We started out at Khasab Castle. The Portuguese constructed the castle at the beginning of the 17th century with ambitious plans for domination over the Strait of Hormuz. It didn't work out so well for them. The castle has had a long history and has been restored and transformed into a wonderful regional museum. Hanif gave us a great personal tour - we learned a lot about the region and thought it was well worth the time.
Traditionally women wore these face covers after they married. Oman is quite conservative.
In the library...
A men's majlis... a living/meeting room
Can you tell I really liked this place - it wasn't originally part of the tour but Hanif was happy and proud to show us.
Next we headed off to the mountains, four wheeling up the gravel roads...
Rugged countryside...bumpy roads...great fun!
Headed up to a marvelous overlook!
After a ride up the mountain with many hairpin turns, we were rewarded with a great view. Yesterday we were on the far side of the mountains in the distance on our boat ride...
Then we drove deeper into the mountains and started up the tallest mountain in Musandam.
People have been living up here for over 1000 years...
Homes and Graves...
We stopped to enjoy the views several times.
About halfway up was a pretty Farm place, complete with goats and donkeys.
We saw ancient fossils...
Cairns with the top of the mountain in the distance...
I'm waving in this picture...but don't even think about asking what I'm really doing!
Our Land Rover in the background. I really wanted to know how often they check the brakes. He did say they wash it every night.
Isn't it varied and beautiful?!?
At the top with some new friends..
Goats roam the cities and the mountains but I'm told they make their way home to the hands that feed them every night. Hanif commented they are much smarter than sheep!
Thanks for a very fun and interesting tour as well as great conversation!
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