Italy - The Colosseum
Foto: The Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Oman - Walkhim is not with us today; Aymen is. Another driver takes us in about an hour to the Grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque. This impressive mosque was built between 1995 and 2001. The structure features a great deal of marble. Aymen guides us inside. The women must wear a headscarf for the visit. We first visit the women's prayer room, followed by the mosque itself. I am impressed by the interior, especially the massive chandelier in the center. The carpet alone cost millions. A special blue carpet has been rolled out for non-Muslim visitors — we are not allowed to step off of it. Around the mosque, we explore the ablution areas, the main entrance, and the small park surrounding the building. With its five minarets, the Grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque is by far the largest mosque in Oman.
Wadi Bani Khalid Oasis
Oman - This night feels cooler than the previous one. Wrapped in the warmth of my blanket, I get up briefly to use the restroom. As I step out of the tent, my gaze is drawn to the magnificent starry sky stretching above the desert. With a peaceful feeling, I ...