Arabian Daze - 14

A tour of Muscat, Oman continues....

In the morning, we visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (for pictures, see HERE, HERE and HERE). For the remainder of the morning, we would focus on the port area of Muscat. The tour would take us to see the old city, the souq (market) and finish with some views of the bay.


Our guide took us to a local fish market, which I was very excited to see. I love fish! ^_^ What cat doesn't??

squid, tuna, mackerel 

Some foreign visitors were probably shocked at the market being outdoors, in 30+ C heat; I however, wasn't fazed. What amazed me most were that most fish were similar to those sold in Japan. I wondered if Oman exports to my home country?? Japanese could easily live in Oman, just based on the availability of fish alone.

One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish: 

After winding our way through the stalls at the fish market, it was time to poke around the souq in Muscat. A souq is a local market, filled with vendors of all kinds. Despite the guide book's praises, I was rather disappointed with this market. Many items looked cheap and were not made in Oman (most came from Pakistan or India); regardless, I took lots of photos and shopped with my eyes only.

stained glass skylight / Omani chests: 

arabian dresses / more skylights

We did manage to find a spice shop. Spices are plentiful in the Middle Eastern countries and make great souvenirs. I didn't buy, but I did enjoy the aromas and variety of the many spices on sale. 

spice buckets / souq pathway:

common souvenir shop in the souq

We headed back to the guide's car to be driven to a hilltop from which, we viewed old Muscat town. Our car finally moved its way to the Sultan's Palace. The grounds were impressive....

Old Muscat / Palace gate

Square and grounds

Before wrapping up the tour, our guide offered to stop for our final photos. At a park, overlooking the bay, we could see our cruise ship, the Costa Fortuna and reflect on our time spent in the port city of Muscat. While the ship pulled out of port, I snapped one last photo to say sayonara to Muscat.

Costa Fortuna, docked in Muscat, Oman

Cutenekko at the palace / Muscat bay, viewed from the ship:

~ Information ~ 

All of the above sights can be seen in a half-day city tour of Muscat called: Muscat City - A Fascinating Capital. Available on Viator. Tour price and details HERE.

Interested in cruising through the Middle East? Here are some ships departing in 2015: CLICK. 

This stop in Muscat was part of an 8-day cruise, roundtrip from Dubai, on the Costa Fortuna. Price per person for an inside cabin was $515 USD (food/ entertainment / taxes included). Information about this tour, which was taken in late February, 2014, is HERE. 

Arabian Daze - 13

We continue to explore the grounds of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat,Oman. 

More of this mosque can be found in previous posts here: 

Arabian Daze     11   &   12 

Our guide took my friend and I outside, to get a sense of the immense grounds. We were able to see more of the structure of the mosque, as well as enjoy some unique mosaic arches. 

I hope you'll enjoy the photos. ^_^ 

Outside arches / lanterns / mosaic arch :

This Grand Mosque began construction in 1995, after a design competition was held to create a place of worship in Oman. It took over 6 years to finish. The result is a mosque which consists of: 4 minarets, measuring 45.5 meters tall, a central dome which rises 50 meters off the ground, a central minaret, which stands 90 meters tall, and a main hall, square in shape, that can hold 4,500 worshippers (male only).

Outside minarets & dome: 

The mosaics along one long, outside corridor are a must for art fans. Every fourth mosaic had a different design, which reflected a certain region in Oman. They were quite beautiful!

Various mosaic arches: 

Our guide also pointed out this: the place where worshippers wash their feet before entering the mosque. I loved the natural wood and marble finish. It reminded me of the washing places in Japanese temples....

mosaics / window screen / washing area: 

I wish I could explain the various mosaic arches more. They were highly detailed:

Did you enjoy visiting the Grand Mosque? Oman impressed me so much. I hope you will visit there someday. 

~ Information ~ 

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open for visitors everyday, except Fridays, when the time is limited from 8am ~ 11am. 

Appropriate mosque attire is required. 

The official website of this mosque is HERE. By taxi, from the port of Muscat, it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the mosque. 

This was the first stop on a half-day tour of Muscat. You can find the tour HERE. (via Viator) 

Arabian Daze - 12

Let's return to the Middle East, to the city of Muscat in Oman. We'll continue to highlight the inside of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. 

As promised in blog post 11 of this series (LINK), we would pass through the heavy doors into the inner sanctuary of the men's prayer room. This would be the highlight of the tour, as the inside boosted the world's second largest hand-woven carpet and a huge chandelier. Let's take a look inside...

