The Surroundings of Al Hoota Cave (+ on my summer stay in Oman)
Last month, I also went to Nizwa, a province three hours drive from Muscat and also home to the tourist destination, Al Hoota Cave. It was a unique experience going there as huge mountains towered over the wide, long-winding roads and made you feel small. At the same time, I felt rather secure being surrounded by the big rock mountains. I felt like I was under the protection of the huge things. Before reaching Al Hoota Cave, we- I, my dad, and my uncle- also made a stop at an interesting looking place, an array of market stalls with dry goods on display. I, regretfully, didn't take any pictures. There was also a large mosque in the area. Since it was a Friday, we saw numerous men and boys file out of the building after prayer and worship. Going through all those places, I hardly saw any female locals so I felt like I was the only girl there. We then finally reached Al Hoota Cave and I was taken through a tour lasting around a half-hour in what was only 10% of the cave. It was cold inside, as if there were air-conditioning, and you could see many stalagmites and stalactites as well as a lake filled with blind fish. No photography was allowed so I instead took pictures of the surrounding area...
Outside Al Hoota Cave
Friday, 30 May 2008
Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman
.
A Tunnel-like Entrance into the Cave
There is the cave entrance and that is actually a train track, which normally paves the way for a train that takes the tourists to the cave. The train, however, was out of order so we walked to the cave.
The Train-Track/Pavement Pathway in between the Building and the Cave
That structure houses the office, the reception area, a restaurant, and a museum.
Some Things You See outside the Cave
left photo: Benches for the tourists! He he he. Or lovers. Ha ha ha! Though I didn't see anyone sitting there.
Lots and Lots of Rocks
Nizwa's a mountainous and rocky area. This stony and rocky opening exists right near the cave.
I actually did quite a number of things when I was in Oman these last two months. There were also some firsts. Nizwa was my first time to go out of Muscat- it was a memorable experience; I now wish I took pictures from the car while we were on the road. I saw places for the first time, ate in certain restaurants for the first time, made friends for the first time, saw colleges for the first time, and got my first pair of running shoes! I did run when I was in primary and secondary school. This, however, is the first time I took the initiative to actually run (on my own, and with other people- during the couple of times I got to join the Muscat Roadrunners' runs). I did mention in one of my previous posts how a shame it is that my dad is a marathon runner and I have no sport. While I was at Muscat, I found something to preoccupy myself with. My routine became like this: run in the morning for 1 1/2 hours (starting around 05:00); when I get home, I play the flute for 3-5 hours; I then read the newspapers and also take a nap (since I wake up so early); I have lunch then read the newspapers some more; next I do whatever I do, then come late afternoon, I run again (for another 1 1/2 hours); I come home in time for dinner, then soon after, I'm lying on my bed hoping I fall asleep (because when you wake up at 04:00 or 04:30, you want all the sleep you can get!).
Twelve days have passed since my return to Manila. This is my 13th day here. It was still sunny when I came. Now, it just keeps raining. Coming from sunny Muscat, I haven't been used to this. I'm here to take care of things I, of course, can't take care of when I am in Oman. And I would say I'm also here to see my friends! That latter purpose has, thankfully, been fulfilled to a certain extent so far. Now I just have to see to all these other things.
On my next post: More of the global cronies! And yes, pictures of me with my new hair. :p
Outside Al Hoota Cave
Friday, 30 May 2008
Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman
.
A Tunnel-like Entrance into the Cave
There is the cave entrance and that is actually a train track, which normally paves the way for a train that takes the tourists to the cave. The train, however, was out of order so we walked to the cave.
The Train-Track/Pavement Pathway in between the Building and the Cave
That structure houses the office, the reception area, a restaurant, and a museum.
Some Things You See outside the Cave
left photo: Benches for the tourists! He he he. Or lovers. Ha ha ha! Though I didn't see anyone sitting there.
Lots and Lots of Rocks
Nizwa's a mountainous and rocky area. This stony and rocky opening exists right near the cave.
I actually did quite a number of things when I was in Oman these last two months. There were also some firsts. Nizwa was my first time to go out of Muscat- it was a memorable experience; I now wish I took pictures from the car while we were on the road. I saw places for the first time, ate in certain restaurants for the first time, made friends for the first time, saw colleges for the first time, and got my first pair of running shoes! I did run when I was in primary and secondary school. This, however, is the first time I took the initiative to actually run (on my own, and with other people- during the couple of times I got to join the Muscat Roadrunners' runs). I did mention in one of my previous posts how a shame it is that my dad is a marathon runner and I have no sport. While I was at Muscat, I found something to preoccupy myself with. My routine became like this: run in the morning for 1 1/2 hours (starting around 05:00); when I get home, I play the flute for 3-5 hours; I then read the newspapers and also take a nap (since I wake up so early); I have lunch then read the newspapers some more; next I do whatever I do, then come late afternoon, I run again (for another 1 1/2 hours); I come home in time for dinner, then soon after, I'm lying on my bed hoping I fall asleep (because when you wake up at 04:00 or 04:30, you want all the sleep you can get!).
Twelve days have passed since my return to Manila. This is my 13th day here. It was still sunny when I came. Now, it just keeps raining. Coming from sunny Muscat, I haven't been used to this. I'm here to take care of things I, of course, can't take care of when I am in Oman. And I would say I'm also here to see my friends! That latter purpose has, thankfully, been fulfilled to a certain extent so far. Now I just have to see to all these other things.
On my next post: More of the global cronies! And yes, pictures of me with my new hair. :p