https://www.thismanstravels.com/blog daily 1.0 2023-12-31 https://www.thismanstravels.com/blog/20221216-qatar-day2 monthly 0.5 2023-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675132942951-E43ZCNQHOF70ALHZPXAM/9S4A7814.png Blog - Qatar Day 2 - Bir Zekreet & Al Zubarah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675132941528-QHJCTIGPX46IVZ9VJ3LV/9S4A7839.png Blog - Qatar Day 2 - Bir Zekreet & Al Zubarah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675134062750-ON7EKJ57X8GUUKO8QMI9/9S4A7849.png Blog - Qatar Day 2 - Bir Zekreet & Al Zubarah - Al Zubarah Fort This fort, the first Qatari UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built during the reign of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani (1913 - 1949). Around 200 years ago, the city was a profitable pearl-fishing town, but now the area is in ruins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675134467559-POFKPG9J1JRI3FEXQCE1/9S4A7890.png Blog - Qatar Day 2 - Bir Zekreet & Al Zubarah - Al Zubarah The City Wall at Al Zubarah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675134383863-BCYEBQIK2J1NWYDPR19B/9S4A7883.png Blog - Qatar Day 2 - Bir Zekreet & Al Zubarah - Al Zubarah The Northern House. This is one of the largest homes within Al Zubarah. Originally it was a 2 story building and outfitted with all the luxury one could imagine including ten courtyards with porticos, shaded areas, wash rooms, and reception areas. In addition, it had its own defensive tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675134584287-3JGVC2M29896FMC76JZ7/9S4A7891.png Blog - Qatar Day 2 - Bir Zekreet & Al Zubarah - Al Zubarah Date Storage area at The Northern House. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675134896391-TZTMGQBS1LHJWJ47TB7K/9S4A7907.png Blog - Qatar Day 2 - Bir Zekreet & Al Zubarah - Al Zubarah This area is the city Souq, the center of the city’s financial activity. It’s location near the beach reflected how closely connected commerce was connected to the water and maritime activities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675135128846-JY82L7O947RE734WIRRD/9S4A7911.png Blog - Qatar Day 2 - Bir Zekreet & Al Zubarah - Al Zubarah This is a typical high-status home in the town of Al Zubarah. To the back left, you can see the stairs that led to the upper floor. The hom eonce contained an impressive portico that overlooked a courtyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675305682237-PYZ25L5WCXX6V8FAKE7G/IMG_3089.png Blog - Qatar Day 2 - Bir Zekreet & Al Zubarah - Iskandar Pasha Restaurant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675305683885-6ANETC4887RO6WMUY7N9/IMG_3090.png Blog - Qatar Day 2 - Bir Zekreet & Al Zubarah - Iskandar Pasha Restaurant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675305696648-WBXYRRFPCQRQQ304625V/IMG_3093.png Blog - Qatar Day 2 - Bir Zekreet & Al Zubarah - Iskandar Pasha Restaurant Shawarma https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675305701618-PYTO0B1762KZ4MBWR5T5/IMG_3094.png Blog - Qatar Day 2 - Bir Zekreet & Al Zubarah - Iskandar Pasha Restaurant Baba Ghanouj https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675305708358-9662OQQY8MP6MDT1LAK3/IMG_3095.png Blog - Qatar Day 2 - Bir Zekreet & Al Zubarah - Iskandar Pasha Restaurant Pide https://www.thismanstravels.com/blog/20221215-qatar-day1 monthly 0.5 2023-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/205c58df-ce75-4659-b512-b7b082f35124/IMG_3063.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Make it stand out I don’t know what this message says, but it was painted on the wall near the exit of the museum. According to Google Translate, it says: ”In. God, O Singer of all varicose veins, and you have the world, and what was buried.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675303159437-A7IIWEHLGNO82FKGS1GR/9S4A7800.jpg Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Souq Waqif This is one of the main streets in Souq Waqif and our dinner is at he second building on the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675303283587-6OXOKJZXQGB8GJ1Q86S4/IMG_3074.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Al Bandar Restaurant We were on the hunt for seafood for dinner and this Lebanese and Syrian restaurant had just what we wanted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675303466355-XKH807CZ2VDZMN76WOHA/IMG_3077.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Al Bandar Restaurant Our dinner. This is a Rabeeb Fish. I’m not sure what it would be called here at home, but is probably closest to Perch. Regardless of what it’s called, it was quite tasty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675304479188-I7DBFWFEXAK6AYH5TUE4/9S4A8017.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - The USA Pavilion Just wait until you see what’s on that car to the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675304490462-9B09TNETPCG0EVZ6J01F/IMG_3079.