bazaar July/Aug 2017 issue

Jul/Aug 2017 | Issue # 217 www.bazaar.town

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ABOUT THE COVER This month’s gorgeous cover is brought to you by our new friends, calligrapher/ illustrators Charmaine + Ellie. When we found the dynamic duo’s Instagram account filled with prints and images depicting Kuwait in a whimsical light, we knew that the way we see our Kuwait had finally been translated on paper, and so, we turned it into a fun cover!

We all get a little lost here, more so than we’d like to admit, so when you feel you can’t tell your Jabriya from your Hawalli and you don’t know which highway to take, look to our cover and remember that the country is filled with fun and beauty. Stay pretty, Kuwait!

Last week K-town was in the news again! No, not some ridiculous news about some new law targeting expats, and no, not another terrorist attack thank God, but something completely different. We broke last year’s record of being the hottest inhabited place in the world at 56 degrees centigrade, and hit 60 degrees centigrade in some parts of the country. I used to think that these high numbers were exaggerations, but I can honestly say that this year no embellishments were needed, since it really is the hottest place in the world right now. My watch actually singed my arm yesterday while I was walking from my car to my house #TheHeatIsOn

The bazaar team...

But don’t worry, there is hope, and there are ways to cool down with our July/August summer special issue! Because we know that travel is probably on your agenda this summer, we caught up with two amazing, but very different, avid travelers: Mohammed (Moe) Alsanea and Faris Almussalam. From taking the road less traveled across Asia, we get up close and personal with Moe as he shares with us truly memorable anecdotes from the road. If you prefer planning out your travel itinerary down to the very last detail, then our conversation with Traveleye.net founder Faris Almussalam will tickle your organizational fancies in truth or dare.

Mixed Media Solutions

Summering in the 965? Stay calm, and read our ultimate guide to surviving K-town’s blistering temperatures. There are many ways to beat the heat, from lounging around the finest beach clubs, taking up a new hobby, to indulging in never-ending amounts of pleasing ice cream flavors. Read our feature to find out how! Looking for those perfect pool-side essentials? Check out what our friends at Triumph have prepared for you!

Staff Writer

Another summer past-time we love is tracking down the latest dining gems that are on offer in Kuwait, and our bazaar goes dining experience at the fabulous Rococoa located in the Jaber Al Ahmed Cultural Center proves how a bespoke vision for dining and dessert can be truly inimitable. In paying attention to every last detail when it comes to presenting a savory and seductive dessert menu, we can safely say that we fell in love with food, all over again, at the incredible Rococoa.

Cover By

No issue of bazaar would be complete without an amazing cover story, and our creative friends at Charmaine+Ellie grace our pages with their happy vibes and our cover with fabulous depiction of Kuwait. Meet the awesome design duo in this issue, and read all about their Kuwait journey so far!

Happy reading, traveling and partying!

Ahmed El-Adly

Boss Ahmed El-Adly

Operations Tim Burns

Business Development Ihab Mokalled Jennifer Cádiz

Content Coordinator Yasmine El Charif

Design Ahmed Al-Ashab

Staff Writer/Online Media Amira Haroun Yasmine Dalloul

Communications Hala Y. Sharara

Editor Alia Al Duaij Charmaine+Ellie

Contributing Writers Barry Rodrigues Faris Almussalam George Tarabay Jamie Etheridge Dr. Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg

members of:

Contributing Photographers Yousef Al Nasser

Syndicates & Sources Baraka Bits Fast Company Kingdome.co LA Times MCT International Newsweek

w w w. b p aw w. c o m The views expressed in bazaar magazine are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff (but sometimes they are).

Printing British Industries for Printing and Packaging

tel.2571 6122 info@bazaar-magazine.com www.bazaar.town | Zahra Complex, Salmiya. 8th floor, office 35 @bazaargram bazaarmagazine @bazaartweets

No one likes to be dumped;

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recycle me, please.

boss

INDEX JULY / AUGUST 2017 28

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MOE ALSANEA

FARIS ALMUSSALLAM

ROCOCOA

CHARMAINE+ELLIE

This month we get up close and personal with forever wanderer Mohammed (Moe) Alsanea. Read all about how one man’s passion for travel inspired the entirely new 361 platform for Arab travelers to share their experiences in this issue.

This month, we welcome our newest contributor with a fun game of Truth or Dare! Faris Almussallam steps out of his adventurous travel blog TravelEye to chat with us about his wanderlust, giving us useful travel tips along the way.

Decadent, delicious and truly unforgettable, our experience at Rococoa was one for the records! Read all about the amazing meal we shared at this brand new establishment, and the sugar rush it provided at the very end.

Our cover is the epitome of whimsicalness that we think describes Kuwait to a T, and we have no one to thank for it other than dynamic design duo, Charmaine+Ellie. Meet the artists in this issue with an intimate interview!

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PORSCHE HERITAGE

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SMASHBURGER

Searching for the perfect empowering swimsuit to beat the heat with this summer?

Look no further: Triumph’s got your back!

Check out our gorgeous mini-fashion spread and get shopping!

Porsche Heritage Service Centre’s Service Manager Pascale Hayek knows a thing or two about your ideal Porsche! We sit down with the legend to get his two fils on everything Porsche customization!

A tried and tested favorite, this burger joint never fails to please. This month, we have a sneaky cheat meal and please our taste buds in the process with flavor-packed burgers, and not to mention, Smashburger's ridiculously crunchy sweet potato fries!

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SUMMER IN THE 965 “But Kuwait sucks in the summer!” Not OUR Kuwait! bazaar is here to save the day with a list of activities and ideas chock-full to keep you busy until September! If you’re stumped for things to do, then this article is for you.

TRIUMPH SWIMWEAR

P. 62 ROCOCOA

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O Brown

The Avenues Mall 22597538

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With a bilingual audience of both English and Arabic, we cover everything from what’s on, to the bizarre. We print and distribute 10,000 copies of bazaar every month; each copy is read by an average of 3 people, giving us a total readership of over 30,000. bazaar is published every month (with a double issue for July/ August), delivered free of charge to a large subscriber database, and distributed free of charge in all of the following locations: Cafés & Eateries

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Costa Coffee Outlets: Al Argan Marina Crescent Miral Mall, Mangaf Kuwait Airport Saqran Mall Ghawalli Mall Sahara Shaab

Starbucks Outlets: Abdullah Mubarak Adeliya Airport Mall Al Mowasat Hospital Al Shaya Head Office Aliya & Ghalia Complex Andalouse Coop AUK Bairaq Mall Baitak Tower Behbehani Complex Bida’a Complex BMW Showroom Daiya Co-op Dar Al Awadi Divonne, Abu Hassaniya Four Points by Sheraton Hilton Resort

Jabriya Kaifan Khalifa Resort Kout Mall Marina Crescent Marina Mall Mishref NBK Nuzha Co-op Plaza Hawalli Rosa Castle Salhiya Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak Salmiya Co-op Salwa Co-op Scientific Center Seif Hospital Shaab Shamiya Co-op Sharq Co-op Sheikha Complex Sheikh Saed Al Abdullah Terminal Shuwaikh Zain Headquarters Souk Sharq The Avenues The Palms Hotel Zahra Co-op

Other Outlets:

Crumbs, Shaab Dunkin Donuts, Mall 360 Elevation Burger, Abu Halifa, Al Bida’a, Al-Hamra, Avenues, Meshrif, Alseif Haagen Daz- Souk Sharq, Arraya Johnny Rockets- opp. Salhiya Complex, Marina, Salmiya, The Avenues, Alia & Ghalia Complex Juan Valdez Café, Symphony Mall Made Caffe Al Salam Mall November Bakery, Al-Tilal

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Organica Fish & Chips, Jabriya P.Q. - The Palms, Marina Mall Paul - The Avenues, Marina Mall Prime & Toast - Al Bida’a, Seif Strip Scoop-A-Cone - Egaila, Fahaheel Someday Café The Early Bird - Fahaheel, Jabriya Upper Crust - The Village

Clinics & Hospitals Al Mubarakiya Dental Clinic - Egaila, Salmiya Al Safat American Hospital Boushahri Clinic Dasman Diabetes Institute Diet Care Center Gulf Clinic International Clinic Maidan Clinic - Fahaheel, Farwaniya, Hawalli, Sharq, Subah Al Salem Noor Clinic Salam Hospital Seif Hospital Soor Center Taiba Clinic The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic

Hotels & Health Clubs Al Corniche Club Crowne Plaza, Farwaniya, Salmiya Hilton Kuwait Resort & Spa Holiday Inn, Salmiya, Inspire Pure Fitness Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel JW Marriott – Residence Inn, Sharq Millenium Hotel & Conference Center Pilates & More - Salmiya, Mahboula Spaloon The Palms Beach Hotel The Yoga Center

Malls

Stand Alones

Al Salam Mall Arraya Haagen Dazs Galleria Al Hamra Elevation Burger The Boulevard Mall Starbucks Costa Coffee The Promenade Mall Caribou Mall 360 Dunkin Donuts Marina Mall/Crescent Casper & Gambini Chocolate Bar Johnny Rockets P.Q. Paul Souq Sharq Starbucks Haagen Dazs Breadz Symphony Mall Juan Valdez The Avenues Elevation Burger Johnny Rockets Paul Starbucks Airport Mall Starbucks Dar Al Awadi I.O. Center Spoons Chocolate Bar Salhiya Complex Starbucks

4 Boutique Alghanim Marine Alghanim Showrooms - Safat Al Rai, Shuweikh, Sharq, Fahaheel beau-Tique cosmetics British Embassy Brush Salon CAP Gallery Cookie Dough Dar Al Funoon Dar.Nur Gold Class Lounge - Grand Cinemas Al Hamra Italian Center Jacques Dessange Salon, Shaab KAICO Kuwait Airport Business Class Lounges N Style Nail Lounge Media Elephant Pink Moon Boutique Sultan Gallery THE One The Chairman's Club USA Embassy

Schools & Universities American International School American University of Kuwait Australian College Kuwait Bayan School (Hawalli) Boxhill College BSK - British School of Kuwait Universal American School

Kuwait University Starbucks Starbucks Starbucks Starbucks

Khaldiya Adeliya Jabriya Shuwaikh

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gulf bank

what's trending July/August 2017

What: @fattetbaba Info: One cute father’s fatteh delivery business.

Editor’s Note: Rumored to be the best fatteh in town!

What: @toot_q8i Info: Kitschy accessories boutique in Dalal Complex.

Editor’s Note: A true treasure trove of fun!

What: @everydaykwt Info: Beautiful photography capturing Kuwait’s essence.

Editor’s Note: There’s more to Kuwait than meets the eye.

What: @pickysamurai Info: A nutritionist spreading knowledge and recipes for better health.

Editor’s Note: Vegetarian, non-dairy, low fat, high in starches.

www.bazaar.town

What: @click.6 Info: Homemade tanning oil made with natural ingredients!

Editor’s Note: Soak up the sun your way.

What: @by_fka Info: Hats, pouches and personalized accessories.

Editor’s Note: We love their colorful pouches!

What: @therackkw Info: A hub for upscale outfitting.

Editor’s Note: Last minute outfits have never been easier to find!

What: @rskinco Info: A new range of skincare products in Kuwait.

Editor’s Note: Elevate your daily skin routine!

As much as we work our hardest to give you one rocking print issue after the other, we’re socially active (or try our best to be, we are bazaar humans after all) and we love it!

Find us online: It makes our day when we see your tweets/mentions/likes/comments/shares about your favorite features and more. facebook.com/bazaarmagazine 22

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+965 99936046 23

BAZAARITES TAKE A BREAK… …from each other By bazaar staff

It's that time of year again! We spend all year long working hard to produce great content for you, and while we love it, it can take a huge toll on our mental and physical health.

Just worrying about our waistlines after doing all those delicious reviews is stressful enough as it is! Why do you think we all work out so much?

It’s that time of year again! We spend all year long working hard to produce great content for you, and while we love it, it can take a huge toll on our mental and physical health. Just worrying about our waistlines after doing all those delicious reviews is stressful enough as it is! Why do you think we all work out so much?

But every year, like clockwork, we have a month that is purely ours. As soon as we get word that our July/August issue is hot off the press, we promptly pack our bags and head for the airport, saying sayonara to our desks for a duration of 30 blissful days.

Some of us opt to staycate, others prefer to travel within the region, and others run as far away as possible to a whole other continent. Either way, we’re excited to share our summer plans with you! And who knows, maybe we’ll see you reading this at the airport!

Name: Ahmed El-Adly Position: Managing Director.

Destination(s): North Coast of Egypt.

Why I love it: It’s got a little bit of everything, from beaches, to amazing food to the best party scene in world.

What I’m going to do there: All of the above.

What I’m going to eat: Lots of seafood and Friska of course!

I recommend… That you check out Lemon Tree in Telal, and Satchi for a top-notch atmosphere.

Name: Yasmine El Charif Position: Content Manager.

Destination(s): Om el Donya, Egypt!

Why I love it: It’s home!

What I’m going to do there: Catch up with friends at Cairo’s new hip destinations, and swim in both the Mediterranean and Red seas.

What I’m going to eat: Lots and lots of fresh seafood, and of course, Koshari!

I recommend… Splitting your time to make sure you get to experience the amazing beaches that Egypt has to offer. Head up to the northwestern shores of Sahel for pristine sand and azure blue waters, and head on south to Hurghada and Gouna for unspoiled golden shores, gorgeous islands, and chilled out vibes.

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Name: Tim Burns Position: Operations Manager.

Destination(s): Hospital, and then home in Kuwait!

Why I love it: Because I'll be welcoming my first born to the world.

What I’m going to do there: Dad stuff, losing sleep and possibly hair.

What I’m going to eat: Whatever I can, whenever I can!

I recommend… Sleeping as much as possible before babies arrive.

Name: Ihab Mokalled Position: Business Development Manager.

Destination(s): Lebanon.

Why I love it: It’s my homeland.

What I’m going to do there: Visiting my family, relaxing and chilling out.

What I’m going to eat: Our famous Lebanese cuisine.

I recommend… Beaches, rivers‬ ‫ ‫‬and touristic areas‬‬.‬‬ Name: Yasmine “Smee” Dalloul Position: Staff Writer.

Destination(s): Montreal, Nashville and London.

Why I love it: MTL: Friends, Nashville: Music, London: Chocolate.

What I’m going to do there: Visit my second home for the summer, have some good old-fashioned Southern fun, and indulge in a glorified weeklong transit to stock up on Terry’s Chocolate Orange for Madame Editor.

What I’m going to eat: Everything: Bagels, barbecue, fish and chips, and my famous Octopus Spaghetti that I only make in MTL. I recommend… Doing whatever you want this summer. You don’t have to go somewhere exotic, but go somewhere you know you’ll be happy. For me, that’s the magic of the quaint North American summers.

Name: Ahmed Alashab Position: Senior Graphic Designer.

Destination(s): France and Spain.

Why I love it: ‘cause I’ve never been :).

What I’m going to do there: You know what it is… sightseeing and beaches.

What I’m going to eat: Anything I please- I’m on vacation. (And croissants!)

I recommend… Tagging along if you don’t got any plans.

Name: Jennifer Cádiz Position: Mixed Media Solutions.

Destination(s): Canada.

Why I love it: Justin Trudeau…and my Father’s family is there.

What I’m going to do there: Enjoy the wilderness and lakes between city breaks.

What I’m going to eat: Poutine and maple syrup… not together.

I recommend…Talking to Canadians! Invariably well educated, and often hilarious.

Name: Amira Haroun Position: Staff Writer (on Maternity Leave!)

Destination: Hurghada, Egypt Why I love it: Sun, sea and sand - what's there not to love?!

What I'm going to do there: Introduce baby to the beach-bum life What I'm going to eat: All the fish!!!

I recommend… Picking a spot on the beach and never leaving. You live here now.

Happy travels everyone! We’ll see you all in September.

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Simpler Banking

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MAKING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SUMMER IN KUWAIT

By Jamie Etheridge

Kuwait summer equals travel. The country empties out and the next thing you know, our social media is flooded with gorgeous, inviting photos of blue Moroccan cities, mouthwatering street food from London, New York and Japan, green and lush Swiss mountains, Florida beaches, Lebanese cafes, Indian hill stations and trips along the Nile.

For those of us staying the summer in Kuwait, the long and hot months of July and August can seem almost unbearable. Temperatures will regularly top 50 degrees Celcius and spending any time outdoors except at the pool, especially during daylight hours, becomes impossible. At the same time, pretty much everything takes on a slower, sluggish pace and there are fewer events and activities to keep you distracted.

Despite all of this, I enjoy summer in Kuwait.

Though I always look forward to traveling, even if only for a few weeks, I deliberately focus on all the positive aspects of summer in Kuwait. For instance, traffic suddenly becomes irrelevant. By July, most of those who plan to travel have left and the roads are practically empty. This can cut commutes by more than half for many of us who work all summer long.

Another great thing about summer in Kuwait is 26

the slower pace of life. Some people may find this boring but especially if you have kids, a slower pace can be an absolute rejuvenator after a hectic and schedule-packed school year.

We all need the freedom and time to just be. The summer in Kuwait can provide this. Take a few days off work and just stay home and chill out. Read or take the kids for evening ice cream.

Kids and teens definitely need the freedom and relaxation away from all the pressures of school and afterschool activities. Summer can be a perfect opportunity for them to do a whole lot of nothing.

Let them be bored. Yes, if you have younger children or even teens it’s almost guaranteed that they will bicker as the boredom factor rises.

But kids are resilient and will start thinking of ways to entertain themselves and engage their minds. So they may be bored for a bit and there will be a spike in sibling squabbles, but if you can wait it out and give them a chance to figure out on their own how to entertain themselves, you might be surprised what they create.

Once the boredom starts to overwhelm, it will be necessary to venture out and enjoy the growing list of things to do and family-friendly activities there are in Kuwait. Ice skating and swimming are perfect summer activities. Go to the movies or have a home movie night with homemade popcorn and snacks.

Summer is a great time to take a up a new hobby, sport or craft and there are literally hundreds of places in Kuwait that now offer workshops, classes and other opportunities for this. The whole family can take up tennis or attend a weekend yoga class. Local businesses offer a fun array of workshops on clay making, sewing and design, calligraphy, art, crochet and weaving, sculpting, design, robotics, coding and etc. There are also dozens of sports academies, local gyms and organizations that families can join to get fit and healthy while having fun this summer.

The fact of the matter is that Kuwait is a ‘what you make it’ kind of place. You can be miserable and grumble and suffer if that is what you prefer. Or you can find ways to take advantage of the positives, downplay the negatives and enjoy what summer in Kuwait does have to offer. The choice is up to you.

Jamie Etheridge is the founder of Kuwait Moms Guide, a mom of two, a writer and a determined optimist. For more, visit www.kuwaitmomsguide.com.

360 mall

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FATHER OF SAHM

A story on sustainable design with Jay Stoughtenger by bazaar staff

Jay Stoughtenger gained his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Boston Architectural College but there is no doubt that his passion for design runs deep in his blood. Hailing from a family of former marina operators, Jay's father builds boats. His dad’s workshop physically set the parameters for the design of some of Jay’s projects, as the space’s limited resources presented its own restrictions.

Given these conditions, Jay set upon the idea of designing a chair, a relatively smallish object, which then evolved to become selfassembly and tool-less! We were intrigued to try it for ourselves, and to find out more about the man behind the chair called Sahm.

New York-born Jay Stoughtenger has been living and breathing Kuwait for seven years now, working with Cambridge Seven Associates Architects.

Initially here to contribute to the early design of the Kuwait Ministry of Education Headquarters, as Lead Architect, he is now helping to realize the creation of what will be an iconic landmark. His vast technical knowledge neatly juxtaposes an appreciation of aesthetics, function and form working together, one not being considered over the other.

At once full of information and yet at the same time wanting to express things as simply as possible, it takes a moment for Jay to warm up to his subject. It’s almost as if he is stemming the inevitable flow of enthusiasm for everything, that 28

he eventually shows us. The language he uses is so steeped in the lexicon of architecture, art and design that you must really listen to understand his point, as simply as he wishes it to be conveyed.

This is very much a metaphor for the chair he’s designed. The chair looks Spartan and pure, how Jay wants you to see it. However, there are hidden intricacies to Sahm, indicative of the sheer brain power and forethought of its designer. The joints, the dovetails, the angles of the plane for stability, the details as he explains all the reasons why these things have to exist…it’s a wonder that something that looks so simple could be so very complicated from the outset.

But it isn’t complicated for the user. Luckily the slot system means the chair is beyond easy to put together. Once you set the keel (the base of the chair) with the chair’s back, you can walk away from it without the structure falling down. This gives you two hands to easily slot the seat of the chair into the keel supported back. Although it’s only the halfsize version, three of bazaar staff’s members (all with very different body types) venture to sit on the chair, nervously at first. Upon sitting there’s this euphoric confidence that rises to the surface, as you can feel how sturdy the structure is and surprisingly comfortable! “It’s tilted at 19 degrees for an ergonomic alert position”, says Jay. Then he shows us that the chair can be lifted and moved from place to place in the room without it disassembling, often the truest test of a self-assembly piece of furniture.

Jay jokes that he didn’t want to have to use screws or bolts, as he himself fails to read

instructions, while his wife is the one who always takes a more analytical approach and reads leaflet directions. This may lead to tense moments when assembling flat-pack Swedish furniture, but an argument is certainly not going to be the outcome for anything Jay designs.

Sahm comes from the Korean word sam meaning three, and after his wife's family suggested it, an “h” was thrown in there to make it a phonetic spelling of the word. The chair is finished in two easy moves, having only 3 pieces, and can be disassembled for easy storage with the keel and seat fitting neatly on top of the back, to slide under a couch or bed.

The fabrication possibilities seem endless for Sahm, but Jay stresses bamboo as an option. “It grows so fast, like a weed, so it’s sustainable,” he says enthusiastically. It’s no wonder to bazaar that he has made this consideration, as much as he loves his wife and daughter, it’s his affection for humanity that allows him to think into the future.

Jay’s dream is to have Sahm go into mass production and bazaar can see why it should happen. We only saw the half-size version and are trying to convince him to produce that too!

For more information about Sahm, please email Jay at jstoughtenger@gckuwait.com. For more on Cambridge Seven Associates, check out their website by visiting www.c7a.com.

