Muscat, Oman is the most beautiful city. Its just incredible to see the huge mountains surrounding this city. It seemed a fairly small city as we sailed in to the port but once we had boarded the bus and headed out for the Grand Mosque it was not the case. I don't think even the brilliant photos can do this city justice. The buildings and scenery are breathtakingly beautiful. Driving to the Mosque took about 20 minutes, thankfully it was an air conditioned bus!. The rules to enter the Grand Mosque for women are very strict and we were all given details of how to dress and what to cover up. However it was still interesting to see quite a few people being turned away at the entrance for not doing the correct thing. The grounds of the Mosque are outstanding, the architecture is beautiful and the marble tiling is all air-conditioned underneath for the masses who come to visit and pray. Inside the Grand Mosque at the men's hall was this massive light with the most beautiful elaborate detail. We spent time at a private museum, quite interesting and then off to the Grand Palace. Stunning! Its just something I never thought I would see, we walked to the Sultan's palace gates. Everything is immaculate, highly polished marble on the ground. We had a short time at the markets, it was around 45 degrees. Muscat is a magical city.
