8
400 baiza for a bunch of 50 longstemmed roses (see page 26)
14
18
Bienvenue It’s full steam ahead for 2011. Last year ended with a bang as the nation rejoiced in His Majesty’s 40 years since his ascension to the throne, and Queen Elizabeth visited the sultanate after 31 years. Thousands of visitors thronged from all over the country, to celebrate in unison the 2nd Asian Beach Games and the World Fireworks Championship.
The future is shining bright for 2011. Have a read on MoT’s imminent strategies for the sultanate’s future (page 30). Wadi al Naqma (page 18) overflowed from the downpour of rains in 2010 creating a unique 150m high waterfall, rarely witnessed in Oman. A trip to Thailand, the ‘Land of Smiles’ (page 22) left us with stunning photographs, a suitcase full of souvenirs and fun memories to last a lifetime. The Dead Sea in Jordan (page 56), an interesting phenomenon, is the
lowest point on earth and the mud on the lake’s riverbeds is packed with explosive goodness for the skin. Go ahead and get slathered. For some delicious cuisine, dine at La Brasserie (page 48) in Muttrah and indulge in some French richness. For some less calorific varieties, especially after Christmas, Jean-Luc from Al Bustan gives us the low down on some healthy French recipes (page 50), that will tantalise your taste buds while keeping your waistline trim. We would love to hear from you, send in your travel stories, thoughts, photos and comments to: bonvoyage@deenarmedia.com Let the journey continue…
20,000 rooms predicted for 2020 (see page 30)
150 metre high waterfall in Wadi al Naqma (see page 18)
1.5 rials for a delicious crème brulee (see page 49)
1 hour for a great ‘pick me up’ Elemis facial (see page 40)
27 per cent of various salts in the Dead Sea, Jordan compared to 3 per cent in normal seawater (see page 56)
2000 square metre swimming pool at The Marriott (see page 46)
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-chief
Content Head
Content Manager
Hatim al Taie Hyesha Barrett
Content Assistant Senior Designer Designers
Sujata Sengupta
Poornima Ramani Shyniben Koyakkil Muneeb Khan
22
Azza Hilal al Rashdi
CORPORATE Managing Director General Manager
42
Asst. General Manager Sales
Abdullah al Taie
Rathish Ramachandran Terry Mathukutty Emily Matthews Mehri Vatanparast
Sami Dalwai
CONTRIBUTORS
Khaled Abdulmalak
Priyanka Sacheti
Sahana Gowda
PHOTOGRAPHER
Shakeel al Balushi
Produced by
40 30
Deenar Press and Publishing LLC PO Box 139, PC 102, Al Qurm, Sultanate of Oman Tel: + 968 24 696868, Fax: +968 24 693569 E-mail: info@deenarmedia.com
$
Š All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permision of the publishers; while every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequences arising from it.
Printed at Oman Printers & Stationers, Sultanate of Oman
Barka Souq p52
Contents Check in 8 News: Your monthly National and International Travel News
England p54
60 Travel Directory: Your Local Guide around Town
64 Travel Quiz: Win a Samsung DVD
Check out 12 Take Me Here: 5,000 year old tombs in Bat; Stunning Kalapaki Beach in Hawai’i
16 Photography Tips: Black & White 34 Fashion: Keep Warm during Winter 37 Accessories: Sparkle Power
Hawaii p14
40 SPA Review: Essence Spa 42 Beauty: Keep Moisturised during the Cold Months
44 Cosmetics: L’Occitane en Provence 46 Room with a View: The Marriott, Salalah
48 Restaurant Review: La Brasserie 50 Food: Jean-Luc from Al Bustan Palace Hotel
52 Museum: Barka Souq Bat Tombs p12
Dead Sea p56
Marriott Resort p46
La Brasserie p48
Cook like a Chef p50
FEATURES 18 InBound: Wadi Al Naqma 22 OutBound: Discover Thailand’s ‘Land of Smiles’
28 Diving in Oman: Shallow Reef
Barka p52 30 Interview: Salim al Mamari, DG of
Thailand p22
Tourism Promotion, Ministry of Tourism
56 Natural Wonder: The Dead Sea, Jordan
54 Landmark: Stonehenge, England
Jordan p56 58 Offroader: Volkswagen Touareg
Fahal Island p28
Timeless enigma p54
NEWS
The colourful end A
dazzling closing ceremony brought the 2nd Asian Beach Games to a close on November 16 as the reins were handed over to the Chinese city of Haiyang. The next three future hosts have already been decided: Haiyang in China in 2012, Phuket in Thailand in 2014 and Nha Trang in Vietnam in 2016. The 2nd Asian Beach Games was the biggest sporting event ever hosted by Oman. This was Oman’s most successful performance in a multi-sport event and it captured the imagination of Omanis, who flocked to the five separate venues in greater numbers each day. In the 52 events, Thailand finished on top of the medal count after nine days of competition and won 36 medals including 15 gold. China followed with 23 medals (12 gold) and Oman was third with 15 (five gold). There were 14 sports contested by athletes from 43 countries. Two sports made their first Asian Games appearance at Muscat: tent pegging and waterskiing. After Oman had relinquished its beach soccer title to the United Arab Emirates and gold medals were given in other sports, the evening festivities began on the day of the closing ceremony.
Fireworks lit the sky and crowds were enthralled by the energetic display of song, dance and Omani culture. Spectators were entertained by a mixed Asian dance performance and a fire show by a Russian group. Malaysian singer Dayang Nurfaizah and Omani hip hop artist Sham delighted
the audience with a duet of Let’s All Unite, while 100 children performed a special rendition of the game’s theme song, Together We Shine. It was a spectacular end to nine days of fun on the sea and sand.
Construction starts on Convention & Exhibition Centre Omran, the leading tourism-related development, investment and management company broke ground on January 3 on the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, a major new project which will become one of the region’s leading facilities for conferences and exhibitions. The key components of the centre include an auditorium which can hold up to 3,000 people, exhibition halls with 25,000sqm exhibition space and with the ability to seat 10,000 people in the first phase. The
8
Jan - Feb 2011
development will also have banquet halls, meeting space, 85,000sqm of office space in a grade-A business park, four hotels with a total of 1,000 rooms and a large shopping mall. HE Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki welcomed the impact that the centre will have on the Omani economy, saying: “This facility will allow Oman to become a major new destination for conferences, exhibitions and other major business events. These will have a major impact
on our economy in the future, creating many hundreds of jobs for Omanis and attracting hundreds of thousands of business travellers each year.” Located just four kilometres from Muscat Airport, the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre will act as a gateway to Muscat. Its landmark design will draw on Oman’s strong cultural heritage and architectural traditions, taking full advantage of the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Glorious 40 Celebrating solidarity T
housands of people lined the streets of Muscat on 26 November to welcome Queen Elizabeth II who was on an official State Visit to the nation. The five-day visit coincided with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s 40th anniversary on the throne, celebrated as the National Day of Oman. The Queen last visited the sultanate in 1979. Union Jack waving crowds lined the streets of Muscat as the Queen’s entourage took the British monarch and her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke of York to meet His Majesty. During the visit, the Queen led His Majesty on a viewing of priceless British landscape paintings from the Royal Collection. Some of the world’s most famous pictures in the collection spanning the last 250 years, including work by Gainsborough, Constable, Turner, Millais and Singer Sargent, are on loan to the Al Alam palace by the Tate Gallery. The visit was a celebration of the excellent relationship between the UK and Oman.