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up close & personal

MOHAMMED ALSANEA

Exploring the unseen side of travel By bazaar staff

For one Mohammed (Moe) AlSanea, travel is not simply a hobby, it is a way of life. An architectural engineer by education, a project manager by past profession, an artist by imagination, and a storyteller and book designer by aspiration, Mohammed first popped up on our radar years ago. We received a beautifully written story titled “Wisdom from an unwise backpacker” that vividly painted images of the Himalayas in our minds, and we’ve been hooked on Mohammed’s stories ever since then.

In virtually catching up with the avid wanderer (we couldn’t exactly pinpoint where he was at 30

the time of our interview), Mohammed quickly responded when we brought up our very first interaction, “Actually you may not know this, but with the money I received from my previous collaboration with bazaar I paid for one week’s worth of my accommodation when I was in Northern Thailand. Ever since then, the idea of work and travel never escaped my mind. These days, I’m working on a few different projects including the traveler platform 361 while spending more time around Asia (Nepal, India, SE Asia).”

If anything, finding that perfect balance between work and travel leaves us green with envy. But, how does Mohammed identify with traveling? Even though he’s not the biggest fan of the sky, and doesn’t have the intention of traveling and exploring every single place on this planet (we’ll see, this bazaar editor personally sees Mohammed exploring other planets one day), Mohammed does believe in staying put in

one place for as long as possible. He does this so he could absorb the small nuances that are innate to the daily lives of the locale he is visiting, “I am drawn to the culture, and to travel overland (I am actually typing this on an overnight train from Padang Besar, Malaysia heading to Bangkok, Thailand). I also use travel as an opportunity to challenge some of my fears that I’ve accumulated over the years.”

When it comes to the travelers’ platform, 361, Mohammed wanted to help establish a space for fellow Arab travelers who “like to push themselves outside the norm when it comes to ‘travel’. The platform shares their stories and experiences with the community.” 361 was actually founded in 2013, after he returned from a long backpacking journey that completely transformed his outlook on life. He said that it “left me in a different place than where I was when I first embarked ‘unknowingly’ on it. It may have been that feeling

of nostalgia that people get from writing a journal or telling a story that led to initiate an intimate gathering of a group of travel friends, here in Kuwait, to share our different encounters and experiences.” Growing more popular with the utilization of social media, 361 is continuously evolving, and is now a printed publication to keep!

Being publishers ourselves, we gleefully gushed when we heard Mohammed’s take on print, “There is something magical about holding a book or a magazine in your hand (but make sure to reuse, recycle or share!) that any social media platform won’t deliver.” The 361 team created a travel publication that showcased everyday stories about life and culture from the perspective of Arab travelers. Travel is always an entirely subjective experience, and even if you were to repeat an exact itinerary presented by a guide, your experience would be inherently different. Mohammed further explained, “We want

Arab travelers to tell their personal experiences and allow the community to draw their inspiration from within its own.” From there, Mohammed established Kunnasha, a publication design office, with Alaa Al Terkait, and through it they oversee the design and management of 361.

But he credits the platform and publication’s success to the continuous efforts of their team of travelers, editors, photographers and designers.

He stated, “We hope to continue producing a publication dedicated to share personal travel stories from Arab travelers. We also hope to be able to support Arab travelers, traveling on a budget, as writers, photographers, or illustrators.”

Before we rushed off to find ourselves a copy of 361’s most recent issue, we stopped to ask Mohammed about his most memorable travel experience, in hopes of gaining some inspiration to finalize our own summer plans. Once we got on the topic of India, however, there was no stopping

him. He began by saying that he was especially fond of Sikkim, India, “[Sikkim is] a district that’s nestled between Bhutan, China, Nepal and India.

It actually became part of India in the 1970s.

So, what happened was that I took an overnight train from Kolkata to Siliguri and from there a long adventurous ride to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. I didn’t know then that foreigners are required to have a permit, obtainable at the borders, to enter the district.”

He continued, “In India, I was always mistaken for a local, so when we were waved to pass at the border (which is more of a bridge with a small office rather than a physical border) I thought this was a regular checkpoint for drug dealers or something which was common in Asia. You can imagine my shock and panic, when I was asked to present a permit at the guesthouse I planned on staying at! Anyways, the whole thing was clarified on the way out and they were friendly enough to [Continued...]

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laugh about it. Although, I was encouraged to exit the way I entered—a mute local traveler.”

While his droll anecdote is symbolic of how Mohammed truly feels about this part of the world, he’s at ease with himself the most when he’s in Asia, “South East Asia, specifically,” he added. But if you were to straight up ask him for advice on where to go wanderlusting this summer, Mohammed wouldn’t usually suggest a destination, but rather an experience. He exclaimed, “I was blamed once for suggesting a honeymoon destination, so what excites me wouldn’t necessarily excite you! I would suggest to do something different and to experience a new culture. Ah, and to go solo. But if I must [suggest a destination], I would say Bagan in Myanmar!”

Until we are able to pinpoint this wanderer next time, we leave you with more tidbits below from this backpacker’s mind, and we hope you get inspired to share your own 361 experience!

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE

What do you most value in your friends?

Sincerity and a non-judgemental attitude.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A day that starts with a purposeful task and ends with family and friends (This day takes place anywhere on earth).

What is your greatest fear?

A life wasted.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Indecisiveness.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Judgment and gossip (with conviction.)

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire few people for different reasons.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Food.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

But (Bas).

What is it that you most dislike?

Bargaining (but only because I had to do it today and I don’t like doing it).

Which talent would you most like to have?

That of a talented author and something else that I will keep to myself.

If you could have any job, what would it be?

Anything that allows me creativity, mobility and has a good purpose.

What would you consider your greatest achievement?

I am not sure really. Maybe overcoming some of my fears.

What is your most treasured possession?

You are determined to test my indecisiveness! I have to think about it.

Where would you most like to live?

I am not sure yet but I see myself somewhere between here and South East Asia.

What are your favorite words to live by?

Live and let live. I don’t have a favorite, but it’s the one that came to mind and I truly believe in it, and I hope that I exercise it too.

For more information about 361, check out @361.world on Instagram. Get in touch with Mohammed by emailing him at m.s.alsanea@gmail.com.

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[...Continued]

‫ﺣﻮل راﺗـﺒﻚ ﻟﻠﺘـﺠـﺎري‬ ‫وارﺑﺢ ﻫﺪاﻳﺎ ﻓﻮرﻳﺔ ورﺑﻊ ﺳﻨﻮﻳﺔ‬

‫ت ‪ -‬ج ‪2017 /14 /‬‬

‫‪CBK‬‬

‫‪C-Class Coupé‬‬

‫‪GLE Coupé‬‬

‫‪GLA‬‬ ‫اﺑﺘﺪاء ﻣﻦ ‪ 200‬د‪.‬ك‪.‬‬ ‫ﻫﺪﻳﺔ ﻧﻘﺪﻳﺔ ﻓﻮرﻳﺔ‬ ‫ً‬

‫أو ﻗﺮض ﺑﺪون ﻓﺎﺋﺪة ﻟﻐﺎﻳﺔ ‪ 7,500‬د‪.‬ك ﺑﺎ‪ ‬ﺿﺎﻓﺔ إﻟﻰ ﻓﺮﺻﺔ ﻟﺪﺧﻮل اﻟﺴﺤﺐ رﺑﻊ اﻟﺴﻨﻮي ﻋﻠﻰ‬ ‫ﻣﺠﻤﻮﻋﺔ ﻣﻦ أﻓﺨﻢ ﺳﻴﺎرات ﻣﺮﺳﻴﺪس ﺑﻨﺰ ﻣﻦ ﻓﺌﺎت ‪GLA - C Coupe - GLE Coupe‬‬

‫@ﺗﻄﺒﻖ اﻟﺸﺮوط وا ﺣﻜﺎم‬

‫‪33‬‬

WALK WITH ME?

Arcwalks over karak

By Umjay M

It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you just decide to do something.

Whatever “it” is, just do it. Nike knows what’s up. I recently watched a video where a blackboard was left on a sidewalk in New York asking passersby one thing; “What is your biggest regret?” While the specificities differed, there was one common denominator; NOT. “Not taking that job offer”, “Not telling her I love her”, “Not apologizing”, “Not starting my own business”. We seldom regret things we’ve done, even if we consider them mistakes, because mistakes can be learned from, but not doing something? Not doing something leaves you with a long list of “what if’s” that have the potential to haunt you for years to come.

When Dima Alsoufi first posted about her photography walks, inviting people to join her, she wasn’t looking to start a movement, she was just looking for some company along the way. Twentythree people showed up that day. After walking the abandoned streets of Kuwait, capturing moments long gone, they sat down over some Karak and Arcwalk was born. When asked what her goal was, Dima explained, “To practice my passion, to socialize and meet people from my field and other fields who are interested in both architecture and photography.”

The beauty of Arc Walk lies in its absolute simplicity, sincerity even; she was just a girl looking for some company. No sponsors, no organizers, just Dima. While still in its infancy, the organic growth of ‘just Dima’ to Arcwalk has made it so that there is now a “long term plan”, as Dima put it, with the possibility of getting sponsors on board for the next season.

Exhibiting at Artspace last month, participating Arcwalkers displayed what to them were hidden treasures of Kuwait, and photographers Nawaf Abdulkareem and Alshuaibi sat as judges, selecting the final winners.

I don’t think Dima knew any of this was coming her way when she first put herself out there, all she knew was she wanted company, and so company she got. So, whatever it is you’re thinking of doing, take a card from Dima and just do it. That’s where the magic beings.

Looking back, this is how all grassroots movements begin; organically, sincerely. And while the hot summer months have kept virtually all forms of life off the streets, come fall, and as the temperatures begin to drop, keep an eye out for the second season 34

of Arc Walk - it looks like this is going to be an annual thing, and we couldn't be happier.

People’s Choice Awards Winners I Want them to accept me “I am”, what is “I am” anyway?Sarah Al Hashemi, 1st Place.

Independently Together, Abdullah Baneyan, 2nd Place.

The Shadow Within, Meshari Al Nafisi, 3rd Place.

Mostafa Al Zeney; Mufaddal Muhamed; Jassim Al Nashmi; Ali Bin Shaibah; Salman Moghaddam; Sarah Al Hashemi; Abdullah Baneyan.

Participating Photographers: Dima Soufi; Abdulaziz Malallah; Adel Javed; Almie Lu; Amal Dahouk; Bader Nasser; Bandele Zuberi; Houssam Flayhan; Jehan Muraish; Meshari Al Nafisi; Mohammad Chehimi;

Originally published on www.kingdome.co. You can follow Kingdome on Facebook and Soundcloud: @KingdomeMagazine, Instagram @Kingdome.co, Twitter @KingdomeCo and on YouTube: Kingdome Magazine.

If you're looking to join them next season, or if you just want to show your support, follow @arcwalkkw on Instagram. Photography by Salman Moghaddam.

bab alqasr

35

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The new graduate’s guide to the unspoken rules of the workplace

By Anisa Purbasari Horton

Graduation is an exciting (and scary) time; you’re leaving a world where you know all the rules and entering into a world where what’s expected of you often isn’t so clear-cut. The rules that truly matter in the workplace are often not written anywhere–they’re simply things that those who have been in it for a while consider to be obvious.

Many learn these unspoken rules through trial and error, and some do it by observing others’ mistakes. But if you’re a recent graduate, there’s no reason why you can’t get a head start on day one of your entry-level job.

YOU ARE THERE TO DO YOUR JOB This might seem obvious, but according to Lauren Berger, founder and CEO of InternQueen.com, graduates’ desire to go “above and beyond” can sometimes result in them being spread too thin and compromising the work that they were hired to do in the first place.

Berger tells Fast Company, “You might be good at everything, but when you’re hired for the job, you have to focus on the task at hand.” She recalls a conversation she had with a talented graduate who recently landed a sales job. He eagerly took on extra responsibilities, only to be told by his boss some time later that he was on the verge of being let go.

He wasn’t meeting expectations when it came to his primary responsibilities. “Sometimes as a young employee, you have to hold back,” Berger asserts.

IT’S UP TO YOU TO FIGURE THINGS OUT When you’re in college, you’re given a syllabus of readings, assignments, and exam dates. You know exactly what you are supposed to do by which date, and you have a person who tells you what you need to learn, and who points you in the right direction when you’re completely lost.

This is not the case in the workplace, says Porter Braswell, CEO and cofounder of Jopwell, a recruitment platform that serves professionals from minority ethnic groups. Braswell, who started his postcollegiate career as an analyst for Goldman Sachs, tells Fast Company that one of the things he wishes he’d done earlier on was to figure out what skill sets he needed to learn, and build relationships with those who can teach him those skills. “Learning doesn’t happen like it does in the classroom,” Braswell says.

“Nobody is going to sit down and teach you.”

FEEDBACK WILL NOT COME AUTOMATICALLY Braswell also points out that school is structured in a way where immediate feedback is built into the 36

grading system. But in the workplace, he says, “You’re not getting graded on every single task that you do.

You might not know where you stand every single week.” This uncertainty, Braswell says, can come to a shock to many.

In many cases, it’s up to you to ask for feedback, but it’s also important that you pick the right circumstances and ask the right questions. Asking your manager “how I’m doing,” for example, might not elicit the most helpful response. It’s better to be specific and give your manager the opportunity to tell you what you’ve done well and what you could improve.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT For Berger, who started her career as an assistant at an entertainment and sports agency, one of her biggest struggles was thinking about everything on a micro level. “The hardest thing for me was being able to think in a detailed-oriented manner. My brain just wasn’t set up to think like that.” She gives the example of booking a lunch meeting for her boss, and failing to consider the possibility that there might be seven different locations for the restaurant, or to check for parking spots.

As a junior employee, it’s highly likely that you’ll

be tasked with administrative duties at some point, which might seem mundane but also equally easy to mess up. At times, the cost of these mistakes might be small, but there will be times where not paying attention to detail can hurt the company, and perhaps even put your job in jeopardy.

COMPANIES ARE NOT OBLIGED TO CONSIDER YOUR NEEDS AND INTERESTS This one is perhaps the hardest to swallow, but other than what they’re required to do by law and what’s stated on your employment agreement, in most instances, companies don’t owe you anything. As an employee, your job is to bring value to the company, and at times, that might mean putting their needs ahead of yours.

Frida Polli, CEO and cofounder of predictive hiring startup Pymetrics, tells Fast Company that one of the biggest shocks she experienced as a new graduate was “going from an environment like school where you are the consumer and everyone is catering to you, to a place where you are a worker and people expect that you cater to them. It’s an important transition to learn how to manage well, because it’s a big change in how one is treated.”

MK

37

WORKING OVERTIME

What happens to your brain when you work on vacation

By Stephanie Vozza

It’s tempting to check email and maybe even do a little bit of work on vacation, but those stolen minutes could be hurting you more than you think.

A study conducted by the University of Texas and vacation rental site HomeAway found that working on your trip for just one hour a day can make you 43% more likely to have trouble remembering your vacation.

Something memorable requires two things, says University of Texas psychology professor and lead researcher on the study Art Markman. “The first is engagement; it’s the energy you put into it,” he explains. “The second is distinctiveness; something out of the ordinary. The reason why you can’t remember what you had for lunch is because lunch is lunch. You do it every day.”

Working on your vacation impacts both of these factors. You’ll be busy and not as engaged, and the time won’t be distinctive because you’re still working, something you do during the rest of the year.

WHY IT’S SO HARD TO UNPLUG Ironically, we often daydream of taking vacations only to find it hard to unplug when we are away. That’s because we often define ourselves by the things we’re doing, says Markman. “As a result, we find it hard to get away from our work,” he says. “We tend to take it with us everywhere, and that is facilitated by technology.”

We’re also hooked on our connection to work, says Markman. “If you think about your daily routine, you probably get up in morning, pop on your cell phone and take a look at the messages that came in overnight,” he says. “Throughout the day, you check email. We find it hard to go more than 15 minutes without checking the latest batch of messages.

When we try to get away, we’ve got this technology in our pocket. It’s tempting to take a quick look, see if something happened, and then get sucked back into the cycle.”

Work can be stressful, and stress happens when there are things you want to avoid, says Markman.

“When you’re on vacation, there are desirable things to pursue,” he says. “You get emotions like joy, happiness, and satisfaction that you don’t get in the workday. If you don’t get away from work, you’re just maintaining your cycle of stress.”

LIMIT TECHNOLOGY If you must stay connected, take your phone, but leave your laptop, says Markman. “Those who use laptops on their vacation had more trouble remembering the vacation than those who only used smartphones,” he says.

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Laptops are dangerous because they facilitate work. If you plan to just check email, for example, you could get engaged in the internet or a long email conversation. “The keyboard is nice,” says Markman.

“It’s set up to browse the web effectively. When you make it easy to do something you do more of it.”

But your phone is different. “It’s a pain to answer long emails on a smartphone,” he says. “When it’s hard to engage in work, you think twice before diving into something big, especially when you’re supposed to be on vacation.”

USE IT PROPERLY If you’re going to use your smartphone, it’s important to use it in moderation. We’ve all seen those people who walk around taking a video of their entire

vacation, and that’s bad, says Markman. “You’re taking yourself out of the vacation,” he says. “If you’re using your phone that much, you’re not engaged with your surroundings. There is a qualitative difference between seeing something pretty and snapping a picture of it versus walking around staring at a screen.”

Instead, use your phone to take photos or look up activities you want to do on your trip. Those who took photos and selfies using their phones were 40% more likely to remember their vacations well than those who didn’t.

But stick to two hours or less per day, adds Markman.

“Using your phone longer can make you 26% more likely to have trouble remembering your trip,” he says.

anotah

39

THE DREAM TEAM

Meeting the talent behind our cover, Charmaine+Ellie By bazaar staff

Charmaine Al-Mulaifi (left) and Ellie Grant-Casey (right)

What is better than surrounding your most-frequented daily space with beautiful things? You always want to feel like your work and home environments are filled with visuals that bring you joy, be they minimal or luxurious. You also want to include touches of whimsy in your life, right down to your everyday wardrobe.

Because lets face it: we love nothing more than expressing our personalities and roots in a unique fashion.

That’s where Charmaine Al-Mulaifi and Ellie Grant-Casey come in. Founders of the eponymous, local brand, Charmaine+Ellie, the modern and trendy dynamic duo work well together in creating 40

prints and images that make spaces pop and highlight the beauty of their surroundings. And in this case, their current surrounding is Kuwait – the nation that united the two artists who hail from opposite ends of the Atlantic Ocean – Charmaine, an American from New York City, and Ellie, who hails from London.

“Charmaine was working as a full time freelance calligrapher in New York, doing calligraphy for PR companies, weddings and brands like Brides, Martha Stewart, David Webb, Google and Mont Blanc”, Ellie tells us as we press for details on their respective backgrounds. We also discover that Ellie, a graduate from London College of Fashion, was previously working at a luxury advertising agency in London when she craved a change in scenery. “Like Charmaine and her husband, my husband and I moved to Kuwait for a teaching job- and because after years of London’s cloudy skies, we were craving some sunshine!”

It didn’t take long for the two to meet, and their

similarities translated in the form of a pen. Ellie is the illustrator, and does all of the painting and illustrations, while Charmaine is a super talented calligrapher and does all of the lettering, and the result was a truly original ongoing collection that expressed their newfound surroundings through their own eyes.

The inspiration that Kuwait seemingly gives the co-founders of Charmaine+Ellie translates beautifully into one particular piece of theirs that we can’t help but admire. After falling in love with their gorgeous take on the map of Kuwait, we knew that we had to track down Charmaine and Ellie to tap into their thought process – what is this mystery talent, and where did it come from?

And who would’ve thought, that yet again, the hilarity, quirkiness and impeccable style that comes with living in Kuwait could be turned into modern, uncomplicated and relatable art? They graciously answer our questions, only piquing our interest further about their journey so far in our beautiful K-town.

What jumpstarted the idea for your brand?

When we met, we immediately thought that we should work together, since we both have such complementary talents, and a similar aesthetic.

We spent a lot of time forming a collaboration, and talking about the fact that there was plenty of artwork celebrating the cities we came from, but there didn’t seem to be much in Kuwait. We thought funny and cute prints exploring this would be a really nice addition to the art here, and knew we were onto something special.

looking at old residential houses and seeing the different designs. We also love the language; Arabic has many unique phrases that convey a lot of meaning in a few short words, and we like to include these in our work.

What are your favorite prints that you’ve created?

Food is such an integral part of Kuwaiti culture and life that doing the Food A-Z print was really fun.

Another favorite was the So Kashkha print. It was a limited edition print and was picked up by Local Tees to be printed on t-shirts.

How does Kuwait inspire you?

Since Kuwait is so different geographically and aesthetically from where we are from, we find it endlessly inspiring. We also love its entrepreneurial spirit. There are always new pop ups, concept stores and companies that are unique to Kuwait.

What prints have been getting a good response from customers?

The Map of Kuwait and the A-Z of Kuwait have been the best sellers. We noticed that the A-Z always makes people laugh!

What do you find especially quirky or eye-catching about being here?

The architecture always catches our eye, we love

Do you have any new ideas that we’ll be seeing soon?

We are always working on new ideas! We just

finished a collaboration with Local Tees here in Kuwait, and you can see a few of our shirts on their website.

Any plans for expansion?

Right now, we love working with just the two of us – we have ultimate control and we can bounce ideas off of one another so easily. Maybe in the future we will expand and hire someone to do the things we don’t love to do – like go to the printers for us and get us coffee!

You can find Charmaine+Ellie’s pieces for purchase in Pink Moon, or you can contact them via Instagram @charmaineandellie for special requests and direct orders.

41

THE LIKES MATTER

Why user-generated content is important to marketers

By Barry Rodrigues

If you’re a marketer and you’re relying heavily on digital marketing to help you utilize the web as an effective marketing and communications channel for your brand, you definitely need to focus on quality content rather than quantity. In my past articles, I have wholeheartedly advocated the use of quality content that generates interest and engagement with your community to keep conversations between your followers and your brand alive, especially on social media.

What is user generated content, you might ask?

Any kind of content that is generated by a user be it a review, a recommendation, a testimonial, participation in any kind of competition etc. can be classified as user generated content. Having users contribute to your content efforts is a great way of accumulating content without spending your time and money on developing content of your own.