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - The USA Pavilion Cheese. Nothing says USA more than cheese. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675304498949-Q9YMZ3XCAMGFY6VLYZ99/IMG_3081.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - The USA Pavilion This is the dancing version of the Statue of Liberty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1674931867539-26SNXGFNBQNLBO1DDNOC/9S4A7632.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - The National Museum of Qatar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1674931871125-FQ8O3P5VPDY7U726W2FV/9S4A7637.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Battoulah This giant mask greeted us just inside the entrance. The Battoulah is a metallic mask that is worn by women to cover their face in Arabic Countries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1674931878962-UUSYN709LQ4AKO4KBJOL/9S4A7661.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - The Pearl Carpet of Baroda This carpet has approximately 1.5 million Basra Pearls along with diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies. It was commissioned in 1865 by India’s Maharaja of Baroda Gaekwar Khande Rao. It was originally intended as a cover for the tomb of the Prophet Mohammed at Medina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1674933721081-YOE5MU1RQIFELEN9TJVH/9S4A7668.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - The Winning Card This envelope was opened when it was announced that Qatar would host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1674958731364-YG4P1J4MMMFKBZ3CY04V/9S4A7680.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You This exhibit, called “Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You”, asked the visitor to turn of their screens and focus on activating different senses as the lights changed colors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1674958530306-3KRG0N1ME6OG2CHNGNPJ/9S4A7682.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Your Brain to Me, My Brain To You This exhibit, called “Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You”, asked the visitor to turn of their screens and focus on activating different senses as the lights changed colors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1674959198074-JQPG27VMJFB0CTZGQH2X/9S4A7691.jpg Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Flag of Glory This flag was in the courtyard of the National Museum and is a representation of a forceful nation. Designed by Ahmed Al Bahrani, as one hand supports the other, the unitedly raise the flag with an unstoppable force. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1674959346712-AC80N6V8LI6AWOYC8XQK/9S4A7703.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Flag of Glory Down the street from the National Museum, some graffiti showing the Flag of Glory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675131598482-RLOYZL7E8CQZU14WKSQM/9S4A7775.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Falcon Souq https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675131600329-KE5FNLG6QJ0GX0KFDVW4/9S4A7785.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Falcon Souq https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1674960302627-FIF6W6W8SFZM1C88F2N2/9S4A7708.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Museum of Islamic Art Walkway up to the museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675047304723-9QECBQRMACID9NNFXQUC/9S4A7711.jpg Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Iraqi Train Posters There was an exhibit asking the question “Oh, Baghdad, who afflicted you with an evil eye?” that was quite interesting. The idea that Baghdad was a beautiful city full of promise and then turned at some point. I found these train posters to be interesting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675048017742-20VUD0WGVZ6B18LW8O0K/9S4A7716.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Infinite Expression Created by Mster Caligrapher Ustad Ali Baba Awrang from Afghanistan. This artwork, was created for the museum and was inspired by the Blue Qur’an. During the creation of the artwork, he was absorbed in the layers of calligraphy and connecting the past to the present. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675048248691-UWQJR1BIQNHVVP12A27I/9S4A7729.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - Folio from the "Blue Qur'an" End of verse 33 to verse 37 of the Qur’an, this illuminated copy was created in the 9th century CE. Written in golden kufic letters on an indigo-dyed parchment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675048514913-LQSXSAU1YC5226KZ19CU/9S4A7719.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - FountainHead This piece is considered to be one of the museum’s masterpieces. In the shape of a female deer, this fountainhead once decorated a large basin in the courtyard of a palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675048817935-2LF3CW42D3TNL4G4LRS4/9S4A7734.