H
is Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander of Armed forces presided over the 40th National Day celebrations which were held at Al Fath Square on 28 November. The celebration was a national epic embodied by military men and civilians. It reflected the image of the bond between the leader and his loyal subjects. Upon the arrival of His Majesty and his ascension to the Royal Box, the Royal Anthem was played by the joint military music bands that represent the Royal Army of Oman, the Royal Air Force of Oman, the Royal Navy of Oman, the Royal Guard of Oman, the Royal Oman Police and the Royal Court Affairs. The artillery then fired a twentyone gun salute to His Majesty. Around 15,997 military and civil personnel took part in the celebrations. The Omani singing troupes passed before the Royal box carrying the traditional weapons. The protocol guard then presented the military anthem Ya Hay Ya Qayoum followed by the loyalty and appreciation anthem Sana Al Arbaeen by all military and civil participants. Lt. Gen Ahmed bin Harith al Nabhani, SAF Chief of Staff said that this occasion was an opportunity to remember the blessed march led by His Majesty who managed, with strong determination, wisdom and courage, to polish the cultural face of Oman and make Omanis proud of their history and current achievements.
bon voyage
9
NEWS
Oman Sail upcoming event
T
he Sultanate of Oman will play host to the world’s most exciting sailing event as part of this year’s Muscat Festival. The 2011 Extreme Sailing Series will kick off in Oman from 20-24 February and will attract some of the best sailors on the globe.
A new destination O
man Air launched a new service between Muscat and Milan in the first week of December. Oman Air’s A330 aircraft touched down at Milan’s Malpensa Airport for the first time on December 3 and the airline now operates four flights per week in each direction. Announcing the new route, Oman Air’s CEO, Peter Hill, said, “We are delighted to be launching our new service to Milan; our 41st destination and the ninth we have unveiled in 2010”. Milan is renowned as one of the world’s most dynamic and
creative cities. As a global centre of the fashion business, it is home to designers such as Armani, Versace, Valentino and Prada, and many labels own shops in the city, offering an outstanding range of choices for visitors. Milan also boasts one of the world’s most famous opera houses, La Scala, which, with the imminent completion of the Royal Opera House in Muscat, underlines the perfect timing of Oman Air’s new service to the city.
Oman Sail’s new headquarters in The Wave, Muscat, will play host to the five day event, in what is guaranteed to be a thrilling spectacle of speed, skill and agility. Ten teams representing eight nations will tackle a unique mix of open water races and high-octane ‘stadium’ showdowns, getting spectators close to the action. Family entertainment will be top of the agenda and a range of on and off-the-water entertainment, including Oman Sailing School Try Sailing sessions that will run throughout the event. After leaving Oman the 2011 Extreme Sailing Series will head to China. The Series consists of nine events on four continents over 11 months, ending in Singapore in December. 2011 Calendar & Host Venues: Act 1: 22-24 February, Muscat, Oman Act 2: 15-17 April, China Act 3: 27-29 May, Istanbul, Turkey Act 4: 30 June-4 July, Boston, USA Act 5: 6-12 August, Cowes, UK Act 6: 16-18 September, Trapani, Italy Act 7: 3 0 September-2 October, Nice, France Act 8: 12-16 October, Almeria, Spain Act 9: 9-11 December, Singapore
10
Jan - Feb 2011
Costa Cruises covering region
C
osta Deliziosa and Luminosa are two cruise liners deployed by Europe’s leading cruise operator and Italy’s largest travel group, Costa Cruises, and have made Dubai its regional cruise hub for the fifth consecutive year. The two ships will have regular cruises between regional harbours, taking Dubai as the starting point. They offer seven day cruises, which makes Costa the first in the world to organise such cruises and includes a two-night stay in Dubai, one night each in Muscat, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain, culminating in Dubai.
variety of Arabic food and a separate prayer room.
Costa’s cruise liners offer a range of special services including Arabic speaking staff to assist Arab passengers,
The Abu Dhabi leg of the cruise will offer a trip to Ferrari World, the largest indoor and first Ferrari theme park in
the world, and also a visit to the Yas Marina Formula 1 race track. Costa Cruises expects to bring in 150,000 passengers to Dubai this tourist season, marking a seven per cent increase over last year.
Turkish Airlines expansion routes
E
MyDestinationInfo.com reveals top spa getaways
S
o, you’ve stuffed yourself over the festive period. While laying off the calorie laden treats is going to help you lose the extra pounds, January is time to detox to ensure you kick start 2011 with a ‘New Year, New You’ mantra. But why be chained to the gym? For people wanting to indulge themselves in a serious and relaxing spa treat, MyDestinationInfo.com, the global
network of local travel guides will help inspire people to detox heaven. The most iconic: The Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, Iceland The most eccentric: Fisho Spa Phuket, Thailand The most historical and traditional: Cagaloglu Hamam, Istanbul, Turkey The most fun for families: Terme Catez, Catez ob Savi, Slovenia Go online and check for yourself.
urope’s fastest growing airline company will add new destinations on its rapidly expanding network this year. The world’s eighth biggest carrier is planning to launch flights to 11 new destinations. Turkish Airlines currently flies to 171 destinations, (130 international and 41 domestic routes), and will begin to operate three weekly flights to Guangzhou (China) on 30th January, four weekly flights to Los Angeles (USA) on 3rd March and four weekly flights to Shiraz (Iran) on 14th March. Flights to Malaga (Spain), Salonika (Greece), Valencia (Spain), Toulouse (France), Manila (Philippines), Naples (Italy), Turin (Italy), Genoa (Italy) are planned for 2011. bon voyage
11
TAKE ME HERE
Beehive Tombs In Bat, 240kms from Muscat via Ibri towards Al Ayn, lies a Unesco World Heritage site that dates back to the third millennium BC. The 21 tombs aligned on a rocky crest are in a remarkable state of preservation and represent the legacy of human settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. It is believed that they were built to protect the remains of around 200 people. Photo by Hyesha Barrett
bon voyage
13
TAKE ME HERE
Kaua’i Island About 20 minutes by air from Honolulu, Kaua’i island is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, formed around six million years ago. With an area of 1,456 sq.km, it is the northernmost and fourth largest of the main islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, and the 21st largest island in the United States. The beach pictured is Kalapaki beach.
bon voyage
15
PHOTOGRAPHY
Without Colour How to capture a moment in perfect black and white Black and White (B&W) photographs are timeless and rule the world of opposites. They are mysterious, emotional and impassive, and above all, bold and subtle. They enhance emotion and make photos look more artistic. The monochromatic image has been with photography since capturing moments began, but what started as the only way of capturing images has
now turned into something much deeper. Any picture is just a two-dimensional representation of reality. If the colours in the scene are turned into shades of grey, from pitch black to brilliant white, other aspects of your photograph – shape, lighting, contrast, texture, tone – become the dominant elements. Let’s explore factors that make or break successful B&W pictures.