Additionally, it is also a great way to create consumer advocacy for your brand in the digital realm.

Consumers are more interested in hearing about what their peers have to say about a product or service rather than read, watch or listen to a cleverly written sales pitch. We all know that millennials are extremely opinionated and have no qualms about letting people know about them. Research shows that over 64% of millennials want options to share their opinions about brands, products and services.

In short, thanks social media, consumers tend to trust customer reviews more than advertising messages.

Which is why, if you haven’t started to focus on user generated content already, now would be the best time to start utilizing it to generate content and engage your online community to build trust. While getting reviews and testimonials are a great way to start this process, one of the best ways to get the proverbial user generated content ball rolling, is by doing competitions that ask for participation from your community. In many cases the content that they generate, be it by way of participating in a caption contest on Facebook or by submitting photographs on Instagram can serve as fuel for your digital channels.

So what should you do to get your followers and the online community in general to participate in your contests and competitions? For one thing, welldesigned contests address the important question of “What is in it for me?” by offering prizes in the form of free merchandise, gift vouchers and even cash, you can motivate people to participate in your contests thereby delivering value to your visitors.

For example, if your contests require votes to 42

determine the winners, a large number of participants will share this content on their own private social networks. When they share their content on social media, it is an indirect endorsement of your brand which helps you gain additional ears and eyeballs.

One of the prominent brands that were successful in doing this was Coca Cola with their “share a coke” campaign. The company produced Coke bottles with customers’ names on the labels and distributed them throughout different regions including North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Customers were then asked to share the pictures of their personalized Coke bottles on their social media accounts. The company attributes the campaign t a 2% increase in US sales after a decade of declining revenues.

There are various examples of brands utilizing user generated content to not only substitute for their own content but to create a bigger footprint for their brand in the digital space. As long as the mechanism is not too complicated and there is a value to the customer in the end, he or she will definitely think of contributing.

Remember, each and every bit of content you and

your customers create is being archived by Google and this content can also be used as fodder for SEO. Knowing how often Google changes its search algorithm, it is advisable to house your contest on your own landing page and use meta-data in your titles and descriptions so that they can be picked up

by Google. Not only will you get the free promotion through the relevant ecosystems but you will also pick up new links as people find your content.

The web is a great place to build and capitalize on your user generated content and content-driven contests are a fun and scalable way to build your content. In addition to helping you build your external content library, they will also allow you to engage with your community and maintain long-term relationships with them.

Barry Rodrigues is Head of Marketing & Product Development at Future Communications and an associate advisor with the International Advisors Group in Kuwait. For comments, please email Barry at barry@nexgenconsulting.co.uk.

royal hayat

43

KHALED AL NAJDY

The artist behind the many faces of social anxiety

By Ashley Alleluya

There’s an overused Khalil Ghibran quote all the cool kids insist is worth sharing on social networks these days; “between what’s said and not meant, and what is meant and not said, most of love is lost."

Oddly enough, this is the saying my mind throws at me during my sit-down with Khaled Al-Najdy. I find that I take constant mental breaks to assess his replies. His silences. His love for his work. For the next couple of hours, Khaled’s words – both verbal and non-verbal – give him the air of a man living a reality that he processes through his work in an array of colors and disorders.

I could be projecting what I expect from an artist whose latest work is a startlingly vibrant study on social anxiety. I could be feeding off the few candid moments in which he confesses that he could not imagine his first exhibition as a collaboration because his work is intensely personal. Or I could be building my impression of Khaled from the way he sits across from me, his dazzling smile and polite yet reserved demeanor that almost distracts from whatever question I have waiting for him. I walk into this interview knowing that Khaled’s latest work, is being lauded around the Kuwaiti art scene for its root in an anxiety that he sees almost viscerally in the world around him. It piques my interest, his curiously deep understanding of the human psyche which translates into sharp works on canvas that can intrigue and unsettle at once.

Khaled traces his artistic journey back to his childhood. “I believe I was always interested in art, and I would enjoy these classes. I think my first piece was a portrait and it has been my style since then. I didn’t even know I had a talent for it - other people often told me I was good. I was just happy to be by myself, a loner in my teenage years," he says. I can still see the reluctance, the shyness all these years later – the introvert in him is strong.

“It may sound cliché, but I tend to draw and paint on canvas when I am feeling something strongly, usually something negative that needs to come out," he tells me about his sources of inspiration.

His introversion works almost like a superpower for Khaled, given his ability to study the people in his surroundings and transmit the inner workings of their personality into his 'Social Anxiety' series.

“It was the first exhibition I had held and to have it at Artspace was a huge deal. All the work that was displayed was a personal interaction with someone in my life, friend, family or stranger, a series that 44

has taken almost three years to complete. But it worked successfully and everyone had their own interpretations of my work, which I liked."

When I ask him about the thought process behind this series, he reiterates the importance of personal connections with people. “There is a portrait I created in this series after an intense argument with a person I had worked with at some point. And it shocked me to see this person visit my exhibition, stop in front of this portrait, and identify so strongly with it that they bought it to hang in their bedroom." he laughs.

Khaled, I discover is at his most comfortable when the talk shifts to his interests outside of his work. He is currently finding an exciting new medium of expression through charcoal, after extensive work with acrylic on canvas. Travel motivates him, food excites him. Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Italy and Sri Lanka are among places he counts as his favorites. New York is the place he’d want to be if he weren’t in Kuwait, working on his art. “It is different

there from other cities, a place where people openly express their art and it motivates me," he confides.

Khaled winds up his time with me by letting me in on the utopian eventuality he envisions for himself – “a space that is my own studio, where I also live and have small exhibitions, much like an artist I observed in New York.” I can picture him living this life; the expressionist whose works is his voice, whose connection with his surroundings is made through his intimate understanding of people and who finds a curious comfort watching others shed their masks as they lose and then find themselves in his work - all done with a smile.

Artwork by Khaled AL Najdy, and photography by: Salman Moghaddam. Originally published on www.kingdome.co. You can follow Kingdome on Facebook and Soundcloud @KingdomeMagazine, Instagram @Kingdome.co, Twitter @KingdomeCo and on YouTube: Kingdome Magazine.

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AIR TRAVEL 101

How to get through a long flight

By Holly Johnson

Flying halfway around the planet is a shocking, yet exciting, experience. Think about it. You can wake up at home, yet end the day in an entirely different country with an unfamiliar landscape, culture and feel.

While the exhilaration of traveling somewhere new is hard to match, it does come at a cost. To get somewhere far away, you often must fly for eight, 10 or 16 hours in a single sitting. That’s a long time on a plane, especially in coach. Here are some tips to help you endure: Book In-Flight Entertainment Technology has made long-distance travel a lot easier to bear. Most long-haul carriers offer in-flight entertainment, and some even offer back-of-theheadrest entertainment devices in every single seat.

To get the most bang for your buck, make sure you book long- haul flights with carriers that do offer personal entertainment devices. Once you do, your twelve-hour flight can be less of a burden and more of the perfect opportunity to watch four or five movies in a row.

Bring a Good Book or Two If you don’t want to stare at a screen all day, bring a good book (or two), or a Kindle for reading.

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Occasional reading breaks mixed in with movies and napping can make the time fly by.

Pay Extra to Select Your Seat Long-haul flights are the absolute worst when you’re uncomfortable. To have the best chances at relaxation, consider paying extra to select your seat early. While you might balk at a $35 upcharge for an assigned window or aisle seat, you’ll wish you weren’t so cheap if you wind up stuck in the dreaded middle for an entire flight.

Book Business Class While sitting in economy plus is bearable, a business class seat (and especially a lie-flat seat) can make flying rather relaxing. If you have the money to splurge, consider spending the extra cash for more comfort on your longest flights. You can also sign up for an airline credit card to start saving miles for a business class seat instead.

Request a Special Meal Plane food isn’t that great anyway, but it’s especially awful when you get something you don’t like. If you’re a picky eater or just want something special, you can request a special meal ahead of time.

Consider asking for a vegetarian, Asian, or Indian dish to mix things up.

Dress Comfortable Dressing comfortably isn’t the easiest thing to do if you’re heading straight from the airport to

a business meeting. Fortunately, you can dress comfortably (and smartly) if you buy the right attire.

Invest in a wrinkle-free blazer, perfect for men who want to travel comfortably yet look put-together when they land. Throw it on with a pair of slacks and you’ll feel like you’re in your jammies. For the ladies, search for professional-looking and comfortable attire that fits with nearly any business agenda.

Bring a Pillow The best travel pillow for your needs really depends on your sleep style and how you’re most comfortable.

You may need to experiment some to find the right travel pillow for your needs.

If you’re a stomach sleeper, for example, the famous (and funny-looking) Skyrest Travel Pillow is one to consider. If you don’t mind your head tilting to the side, one of those U-shaped pillows could work wonders.

Get Noise-Canceling Headphones If you’re especially sensitive to sounds, noisecanceling headphones can create a safe, quiet space while you fly. You can find a ton of options on Amazon.com for $30 (KD 10) and up.

Bring a Portable Charger This final tip is probably the most important: Bring a portable charger that can recharge your phone and other devices. While many flights have in-flight plugins, not all do. What would you do if your phone died and you were desperate for a game of Solitare?

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truth or dare

AN EYE FOR TRAVEL WITH FARIS ALMUSSALLAM

Meet the man behind the adventures By bazaar staff

“I like to think I inherited my love for travel” Faris Almussallam tells me as we settle into the spacious diwaniya on the upper level of our new office, flooded with natural light and a view of the Arabian Gulf. “My mom’s parents were born in India, as they were part of the Kuwaiti and Saudi Arabian merchant families who lived there. And, my [paternal] grandfather was with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before eventually becoming an ambassador, so he travelled a lot too.”

This tidbit of history is only the beginning. Thanks to his father’s job, international living was a continued trend in the Almussallam family. Having lived in Ankara, Casablanca, Tunis, London and Manchester throughout his life, Faris’ nomadic spirit is survived 48

through an endless itinerary of travel, which he so happens to document on his blog, TravelEye.net.

“I started taking travel seriously around 2013, but had always been conscious of it,” He says, reflectively. “I travelled a lot with my family over my life, but university days were when I branched out. I did both my Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in the U.K., and had accumulated an international group of friends with whom I would take trips with and visit.

This especially allowed me to discover an Europe outside of England.”

Although Faris eventually settled in Kuwait to build his career, his love of travel hasn’t been compromised. Instead, he makes it a point to travel as much as possible to places that catch his eye, and documents them in the process. “To me, TravelEye is purely a passion project. It all started when I caught onto friends asking me to recommend restaurants and sights for them to see while travelling to specific places, and they’d even ask if they could

join me on trips!” To Faris, (who tends to travel alone) this was the perfect opportunity for him to share his experiences to the masses. And thus, in 2015, he created his first blog post on TravelEye, by showcasing his trip to Istanbul.

Typical topics that can be found on TravelEye include reviews of restaurants that he found are worth trying while there, hotels he’s stayed in, places of interest he’s visited, and even flight reviews!

“Travelers want to know which restaurants they should eat at and which flights have the best service – these details are important.” And what’s even more special is that Faris’ opinions are truly unique, as he strays away from the expected in each city he visits.

“People here tend to go to the same places when they travel: everyone stays at the same hotel, they eat at the same restaurants and stay within the same two streets. I leave Kuwait to experience something new, and I think everyone else should too.”

And this summer, he has his eyes set on

something new for us to look forward to reading about on his blog: A trip to Helsinki, Finland in August. We can’t wait to see what this destination has in store for him, and what tips he’ll reveal during the visit! “It’s another one off of my bucket list! What’s left is Chile, Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand and of course, India – specifically Mumbai, where my family lived.” We’re also excited to announce that an expansion is in the works, and Faris will be introducing different ideas and opportunities to travel with him in his blog and social media channels soon. Until then, we’ll have to satisfy ourselves more with his words of wisdom with a friendly game of Truth or Dare – brought to you by our favorite new travel blogger and soon-to-be columnist.

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE How would your mother describe you in one word?

Independent.

How would you describe your mother in one word?

Loving.

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?

Too many to list or even remember. They’re all borne of urban legends and Chinese whispers, despite an abundance of knowledge, which we all have easy access to.

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

I went to Paris for a weekend to watch an Arabic production of Shakespeare. I only spent one night in the city – and by the time it was time to go see the play, I was too tired from walking that I just ordered dinner and stayed at the hotel.

What is your theme song?

It changes all the time, the current one is Worakls Remix of Joachim Pastor’s “Joda”. It works great as a mood lifter, and isn’t too bass-heavy.

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?

Photosynthesis.

Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?

Singapore.

It’s compact, modern, vibrant, multicultural, clean, has a moderate climate all year round, and the perfect springboard to a number of other exotic countries.

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” (Plato) What animal best describes the kind of partner

you’d be interested in?

A dog.

What do you miss about your childhood?

All the things I worry about now that I didn’t know existed.

What in the world do you least desire?

Complacency. I feel that, whenever you get too comfortable, your desire and will to grow dies.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

I wouldn’t. I like my name, and it’s inextricably linked to my identity.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of, would make the world a better place?

Empathy and sympathy: I notice that people are increasingly isolating themselves in bubbles and echo-chambers where they only hear and see versions of reality that mirror their own.

How would you describe your handshake in one word?

Brisk.

Why do you think most girls/guys like you?

I genuinely don’t think about that nor would I want to be conscious of it.

What is the toughest part of your character?

My curiosity and persistence.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”

Self-satisfaction.

Who is your favorite historical figure?

Margaret Thatcher. I’m naturally drawn to strong characters of conviction that have sharp minds and resilient personalities.

Keep up to date with Faris’ journeys by visiting his website www.traveleye.net, and follow him on Instagram @travel.eye, and on Facebook: Gotraveleye.

Follow his YouTube channel @TraveleyeGlobal.

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HOW I SURVIVED MY FIRST YEAR AS A DIGITAL NOMAD You need friends on the road, just like you would in the office

By Arianna O'dell

“Did I forget anything?” Clothes—check.

Laptop—check. Passport—check. Friends . . . emotion washed over me as I zipped up my suitcase and braced myself for another day of red-eyed goodbyes. I was about to leave Seoul, right around when I’d started to feel like I was finally settled in.

Fourteen months ago, I packed up my life in New York City and hit the road to start my own business as a digital nomad. Learning to navigate each new city’s metro system and overcoming international travel snags has gotten easier, but saying goodbye is still just as hard. Here’s how I’m learning to cope with the peaks and valleys of my newfound career.

1. FIND A FEW CONSTANTS WHEN EVERYTHING’S CHANGING Seeing the world this past year has been amazing—I feel really lucky. There were many moments when I felt as high as a kite, but there were also plenty of times when the constant instability took its toll. In my first few months of traveling, I’d drop my bags at my new city’s accommodation and race out the door to see all the sights. It was fun, but being constantly on the move soon started to burn me out, and my work suffered.

Now, when I get to a new city, I unpack my bag, sign up for a gym, find a nearby grocery store for homecooked meals, and get my life as close to “normal” as possible. Putting some kind of routine in place helps me be as productive as possible for my company, no matter where I am geographically. I try to stick to a normal workweek and leave exploring for the nights and weekends.

Fellow digital nomad Casey Rosengren, the founder of Hacker Paradise, a traveling community for developers, has learned the same lesson I have.

“I think the most important thing is having a routine and prioritizing it wherever you go,” he says. “I will call gyms up in advance when I’m switching locations to make sure they have the gear I’m looking for, so once I land, I know where to go. Staying places longer and finding places with a kitchen goes a long way toward staying healthy.”

in our journeys. “If you’re single and always on the go, it’s very difficult to form the bond and find someone lasting to date,” Anita Dhake, founder of a blog called The Power of Thrift, points out.

But there are lots of ways you can still make crucial human connections. After spending three months in Korea, I felt comfortable. I knew my way around. The local kimbap restaurant knew me by name. I met a group of great people who quickly went from strangers to friends I felt like I’d known for years. Korea is now a second home that I’ll be coming back to in the fall. The key was just extending my stay. Not only does staying put in one place give you the time to make stronger bonds, but it also helps you be more productive.

2. OPT FOR LONGER STAYS One mistake I made when I first started traveling was to bounce around from place to place. That wasn’t just draining after a while, it often left me feeling lonely and disconnected. I quickly realized that spending a week or two in a new location wasn’t enough time to make strong connections.

Many digital nomads say that coping with loneliness is a real stumbling block to making the lifestyle work. We’ve all experienced it at some point

3. DRAW SUPPORT FROM OTHER DIGITAL NOMADS When I started traveling, I had never even heard of “digital nomads” or considered becoming one. I was just trying to save money to launch my business by living in Spain. After learning more about the digitalnomad lifestyle, I took to forums and Facebook groups to connect with others who were also traveling while working. The friends I made from these communities are worth their weight in gold, and they’ve been real saviors when the road less travelled got rough. When

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going to a new city, I recommend using platforms like NomadList to connect with others like you, or even just searching Facebook for “digital nomads in [chosen city].” From dealing with grief to rough patches in the business process, certain challenges are best faced alongside friends who are also trying to balance work, travel, and everything in between.

4. TRADE “GOODBYE” FOR “SEE YOU LATER” Though my Instagram feed might have featured a beautiful cityscape before taking off from Korea, what it failed to disclose were the preceding hours, which I spent blubbering in bed to John Mayer ballads, sad to be leaving. Despite the weepy day, I found solace in having had the opportunity to meet such great friends, and I am left with beautiful memories for life.

I’ve found comfort in knowing that the gift of digital nomadism means I can always revisit the amazing friends I’ve made around the world. My past 14 months as a digital nomad have been a roller-coaster ride, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And in the process, I’ve learned an incredible amount about myself and the world around me.

See you on the road?

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FILL IN THE GAP

How to make your gap year valuable to prospective employers

By Anisa Purbasari Horton

Opinions on gap years are complicated. The rising cost of college and lack of guaranteed financial returns have stirred discussions on the worthiness of a college degree, yet the idea of postponing your education is often seen (especially by parents of recent grads) as a distraction from focusing on your future career.

But despite the conflicting opinions, many gap year participants report gaining immense benefits from their time off. When the New York Times profiled adults who took a break before or during college, many expressed high satisfaction with their careers and even credited their gap years with finding opportunities that would later prove crucial to their professional lives.

But how do you make your experience seem valuable to prospective employers? Fast Company recently spoke to Ethan Knight, founder and executive director of the American Gap Association, for some insights on how job applicants can make their gap an asset in their resume.

TREAT YOUR EXPERIENCE LIKE A JOB One of the first things that Knight recommends is to highlight–not hide–your gap year experience in the application materials. For example, if you spent six months volunteering in a national park, that should be treated like a job as opposed to a line under “interests” or “volunteer work.”

Here’s how Knight sees this as something that can set you apart. “The bulk of the interview conversation is not about your credentials–you wouldn’t have gotten in the interview stage if that wasn’t already apparent.

The majority of the conversation is about the gap time.

The beauty about that is that it distinguishes you,” she says.

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MAKE IT CLEAR WHY YOU TOOK A GAP YEAR Knight also points out that that employers are much more likely to see the benefits when you’ve put a lot of thought and planning into your gap year experience.

From an employability standpoint, the most valuable gap years–according to Knight–tend to have four components. “You need to have a volunteer component.

That demonstrates empathy and it demonstrates your ability to work not from a place of entitlement but from a place of understanding.” The second component should be “some amount of career exploration or an internship.

If you can show that you know what you’re getting into, at that employer’s office, you’re going to be far less of a risk for them to invest in.”

Knight also recommends that participants, particularly college students and graduates, include some amount of paid work in their gap years, as it demonstrates a certain level of ownership. The last component is to allow a little bit of time and space for unexpected opportunities. “Students grow and mature in profound ways that they don’t often suspect would happen and in ways they didn’t even think they would grow.”

IDENTIFY THE KEY SKILLS THAT THE EMPLOYER SEEKS, AND ILLUSTRATE HOW YOU HAVE HONED THEM IN YOUR GAP YEAR Identify the key skills that are crucial to the job you’re applying to. The beauty of gap years is that participants come away with a set of soft skills that are more difficult to hone in a college environment. Knight suggests thinking of your gap year experience from three lenses that an employer will likely value: the ability to work independently, the ability to collaborate in a team, and the ability to think on your feet and be entrepreneurial when necessary.

Participants of gap years, according to Knight, usually tend to have those skills well documented and well experienced. But it’s important to identify specific instances where they were able to practice those skills, and communicate them to a prospective employer in the interview process.

REHEARSE YOUR CONVERSATION BEFORE THE JOB INTERVIEW Yes, there are many arguments against sticking with an interview script. But when it comes to articulating something that might not be immediately obvious to an employer (or even yourself), it’s important to have those points rehearsed so that you’re capitalizing on the opportunity to make yourself the most attractive candidate possible.

Knight urges, “Make sure that you have [a] dialogue already rehearsed before you go into those conversation.

They do make you stand out, but you can’t stumble your way through them.”

EDIT YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA While this may be an obvious job application tip, Knight urges that gap year returnees pay even more attention to their social media pages to avoid giving the impression that they spent their entire time partying. “It’s common sense these days. Document the good stuff, the volunteer work, the cultural engagements and of course, the self-reflection.”

Despite the skepticism that many in the U.S. still hold toward gap years, Knight remains optimistic that many more institutions are beginning to view them as an “educational” experience rather than a luxury.

“I think a lot of it just comes down to: They had an opportunity to explore the world, and they know what they’re missing as well as what it is they aren’t missing.”

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TRAVEL DILEMMAS

Readers’ thrifty vacation advice

By Catharine Hamm

Time to crack open that piggy bank and start planning your summer vacation. But wait. You’re going to pay more to get away this summer? How is that fair? Welcome to the world of dynamic pricing, which means that the price of travel products can be as volatile as gasoline prices.

The reasons the prices of hotel rooms, airline tickets and rental cars vary are far different from gasoline prices, of course, but sometimes they can feel just as unpredictable. That means the only thing you can rely on for keeping down your costs is your own good sense.

Fortunately, we have readers who know how to stretch a dollar, and they’ve been sharing their tips.

