This is the entrance to the "souk" (Arabic for market) in the Muttrah area of Oman. It is here you can be transported back in time to what life was like before malls and grocery store chains. This has become quite a tourist attraction, so it is hard to walk through the market and browse without being pressured to buy something from every vendor. It is a maze of little shops containing spices, souvenirs,paintings, jewelry, cooking pots, incense of all kinds, traditional clothing as well as Omani silver of all kinds.
The kiddos favorite vendor is one who has a huge basket inside his store filled with silver charms which can be attached to earrings, necklaces or bracelets. Once you have found a piece of silver, you take it to the back of the shop where a man will carefully weigh how much silver you have and charge accordingly.
Bartering for items is a must-something my other half is better at than me! It is amazing how much the price comes down when you speak in Arabic! Silver however, is one of the things it is hard to barter for, as the price is based on weight. I love the center of the Souk, pictured below.
