We had a second day of exploration in Oman. We spent it exploring Muscat City. Muscat is a long city set between the Gulf sea and the mountains. It was fun to explore.
Lucky Dragon took the time to have his turtle explore with us. His creativity was fun to see.
We spent some time at the pool. It was a refreshing way to escape the burning heat!
It was so crazy to see the beautiful sea and beach but have nobody in it! Culturally, the locals do not swim in the ocean for priopritary reasons. But it is so beautiful. If the sun was not so relentless I would have wanted to get in. It is actually really hard for me to not love the feeling of the sun. But I guess that is my toxic relationship with the sun--I love it, but it causes me to have cancer!
This is the palace. The pillars represent the ocean and sand of the country.
The old town of Oman nestled in a hollow of desert rock climbing up from the sea.
We went to the old market. We did not stay long as it seemed like they were selling items from India at a higher price.
We explored the vegetable market. It was especially cool to see because all of these vegetables and fruit have to be brought in. Lucky Dragon and Koala Bear were obsessed with the carrots because "they look so perfect, they look fake!"
WE went to the fish market. It was probably the cleanest fish market that I have ever seen!
We also explored the Oman Opera House. The ornate textures and styles were beautiful. It was cool to hear how Oman became one of the first Arab countries to bring Western art to their country.
This pipe organ is the largest moveable instrument in the world. it is on a track and moves back to allow for a stage, then moves forward again for perfrormances.
We also toured the largest mosque in the city. There are some beautiful mosques all over the city, but the largest is named after the last sultan to honor all that he has done for the country. The majesty of this place of worship is spectacular. The details are exquisite.
The Imam stands here to teach the congregation. This mosque can hold over 6,500 worshippers at a time. They have courtyards with moveable roofs to make room for more people. So it is a technology and architectural marvel.
This chandelier alone is 4 stories high of Swarovski crystals. It is larger than some NYC apartments!
Baked yogurt dessert. We had some at every meal! It was delicious.
