Muscat: Muttrah Souq

 Muttrah Souq is a bustling area of Muscat, seemingly dominated by jewelry shops, but with plenty of spice, fabric and handicraft stalls. My enduring memory, apart from the mountains, is the smell of frankincense everywhere. If they are not burning it, they are chopping it up in order to burn it. It is harvested from the wild Boswellia sacra trees in the Dhofar region of Oman by making incisions in the tree bark and then letting the sap that flows harden.

I took a keen interest in it, as it is believed to have medicinal benefits, especially for arthritis pain, which I have in my hands. I bought some at the souq, but I am not entirely sure whether what I bought is edible or only suitable for incense. I suppose even if it is toxic, it would put me out of pain but I am inclined not to try having used up one of my lives already on the trip.

Muscat: Sunset Viewpoint

The city scape, and indeed architecture, throughout Oman is interesting. Whereas many of its neighbouring countries have embraced skyscrapers and modern finishes, Oman has determined to retain its traditional architectural asthetic. Hence you will find low rise buildings finished in white, ivory or beige. The sunset viewpoint we went to shows this clearly, and also the general terrain with the city nestling in the foothills of the mountains.