A local Omani man finds some shade in the heat of the day.
Grand Mosque and plaza - modern Islamic architecture in polished white Omani marble.
Inside the men's prayer hall - the largest Persian carpet in the world - 6oo women spent 4 years to weave.
Omani coffee and dates were served to us after our visit of the mosque.
We discussed the fundamentals of the Quran - after which I was provided a complimentary copy.
A group of Muslim men in a discussion - dressed in standard Omani clothing.
Old mosques such as this one in Qurm as well as several forts are being carefully restored. We were invited to have tea with the Italian architect in charge of renovations and structural upgrades to the Al-Mirani Fort in Old Muscat, originally built by the Portugese in the 1580s.
Sultan Qaboos has reigned Oman for 42 years and is much respected throughout the Arab world. This portrait is an intricate pattern of mosaic tiles.
Main entrance to the Sultan's sprawling palace. Prince Charles was hosted here the same week we were in Oman.
An Arab man walking past a latticed window outside a mosque.
Islamic style buildings along the main street adjacent the Corniche in Mutrah.
Jane against the backdrop of a colorful ancient door.
A mosque along the Mutrah Corniche lights up at dusk.
Frankincense and myrrah oils - right out of biblical times - available in the souq.
Frankincense aromatics are released - pieces of dried sap are placed on a small piece of charcoal.
Omani silver at a stall in the souq - we bought a small piece.
Royal Opera House in Muscat - opened just 2 years ago.
Architectural splendor inside the upper foyer.
Rolls Royces .....
Lamborghinis .....
Road signs were the tipping point - we preferred to travel in the orange and white Toyota taxis.
A home on Marsa Al Abyad peninsula.
A man looks out over the Sea of Oman.
