Muscat, Oman
Trip Start
Feb 01, 2009
1
32
33
Trip End
Mar 31, 2009
Muscat, Oman
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Shuttle bus to the Mutrah souk, selling the normal stuff,pasminas, silks and local crafts, then a taxi ride to the Grand mosque which was about 10 miles away. Our driver was a young man, who proved to be a good choice as he spoke English and actually ended up being our guide for the day.
The Grand Mosque , is indeed very grand,and very large and quite a wonderful place to see and experience. It is only open until 11am to the non Muslims, and essential to have head, arms, legs covered for ladies. We spent over an hour seeing both inside and out, wonderful stone ,marble and tiled work. The whole of the Koran is carved into the stone work. Our driver , whose name I never quite grasped had a lots of knowledge to impart as he showed us around.
Then to the Sultanate Armed Forces museum, which is housed in a refurbished fort, With our own uniformed army soldier who spoke little English, and our driver to translate, we learned lots about the history of Oman, its present Sultan and armed forces, fascinating, and beautifully presented, All with English translations so our two guides were lovely to have but not entirely needed. Outside along with many vehicles, planes, boats etc, was the Sultans first armoured car, a 70's Cadillac, with incredibly thick widows and very heavy doors.
This museum did not allow coach parties and there was us and one other couple again with their two guides in attendance.
Back to Old Muscat and the first Royal Palace, more grand buildings viewed from outside.
The countryside here is mountainous and quite barren but further south becomes greener.
Our driver was very keen to know if we had a good impression on Muscat and its people. he came from Niswa, which is in the mountains and seems if time allows the place to go. Much like in all countries at present, he had studied at university but jobs were difficult to come by so was working as a taxi driver. Tourism is growing in Oman and with his English, and enthusiasm should do OK. This was a relatively pricey tour but both Geoff and I had enjoyed the day, but felt no need to learn more of the country and its people, whereas India we do.
Back on board for our final evening, and we had a table in Gary Rhodes restaurant, with our travelling friends,Maureen and Bruce and a delightful meal it was. I also discovered Sloe Gin with sparkling wine is a great aperitif. We managed afterwords to dance a quickstep and waltz around a near deserted dance floor , with the Sunflower band, and their lovely singer. The musicians in all the different venues have been really good.
Then off to pack, as we leave the ship tomorrow, for a stay with friends in Dubai and then return to England
