Muscat #1

I’m glad I managed to swap an 18-hour layover in Brussels for a triple sector to Oman with a layover in Muscat (Abu Dhabi -> Muscat -> Abu Dhabi -> Muscat). At least I will have a chance to know better another Middle East country. In my country Oman is becoming more and more popular vacation destination and I want to know why…

 

 

Shisha with the sea view

All three sectors pass very fast (the flight itself takes about 50 minutes) and for the second time this day we are landing in the capital city of Oman. But this time we leave the airport gates and head to hotel for overnight stay. The city is slowly falling in the evening. A shower, clean dress, and in less than an hour, we meet with the captain and the first officer in the hotel lobby. The captain takes us to the city for a dinner. We choose the terrace of the beautiful Shakespeare Restaurant in the Waves Mall in Marina. After a delicious dinner, we enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the city, the salty air and the aromatic shisha. So far I have not seen much, but I like Oman already…

Wandering around

The next day I get up early to explore the city. Since we are staying at the airport, far away from the city gates, I seek for advice at the reception desk what my options are. Very nice receptionist advises me to rent a taxi for three or four hours. It’s not expensive and the taxi driver will take you around all main sights. I am in! Either I’m just lucky with a very kind driver, or all people in Oman are very willing and hospitable. First of all, we stop at the beautiful Great Mosque of Sultan Qaboosa. From there we continue to the shiny building of the Royal Opera. If it’s not showing any show, the willing staff will take you to backstage. Expensive wood, polished marble, crystal chandeliers. I am amazed how much Oman rulers have been able to invest in art to override ancient buildings in Europe. Next stop is the beautiful Qurum beach, from where we continue to Muttrah Corniche. From the windows of the car, I watch the sharp sandstone rocks, the hidden white houses, eagles in the wind, how the wild waves of the turquoise sea hit the rocky coast. I feel like in Oriental stories of 1000 and 1 nights. And it becomes even more excited when I visit the old oriental bazaar – Muttrah Souq – with colorful lamps, silk and cashmere scarves, mosaics and heavy jewelry. Just like the Aladin and Magic Lamp! On our way back we still have a bit of time to visit Sultan’s palaces and from there we go back to the hotel and the airport. Three magic hours passed…