Omani Beduoin Architecture and Interior Design

In Oman, a very typical feature of Beduoin homes is the use of palm fronds to compose structures. Often ropes are hung to hang blankets used for colder evenings from, and rug and carpets line the floors. Lighting comes from Coleman lanterns.Weaving blankets, tents, and baskets is a craft for the bedu and they are typical items of use and decoration in a beduoin home. Beduoin encampents have inspired many tourist attractions and restaurant and hotel attractions in Oman:

Three Abayas I kind of Like

I really love the drape of this one and the embroidery. Would NOT look good if one were pregant though.

This one is odd but I like it. I want the right hand to stick out more though so it doesn't look lost in the folds.

This is a wedding abaya meant to be worn with a dress underneath. I really really like it. I never BUY wedding abayaat, but if I did, I would like one like this one.

More Modern Omani architecture

More modern Omani architecture, built with modern means.

TAGS: Please note, I am a convert to Islam so I have done some things when I was non-Muslim that I would NOT do now [stole that line from you Um Ami]. So I don't need the haram police on my tail ok??? :-) So I will highlight what applies to me. So here is one OPNO for you. her friends will know which one.

Bold if true:

I am a cuddler.
I am a morning person.
I am an only child.
I am currently in my pajamas.
I am currently pregnant.
I am currently single.
I am currently suffering from a broken heart.
I am left handed.
I am married. (is a loooooooooooooooong story how one can be single and married at the same time lol)
I am addicted to blogger.
I am online 24/7, even as an away message.
I am a little shy around the opposite gender at first.
I bite my nails.
I can be paranoid at times.
I don’t like anyone.
I enjoy country music.
I enjoy jazz music.
I enjoy smoothies.
I enjoy talking on the phone.
I have a car.
I have a cell phone.
I have/had a hard time paying attention at school.
I have a hidden talent.
I have a lot to learn.
I have a pet.
I have a tendency to fall for the “wrong” guy/girl
I have all my grandparents
I have at least one brother
I have been to another country
I have been told that I am smart
I have been told that I have an unusual sense of humor
I have OR HAD broken a bone
I have Caller I.D. on my phone.
I have changed a diaper
I have changed a lot over the past year.
I have done something illegal.
I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color.
I have had major/minor surgery.
I have killed another person (really?)
I have had my hair cut within the last week.
I have mood swings.
I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.
I have rejected someone before.
I have seen The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
I have seen the television show The O.C.
I like Shakespeare.
I like the taste of blood. (ewww)
I love to cook.
I like to sing.
I love Michael Jackson
I love sleeping.
I love to play computer games.
I love to shop.
I miss someone right now.
I own 100 CDs or more.
I own and use a library card.
I read books for pleasure in my spare time.
I sleep a lot during the day.
I strongly dislike math.
I watch soap operas on a regular basis (only because Omani ladies like too! and am stuck watching too but don't undrestand A THING).
I will try almost anything once.
I work at a job that I enjoy.
I would classify myself as ghetto.
I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free. and halal!
I am currently wearing socks.
I am tired.
I love to paint/draw/sketch/sculpt.
I have had/have a broken heart.
Smoked cigarettes. only once or twice
Rode every ride at an amusement park.
Collected something really stupid [Versace, WHAT A WASTE of my old income, should have gone for Chanel].
Gone to a rock concert.
Helped someone.
Gone fishing.
Watched four movies in one night.
Gone long periods of time with out sleep.
Lied to someone.
Been dumped.
Failed a class.
Taken a college level course.
Been in a car accident.
Been in a tornado.
Watched someone die.
Been to a funeral.
Burned yourself. (accidentally)
Ran a marathon.
Your parents got divorced.
Cried yourself to sleep.
Spent over $200 in one day.
Flown on a plane.
Cheated on someone.
Been cheated on.
Written a 10 page letter.
Gone skiing.
Been sailing.
Cut yourself.
Had a best friend.
Lost someone you loved.
Shoplifted something.
Been to jail.
Had detention.
Skipped school.
Got in trouble for something you didn’t do.
Stolen books from the library.
Dropped out of school.
Been in a mental hospital.
Watched the “Harry Potter” movies.
Had an online diary. (kinda)
Fired a gun.
Gambled in a casino.
Had a yard sale.
Been in a school play.
Been fired from a job (for wearing a headscarf not my work ethic).
Taken a lie detector test.
Swam with dolphins.
Gone to sea world.
Attempted suicide.
Voted for Pop Idol.
Written poetry.
Read more than 20 books a year.
Gone to Europe.
Loved someone you couldn’t have.
Had surgery.
Had stitches.
Taken a taxi.
Seen the Washington Monument.
Had more than 5 IM’s/online conversations going at once.
Had a drug or alcohol problem. (before Islam I drank alot, I don't know if it was a problem but it was expensive)
Been in a fist fight.
Suffered any form of abuse.
Had a hamster.
Petted a wild animal.
Used a credit card.
Gone surfing in California.
Dyed your hair.
Got a tattoo.
Had something pierced. eyebrow and nose (twice!)
Got straight A’s.
Your parents sent you to a shrink.
Been handcuffed.
Known someone with HIV or AIDS.
Taken pictures with a webcam.
Started a fire. Yes but just for camping!
Had a party while your parents weren’t home.
Gotten caught having a party while they were gone.

Omani Men's Traditional Dress: the Omani Dishdasha

Of course, white remains the most popular dishdasha colour for Omani men, being that the Prophet Mohamed SAW loved that particular colour, but Oman is famous for having very colourful regional garments and that goes for the men as well as the women, and not only the headgear of Omani men varies in design and shade.Beige dishdashas... Cream dishdasha...
Orange dishdasha (worn by the Sultan)...
Sorbet orange dishdasha in Nizwa...

Mauve/pinky dishdasha (hemmed very short)...

Maroon dishdasha...
Lilac dishdasha...

Smoke grey dishdasha...to turquoise.Navy blue dishdasha...

Indigo blule dishdasha...

Baby blue disdasha...

Mint green disdasha...

And olive green dishdasha with flowers (I saved the brightest, most original for last;) ).

There are even black dishdashaa, and pink ones (dear God, the FOOL that tried to hit on me at the airport yesturday was wearing a white dishdasha tailored off with hot pink threads and matching Barbie pink kuma---lol).

The dishdasha is a robe hemmed anywhere from ground length to the mid shin, available in a array of colours (usually cotton fabric). It is distinguished by the short tassel at the neck (which can be perfumed [long rope-like tassels are for UAE or Oman/Bahraimi area]). The threading edging the neck-close and the sleeves might be courdinated to match the man's kuma (hat).

More Rooftop Ideas

This isn't in Oman, but the Arabic style of the Mirage hotel, really does appeal to me.

Style Issue: Hijab and Harem Pants

I am an abaya girl. I LOVE abaya/jilbab, modest/loose fitting clothing [in public]. And I am adverse for Islamic reasons to skinny jeans being worn by Muslim women in public (I am a prude, lol, SO what;p!!!!!) so I am ACTUALLY very relieved about Harem pants being a trend. While it CAN be horrible, some women make it work. I will never wear it out myself and call it "hijab" but for young girls, I am so happy to see it instead of skinnies: I know Ange from her wonderful Muslim woman's fashion blog Hegab Rehab will object of course, quoting the following attrocities as reasons not to tote the look:
To not make it look completely horrifying, pair gladiator sandals, and a loose flowy (but not cocoon shaped or bulbous) top that matches your headscarf colour.