Shoot in Colour first While most digital cameras offer you the option to shoot B&W you have more control over your end results if you have the colour data to work with. And you can do the conversion on your computer later. This is if you are shooting in JPEG. When you shoot in JPEG format your camera discards much of the important information that your computer can use to help develop tones and contrast. There is, however, an exception to shooting in colour and that’s when you’re shooting in RAW. When shooting in RAW and switching to B&W mode you can see your results in the LCD in B&W, but the camera records all of the information, including colour.
Use low ISO In photography, the ISO number is an indication of the sensitivity of the image sensor, where a higher number indicates higher sensitivity. The higher the ISO, the higher the possibilities of taking pictures in low light, without the use of a flash. For B&W photography use the lowest ISO. When you use high ISO the noise will become more obvious. Noise in photography is like the ‘grain’ in film, where the film doesn’t become as smooth as you’d wish.
Emphasise Contrast B&W photography is about the black, the white, and all the tones in between. The human eye is built to pick up two things: light intensity and colour. When you remove the colour, your eyes become more sensitive to the light intensity. Without colour you must rely on contrast to bring out the different elements of your photographs. With side lighting, for instance, you’ll get longer shadows. And a light portrait shot against a dark background will really emphasise your subject. You can also bring out layers of depth to a photo by including a variety of interesting tones and shades to your photographs.
Focus on Texture Texture is really just a form of contrast, but is perceived quite differently. Texture is the regular or irregular pattern of shadows and highlights at various intensities. The choices you make in post-processing can also make a difference in the texture. During the B&W conversion you can usually pull texture out of smooth surfaces based on your choice of conversion methods. In digital photos blues and reds generally contain more noise than greens, so tools like the channel mixer and the black and white adjustment layer in Photoshop can really accentuate those embedded textures.
Shape and Form are Important Because you will be discarding the colour from your images, you will want to pay very close attention to the overall shape and form of your subjects. Focus on discovering the most interesting two or three-dimensional aspect of your subject, and then find the viewpoint and angle that highlights it best and capture that on film.
Find Patterns Patterns, especially subtle ones, often go unnoticed in colour photographs. This is because colours easily draw your attention and take the focus away from potentially interesting patterns. Due to its simple nature, b&w photography is a much better medium for emphasising patterns. Always look for patterns in your photography that you can use to direct the viewer’s attention and create more interesting photos.
Use Colour Filters B&W film photographers make use of colour filters to change the captured tones in their photographs. Using an actual colour filter with a digital camera is perfectly acceptable and it has its merits, but it’s not completely necessary. Software like Photoshop has the ability to apply non-destructive colour filters. It also has the ability to produce the same results as a colour filter during the B&W conversion. For those of you using Photoshop CS3, you’ll see that the B&W adjustment dialog has several preset filters that can be applied and modified to suit the photo.
Remember
• Using filters for B& W photography will help separate colours that look sim ilar once changed to monochrome • Graduated filters are useful for keep ing details in the sky and clouds • Red filters darken the sky and create mood and atmosphere • Green filters are us eful for landscapes as they create a contrast between diff erent shades of gree n • Blue filters are eff ective for hazy or m isty conditions
bon voyage
17
WADI
Abundant Waterfalls The unusual rainfall, which brought noteworthy magic to Wadi al Naqma sends Khaled Abdulmalak on an unforgettable exploration
I
t was an early Friday 5.30am rendezvous at Hatat House with my two like-minded adventurous friends Kester and Joel, where we fuelled up and replenished our provisions for the day, before hitting the two-hour drive to Wadi al Naqma. Leaving Hatat House behind us, we headed towards the creeping sunrise as it illuminated the Quriyat road, the mountains covered in a captivating bluish-grey hue. After Quriyat we continued towards Sur following the signboards to Wadi al Arbiyeen and upon reaching the junction approximately 1.5kms down the dirt road, we veered left at the bifurcation. Passing the sign boards for ‘Wadi al Arbiyeen’, we took a left after 4kms and a further left 7kms thereafter; the fork to the right pointing towards Feyq. Forty minutes later and 11.5kms down the straight gravelled road, we reached the village of Swayh. Its entrance so welcoming, we were greeted to a full turquoise pool of fresh crystal clear water. The strong waterfall, a rare sight for this area, flowed freely over the jutting rocks adding mass and beauty to this already stunning land. Swayh is at the junction of two wadis: Al Naqma that flows in from the south-east and Al Hail flowing in from the south-west. Wadi al Naqma has remained to date one of my personal favourite spots to explore. Albeit my sixth visit to this wonderful locale, this particular visit reaped surprises I had
never experienced which in turn exceeded my expectations. The overpowering surge of water engulfing Wadi al Naqma this particular day had never been witnessed before. The intensity of the water flow at this low level could only mean its source would be extremely powerful and I set myself the target to reach the luscious 150m waterfall, the tallest one to date that I have witnessed in Oman. I always feel very blessed trekking through this timeless, untouched, natural beauty and since the recent deluge, I was psyched that this specific visit would especially inspire spectacular beauty. The trek started at the falaj, on the left bank of the wadi. This trail started off on an inclined slope and eventually descended back into the wadi, approximately an hour later. We continued down the wadi bed, sometimes knee deep in water (it was a excellent call to bring dry bags for the camera equipment), where we climbed over every boulder obstructing our path and crossed several overflowing pools, which in normal circumstances were mere streams. Albeit extraordinary to witness raging rapids flowing freely over this landscape, the heavy downpour had significantly ravaged this area and unfortunately left heavy destruction in its wake. The rather demanding and challenging trek entailed us stopping off at several pools of water on the way, the following one fuller than the previous and all interlinked by a plentitude of small waterfalls which added eye-catching character and mass. It was such a relief to take dips in the refreshing water as the sun unabatedly battered its force down on us. We were certainly not complaining however as trekking this wadi with a dry bed meant no cooling off and carrying more fluids. Saying that though every element brings about its own challenges. What would normally be quite a straightforward trek, this time around due to the unpredictable surge of water, we ended up clambering over rock faces and discovered new entry points to reach our goal, the mother of all waterfalls. The challenges arising from this trek meant we had to tread carefully on unearthed ground climbing over overhanging passes, which did not secure stability. Also challenging was lugging my heavy cumbersome 10kgs backpack full of photography equipment over and through these passes. I was not going to miss out on such a rare and beautiful sighting. bon voyage
19
20
Jan - Feb 2011
