06:30, at the animal market, Nizwa

From 2000m altitude back down to 400m to experience the Friday morning Nizwa animal market!
The latter started at 05:00 when the first pick-ups brought their sheep, goats and camels to the market and prepared for the auction which started at 06:30 as the sun rose. While waiting, everyone is greeting friends, chatting, or doing business on the side.
Buyers (and tourists) assemble in two rings within each other, and the sellers march around the space between, either carrying or dragging their animals and screaming at the top of their voices.
When a buyer is interested he throws a stone in front of the seller who then comes over and they negotiate a price (or not).
The whole thing is total chaos, but two hours later, all the animals have changed hands and everything becomes quite again.
Also fascinating is the weapons souk, where old gentlemen sell their guns, daggers, and other murder instruments. Absolutely fascinating and a social study in itself.Read more