Oman - You Were Stunning

The last day. Our flights were in the early/late evening (my parents would fly home, while I would head to the Philippines), which means we still had a few more hours in Muscat. We would make full use of those last hours.

One of the things my mom (and my dad and l) really wanted to see was a mosque. And Muscat has one of the most beautiful ones in the world - the Sultan-Qabus-Mosque. To beat the crowds, we headed there first thing in the morning and arrived just shortly after they had opened.

It is mandatory for women to cover their heads, so my mom was given a little hijab. Stepping through the entrance of the mosque (again, no entrance fee), an absolutely majestic sight appeared in front of us. The entire mosque is built from what looks like white marble, which was shining in the morning sun and created a really magical atmosphere.

I find it hard to describe the place, as behind literally every corner was a new photo opportunity, this incredible was the mosque. Intricate details, stunning little courtyards and open hallways made this mosque a must-visit and exciting to stroll through.

The highlight, however, was the massive prayer room and the opulent chandelier that was hanging from the ceiling. It is literally next level. The second-biggest chandelier in the world, it is made out of 600,000 (!) crystals/diamonds and weighs 9(!) tons. It is the centerpiece of the prayer hall that is decorated in lush blue colours complemented by a yellow-goldish tone.
That room I can only describe as divine and awe-inspiring. Something that must be seen to be believed.

We stayed in the room and the mosque in general probably longer than the average visitor, but I was so taken aback by its beauty that I couldn't stop being amazed.

After the mosque, we stopped in a little family restaurant and had the most beautifully presented meal of our entire trip. Very delicious as well, typical Omani (we were the only western people there) and in a nice ambiance.

I know I have said it countless times now, but the mosque (and the lunch) really was the perfect last sight that I could imagine to end our Oman adventures with. During this entire trip, I was amazed by the diversity of Oman's nature - I mean, after all, we went high up the mountains, walked through old forgotten towns, checked out a number of beautiful Wadis, experienced the magical desert for a night, made friends with playful dolphins in the ocean, watched the sun set behind a lighthouse, and explored the lively capital including its colourful market and majestic mosque.

On top of that, I have to say that the Omani people might be the friendliest on the planet - and not just the service personnel, no, but the ordinary people on the street. Sometimes they just started a conversation out of nowhere, showed interest in us, and said "Welcome To Oman - enjoy this country" countless times.

If you had told me before I started to plan that all of these things can be found in Oman, I am not sure l would have believed you. I am glad dad had the wish to come here and to explore the country and its culture. And I am even happier that I could share this adventure with my parents. It was something completely new for them (and for me in some respects).

All I can say to Oman is "thank you" for an amazing time here. I am sure in the future it will become a lot more popular, so I am grateful to have experienced it now, while it still is a bit of a hidden gem.Read more