At around 2.30pm with the heat peaking, we finally reached the abandoned village of Shiyya, the latter beaming with inundated terraces and huge boulders home to several man made holes used as shelter. This plush, modest village was a world apart from our last visit. I had previously camped here with my wife and son in this small piece of ‘heaven on earth’, where the terraces bloomed out an array of mountain flowers surrounded by a startling green. A further 30 minutes later we reached the first 20m high waterfall, a beautiful gush of cold water flowing into a deep, wide pool etched out in the shape of an amphitheatre, surrounded by towering mountainous cliffs. A further falaj system commenced at the top of the rocks and followed the cliffs to some notably unreachable corner; I often wonder how the villagers built it! We took a lunch break and enjoyed our private pool before venturing on our last stretch to reach the highest waterfall in this region. After rehydrating, eating, swimming and stretching, we re-packed our bags and started the ascent. The first wall greeted us with shining stones, polished by the hands and feet of the villagers who have been using this route for hundreds of years. It was an extraordinary moment of satisfaction projecting myself down the same path my Omani brothers had done over past decades. We stumbled upon a second falaj system, this one bringing water to the higher terraces via the waterfall. This last ascent was particularly exhausting especially with the intensity of the sun slowing down our footsteps and bringing sighs of despair. But when we eventually reached the viewpoint and took in the engaging waterfall in its entirety, the
elated feeling of accomplishment reaped valued benefit for all our efforts. “It is the most beautiful waterfall I have ever seen in my life!” Kester belted out not far from the bottom, the water crashing at his feet. The sprays spurting out of the 150m waterfall created mini rainbows from the afternoon sun and it was, indeed, a spectacular sight. I was so delighted to share this memorable vision with like-minded people who love and respect nature and who are ready to sweat to reach such a magical place. After breathing in this phenomenal view and swimming in the pool at the base of the waterfall, we commenced our way back to Swayh, a distant town we had left many hours prior. Attempting to capture as many moments as possible, we stopped several times en route taking photos, enjoying the pools and cooling down our middle-aged knees until we reached the village at 5.15pm. Exhausted but exhilarated, we drove back to Muscat and reached home by 7.30pm. The people of the village with whom I am in
touch with for information about the road to Swayh and the state of the wadis probably don’t comprehend why people come all the way from Muscat to hike many arduous hours, only to enjoy the beauty of their area. Oman is full of these breathtaking places. We need to admire and cherish them all.
What to bring
Snacks: Nuts and raisins are good for energy Water: At least 2L Hat, Sunscreen, Swimwear Closed shoes or boots, not flipflops Towel (not compulsory though as the sun will will dry you off in no time)
bon voyage
21
OUTBOUND
The Land of
SMILES
From spectacular shows and endless shopping, to river cruises and temple visiting, Hyesha Barrett merely skims the surface of this fascinating kingdom Photos by Hyesha Barrett
22
Jan - Feb 2011
B
angkoK is a vivacious city which never sleeps. The city has so many sides, so many faces and places worth visiting whereby I could easily fill up this whole magazine, so instead I will just give a overview of my five-day sponsored trip there. The very accommodative and welcoming Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) invited me on a familiarisation trip to experience their “land of smiles”. I met Yanyong, Assistant Director for TAT Dubai at the airport, a small man in size but big in character, who accompanied Sushmita, a colleague from Dubai and myself to Thailand. The plane was empty so I could lie down flat and sleep the full six hours. Nothing beats waking up refreshed and energised at one’s destination. Kay, our friendly Thai guide greeted us with great enthusiasm at the exit and talked with such panache on her stunning country. An hourlong ride through the hustle and bustle of the capital brought us to the Amari Boulevard Hotel, an elite four-star situated in downtown Bangkok. After our first delicious spicy Thai lunch we went to S Medical Spa for a blood
test and a spa treatment. According to the reports I have a poor lymphatic system and I’m deficient in vitamin B12 and folic acid. Upon my return to Oman I have been pumped on Q10 and am glad to say my immune system is up to par with the healthy people out there. After the checkup we received an exquisite two-hour authentic Thai massage. The 2,700sqm S Medical certainly lives up to its standard of ‘a sophisticated integration of state-of-the-art spa facilities and anti-ageing clinic which are equipped with the most advanced technology’. But one thing I didn’t adhere to was the discrimination against Thai people, which was prominent in most places we visited. Kay had to wait in the reception area and wasn’t allowed to join us on our tour. A few hours later after our reinvigorating scrub down, Jacuzzi and lymphatic massage we continued with a canal tour in a long-tail motorboat along the Chao Phraya River. The people from Bangkok still depend on the waterways to transport their varying merchandise. Touring this way gave us unique views of the beautiful temples and architectural buildings including the Grand
Palace and Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) dotted along the riverbanks. As a quick side attraction we stopped off at various spots to buy some bread from a local vendor to feed the hundreds of ravenous catfish in the river. After a quick lunch we took the Sky Train, which has since revolutionised travel within the congested Thai capital. Opened by The King in 1999, the mass transport system changed life overnight for millions of city commuters. The system is spotlessly clean, fast, efficient, and relatively cheap. Our destination was Siam World Ocean Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. We ventured on a journey through seven zones: the weird and wonderful, deep reef, living ocean, rainforest, rocky shore, open ocean and sea jellies. The majority of the visitors were kids, no surprise there, and their screams echoed throughout the whole wonderland, adding thrill to the already loud atmosphere. It brought such joy to see innocent faces gasp at the hundreds of creatures of the sea. The Royal Grand Palace (left)
Siam World Ocean Aquarium
We proceeded to shop along the Ko San Road (one of the most reasonably priced tourist areas of the capital), where fortunately for my wallet this area was sprawled with modestly priced shops mainly aimed at backpackers and the low budget travellers. What a bonus as there is no end to the amount of things you can spend your money on here. We whizzed back to the hotel in a tuk-tuk (Thai transport that you simply can’t leave without trying), before transferring to the Impact Exhibition Centre for a media briefing followed by an interview with the Governor of TAT, Suraphon Svetrasreni. With over 14mn visitors in 2010, tourism in Thailand has increased by seven per cent from 2009. 2011 is predicted to be an impactful year and Thailand is definitely on the greater mend since the tsunami hit in 2006. TAT announced its promotional strategy for 2011 along with the highly successful ‘Amazing Thailand’ theme enhanced with the new tag line ‘Always Amazes you’, which reinforces the aspects that are so appealing to visitors from all over the world. The journey which took us two hours on the way there due to the immense chock-a-block traffic, only took ten minutes on the way back. Make sure to always check for rush hour traffic, otherwise you will come to a complete stand still. Upon returning to the hotel I checked a few emails and enjoyed a steaming cup of cocoa on my
A village at Siam Niramit
Their screams echoed throughout the whole wonderland, adding thrill to the already loud atmosphere balcony listening to the soft pitter-patter of the drizzle, which created a hazy glow over the skyline. Not bad for a first day.
