My journey through Oman

 

I was invited by a good friend of mine to visit him in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Blessed as I am, he is a tourguide and took some days off, so he could show me the country. It was a great experience, since I have never been to an Arabian country before. You won't have much problems communicating in Muscat, because English is the second language there. Roads are in a perfect state; it is recommendable to rent a car. You don't really have public transport, so they won't work if you consider that as an option. Food is delicious, a lot of meat and fish; it isn't easy if you are vegetarian, mostly you can get hummus and falafel. There is a big selection of good spices, which are imported from India or Iran.

You should think about camping. You can set up your tent anywhere along the coastline and in the country: it isn't prohibited anywhere and Oman itself is a very safe place to be. Anybody who wants to know more can write to me. I would be glad to provide you with contacts of my friends in Oman, who love to take tourists around and show them the country and culture. Just leave a note in the comment section below.

 

Below: my farewell dinner party near the beach. Chicken with vegetables. Lamb meat skewers with a lot of spices e.g. cinnamon and tamarind.

Classical breakfast: thin baked dough filled with cheese and honey or cheese and herbs.

 Inside the Royal Opera House. The first one ever to be built in an Arabian country.

Historical instruments; a gift for the Sultan.

 

Below: the Grand Mosque. Beautiful and very artistic. An international project and a present from the Sultan to his people.

 

Below: one of the biggest chandeliers of the world, crafted in Austria. Inside the mosque. 

 

Below: grilling lobster.

 

Below: Insence. Smells great.

The fish market in Muscat:

 

More lobster: we took them out of the shell, marinated them and then put them on the grill.

 

Catch of the day. I tried, but I wasn't good at all catching lobsters. Got to swim a little out into the sea.

 

A wadi:

 

A sinkhole: nice to have a swim in. Crystal clear water. You can also jump in from the top. 18 meters. No entry fees.

 

The Sultan's palace from the back:

 

A classical Omani ship. They are still built in that style. True craftsmanship.