Muscat is the cleanest city I've ever been to. Perched between barren brown mountains and the blue sea, the city is very photogenic. It must be expensive, but they managed to grow and maintain manicured lawns in parks and roadsides, adding a needed touch of green. For example, look at Simon's picture in Al-Riyam park. It's completely green, you would never guess that it is in a desert-like environment.
There are several forts dating from even before the Portuguese arrived. Although Muscat has been here for centuries, forts are the few historical landmarks you can see. One of the pictures shows the sultan's palace. Not sure when it was built, but it has a 70s touch to it. Very original.
Also we visited the grand mosque built by current Sultan Qaboos, which opened in 2001. It is breathtaking. The floor of the main hall is covered with the largest carpet in the world.
It is so hot during the day that we changed our schedules. We wake up early, go to sights, come back to the hotel for air-conditioned siesta, and out again after the heat comes down. Even at night it is around 30 degrees C. Crazy.
Tomorrow we'll start a tour to the mountains and the sand dunes.
Mercedes
PS: Roger Federer is the best tennis player of all times. Huge!
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