Day two
Early morning wake up call and usually a cup of coffee is enough to sustain me until lunchtime, yet I couldn’t help but delve into the Thai alternatives laid out at the buffet. Congee (rice soup) with spicy beef was my favourite. We proceeded to visit Koh Kred island on the Chao Phraya river, 20kms north of Bangkok. The island dates back to 1722 when a canal was constructed as a shortcut to bypass a bend in the Om Krt branch of the river. The island continues to serve as a refuge to the Mon tribes who dominated central Thailand between the sixth and tenth centuries, and have retained a distinct identity in their bon voyage
23
Spectacular show at Siam Niramit
Not for the fainthearted, this is a fun way to see the world from above, through the eyes of a gibbon 24
Jan - Feb 2011
flavour of Buddhism and pottery. Koh Kred is another world compared to Bangkok and much of it retains the air of a rustic village, with wooden shacks propped against palm trees and the occasional dilapidated temple slowly crumbling. Baan Khanon Thai (House of Thai sweet) lies peacefully on the river where we had our hand at making the traditional premring dessert. Needless to say my attempt was a complete failure in comparison to the professional. The yellow dessert was too sweet for my liking where a couple of small nibbles sufficed. Kay wolfed down hers and my share in a few simple gulps. After a delicious lunch of rice, tofu and omelette at a floating restaurant on the river, we visited a couple of temples and rejoined the rest of the media group at the Impact Exhibition Centre. Our sejour coincided with the Thailand Travel Mart (TTM), and we spent the afternoon in conferences, seminars and interviews, handing out business cards and gaining inside scope of all the latest travel opportunities the region has to offer. That evening we took a dinner cruise along
the River City where we enjoyed a ThaiInternational buffet, live music performance by a local Thai singer and spectacular views of historic monuments along both riverbanks. The cruise itself was too touristy for my liking but the energy abroad was entertaining. We did a loop around and arrived back to the pier three hours later. On our way back to the hotel we visited the largest fresh flower market in the city. This place is incredible and is a must see. Sweet smells of roses and frangipanis wafted throughout the whole area, each bunch of 50 long stemmed roses going for the extremely low price of 30baht (only 400baiza!). The roadside of Pak Klong transforms into a kaleidoscope of bright, blooming colours as vendors meet to trade every morning and evening. The floral goods arrive from all over the region, even as far as China.
Day three
Today was the major site seeing day. We spent the whole morning and most of the afternoon visiting the Royal Grand Palace. The Grand Palace Complex was established in 1782 and
Alcazar Cabaret
it consists of not only the royal residence and throne halls, but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It covers an area of 218,000sqm and is surrounded by four walls, 1,900m in length. The palace served as the official residence of the King from the 18th to mid 20th century. Wat Kay showin Phra Kaeo is known as the g the Emeral d Buddha most beautiful and important Buddhist temple in Thailand attracting more Thais than foreigners place where monks sit and chant to the holy shrine. Take off your shoes upon from morning until evening time. Inside, entering the Temple of the Emerald Buddha it contains some of the finest examples of and feel the calm override your body. The Buddhist sculpture, architecture, painting, Emerald Buddha is in fact carved from a block of green jade and was first discovered in and decorative crafts in Thailand. We had the afternoon to wander around and bought 1434 in a stupa (temple) up North in Chiang souvenirs and silk handicrafts. Rai. At the time the Buddha was covered in plaster and was thought to be an ordinary We then transferred to Siam Niramit for a one. Later, however, the abbot who had found spectacular dinner and show. I absolutely the Buddha noticed that the plaster on the loved this journey through time into the nose had flaked off, revealing the green stone history and culture of the kingdom of Siam underneath. The room truly is an inspiring
and recommend everyone to experience it. It will appeal to people of all ages, kids and elders alike. The stage is listed in the Guinness Book of Records, and there are around 150 performers supporting 500 stunning and intricate costume changes. Towards the end of the show, I was selected from the audience to go on stage and float some candles down the river. This is how grandiose the stage was, featuring a 70m river. After the show, we toured around the man made village created by the centre, which showcased all the different villages of Thailand. This is a great insight into rural life without stepping out of Bangkok.
Day four
After breakfast we transferred to Pattaya via Khao Kheow for the Flight of the Gibbons. Voted as one of the best attractions in Thailand, this fantastic four-hour rainforest adventure entails ziplining hundreds of metres high into the jungle canopy by an ingenious system of platforms, treehouses, cables, scenic sky bridges and adrenaline infused abseils for over 3kms. For a thrill seeker like myself this rainforest adventure was one of a kind and should not be missed. It’s however not for the fainthearted, so make sure you can follow through with the 25 ziplines as there is no way back. “No, this is not for me,” said Sushmita nervously, letting her jelly legs get the best of her. She quickly clambered down with an anxious laugh before I took over excitedly. This is such a fun way to see the world from above, through the eyes of a gibbon. bon voyage
25
Fresh flower
market
Day five
Pattaya floating market
Trad
Thailand features a modern capital city and friendly people who epitomise Thailand’s “land of smiles” reputation 26
Jan - Feb 2011
aking
dicraft m
hai han itional T
We proceeded to Hotel Idyll The Boutique in Pattaya, a nice small hotel with excellent facilities. It was rather strange though as the hotel rooms didn’t have any windows. That night we went to the Alcazar Cabaret, in short it is a ‘ladyboy’ show that started in 1990 and is globally famous with the reputation of one of the best cabaret shows in Thailand. With three shows a day, this performance certainly demonstrates that visitors flock to Pattaya to see this unique and fun performance.