MAKE DINING COUNT Eating alone can be awkward. Restaurant dining can be expensive. David Doran of Los Angeles has suggestions that address both. Before a trip, he said in an email, he peruses Google Maps and finds a nearby grocery store or market, then makes a foray there. He feels confident doing that because he’s verified his room has a fridge and a microwave.

“The day I arrive, I’ll head over to that local store,” he wrote. “I get a nice, short walking-tour intro to the area, a simple way to reduce jet lag and a reasonably priced bag of eats: a quart of milk, a few bottled waters, some fruit, a bag of nuts, a small loaf of artisan bread, some good chocolate, a few veggies and, my personal quirk, something very unusual or locally made/grown. …

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“These goodies can serve as either an easy, often portable breakfast or even a light dinner. This really reduces my budget, since dinner entrees typically cost much more than at lunchtime.”

THE PERKS OF B&Bs Kyle Kimbrell of Playa del Rey, Calif., likes bed and breakfasts for a variety of reasons. One is price: “Bed and breakfast inns often are better priced than local chain hotels,” Kimbrell said. Plus, “the meal is usually lavish.”

You’re saving on the most important meal of the day, and meeting others who can inform your travels.

“Meeting other guests is easier in this setting. Also, asking about their local travel experience while dining can provide valuable tips. Time is money when on the road.”

DISCOUNT HUNTING When you’re booking your hotel, don’t forget to ask about a locals rate, an AARP rate, an Auto Club rate and on and on.

Kimbrell thinks calling the hotel yields the best rate results — not everyone agrees with that, but it doesn’t hurt to check — and suggests calling it after the checkin rush is over. (This usually works best with non-chain or individually owned hotels that don’t rely on a sales department.) Want on-the-ground discounts? “Hotel brochure racks are hidden treasures,” he said. “They often contain significant discount coupons as well as more up-to-date information, parking and maps.”

LITTLE THINGS ADD UP Kimbrell asks a cab driver for a flat rate when going to

the airport. That means idling in traffic doesn’t run up the fare.

Ruth Kramer Ziony of L.A.’s Los Feliz neighborhood scopes out public transportation before she leaves home and uses that. Cheaper than ride-sharing services, she said in an email.

She also doesn’t need to send stuff to the laundry if she packs carefully, she said. “If you place plastic that comes from the cleaners when packing between garments, this prevents creasing so you don’t have to spend money to have them professionally ironed.“You can also hang your garments in the bathroom, and the steam from the shower will radiate and magically remove unsightly wrinkles.”

GIFT LOCALLY “Try to purchase original items at local shops rather than waiting until the last minute,” Kimbrell said.

“A schlocky T-shirt bought at the airport gift shop is much more expensive, anyway.”

Where else might you find such treasures?

Kimbrell enjoys street fairs, which generally are free and can be a source of little treasures (not to mention oftentimes local, inexpensive food).

Ziony has a different idea, perhaps a bit oldfashioned, which makes it even more charming: “If you are abroad, I find that stamps from the local post office are often wonderful ‘souvenirs’ or gifts for those who have not left home.”

And don’t forget to get a little something for yourself. Virtue may be its own reward, but it doesn’t hurt to have a reminder of your adventure — even if it is a chamber of commerce picture.

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LIVING THE PORSCHE HERITAGE WITH PASCAL HAYEK

Discovering Kuwait’s Porsche Heritage Service Centre By bazaar staff

In the mind of Pascal Hayek, Porsche Heritage Service Centre Service Manager, his love affair with the Porsche brand extends far beyond the realms of a typical 9-5 job. It stems from a deeply rooted place of passion and dedication towards Porsche and Behbehani Motors Company.

The American University of Beirut Mechanical Engineer graduate boasts a seasoned 34-years of professional experience in his highly specialized field.

Not only does he work with Porsche, he lives and breathes the brand’s prestigious ethos when it comes to customizing and modifying Porsche models. In this interview, the married proud father of two speaks to bazaar about an unseen side in the world of Porsche—the dedicated Porsche Heritage Service Centre.

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Pascal, you grew up around Porsches at your father’s Service Centre. Can you tell us more about your first Porsche experience?

Yes, this is correct. My father owns a Car Service Centre in Lebanon. It was established even before I was born. He started his Porsche service business in 1970. However, my first experience with Porsche goes back to 10-year-old me, when my father owned his first 911. I felt the strong performance, and the amazing rush of the sports car experience as soon as I sat in the passenger’s seat for 20 minutes of fast driving mode. It was that very moment that my passion for the 911 struck me and never left my side.

You're a huge motorsports fan. Can you tell us more about this passion?

I grew up in a family of car specialists and enthusiasts so one can imagine why I developed a strong passion for cars. The only reason I chose to study Mechanical Engineering was the interest I had for race cars in particular. I am a fan of motorsports and I started my professional career by modifying cars for rallying and I had even participated in a couple of rallies myself. I

still keep up with my passion by following Porsche’s motorsports activities. Porsche dominated the track with multiple titles and a range of impeccable racing cars to win every turn. Just recently, Porsche won the Le Man race with the Porsche 919 Hybrid.

What led you towards working at the Porsche Heritage Service Centre?

Besides my passion for the brand, I joined the Porsche team in Kuwait back in 2005 as a Technical & Training Manager. I was later appointed as the Service Manager to the Porsche Heritage Service Centre in 2006, which was newly inaugurated at the time. We started our journey here with four working bays only and a group consisting of seven staff members. Through the continuous diligence and commitment to responding to all our customers’ requests, we evolved the centre to reach 18 working bays supervised by a dedicated group of 40 staff members. The Porsche Centre in Kuwait continuously seeks expansion and there is currently a new Service Centre under construction designed to bring the best-in-class services to our customers. We will hopefully be operating in the new

facility starting next year, as it will incorporate our working bays to ensure maintaining the existence of the Porsche Heritage Service Centre which its dynamic presence marks Kuwait as a Porsche Classic Partner.

What makes the Porsche Heritage Service Centre a must-visit location?

Porsche Centre Kuwait was the first among Porsche dealers in the Gulf region and the Middle East to establish what is called as Porsche Heritage Service Centre. The aim of this facility is to offer Porsche owners, whose vehicles are four years old or above, the required maintenance and service to ensure they continue with the authentic Porsche experience across the years. Our team is highly trained and certified and our technicians run each and every service check utilising Porsche genuine parts and tools and according to the Porsche standards and criteria, which are difficult to achieve in outside garages. The centre’s customers can also avail numerous financial benefits when servicing their vehicles here.

You must come by some amazing classic Porsche models; do you have a favorite?

We sure do come across a number of Porsche Classic vehicles, and there are quite a lot of them that you can find in Kuwait. My all-time favorite classic Porsche is the 911 2.7 RS of the model year, 1973.

What is the most requested modification that you receive at the Porsche Heritage Service Centre?

What was the most extravagant modification request?

Porsche customers in Kuwait understand and appreciate all the details under a Porsche hood, and they are quite specific with their requests. The most common requests we receive and execute include modifying the exhaust systems, suspension and certain brake upgrades. The most extravagant modification request we executed was a nose lift on a Carrera GT. What are the essential modifications for the perfect customized Porsche?

We usually receive modifications requests to increase the horsepower output, which can simply be achieved by remapping the engine’s software, and this is the most essential modification request we receive by our customers who seek to maintain Porsche intelligent performance they are accustomed to.

Can you share with us a memory about one of the interesting customers you came across?

We surely have the loyal of customers who can never get enough of their vehicle’s modification, they will want to reach the ultimate modifications stage and seek different requests along the way. We receive a number of requests from customers who travel to Bahrain or Qatar for racing, and before they leave they ensure to pass by our service centre to perform all the necessary checks to embark on their thrilling experience.

How do customers usually react after receiving their customized Porsche model?

The Porsche Heritage Service Centre customers are savvy about the modification requests or service required to the vehicle, and they usually visit us specifically because they are certain we will be able to perform the necessary task. Once they receive their serviced or modified vehicle, they will always come back for additional requests.

What makes for a flawless Porsche service experience, and how does the Porsche Heritage Service Centre achieve that?

Our approach and main objective here at the service centre is to ensure the complete satisfaction of our customers the minute they sit behind the steering wheel of their serviced Porsche vehicle. Through our extensive expertise in the field, we have established

a seamless process to ensure our qualified staff uses highly specialised technology and Porsche genuine parts only to present our customers with the maximum safety and reliability possible. We continuously cross the edge of innovation to bring to our customers the most of their complete Porsche experience.

The Porsche Heritage Service Centre is located in Shuwaikh’s Industrial Area, Block 1, Street 8, Bldg 5108. Please call 1870 870 for more information or visit www.porschekuwait.com for more information. For the latest updates on social media, follow Porsche Centre Kuwait on Instagram @PorscheCentreKuwait and Facebook: PorscheCentreKuwait. Photography by Yousef Al Nasser @YousefCam on Instagram.

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MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

Speaking tips for the youngest in the room

By Anett Grant

I was 30 years old and had only been a speaking coach for a year when my mentor set me up with a few meetings with senior execs in New York. At one of them, a public relations VP pulled me aside to say, “Our CEO is going on TV later today. While you’re here, could you coach him?”

I was nervous. I had never coached a CEO before, let alone the head of a Fortune 100 company who was about to go on the air. But this was a big opportunity—I couldn’t say no. So I went into the studio with the CEO (in his 50s) and two VPs (in their 40s). I focused on what I knew and trusted in my skills.

Long story short, it turned out fine—the CEO nailed it and said afterward that I’d been a big help. When you’re just starting your career, you’ll find yourself in lots of situations where you’re the youngest person in the room and you’re asked to share your expertise. These are a few indispensable speaking tips that can help.

DON’T ACT LIKE A SUIT When you walk into a meeting with seasoned execs, you might feel a little intimidated. So to compensate, you might think, “Okay, I’ve got this—I’m going to show them I take myself seriously.” So you stiffen up and square your shoulders. You put on a blank face, and you don’t move. You become flat and inauthentic—a “suit”—and it doesn’t do you any favors.

Loosen up. No matter how old you are, or how deep 58

your experience is (or isn’t), most work environments today are pretty casual. At a minimum, they require a more dimensional self-presentation. That means you need to hold your body at ease. You need to relax your face, allowing your natural expressions to come through. You need to gesture to help your thoughts flow; think 3-D, not flat.

STEER CLEAR OF HUMOR You also need to fight the impulse to be funny. Humor can be a great way to release some tension, but your chances of landing a job with a multigenerational and multicultural audience are slim.

Besides, your audience probably isn’t expecting to laugh. When I was a theater director, I learned that you had to get your audience warmed up and ready to laugh before throwing in any humor. There needs to be a buildup before you deliver the punchline. So if you walk into a meeting with a cold, off-the-cuff joke (even a tiny one), you probably aren’t going to get much of a laugh.

You’ll draw attention to your discomfort, not your ideas. Just because you drop the faux seriousness doesn’t mean you should start cracking one-liners.

KEEP IT CONVERSATIONAL The best solution is a happy medium: Keep your speaking simple and straightforward. Ditch the pretentious business jargon and stick with normal, conversational words.

Say “hide” when you mean hide, not “obfuscate.”

While you might feel the need to compensate for your lack of experience by making sure people can see how smart you are, that’s a mistake. Keep your sentences short and straightforward, not long and academic. If you try too hard to sound smart, you’ll end up tripping

over yourself with overly complex sentences that run on and on. Your listeners will get confused, and soon enough, even you might not know what you’re talking about anymore.

Don’t try to impress anybody. This isn’t a sweeping, formal address. It’s just a conversation.

ASK QUESTIONS You’re the youngest person in the room, and you want to be taken seriously, but don’t let that discourage you from asking questions—even if you think they’re dumb.

Business leaders love to hear from young people because they bring a fresh perspective, without the blinders and assumptions that tend to accrue from years of experience. You might think your relative ignorance is a drawback, but it really isn’t; your “dumb” question may prod everyone in the room to see an issue from a completely new angle.

For example, a new hire at my company recently asked, “Why do we need a CRM [customer relationship management] system?” That wasn’t a dumb remark. It reminded us of the reasons we needed a CRM system in the first place, and how we were using the one we already had in place. That kicked off a conversation about improving our sales and marketing processes that we wouldn’t have had otherwise. So if you’re curious, ask away.

You’re bound to find yourself in situations where you feel out of your depth and surrounded by people with a lot more seniority. But that doesn’t have to be such a bad thing. Stick with what you know, and remember these four tips, and you’ll say something smart or valuable every time.

that alasalasil

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A GUIDE TO PARIS FOR REPEAT VISITORS

Paris like you’ve never done it before

By Sharyn Jackson

It takes little persuading to get people to visit Paris, even if they’ve already been. The city has so much to offer that it takes repeated viewings to take it all in. Besides, once the big stuff is out of the way, there is more time on return trips to go off the beaten path.

I had been to Paris before, in my early 20s, when I was broke and sleeping on the floor of a friend’s studio apartment. It wasn’t the chic Paris that travelers dream of, yet I’d still managed to get in the highlights: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, walks along the Seine.

For my return, more than 10 years later, I didn’t need to see the landmarks. Instead, I wanted to explore a different, more offbeat side of the City of Lights. The rules I made for myself were: 1. Stay in a neighborhood that does not have a Hard Rock Cafe.

2. Don’t stand on any lines with other tourists to see art.

3. Stay out all night at a “real” Parisian cabaret.

Our group of eight decided to share an apartment through Aibnb rather than get a hotel. We chose an apartment in the 12th arrondissement, a slice of eastern Paris beyond Place de la Bastille. Our modern home with a huge kitchen, loft and courtyard was on a metro and bus line to all the main sights in the city, and was just as easily walkable to the hip, crowded Marais neighborhood. But there was little need to leave. We were about to discover treasures in our own area.

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Around the corner was the Rue d’Aligre, an epiceriestudded street leading to one of Paris’ markets, Marche d’Aligre. Every morning one of us would venture out into the neighborhood to pick up a bag of the city’s best croissants at Ble Sucre. In the evening, we’d all spread out for warm baguettes, olives, Portuguese sausage, cheese from the Alps, and heavenly meringue puffs from Aux Merveilleux patisserie, and meet back at the apartment with our wares for a bountiful appetizer.

On Sundays, the streets explode with shoppers who come for fresh fish and produce, for oysters shucked on the sidewalk, or to browse vintage items at the flea market. Because this area doesn’t get top billing in Paris guidebooks, there seem to be few other Englishspeakers in the crowd. That was never a concern, except when it came time to bargain for an immaculate red wool coat my partner spotted at the market. I nervously asked the seller in broken French how much it cost.

We were relieved when he stuck up a single thumb to indicate 1 euro. No bargaining necessary.

The Musee des arts Forains, the museum of carnival arts, is located in Bercy, a far eastern district of Paris that was once home to storage warehouses for the city. A few of those old warehouses have been converted into a campus housing a massive private collection of fair rides and games from across Europe, dating to the 19th century.

Each cavernous room is filled with artifacts such as wooden skee-ball-like games, mannequins adorned in the costumes of the Folies Bergere, animatronic

opera singers, and a whimsical hand-cranked organ.

The funhouse highlights, however, are three working carousels. A Venetian scene has gondolas for seats.

A more traditional German carousel has the standard horses. And the final, spectacular centerpiece of the museum is an entirely human-powered bicycle carousel, complete with brass pedals.

The bicycles are slanted inward, so they ride in a circle instead of a straight line. They make for a precarious balancing act, but once everyone’s feet get into rhythm, all riders contribute to the remarkably fast whirl. It’s an exhilarating feat of cooperation, in stark contrast to elbowing your way to the front of the pack at the Louvre.

Did the Moulin Rouge? Try Aux Trois Mailletz.

On a quest for another Paris fantasy, I had brought my group of friends to Aux Trois Mailletz. The twolevel piano bar and cabaret, around the corner from Shakespeare and Company bookstore and near Notre Dame, doesn’t seem to be on the radar of the many tourists passing by for more traditional watering holes.

That preserves Aux Trois Mailletz for an eccentric cluster of regulars who don’t start reveling until the wee hours of the morning. That it was empty when we got there was only because we were too early.

Somewhere around 3 a.m., I was on stage dancing backup and my friends were upstairs singing their hearts out around the piano with a crew of Parisian patrons. No, there were no fan dancers. But we were having the time of our lives.

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CAN GAMIFYING THE HIRING PROCESS MAKE IT MORE EFFECTIVE? The next time you apply for a job, you may have to play a game on your phone

By Lydia Dishman

Gamifying the hiring process is a relatively new trend in the way companies find talented candidates, but it’s gaining traction, according to Finn Hill, business analyst at GreatRok, a seed fund for early-stage startups in the recruitment industry.

WHY TESTING JOB CANDIDATES IS SO VALUABLE In a report for Talent Tech Labs, Finn asserts Talent Tech Labs director Jonathan Kestenbaum’s observation that 2017 is the year of assessments.

He’s referring to the short tests that give potential employers a profile of the candidate to help them determine if they’d be a good fit for the position. There’s been little innovation in these assessments for the past decade, but that seems to be changing now. “This technique is open to an awful lot of human error and is affected heavily by inherent biases in the employer,” Finn points out.

In fact, 95% of companies admit to making bad hires each year because communication channels aren’t used effectively and employers invest resources in less efficient ways to attract talent. According to Talent Board, as many as 88% of employers are allowing more candidates to complete their applications even after they fail screening questions. While over 80% of candidates answer general screening questions during the application process, only 50% are asked for job-specific skills, and less than onethird are asked to take assessments.

But as Josh Millet, founder and CEO of Criteria Corp, is quick to point out, “Research shows that aptitude tests are consistently one of the most predictive factors of job success.” He cites a meta-analysis summarizing 85 years of research from the University of Iowa and Michigan State that finds cognitive aptitude beats out interviews, experience, and education. “The research shows cognitive aptitude to be about twice as predictive as job interviews, three times as predictive as job experience, and four times as predictive as education level,” Millet says.

MAKING ASSESSMENT MORE FUN (AND EFFECTIVE) However, Finn notes that assessments can be part of a “bland phase” of a process that could stand to be more engaging.

Taking advantage of data analytics is one way to boost the predictive power of assessments, but gaming is becoming a way to capture another segment of candidates– right on their smartphones. Research from the Boston Consulting Group and Recruit Works

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Institute reveals that 55% of searches globally happened through internet job sites and 35% via a smartphone.

Fast Company has reported on CodeFight’s Company Bots, which pit applicants against an employer’s bot to solve coding challenges and therefore assess their skill level. Others, like Ketchum, a global marketing and public relations firm, uses an app called LaunchPad to gamify the recruiting process and then measures on creative, digital, written, and visual communications skills.

Beyond specific skills, Finn notes that companies such as Arctic Shores and Debut have jobseekers play video games within the application process to test key traits important to the employers. “Arctic Shores use games to test behaviors and form a psychometric profile of the candidate, whilst Debut test basic skills in-play to help employers pick out the strongest applicants,” Finn writes.

Millet’s Criteria Corp. just launched JobFlare, an iOS brain games app, to take the gamification one step further. Playing six games for 90 seconds is meant to test cognitive abilities, but jobseekers play even before they apply for any position. They sign up, enter their basic job interests and location, and play games like Robot Inspector and Mumble Jumble. “Verbal communication, quantitative ability, attention to detail, and other skills have long been identified as traits associated with job success,” says Millet.

“JobFlare lets users demonstrate these traits through fun games, showing off their potential to employers regardless of their job experience or educational background.”

The app then takes their results and crunches

them with data from their profile to generate a set of relevant job postings that are sent via email.

“For the highest-performing jobseekers, our team may reach out to them directly with customized job opportunities at premium employers,” says Millet.

Millet says that while Criteria has been in the business of assessments for over a decade, JobFlare was only just released this month, so there are no successful placements yet and there are no employers within the app. Lists of job openings are generated through a partnership with job board ZipRecruiter.

Millet maintains that JobFlare’s gamification is a great motivator even before a jobseeker knows where to apply because “it will appeal to the competitive/geeky side of us.” He points out that users can see how they rank against all other users, and can also compare scores versus others in their chosen fields. “There is also practice effect for most of the games,” Millet explains, meaning scores generally improve over time, so that also creates a drive to beat one’s own score and continue to advance in the overall rankings.

Tom Schoenfelder is the senior vice president of Research and Development at another employee assessment and talent development firm, Caliper. He believes that overall, games promise to improve the candidate experience even in this “somewhat primitive” stage.

“Application right now tends to focus more on the cognitive ability constructs, but application in other constructs such as situational judgment and decision making are emerging,” Schoenfelder observes. “The big hurdle right now is that there is not a lot of validity evidence for the methodology, but that will come with time.”

Int Optique

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bazaar goes dining

LET THEM EAT ROCOC0A A new approach to modern French dining By bazaar staff

The buzz of this mysterious local concept erupted overnight. Select people all over Kuwait were receiving a goody bag filled with delectable, whimsically named homemade chocolate bars containing the most unimaginably unique ingredients, little treats like caramel cups topped with marshmallow swirls and edible beading, and tins of caramel filled, powdered chocolate truffles. Where did such bounty come from?

Meet Rococoa: one of Kuwait’s newest concepts, that’s sure to steal the hearts of chocolate-lovers and savory gourmands alike. The Patisserie, Creamerie, Viennoiserie and Bistro is a Kuwaiti reflection on French culture, melding what is most famous about the European country: style, cuisine, and decadence.

When you first enter Rococoa, the French influence is apparent. Its modern décor reaps contemporary chic wherever you turn, and you feel transported to the streets of Paris, where you’re about to indulge in un café avec tes amis with a pâte à choux chaser– or even, a whimsical salade on a lazy afternoon overlooking the spectacular view the fountain and lined trees that the Jaber Al Ahmed Cultural Center has to offer. Dressed in hues of millennial pink with whispers of gray and gold minimalist geometrical accents, you know you’re in for something special.

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The flatware: Clean and pristine plates, with lovely balancing cutlery in deep, matte rose gold, and short little round glasses that are perfect for cradling in the palm of your hand. Seeing the set-up alone had us feeling excited, and when we learned that the name Rococoa was meant to be a play on words to reflect the French baroque “Rococo” period, everything came together, and we knew this was bound to be a special place.

