Let me start off by saying how pictures do not do this justice! I found myself at the Grand Mosque around 3 o'clock and stayed until 645! This place was absolutely stunning.
When approaching the building from any direction it came been seen standing majestically in the distance. When they were designing the architecture of the building they located it on land that was elevated higher than its surrounding so that it could stand as a landmark and reminder of the heritage of the area.
When you enter the front gates men and women are shoe rated into two entrances. If you are not dressed to the religious standards ( no lets showing, no tight clothing, and a head cloth) they dress you! I can not deny the fact that I loved it!
With it bring the off season, due to 40-50 Celsius temperatures, I practically had the place to myself, and I could not have been happier!
Before entering everyone is asked to take off their shoes and leave them on a rack outside. They provided two long rows for shoes to accommodate the large crowds during holy ceremonies.
The entrance way boasted a stunning couple million dollar chandelier.
Main entrance worship hall.
Inside the hall were three sections each with a chandelier. One hung over the main hall and one in each the male and female worship halls.
The carpet which encompassed the whole area was weaver b no less than 1,200 women!
The main clock on the back wall.
After touring the inside I went to the the right wise of the mosque and relaxed by the water pools and waited for the sun to set.
Here comes one of the cons of traveling alone, getting yourself in the picture! It allows you to meet people but when no one else is around I turn into the dorky self timer photographer as you can see.
Finally the sun started to set and a golden glow was cast upon the white marble.
As I left I snapped two more quick photos which I ended up loving.
This was my favorite of the day.
Since I spent so many hours at the mosque I missed my tour bus back to the hotel so instead I haloed one of the silver and yellow taxis. I booked a dinner cruise that evening but had no idea how to actually get to it. The tour place at run out of maps so when I consulted the hotel's concierge they were very helpful in figuring out! When I arrived at the fishing port, the location of the Iranian Market, it was practically deserted excluding the 15 Arabians that were hanging out smoking in their boat. I have never felt like I had so many eyes on me at once! This was one of the first times I realized how far away from home I was. I walked around and finally spotted the only dhow cruise operating, the con of it being off season.
To enter the boat you walked through a little tunnel decorated with lanterns.
Once on board a pleasant staff served unlimited soft drinks while guests sat among tables and cushions on the floor.
On board I met some of the workers from the canadian embassy. They helped tell me all the things to see in the city.
Dinner was crazy. They kept serving plate after plate. I am still not really sure what I ate. Keep in mind all of this food was just mine alone
This had the weirdest consistency I have ever tastes. Like jello mixed with midge podge!
And of course diet coke!
After dinner everyone relaxed in the roof of the boat and enjoyed the view.
After the deck pulled into the dock I realized that I did not have any transportation. I had made the mistake of booking through the bus company instead of my hotel. As guests departed in their cars I stood a little aimlessly with growing panic. I asked the boat guides if they could get a taxi and they said it may be hard as the one walked off into the distance to look. Luckily my news Canadian friends Sheriff, Carrie, Susan, and their 4 month baby Luna gave me a ride back!
Wow! What a day u had. I am SO jealous not just of what you are experiencing but more of the fact you are doing it by yourself! Don't know that I would be that brave. I love the picture of the mosque @ sunset. Breathtaking!
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