We woke up early morning to visit the Pattaya Floating Market. A wonderful array of colours, smells and stunning concoctions infiltrated this 100,00sqm market. It is separated into four sections, each one representing and selling items from the four major parts of Thailand (north, northeast, central and south). Here, you can find all sorts of different food stalls selling authentic Thai food, desserts and specialties from all over the kingdom, and over 114 shops. For a floating market experience, hire a man-powered boat to get around and discover the richness of the surrounding Thai architecture and riverside life. Besides food stalls and shops, the market also featured educational and entertaining attractions. If photography is one of your hobbies, don’t miss the sunflower and agricultural demonstration fields. There is also a daily free show featuring four cultural performances. We were invited to Thailand through TAT to experience how peaceful the kingdom has become since the unfortunate political unrest last year. This country is a wondrous kingdom, featuring Buddhist temples, exotic wildlife, and spectacular islands. Along with a fascinating history and a unique culture that includes delectable Thai food and massages, Thailand features a modern capital city and friendly people who epitomise Thailand’s “land of smiles” reputation.
Chao Phraya river
Information Ziplining through the ‘Flight of the Gibbons’
Tourism Authority of Thailand: www.tourismthailand.org Amari Boulevard Hotel: www.amari.com/boulevard S Medical Spa: www.smedspa.com Siam Water Ocean Aquarium: www.siamoceanworld.co.th River Cruise: www.cruise-thailand.com Siam Niramit: www.siamniramit.com Flight of the Gibbons: www.treetopasia.com Alcazar Cabaret: www.alcazarpattaya.com Pattaya Floating Market: www.pattayafloatingmarket.com
Best time to go
Wherever you travel in the world, it’s important to get the timing right. Rainy season is July to October but the rain comes in bursts and cools things down after it has gone, so that’s a bonus. Otherwise avoid it and go in the summer but it can get sweltering. November through to February are the coolest times of year with occasional spells of downpour. However, Thailand is a big country with a diverse landscape. There is somewhere to visit whatever time of the year you visit the kingdom.
Flights View from my hotel room in Amari Boulevard Hotel
There are many flights from Oman to Thailand. Check with your local agent for cheaper fares and flight timings. bon voyage
27
DIVING
Shallow Reef Fahal Island
This spectacular site is suitable for divers certified on all levels. And you are guaranteed a dive of a lifetime
28
Jan - Feb 2011
Diver swimming towards a bait ball
I
t must have been a witty fellow who named this dive site ‘Shallow Reef ’. This stunning reef is located 200m away from Fahal Island, and is considered a ‘blue dive’ as the seamounts here reach as high as 10m below the surface and drop to around 30m. This is a great site for spotting yellow fin barracuda and the huge 60kgs tuna. The reef itself supports a multitude of marine life, ranging from delicate coral dwelling fish to the infamous black tip reef sharks. This particular morning, as we made our way towards Fahal Island, a pod of spinner dolphins broke the surface in front of us. We slowed down to admire their spectacular leaps through the air. They surged forward in the clear water zigzagging around our bow as we picked up the pace to keep up with these fast creatures. The GPS coordinates bring us to the drop-off
point after approximately 45minutes. It was a stunning day, not too hot, with a cool salty breeze brushing against our faces. The beauty that is Fahal Island shimmers in the near distance. Captain Feras dropped anchor as the excited divers assembled their kit, before receiving a briefing of the dive site: Shallow Reef. After the briefing we took it in turn to roll into the clear blue. Upon placing my mask and peering into the sea, I was immediately greeted with a school of fusiliers. What a sight! From the surface with over 30m visibility, I spotted a 2m long, fat honeycomb moray eel gliding over the seamounts before disappearing into a sheltering hole.
Fahal Island
With everyone in the water, we descended and enjoyed the drifting motion through a tranquil world. We reached the reef after a coral imbedded wall, which levelled off at 25m. The seamounts are a nature lover’s dream and are full of rich marine diversity: from the small colourful nudibranchs to the large beautiful leopard sharks. Between the two seamounts at around 30m lies the wheelbase of a six-tyre truck. Not a regular sighting you would expect to come across. And often underneath the base lurks a huge blotched fantail ray. Today is no exception, the ray lies motionless eyeing us from his sandy bed. Today’s dive was spectacular. Jacks and barracuda fed off a small bait ball as bannerfish mingled with red tooth triggerfish on the reef. The seamounts are brought to life with sea whips, dead man’s fingers, green tree coral and table corals. These corals are a permanent home to the local marine life found here in the sultanate, namely parrot fish, scorpion fish, lion fish, reef sharks, lobsters and many other colourful reef-dwelling creatures. As our last treat before leaving the reef, two hawksbill turtles grace us with their clumsy presence.
Table coral
All too soon it’s time to ascend, as we make our safety stop and get back on board for lunch under the glistening sun. We relaxed listening to tunes on the boat with the day’s diving still vivid in our minds. Heading back to the Marina we keep our eyes peeled for the majestic whale sharks, which are known to breach near Fahal Island. Unfortunately we didn’t get the opportunity to see them this time, but with the unpredictability of our stunning seas, we remain positive that we will next time. Perhaps you might be the lucky one to be with us when we do. Banner fish
INTERVIEW
A shining future We met up with Salim al Mamari, Director General of Tourism Promotion, Ministry of Tourism to discuss the past and future of tourism in the sultanate
“
P
eople always think that those working in the tourism sector get to travel the most but the truth of the matter is, we just don’t have time,” states Salim al Mamari, with a bit of disappointment in his voice. He ensures however to venture out at least once a month with his kids, either to a wadi, the beach, the desert or mountains, to enjoy Oman’s beauty. A new year has begun and there is so much planned for it. It’s a bright future for the sultanate and exciting times loom ahead. We had an inspiring chat with Salim and he gave great insight into Oman’s past, current and future tourism strategies. Salim has been a DG since 1994 and has seen Oman prosper from a non-existent travel destination to one of the world renowned ones it has become today. Oman has come a long way since the 90s and its future is shining bright. He reminisces, “At that time Oman as a tourist destination was not appreciated in any market and we used to suffer a lot. Markets were reluctant because they never heard of us. But we have waited a long time.” And great effort reaps greater rewards, for, after spending a lot of energy and money introducing Oman differently from other markets within the region, the country is finally profiting and experiencing the effect of all the years’ hard work. “We are definitely gaining the right result,” Salim asserts.
