After the tournament in Dubai was over we took a short flight to Muscat, Oman for three days in this amazing city and country! We have heard about Oman since before we even moved to Kuwait and everything we heard was true, it is truly the most beautiful country in the region and a hidden gem that all travelers should put on their list!
The worst part about visiting Oman was getting out of the airport. We had a late flight and there weren't many people working in customs and immigration so it took an hour and a half to get our visit visas and get through immigration. Then we spent another hour waiting for the rental car company to sort out their issues and get us on the road. We were tired and ready to sleep so we could spend the next three days checking out this magical place.
We spent the first day checking out the city of Muscat on the hop on, hop off tour bus and by driving around in our rental car. After nearly two years of driving in Kuwait we can't even begin to explain how wonderful the large, well-built, and free-flowing the roads are in Oman. Drivers were courteous and civilized, pretty much the opposite of Kuwait! It was blissful!
The second day we drove two and a half hours south to Wadi Shab, which many consider the most beautiful wadi in Oman. A wadi is a dry riverbed, though this one had many pools of the most beautiful clear and blue water you will ever see. The hike through the wadi takes you over paths, across streams, beside waterfalls, up many ancient stairs, and even scrambling over some large boulders, but it is well worth the two hours to the top. When you reach the end there is a 100 meter swim into the heart of the mountain where there is a beautiful cave with a waterfall. It was a truly wonderful hike and a day well spent!
After we completed our hike in Wadi Shab we drove back to Muscat and checked in to the Shangri La resort. We decided to spend the last day and night there relaxing and we were very happy we made this decision. The resort was world class and we spent about two hours relaxing and floating in the awesome lazy river that was just outside our room! We had a wonderful room service dinner that night and spent the next day on the beautiful and serene beach before we checked out and headed to the airport.
It was a wonderful trip and one we wish we could have extended. We cannot recommend a visit to Oman enough!
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| This beautiful art was at the entrance to their ancient souk (market) |
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| So many beautiful trinkets! |
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| The old souk in Muscat is a charming labyrinth of shops and stores |
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| So much beauty in Muscat |
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| The Royal Opera House |
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| All of the buildings are build in the traditional style, making for beautiful streets and cities |
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| The beach was clean and well maintained, much better than a Kuwait beach! |
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| Amazing aesthetics were everywhere! |
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| More fun local goods |
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| Joe haggling for some of the trinkets |
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| We climbed 200 steps up to this old watchtower and got an amazing view of Muscat at sunset |
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| So much beauty |
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| The parliament building was as grand as any we've seen anywhere! |
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| This mosque was beautiful at night! |
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| On the drive south we passed this massive Oman flag made out of painted stones |
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| Entering Wadi Shab |
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| The hike was amazing! |
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| Perilous at times... |
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| Pictures don't do it justice! |
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| We waded in some of the clearest waters we have ever seen! |
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| Wadi Shab selfie! |
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| Extraordinary! |
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| If you visit Muscat we highly recommend the Shangri La resort! |
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