Day 72: Muscat Oman

- March 21, 2023

After two days in Dubai, we were in Muscat Oman the next morning

Since we would be visiting a Mosque, Toni would have need to cover her head. So she practiced before we left.

Coming into Port

On the bus ready for the Grand Mosque

"...en route to your first official stop of the day, you will have the opportunity to view the breath-taking Grand Mosque, the third largest mosque in the world, which is made from 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone. Built on the orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the mosque can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. The main minaret stands at just under 300 feet, and inside, the prayer carpet, which took four years to produce and weighs 21 tons, is the the second single largest piece of carpet in the world."

Our Tour Guide Guards

We had to take off our shoes to enter the Mosque

"Muscat is the country's political, economic and commercial hub but it is also a historical wonder and its past - and present -- can be experienced at the colorful Muttrah Souk market. You will have just under an hour to take in the unique aroma of the many Arabian perfumes and spices that float through the air. You may also wish to haggle for gifts, including Omani khanjars (daggers), antiques, silver jewelry, copper handicrafts, and hand-made Omani costumes."

"Next you will head to the amazing Bait Al Zubair Museum, a heritage museum that is home to many traditional Omani artifacts. The museum is privately owned by His Excellency Mohammed Al Zubair, advisor to His Majesty The Sultan for Economic Planning Affairs, who has carefully curated a collection that includes Omani weaponry, jewelry, clothing, photographs and paintings."

"After you have enjoyed a guided tour of the museum, you will drive to the incredible Al Bustan Palace A Ritz Carlton Hotel, which sits between the picturesque mountains and the blue waters of the Gulf. Located on 200-acres of lush vegetation, it is the epitome of luxurious elegance, a spectacular example of Islamic architecture."

A huge buffet

"Here, you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch before heading to Muscat's Al Alam Palace, the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who has been in power since 1970. Set in the historic splendor of the old city and near Muscat bay, you will be able to take photographs of the gold and blue exterior before viewing the two nearby medieval Fortress of Jalali & Mirani. Built by the Portuguese towards the end of the 16th century, the fortresses both sit on rocky outcrops, over-looking the ocean, like solid, stone guardians."