Chandelier and ornate ceiling: 

This chandelier was produced in Germany, by the Faustig company. It contains Swarovski crystals and is 14 meters in height.

Main prayer hall & mosaics:  

The carpet in this hall is quite something. Visitors are not allowed to walk on it; instead, there is a blue pathway which takes guests down the center of the carpet and around the edges. The carpet is completely hand-woven and is the second largest in the world. There are over 1.7 billion knots and it weighs over 21 tonnes!! The carpet was produced in Iran.

The full, center chandelier / cutenekko in the prayer hall

 a stained glass window 

The guide explained the origin of materials used in the mosque. All were of the finest quality: marble from Italy, crystals from Swarovski, carpets from Iran, stained glass from Venice. Really, it was pure opulence.

Inside cloister hall 

Stained glass & mosaics

View of three chandeliers:

This mosque is a must see in Oman. Please check back tomorrow. I will showcase more of the outside architecture of this grand structure and display many beautiful mosaics. I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon. ^_^

~ Information ~ 

The wiki site for this mosque is HERE. 

The official website and virtual tour of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is HERE. 
Trip Advisor awarded this mosque as a top attraction in 2013. It must not be missed. Read other reviews HERE. 

The mosque is open everyday for visitors except on Friday, when it is open only between 8am ~ 11am. Proper dress is required. (long skirts/ pants with headscarves for ladies; men, please wear longer shorts and shirts)

Cherry Blossom Festival Iiyama

We'll take a break from the Middle East for a while and return to my current home of Japan. 

Between late March to early April, news reports are filled with stories, not of the violent or world issues kind, but of blossoms. More specifically, cherry blossoms. Reporters will give estimates on the dates in which cherry blossoms all over the country will be in bloom. It's an annual, eagerly-awaited ritual in Japan to enjoy cherry blossoms outside, as the blossoms only last a week or so.

On April 5th, I headed out to a small town festival, in central Kanagawa, celebrating the arrival of these beautiful, pink blossoms. Please enjoy the photos:

(top left) River & lone tree, in full bloom:

(bottom and far right) Deer antlers and a deer skull, for sale by local merchants:

The local festival was held on Iiyama ("Rice Mountain"). It's a small, but well known spot in Kanagawa to view cherry blossoms at their peak. We had to hike up the mountain, following a small river, to see the trees. The hike took about 15 ~ 20 minutes.

(far left) waterfall & blossoms:

(top, right) sunlight through the blooms: 

(bottom, right) festival lanterns: 

I had been to Iiyama before, as it's quite famous for trail running. There are five, well marked courses, all free to use. An information house is located at the base of the mountain, providing maps and advice for runners. I plan to come back and blog about the trails another time.

(far left) cutenekko, under the trees: 

(top right) view of the cherry trees from the peak: 

(bottom right) more lanterns line our route up: 

A note about the use of lanterns in Japanese festivals: 
They are used to advertise the festival (names appear in kanji on one side) as well as thank sponsors (these names appear on another side). The lanterns are also used at night, to add to the atmosphere of the festival. So, if you are walking around Japan and come across paper lanterns hanging from tree to tree, you'll know you've come across a festival! ^_^

(top left) Vendors selling snacks, a common sight at festivals:

(top right) Stage

(bottom) Looking down from the temple to the festival sight / temple at the top of Iiyama: 

From the top of the mountain, I enjoyed the sounds of Japanese taiko (drum). I'm not sure why the members are all wearing fox masks though.....

My friend and I enjoyed a picnic lunch on the park grounds. Many other groups were here, enjoying the blossoms and festival atmosphere. During cherry blossom season, it's common to see public parks filled with people spread out on blue plastic sheets, enjoying a picnic lunch or evening meal outside. Drinking alcohol outside is permitted. Common picnic foods include:
sushi, yakisoba (fried noodles), karaage (fried chicken), or bento (boxed lunches, purchased from a food shop)

Sunlight peeks through the cherry blossoms: 

Sakura viewing is perhaps, the most anticipated event in Japan. The normally very stoic Japanese transform into light-hearted, jovial creatures during this time; everyone enjoys this season.

Early April is typically the best season to see sakura in full bloom. Be warned: famous areas such as Kyoto, are packed with people, so make hotel reservations well in advance. I recommend venturing out the smaller, local town festivals, such as this one at Iiyama.

