Muscat and beyond
Written: Apr 17 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Scenery, people, atmosphere, castles, bus stops
Cons: Can't think of any...hot summers?
The Bottom Line: Get to Oman before everyone else finds out about it.
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| flyingkiwi's Full Review: Oman |
Must sees in Muscat:
~the Grand Mosque - prepare to pick your jaw off the floor many times. (Ladies, hair and arms must be covered, no shorts. Gents, wear trousers not shorts.)
~The Sultan's Armed Forces Museum - you'll have a military escort to show you round. The museum gives a full and favourable description of the development of the armed forces in Oman but also a comprehensive history lesson on the development of Oman since pre-Islamic days.
Then get out into the back-blocks. If you like forts, castles and military history then you'll like:
Jabrin Castle - outstanding and worth the trip
Nizwa fort - both the fort and the town are interesting. Both well cared for and well maintained. The government is running a programme of regular maintenance for historical sites - the result is beautiful presentation. Informative guides at both sites.
Try to see one of the wadis (oasis). Wadi Bani Khalid is very popular. The road passes to the wadi through barren rocky hills then around a corner is a cool clear oasis with date palms and shade. Dabble your feet and let the fish nibble at your toes, life really doesn't get much better.
Keep your eyes open for Omani bus stops. They are designed like little castles with each region having its own special design. I never imagined I'd come back with half a dozen photos of bus stops!
Oman did not have electricity until the early 1970s. The current ruler, Sultan Qaboos, has introduced a huge programme of modernisation to the country while still retaining the nations traditions. Even the smallest village now has access to electricity and there is a government programme to get sewerage treatment plants into the remotest areas to improve overall health conditions. Sultan Qaboos encourages all Omanis to work so, unlike the Emirates where a visitor will probably encounter only expat workers, in Oman you will meet local people in every type of employment from taxi drivers and waiters to upper level management.
I'm planning next year's trip already........
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb
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Epinions.com ID:
flyingkiwi
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Location: A Kiwi living in Sydney, Australia
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 0 members
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