Life here is a strange mix of the Ancient colliding with the Modern. I love how in the midst of internet and satellites, within 20 minutes drive it is possible to be transported back in time. This is the Mutrah Souk...
This is the entrance to the traditional Souk (Arabic for market) in Muscat. In recent years it has become more popular as a tourist place but if you wander through the alleyways and streets there are still remnants of the olden days.
It is a beautiful mix of the bustle of modern life and slow, laid back bartering and visiting that takes place here.
Many of the Ancient decorations and designs have been preserved.
The shops sell a blend of ancient artifacts and modern ones, appearing to be ancient!
There is more than just decorations..
Frankincense and Henna are common products here. Frankincense is burned for frangrance and its healing properties. Henna is made into a paste and use to decorate ladies hands and feet.
Leaving the Souk brings us out to the Corniche area. If you are fortuntate the Sultans'ship will be in port and scenes of ancient forts, mosques and doors line the coast.
I imagine this man has seen many changes to the country. In 43 years, Oman has gone from a one road, no schools, camel only town to a city that blends the Ancient and Modern in a beautifully unique way.
So as I ponder the time away from almost all electronics it is refreshing to be reminded of life in times past.
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