Cruise ships on the Arabian Sea near a great souk mean Zeb the Duck and Chanel the Bear are happy.

Cruise ships in Muscat

Near the cruise ship, we really like this traditional boat.

We love the traditional boats also.

We love to see traditional things mixed with the modern.   Now we know we really are on vacation in a new destination.   Here in Muscat, Oman we are shopping.   One of the best things about the souk is talking with the people here.   The items in this store caught the attention of our moms.

Let’s look

We really like the man here, also.   Oh no, our moms sure look different now.

Our moms?

The friendly gentleman showed them, and us, how to wear the head covering, or hat.   The shawls are a nice addition also, moms.   As we were about to enter the narrow alley of the souk, our moms saw post cards that they really needed.   Going further into the store, mom spotted this painting of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

Painting of Grand Mosque in Muscat

As you can guess, this painting is now in our home in Colorado.   This is a great souk.   These narrow walkways are lined with small shops and friendly, but not aggressive owners.

We explore the souk

Many offered myrrh and frankincense.   We were fascinated, but did not purchase any.   You may know that the Christian Bible teaches that the Magi brought myrrh, frankincense and gold to the baby Jesus.   Myrrh and frankincense come from tree resin and we saw much perfume and incense of myrrh and frankincense in the souk.   Oh dear.   Look at this gold.

So much beautiful gold

Our guide assured us that it is all read gold and most is 18 karat gold or higher.   Again, no purchases today.   There really is not enough time to see things and decide on major purchases today.   But looking is fun; the sales staff is friendly and informative.   I love this place!  It is time to leave the souk, get in the car and drive to our next destination.   Notice that the roads are very good and not a lot of traffic.

Driving through Muscat, Oman

Oman, or officially the Sultanate of Oman, really is a great tourist destination.   We do not see much information about visiting Oman in the United States.   Oman offers desert trips.  A favorite is Sharqiya Sands, or Wahiba Sands as it is locally known, a desert area inhabited by the bedouins.   With Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea coastlines, you may enjoy Ras al Hadd, a Turtle Reserve and beautiful beach.   Maybe you would prefer Khalif Beach with soaring sand dunes for a backdrop.   Of course many old and new buildings and lots of Middle East history here.   It would be so much fun to return to Oman for a week or two.   Mom?