We are presented with a tasting menu from this establishment’s summer offerings. Since Rococoa just opened, their final menu is still being tweaked for the masses. Their tasting menu, however, was curated to give us lucky diners a chance to understand the flavorful ethos the bistro stands for. Just by looking at it, we nod in appreciation, and sit back, sipping our swiftly presented Pomegranate Mojitos and Green Apple/

Ginger cocktails, anticipating what’s to come. First up are two starters: A Rocket and Kale salad, featuring apple cider vinaigrette, fava puree, seeds, sesame and avocado. Lovely! Such a refreshing way to start a meal, especially when paired with the aforementioned cocktails.

Oh, but watch out: The most addictive appetizer I’ve ever met teasingly showed itself: Gougère – a name I can never forget. Made with savory choux pastry, (the same, flaky, buttery pastry used for certain desserts like éclairs and profiteroles), these little balls of heaven were filled with a gruyère mousseline, and served alongside a pommery mustard-pickle aioli. Have you ever experienced aioli that specializes in melting on the tongue, so much so that it reminds you of Béarnaise? It was absolutely delicious.

As we decided to contain ourselves and

wave goodbye to the Gougère, our love affair was momentarily forgotten when the next round of goodies was delivered to us. Here, we have the Chicken Avocado Club; a chic take on a chicken salad sandwich, made with in-house pulled chicken, sliced avocado, home cured beef bacon (so tender and crisp, the best bacon I’ve ever had). The filling was flavored with a tarragon aioli – which was a beautiful touch—and sandwiched in between a buttery focaccia. And of course, lest we forget the perfectly seasoned, Parisian-style French fries: Herb encrusted and elegant, yet highly addictive.

Speaking of addictive, its second-course companion, Beetroot Fava Hummus, was nothing short of devoured by all diners at the table. Served with a compilation of homemade root vegetable crisps, the combination of chip and dip was

heavenly. The hummus delivered an explosion of tart, sweet and savory all in one, and brought revelations to chickpea committed minds: maybe we all should start making our hummus with beetroot.

The third course delivered three main meals that were each special in their own way. A modern Asian Beef Salad, with expertly seared chunks of allnatural beef striploin, rice noodles, mixed leaves, deliciously fresh mint, and a chili-lemongrass dressing offered a refreshing palate of flavors to add to such a worldly experience. The trendy Poke was presented as a nutritious and filling, earthy take on the beloved bowl, giving an appearance that resembled a grain salad with Sriracha infused salmon tartare. The grains, dubbed “forbidden rice”, turned out to be aesthetically pleasing black

rice, and cucumber, cabbage slaw, cresses and citrus dressing pulled the dish together. Just don’t forget to add a generous squeeze of the provided lime garnish for extra flavor!

But the main dish showstopper was most definitely the Minted Rigatoni – this dish was so difficult to leave alone. Composed of a symphony of fresh pasta, mint, butter, preserved lemon, reggiano, and surprising spring green peas, this interesting concoction was so satisfying, its medley of flavors kept us going back for more till we scraped the plate clean!

Because Rococoa’s displayed ice cream bar, encased pastries, hand-painted truffles and chocolate bars were so tempting, we couldn’t say no to dessert. I mean, who do you think you ARE if you visit Rococoa and don’t indulge in their sweet [Continued...]

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offerings? An overwhelming marble slab topped with a bit of everything arrived to our table, and we thought it positively rude to decline such an offering. Spoiled for choice at the sight of varied éclairs including Vanilla, Multi-Origin Chocolate, Mango and Passionfruit (!!!), Persian Pistachio and Brown Butter Caramel, we were practically in tears as we cut pieces to sample with gusto.

“I feel like Marie Antoinette!” I cried out as a portion of a delicate, sweet Chocolate Choux infused with oozing chocolate crème made its way to my plate. And the donuts – oh, the donuts! White on White made with vanilla seeds and Mushy Text made of raspberry with yogurt bits gave a dense, 66

[...Continued]

buttery pound-cake reminiscent taste that was so fresh, you’d know with each bite that you’re tasting nothing but quality. And what’s this? A smoky, icy platter of homemade ice cream! We’d surely died and gone to heaven.

After a lovely cup of Jasmine tea that arrived in a beautiful, pink clay pot, we staggered out of Rococoa, more satisfied than we’d been in a long time, and making plans to go back as regular customers.

Trust us when we say that with their delicious menu, handcrafted pastries with luxury ingredients like Lescure butter and chocolate couverture sourced from the top chocolatier houses in Paris, and whimsically named flavors such as Tongue in Cheek,

Junky Monkey (infused with potato chips!) and Mediterranean Muse, topped off with the gorgeous ambiance provided by the JACC, Rococoa is bound to be a new favorite for everyone.

Rococoa is located in the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center.

Follow them on Instagram @rococoakw, and visit their website www.rococoa.com for chocolate, pastry and ice cream deliveries. Photography by Yousef Al Nasser, @YousefCam on Instagram.

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HOW TO HIRE (AND KEEP) GREAT DEVELOPERS Tips straight from Stack Overflow’s COO

By Jeff Szczepanski

As commencement ceremonies wrapped up, throngs of new grads are revising resumes, networking—a few might be prepping for one last summer of travel—but they’re almost all thinking about the same thing: jobs. That means recruiters will soon have a new crop of young talent to sort through.

Of all the roles they’ll have to fill, developer jobs can be one of the trickiest. Developers have more power over most of our lives than we tend to think.

Sometimes it’s something tiny, like the way “snooze” works on your smartphone’s alarm clock; sometimes it’s something bigger, like the stories Facebook’s algorithm puts into your news feed. Yet despite developers’ hidden influence, most businesses, especially outside of Silicon Valley, still treat them like glorified typists.

But developers don’t have to make for such notoriously difficult recruiting targets. Over my career in tech, first as a software engineer, then as a startup CTO, and now as COO for Stack Overflow, I’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to hire (and hang onto) talented programmers.

BUILD (AND PROMOTE) A DEVELOPER-FIRST CULTURE Thousands of developers out there are being deprived of the opportunity to put their talents and coding prowess to use. They’re sitting in open office plans, unable to concentrate with someone yammering on the phone next to them. They’re struggling to use decadeold computers, coding in languages they don’t love for companies that don’t love them back. And worst of all, they’re being spammed by recruiters who don’t know the difference between Java and Javascript—often for jobs that are poorly defined to begin with.

If you want to attract tech talent, don’t just advertise open positions. Focus on the careers you can offer and the types of experiences you can give developers.

Developers care about learning and growing, so talk about your training programs. Let employees attend conferences, facilitate internal tech talks, and above all, encourage new ideas. If your culture doesn’t reflect the values and preferences of the developers you’re looking to hire, you can’t expect to succeed in hiring them.

RETHINK YOUR ORG CHART Programmers want to report to programmers—or at the very least, to recently promoted ex-programmers.

They can’t stand having to explain technical issues to non-technical managers. They’re always going to be happier in organizations that respect, train, and promote developers to lead other developers.

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You’ve also got to make sure your developers aren’t shoved into some other department where they’re stuck reporting to someone who’s never written a line of code. Explain how your dev teams work and who manages them. It’s the day-to-day experience that’s going to make the difference, so you have to make sure your company’s management structure offers the right one.

HIGHLIGHT INDEPENDENCE Every programmer can tell you a story about a time they were miserable because they had to do something in a way they considered stupid. Developers want to feel like they have control over their work, and that means actually giving them some meaningful level of autonomy.

I’ve run into this many times in my own career, and it’s usually come in the form of technology standardization: “Here at company XYZ we’ve standardized on the Javascript language and the Linux Operating system. Because, well, standards are good, right!?” Sure, maybe—but it’s kind of like saying, “Here at company XYZ we’ve standardized on hammers and screwdrivers.” Yes, they’re both useful for many things, but if I’m trying to drill a hole in sheetmetal, there are better solutions than hammering away at a Phillips head.

TAP YOUR USER BASE It’s essential that your developers actually care about the work they do as least as much as the people they’re doing it for. No matter what you produce, you have a

group of users out there who love it. So use the tools at your disposal—Twitter, Facebook, user groups—to find your superfans. Even if they don’t come work for you, they’ll send their friends.

At Stack Overflow, we’re lucky enough to have a built-in resource: our user community, which is where just about every programmer on the planet goes when they get stuck. We mine our power users for new developer hires all the time. But even if you don’t have a huge base of knowledgeable tech users you can constantly tap, remember this: If somebody is asking good technical questions about your products, they’ll likely make a great developer for those same products.

PROVIDE THE RIGHT TOOLS When your job revolves around technology, it’s incredibly important to have the right tools. When it comes to computer monitors, two is better than one–ideally, 30-inch monitors. This might sound like a minor issue, but it’s not. Buying programmers the tools they need to do their jobs will show that you respect their work and value them.

At Stack Overflow, we do our best to give our programmers what they need, whether that’s a highend keyboard, three monitors, or the ability to work remotely. We also have an open-door policy for new ideas and feedback across the organization. We’ve found that this combination of tools and transparency make all the difference.

The bottom line is that if you can’t treat developers like critical stakeholders in your company’s strategy, they’ll find another company that will.

dean & deluca

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SLEEPING IN STYLE

A review of the W Hotel, Hong Kong

By Faris Almussallam

Choosing a hotel to stay in while traveling isn’t a subject I take lightly. To many, it’s a place where one simply dumps their bags and sleeps. I, on the other hand, enjoy the feeling of staying at a hotel that not only reflects my personality, but accentuates the feeling of being on holiday and being taken care of. This is why I spend a lot of time researching which hotel to stay at before going to Hong Kong.

One thing I have to mention is that the city has a mind-boggling abundance of hotels to choose from, and in the process, I actually booked two others before finally settling on the W. What swayed me initially was the allure of the W brand in a buzzing city like Hong Kong, as well as the views the fabulous room offered.

I arrived a few hours before check-in time, and unfortunately, the room wasn’t ready. As I waited for my room’s preparation, the lady who helped with the check-in process was extremely helpful, registered everything, and invited me to have breakfast at Kitchen, the W’s restaurant that offers sweeping views of a busy harbor. The food there is excellent, with a wide variety of Chinese, European, and American options, and a staff that is attentive without being too intrusive.

One think you notice about the W, is that it is filled with a lot of quirky pieces of art – both paintings and sculptures. There were two in particular that stood out to me – a modern interpretation of a famous painting of Chairman Mao, holding in his hand a W book in place of his famous Little Red Book, and a sculpture of a white peacock made entirely out of recycled bicycles.

Once I finally checked into my room, I immediately fell in love with the view. Similar to Kitchen’s view, the room overlooked the harbor and the sea. I found it to be relaxing and mesmerizing, and could easily get lost in my thoughts just gazing out the window.

Now, an issue I usually have with hotels is noise, and I was afraid that the perfect room would be ruined by noise – however none of that happened, and I slept blissfully every night.

One way I test hotels is by ordering room service, and check for promptness, presentation, and taste.

The W did not disappoint, and each time, the food arrived beautifully presented, and delicious.

I also loved the Whatever/Whenever feature.

This means you’re always connected to one person who will help solve whichever issue you have, instead of bouncing between an operator, the front desk, concierge, housekeeping, etc.

Another element that enhanced my stay was that the hotel offers a 3G enabled smart phone for you to use during your stay to make local calls and stay connected to the Internet. This comes in very handy when you’re out and need directions.

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Another amenity I got to try out a few times at the W as their Wet Deck, located on the 76th floor and consisted of a decently sized pool and huge Jacuzzi. Needless to say, the views over the harbor and skyline were breathtaking, and even there, the staff were welcoming and friendly.

On my last day, I treated myself to a spa treatment at their in-house Bliss spa – and I can honestly say that I have never been better takencare of at a spa to the level that the W provided. The locker room is bright and airy, and I loved the in-door Jacuzzi, with its fascinating views of the city. The massage itself was very comfortable and relaxing, and the manicure that followed was great. I love that it took place in a nice bright room with big windows overlooking the city – you can easily get lost in your thoughts there.

A big plus that to the hotel’s advantage, is its location – set in Kowloon, and connected directly to Elements mall, as well as to Kowloon MTR station (from where you can also check in to your flight and drop off your baggage – which means getting to and from the airport (and around Hong Kong) exceptionally easy!

Overall, this was a phenomenally excellent choice, and hope that other W hotels I stay at in the future live up to the expectations the W Hong Kong has set for me.

Keep up to date with Faris’ journeys by visiting his website www.traveleye.net, and follow him on Instagram @travel.eye, and on Facebook: Gotraveleye.

Follow his YouTube channel @TraveleyeGlobal.

sultan center

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FIND THE

ONE TO ENJOY THE

SUMMER

Triumph’s Spring/ Summer ’17 Swimwear Collection By bazaar staff

This season is all about choosing perfectly fitting swimwear in a shape that suits your figure. Finding the ideal style will ultimately give you that extra boost of confidence whether you are at the beach, pool or being active. Inspired by exotic summer escapes, Triumph’s SS17 collection is full of on-trend bold prints, contrasting textures and bright colors. The styles are based on 131 years of Triumph lingerie expertise, and feature the latest innovations like Magic Wire and Quick Dry technology, designed to give women ultimate support, maximum comfort and ensure they look and feel good too.

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Find The One that lets you enjoy summer and takes the fear out of swimwear shopping this summer. The SS17 line is available at Triumph stores in The Avenues, Marina Mall, Al Bairaq Mall, The Promenade Mall and Debenhams at Gate Mall, or check out triumph.com. Follow @TriumphArabia on Instagram for the latest updates or visit www.alyasra.com.

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THE MAGIC OF MOOD BOARDS

Positively inspiring collages of color with Cuccio By bazaar staff

When starting a new project, it is completely normal to get overwhelmed by ideas and envision way too many things at once. Or, it could be quite the opposite, and you draw a complete blank! You feel your mind has hit a brick wall and your work gets completely halted. That’s where mood boards come in.

These inspirational collages are a great way to get the creative juices flowing, embodying the feel of an upcoming project. This helps keep ideas on track and makes it easier to communicate those ideas visually to others.

Using different kinds of imagery and text as a collection which can be associated with your project. Keywords, color palettes, quotes, lyrics (basically anything and everything) that describe the topic, from abstract raw elements to examples of the end result.

Mood boards are the perfect base for inspiration and let's admit they’re so much fun to do! This time, at beautique cosmetics we’re focusing on our Summer Collection of nail polishes by Cuccio dubbed The Positivity Collection. This colorfully named palette really is created to inspire, give hope and just make people happy...one shade at a time! “What the world needs just about now is a dose of positivity!” exclaims Cuccio.

We don’t always have the time to make a mood board, but we do know just how important they are. So, we recruited a very special summer intern, Yara Mackarem, to put one together for us! Who better to understand the fun colors and vibes of summer than carefree youngsters?

Bringing her positive energy to our office, this little eight-year-old gave us insight on how each of the colors gives her a different sense.

For example, the Cuccio color ‘I am beautiful’ makes her think of chewing bubble-gum on the beach. That’s an idea for a photoshoot right there! When she saw the color ‘Smile’ she screamed “Glitter! I love glitter, it makes me smile so much!” She then went on to describe how it also reminds her of shiny cars, beach hats and popsicles. To prove her love of glitter, she showed us all the ways we have been missing out on it in the office, decorating our desks, notebooks and even our faces with gold and silver glitter. It definitely added some muchneeded sparkle.

‘Another Beautiful Day’ reminded her of light blue skies and the waves of a clear blue ocean. ‘Daydream’ makes her feel like Barbie, “and lip-gloss,” she said as she layered on a gloss and smacked her lips together, “I LOVE lip74

gloss!” We completely agree! When looking at the gold shade ‘Everything Matters’ she got up and sang “24 Karat magic in the aiiirrr”. Gotta love the Bruno Mars reference. ‘Be Awesome Today’ gained our favorite description from her, “Pink fluffy unicorns dancing on rainbows”.

‘Positivity’ she described as, “Mint, chocolatechip ice-cream, freshly cut grass and balloons.”

All things that ignite fun summer ideas.

And Yara’s favorite color? ‘Trust Yourself’ reminding her of yummy pineapples, the sun,

beach or sand and, “because it’s yellow, that’s the true color of happiness.” - Bless!

Cuccio is exclusively distributed by beautique cosmetics international and is available at TONI & GUY salons at Cliffs Tower, Salmiya (2572 3381) and Corniche Club (2566 3286). For promotions, offers and ideas follow @toniandguykw on Instagram. For more information on beautique cosmetics international please call 2225 1285 or visit www.beautiquecosmeticsintl.com and follow them on Instagram @beautiquecosmetics.

Enjoy European Peach!

As an exclusively summer, cool, juicy, and full of avor fruit, the peach is considered as the fruit of purity and immortality, according to some Eastern traditions.

peach garden

The peach is ideal for those watching their diet, since it is low in calories, and high in vitamins.

Food safety is a top priority for Europe.

www.peachgarden.eu

ÂŹ The Peach Growers Associations that take part in the implementation of this program perform tests in privately-owned laboratories, to ensure thus the safety and quality of the products sold to consumers in the international market.

CAMPAIGN FINANCED WITH AID FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION AND GREECE 75

geeks & gamers

FOR ONE MONTH, I ACHIEVED NOTHING

By bazaar staff

Since the Xbox 360 introduced them back in 2005, I’ve become quite addicted to Achievement hunting and in the last couple of years, I’ve noticed that this has affected the way, and reason, I play games.

For the non-gamers here, an "Achievement" is when you complete a certain action or task in the game, and you get a notification on screen to let you know what you did along with a number of points that go toward your overall Gamerscore.

Every achievement is different, with a different amount of points, as determined by the game developer. It could be something as stupid as pressing the start button (The Simpsons Game), completing the game (most games), or something extremely specific and hard (any of Gears of War's ‘Seriously’ achievements that require hundreds of hours of play).

When I first got my Xbox 360 and started playing, I found something extremely satisfying in seeing the ‘Achievement Unlocked’ icon appearing on the screen accompanied by the now famous blip blop sound, upon completing certain in game actions or tasks. Sometimes, it can be the one thing that can push me to finish a particularly unimpressive or otherwise bad game (or "Trophies", for you PlayStation fans). My 76

current Gamerscore is around 90,000, and higher than that of anybody on my friends list. Month on month, I’m at the top of the leaderboard of my friends list for points gained.

Fast forward to 2017 and I haven’t really played anything new in the last couple of months, with the exception of Injustice 2 and the Crash Bandicoot Remaster (both of which are awesome). So rather than go to the gym more regularly, or fix the house, or do anything productive, I took this chance to do something that I’ve wanted to for some months, and something that could have lost my credibility amongst my gaming friends; I brought a Wii U. The Wii U is a dead console now, with Nintendo putting their full focus on the Switch and not releasing any more first party games. On top of that, the Wii U is considered a commercial failure, for various reasons concerning price, hardware, amount of games released, focus on children and more. It never really hit its mark or sold as Nintendo would have liked. What made me buy one then? As much as I sometimes hate their business decisions and practices, I was raised on Nintendo consoles as a kid, so I’m always drawn to their products. Also, I wanted Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, but I didn’t want a Switch due to its launch issues and very weak game library (it’s still new and will take time to build). Finally, given that the console is now at the end of its lifespan, I thought it would be the perfect time to get a

cheap unit and experience an entire back library of games at my leisure.

So, after some haggling at Rehab complex, I walked away with a nice bundle of console, controllers and games and went home to play.

Naturally, most of my time has been spent on Zelda which really is a game that deserves place amongst top 20 of all time. Other than that, I’ve been playing multiplayer games with the wife, mainly Mario Kart 8 and Super Mario 3D World.

We have been having such a blast on them that both our Xbox and PS4 have been off since bringing the Wii U home.

I haven’t unlocked a single Achievement in over a month. Which in itself, ironically, is an achievement.

I’ve simply been playing, enjoying and experiencing games as they’re meant to be. As I used to. It’s been a pleasant realization that I actually can do this without an OCD need to squeeze an extra 20 points from a game that I have little interest in. Don’t get me wrong, I won’t STOP playing for achievements. I want to see my Gamerscore go over 100,000 this year. But I definitely won’t be settling for half-baked or just outright bad games anymore in order to get my fix.

If you too have an Achievement or Trophy problem, and think you may need help, it’s never too late. Just seek out Dr. Mario and prescribe yourself a daily dose of Nintendo.

boccini

77

NINE MONTHS OF RANDOMNESS, And one baby article

By George Tarabay

If you are a bazaarian (Editor’s note: It’s bazaarite, George, but okay), you may have noticed that, for the past nine months, I have been smearing this beautiful magazine with my randomness, one page at a time. What does that tell you as a reader? It could say: George has been writing some messed up articles, or it could also say: Seriously, who is this guy?

To me, it says this: bazaar magazine is still a solid platform that encourages expression in the best way there is (No. This is not something I was asked to write. Well, kind of, if you take into account, the voices inside the left side of my brain.)

If, like me, you grew up in Kuwait, you know for a fact that bazaar is one of the neatest publications out there. I always considered them as a definitive reference to all the cool things happening in this beautiful land.

Never in a million years did I think, that one day, I would be allowed into their offices, let alone write eight articles (this being the ninth) for them. Something I never divulged to anyone, including the team at bazaar, is that I always had a fear of expressing myself. Because let’s be honest: Who cares? I mean let’s face it, an early retired engineer, ‘wanna be’ comedian, kind of a marketeer/filmmaker, wants to produce literature? I would not take a chance on myself ever, because my persona is a recipe for a definite disaster.

Yet, by some ill-fated hand dealt to the bazaar team, we met through a common friend, and a friendship was sparked as a result of that encounter. I did not hesitate to ask them if I can write an article for them, and without skipping a beat, the exact words I heard were “Of course, you can!” Always ask, you never know until you do.

Those four words, seemingly common, meant the world to me, and throughout this nine-month period, I have developed my skills, guided by their team, to which a hats off is due.

It is a very hard job what these guys do.

Working with many people, preserving each individual voice, packaging it in one magazine while maintaining bazaar’s own voice. Don’t think that’s hard? Try making a sushi burger with beans while preserving the taste of every bean, then let’s talk, because this is what these people have been doing for years, successfully and deliciously.

