According to ebizdir, Oman is an unusually picturesque country, where vast deserts, majestic mountains, the second largest caves in the world, beautiful waterfalls and oases intertwine with each other. Deserts can be explored by car or camel. Many well-preserved watchtowers can be seen on the coastal mountains. The mysterious Sakhban Mountains are very beautiful, the landscape of which is somewhat reminiscent of the moon, these are one of the oldest mountains on the planet, they are more than 12 thousand years old. Be sure to visit the Hibbi wadi, which is surrounded by greenery, and swim in the crystal-clear mountain lakes. On the south coast, several hundred kilometers of beautiful sandy beaches stretch, where you can ride windsurfers, catamarans, water skis and motorcycles, as well as enjoy scuba diving in the Indian Ocean. Unlike other states of the Arabian Peninsula, the most beautiful landscapes in Oman are saturated with life and rich in vegetation. There are many groves and gardens here, the Riyam Park in Matrah is very interesting, on the territory of which there are attractions, as well as Kalbo and al-Kurum, famous for its palm groves and musical fountains. It is in it that the main events are held during the annual Muscat festival. You should definitely visit the ancient city gates of the 16th century Bab-Waljat, the al-Alam Palace, the remains of the fortress wall of the 17th century, the National Bank, famous for its doors cast from pure gold, the forts of Beit al-Falaj (1806), Mathrah (Makara, XVI c.), the Portuguese fortifications of Mirani and Jalali (XVI century, access to them is limited), opposite which there is “marine graffiti” – the names of ships engraved on the mountains, which sailors left here since the middle of the 19th century. It is also worth seeing the famous rock “Stone Face” – the “Omani Sphinx” in the Rui quarter. There are also a lot of small bazaars in this area, famous for their unique oriental atmosphere, the Matrah market (Suk Matrah al-Kadim) is especially famous. There are a large number of beautiful mosques in the country, the mosque of Sultan Qaboos (2011), occupying an area of more than 46 thousand square meters, is especially striking in its colossality. m and also includes the Islamic Institute and the library. This is the second largest mosque in the Middle East, it is better to visit it with a guide. There are a lot of interesting museums in the capital: the Museum of Oman with an amazing historical exposition, the Museum of Omani life in the fortification of Jalali, the Museum of the Child, the National Museum of Al-Mathaf al-Watani, the Military Museum in Beit al-Falaj. Very beautiful fragments of the forts of Fateh and Sur-Jal in Bausher, Sur Majid Fortress, Scuba Diving Center in Bandar Jissa, etc. In the ancient capital of the country, Nizwa, you can feel an unusual oriental flavor due to the amazing nature and cultural heritage. Oman is known for its hot sulfur springs gushing out in picturesque oases.
National cuisine of Oman
In Oman, the range of products was limited, so the originality of the cuisine is due to the variety of cooking methods and the addition of various spices (cinnamon, saffron, turmeric, cardamom, curry, as well as exotic “laymun gaff” and “zaatar”). Spices are used exclusively for flavoring, food is not spicy. The main elements of the national cuisine are fish (dried “laham”, whole charcoal grilled “samak meshui”, dried shark meat “waal”, seafood), rice and meat (lamb roasted on coals (“lyakhm meshui”, “shua”), on stones (“al-mudbi”), stewed with tomatoes, with “uzi” rice, etc.) The meat is usually served with stewed vegetables, boiled lentils and tomato paste, “saluna” vegetable sauce, white peas, crushed curry barley, etc. Rice, depending on recipes, tinted with seasonings, spices (dishes “mindi”, “makbusa”, “kabuli”), served as a puree (dish “ursia”), with almonds, raisins, etc. Alcohol is almost never consumed, the national drink is coffee (strong, unsweetened, with a drop of rose water, cardamom and ground date seeds) and tea with ginger, milk and mint. Khubz bread occupies a special place here, there are dozens of its types. National cuisine is unusual, famous for its original design and is considered one of the most delicious in the world! its dozens of species. National cuisine is unusual, famous for its original design and is considered one of the most delicious in the world! its dozens of species. National cuisine is unusual, famous for its original design and is considered one of the most delicious in the world!
Transport
There are no railways in Oman, but auto and air communication is well developed. Travel in minibuses is quite cheap: on intercity routes 3 rials per 100 km, within the city – about 1 rial. Tickets are purchased at the box office of the bus station or from the driver. Buses operate from 6.30 to 22.30, the interval is 20-30 minutes. Payment in a taxi is made by agreement, on average – from 0.25 to 0.5 rials per 1 km. Taxis in Oman are painted white and orange and are only driven by locals who honk the attention of pedestrians. Do not use the services of taxi drivers at the entrance to the hotel, they usually ask for high prices. To rent a car, an international driver’s license is required, driving experience of at least a year, age over 21.
Currency exchange in Oman
As of June 2011, 1 USD = 0.38 OMR. The local currency is called the rial (OMR), the change unit is the baize (0.001 OMR). In some stores, you can pay in US dollars and UAE dirhams, but the exchange rate will be rounded not in your favor. It is better to exchange currencies in specialized points, since the exchange in local banks is a rather lengthy process. In all organizations, Friday is a day off, there is a break for an afternoon siesta.
