The fortress of Nakhal was the perfect start for our “fortress hoping” in Oman. Its hilltop location makes it the perfect photo opportunity, probably the best of all Omani fortresses and we should know – we visited eight out the 500 in total! Sitting majestically on a small hill is one thing, but this superbly renovated fortress brings its past back to life. Rooms full of old furniture and tools put the visitors hundreds of years back in time. Construction started in the 9th century, but extensions and renovation only ended in 1990. Continue Reading →
Archive | Middle East
Muscat – The Myth
Are we in Muscat? We kept asking ourselves repeatedly while gliding along on the palm tree-lined highway. It seemed an endless journey along neat buildings without ever getting to a center. Why the confusion? Muscat is basically a 40-kilometer longish stretch along the coast, including smaller and bigger towns. Continue Reading →
Scuba Diving In Oman
Ras Al Sawadi, an hour drive north of Muscat, was not really worth all the hassle. After fighting our way through a serious traffic jam coming from Muscat, we were rushed on a boat. Another hour we spent racing towards Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve for very little to see, literally. Continue Reading →
Muscat Alien Arrival
A lavishly decorated Xmas tree greeted us at Muscat Airport at 02:00 am. We found this rather irritating! Didn’t we come to Oman to get away from exactly this? And now, the same ole “Jingle Bells” ambience? Continue Reading →
Istanbul – A Selection Of 27 Pictures
Istanbul definitely deserves more time than just an extended weekend. Of course, the Blue Mosque (Sultanamet Camii), the Aya Sofya (Church of Divine Wisdom), the Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar are high on anybody’s list. These impressive sights could easily be visited in a few days, but there is much more to explore. Continue Reading →
A City Full Of Historic Highlights
Istanbul definitely deserves more time than just an extended weekend. Of course, the Blue Mosque (Sultanamet Camii), the Aya Sofya (Church of Divine Wisdom), the Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar are high on anybody’s list. These impressive sights could easily be visited in a few days, but there is much more to explore. Continue Reading →
Instanbul Traffic
The city has a traffic problem, period. No surprise, when a population of 15 million people commutes between different continents. To make things worse, it is separated by an inlet, the Golden Horn, spanned only by four bridges.
Atashehir – West Meets West
Most tourists in Istanbul remain on the European side and unfortunately miss discovering “boom town” modern Istanbul with its trendy neighbourhoods, chic bars & restaurants. Continue Reading →