World cruise 35M

From Margaret
Muscat, Oman
Muscat and Nakhi Sights

This day's tour started early. Our first visit was to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It is one of the largest Mosques in existence and, more to the point, it is one of the loveliest places I have ever seen. From the tastefully landscaped exterior to the entrance area where shoes are removed and one readies oneself for prayer to the ladies' prayer room and finally to the main prayer room, one is caught up in beauty, peace, and respectfulness. This mosque was built by Sultan Qaboos with his own money for the people of Oman. The thought and care which went into its design and construction are obvious. I would count it a privilege to visit it again.

Oman has more water than most of the UAE – some of it natural and some from desalination. The Muscat area is considered one of the agricultural centers for Oman. Our next stop was the Oasis of Nakhl. There were palm trees everywhere. Above the Oasis and in front of the old town is an old fort.

It was originally built to guard the oasis and over the ages has been expanded into a substantial edifice, now completely restored. During its active period, the fort served as the center of government for the area and the residence of the "Wali" (the principal administrator). It was interesting to see how the various builders had used the natural rock outcroppings as part of walls and other structures within the fort. The view from the top of the fort was well worth climbing the many twisting stairways.

After lunch, we went to the Qasr Al Alam Palace of HM Sultan Qaboos. This is another stunning set of buildings. We only saw the exterior of this palace and gardens as it is the official administrative offices for the Sultan and his government.

Our guide told us that this was where the Sultan received Queen Elizabeth when she came to visit Oman. The palace is built within the original Muscat village which had been fortified and used by both Arabs and Portuguese for centuries. The town is surrounded by rough, steep, rocky hills and the sea. There is only one very narrow pass by which one can get to this town. Old Portuguese watch-towers remain on the hill-tops, although the guide says that they are no longer used as such.

The Muscat area of Oman is fascinating. I liked it a lot. Our tour guide who is from a village near the Nakhl fort was superb. He is someone who would be very interesting to remain in contact with.