Rustaq: A Long Winding Road ~ prettivhie

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

Albert Einstein

One pleasant summer day, I got the chance of riding through the winding road to Rustaq. Rustaq is a city in the South Al Batinah region, surrounded by the Al Hajir mountain range and an abundance of date palm forest. It is an hour away from Muscat riding through the desserts, some dessert oasis and magnificent rocks.

If you want to have an excellent view of mountain ranges and desserts, you've got to make this trip to one of the inner villages of Oman.

Some goats feeding themselves along the way.

Bridge that passes though what seems to be a Wadi but this is a dry season, and mostly as I know it is very seldom these waterways get water!

Grazing through the small town, there you can see age old trees which signifies stories behind. According to history the city came to the forefront of Omani heritage when Imam Nasser bin Murshid Al Ya’rubi started from here his conquest to unify Oman and repel the Portuguese from the country in the 17th century. It has been recorded that Al Rustaq was also once the capital of Oman!

Some mud-house behind trees. I couldn't help it but to stop and take some few more snaps.

Going to the entrance of Rustaq Fort, you can see age old walls which stood over time. Al Rustaq Fort (قـلعة الرستاق) is one of two impressive and historically important landmarks in the place. One of which is the Al Hazm Castle (حصن الحزم) which I would like to visit later on :)

Entering one of the oldest and tallest forts in Oman the most wonderful panoramic view was displayed before me. The entrance has heavy, reinforced Omani style doors, one with a smaller door for a quick entry. Entry is free of charge, so just walk in; however there is who seems to be a guard wearing traditional dress checking people who came in. Don't worry; the old man is very friendly and even he obviously cannot speak English but his gestures are very welcoming and homely.

Since forts were used as antecedents for castles you can find ammunition which definitely served their purpose during the time.

Joshua and Lawrence had a hard time figuring out what this stuff is all about!

Sturdy walls were just amazing plus the nature's fresh cold air was just incomparable.

We grazed around enjoying the scenery and the feel of the nature.

The trip was not very lucky though since the main fort was closed for renovation. So we just roam around the surroundings and the views and architecture were just magnificent.