AT SEA (day 99) MUSCAT. CAPITAL OF OMAN continued from yesterday
MUSCAT is a tax free, ARAB CITY with genuine culture and tradition, that has been modernized over the last 4 decades. Nevertheless, it truly retains it's medieval airs and long-established charm.
The city of MUSCAT is a 70 kl. strip of land, that is 35 Kl. wide, surrounded by oceans and mountains. 4/5 of the country behind the mountains is bare desert. Dating back to ancient times, it has always been a strategic seaport. Shipping laid the base for the country to become wealthy. MUSCAT has a rich resource of copper and shipping is still important. Oil was discovered in the 1970's, however, the Omanis know that the income from oil is limited and they are working hard at developing alternatives i.e. selling solar power, selling garbage for power. Tourism is growing & has become very important to the economy.
In the 1950's MUSCAT had less than 8 miles of paved roads, MUSCAT was sealed from the outside world. In 1970 the son of SAID BIN TALMUD, QUABOOS BIN SAID AL SAID OF OMAN rose to power overthrowing his father in a bloodless palace coup. It was apparent to all that his father took the country backward in that people were not allowed to watch T.V, listen to the radio, or even wear sunglasses. SAID BIN TAIMUD was exiled, exile was not so bad, however. QUABOOS sent his father to live in a hotel in LONDON for the rest of his life...
QUABOOS BIN SAID is a poplar leader, loved by his people. He is charismatic and regarded as a national hero. He brought the country out of the dark ages, he developed a modern infrastructure and the country continues to prosper, even though it is not a democracy.
OMAN is a relatively liberal GULF STATE. It is a Moderate (Sunni) Islamic Country, tolerant of other groups. It is the safest country in all of the ARAB world. The population of OMAN is 4.2 million people, 1/2 are OMANIS and the other1/2 are EX PATS. The government provides free health care and schooling in addition to other programs to their indigenous people, not to the EX PATS. EX PATS sign a contract with the government so they know what to expect in services, as well as the fact that they cannot own a home, they can only rent.
Frankincense trees grow in SALALAH, OMAN, and the aromatics trade flows through MUSCAT.
People get fined for dirty cars and littering. Rules and regulations are strictly enforced. A ticket for jumping a red light costs $300.00 and speaking on a cell phone while driving costs $1500.00 plus anywhere from 2 -24 months in prison. Buildings need to be built to code no higher than 12 stories for high-rises and from 2 -3 stories for private homes.
THE OLD CITY INDIAN MOGUL STYLE
The mountains added to the aesthetics of the city in that they framed the roads and buildings and made all of MUSCAT very picturesque.
The OPERA HOUSE was built in contemporary OMANI style is a state of the art facility.
QUABOOS BIN SAID AL SAID OF OMAN
HE IS THE LONGEST SERVING LEADER IN THE MIDDLE EAST
HE IS THE LONGEST SERVING LEADER IN THE MIDDLE EAST
QUABOOS BIN SAID is a poplar leader, loved by his people. He is charismatic and regarded as a national hero. He brought the country out of the dark ages, he developed a modern infrastructure and the country continues to prosper, even though it is not a democracy.
OMAN is a relatively liberal GULF STATE. It is a Moderate (Sunni) Islamic Country, tolerant of other groups. It is the safest country in all of the ARAB world. The population of OMAN is 4.2 million people, 1/2 are OMANIS and the other1/2 are EX PATS. The government provides free health care and schooling in addition to other programs to their indigenous people, not to the EX PATS. EX PATS sign a contract with the government so they know what to expect in services, as well as the fact that they cannot own a home, they can only rent.
WELCOME TO MUSCAT A STATUE OF A FRANKINSENCE INCENSE BURNER GREETS SHIPS AS THEY ENTER THE HARBOR
AL SAID'S YHAGHT GREETS YOU IN THE HARBOR
THE SHIP IS ONE OF SEVEN
OMAN IS A SCRUPULOUSLY CLEAN COUNTRY
TRAFFIC IS ORDERLY
THE OLD CITY INDIAN MOGUL STYLE
The mountains added to the aesthetics of the city in that they framed the roads and buildings and made all of MUSCAT very picturesque.
THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE BUILT FOR THE PEOPLE BY THE SAID WITH HIS OWN MONEY
THE MARBLE IN THE COURTYARD IS ALL OMANI MARBLE
THE MARBLE STAYS COOL IN EXTREMELY HOT SUNLIGHT
SMALL PORTION OF THE OPRA HOUSE ENTRANCE FOYER
LOCAL OMANI MAN TAKING PICTURES OF THE MUSICIANS
TRIO THAT PLAYED LOCAL MUSIC FOR US
SHIPS CREW ENJOYING SNACKS & NON ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES THAT WERE BEING SERVED AT THE OPERA HOUSE
THE GRAND MOSQUE ALSO BUILT BY THE SULTAN FOR THE PEOPLE
THIS MOSQUE HAS 5 MINARETS FOR THE 5 PILLARS OF ISLAM
MUTTRAH SOUQ (MARKET)
OMANI RESTRURANT
Water Pipes available for guests
ONE OF THE 2 REMAINING PORTUGUESE FORTS BUILT IN THE 17TH CENTURY THAT ARE ON EITHER SIDE OF THE SAID'S PALACE
The forts were originally built to protect the city.
GATE IN FRONT OF THE SAID'S PALACE
FRONT ENTRANCE TO THE PALACE
The blue represents water & the yellow represents the sun.
The SAID only uses this palace when he entertains foreign dignitaries. When he is in, the flag is raised. He is not there now. He is being treated for Cancer in Germany. Apparently, hopefully, he is doing well. In the last 40 years under QUABOOS BIN AL SAID'S rule, OMAN has become the most improved nation in terms of development in the world. The Sultan has been instrumental in quietly mediating many agreements between foreign countries ex. the recent discussions between the US and IRAN.
OMAN is boarded by THE UAE, SAUDI ARABIA,YEMEN, & on the coast by IRAN & PAKISTAN. The boarder with YEMEN is strictly enforced.
Since, as in many other places in the world, it is obvious that there are some people who are thinking about a system that might offer an adjustment for the distribution of wealth and with the SULTAN being ill, and not leaving an heir to his throne, except for a letter to be opened when he dies naming his choices, people are worried about the future political direction on OMAN.
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