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - War Mask This Late 15th or early 16th century CE mask would have been attached to a helmet and was designed to not only protect the face but scare the enemies. A gold Arabic inscription al-’adan across the brow is a reference to Paradise (i.e., Eden), where the warrior was guaranteed entry upon death. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675049033400-341T868G8XXA115BZI20/9S4A7744.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - View of the Dhow Harbor from the Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675049440155-SCO3Q7AUKXQAN872RFPK/9S4A7751.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - The West Bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675049619974-AQAOSVKY7QRK31BP2L5K/9S4A7763.png Blog - Qatar Day 1 - Doha - View of the Museum from the Corniche https://www.thismanstravels.com/blog/20221217-qatar-day3 monthly 0.5 2023-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675184580738-PQSL0EF74O81VO17RP52/9S4A7942.png Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - The Pearl Monument Probably the most famous item on the Corniche, the Pearl Monument represents Qatar’s primary industry prior to the discovery of oil in 1939: Pearl Diving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675185142971-OPG4KJM71X449THQ1LFX/9S4A7959.jpg Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - La'eeb La'eeb is the official mascot of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Who is he? Who knows??? According to the FIFA announcement, "La'eeb can be a figment of your imagination. He is whoever a football fan wants him to be." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675186117725-0OITHAO8LYJ5Z5WYN2Z8/9S4A7963.png Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - The Amiri Diwan of the State of Qatar The Amiri Diwan is the seat of rule of the State of Qatar and office of His Highness The Amir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675191129779-WVF3OEM546Z1344Q2HOM/9S4A7982.png Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - The West Bay View of the West Bay from the Corniche. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675191362302-TH0JUCA9X9FKJDEP14Q3/9S4A7991.png Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - The West Bay I had a fascination with the circular sculpture on the left of the image, but do not know what it is. There are a few interesting buildings here, though. The one shaped like a bullet is the Doha Tower or Burj Doha and was completed in 2012. The building behind it with the diamond pattern is the Tornado Tower completed in 2008. The cone shaped one is the Al Bidda Tower completed in 2009. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675193625450-BIS4VYGPBJER2KR61P9R/IMG_3110.png Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - Khalifa International Stadium We’ve just passed through the initial security checks and are now in the fan zone. One of the interesting things about this picture is the complete absence of Budweiser logos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675193990916-TU2T0OBTNA702BKW6GTN/IMG_3114.png Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - Khalifa International Stadium Given the absence of beer, made our way inside to get ready for gametime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675194190175-U14HP1N6ICYP4U82W69I/IMG_3116.png Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - Budweiser Zero Ad This was the only evidence that Budweiser was a supporter of the World Cup, and it was for their zero alcohol beer as no alcohol could be served inside the stadium. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675194615073-OKJ8EKLP3555LBU67LA1/IMG_3120.png Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - Khalifa International Stadium Let’s play ball!!! Morocco on the left and Croatia on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675194727437-3CV2TXB3OPLVRI6JQKSZ/IMG_3126.png Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - Khalifa International Stadium At the end of the game, it was Croatia that took the 3rd place awards. What an amazing run for Morocco, though. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675306914949-NGJZLRR8C1PCT62QS80T/IMG_3104.jpg Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - SMAT Restaurant A couple of appetizers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675307063760-ALDWPWMYT536GWGQP4DV/IMG_3105.jpg Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - SMAT Restaurant Saffron Yoghurt Majkouzi: Special majkouzi basmati rice served with a tender lamb shank somthered in a yoghurt saffron sauce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675306858522-P2NSYYRNFZWM6EFT8DI4/IMG_3106.png Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - SMAT Restaurant Qoozi Mubakhar: Charcoal smoked chicken kouzi over saffron rice garnished with potato, onion, golden raisins and