30
Jan - Feb 2011
Salim gives us a broad smile when asked about his travels
Tourism has grown year after year, and 2010 has fared a lot better than 2009 in terms of the number of tourists coming to the country, with Ministry of Tourism (MoT) very close to attaining its objectives. The financial crisis however still has its effects on the flow of tourists who are still reluctant to venture to the sultanate, as people are unsure of what the future holds. Despite people’s attitude and MoT’s strong
and effective marketing plans, Oman is not dependant on one market, which creates a good balance where it has achieved an increasing number of tourists, especially since September 2010. With this influx, Salim predicts, “This year we are hoping our objectives should not be less than a seven per cent growth on the number of tourists coming into the country”. This will not be an easy target as markets
Oman is full of stunning natural places to explore and enjoy
are still a bit apprehensive. He adds, “I think as we are penetrating a new market and by not putting all eggs in one basket, we will be in a position to achieve this growth.” New offices have been opened in Moscow, China and India as new gateways to promote Oman internationally. To further break the Asian market, some activities will take place in South East Asia namely Malaysia, Korea and the Philippines, which Salim refers to as promising markets. Efforts have not been put forth yet, but once they are Salim is confident tourists will be willing to come. He states, “We believe Oman is a country which offers different products and information from within the region, and not only that but people will leave with nice memories.” From the onset, Oman has been positioned as a high-end destination and it has been ingrained in MoT’s philosophy to promote Oman differently. Under His Majesty’s guidance, MoT has never wanted to undermine peoples’ judgement and always told Oman as it is. “Tourists will come, see and experience for themselves that we are not exaggerating when we promote the country.” Salim added, “Promoting Oman as it is, simple, easy, traditional, full of culture
with smiling, welcoming people; on top of that safe, clean and quiet makes Oman different as a destination and this will attract the attention of so many people.” Though the strategies employed carry a stronghold for Oman’s future there are other criteria to consider. Salim attests, “It is not how many tourists or dollars I bring in, but about who will help maintain Oman as it is for years to come.” This, it seems, is the main challenge and can’t be achieved unless people understand. The private sector, local sector and the government will be further educated towards this direction and philosophy.
“We will lose our identity if we destroy nature,” Salim states on eco tourism in the sultanate
Salim foresees, “We are seeing a huge increase in hotel occupancies and comparing to other hotels in the region, Oman is doing the best. In ten years time we hope Oman will be in a different position but our authenticity, our hospitality and welcoming smile will remain.” Salim predicts that the number of rooms will double, reaching 20,000 rooms by 2020. MoT’s main target to develop tourism is to diversify the income and economy of the nation. “When I promote Oman and convince tourists to come, I feel satisfied because tourism earnings go to Omani families. We are delighted to give opportunities for others to earn and be happy in their lives.” He believes we will experience a strong participation of local communities and people from the interior on the tourism sector by 2020. There will be further development outside of Muscat with newer three, two, and one-star hotels in order to serve domestic tourism. While a lot is being done to entice travellers from abroad, we enquired on what is happening on domestic tourism. Salim has no qualms in explaining that he is fully bon voyage
31
an eco destination that appreciates culture, values, nature and the environment.” From the beginning stages of any development, environmental aspects are taken into consideration. Developers are guided by these policies and staff members are educated to understand the importance that everyone needs to be responsible for the sake of generations to come. Salim asserts, “If we destroy the environment, we will be out of the equation and lose our identity. We cannot build mountains, they are created by nature.” Serious efforts have been taken by MoT and they are finalising their policies before introducing them to the public this year. He guarantees, “Eco tourism is not only important for Oman but for the whole world, therefore we have to build our strategies around these important issues.”
One of the breathtaking views atop the spectacular mountains
aware that it is a strong replacement for international tourism. “Currently domestic tourism is a new agenda of the country. We are building strategies and trying to educate Omanis with orientation programmes on domestic tourism. Tourism is not only a location nor a market, but a service. If I’m travelling in Oman to enjoy a wadi, a beach or a historical site, I want to return with nice memories, and at the same time have the minimum service there. Hence, we are now concentrating on these issues.” Mobile text messages have been sent out and ads have been broadcast to entice Omanis to visit their country, and at the same time MoT is bringing services to the tourist spots with public toilet facilities and souvenir shops.
32
Jan - Feb 2011
Salim rounds off, “Within sometime you will see the accumulation of these services. I agree that domestic tourism is not up to the standards yet and with good facilities we can further encourage locals and expats to travel within Oman.” As MoT was present at the World Responsible Tourism conference which took place in London last year, will participate in all the future international tourism conferences occcuring around the world and has organised the Sustainable Tourism conference last October, Salim declares, “This is an indication that Oman is going into a special kind of tourism and people are learning more about Oman as
We enquired about the campaigns MoT are involved in. Salim refers to them as being ‘general’ or ‘tactical’. The former meaning ‘consumer campaign’, which was launched at the World Responsible Tourism conference last year and started this January, promotes Oman to the public through different means: Advertisements, radio, billboards, television, newspaper, magazines and websites. Following this will be a tactical campaign, which has two phases. Salim proceeds, “This will be in coordination with OmanAir and the hotels in Oman, where certain packages will be sold and will surely attract many travellers.” Also in the works are negotiations with lastminute.com for a four-month continuous campaign that will be viewed by millions of visitors worldwide. MoT is also collaborating with the BBC whereby they have signed a contract for a nine-month campaign where more than 1,700 advertisements will be shown of Oman on their television programme BBC World, and more than 4.5mn advertisements on their website. There is also a huge marketing strategy to coordinate with other international airlines, such as Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Etihad Airways and especially KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. A marketing cooperation agreement will be signed with KLM by the end of 2011. Salim denotes, “KLM is an international airline which holds an important market to us, therefore doing activities and packages will make a strong difference.”
