January 17, 2011 Kay's Journal Muttrah Souk Tour

Breakfast of muesli, toast, freshly squeeze orange juice and cafe’/teas on the morning view from the rooftop...did I mentioned four flights of stairs before arriving on the deck....good morning exercise! Our appointment at the “Grand Mosque” was set for 9:30AM. Lovely Omani women as our guide. Spectacular mosaics, tiles, carpets. All perfect for photo shoots! The Women have their own section for prayer, separate of the men’s. Leslie and I wore scarves to cover our heads and we all removed our shoes on entering the Mosque. They have little shoe holders along the walls.


From here we went to the Al Bustan to workout at their gym. One of the best equipped gyms we’ve seen, showers, saunas and or a lovely beach/pool for the body’s recuperation! Staff is very personable, helpful and always has bottled water ready when you walk in. Enjoyed sitting by the pool and wadding in the pool. Lovely surroundings, a number of German tourists come here every winter for their vitamin D.



Ralph with halwah spoon

Tonight we met Abdul Rauf Wood (Ralph), a British man who is now an Omani citizen. He was hired on years ago by the Sultan to Captain his own personal ship. He is now retired, enjoying life and has converted to the Muslim religion. Ralph was our guide this evening through the “Muttrah Souk” - one particular alley is called Souk al Gallam- “Market of Shades”. Opens Sat. thru Thurs. 9-1PM & 4:30-11PM and on Friday which is our Sunday, 4:30 to 11PM. Prayer times in between. An insurmountable array of shops selling everything an Omani could want. For the women beautifully designed abbeya’s, handsomely tailored disdasha’s for the men. Gold everywhere, frankincense, spices, household goods all abundant. Ralph walked us through the olf areas of living quarters, up to the top for a view of the city. Over to the new city “tower gate” for an evening view of the city lights, discovered an amphi theatre there which appears to be undiscovered by the locals as well as the ex-pats. Leslie hopes to attain permission to use this for one of her AWG performances with an Opera Singer she is acquainted with. Home for a quiet dinner..



Kay admiring the abbayahs