Museums, gardens and sunsets

Outside the museum

We did visit one museum in Old Muscat, one that was at one time a private home. We were not allowed to take pictures inside, but we saw lots of traditional daggers and sabers and old rifles  - all a reminder of how often this city was the site of armed conflict so that the winner could control the port. There were also lots pieces of jewelry - very heavy and ornately decorated silver worn by the women around their ankles and necks. Coral was a popular stone and it was believed that the red color kept evil spirits away. There were also examples of traditional clothing - different styles popular in different regions of Oman, but the styles were very colorful rather than the black that the women wear today. There were also household items - beautiful dishes and silver serving pieces.

We also visited one of the gardens in Muscat. This style of cupola adorned the corners of the garden walls.

We went to the garden partly because it was described as a good place to see birds. Oman is situated in the migratory path of many bird species  and was listed as a bird watcher's destination.  We saw this type of bird often, but have not identified him yet. 

At the garden, which is situated right in the city, we saw some interesting species, some familiar like the Great Blue Heron, but one blue bird that we saw we never have seen before, but I was not able to get a picture of one either.

The garden had some pretty areas, but unfortunately, there were many signs of neglect, especially around the pond. 

Trash - especially the discarded water bottle - is everywhere to be seen. The Middle East locations that we have visited need a "Don't be a litterbug campaign"- which was part of the Keep America Beautiful organization's effort to educate Americans to prevent litter along America's highways - it actually started in the late 40's. Visiting in the Middle East, where most people drink bottled water and where there are no recycling or anti-litter campaigns that we are aware of, makes us realize how successful the anti-litter campaigns have been in the US. The most disagreeable part of living here for me is that there is no recycling, so putting glass, and plastic in the trash along with fruit peels is very disconcerting. 

We enjoyed our visit in Muscat and were especially impressed by the enthusiasm for their country expressed by the Omani men we met. One cab driver was insistent that we come again and get out of the city to see some of the other beautiful spots in the country. Many people come here to dive and see the coral reefs off the coast.

We saw some beautiful sunsets from our hotel balcony.