nuts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675307247749-HNJX2Q1X4CQG9I9ZJOGB/IMG_3107.jpg Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - SMAT Restaurant Jalbout Seabass baked in a rock salt dough marinated wiht qatari spices and herbs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675307192079-SW7VEKT6ZK072QRFI6O0/IMG_3108.jpg Blog - Qatar Day 3 - The Corniche and The Game - SMAT Restaurant Jalbout Seabass baked in a rock salt dough marinated wiht qatari spices and herbs. https://www.thismanstravels.com/blog/20221218-qatar-day4 monthly 0.5 2023-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675220062322-33V5VJ0O3NBZ7TTBQMIH/9S4A8025.jpg Blog - Qatar Day 4 - Katara Cultural Village - The Golden Masjid This mosque, covered in gold, provided an overview of Muslim culture and the Quran. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675220395084-4ML5BAU526031GHVR34O/9S4A8026.png Blog - Qatar Day 4 - Katara Cultural Village - The Golden Masjid The interior of the Golden Masjid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675220539341-BN3ELQX1XT21W6IQCJ2J/9S4A8036.png Blog - Qatar Day 4 - Katara Cultural Village - Force of Nature II This sculpture stood just outside of the amphitheater was installed in 2011 and is made of bronze, stainless steel and aluminum. There are other casts of the sculpture in Shanghai, New York City, and London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675220985130-D114MZYLKMJ0ROY2MTC2/9S4A8051.png Blog - Qatar Day 4 - Katara Cultural Village - Boats in the Harbor at Katara Clearly some Argentina and France fans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675221201130-39WAXWFVM5IDSYHPBZHW/9S4A8060.jpg Blog - Qatar Day 4 - Katara Cultural Village - The Pigeon Towers Pigeon Towers were designed to collect pigeon droppings, which was used as a fertilizer for farming and. can provide housing for thousands of pigeons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675221360022-T4TJTBRRL24PJLDMC15P/9S4A8069.png Blog - Qatar Day 4 - Katara Cultural Village - The Qatari Society for Al Gannas A cultural association for hunters, Al Gannas was founded in 2008. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675221621238-00F3276ND4R51BXFJC7N/9S4A8078.png Blog - Qatar Day 4 - Katara Cultural Village - Bayt El Talleh Restaurant We tried to get a table at this restaurant but were told there were no seats. When we complained, someone from the back yelled: “Let them eat cake!!!!” It should be noted that I was wearing a France jersey and did not recognize the French President. So, I started asking who it was and was met with puzzled looks.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675308165090-NGOKF4POM89K7HF6ORFY/IMG_3139.png Blog - Qatar Day 4 - Katara Cultural Village - Sukar Pasha Mezze Platter: Housemade pita, hummus, baba ghanouj, thoum, roasted peppers, muhammara, tzaziki, tabouli, and stuffed grape leaves. At the top right is Manti, which are small dumplings stuffed with beef and topped with garlic yogurt and tomato sauce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675308164634-2S7H024GHK71IEKJC0T3/IMG_3140.png Blog - Qatar Day 4 - Katara Cultural Village - Sukar Pasha Tavuk Güvek: casserole of char-grilled chcken kofta mixed with fried eggplant, peppers, potato, topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and eggplant dip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675308173294-V43V2G0WL4LBYSQGX7XM/IMG_3141.png Blog - Qatar Day 4 - Katara Cultural Village - Sukar Pasha Spinach and cheese Pide. https://www.thismanstravels.com/blog/20221219-oman-day1 monthly 0.5 2023-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676772637862-JT0T8YBM8SFV02H0KL7H/9S4A8152.png Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Rustaq Fort https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676772785879-ZFBKUME63VNZUKX5JLG2/9S4A8156.png Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Al Hazm Castle The fort is flanked by two round towers at the eastern and southern corners and has an intricately carved front door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676772920220-MBO12141SK1C18CCO8SK/9S4A8158.jpg Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Al Hazm Castle The front door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676773491593-A2Q8FTVKIEXHFCFN576H/9S4A8160.png Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Al Hazm Castle This was the bathroom sign and luckily I look just like this guy so I knew where to go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676774247762-XOA8KICZO81ZT34CHAOF/9S4A8163.jpg Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Al Hazm Castle This is an inner door on the castle and you’ll see that on the bottom, there is a spike missing. There is a story of a man who was imprisoned in the castle and saw the shiny spikes, which he believed was made of gold and removed it. He was in jail for a small crime and was about to be let go by the Imam, but the spike fell out of his pocket and onto the ground. That ended the leniency. