• RTW Redux ... 2023
    A unique minaret ... Talib bin Mohammed Mosque — Muscat, Oman.
    White-washed building on one of the back streets — Muscat, Oman.A pop of blue — Muscat, Oman.One of the many guard towers in the Hajar Mountains — Muscat, Oman.A beautifully carved door in need of TLC — Muscat, Oman.We enter the Mutrah Souq by way of a side entrance — Muscat, Oman.The flag of Oman is the inspiration for this storefront — Muscat.Shops setting up for a day of brisk business ... Mutrah Souq — Muscat, Oman.Shop steps decorated with glass evil eyes for good luck ... Mutrah Souq — Muscat, Oman.Glass dome ... Mutrah Souq — Muscat, Oman.Omani flags and banners featuring the current sultan .. Mutrah Souq — Muscat, Oman.Looking out through the main entrance of Mutrah Souq — Muscat, Oman.Main entrance of the Mutrah Souq from the Corniche — Muscat, Oman.Mutrah Corniche ... tile minaret and dome of the Masjid Al Rasool Al A'dham — Muscat, Oman.Along the Mutrah Corniche — Muscat, Oman.Along the Mutrah Corniche — Muscat, Oman.Along the Mutrah Corniche — Muscat, Oman.Along the Mutrah Corniche ... the Fish Roundabout — Muscat, Oman.The Mutrah Fish Market — Muscat, Oman.Mosaic murals at the Mutrah Fish Market — Muscat, Oman.

    Muscat: Morning Stroll in the City

    April 24, 2023 in Oman ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F

    Our first time in Muscat was on RTW2017. On that occasion, we did a private tour that took us first to some of the sights in the city — the imposing Sultan Qaboos Mosque and the Mutrah Souq … a quick photo op at Al Alam Palace. Then, we traveled into the mountains to see an oasis in a wadi (valley).

    So, this time we decided to stay in the city and freestyle our sightseeing. (Thanks Kadi for the new term for DIY sightseeing.)

    We knew the forecast called for a high of 90F. It was already 83F at 7:30a. No time to dally. As soon as we were tied up at 8:00a, we hot-footed it off the ship. A few others were heading out early as well. With enough of us to fill the small shuttle bus to the Mutrah Souk, the driver had no reason to wait until 8:30a to depart. Excellent.

    Since we had wandered through the very busy souq in 2017, we didn’t go inside when the shuttle bus dropped us off at the entrance. Instead, we started wandering the narrow back streets and alleys. Businesses were still closed. Very few locals were anywhere to be seen. Peaceful. We enjoyed our glimpse into the “locals’ side of the city.”

    Eventually, our steps took us back to the souq. Not because we wanted to shop … which was a good thing since most of the shops were closed … just a few of them setting up for a day of brisk business. Rather, we wanted to use the narrow, covered walkways in the souq as a shortcut to the Mutrah Corniche along the waterfront.

    Once we reached the waterfront, we turned in the direction of the port for a quiet stroll. Our destination was the Mutrah FishMarket. Mui likes the hubbub of local markets. But he was in for a disappointment today. It was still too early; the day’s catch had not arrived. A few fish stalls were doing business, but most were closed. Nonetheless, we were impressed with how pristine the counters were … indeed the entire space. And I loved seeing all the sea-themed mosaic murals decorating the walls.    Read more