~ Information ~ 

Iiyama Sakura Festival is held outside of Atsugi, in central Kanagawa. Dates vary depending on the cherry blossoms, but usually, the first or second week in April. This festival was the 50th anniversary!
Festival website is here. 

Access from Shinjuku: 
Take Odakyu train to Hon Atsugi. Travel time: 1 hour. Change to Kanachu bus going toward Iiyama. Get off at "Iiyama OO Mae" Bus time: 20 minutes. Walk up the road to the top of the mountain (15 minutes). 
Access information site is HERE. 

Arabian Daze - 11

A series about travels in the U.A.E and Oman, continues. 

As mentioned in the last post, our floating hotel, the Costa Fortuna, remained at the port of Muscat for a second day. We were due to depart at 14.00 local time, so my friend and I had time for a half day sightseeing tour of the city.

We began our morning at the number one attraction in Muscat, the Grand Mosque. Officially called Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, it's best to visit in the early morning, before the hoards of tour buses descend and ruin the quiet surroundings. By taxi from the port, it takes about 20 minutes to reach this mosque.

Outer gardens:

My friend and I, in our mosque-approved clothing for the visit:

Mosque wear for women: long pants or skirts which cover the ankles,
long sleeve shirts & a head scarf.
For men: bermuda shorts and T-shirts are okay. Long pants and shirts are better.

The Women's prayer room -- a hugely ornate door welcomes visitors: 

Inside the women's prayer area: 

Work began in 1995, and the entire mosque complex was completed in 2001. The men's prayer room can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. The architectural highlights are the stone mosaics, the hand woven carpet, which is the second largest in the world, and huge chandeliers embedded with crystals.

Outside mosque views: 
center dome/ cutenekko outside

 Cloister halls/ spire 

Former V.P of the U.S, Dick Cheney, visited this exact spot (the cloister halls) at the Grand Mosque. See his photo HERE. (via The White House)

Images of halls & doorways at the mosque:

Mosaic details / detailed close up of a wooden door:

To enter the men's prayer room, we must go through these huge wooden doors:

Please come back to pass through the doors into the men's prayer room of the Grand Mosque. I'll post photos of the opulence inside, soon.

~ Information ~ 

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open to visitors. Be sure to visit early in the morning (around 8 am) to avoid the crowds. Shoes must be taken off before entering the main areas. 
Appropriate dress for both men and women is in effect. Read HERE for information about dress and behavior at a mosque. 
The main website and virtual tour of the mosque is HERE. 
Trip advisor reviews are HERE. 

This stop was part of a half-day tour called "Muscat City: A Fascinating Capital". Cost $35 USD/person. Available on Viator.com 

Arabian Daze - 10

This post finds us still in the city of Nizwa, Oman. Today we'll look at the highlight and personal favorite from the "Enchanting Forts of Nizwa" full day tour -- Jabreen Castle.

Built in 1670, the layout consists of five floors with fifty-five rooms and two large towers. This castle is about 20 kilometers from Bahla, in Oman. You can read more about this palace HERE. I tried to take photos which showcased the beauty of this castle. Please enjoy the collages. ^_^

cutenekko at Jabreen Castle gate /  inside area, clay pots:

Bottom two photos: cannons and windows.

Two tourists resting / a famous Omani chest:
(I really wanted to buy one of those chests!! They are truly exquisite!!) 

We were given headphones at the start of the castle tour, thus freeing us from our guide. The headsets worked like magic, as you entered a room, the recording would start. It was completely hands-free and very nifty technology!

Inside, a library / lantern and traveler graffiti: 

cutenekko at the top of tower #1 / close up of book holders in the library

The grand courtyard / inner alcove with ornate ceiling:

Connecting walk / Flag of Oman in the clouds: 

This castle was my favorite stop of the tour. It was as if one were wondering through an Arabian Taj Mahal. Should you visit Oman, I highly recommend visiting Jabreen Castle.

cutenekko in a doorway / sunset view of Jabreen castle: 

View down from highest tower in castle / surrounding fields (date trees) 

I asked the guide to stop specifically for the photo below, left. It was so unique!

a "beware of camels crossing" sign / an elegant staircase inside Jabreen Castle: 

Our tour of Nizwa has concluded itself.  The forts, world heritage sites as well as other historical sites, were impressive. I returned to the cruise ship in time for dinner and we remained docked for another night in Muscat, Oman.