I often find myself driving there unconsciously, because they have such a great atmosphere that 78

it’s almost unfair that other businesses don’t learn from them. To explain what I mean, allow me to reference my articles and how they are related to bazaar magazine: 1 - Comedy therapy for the crowd or the performer: The team spirit there is very therapeutic. They care, not only about their pages, but also about the people behind these pages too. I often find myself in discussion sessions with this team, not only about worldly issues, but also personal issues. I could say this without hesitation, they’ve helped me avoid several stupid decisions and I always leave their office laughing and happy.

2- In a world full of negativity, be kind or be quiet: To say this team lives by this motto is an understatement. They have a beautiful way of criticizing you, while also helping your grow.

Never have I felt more welcome in any team more than I do with them.

3- Horrible bosses, a catalyst for success: Led by the “Adly” himself, they all are great leaders.

In a sense that they push the best out of you, always listen, and take into account what you are saying to them.

4- Working with humans, a simple guide: Work once with this team and I guarantee that you won’t want to collaborate with anyone else.

5- You probably won’t read the last line of this article (clickbait rant): With this team, what you see is what you get, and in a world filled with deception, they stand out from the crowd.

6- Cash you inside, seriously don’t leave your room just yet (new artists rant): If you have talent or a passion, get in touch with bazaar. Not because they will highlight you if you are worthy, but they also help people grow by introducing them to new people and keeping them always at the top of their thoughts in future projects.

7- Is intellectual property important: The bazaar team is one of the few teams out there that strive to preserve every individual voice, they are very ethical and strive to guide their collaborators into higher levels.

8- For Pete’s sake, stop posting everything (social media rant): They don’t, and to that I say, a gazillion Thank yous.

In short, thank you team bazaar, I feel great knowing that I am part of this family and knowing that whatever life throws at me, I have a team of individuals ready to support me on every personal and professional level.

This article is too emotional for me, because I am being sincere. (Editor’s note: who knew sincerity could make George emotional?) Thank you a million times for being a great magazine, for being a beacon of kindness in these dark times, for being true artists in your craft. I am grateful as a writer, a reader, but most importantly: As a human (If I can be called that. Ok, I had to throw in a little joke, I am about to cry here!)

Photo by Mari Helin-Tuominen on Unsplash

‫‪carriage‬‬

‫ﻣﺸﺘﺎﻗـﻴﻦ ﻟﻠﺮﻳـﻮق؟‬ ‫?‪Missed having breakfast‬‬ ‫رﻳﻮﻗـﻚ ﺻـﺎر أﺣﻠـﻰ ﻣـﻊ ﻫﺎﺗـﺎي ﺳﻮﻓﺮاﺳـﻲ!‬ ‫!‪Your breakfast got better with Hatay79Sofrasi‬‬

‫@ ﻟﻠﺤﺠﺰ واﻻﺳﺘﻌﻼم‬

‫ﻣﺘﻮﻓﺮ ﻋﻠﻰ‬

THE SULTAN CENTER'S SURPRISE

Low Prices, Shocking Promotions at TSC Boulevard By bazaar staff

Cast your mind back to the Taste of Q8 when you got to enjoy all that delicious fare while traipsing through grounds with meandering streams, geese swimming happily, hills of green grass, a fountain lake and trees. These are the grounds of Boulevard Mall, the very heart of Salmiya where The Sultan Center launched its latest 24-hours concept store this summer with a fanfare of promotions.

It isn’t just holidays like Ramadan and Eid when you’ll find shocking promotions though, the entire concept behind this Sultan Center location is that there will be continuous low prices and shocking promotions available and you will always find the latest flyer items here too. The best of both worlds, this hybrid store offers all the items you’ve come to love in TSC Sultan Centers, with the wholesale priced goods you’re used to finding in TSC Wholesale Centers.

Store Manager Marwan Quwaider takes bazaar on a tour of the two-level store as he explains that The Sultan Center offers well-known brands at the lowest prices. Bonus tip: Check aisle ends for greater discounts! He stresses the importance of customer service to The Sultan Center brand, which means keeping a broad product and price range so that there is something for each person in this branch of Sultan. “We have all different kinds of customers but we give only the same high level of customer service to everyone.”

Having worked in retail since 1997 and for TSC in Kuwait for the last decade, Marwan proudly describes the hospitality offered at this branch. “All year around customers can help themselves to coffee and dates when they come in.” There is also a table laden with bananas and apples with a large sign declaring, “Free Fruit for Children” which is a fantastic initiative Sultan-wide.

As well as a Sushi Bar, the Boulevard branch offers a large range of hot food starting with breakfast at 7 a.m. Prepared daily, an assortment of international cuisine is displayed and best snapped up before late evening by which time most customers seize the tasty dishes for dinner!

As healthy options go there is a whole wall of fresh, locally sourced organic herbs and vegetables from Yasmine Farms in Wafra. This is the brainchild of TSC founder, the late Jamil Sultan, who is credited with bringing the very concept of organic to Kuwait.

“That’s his baby” smiles Marwan and indeed the success of the Farmers Market section is testament to the vision for quality that continues to be prevalent in the company. “Organic and Diet options are 80

TSC Boulevard Store Manager Marwan Quwaider

increasingly important to our customers”, says Marwan and then points to a vast array of packaged healthy food options, both domestic and foreign.

TSC Boulevard is not finished offering the best they can to their customers. The usual telecoms services are available instore and the coffee shop has a gorgeous view from the first floor, overlooking the dancing lake fountains and botanical gardens of The Boulevard.

Investors who share a similar mission with Sultan Center to deliver excellent quality products can also be found in store. There is a wonderfully colorful Bayara Souk for all your spices and dry foods needs. As one can never have enough dates, the Bar is a must visit too.

As Marwan takes us toward the back of the ground floor, a beautifully finished burgundy stained-wood and brass trailer sits before our eyes. A stunningly vintage looking vehicle, it boasts a complete kitchen conversion. This area is a hub of conversation and society as customers enjoy the occasional hot dog and cup of tea while their partner shops.

If you’re a gourmand, then make TSC Boulevard a go to this summer. The bakery has the freshest croissants this side of Salmiya with an array of boulangerie breads and pastries to try. It’s the perfect place to build a picnic basket as you peruse the deli counters, picking up imported cheeses or meats with pickles and sides. There’s even a gardening section where you can choose from a colorful selection of picnic blankets! With the Boulevard Mall’s wellpresented grounds there’s no end to the lovely areas you can sit and watch the world go by as you indulge in the tasty treats.

Of course, if you want to cook at home then the butcher and fishmonger can show you the best cut or catch of the day.

The staff is always ready to offer advice on the best amount per person or what’s the ideal way to bring out the flavor of the chosen pieces. It is well worth remembering though, that because there is an on-site kitchen, you can have your favored fish grilled or baked by Sultan, to pick up later.

Other reports from customers so far indicate that the store is a joy to shop in as it is both spacious and well delineated. Housed in the newest mall Kuwait has to offer, both the mall and store are in excellent condition.

The wonderful visual merchandising standards mean you can clearly see the items on display. The children’s play area is very helpful to busy families and it is also easy to find parking here, as The Boulevard itself holds 2250 available spaces. As well as the car parks in the front and back of the mall, The Sultan Center also has its own parking basement. This conveniently allows access to the supermarket outside of Boulevard Mall opening hours, so you can shop to your heart’s content 24 hours a day!

There truly is something for everyone, at every price in this store. And the brand really cares about the experience of its customers. TSC Boulevard even makes a point of putting on a children’s event each month! “This is really a place for all the community!” Marwan reiterates.

To keep up to date on all Sultan Center Boulevard Mall activities follow them on Instagram @sultan_center and on Facebook: The Sultan Center. Shop online at: www.sultan-center.com or please call 1844 449 for more information.

81

DEPRESSION REDUX

There is no health without mental health Dr Susannah Joy Schuilenberg

"Depression," a word we often toss around without real consideration of its meaning, is a real thing. This disorder has no single cause, and currently, researchers say the data shows that having any combination of these risk factors – trauma, genetics, life experiences, brain changes, medical conditions, and/or substance abuse – increase the likelihood of experiencing an episode of major depression.

So much more than simply ‘feeling down,’ depression has huge repercussions in all areas of life. 60% of the global population will experience at least one major depressive episode in their lifetime; 70% of those will be women. Young adults 18-25 are 60% more likely than adults over 50 to experience an episode of moderate to severe depression. Only 10% of individuals struggling with moderate to severe depression have access to resources or treatment for this disorder – a horrible stat on its own. But this is almost worse: of those who are clinically depressed and who do have access to appropriate treatment, only 50% will seek out help to deal with the depression. Our collective and global negative perception of mental health issues is truly inhibiting to seeking treatment.

A study out of the Netherlands in 2008 indicates that the vast majority of us will experience at least one period of mild depression in our lifetime, and that regardless of the treatment, we will recover our normal sense of self, on average, in 2-3 months. Mild depression (feeling ‘down’ or flat; a lack of sense of pleasure or enjoyment; diminished energy) still allows full life function, we just enjoy life less. Most often recovery happens through a combination of intentional positivity, regular exercise, and making the effort to connect with friends, family, and community.

Gradually, a sense of emotional equilibrium returns, and it’s possible to take pleasure in living again. Talk therapy helps with the intentional positivity, but just as often, a gratitude journal, a selfhelp book focused on positive living, or an online course requiring mindful investment in feeling better will also be effective.

Moderate to severe depression is way more debilitating than its milder cousin, and requires much more robust forms of intervention to recover. If that ‘mild’ depression lasts longer than 3 months, or your quality of life deteriorates at any time to the point where daily function is impaired, get help. This is not a ‘wait-and-see’ situation. For those who suffer a moderate to severe episode of depression, without treatment, the chances of a second episode go up considerably, and successive episodes will be more severe, and last longer each time.

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So here’s the deal.

Last month, I wrote about the symptoms of depression: the seriousness of the disorder, how Eeyore needed a therapist, and all sorts of other helpful stuff.

This month, I’m telling you to stop suffering. Get help.

(This would be “Doctor’s orders.”) There is a whole range of good options for mental health services, with properly trained and licensed professionals, ethical practices, and the skill to help identify, address, and overcome an episode of major depression – in person, online, or in a group. You’ll gain the life tools you need to manage your own mental health, you’ll get back a quality of life you’ve been missing for a long time, and you’ll add to the cultural and social shift away from stigmatizing mental health issues as different from a physical illness.

If you are struggling mentally with anything – anxiety, depression, obsessions, compulsions, panic attacks, negative thinking (the list of the ways the brain can hijack us is long) then your physical health WILL be impacted. It cannot be otherwise. Mental health issues such as depression, can alter the immune system, impact sleep cycles, and disrupt gut function (did you know that 90% of the body’s serotonin is manufactured in the digestive tract?), leading to secondary physical illness.

My April and May contributions focused on anxiety, and June and July/August have focused on,

and are focusing on depression. These two disorders alone account for the vast majority of people struggling with mental health issues. The poor quality of life, economic losses, and relationship stressors from these two common issues is staggering, but fortunately, both respond positively to the researchbased interventions and tools counsellors and therapists have to offer. Don’t add to those dismal statistics. Summon up your courage, be brave, and look at the treatment options available. Go see a professional, experienced in treating depression.

If you don’t like that therapist, go see another one.

When you find the therapist or counsellor you feel comfortable with, tell them Dr. Susannah sent you.

If anything you’ve read in these columns in the past four months applies to you, do something about it. You won’t be sorry.

Research stats from studies by National Institute of Mental Health; Canadian Mental Health Association; British Journal of Psychiatry; World Health Organisation.

Dr Susannah is a leading psychologist, registered professional counsellor and Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling based in Canada.

Follow @DrSusannah on Twitter and Instagram.

nestle

NestleCafeKwt

NestleCafeKw 83

bazaar eats in

ELEVATION BURGER-DELIVERED!

Can Carriage delivery make the cut?

By bazaar staff

Sometimes being able to choose from eight locations just isn’t enough when you get cravings for the juicy burgers that Elevation Burger is known for. We’re never going to be disappointed chomping down on all that grass-fed goodness in the cool environs of the restaurants. After all, it is wonderful to be served by such an amazing team, always happy to suggest the best way to elevate your burger to your liking with additional toppings. It’s not always convenient to get in the car and drive to the nearest location, though, no matter how much you want to! This is why we could not contain our excitement here in the office when we found out that Elevation Burger now delivers on Carriage!

When it came to perusing the menu, I decided to forgo the usual mobile app and used the full-sized web site. I eat with my eyes, as it seems, and the menu photographs are a fait accompli when it comes to the perfect sales pitch.

The menu is as beautifully simple as it always was; burgers, fresh fries and drinks. But how would our favorite burgers fare as a delivered item? Each one of us chose our favorite burger to sample so we’d best be able to compare the experiences of restaurant or resting on our laurels.

I love the idea of an Elevation Burger, the classic two patty offering with a choice of all those toppings for free! When you see the list it’s quite exciting for me; pickles, lettuce, tomato and onion. But I must say, I always prevaricate on whether or not the onion should be raw or caramelized. My colleagues consistently choose caramelized but maybe that’s because they’re all married…raw white onions for me it is then! I decided to go for a lettuce wrap to see just how well iceberg withstands time, heat and two meaty slabs of beef.

My two other work buddies decided to go for just the single patty each of the 100% USDA certified organic beef.

Can there be a better combination of the tried-and-tested cheese, mushroom and bacon? Only if it’s organic bacon, and real cheddar of course!

When deciding to indulge in the whole potato fries the most carb-conscious member of the team excitedly said “The cheese fries! They have the most delicious real cheddar on them, two large slices!” So, we ordered those along with a batch of normal fresh fries, cooked in hearthealthy olive oil, just to compare how they each delivered.

We’re all gym members, that’s half the battle, right?

Not one of us decided to forgo the Elevation sauce on our burgers. An elusive combination of sweet and sour with tangy pickled cucumber mixed from a tomato 84

base, it truly reminds me very much of a 1970s childhood steeped in thousand island drenched salads—but only so much better!

Another sauce which is typical Elevation Burger is the Balsamic Mustard sauce. Perfect for those who enjoy a mustard but prefer the fire to be tamed slightly by combining it with the sweetness of a concentrated white grape vinegar. This sauce was liberally added to both the hamburger and cheeseburger options.

The potato buns did a great job in transport with the burgers placed carefully in boxes. The buns were substantial enough to withstand the delivery time of 30 minutes. They also absorbed and combined the delicious flavors of the juicy patty and held the built burgers together well.

I was happily surprised to see that with my lettuce wrapped Elevation Burger, they don’t stint on the iceburg lettuce leaves when building the sandwich, so the burger handled well and the lettuce remained fresh. I’ll definitely try this option again, especially as I’ll most likely be ordering at the restaurant next time. The fact it saves 140 calories also helps. More room for milkshakes!

Delivery time always seems quicker with Carriage.

The fact that you can track the delivery and know exactly where you driver is at all times really helps with one’s patience! But this delivery was really quick. We predecided the delivery time, and received a notification of when the order was placed and then when the order began being prepared. Thirty minutes is better than sitting in traffic and we enjoyed the same great taste as is always to be expected from this quality burger brand.

To order Elevation Burger from Carriage download Carriage – Food Delivery from the App Store for iPhone, Play Store for Android. Alternatively, you can visit the website www.trycarriage.com. Follow Elevation Burger on Instagram @elevationkw and like and follow on Facebook: Elevation Burger – Kuwait. To give you delivery feedback experience, make sure to send an email to marketing@tabcofood.com.

kahneen

85

bazaar techno

FUZE SMART CREDIT CARD

ZONA REAR VIEW MOTORCYCLE CAMERA

IMAC PRO

LIGHT PHONE

PRYNT POCKET IPHONE PRINTER

GARMIN VIRB 360 CAMERA

Free yourself from the tyranny of a wallet full of cards with the Fuze Smart Credit Card. Available in both standard and EMV chip variants, it's the same size and thickness as a standard card, yet can store info for up to 30 cards at a time. Thanks to the companion app, it's easy to manage your cards, wipe your card if it's lost, and have it automatically lock if the card strays too far away — providing a peace of mind no regular card can match.

We're all guilty of mindlessly staring at our smartphones instead of taking the time to view the real world in front of us. Roughly the shape of a credit card and only a bit thicker, you'll forget you have a phone with you until you really need one.

A beautiful and extremely user-friendly web-based interface let's you add up to 10 contacts for quick dialing. In our own usage, the battery lasts a few days on a single charge. Available in white or black, the Light Phone's minimal design is an instant classic, and surely makes Jonny Ive envious.

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This smart system combines a rear-facing camera with a helmet-mounted display to give you a wideangle view of the road behind you. An adjustable arm lets you put the display above or below your eye, in your peripheral vision so as to not distract you. The incoming video stream from the bikemounted camera is stabilized to adjust for the bike's movements, and the system also records footage so it can be reviewed in the case of an accident.

The original Prynt was the first ever photo-printing case. It was also, to put it kindly, rather large.

The Prynt Pocket iPhone Printer retains the ability to print out your shots instantly but reduces the size dramatically. Compatible with all Lightningenabled iPhones, it functions as a camera grip, with a dedicated shutter button, settings dial, and a tray to hold the Zink sticker paper it outputs. A companion app lets you apply filters, add text, and even "attach" videos to your prints that appear in the app when you point the camera at them.

It's not just faster than a regular iMac. It's the fastest Mac ever. Packing up to an 18-core Xeon Processor and up to 128GB of RAM, the iMac Pro is a workstation-class computer in a stunningly slim package. The regular model's aluminum shell gets bathed in a dark space gray, and also holds Radeon Vega graphics capable of driving 44 million pixels at once, as well as a slew of high-end I/O options.

Coming to a desk near you in December.

Its fisheye lenses facing opposite directions and an intelligent automatic stitching algorithm lets you capture 360Âş degree footage in nearly any environment. It's waterproof to 30 feet, captures 5.7K video at 30 fps, can shoot 15-megapixel spherical photos, and has automatic stabilization for smooth footage. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable fast sharing and streaming, and the microSD storage holds up to 128 GB of video at once. And since it responds to voice commands, you don't need to take your hands away from what you're doing.

Source: blessthisstuff.com Source: uncrate.com

proper sliders

87

SUMMER IN THE 965

Beat the heat with our ultimate Kuwait summer guide!

By bazaar staff

Have your summer plans gone awry and now you’re annoyed that you’re “stuck” in Kuwait? Do you feel upset over the fact that your vacation is only destined to turn into a “staycation”?

Rather than sulk over the fact that you aren’t going anywhere exotic this summer, take advantage of your time off spent at home, and “staycate” in style. Kuwait is hot– we get it, but with the right tools, summer over here can be enjoyable! Don’t believe us? We have a bunch of ideas to convince you otherwise. Also, did we mention that traffic is actually AH-MAZING come summertime?

BEACH CLUBS AND JET SKIS Yes, the fees are hefty, but they’re well worth it.

Also, if you join one now, you’ll likely be getting a year-long membership and full access to a relaxing place to call your home away from home.

Most of these private beach clubs include a fully equipped gym where you could work out your woes and whip yourself into shape, a strip of Kuwait’s gorgeous coastline and access to a private beach, swimming pools, childcare, on-site dining, and sometimes, spas! Whether you’re an exercise fanatic or you just want to find a place to tan in peace, joining one of Kuwait’s beach clubs is a great investment to make. But remember, not all of these clubs actually have a beach. Some just have a pool – which is still more than enough to keep you fit and cool all summer! We personally prefer hopping from one beach club to the other if we’re in town over the summer, and always remember that renting out a jet ski for a couple of hours makes for a budget-friendly yet fun activity at the same time!

Ladies! This one’s for you. The amazing people at The Regency Hotel have a dedicated Ladies Lounge.

Beach Club Suggestions: Radisson SAS, Corniche, The Palms, The Regency Hotel, Symphony Style Hotel, C Club, Holiday Inn, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, Hilton Mangaf. Jet ski rentals are dotted along the coastline, find one ASAP! TAKE A WALK Come nighttime, temperatures are more bearable.

If you’re adventurous enough to do so, take advantage of the beautiful, lush park spaces that have popped up in the past year! There’s the classic Shaheed Park, where as a bonus, you’ll always find something to do (like grab a nice espresso at Terrazzo or a lovely show at the amphitheater), and if that’s a little too out of the way for you, then try something central like The Boulevard! This project offers so many different activities for people of all 88

The Ladies Lounge at The Regency Hotel

Shaheed Park

ages to enjoy. Not to mention, it provides a great trek for walking and jogging! And, they have paddleboats to rent out in a man-made lake. What’s not to love?

Don’t forget about old favorites like the Scientific Center and Marina Walk strips. At nightfall, coupled with the stunning view of the coastal skyline, this gem is a constant reminder that we live in a country with underrated, breathtaking views. Also, there are kiosks, cafes and even public water fountains to accommodate your needs. If you’re able to, don’t forget to bring your bicycle for an unforgettable ride.

What about the scorching daytime? Lace up your comfiest trainers and powerwalk through the highly air conditioned domes of Kuwait’s many malls. It’s a great way to get your cardio up to prep you for a lovely treat afterwards: whether it be a yummy meal, or an equally yummy new outfit. Give it a try!

But be warned, just because the temperatures outside are scorching, malls are quite freezing. A light sweater, and for the more serious, a bottle of water, might be a good idea.

Mall Walking Suggestions: Marina Mall and Crescent, The Avenues, 360 Mall, Gate Mall, The Promenade, AlKout, Gate Mall.

STAY FIT WITH OPTIONS Don’t let go of your health this summer. We know it’s too hot to go out sometimes, and that doesn’t do much for the body’s desire to stay active, but we also know you’re tougher than that and won’t compromise your fitness goals because of a little heat! For the first time in a long time, the country is overflowing with opportunities for exercise that suit EVERYBODY’S needs and budgets! From spin classes at Ryde, yoga classes at Alive Yoga, Pilates at Arc and Zumba classes offered at The Palms and Radisson SAS, fitness is always a possibility. One notable and lifesaving mention we, our friends at Project 5 Miles host an eclectic range of classes like yoga and even hula hooping, all at affordable rates! Do yourselves a favor, and keep the momentum going this summer.

Find your fitness via Instagram! Ryde @ryde.kw, Alive @aliveyoga, Arc @arcpilateskw, Project 5 Miles @p5m, and our favorite Zumba instructor @zainazumba.

