Oman Part 2 (Photos)

Oman Part 1 (A Thousand Words) starts with my trip by bicycle from Muscat's Mutrah Harbor. My trek continued through several mountain passes to the isolated Al Jassah Beach.

(Oh-oh, just found on publishing this page that the photos stretch across into the frame at right. Instead of spending a lot of time trying to re-format the photos I'll just ramble on a bit, unitl I get past the stuff in the right column.

I have more to write about my trip to Oman. These photos and the previous section cover only the first half of my bicycle trek. I won't delve into that here however because it's a long story best told in a single sitting.

So, I'll just give a little background. This trip was 3 years ago, in late November 2001. It was my second trip to Oman, the first in the heat of mid-summer the same year. Despite the heat I was charmed by Oman during that first visit. I spent my short 3 days mostly at the Mutrah Harbour, pictured below. I was determined to come back.

When I returned in November I brought my bicycle with me. I live in Abu Dhabi which is about 500 km away. There is a daily bus from Abu Dhabi to Muscat. I stowed my cycle at the bottom of the bus. When I reached Muscat some 8 hours later I re-attached the wheels and seat, strapped my backpack on and rode down to the Mutrah Harbour. There I had a hotel room reserved. Again I spent only 3 days there, but it was much different from my first trip due to having my cycle. It was a wonderful 3 days, which the present story describes but a part of.

I was so mesmerized by Oman on my second trip that I took a third trip just one month later. Again I brought my bicycle and again spent only 3 days. Well, I think I've gotten past the stuff in the right column so I'll make way for the pictures.)

In Oman Part 2 (Photos) the pictures speak for themselves...



Muscat's Mutrah Harbor, also known as the Corniche. Fish market in the foreground.



At the gate before the sultan's Muscat palace.



A gardener waters the velvet carpet of green grass.



Looking back on Muscat proper. The sultan's palace (out of view) is left of photo's edge.


Looking down at the unfolding road ahead.



The Al Bustan Palace, Intercontinental Hotel.



A mountain ridge in the background and the road leading uphill at left.



Qantab village nestled at the foot of mountains, against a backdrop of sea and sky.



Some ruins at the approach to Al Jassah Beach.



My destination: Al Jassah Beach, surrounded by rock formations.

To experience these sights as I did read Oman Part 1 (A Thousand Words).