Tuesday, April 10, 2018, Muscat, Oman (1 of 2)
Capital of the nation of Oman, Muscat is rich in royal and Islamic treasures and enjoys a stunning setting between the Arabian Sea and the rocky Western Al Hajar Mountains. A rich and romantic canvas of low whitewashed buildings watched over by traditional dhow fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, the city is also a trove of royal and Islamic treasures. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was named for the beloved leader who has bolstered the country’s economy; it was opened in 2001, a dazzling expanse of white marble, intricate wooden panels, and magnificent stained glass windows. Remarkably, a 45,000 square-foot carpet, weighing twenty tons, and 46-foot tall chandelier are its centerpieces. Hints of the country’s past as a Portuguese outpost can be found in Old Muscat. This blog post begins with an introduction of Arabia, presented to us by one of the current eight guest lecturers on board the Viking Sun. By the way, we are on our eight...