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676774599150-037CM70XA8GLMN6JY4US/9S4A8165.jpg Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Al Hazm Castle This room is where dates were stored, stacked floor to ceiling. The dates on the bottom of the piles would be crushed and the syrup would run into channels in the floor to be collected. The syrup then would be heated and poured through openings in the walls of the fort onto approaching enemies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676774844418-OHT8S3YDZ7LCKJY0OLRZ/9S4A8176.png Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Al Hazm Castle Imam Sultan bin Saif II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676775292711-KVM7HWO3VYUYTTVU5J98/9S4A8187.png Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Al Hazm Castle Meeting Room https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676775437104-8B5PCEYA57NX07KARDB9/9S4A8188.png Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Al Hazm Castle This is the rooftop. The doorways in the center of the picture lead to the bedrooms of the Imam’s children. The done you see on the right sits atop an air channel. Air would flow the channel and provide cool air for within the castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675380165391-EJ2CBLUKG72KBL0ASMOD/9S4A8094.png Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Nakhal Fort https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675380566000-60P353ZWM5IKIF56YVCI/9S4A8100.png Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Nakhal Fort The towers of the fort provide excellent views of the local palm groves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675380775846-W7BGET8OXD6NA075HYWQ/9S4A8105.png Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Nakhal Fort https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675392564397-BHE5O9XIFZ3V5NYP464O/9S4A8107.png Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Nakhal Fort https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675393040538-9L8RBWMH2BO1GXUNRDAY/9S4A8136.png Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Nakhal Fort https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1675393265640-J90F2FNW7N4OSZTOKMNZ/9S4A8140.png Blog - Oman Day 1 - Fort Tour - Nakhal Fort https://www.thismanstravels.com/blog/20221220-oman-day2 monthly 0.5 2023-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676776460525-V77UD00GMSZJWQSZCKLD/9S4A8214.png Blog - Oman Day 2 - Muscat - Mutrah Corniche https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676777038169-5ZLQJ1XE2IWQUTNTPJRA/9S4A8216.png Blog - Oman Day 2 - Muscat - Mutrah Corniche Up on the hill, you can see the Mutrah Fort built by the Portuguese in the 1580’s. Up on the hill, the fort protected the city from attacks from the sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676777554008-U36XV6FAF6T2EFMX9OML/9S4A8280.png Blog - Oman Day 2 - Muscat - Mutrah Corniche The Al Riyam Monument built to honor Oman’s 20th national day in 1990 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676817474344-F9Q2VLDLYFGV6FW6F4IO/9S4A8286.jpg Blog - Oman Day 2 - Muscat - Mutrah Corniche A seductive cruise ship in the harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676777986211-9WHS7HFNNR5XPN40MVFX/9S4A8339.png Blog - Oman Day 2 - Muscat - Mutrah Corniche Dedicated crosswalk for those doing the Moonwalk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676922287383-NEN4NSESRW6HND3IQEFT/9S4A8355.png Blog - Oman Day 2 - Muscat - Mutrah Corniche Plaque honoring Muscat’s Silver Jubilee in 1995. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676776540432-QA7CXAHFIEWKQ94UZX6N/9S4A8209.png Blog - Oman Day 2 - Muscat - The Sultan's Yacht https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1676776651782-YLBAWKFASG7M96BFWAY4/9S4A8222.png Blog - Oman Day 2 - Muscat - The Sultan's Yacht https://www.thismanstravels.com/blog/20220221-oman-day3 monthly 0.5 2023-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703878488177-KAGQO70LY42681L7AOO9/9S4A8497.png Blog - Oman Day 3 - The Tombs - Al Ayn Al-Ayn has 21 tombs and dates from the 3rd Century BC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703878528917-SZHEV64GJGG3H7PTLD10/9S4A8504.png Blog - Oman Day 3 - The Tombs - Al Ayn The tombs would be used for multiple people. A body would be placed into the tomb and, when the body decomposed, another would be placed inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703878580186-WUWLRLI0USQFW813FGAP/9S4A8511.png Blog - Oman Day 3 - The Tombs - Al Ayn Tombs with Jabal Misht in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703878613629-KGUK64VGFL6ZL4LEVJ46/9S4A8520.png Blog - Oman Day 3 - The Tombs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703878728238-7FGSH5JPFP9DEWJX9KTQ/9S4A8524.png Blog - Oman Day 3 - The Tombs - Al Ayn Jabal Misht https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703882836204-WH66QU9FIY69L9UH57EC/9S4A8589.png