After hitchhiking the 1000km across the desert from Dubai to Muscat I checked into my hostel, took one glance out my window and my heart knew I reached a truly Arabian land. My room overlooked the harbor of Matrah where an old fish market hustled below full of locals pulling in wheelbarrows of fresh catch to sell. Surrounding the harbor was a rim of desert cliffs dotted with old fort outposts looming overhead. The quaint waterfront was dotted with mosques and quaint cafes; while floating in the center of the harbor was the Sultans private cruise ship.
The next day I headed out early on a walk along the coast. Tropical fish could be seen scurrying about through the turquoise waters with desert cliffs lining the entire coast with fortresses perched atop. After passing through the famed Gate of Muscat I entered a most beautiful country capital. It's miniscule nature was filled with picturesque views of the coast, vibrant mosques, flowers in bloom, and Arabic style government centers. On the two hills overlooking the Sultans lavish blue and golden palace (41 year reign), were towering stone forts. The area was breathtaking from every perspective.
Feeling a much more Arabic culture I returned to Matrah and entered its famed Souq Muttrah bazaar. It was at this point I felt I was truly in Arabia. The bazaar had seemingly endless alleys of shops full of mysterious veiled women moving to and fro with merchants selling everything from genie lamps to hookahs, silks to frankincense, and perfumes to jewelry. The aromas, sights, and sounds of the market tantalized the senses.
Of course no birthday can be complete without a trip to a secluded beach with new friends! We headed via car along the coast to a secret beach. We arrived to a place where only a dozen others were on a long stretch of pristine beach. The turquoise waters and white sands were completely surrounded by cliffs and ruins. I was treated to a birthday boat tour along the coast, needling the eye of the cliff wall. It was the perfect way to spend my birthday.
On the last day I couldn't claim a trip to Muscat without visiting one of the world's largest mosques; the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. The expanse of land was full of lavish gardens and ponds with gorgeous minarets towering from all corners. The central prayer room was filled with the most dazzling chandeliers I have ever seen, shimmering on the ceilings. It's peaceful atmosphere, royal nature, and solace instilled a feeling of pure satisfaction of my first and certainly not last trip to Oman.
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