For someone visiting the Middle East for the first time, Muscat in Oman provides an interesting and unforgettable experience. Located by the Arabian Sea, this capital city has a mixture of distinctive architecture, a wide range of people, ancient sites, the local marketplace, and the beautiful desert landscape.
The trip started in Jakarta, where a business class flight to Muscat was taken. It was not a long journey of little under eight hours and arriving at Muscat caused a good surprise. The immigration formalities took a couple of minutes, while the modern airport contributed to a good impression regarding Muscat. In addition, the fact that there was no check-in baggage made the arrival easier.
In Muscat, one can feel that the city is different from many modern cities of the Middle East. The majority of the buildings are painted in white or sand color which creates a special Arabian atmosphere. Unlike Dubai, the city does not have any skyscrapers, which allows preserving its traditional visual image. The city is located in a mountainous area with the coast, representing various scenery.
Food is among the most attractive things about the city. One cannot leave Muscat without tasting the local food. Omani halwa, which is a thick sweet jelly made from sugar, nuts, rose water, saffron, and cardamom, gives you an experience of Oman’s amazing cuisine. Another drink worth trying in Muscat is karak tea made from tea leaves, milk, sugar, and spices.
However, Muscat also has a number of international cuisines to try. For instance, shawarma is a food popular with people after spending a long time in markets. It consists of spices, meats, and garlic sauce, and it makes for tasty street food.
All those with interest in history can visit Mutrah Fort which was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It may be said that the fort is not that big, but it still has the best views of the harbor, mountains, and the city around it. The visit to the fort in the afternoon will provide a perfect understanding of Muscat’s architectural style.
One more wonderful experience is a trip to a local barber. With a traditional shave, scrub, and grooming, one gets more than just a haircut and has the chance to talk to people from different backgrounds. The international nature of Muscat is obvious when one learns about its multiracial population and its restaurants.
One of the finest experiences of this trip is located outside the city itself. Visitors can ride ATVs through the dunes of the surrounding area. The experience of riding through the stretches of sand makes a pleasant change from the tranquility of the city.
In only a short period of time, Muscat impresses its visitors with its colonial architecture, hospitable people, traditional markets, various restaurants, and wonderful views of the desert surroundings.