Blog - Oman Day 3 - The Tombs - Al-Khutm This tomb is a circular tower approximately 20-25 m in diameter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703882836699-LPM8AKUR0HU99JWCMHU4/9S4A8596.png Blog - Oman Day 3 - The Tombs - Al-Khutm The tomb has multiple chambers with a well in the center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703882845358-SR1MAI82PJWO01AIFE4T/9S4A8600.png Blog - Oman Day 3 - The Tombs - Al Khutm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703880698248-32JB02A7Z9FCJHB37PQG/9S4A8561.png Blog - Oman Day 3 - The Tombs - Bat This tomb, called Qasr A’Rojoom dates fro 1610 BC and was used for over 1000 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703880696279-ZQ4G50TUTW5K65R2U7KQ/9S4A8578.png Blog - Oman Day 3 - The Tombs - Bat Interior of Qasr A’Rojoom https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703880703879-MXESTTQO4OXHEJMSOGTN/9S4A8582.png Blog - Oman Day 3 - The Tombs - Bat Qasr A’Rojoom https://www.thismanstravels.com/blog/20221222-oman-day-4 monthly 0.5 2023-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703905445799-1JUEGTJ4COYMDS50763M/9S4A8755.png Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque The view of the mosque and it’s 5 minarets, each of which stands for one of the 5 pillars of Islam: There is no God but God, Prayer, Alms, Fasting, and Hajj. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703904796126-BYA40EVPP7DWZ8S1U5TO/9S4A8608.jpg Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque One of the smaller minarets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703903624431-F6RZ6QB5HZX2H6EJEQUZ/9S4A8611.png Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Outside of the women’s prayer hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703903640460-ZSKVHQN2KY67J8NO1GBB/9S4A8617.png Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque The women’s prayer hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703906030168-6XDZQJ57JRC1EI9NUO45/9S4A8624.jpg Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Lighting and archways bordering on one of the arcades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703906046049-2IJJG2PWT32XUTJIL2SE/9S4A8632.jpg Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque One of the arcades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703906109375-YDOXD5XAISNXZMPN8FHP/9S4A8633.jpg Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Walkway on one of the arcades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703906241926-2Y9TMI28HD3HSU2CFD6G/9S4A8642.jpg Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Archway outside the main prayer hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703903674876-G4X3VVX8NP1IN4H3DJHR/9S4A8643.png Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque The main prayer hall. this room can hold 6,000 worshppers. The carpet is hand made and is the second-largest hand-woven Persian woven carpet in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703906449694-S5681LIHN1ALZDH6377J/9S4A8658.jpg Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque The Mihrab, where the Imam stands during praryers, within the main prayer hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703903694834-7510IZZX8QGO7P2NIXBE/9S4A8667.png Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque The main chancelier within the main prayer hall and dome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703903713865-1XD8CGO5BXVQDRD8WU52/9S4A8687.png Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque The main chandeleir and dome within the main prayer hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703906505222-Y5AAZ979BGRJHUV3TM0I/9S4A8674.jpg Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Hallway and chandeleirs within the main prayer hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703903719876-HD4TEYDFGXAH4X38QADS/9S4A8712.png Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Outside the main prayer hall where you can see the Mihrab to the left and dome on top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703908122256-YZW3ZS0IEBBWUVFRAMQB/9S4A8772.jpg Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Al-Khor Mosque The main entrance to the mosque. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703908072001-S4FJQFLBYQCD562GYV6A/9S4A8776.png Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Al-Khor Mosque The main prayer hall of the mosque. One of the interesting design components of the mosque is the extensive use of stained glass along the walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703907390463-V2J58K7PPRYYW7O3ESCA/9S4A8762.png Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Al Alam Palace View of the main hall fro sea side. As indicated by the flag on top, the Sultans Standard, the Sultan is in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703907390164-SNY4PVMQUKO8ZW3OEEC9/9S4A8769.png Blog - Oman Day 4 - The Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace - Al Alam Palace Protection from the sea for the Sultan. The white buildings once held the United States Embassy, among other functions. Today it largely holds reception halls and suites for visiting dignitaries. https://www.thismanstravels.com/blog/20221223-abudhabi-day1 monthly 0.5 2023-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703992818011-XWWG5TLQ9I8O1PKQA1WC/9S4A8859.