| al_alam_palace.jpg |
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Description:
Al Alam palace was built in old Muscat in 1972. The British embassy used to be in a venerable building to the left of the palace in this view. Sadly, it has been demolished to make way for a spate of undistinguished Royal offices. |
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| bait_al_zubair_museum.jpg |
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Description:
The entrance to Bait al Zubair museum in Muscat, which is privately run, and probably the best opportunity to see Omani costumes, household items and weapons. Also examples of a majlis, falaj and an old town house. |
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| brass_cannons.jpg |
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Description:
Brass cannons outside Mirani Fort on the western side of Muscat harbour, recall earlier days. Just across the road from Al Alam palace. |
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| bustan_afternoon.jpg |
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Description:
The Al Bustan Palace hotel, one of the best in the middle east. Mid-winter afternoon, as seen from the sea. |
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| bustan_beach.jpg |
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Description:
It was a breezy day on the Al Bustan beach, and visitors might have found it nippy even though it was early afternoon. |
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| bustan_beach_rocks.jpg |
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Description:
The outlook from the beach bar at the Al Bustan is incredibly relaxing. When the tide is in, you can get some good snorkeling along the rocks at the end of the beach. |
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| bustan_fountain.jpg |
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Description:
The Al Bustan lobby has been refurbished with heavy furniture and rich-coloured cushions. Personally, I prefer the original, minimalist ambience, intended to emphasize the classical decoration on the walls. |
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| bustan_lobby.jpg |
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Description:
The ceramic decorated walls of the Al Bustan's lobby stretch up to a vault in which myriads of little lights shine. |
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| bustan_seascape.jpg |
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Description:
The reflection of the clouds in the water on the Al Bustan beach caught my eye. Consider this, if Oman became a bustling, mega-tourist resort, how could you enjoy sights like these, or the emptiness of Bukha? |
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| bustan_swimpool.jpg |
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Description:
The Al Bustan swimming pool doesn't look over-busy, even though it is heated during the winter. We used to spend our Fridays (Sundays) here when there were far more people in town. |
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| carrefour.jpg |
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Description:
Carrefour has swept into Muscat successfully. The company has been thorough with its market research and sells what people want to buy at affordable prices. It's also attracted other big firms into its shopping centre. Another outlet is planned. |
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| central_business_district.jpg |
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Description:
A rooftop view of the Central, or Matrah, Business District (CBD) in Ruwi, looking towards the telecommunications tower. |
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