These are really old memories, but pleasant, beautiful memories…from the visit to Muscat in Jan. 2012. We spent half a day at the Nizwa fort built in the 17th century. The best picture I like is of the minaret below… its elegance stands in much contrast to the dry, rugged mountains surrounding it. Standing against the blue, cloudless sky, it seemed right out of an Arabian nights tale…waiting for the magic carpet to appear, literally speaking, out of the blue.

The minaret of the Nizwa fort mosque – the elegance standing out against the stark, dry landscape in the background. (Jan. 2012)

The souk at the entrance to the Nizwa fort. (Jan. 2012)

The main defensive tower within the Nizwa fort – hardly any windows in that structure. (Jan. 2012)

Looking at the natural defenses from behind the man-made ones on top of the Nizwa fort. (Jan. 2012)

The minaret of the fort mosque – the elegance standing out against the stark, dry landscape in the background. (Jan. 2012)

One of the many bronze cannons placed atop the fort tower around its periphery. (Jan. 2012)

A model of the entire Nizwa fort and its surroundings. (Jan. 2012)

One of the feline residents of the Nizwa fort – the watchfulness in its eyes would make it suitable for the night watch. (Jan. 2012)