These are some pics from driving around town. I have complete freedom now to do as I wish, which I did today. I went to the mall and got a little lost, but I was fine. The orange and white home is behind our apartments. I especially like it; it's just interesting.

The mosque is on my way to work. It's so beautiful when it's all lit up in the early morning (5:15) on my way to work, but as you can see, it's still pretty when the lights are off.

FRIDAY, MAY 7 - Got up at my regular time and started early with the sight-seeing. Was done by 8:30. We went to the beach, which is what that big rock is - jus sitting there in the middle of the ocean. It wasn't all that I expected - like the pictures. Plus, I was told that being a western woman, it wouldn't be a good idea to go lay at the beach in a bathing suit by myself. So, it looks like its going to be a paid membership at the Grand Hyatt for me (which is the castle-looking building). You should see the iside! I checked it out and went out to the pool. I can sit poolside, have a drink, study, see the ocean, an get a tan, all the while in my bathing suit among westerners who couldn't give a flip.

The Sultan evidently likes everything green over here, so they lay sod on the sides and medians of the road. The palms are not indigineous, I don't think, and the green, green grass certainly isn't. They got sprinklers on all the time. No water shortage here.

The buildings with turrets are so pretty, I just took a few pictures of different ones. You'll probably see more.

if you scroll down on the pictures, you'll note that i've left comments on some of the pictures - just thoughts as i've uploaded some of them. -kdsg