Comparing two cruise terminals tells it all!

These pictures don't do the difference justice. In Munbai the terminal was filthy and dilapidated while in Abu Dhabi it was clean, modern and accommodating! Just compare the roofs on each--the one in Mumbai looked like it might collapse at end moment! This tells it all about the difference between "Incredible India" and Amazing Abu Dhabi!

Mutrah Souk and Abaya Tailor Shops

Mutrah Souk

Mutrah is a section of Muscat and this Souk (shopping “mall”) is in the center on the waterfront.  While it contains most everything (not food), it seems to specialize in beautiful fabrics.   Women were purchasing yard goods and then seemingly taking them to the tailor area of shops located just beyond the souk.   This souk also specializes in silver jewelry which is purchased by the gram.   

Abayas are loose fitting robes warn by Arab women when they are outside the home.   It seems that everyday Abayas are plain but there are definitely more elaborate and very attractive ones worn for special occasions.  Women always cover their heads but the scarves are loosely fashioned and it seems acceptable to have some hair  visible!  The Abaya must cover the whole body except for the hair, feet and hands!

Abaya Tailor Shops for Women

Ritual Cleansing

Ritual ablution is a necessary part of preparation for prayer.   At both Grand Mosques (Oman and Abu Dhabi) that we visited there are large fountain type washing stations.   In Oman there were little granite stools in front of each spigot.   We were able to observe the process at a men’s washing area at the Grand Mosque in Oman.  Women often wash at home but if it is at the mosque then it is in a separate private area.   Our Oman guide actually performed the washing for us to see how it was done.   Here is the process:

Wash the right hand and then the left hand, three times each. Then wash the mouth three times and splash water into the nose three times, then wash the face; one time is acceptable, though many wash it three times. Next, wash the right arm, then the left. After washing the hair, Muslims wipe it down and then wash the back of the ears, then the right foot and left foot.   

Ablutions

Sultan Qaboos

The contrast between Mumbai and Muscat, Oman is truly astounding.   Here in Oman the streets are clean, the people seem very happy and the buildings while some appear quite old are in excellent repair.

Since 1970 the country is ruled by seventy-five year old Sultan Qaboos,  He overthrew is very conservative father and immediately began to bring reform and modernization to his country.  He is much beloved by his people as he has worked hard to develop the current high standard of living.  When he became sultan there was no hospital only a small clinic, three small primary schools and about 5km of paved road. Now there are state of the art hospitals, three universities and free education for all.  On this visit we did a tour of the Grand Masque Sultan Qaboos and the city sites.   We will return to this port in about a week and at that time travel to an old fort in the desert.  We are both terribly impressed by Oman.  All the local people we encountered are extremely happy and they truly love their sultan.   The only concern is that he has spent quite a bit of time in Germany for cancer treatment and at the moment seems healthy.  He has no heir!

One of seven palaces, this the main one in Muscat but not the largest!

The Sultan's Royal Yacht. It has to rival Paul Allen's in size.

Blogging!

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

This beautiful 20 year old mosque built by the Sultan Qaboos was the largest in the world until an even larger one opened in Abu Dhabi.   

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We were warned that the dress code was strict.
Nothing tight or sheer and only ankles and hands
could be exposed!   I passed the test!

Our guide, Amend who graduated from college
and was recently married.  

a small portion of the women's prayer hall.  This only holds
about 750 women since many pray at home and not at
the mosque.  The picture doesn't do it justice.

                       

Beautiful, spotlessly clean grounds and gardens.