Muscat Nov 26 - day out in Muscat
We had made arrangements with Nasser to be collected from our hotel at 8.30am. Sure enough, he was there on the dot.
Although we had previously toured the city of Muscat last time, we had not been to the Grand Mosque, much to Nasser's chagrin. The jewel in the crown of a visit to Muscat, the mosque, built by the current Sultan Qaboos, is a magnificent building even from just the outside. It does not have the over-the-top impression you have when visiting the mosque in Abu Dhabi, but it has a beautiful serenity and class about it.
Nasser knows just where to take different shots of his beloved mosque. He guided us from point to point, through the gardens, to the colonnades and squares, telling us about the mosque and its construction. Then it was time to visit inside.
First we entered the women's prayer room. Of modest size because women do not always have time to break from their home duties of caring for family, to visit the mosque, the ladies prayer room is simple but impressive.
The main prayer room however is a very different story. At full capacity it can hold 7000 men. The impressive dome, chandeliers and magnificent carpet are a feast for the eyes.
Nasser carefully and in detail told us about the construction, materials used and how many knots went into each section of carpet which was hand woven in Iran in one piece. The attention to detail is astonishing, just as in most major places of worship.
After leaving the mosque, we visited the Royal Opera House.
After our late lunch (food times are very different) we had time for some rest back at the hotel before we were picked up to be taken to the marina for our evening on a dhow. We enjoyed our evening on the water, seeing the coast and other buildings of note which we had previously only see from the land.
Although we had previously toured the city of Muscat last time, we had not been to the Grand Mosque, much to Nasser's chagrin. The jewel in the crown of a visit to Muscat, the mosque, built by the current Sultan Qaboos, is a magnificent building even from just the outside. It does not have the over-the-top impression you have when visiting the mosque in Abu Dhabi, but it has a beautiful serenity and class about it.
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| Grand Mosque early in the morning |
Nasser knows just where to take different shots of his beloved mosque. He guided us from point to point, through the gardens, to the colonnades and squares, telling us about the mosque and its construction. Then it was time to visit inside.
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| I thought I had the dress code nailed. I still had to hire an abaya. |
First we entered the women's prayer room. Of modest size because women do not always have time to break from their home duties of caring for family, to visit the mosque, the ladies prayer room is simple but impressive.
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| Door to enter ladies prayer room |
Nasser carefully and in detail told us about the construction, materials used and how many knots went into each section of carpet which was hand woven in Iran in one piece. The attention to detail is astonishing, just as in most major places of worship.
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| The dome and main chandelier, made from Swarovski crystal |
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| The carpet is covered when visitors are allowed inside to protect it. All shoes have been removed. |
The density of the weave is astonishing
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| Such detail in the tiling |
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| Nasser holding the Koran open at the chapter named after the Virgin Mary |
After leaving the mosque, we visited the Royal Opera House.
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| Because of National Day the city has decorations everywhere, on the lights and bridges |
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| Royal Opera House |
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| All the gardens in Muscat are very well cared for. They use recycled water extensively |
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| The main foyer in the Opera House |
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| The Sultan is very interested in the Arts. He has an extensive collection of musical instruments on display |
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| Looking out over the Mutrah District of Muscat |
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| Mutrah Bay by day |
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| Entrance to the souk |
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| Looking across to the Palace precinct |
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| The palace is now only used for ceremonial occasions. The Sultan lives elsewhere |
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| Oman's flag |
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| Traditionally cities were gated. These have been left as a testament to Oman's history |
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| Known as the Incense dome, this hilltop decoration can be seen from out at sea |
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| A visit to the Turkish House restaurant which Nasser promised |
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| We loved all the food. Today we had camel and lamb |
After our late lunch (food times are very different) we had time for some rest back at the hotel before we were picked up to be taken to the marina for our evening on a dhow. We enjoyed our evening on the water, seeing the coast and other buildings of note which we had previously only see from the land.
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| This hotel was built especially for a Gulf State meeting. The domed section was for the Sultan with five wings for each state attending |
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| Lots of forts remain from the time of the Portuguese occupation |
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