Snorkelling at Bandar Khayran

We were keen to go snorkeling whilst visiting Muscat and had heard excellent reports of the experience.  After some research, Bandar Khayran was top of the list of destinations and I proceeded to book an 8 hour Bandar Khayran snorkeling tour with a local company through our hotel (the Coral Muscat Hotel).  … Read the rest

Watchtowers of Muscat

There are many watchtowers in Muscat.  Just take a drive and see how many you can spot, perched up on rocky outcrops surveying the surrounds.

This particular watchtower (restored Portuguese) isn’t particularly large or exciting, containing all of two cannons and nothing else, but the steep climb is worth the spectacular views both back towards Mutrah and out across the next bay towards Old Muscat.… Read the rest

Mutrah Souq

Step into Mutrah Souq and let a whirlwind of color, sound, and scent envelop you. The air hums with chatter, the clinking of brass lamps and the warm aroma of frankincense and spices. Enter from the Corniche near the traffic lights where pedestrians cross and wander up the main covered corridor.… Read the rest

Bateaux Dubai

Seating on board

We are only here by luck.  Our Bateaux Dubai cruise was an ‘extra’ on our resort weekend stay at the JA Palm Tree Court. We nearly decided to forego it, though thank goodness we didn’t!

Batteaux Dubai

Appearing as a bonus in the fine print, we have completely underestimated the value and enjoyment of this activity. … Read the rest

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City

The only word that comes close to describing the enormity of the Forbidden City is “vast”. Even this doesn’t seem to do it justice. It’s hard to comprehend that the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) was built in the Ming Dynasty (around 1420).… Read the rest

Drum & Bell Towers

View of the Drum Tower from the Bell Tower

The Drum and Bell Towers stand opposite each other at the ends of Drum & Bell Square. Together, they served as the city’s official timekeepers until 1924, with drums beaten and bells rung to mark each hour of the day.… Read the rest

Temple of Heaven: Imperial Walkway Bridge

The Imperial Walkway Bridge (Danbi Bridge)

The Temple of Heaven Park is a vast green space in the heart of Beijing. It has the not-so-green Temple of Heaven, including its Circular Mound Altar structure as its centerpiece.  By no means is the Temple the only structure though.… Read the rest

Temple of Heaven: The Imperial Vault of Heaven

The Imperial Vault of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven Park is a vast green space in the heart of Beijing. It has the not-so-green Temple of Heaven, including its Circular Mound Altar structure as its centerpiece.  By no means is the Temple the only structure though.… Read the rest