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My hotel in Oman.
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This facade blends the old and the new. Ignoring the commercialism, I'm impressed with the imaginative architecture.
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Click on the image. A view of the Muscat sky line from my hotel. Muscat is the capital of Oman. Though there were castles both new and old, the topography and architecture reminded me of Tunis, Tunisia. Unlike the UAE with seemingly no zoning codes, Oman has strict zoning codes and sky scrapers are forbidden. Growth is tightly controlled to avoid problems with over development. Oil fuels the Omani economy too but the two countries may be neighbors but they seem to share little in common. Oman is laid back with and friendly with a small country charm while the UAE has a boom city mentality with a rush-rush in search of the mighty buck environment.
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This is a two-parter a picture I took in Oman. Now, click on the arrow to the right.
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My former home in Tunisia. See the resemblance.
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The Souq across from the harbor in Muscat.
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The home of Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July 1972); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government.
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The home of Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said al-Said
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Occupied by the Portugese before 1650, the style of architecture remains. These buildings border the Sultan's residence.
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Click on the image - Besides oil, a major part of the Omani economy is trade. This is the port in Muscat.
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As unassuming as the Sultan's residence is, this is his 'dingy'.
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My beach hut in Oman...air conditioned but the toilet and shower are outdoors.
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On the return trip from Oman