A GREAT ESCAPE For those who want to take their adventures further into the great blue sea, consider renting a yacht with a couple of your friends to wander aimlessly around the gorgeous waters of the gulf.

You could commission the captain to take you to one of Kuwait’s beautiful islands, or even stop in the middle of the sea for you to jump off and swim around to your hearts’ content. Be sure to consider hitting up the infamous Failaka Island for the day to swim in clear waters and explore the historic city, rumored to have remnants of ruins from ancient historical milestones.

If you fancy yourself a diver, Kubbar is a great destination point for your day adventure. It’s a fun spot for snorkeling, but more serious (and licensed) scuba divers should be sure to travel

Project 5 Miles Studio

Bubbles Diving Center

Artspace Kuwait (Details on next page)

[Continued...]

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in a pack. Consult a diving center to book a day out, and they also offer training courses for you to perfect your scuba abilities. Just don’t forget to slather on the SPF! For boat rentals, contact Silsan Yachts by calling them at 2565 0674. Visit www.silsan.net, and follow them on Instagram @silsan_yachts.

Dive centers we love: Nautilus Diving Kuwait: (www.nautilusdivingkuwait.com), Bubbles Diving Center (www.bubblesdivingcenter.com).

TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY Eating might be your hobby, which is always fun, but people eventually get full. How about doing something that will pique your other interests instead? Artspace, for example, is a quirky little café/studio/inclusive space that’s amazing for popping in and painting. They’re also great at updating the public with different events and workshops for you to pass by and register for.

A similar initiative is the Print Room, which is a space in Shuwaikh Market specializing in printing and print-making, of course. But what’s cool about this space is that they too offer fun and educational workshops! Another great thing about the Print Room is they host an artsy summer camp for kids! If your children are creative and constantly drawing, you might want to delve deeper into their details.

Yadawi is another crafty initiative we love to involve ourselves in. Founder Lubna Saif Abbas describes this gem as “a collective of artisans and a center for workshops in arts and crafts.”

They constantly host fun crafting workshops that suit everyone's fancy, from Beading Basics to Watercolor Basics and Decopatch Day, so there’s a lot to choose from. Who knows – if you start frequenting some of these workshops, you might just figure out what you want to sell in Shakshooka this winter!

Follow Yadawi on Instagram @yadawi, Print Room at @printroom.club on Instagram and Artspace at @artspaceq8 and on Facebook as Artspace Studio/Gallery/café.

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM As far as habbas come and go, we are super grateful for this one! As soon as the temperature started rising, our Instagram feeds became flooded with icy concoctions that left us wanting to jump into a literal pool of ice cream. Make sure you check out what the good people at Urban Creamery are up to, as they keep coming up with amazing seasonal flavors. Try their Mango sorbet—you won’t regret it! If you’re a fan of traditional Karak tea, then Karak Gholam’s ice cream version of the same will scintillate the senses while cooling you down at the same time.

We also are officially in love with the indulgent Rococoa (check out our complete review in this issue!) and we’re extremely happy to report that they have a proper ice cream bar filled to the brim with decadent flavors and toppings that will leave you coming back for more. Tongue in Cheek, 90

[...Continued]

Mango sorbet at Urban Creamery

Ice cream flavors at Rococoa anyone? Don’t forget to chase down the OG of ice cream in Kuwait, the men controlling the little ice cream truck/bicycle hybrids. There’s always one in every governorate at this time of year, and their iceboxes are exploding with goodies like Silver, Lulu, the orange push-pops and more.

Urban Creamery is located in Sharq. Order through the Carriage, call 6004 2034 and follow them on Instagram @UrbanCreamery. Karak Gholam is located in Sharq (2232 2286), Hawally (2262

0880) and Salmiya (2574 0521). Order through Talabat or Carriage, and follow them on Instagram @KarakGholam. For Rococoa ice cream, order through Carriage, visit www.rococoa.com and follow them on Instagram @Rococoakw.

For more information on these great places, check out our website www.bazaar.town.

MAC

91

bazaar music

FUNK WAV BOUNCES VOL. 1

SOFT SOUNDS FROM ANOTHER PLANET

The wait is over. Calvin Harris dropped a date for his forthcoming album -- and yes, it will be a whole album. He is not sleeping on his feature game. A video teaser posted to Twitter announces features from Frank Ocean, Travis Scott, Kehlani, Future, Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, Big Sean, John Legend, Khalid, Migos, Schooboy Q, Ariana Grande, Yung Thug, D.R.A.M., Nicki Minaj, Lil Yachty, Jessie Reyez, Partynextdoor, and Snoop Dogg. The LP, titled Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, gives the sense of a departure from the usual Harris sound, a hint amplified by the much groovier, toned-down disco funk vibe of the soundtrack tune.

Michelle Zauner’s solo project, the delightfully named Japanese Breakfast, has a second album on the way, and if it’s anything like her debut, critics everywhere had best start making room on their Best of 2017 lists. Due out in July, Soft Sounds From Another Planet follows Psychopomp. Zauner wrote Psychopomp in the immediate aftermath of her mother’s death from cancer, pouring her grief into 25 minutes of powerfully emotional indie-pop introspection. Soft Sounds From Another Planet, on the other hand, finds Zauner escaping her trauma by taking to the stars. A press release describes the record as “a transmutation of mourning’’.

By Calvin Harris

DEAD REFLECTION

By Japanese Breakfast

THE KNIFE

SOMETHING'S CHANGING

By Lucy Rose

The singer recently emerged with a new track, with gorgeous cut "Floral Dresses" boasting backing vocals from The Staves. New album Something's Changing follows this. The record will be accompanied by a documentary film that charts the unusual way the material was sculpted.

Lucy Rose took her guitar on a trip across South and Central America, writing songs as she travelled. “Music is actually more than music for most people in the world,” says Lucy. “Lots of my friends and family won’t have that connection to music like the people I met, but to them it’s more than just having background music when you’re cooking, it’s saved them in some sort of way.”

LUST FOR LIFE

By Silverstein

By Goldfinger

By Lana Del Rey

After posting a teaser earlier this week, posthardcore heavyweights Silverstein have officially announced their new full-length, Dead Reflection. Back in December, Silverstein vocalist Shane Told spoke to AP about "Ghost" and their upcoming album. Here's some of what he said: "We actually just released a new song, "Ghost".

We had three months off in the summertime to just sit still, and we’ve never been a band that takes breaks. We’re always touring; when we’re not touring, we’re writing and recording. So it was decided, our record doesn’t come out until next summer, let’s see if we can release a single’’.

Goldfinger have announced their new song "Put The Knife Away," taken from their new album, The Knife, which features Travis Barker on drums, twenty one pilots' Josh Dun on drums, ONE OK ROCK's Takahiro Moriuchi, and guest vocals from Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus and 311's Nick Hexum.

"I took my time making this record," singersongwriter/producer John Feldmann says, "nine years to be exact! I feel like I've made the most concise Goldfinger record in my career. We have all Goldfinger styles together as one, with Zakk Cervini, and Travis Barker on drums, I couldn't be more proud of an album."

Lust For Life has so far been preceded by lead single "Love", her title-track and Weeknd collaboration, plus recent songs "Coachella – Woodstock In My Mind" and "Cherry". Del Rey also recently unveiled a witch-themed trailer for the album. The album is set to feature a collaboration with Fleetwood Mac‘s Stevie Nicks called "Beautiful People, Beautiful Problems".

Describing the new album as more socially aware, Del Rey has said of the record: “I started out thinking that the whole record was gonna have a sort of a ’50s-’60s feeling, kind of some kind of Shangri-Las, early Joan Baez influences.”

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Source: www.amazon.co.uk

sweetncup

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big boys toys

EAST COAST DEFENDER PROJECT VIPER

LEICA M 246 JIM MARSHALL CAMERA

H. MOSER & CIE SWISS ALP WATCH ZZZZ

BMW MOTORRAD CONCEPT LINK

WHIPPET FOLDING BIKE

BENTLEY BENTAYGA FALCONRY BY MULLINER

From the African bush and Australian outback to the British military and city streets worldwide, the Defender has proven itself to be more than capable on or over any terrain. Now East Coast Defender has taken the legendary off-roader and exceeded its capabilities by an order of magnitude with Project Viper. Ditching the stock motor and transmission, a massive 6.3 liter Chevrolet LS V8 and 6-speed automatic fill out the driveline, while heavy-duty axles and suspension match the running gear upgrades.

Inspired by the Vision Next 100, the BMW Motorrad Concept Link is a complete rethink of two-wheeled urban mobility. At its core is an E-drive system, with flat battery packs in the floor and a compact motor on the rear wheel that make the rest of the design possible. The bike is low and flat, making it easy to get on and off while improving handling, and the lack of a traditional engine creates room for a luggage compartment underneath the length-adjustable seat. It also features a display that projects speed, navigation, and battery info on the windscreen.

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Jim Marshall made his name making images of rock stars, and in the process became one himself.

The Leica M 246 Jim Marshall Edition Camera honors that legacy. This exclusive set includes a Monochrom Typ 246 camera, decked out with matte brass components and paired with a matching Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 lens. Also in the box is a brown leather strap, similar to what he used with his own Leica M4, and a copy of Jim Marshall: Jazz Festival, both of which are signed and numbered.

Striking just the right balance between comfort and compactness, the Whippet Folding Bike promises a great urban riding experience. Its oval CrMo steel frame imparts strength while keeping the weight down to just over 10 kilos, and using an in-line retraction design — as opposed to the conventional folding hinges — retracts to about 30% of its unfolded size. The same design also makes it far better looking when folded, and lets you wheel it along instead of needing to carry it. Presales will begin later this year.

It's not an Apple Watch. It just looks like one. A playful take on the smartwatch, the H. Moser & Cie Swiss Alp Watch Zzzz is a 100% mechanical timepiece. The dial is completely devoid of all indices and markings, letting the hour and minute hands stand alone. Powered by an HMC 324 form movement, it has a power reserve of at least four days, is limited to just 20 pieces, and serves as a satisfying rebuttal to all those who panned Cupertino's design.

Falconers: This custom creation is differentiated from most Flying B off-roaders primarily by what's in the rear: a cork-fabric-trimmed flight station and a matching refreshment case. The former houses all the gear you need, including bird trackers, binoculars, and gauntlets, while the latter holds three metal flasks and cups. Two individual perches slot beside in a matching case, while a removable transportation perch and tether is built into the central armrest.

Source: www.uncrate.com

Junkyard

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SMASHINGLY FAMILIAR

A bazaarite’s first-time feast at this fast-casual concept By bazaar staff

Like a microcosm of Kuwait, bazaar goes through changes all the time, staffers leave to grow their own families, study abroad, form their own creative start-ups and new staffers arrive. This means discovering a bazaar world of new things to do, eat and experience and that of course includes all the favored burger concepts for bazaar newcomers! Smashburger has been in Kuwait since 2012 and the concept was developed by Tom Ryan, the founder of the stuffed crust pizza renowned for his successful food ideas.

So, let’s take you through these classic items once more and discover why there are Smashburger menu staples which have such loyal fans over here.

"Sweet potato fries!" is the resounding cheer that goes around the office when mentioning Smashburger, so this is definitely the first thing on the order. Fries are so difficult to get right but these had exactly the right amount of crunch with the sweet potato still remaining mushy and full of flavor and topped only with simple sea salt. What is wondrous is that, as the fries cooled, they still managed to maintain their bite!

Nothing limp to look at here.

The staff are incredibly helpful when it comes to describing all the various burgers and what they are most well-known for. Starting with the Classic Smash it couldn’t be simpler. Take halal Angus beef, freshly handcrafted on site, smashed onto the buttered griddle to caramelize the beef and seal in all those delicious juices percolating up through the sizzling patty. Throw on a thick slice of American cheese and add the veggies. The burger taste is so incredibly flavorsome and meaty! This is something that Smashburger always wants, “a burger you can taste in every bite”.

There’s something really clever about the way Smashburger plates up your order. The presentation on a rectangular wire basket keeps it almost rustic yet modern. With fries on the side, the base of the bun holds the patty with the cheese softly melting into the rough, succulent beef. The top of the bun is overturned and placed on it is the crispiest lettuce, deeply red tomato, an entire slice of white onion and three perfectly placed pickles. The clever bit is that you are presented with a veritable smorgasbord of color, you can pick out the veggies you don’t want without any mess and the lettuce doesn’t 96

wilt as it would when your sandwich is built and bound together when compared to the typical burger presentation seen elsewhere.

The next to arrive was the Classic Chicken, 100% halal and accompanied by fragrant Smashfries which are tossed in rosemary, heart healthy olive oil and garlic. These fries are so crunchy and tasty you’ll never be disappointed with these as a side.

Inspired to try something a step away from the usual burger, we ordered the Veggie Frites and the Spicy Baja black bean burger. The vegetarian patties for this are mixed in the kitchen by hand from scratch, and there’s a delightful homeliness to the way the texture of the patty turns out. Seasoned on the grill, this burger option comes with a heaped spoonful of creamy fresh guacamole and slices of green chilis.

Set in a spicy chipotle bun with hot pepper cheese this burger has a real warmth to it but isn’t too overwhelming if you’re not used to piquant flavor profiles. If you like butter rich vegetables, then the Veggie Frites are definitely for you. The flash fried green beans kept their bite and the carrots kept their crunch, but you should eat these while they’re hot to have the optimum frites experience!

Smashburger likes to keep the offering fresh, so this season they’ve lovingly worked on their recipes to bring you the Las Vegas burger and the Lotus milk shake! With a crumbling of lotus biscuit on the top of the milkshake with a base of vanilla ice cream, there are little balls of sweetness which get sucked up into your straw spreading the caramel goodness as the milkshake hits your tongue. Delightful.

The Las Vegas burger, like the Sin City, has it all with lashings of toppings to keep you going all night long! Handfuls of grilled and haystack onions sit on top a fried egg covered with strips of seared veal bacon on a beef patty. This burger was only ever available in Nevada but proved so popular, that they rolled it out across the United States and internationally. It’s the first time in Smashburger history that a regional burger has been taken out of state, so it’s well worth a try!

If you want to try the regional offering here then order the Kuwait burger with hot pepper cheese, Hawaij grilled jalapenos, labneh, baby spinach and tomato. The Kuwait fries are aromatic, and seasoned with Hawaij spices and topped with fresh coriander.

The Smashburger team convinced us to try the red velvet Smashcake. A wonderfully decadent dessert at the best of times, red velvet gets the full smashburger aesthetic treatment. A scoop of ice cream between smashed cupcakes with a dollop of cream cheese icing scooped onto the top, finished with a sprinkling of chocolate flakes. Happily, there is a full range of Ristretto flavored Nepresso coffees available to wash down any of the rich sweets on offer if you care to indulge.

Smashburger restaurants are located in Hawally in eMall near the large Sultan Center (5029 8884) and Mishref Co-Op (2537 8596). For updates follow them on Instagram @smashburgerq8 and like Smashburger Kuwait on Facebook. Mishref residents can enjoy delivery through www.talabat.com!

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bazaar books

I CAN’T MAKE THIS UP: LIFE LESSONS

By Kevin Hart

Superstar comedian and Hollywood box office star Kevin Hart turns his immense talent to the written word by writing some words. Some of those words include: "the", "a", "for", "above", and even "even". The question you’re probably asking yourself right now is: "What does Kevin Hart have that a book also has?" According to the three people who have seen Kevin Hart and a book in the same room, the answer is clear: A book is compact. Kevin Hart is compact. A book has a spine that holds it together.

Kevin Hart has a spine that holds him together. A book has a beginning. Kevin Hart’s life uniquely qualifies him to write this book by also having a beginning. Kevin Hart happens to be the biggest comedian in the world, with tours that sell out football stadiums and films that have collectively grossed over $3.5 billion, achieved this not just through hard work, determination, and talent: It was through his unique way of looking at the world.

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DRAGON TEETH: A NOVEL

by Michael Crichton

The year is 1876. Warring Indian tribes still populate America’s western territories even as lawless gold-rush towns begin to mark the landscape. In much of the country, it is still illegal to espouse evolution. Against this backdrop, two monomaniacal paleontologists pillage the Wild West, hunting for dinosaur fossils, while surveilling, deceiving and sabotaging each other in a rivalry that will come to be known as the Bone Wars.

Into this treacherous territory plunges the arrogant and entitled William Johnson, a Yale student with more privilege than sense.

Determined to survive a summer in the west to win a bet against his arch-rival, William has joined world-renowned paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh on his latest expedition. But when the paranoid and secretive Marsh becomes convinced that William is spying for his nemesis, Edwin Drinker Cope, he abandons him in Cheyenne, Wyoming, a locus of crime and vice. William is forced to join forces with Cope to stumble upon a historic discovery.

THEFT BY FINDING: DIARIES (1977-2002)

By David Sedaris

For forty years, David Sedaris has kept a diary in which he records everything that captures his attention-overheard comments, salacious gossip, soap opera plot twists, secrets confided by total strangers. These observations are the source code for his finest work, and through them he has honed his cunning, surprising sentences.

Now, Sedaris shares his private writings with the world. Theft by Finding, the first of two volumes, is a literal tell-all story, showing a lifetime in the making of how a drug-abusing dropout with a weakness for the International House of Pancakes and a chronic inability to hold down a real job became one of the funniest people on the planet.

Written with a sharp eye and ear for the bizarre, the beautiful, and the uncomfortable, and with a generosity of spirit that even a misanthropic sense of humor can't fully disguise, Theft

By Finding proves that Sedaris is one of our great modern observers. It's a potent reminder that when you're as perceptive and curious as Sedaris, there's no such thing as a boring day.

BEREN AND LÚTHIEN

By J.R.R. Tolkien

The tale of Beren and Lúthien became an essential element in the evolution of The Silmarillion, the myths and legends of the First Age of the World by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Returning from France and the battle of the Somme at the end of 1916, he wrote the tale in the following year.

Essential to the story is the fate that shadowed the love of Beren and Lúthien: Beren was a mortal man, but Lúthien was an immortal elf. Her father, a great elvish lord, in deep opposition to Beren, imposed on him an impossible task that he must perform before he might wed Lúthien. This is the kernel of the legend; and it leads to the supremely heroic attempt of Beren and Lúthien to rob the greatest of all evil beings, Melkor, called Morgoth, the Black Enemy of a Silmaril.

Christopher Tolkien has attempted to extract the story of Beren and Lúthien from the comprehensive work in which it was embedded; but that story was itself changing as it developed new associations within the larger history.

GWENDY’S BUTTON BOX

By Stephen King

The little town of Castle Rock, Maine has witnessed some strange events and unusual visitors over the years, but there is one story that has never been told... until now.

There are three ways up to Castle View from the town of Castle Rock: Route 117, Pleasant Road, and the Suicide Stairs. Every day in the summer of 1974, twelveyear-old Gwendy Peterson has taken the stairs, which are held by strong (if timerusted) iron bolts and zig-zag up the cliffside. At the top of the stairs, Gwendy catches her breath and listens to the shouts of the kids on the playground. From a bit farther away comes the chink of an aluminum bat hitting a baseball as the Senior League kids practice for the Labor Day charity game.

On a bench in the shade sits a man in black jeans, a black coat like for a suit, and a white shirt unbuttoned at the top. On his head is a small neat black hat.

Seems innocent? The time will come when Gwendy has nightmares about that hat...

Source: www.amazon.co.uk

the kitchen

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bazaar apps

AMOLED MNML WALLPAPERS

STASH FOR REDDIT

SOCRATIC

TASKZY

SPOTANGELS

RISE ALARM CLOCK

AMOLED mnml Wallpapers is an app that describes itself. It's a wallpapers app with a host of minimal wallpapers. Most of the wallpapers feature lots of black. That helps with battery life a little bit when used on AMOLED screens. The base app has a ton of fun, minimal wallpapers. There are also donate versions that you have to buy if you want wallpapers designed for the S8/S8+ or super high resolution.

You can also get the app even if you don't have an AMOLED screen if you just enjoy the style.

Socratic is an educational app. More specifically, it's an app that teaches you math. It works by using your camera to capture an equation. The app then pops up several pages of information on how to solve the problem. Generally, the first page walks you through solving the problem while subsequent pages show you information and math rules you'll need to solve it. It's a great app for students.

Especially the ones who have problems with math.

It's a totally free app, at least for right now.

Do you always forget where you parked? SpotAngels is the perfect app for you! It also gives you information on the parking rules in the area. The central premise of the app is to help people avoid making mistakes that result in potentially expensive traffic tickets. It supports over 20 cities, but it's still useful even if you don't live in one of them. The app's secondary premise, to remember where you parked your car, works virtually everywhere.

Stash for Reddit is a newer Reddit app in the Play Store. The idea is to download a variety of posts from Reddit in the background so that they can be read offline later. The current iteration downloads 100 posts and that includes images, GIFs, and videos. Future releases will include account support, subreddit selection for download, a time schedule, bandwidth limit options, and more. It's not all that great just yet. However, you should definitely file this one under app to keep an eye on.

Taskzy allows you to program automatic actions based on the things happening on your device. It gives you a decent, if small selection of commands to give. For instance, you can have it open a specific music app when you plug in headphones. You can then have it open a different music app if you plug in headphones while you're in the car. It's not the most powerful automation app ever made. However, it's far more simple than most of the other options.

It's also totally free.

Waking up is probably one of the hardest things you will do every day. If waking up were easy, we wouldn’t be out inventing alarm clocks that explode or sound like the end of times. The Rise Alarm Clock app is beautifully designed and makes waking up about as pleasant as possible. It’s super simple to operate – even allowing you to snooze just by shaking your phone – and the minimalist design is a nice way to ease into your first cup of coffee.

tomsguide.com androidauthority.com 100

chubby balls

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THE ONLY WAY TO TRAVEL

A luxury sleeper train for unique rides and amazing views

By Marco Ruiz

I was in Cusco, Peru, about 11,000 feet above sea level, nervously sipping my mate de coca, a bitter tea made from coca leaves that takes a little getting used to but helped us adjust to the effects of the altitude. In reality, I was just excited to be going on a unique travel experience: the maiden voyage of The Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train, by Peru Rail.

The Belmond Andean Explorer is pulled by two massive Peru Rail locomotives that haul its 18 wagons comfortably across the Andes.

