Oh man for Oman . . . part 2!

After a full 1st day in Oman, we decided to pack in lots the 2nd day as well! We slept in for a little bit then hit the ground running! Since Saturday is a normal workday there (weekend is Friday and Saturday in UAE and Thursday and Friday for Oman) we were on our own the first part of the day while Salim worked. We went first to the grand mosque of Oman located in Muscat. It was really interesting going to another mosque to see the differences in the architecture and design. The grand mosques of UAE and Oman are very different. The mosque in Oman has more wood and ornate ceilings with lots more color than the grand mosque in Abu Dhabi. I also did not have to wear the full traditional garb but still had to wear a head scarf in Oman. The grounds are also a lot different too since the gardens are more green and complete in Oman.

Jeff, myself, and Rolando in the gardens of the grand mosque in Muscat.

The ceiling in the main prayer hall. The picture does not give justice to the detail and color!

After spending a couple of hours at the mosque we worked our way down to the marina/port in Muscat. The port is surrounded by mountains with forts on every peak. The main fort was also there since just over one mountain is home of the king or sultan of Oman. On one of the peaks is also the largest incense burner in the world. Unfortunately it was closed for maintenance so we were not able to climb on it. We walked around more around the area and climbed up to some of the fort outposts and the main fort. I am not completely sure we were allowed to do this but there were no signs or locked doors that prevented us to go up on them!! Many moments that day God showed his face . . . the beauty was unbelievable and it was so different than anything I had ever seen.

Largest Incense Burner in the world

Jeff and I in front of the principal fort at the port which we later climbed up on.

Checking out the beautiful view on top one of the fort outposts. The water was so blue . . . I could spend hours looking at the contrast of the smooth, blue water and the rough, tan dirt of the mountains.

Rolando checking out the floor of a fort which is on a cliff that is starting to recede into the water.

After a late lunch we hung out a little, resting and cooling off while until Salim arrived. While waiting for him Rolando and I (while Jeff took a little nap) had some VERY interesting conversations with a Pakistani and Omani that just stopped talking to us!! I wish I had a video camera to record all that was said . . . I can't even start explaining all the random things that were conversed!! Once Salim arrived with his wife we went to a museum about the city and Omani culture that was very interesting. After a couple hours at the museum we headed to the other side of the mountains to palace of Oman. The palace is where the sultan of Oman lives and many Omani's take a pilgrimage there to touch the gate that enters the palace.

Jeff and I showing off our height compared to Rolando outside one of the gates to the old city of Muscat where the palace is located.

 Outside the Sultan's Palace

The 2 women of the group, Salim's wife and I, outside the gates to enter the palace.

After a quick trip to the palace it was dark so we went to a place in the city to see fireworks that were going on for a week long festival of the Omani culture. At the fireworks we had to say goodbye to our great hosts and headed to the airport to get back in time to be in class in Sunday.

Thank the Lord for such an awesome experience in another interesting culture. It was a quick trip but I can not wait to go back someday and really get to dive into what Omani's and middle eastern culture is really like. And thank-you Salim for taking time away from work and your family to take a group of westerners around for a couple of days. It was fun seeing being around someone that truly loves their country and is excited to show a piece of it to us and let us in on the secret that is Oman. You were an unbelievable host and even better friend!!