A Beautiful Countryside

I am on the road again and gone are the early morning soothing sunrise colors replaced with brilliant bright blue and clear skies. The landscape of Oman is stunning as I continue by brief exploration of this so far impressive Gulf State.

Up steep and curving highways, I am encompassed by beautiful and fantastic mountains with rough and jagged surfaces. Their off brown colors contrasted against the clear blue skies gives off an amazing impression of beauty.

Descending down one hill I am drawn to pull off the highway. A natural harbor is off my left its life hidden by huge hills on both sides. The water here is so calm that its surface reflects attractively the surrounding landscape.

Continuing my journey I pass many animals along the highway which is a part of their natural habitat. They acknowledge my presence with curious stares then continue on life as usual.

At one point I am standing at an important archeological site where I can view rock formations that are 50-250 million years old. This part of the country was once a part of the ocean floor eons ago.

Through more small communities and along mountain highways that are fun to drive, I reach my turn around point. Before I head back to Muscat I walk along a sandy beach that seems to go on for miles as I look out at the Sea of Oman.

My return trip is just as amazing although I have traveled the same route just a few hours ago. I have just seen a small portion of Oman but my exploration has given me an appetite to come back for more to go around and around, again.


Video:http://youtu.be/A5boCGK4Jpk

A Taste Of Muscat

Heading back towards Muscat my car leaves the main highway and I quickly discover why. As my car comes to a stop somewhere on the outskirts of downtown Muscat I find myself in a predominately Indian populated area of town.

Although the name on the outside would more likely having you thinking about Oman, the products on the inside will have you feeling Indian. At Muscat Bakery I order up some samosas and desert samples to go and shell out only a few bucks for them.

The samosas are so good that before I hit the road I return for a second order. Miniature pastries make the “stress” of my afternoon stop and go traffic a little more bearable. I never imagined a walnut tart or fig filled mini-donut could be so soothing.

Navigating through the narrow streets of Old Muscat now lined with merchants, I make my way to a parking area where I watch a huge cargo ship leave the harbor. To my surprise, two cruise ships are in port. For a cruise this would definitely be a nice stop.

From here I drive to visit one of the cities most recognizable monuments. Unfortunately, The Incense Burner is closed today and it looks like it is in a state of repair or about to blast off into outer space.


Video:http://youtu.be/ewlX1wnifAc

Glad you enjoyed Oman as I did also. I was only in muscat and nizwa, both too briefly, and would love to return and spend more time in the country.

A Pink Moon Rising

I consider it a stroke of good fortune that during my short visit to Oman I get to experience two of nature's spectacular feats.

This morning I witnessed a beautiful sunrise near Old Muscat. Now with just a few hours before I leave, I am sitting on a beach watching the moon rise on a cloudless dark and clear night.

This turns out to be more than a normal occurrence. Not only is the moon full, it takes on an awesome and soothing shade of pink that I have never seen as it ascends into the night sky.

Soon I will take an identical path but it will be on aluminum wings. Thanks, Oman for allowing me to see and experience a part of your beauty.


Video:http://youtu.be/iKQA_txdy0g