A Tip of the Cap to Sheikh Zayed, founder of Abu Dhabi

Only took two and half months , but I finally visited one of the most important (and touristy) sights in Abu Dhabi - the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is in recognition of the UAE's founding father who passed away in 2004 (his grave is on-site, but pictures are strictly prohibited).

See the FULL ALBUM (14 pics) HERE

I've been to a mosque or two previously (i.e. the historic Blue Mosque in Istanbul) and the Grand Mosque here is quite a bit different. Although the Grand Mosque lacks any real historic feeling, it certainly replaces any void with sheer wealth. Think 44 million Svorski crystals used in the 7 chandeliers, which are 9 tons each...think gold plated minarets...think stone and marble sourced from Morrocco, Italy, China, and nine other countries. Moral of the story: a penny was not spared when building the Grand Mosque. Regardless, this is certainly a must-see for any visitor passing through Abu Dhabi - glad I finally did!

36 Hours in Muscat: one of my new favorite places

Long story made short: I joined my pals/co-workers Rob and Ben embarked on a blind, unresearched, and no-expectations 36 hour adventure to Muscat. We showed up at 8:00am on Friday with no hotel and left the following evening with a great experience that included fishing with the locals, hiking in the mountains, bartering in the Muttrah Souk, eating like kings at a ridiculously good little joint, sipping fresh lemon mint on the waterfront...and most importantly, absolutely loving Muscat. A unexpectedly awesome place. Now enjoy the sights:

For the FULL SLIDE SHOW click here:

Muscat: one of my new favorite places in the world - relaxed, seaside town, with hiking, fishing, friendly people, great food...everybody should visit

Historic forts are everywhere


Hanging on the waterfront - did I mention the people were great?

In front of our hotel down on the Muscat waterfront

The waterfront at night

Nighttime

The life: hanging with the guys, sipping coffee and enjoying the Muscat night scene

The head scarves make us honorary Omanis, right?

The three guys are way cooler than the two in the previous pic

Hauling freshly caught fish off the boat

Dangling our feet in the Sea, fishing with the locals, enjoying Muscat -- doesn't get much better than this

Pedddling today's catch

A quiet corner of the Muttrah Souq (bazaar)

Just a trinket or two on sale - not a crowded store at all!

A beautiful waterfront in Muscat

The main mosque on Muscat's Corniche waterfront

Up in the mountains - beautiful

The trailhead - a bit different than the ones in Washington state

Rob and Ben pondering if hiking in Chuck Taylors, jeans and 90 degree heat was a wise choice....we survived