Photo stop before boarding the ship 

I'll post more photos from the port city of Muscat soon. ^_^

~ Information ~ 

Jabreen castle information is HERE. (via Oman Tripper)
Entrance fee: 500 Biazals / adult. 
Headsets available for a self-guided audio tour. Multiple languages available.  (Ours were included in the tour, extra fees may apply if you are traveling independently) 
Hours of operation: 09.00 ~ 16.00 Saturday to Thursday, Fridays: 08.00 ~ 11.00 

This castle visit was part of a full-day, 9 hour tour called "Enchanting forts of Nizwa". I booked on Viator. See the tour HERE. The local tour company running this tour is Orient Tour. Their website is HERE (highly recommended!)

Travel time from the port city of Muscat to Nizwa and surrounding areas: approx. 2.5 hours via car. 

Arabian Daze - 9

Did you enjoy yesterday's post which showcased the great Nizwa Fort in Oman? Let's continue the full day tour of Nizwa then! Today's post will feature two world heritage sites, yet another fort and an ancient hill tribe village. Please enjoy the photos. ^_^

This was not part of the tour, but I requested the guide to stop. The main reason being I had read about these unique and very old waterways in Oman, which had become listed as a world heritage site. Built over 2,000 years ago, I was impressed that it was still being used today as a way of delivering water to various regions in Oman. It was called Falaj Daris. 

Sign: 

 Water canal: 

Another canal: 

Building & garden near the canals: 

We saw some Omanis enjoying picnic lunches in the park behind this building.
I was told not to take photos of families by the guide, so sorry! 

Next, our driver stopped for a brief visit to an abandoned village. This was the remnants of an ancient tribe, who used the landscape around them for their living.

Houses: 

Part of the stone wall was used for houses: 

 You can see doorways and windows, carved into the rocks: 

My friend and I were fascinated with Arabic letters, 

so I snapped a photo of a license plate in Oman: 

We enjoyed a quick stop at yet another world heritage site. This was Bahla Fort. You can read more on this fort HERE. 

I see two smiley faces and one surprised "Oh!" face.
Can you spot them? ^_^

I thought this fort was quite cute...Look! The guard tower looked so happy to be there!

Cutenekko in front of Bahla Fort: 

There is still much to show you from Nizwa, in Oman. I hope you'll visit again to see. ^_^

~ Information ~ 

This trip was part of a full day tour called "Enchanting Forts of Nizwa". It takes 9 hours to complete the tour. Cost and information is HERE. (on Viator. com)

Interested in traveling to Oman? A great tourism site is HERE. 

Arabian Daze - 8

It's time to return to the Arab states, and enjoy more stories and photos from a tour through the U.A.E and Oman. The previous installments of this travel series are here:

One           Two            Three           Four          Five           Six               Seven

My friend and I had just finished a visit to a souq (market) in Nizwa, Oman. Our guide next took us to the most famous fort in the country -- Nizwa Fort. Guidebooks rank this is a "must see" in Oman. Built in 1650, it took approximately 12 years to complete. The highlight is the drum like tower, which measures 30 meters high and 36 meters across. Read more on the fort HERE. 

Please enjoy my photos from this massive complex.

Main entrance gate: 

Doorway with lantern:

Inside, a solitary lantern:

Outside, at the main drum-like tower:

A cannon overlooks the city:

View of Nizwa:

View from the top of the tower:

Spire:

Panorama view of Nizwa Fort, as seen from the drum tower, outside:

Unique window/ door handle and keyhole: 

                   

Lantern and inner walls: 

 

After the fort, it was getting quite hot and time for lunch. Food was not included in the tour, so we were free to choose our own place. We asked our guide to take us to a local restaurant. Here's the inside:

I ordered chicken, which came with much more food than I imagined! Below, my salad:

...saffron rice...

... and the chicken, which was tandoori style with fresh lime:

The food was excellent and far too much for one person. If you visit Nizwa Fort, just walk outside and cross the street, you'll find this stop tucked behind some souvenir shops. Good food, simple atmosphere. What more do you need? ^_^

A restaurant called: Restaurant. Brilliant!

There were several more stops on our 9-hour tour through Nizwa. I hope you'll come back for more. 

~ Information ~ 

Nizwa Fort information is HERE. Entrance fee: 1 Rial. Fort is open 9am ~ 4pm Saturday to Thursdays. Fridays, from 9am ~ 11am. 

General travel information about Oman is HERE. 

This Fort was part of the "Enchanting Forts of Nizwa" tour, available on Viator. Click HERE for details. The tour is run by a local agency called Orient Tours. Their website is HERE.