Nizwa: Things of note

The events described in this post took place on or about Febuary 4th, 2010 in Nizwa, Oman. For those of you viewing this through Facebook 'Notes', the original post is available on www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com. It will enable you access to photo galleries and other multi-media material which don't transfer into 'Notes'

One of the things you simply can't get around living in a new place is the obligatory exploratory phase. This usually occurs during the initial period directly after arrival. I, am no exception to this rule. After a settling in period, the mind begins to wander. You start getting the 'itch'. You become very curious as to what exactly lies outside the boundaries of your flat. Well, this weekend I gave in to that urge. I stepped outside the safe confines of my domicile, and took a 'walk' around. This post is more of a 'photograph journal' than an actual blogpost. Most of the relevant things that I found are illustrated best in the web-album above this post. That is not to say, that there are a few things of special note that deserve some textual elucidation.

The most hysterical thing that I've seen so far, is 'The Hungry Bunny'. It's a fast-food chain of Saudi origin, and it lies about 200 meters from my flat. I've actually been in there a few times so far (haven't really done that much shopping, and sometimes it's far easier to eat-out than prepare something at this stage). THe food is... well ehhhh. But the food isn't why I'm including it as a 'thing of note'. You need to just look at it. It's absolutely hilarious! Check out the 'cross-eyed bunny' that is its mascot. After your done laughing yourself sick, take a closer look at the font of the sign. Look familiar? It's the exact same font as Burger King. Also, the colors and design are quite similar. Way to take advantage of the corporate branding dollars spent by Burger King to imprint the global market. Anyway, every time I pass it, it brings a smile to my face.

On the tourism note, I spent most of the early afternoon at the 'Nizwa Fort'. Most Omani cities have one of these. It dates back to the tribal/feudal era, I think. I also believe that at one time most of the city proper fell within the walls of the fort. A massive round citadel stands at the fort's center. I went inside, and got to the top of it. The view was fantastic!. It has thick walls, ramparts, cannons, and anti-siege devices one would expect of such a tactical installation. One cool thing is the 'murder holes'. These are holes in the walls of the citadel, usually above doorways. They were used as a port to pour boiling liquid (usually date syrup) on attackers who managed to breech the fort walls, and were attempting to enter the citadel. All in all, it was pretty cool. So, I hope you enjoy the embedded slide-show above.

Until I have something new to report-

Henrick