Lunch--Omani-Style

Today I was invited to tour the Bait Al Zubair Museum in Mutrah, just off the corniche. A ladies' group met at the museum, was given a tour, then treated to lunch.

This wrought iron gates lead into the first courtyard. Note the colorful oryx standing guard over the courtyard!

Right in front of these gates hangs a picture of His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos. This is the current Sultan, who brought modernization and infrastructure to his country. He ascended the throne in 1970; there was only one paved road in all of Oman at that time. He is honored by hanging his picture all over the country--on roadsides, inside buildings, offices, shopping centers, and more.

The front entrance to the museum and the
ladies with whom I attended the luncheon.

The foyer of the museum is decorated in traditional Omani style with stained glass and typical Omani weaponry.

This is a dome with inset stained glass--very popular and used in most Omani
buildings--homes, shopping centers, and some businesses.

The museum is a tribute to Omani heritage and origins of their clothing, jewelry, and weaponry. We got a brief lesson in the different tribal areas of Oman and how the tribes are differentiated by their clothing. While cameras were not allowed inside the museum, the back courtyard contains re-created Omani buildings.

Example of how merchants used to display wares for sell in their souk stall.

Another use for palm trees--hanging your water jug!

Dhow, or Omani boat replica

This is one of our guides explaining this miniature of an actual Omani mountain village
and how water is captured and used to supply the entire area.

I liked how they were able to pull their boats inside a wall for protection just outside the fort's main walls.

After the tour, we were served lunch in an exhibit hall of the museum. Note the artwork hanging on the wall as well as the traditional Arabic seating. I can honestly say I'm glad I don't have to sit on the floor to eat all the time!

Waiter serving Omani fruit drinks--watermelon juice or a ginger lemon juice

The ladies at my table--sitting on cushions on the floor. Hummus, bread
and salad on the table. Salad served like this is a real treat!

It has been a wonderfully unique experience to meet women from all corners of the earth. Today there is a mix of women from all continents!

And last but not least--the multi-color, unique oryx statues that adorn all of the outdoor courtyards at the museum. I really took a liking to them! So, hope I'm not boring you with all the different shots I took of them!