First step to Oman

One thing I have never thought of doing back there in university, or even after graduation from my electrical engineering study...was actually observing rocks and learning the history of those rocks layers. And yet, just a few days ago, I spent a week studying how these rocks in Oman could exist the way they are as seen these days, or in short I could say....studying geology. Yes...I've been cut off from any internet connection (not complaining..just stating the fact why I haven't post any new writings since my last post) for a whole full week to have a geology trip to Oman mountains and carbonate factory a.k.a coral reefs.

Oman Outcrop..heaven for geologists :)

Sultanate of Oman...one of the most beautiful monarch country in Middle East, with its pure architectural design preserved in the middle of the bustling modern city life. After spending few weeks staring at the modern buildings in Abu Dhabi full of glasses, steel and concrete, such unique design of Omani houses and buildings were very refreshing. Their design are so down to earth. As Oman's capital city, Muscat rarely has high rise buliding. In fact you will find some hotel buildings with not more than 10 levels, and that's about it. They're not very keen on building a sky scrapper like most of the capital city in the world who compete on having the tallest tower or building in the world. But that's what I really like in Muscat. It has its own identity, with their own cultural background and pride. Omani people also has this reputation of being friendly with foreigners that has driven tourists from all around the world to enjoy the warm wheather and beautiful landscapes in this country.

Portuguese fortress behind Sultan's palace - old Muscat

Opposite to its neighbour, Yaman, the Jewel of Arabia, which also has beautiful scenery...maybe better than Oman, but due to the security issues that make most of the foreigners feel unsafe, it becomes the least tourist destination. Hmm...nevertheless...I would love to go there someday.

First step to Oman, fiuuhhh...it was hot!! Muscat, with a latitude not too far below UAE, at least 10 degC temperature difference was felt, warmer for sure, but I didn't expect it will be this much.

First sight of Oman buildings...they are really something, unique in its own way, just plain attractive, with its window design and wooden two leafs main entrance door. Favourite colours....white and beige, but mostly white, perfect for hot area. And like the rest of other countries in Middle East...green garden with beautiful colourful flowers, like the ones in Sultan's palace of old Muscat.

Me and my two Russian friends

First glance to Oman beaches, clean sandy Al Qurum public beach. But wait a sec...were those foreign girls with bikinis swimming in the sea ?? It turned out Oman is quite liberal for these kind of thing with a certain limits ofcourse. No nudist beach..hehehe...sorry guys...

Al Qurum beach

First walk in Oman, hahh..hahh...it really does have hills and terrains...hahh..hahh...where does this uphill road ends anyway ???

First sight seeing in the city, well, they definitely have lots of spaces since most of the buildings were built more laterally, less vertically. Lots of lone buildings sparcely apart from others. Lots of houses built in between the mountain terrains. Definitely not a flat area, this Muscat. There will be lots and lots of flat area down south though, but I will write it in other post. One of the old area in Muscat city is Mattrah town, a port town near to the old Muscat with a local souk (market).

Mattrah town nuance

First overall impression....very exciting and a promising one week I would have in Oman.

ps..it's definitely not a kurma tree guys...it's a regular palm tree..uh uh..not the same coconut tree as we can find in tropical area beaches. Definitely different type.

Any idea what kind of palm tree this is??