The train accommodates up to 48 passengers, 102

providing a personal concierge approach with staff available to handle guests’ needs 24/7.

Passengers have three types of rooms to choose from, each with its own private bathroom and shower. There’s the ultra-spacious Double Bed Cabin (141 square feet), the Twin Bed Cabin (80 square feet) and the Bunk Bed Cabin (60 square feet). Also on the train are two large sit-down dining areas, a boutique, library, piano bar, cocktail lounge and an observation car with open-air seating that makes it easy to mingle, unwind and enjoy the breathtaking vistas and stunning Peruvian Andes.

The train, built in the first half of the 20th century, was brought from Australia to Peru. It has been renovated since then but kept the style

of its early years. The decor, from lamp fixtures to the designs on the ceiling of the cabins, took me back to that era. I was quickly brought back to the present, though, because the Belmond Andean Explorer put every modern amenity at my fingertips — everything except Wi-Fi, but in the end, that didn’t matter.

Then the whistle of the train sounded while its engines roared, and suddenly everything began to move past our eyes.

It’s common for many people to feel the effects of the soroche — Peruvian for altitude sickness — because the train travels to such high elevations.

For this the Belmond Andean Explorer has outfitted every room with an oxygen tank plus a nurse is on board around the clock as an extra precaution. I

personally felt well all the time, probably because I have been crossing the Andes since I was a child.

On the first day of our journey from Cusco, our first stop was Raqch’i, with its majestic ruins including the Temple of Wiracocha, which is believed to be the largest single roof structure in the Incan Empire. We were able to walk inside these marvels of architecture and experience how advanced the Incas were in urban planning.

I had time to buy souvenirs from local artists and made it back to the train just in time for tea.

On day two, we left the train after breakfast and took a boat ride to the famous floating islands of Titicaca and its inhabitants. We were greeted on shore by smiles, and the tour guide showed us the fascinating work the Uros (or Urus) do with totora, the grass twigs that are harvested from the lake and served to make the foundation of the islands.

Our journey continued to the incredible island of Taquile, where time has barely touched life.

By now, I was really getting hungry, and just in time, we were treated to a typical Taquileno meal at the only restaurant on the island. This was an opportunity to savor fresh trout with homegrown steamed vegetables, fresh cheese, the traditional choclo (Peruvian giant corn), rocoto sauce (hot, very hot!) and the most incredible quinoa soup.

The restaurant is on top of a hill on Collate beach. Traditional dancers performed for the group while we took a short hike across the mountain back to the other side of the island (the walking helped after eating so much). Our boat was waiting, and in half an hour we arrived back at the Belmond Andean Explorer, just in time for tea.

Day 3: It was a 5 a.m. call for the brave ones among us who were willing to get out of bed, jump off the train and hike to Lake Saracocha to be completely blown away by the most spectacular sunrise I’ve ever seen. This surreal living painting lasted only 20 minutes, but the colors and reflections were unforgettable.

After breakfast, we went to the Sumbay Caves. The weather was dry and hot, so I took a water bottle and prepared to hike down a canyon with our tour guide to visit the 8,000-year-old cave paintings.

Slowly walking back up, resting at times to catch my breath, I made it to the train for our final destination: Arequipa, called The White City for its enchanting white-stone buildings, antiquities and romance. Arequipa is one of the most important cities in Peru, known for incredible cuisine.

I would like to experience The Belmond Andean Explorer again. I will remember the images out my window, the colorful moving tapestries of land, meeting humble people who were warm and loving, enjoying the company of new friends, being pampered in every conceivable way by an attentive staff.

Here’s my advice: Use your phone only to take photos on the Belmond Andean Explorer.

Keep everything else to yourself.

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bazaar movie night

The latest from the big screen playing in cinemas across Kuwait in July / August

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT Release Date: July 1st TELL NO TALES

DESPICABLE ME 3

Release Date: July 1st Theaters: Sky Cinemas Genre: Action, Adventure Cast: Jonny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Kaya Scodelario Synopsis: Thrust into an all-new adventure, a downon-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow feels the winds of ill-fortune blowing more strongly when deadly ghost sailors led by his old nemesis, the evil Capt. Salazar, escape from the Devil's Triangle. Jack's only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon. To find it, he must forge an uneasy alliance.

Theaters: Sky Cinemas Genre: Action, Adventure, Sc-Fi Cast: Gemma Chan, Laura Haddock Synopsis: Michael Bay returns with his latest outing in the Transformers series of movies. Humans are at war with the Transformers, and Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving the future lies buried in the secrets of the past and the hidden history of Transformers on Earth. Now, it's up to the unlikely alliance of inventor Cade Yeager, Bumblebee, an English lord and an Oxford professor to save the world.

Release Date: July 1st Theaters: Sky Cinemas Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure Cast: Jenny Slate, Kristen Wiig Synopsis: The mischievous Minions hope that Gru will return to a life of crime after the new boss of the Anti-Villain League fires him. Instead, Gru decides to remain retired and travel to Freedonia to meet his long-lost twin brother for the first time. The reunited siblings soon find themselves in an uneasy alliance to take down the elusive Balthazar Bratt, a former 1980s child star who seeks revenge against the world.

SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES

BABY DRIVER

Release Date: July 6th Theaters: Sky Cinemas Genre: Action, Adventure, Sc-Fi Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Marisa Tomei Synopsis: Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, young Peter Parker returns home to live with his Aunt May. Under the watchful eye of mentor Tony Stark, Parker starts to embrace his newfound identity as Spider-Man. He also tries to return to his normal daily routine. Distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just a friendly neighborhood superhero, Peter must soon put his powers to the test when the evil Vulture emerges.

Release Date: July 13th Theaters: Sky Cinemas Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama Cast: Judy Greer, Woody Harrelson Synopsis: Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless colonel (Woody Harrelson). After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle.

Release Date: August 24th Theaters: Sky Cinemas Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller Cast: Ansel Elgort, Lily James Synopsis: Baby Driver is the new movie from popular director Edgar Wright. Talented getaway driver Baby (Ansel Elgort) relies on the beat of his personal soundtrack to be the best in the game. After meeting the woman (Lily James) of his dreams, he sees a chance to ditch his shady lifestyle and make a clean break. Coerced into working for a crime boss (Kevin Spacey), Baby must face the music as a doomed heist threatens his life, love and freedom.

For more details on movie timings and the cinema nearest you, visit: Sky Cinema: www.skycinemaskw.com or Facebook: Sky Cinemas Kuwait *Above programs are subject to change without prior notice.

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ALTENBURG INAUGURATES NEW SPECIALISED LABORATORY AT AL SALAM INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL Altenburg, the premier German foot care center specializing in orthopaedic footwear, inaugurated its third outlet in Kuwait at Al Salam International Hospital, located in Bneid Al Gar. The celebratory ribbon cutting event took place at the Al Salam International Hospital in the presence of distinguished diplomats of embassies and esteemed guests, including Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Yoo Yeonchul and Al Salam International Hospital C.E.O., Dr. Ayman Al Mutawa. The specialized laboratory will offer patients of Al Salam International Hospital a full, comprehensive solution to their orthopaedic problems.

By conducting a full foot analysis, including foot scan, foot function and pressure mapping the feet to conclude the highest pressure points, as well as a gait analysis and back scan to compose posture, the new Altenburg facility will offer solutions such as orthopaedic shoes and insoles, specialised shoes for diabetes patients and bespoke footwear.

The new Altenburg facility is available at the Orthopaedic Department of Al Salam International Hospital – Ground floor, and is open on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 1pm and 5pm to 9pm.

To find our more or book an appointment, patients can contact the clinic on 2223 2000, extension 1282.

IHG AND BUKHAMSEEN GROUP SIGN AN EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT IN KUWAIT InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today announced an agreement with Bukhamseen Group Holding Company, a Kuwaiti business conglomerate, to build and operate IHG hotels exclusively in the State of Kuwait. Under the terms of the agreement, IHG will expand its brand portfolio and hotel footprint in the market in an exclusive collaboration with the Group. Founded in 1957, Bukhamseen Group Holding Company is a multinational organisation with business interests in tourism and hospitality, food and beverage, banking, education, engineering, finance, insurance, real estate as well as retail. Based in Safat, Kuwait, the group has operations in several markets in the Middle East including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Syria and Lebanon. On this same day, forty years ago, Mr. Jawad Bukhamseen signed the first agreement with Mr. Charles Wilson, the founder of Holiday Inn chain of hotels. IHG currently operates three hotels in Kuwait in partnership with Bukhamseen Group - Crowne Plaza Al Thuraya City, Holiday Inn Al Thuraya City and Holiday Inn Salmiya. Additionally, the newest venture located adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Al Thuraya City and Holiday Inn Al Thuraya City, is the InterContinental Al Thuraya that is currently under construction and is due to open in 2019.

For more information call 1848 111, follow on Instagram @crowneplazakuwaitatc or visit the website: www.crowneplaza.com/kuwait.

PROPER SLIDERS – BACK TO BASICS Proper Sliders went back to basics to give you their take on Gourmet Sliders! In the midst of “The Burger Craze” people began to overlook the essential principles that made a delicious slider; small sizes with huge flavor.

It’s quite simple, proper ingredients obviously make Proper Sliders. Established in 2015 Proper Sliders opened its First Branch in Mahboula and then went on to expand to Ardhiya and Shaab Al-Bahri. Now on the verge of opening their biggest location yet. Their new retro diner at the Village is designed not only as a fun dine-in space but also serves as an excellent delivery hub to ensure your food gets to you piping hot and fresh.

Want them to deliver? Get in touch: Mahboula 2239 1903, Ardhiya 2239 9600 and Shaab Al-Bahri 2262 2211 or order through Talabat or Carriage. For more information follow them on Instagram @propersliders, or visit www.propersliders.com.

DEAN & DELUCA LAUNCHES IT’S NEW ‘LIGHT BITES’ SPECIALS DEAN & DELUCA, Kuwait’s destination gourmet café and grocery store welcomes the summer season with a flavorful menu available for a limited time only. The Light Bites menu presents an exciting fusion of spices and cuisines with signature Tacos & Sliders dishes, created satisfy your cravings. This summer, Taco fans will get to experience the authentic taste of the Prawn Hamsa Taco specially introduced this season. Tantalize your taste buds in your choice of Chicken or Doner Shawerma Taco. Each choice is carefully crafted with the perfect seasoning of pico de gallo or oriental chili salsa for an unforgettable taste. A Trio Tacos special is available for order to indulge in all three selections; this is not for the faint-hearted! For an exciting sizzling selection this summer, DEAN & DELUCA presents for the first time the new sliders creation featuring Chili Lime Shrimp Sliders and Tandoori Chicken Sliders along with the all-time favorite, Burger Sliders. The Trio Sliders will ensure you get a heavenly bite of each of the extravagant flavors. The sliders specials for this season are also available for order separately for a mouth-watering experience.

The Light Bites menu will be available from 5th July 2017 and until the end of August 2017, ready to accompany your summer plans, gatherings and munching sprees at DEAN & DELUCA, The Avenues Mall.

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ABK LAUNCHES ITS NEW SUMMER PROMOTION Kick starting the summer with an exciting new campaign, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) announced its latest ‘Spend and Win Skywards Miles’ promotion, which entails a series of monthly draws for ABK Emirates cardholders. ABK will be awarding 3 million Skywards Miles - 1 Million Skywards Miles every month during the promotion period, which will run for a total of three months, from 1st June to 31st August, 2017. Emirates Skywards is the awardwinning frequent flyer program of Emirates. To take part in one of the three monthly draws, ABK Emirates ‘Visa Infinite’ and ‘Visa Signature’ Credit Cardholders and prepaid ‘Visa Gold Travel’ cardholders need to spend a minimum of KD 100 during the transaction periods specified below. Customers will automatically enter the draw to win the first, second or third prize of 500,000; 300,000 or 200,000 Skywards Miles respectively each month.

For ABK Emirates Visa Infinite and Visa Signature credit cardholders, local and international transactions through POS and/or cash withdrawals qualify to enter the draws.

For more information about ABK please visit eahli.com or contact an ABK customer service agent via ‘Ahlan Ahli’ at 1899 899.

ORANGETHEORY FITNESS Orangetheory Fitness is the energizing group personal training, interval fitness concept that is sweeping the world. Backed by the science of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), Orangetheory Fitness is a 60-minute workout broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training. Participants burn from 500 to 1000 calories per 60-minute training session (individual results vary), using a variety of equipment including treadmills, rowing machines, TRX suspension training and free weights. The physiology behind the Orangetheory Fitness workout involves heart-rate-monitored training designed to keep heart rates in a target zone that stimulates metabolism and increases energy. The result is the Orange Effect – more energy, visible toning and extra calorie burn for up to 36 hours post-workout. Orangetheory Fitness studios are designed to motivate. Highly qualified personal trainers inspire participants to beat plateaus and stick to their goals. The dynamic created by working out in a group setting has proven benefits – support, energy, endurance and accountability.

Your First Class is Free! DM Orangetheory Fitness on Instagram @orangetheoryfitnesskw, or call 9412 2295 for your free class. The fitness studio is located in Symphony Mall, Salmiya, and is a Ladies Only Fitness Facility.

JIMMY CHOO UNVEILS PRE FALL 2017 COLLECTION Jimmy Choo unveils the Pre-Fall 2017 Women’s collection starring model Steffy Argelich. The summer ready aesthetic of the collection is brought to life by photographer Theo Wenner with a series of images depicting the free spirited sentiment that runs through the collection. Contemporary styling is set against architectural grandeur reinforcing the beguiling contradictions at the heart of the collection; an assertive attitude blended with romance and a tough sensuality. The sun lit background enhances the color palette of vintage rose, hot pinks and assertive metallic studs. The video exudes the rebellious confidence of modern day rock ingénues balanced by a relaxed mood that sees the Jimmy Choo Woman engage in a playful game of cat and mouse with the story to be continued. "I wanted the new campaign to highlight the symmetry between the Jimmy Choo woman. The bold insouciance accompanied by a care free attitude. The campaign and collection invite you to embrace a freespirited aesthetic where there are no rules. The styles are not there to define you but enhance how you feel at that moment.”

Sandra Choi, Creative Director.

Jimmy Choo is located at The Avenues and 360 Mall. For more information, visit www.alyasra.com.

CHILLI BEANS LAUNCHES DC COMICS COLLECTION Chilli Beans, one of the largest sunglasses and accessories brands in Latin America, starts the month with a bang – launching the DC Comics collection, inspired by Warner Bros. The collection screams ENTERTAINMENT and is full of special characters. Chilli Beans invades the comic book universe and launches an exclusive, limited edition range of sunglasses, watches and vista frames inspired by the thrilling stories of DC Comics heroes and villains. The details are intricate and the personality of each character is elevated and transformed into incredible products. With a focus on the latest movie, Chilli Beans has brought the best characters from DC Comic's universe and turned their individual qualities into true collector's pieces. As Chilli Beans heads to the DC universe, fans will freak out with this new, unique collection which is the only one in the world. Great products for all generations, with each hero and villain having had special attention and unique details like Swarovski stones, laser-personalized lens, iridescent treatment, holographic details and many more.

Follow Chilli Beans on Instagram @Chillibeans.arabia , Facebook: Chillibeansarabia and Twitter @ChillibeansA. Chilli Beans is located at Avenues Mall, 360 Mall, Marina Mall, Fanar Mall and Al-Kout Mall.

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INCREASED POWER AND LUXURY: LIMITED EDITION 911 TURBO S EXCLUSIVE SERIES The new Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series is the most powerful and distinctive 911 Turbo S to date. The coupé provides 607 hp (446 kW) and is strictly limited to 500 units worldwide. In addition to a power increase of 27 hp, the exclusive model is distinguished from the standard 911 Turbo S thanks to its unique design features and luxurious details. The sports car is being intricately finished by hand in the new “Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur” at the brand’s headquarters in Zuffenhausen, Germany. Previously known as “Porsche Exclusive”, the in-house workshop specializes in customization as well as limited-edition series. For the first time ever, Porsche customers can have the matching chronograph watch from Porsche Design configured in the same design as their sports car. The 3.8-litre, six-cylinder biturbo flat engine with an exclusive power kit has a maximum torque of 750 Nm, delivering between 2,250 and 4,000 rpm. This means that the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, and takes 9.6 seconds to cross the 200 km/h threshold. The sports car can reach a top speed of 330 km/h. The new model comes with black-painted 20-inch wheels with central locking as standard; their design lines are carefully finished in Golden Yellow Metallic using a new laser logy. For the first time, the brake callipers for the PCCB ceramic brake system are available directly from the factory in a black-painted version with the Porsche logo in Golden Yellow Metallic. The active sports chassis, equipped with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Sport Chrono Package, is included in the standard equipment, as is the rearaxle steering and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) improving handling and stability. The basic retail price for the new 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series starts at KWD 72,700 in Kuwait. It will be available to order from June 8, 2017. Price information for the optional accessories will be available at the nearest Porsche Centre.

To learn more about Porsche Kuwait, please visit www.porschekuwait.com or call 1870 870. For regular updates on the brand, follow Porsche Centre Kuwait on Facebook and Instagram.

ECCO LAUNCHES TRADITIONAL AND LUXE COLLECTION OF ARABIC SLIPPERS ECCO, the Danish footwear and accessories label known for its minimalist Scandinavian style, released its exclusive ECCO Gilson sandal collection tailored for the discerning customers in the Middle East. Reiterating their expertise at localizing designs to suit regional tastes, the brand has amped up their Ramadan collection by offering more luxurious styles and unmatched comfort that has become expected of ECCO products. To uphold the quality for which the brand has become globally renowned, ECCO infuses its patented technologies in the manufacture of these traditional designs. ECCO’s Arabic Slippers are crafted with premium leather that combine simplicity and elegance. Owning every stage of its supply chain, the brand has set a benchmark with its practice of design that begins with the leather itself. ECCO operates its own tanneries and processes its own leathers, providing an ideal environment for innate design and flawless craftsmanship to thrive. The brand maintains strict quality control on its products and every design lives up to its philosophy of premium offering.

You can find ECCO at The Avenues Mall, Marina Mall, Mohallab Mall, Muthanna Mall, Kout Mall and Promenade Mall. You can also keep up on social media by following @eccoarabia on Instagram.

FACES WELCOMES REVOLUTION MAKEUP IN ITS STORES! Faces is delighted to announce that it has partnered with Makeup Revolution, the U.K.-based beauty brand with to sell its full range of makeup. Makeup Revolution boasts the latest beauty trends in makeup palettes created for every skin tone, new ‘complexion perfector’ technology, advanced liquid colors, gilded eye foils and a range of high quality lip assortments.

Faces was born in Kuwait in 1987. Today, Faces has 5 stores in various locations. Faces will bring its new concept to 89 Mall soon as its sixth store in the country.

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‫ســمــورز‬

SBX

Available at all our Starbucks stores.

For more details, contact us on 1821212 or log on to http://mena.starbucks.com and check our store locator.

‫تواصلوا معنا عبر‬ Like us

facebook.com/StarbucksMiddleEast Follow us

@starbucksmiddleeast

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bazaar scopes

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22

ARIES MAR 20 – APR 19

Deliveries that you expect could be delayed. You might learn something shocking about a neighbor or relative. The gossip might spread rapidly through your community. This could have you reeling, even though it might be exaggerated. You might visit a few people nearby or spend a lot of time on the phone trying to learn the truth. Don't take anything you hear at face value.

You should feel especially emotional these days, reacting strongly to nearly everything you see -- whether a photo of a natural disaster, a group of children, or a kitten sitting on a doorstep. Spiritually, you're highly motivated and longing to know more about worlds beyond this one. You might long to make a pilgrimage, perhaps to a holy shrine or other sacred place. If you're serious, make plans.

LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22

TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 20

Some good but surprising news could come your way this month. Perhaps a family member or friend will call or drop by with a surprising development that directly affects you. In the evening, go out together and celebrate. Don't forget to include your special someone in your celebration plans.

A visitor with a few problems might come to your door in search of advice and sympathy. He or she might also have some other news that could shock you. A professional crisis might make it necessary for you or your partner to spend most of the day away from home and family. This could be frustrating, particularly if you have to cancel plans.

Hang in there!

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22 The month may start out frustrating -- be prepared!

Some equipment might go on the blink and it could take a while to get it fixed. A temporary separation from your partner could also be disappointing. You may have a lot of physical energy for which you have little immediate outlet. Take a long walk. This would not only provide an energy outlet but also clear your head.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 – DEC 21

Your level of artistic inspiration is high. Dreams or meditation may bring up some spiritual insights and revelations, and you may promptly forget them upon coming out of your dream or meditative state.

Try writing them down even if you only remember snatches. This can help bring them to the surface again. You will want a record of them anyway.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19

You will be happy to know that these days contain the seeds of change for your love life. Beginning today and for the next month or so, you're likely to be amazed by the turn of events in your relationships with others. The plot thickens as new people and groups emerge on your horizon. The aspect ahead is much less individualistic than usual.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUN 21 Tasks of any kind are likely to seem like the labors of Hercules lately. Overwork and strain could have you feeling a little under the weather. It might be a good idea to take some time to rest. If you can't, at least try to take things easy. Also, some unexpected changes in your community might have tongues wagging. Be sure to check out the facts before jumping to conclusions.

LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22

CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22 You should feel physically strong and energetic and ready to take on just about anything that comes your way. This is good, as you may be presented with some powerful challenges that bring new purpose to your life. Excitement and enthusiasm permeate your entire being right now. Anything that comes your way you're likely to face with determination, undeterred by the enormity of the task.

This is the beginning of a new cycle. There will be new issues cropping up. You may have to rethink certain principles that you've adhered to in your relationships up until now. Upon reflection, you find that you no longer agree with them. It seems that the conventions and social graces required by society are weighing you down.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18 Last month you may have been somewhat more extroverted and sociable than usual, especially regarding your emotional relationships. But now, your attitude will undergo a change. You will probably be calmer and more reasonable. Your thoughts may begin to focus more on the future than the present. You have about a month to firm up your plans.

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 19 The universe is inviting you magnify your vision! It's time to see the bigger, better, more advanced side of things. Remember that life is a mirror. You're highly unlikely to receive more than you hope for.

So dream big, hope big, and imagine yourself in the stars. Don't sell yourself short. It's a misuse of humility and modesty.

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