Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Day 8: Omani History and Splendor

Today was a long day ... we visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, the National Museum, the Al Alam Palace, the Mutrah Fort, the Mutrah Souq, and Sifah ... wow!

The pictures below tell a good story of amazing things, consequential history, interesting royal endeavors, and unique nature landscapes better than trying to describe them here. An amazing day exploring and getting closer to Omani culture and people.

Met a group of motorcycle riders from Saudi Arabia (no motorcycles) that invited us to come visit.  Apparently, there are amazing roads there and they committed to getting us motorcycles and accommodations ... tempting! 

After getting back to our Villa and resting bit we met with some of the Omani Bikers Club members ... got my pin! Great guys ... planned a bunch of future trips together.  The connection between people that ride motorcycles around the world never ceases to amaze me.  It is like we know something other people do not and we understand that we are privileged with that knowledge.  The world is good.

Tomorrow, we head north to Sohar as we make our way to the tip of the Strait of Hormuz.

Our first stop today ... the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The entrance to the Grand Mosque

My motorcycle boots do not fit in the provided cubbyhole for shoes : )

Everything is beautiful

Wow ... the main prayer room

The main chandelier

Beautiful architecture and materials everywhere

Another area of the Grand Mosque

At the Royal Opera House

The lobby at the Opera House

Just like anywhere in the world

On the steps at the National Museum

9th graders at the National Museum

The National Museum is awe inspiring

Jewel encrusted treasures at the National Museum

Our spot for lunch ... the well known Dunes Beach Club in Sifah, south of Muscat

A view of the Dunes Beach Club restaurant

Just chilling in a beautiful setting at the Dunes Beach Club

Back to Muscat ... infant of the Al Alam Palace

The flag is up so it looks like the Sultan is home

Unique nature ... sharp tall mountains around Muscat

The Mutrah Fort in old Muscat

The view of the bay in Old Muscat from the top of the fort

Should we shoot the departing cruise ship? : )

Old Muscat at sunset

The Omani flag at the top of the fort

Just taking in the views...  and the vibe of the place after a long day

Our last stop of the day ... the Mutrah Souq ... it gets busy after sunset

Alleys going everywhere

Finally!  Going all in with my Omani Duma

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