On the left, the place that made it all happen; after seeing a photo of Nizwa Fort in a magazine, I was determined to see it (and Oman) with my own eyes. On the right, the elaborate Omani visa with characteristic revenue stamps.
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Nestled among the coastal hills, the capital city of Muscat beckons.
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Mirani Fort towers over the city.
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Close-up of some of the detail on the mosque in front of Mirani Fort.
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The Sultan's palace in Muscat, used primarily for formal receptions.
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Waterfront stroll in Muttrah, Muscat's port district.
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Two locals strike a pose at Muttrah's rousing morning fish market.
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One of my favorite pictures for the perfect blend of modern & traditional elements,
but it is rather misleading in that many Omani women choose much more modern attire.
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Heading inland through the arid landscape to Bahla and its impressive fort,
recently declared a World Heritage Site.
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As is the case in all Muslim countries, mosques are found everywhere,
even in the seeming
middle of nowhere.
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More scenes from the livestock souq. On the left, a local boy takes it all in.
On the right, a man waits for an opportunity to offer his goat for sale.