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - Qasr Al Watan The façade of the palace is made of white marble and sandstone. In the center, you can see the dome of the Great Hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703992771146-BZOZUKEGJXL43556793Q/9S4A8781.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - Qasr al Watan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703992774768-IEXE5L1OVGPYNLPTEUWQ/9S4A8799.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - Qasr Al Watan The Great Hall incorporates Qasr Al Watan’s three signature colors: Blue, white and yellow. The blue represents the waters of the Arabian Gulf, the white stands for purity, while the yellow is inspired by the color of the desert sands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703993360700-9T8X7WKA2IWM0NRSTRLE/9S4A8805.jpg Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - Qasr Al Watan Surrounding the Great Hall are Muqarnas, wich are a typical Islamic vaulted architecture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703992807583-29GHEX8W5Z59VBH8ML29/9S4A8833.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - Qasr al Watan The Spirit of Collaboration Hall where entities such as the Federal Supreme Council, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council meet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703992795540-VKMYREBKZA49WTQJL7LN/9S4A8826.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - Qasr Al Watan The chandelier in the Spirit of Collaboration Hall is made of 350,000 crystal pieces and weighs 12 tonnes. Inside it, there is a staircase and space for a maintenance worker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703992814784-VJRUUO130DM332Y4EDHF/9S4A8841.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - Qasr Al Watan The Al Bazra Hall is a meeting hall and can hold up to 300 guests. It is the second largest space in the palace, next to the Great Hall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703996714803-O9IRUQ5OHYRHC2J8PVZW/9S4A8881.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - The Louvre Gudea, Prince of Lagash. From approximately 2120 BC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703996715158-XWSNNOOA23OL7ZY7UAPZ/9S4A8889.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - The Louvre Ramses II, Pharaoh of Egypt. From 1279-1213 BC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703996724944-17CFVNGFC4BS1DSKIN00/9S4A8891.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - The Louvre Vase in the form of a human face. Mayan culture from 300-100 AD. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703996737496-UU06OIR8D0MUVPOVJBAU/9S4A8899.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - The Louvre Two Roman mosaics from 300-325 AC. Procession of Cupids Riding on Fish and Interlacing with Animal Motifs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703996738495-OT6MSTOKUN578LY74DGW/9S4A8903.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - The Louvre The Astronomer by Johannes Vermeer (1668) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703996748167-7R2DY4YIBBI5MRSZ9P3G/9S4A8908.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - The Louvre Saint John the Baptist by Leonardo da Vinci. (1508-1519) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703996750802-F7PEOX6SNQA4TFB7BT4I/9S4A8911.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - The Louvre George Washington, First President of the United States by Gilbert Stuart. (1822) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703996763187-P6EYAXZSH7I04HPARRPI/9S4A8932.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - The Louvre The Runners by Robert Delaunay. (1930) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703996765567-VPIG5V57ZXZNVXRPMMPI/9S4A8938.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - The Louvre Oriental Bliss by Paul Klee. (1938) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/1703996770131-D3ZMM9J4Z731GMYB7XF2/9S4A8940.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - The Louvre Hotel des Roches Noires, Troubille, by Claude Monet. (1870) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/193c8565-790c-4b2b-ac24-d7b6183837de/9S4A8871.png Blog - Abu Dhabi Day 1 - Qasr Al Watan and The Louvre - Make it stand out The Power of Words by Mattar bin Lahej https://www.thismanstravels.com/contact daily 0.75 2023-01-31 https://www.thismanstravels.com/about daily 0.75 2023-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d54f03fedf72291c3c3961/404803c6-04ca-439a-bcff-80dd409e7fb4/IMG_4419.jpg