Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

What I think when i see this picture is how the humidity was so incredible that we were soaked. It wasn't necessarily horribly hot-93 or something, but the humidity was like a sauna. Something I've not experienced before and I know about humidity. The sun is also so incredibly glaring off the white tile so that's my excuse for the bad picture!
In case I haven't mentioned it before, Oman has the most wonderful doors!
So many lovely details to look at.




This is a stock photo because one is not supposed to take photos inside. This Mosque was built to honor the last Sultan. It took 6 yrs to build it and it's quite a work of art. It held the title for largest rug and chandelier until the Emiratis and Qataris came, measured and stole the title. Deets on the light:
"The chandelier is located in the center of the men’s prayer hall and measures a staggering 14 meters and weighs 8,5 tons. It holds 600,000 shining bright Swarovski crystals, 24 carat gold plating and took more than four years to complete."
Honestly I think I could stand inside one of the outside cylinder parts. That's how large it really is.
The tile work and carving were all beautiful. I believe they normally offer a guided tour but not during COVID. We missed all the fun facts. I also missed seeing the library which I understand to be quite impressive. Next time, when it's not melting weather, I'd like to go back.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Boys Abroad

Image
Eli left for his study abroad program in Amman Jordan just a few days after TAISM started. He and I had a fun morning touring the National Museum before he I dropped him at the airport. We went for some Kunafa and some Turkish Lunch afterward and then to the airport he went. Matt was able to go with Eli on a boat for Daymaniyat Islands with the Sessions. They loved being able to snorkel and see loads of turtles and some sharks. Elder Lucca is moving right along. We are so proud of him and thankful for all he's doing and all he's learning. And not to forget my BYU Freshman. It's tough to get photos from these boys but he IS one of those bazillion students making up that Y and below(several weeks later) I received this photo of his Ultimate Frisbee Team. He's having a great year.  
Read more

Utah Blessings

Image
Being able to go to the Temple multiple times was such a blessing. I miss it so much and feel determined to find a way to go regularly. I will say it was really difficult to unwind and focus. That made me a little bit sad. My sister Ashley was also a huge blessing. She took my kids bowling, out for ice cream and much more so that I COULD be in the Temple and go to Dr.'s appointments etc. I felt so privileged to be able to have lunch with our friends who were passing through Provo. Probably the last time I'll get to see Mo who apparently committed marriage immigration fraud and is back in Egypt. This is one of the most heart-breaking things.   Post-Temple trip creamery food. We learned a little late that 2 scoops looks much different from the creamery.  I sure love these kids. My kids appreciated the time with their cousins so much! I loved taking them to the Temple.   
Read more

Nizwa Souk and Bahla Fortress

Image
Welcome to Nizwah Souk. We drove over 2 hrs to see this and while it was underwhelming to a high degree, it was also clean, calm and friendly. Lots of clay pots, frankincense, trinkets, guns, knives and swords. There were, carved boxes and lots of jewelry and silver items. Matt loves markets. The girls love to buy things at markets. They pretty much don't even talk to me because I struggle to buy things I don't need, or watch other people do it. HA! Not sure if this is just a COVID precaution? This was the fruit and vegetable section of the souk. The vendors were the opposite of what I've experienced every other middle eastern market. They were giving things away and just incredibly friendly and kind. A man had some jubjube berries? fruit? I think that's what they were calling them anyway. He encouraged me to try it out of a bowl he had sitting out. I couldn't say no. It wasn't extremely tasty but he wasn't pushing them. He was separating garlic cloves and I...
Read more