tea in the lobby of the Al Bustan Palace
The atrium is high and soaring, resembling a tall mosque.
A harpist entertained with classical music.
The Sultan's Palace
The Corniche Road back to Muttrah
The Sultan's yacht and a dow boat
The second morning we visited the fish market in Muscat
Haggling over the price
Filleting the fish for the customers
The fishing pier where the fishermen bring their catch up to the fish market
Colorful shops in the souk
Silver, gold, shawls, frankincense, and lots of treasures
Omani daggers
Muscat old town and fort
Proud papa and his little boy in the market
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