The backbone of tourism in Oman, MoT has come a long way to promote the country referred to as ‘The Jewel of Arabia’
Besides that there are daily activities carried out by the PR companies. Salim clarifies, “Our agents are on continuous sales calls, we are sending educational programmes and brochures to the agents who are selling Oman and over 120 familiarisation trips are organised for this year for different markets abroad to come visit our country.” Travel agents specialised in magazines, newspapers and television will be brought and introduced to Oman whereby they will make up their own mind of our country. Around 120 freelance journalists from the UK specialised in tourism are scheduled to visit Oman this month, and will spread the word. Salim proclaims, “Word of mouth is important because once they are satisfied they then will be able to convince their families, relatives and friends to come experience the same.” MoT sees some exceptional markets to help with the tourism boost. There are the existing ones: UK, Germany, France, Italy, GCC, Belgium, and new ones: India, China, Australia and Japan. Many separate activities and strategies have been designed to promote Oman for these markets. What MoT is doing for the existing market is
different to the new one. Salim sheds light, “Our marketing strategy for the GCC and the Arab world is a different strategy than what we utilise in Europe because we have to carefully deal with each country’s sensitivities. We need to be vigilant as even the colour, the wording and the position of that market makes a difference.” MoT is the backbone of tourism in Oman and has come a long way to promote the country referred to as ‘The Jewel of Arabia’. With solid strategies up their sleeves and with steady and solid endeavours towards the sultanate’s future, there is certainly no room for failure. On a more casual note, Salim said he wishes he had more time to travel. Especially as he is working most weekends, being up to par with the timings of the international markets in the West. His travel is mainly for business to the GCC, Lebanon, Syria and Malaysia. His favourite destination is Egypt for its diversity and history. Although he is passionate to travel overseas, travelling in Oman is his preference. “My kids mostly like historical and cultural tourism, and the beach.” What about himself? “I like
everything. I appreciate nature, authenticity and history. As through history we can see the Omani people and our civilisation.” Salim rejoices when a fort is converted into a museum, the reservation of historical sites truly makes him happy. And quite rightfully so. “I enjoy taking my family to meet traditional people, to sit with them, learn from them, educate them. Also nature is very important. In Jebel Shams and Jabal Akhdar I feel I am the only one on this earth. I can escape the hectic daily life and go to the Wahiba Sands for some peace and quiet where at night, lying on my back and looking at the moon and the stars, I feel I am the luckiest person on the planet. Where else can you be alone with no-one bothering you? Where else will people greet you whole-heartedly and take you into their homes? Only in Oman.” Gaining insight into Salim’s perception and his future strategies of Oman, makes us confident that the country’s in safe hands. Salim al Mamari’s words of enthusiasm and truth unquestionably resonate. And this is what the Ministry of Tourism wants and does: Under-exaggerate and over-provide. bon voyage
33
FASHION
Look great, feel great Dressing comfortable is essential whilst travelling
L
ooking traveller chic while heading to the most exotic locale is important. Deciding what clothes to pack might be a daunting task, but one that must be faced. Packing light is the key. You can travel light and still look very fashionable. The important thing to remember is that you have to be comfortable and confident with what you are wearing, which in turn will make you look great. Dress according to your taste but don’t overdo it – sometimes less is more. The cold is still here and a lot of places you travel to this month will have wind, rain or snow. Wrap up warm the fashionable way. Layers are important to keeping warm, make sure you take an extra layer when flying as the plane usually gets quite nippy. There is a great selection of stretchy fabrics to choose from. Mixing and matching your outfits is another big tip to looking great. This creates the casual chic look, which can be adapted from daywear to nightwear. One of the easiest things is to bring a couple of favourite items that can be worn on different occasions for different events. If you are travelling a lot on the road ensure you wear loose clothes to ease circulation. If you’re exploring a city and doing quite a bit of walking, make sure you wear a comfortable pair of shoes that you have already broken in. You don’t want to hobble down any city street with blisters stopping you from shopping. For evening time take a pair of comfortable heels to go out on the town and if you foresee a dressed up event bring some nice heels. But don’t take more than two or three pairs of shoes – one casual, one dressy and one laid back. Tennis shoes can also be used if you decide to do a bit of mountain climbing or hiking. Your shoes shouldn’t stop you from exploring off the beaten track places. Boots are a good choice
34
Jan - Feb 2011
Security Check II Long-Sleeve Shirt This smart-looking wardrobe staple features Omni-Shield technology to repel dirt, stains and even a light rain. It offers UPF 15 sun protection when you’re wandering through warmer climes. It is ideal for travellers as it resists wrinkles and looks consistently fresh so you can grab it and go, without a second thought OMR21.600
Steens Mountain Jacket This is a Columbia classic – a cosy fleece that offers instant insulation is a casual, everyday style. Two hand pockets secure their contents with zip closures, while an adjustable draw cord waist makes it easy to seal in core warmth OMR10.500
Men’s Bugaboo Stripe Beanie It is crafted from cosy 100 per cent acrylic yarn with thick vertical ribs that form to fit OMR6.100
Bugascarf It is a singlelayer fleece scarf that is quick drying and provides a welcoming surface to snuggle up to against when the thermometer dips into the minus degrees OMR3.900
Scout Finder Pant Trousers that are comfy and durable and with a great softness and streetsavvy silhouette OMR16.000
The key to keeping warm is to layer too, although slightly heavier to carry around. Choose the ones that are made of waterproof leather. There’s nothing worse than walking around with soggy feet. The country you are travelling to, and the weather, play a major role in the kind of outfits you want to pack. Do a bit of research and find out what kind of clothes work in the places you’re travelling to. And even if you have a firm grasp on the usual clime of the area, plan for emergencies like heavy rain or wind. If you decide to go to a place where it snows, and you want to get down to adventure sports, ensure you invest in a reliable wind proof, water-proof ski jacket, that can also be used on your other sightseeing trips. Also stock up on comfy pants and sweaters.
Timberland Ski Jacket OMR38.400
There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable or cold when travelling. Have a look at our warm options to help you pack right.
Outdoor Performance The outdoor performance boots are crafted in premium waterproof leather with a seam-sealed construction to keep your feet dry. The boots come with durable laces
Women’s Shastalavista These shoes from Columbia are built for hiking, mountain biking, scrambling, and trail running. Designed for outdoor multifunctionality, it features a breatheable open mesh upper with leather overlays to keep feet cool, comfortable, and supported while walking
OMR39.200
OMR40.300 Available at: Sun & Sand Sports, 24558355
bon voyage
35
FASHION
Fashionably forward Coupled with the right accessory, shoes and a clutch, glam up your evening with these outfits from Mango Long wrap dress in a paisley print with a knot detail on the front, gathered sides and long sleeves
Long moleskin coat with decorative straps on the shoulders and same fabric buckle belt around the waist
Romantic-style sleeveless baby-doll dress with a v-neck, bead embellishment below the bust line and shoulder straps, samefabric tie band to the back and ruffles at the hem
Long satin evening gown with a pleated body with straps stemming from the waist, gathering along the waistline and a double layered skirt
Short strapless dress in a jacquard with gold lurex and a wide tie band around the waist
Available at: Mango, 24558244
36
Jan - Feb 2011
ACCESSORIES
Exciting travel extras Accessories are an important part of your travel plans
Accessories Bag This bag from Nike is excellent for carrying on board a flight. You can fit in an extra sweater or cap for when temperature drops inside the flight OMR13.300
Earthrover Backpack Perfect for carrying your sports kit, it is built with a tough abrasion-resistant polyester. It’s a great-looking, comfortable and wellbalanced pack for all-round performance. It has a front zip pocket for easy access and comes with a carrying handle and two padded shoulder straps OMR22.000
Nike Air Courtballistec 2.1 Nike Air Courtballistec 2.1: It is a durable design with maximum support and cushioning so you can swing for the win. It has leather and synthetic upper with mesh for breathability and support OMR21.600
P
lanning for your outfits and accessories while abroad can be rather interesting. You will have to make do with a few pieces of jewellery, some colourful scarves or caps and that’s about it. Then you have the shoes and bags which form a major part of travel accessories. You can pretty up your feet with shoes from Columbia Sportswear. Put your best foot forward when you travel. Choose shoes that are full of panache and innovation and that take care of your feet. And go for a burst of colour that is flattering to your travel outfits. Many people are curious and want to know what’s new and neat in travel accessories. You need a bag that leaves your hands free for pulling luggage and finding tickets. The best women’s travel purses are usually the crossbody or the shoulder bags. The bag should be comfortably big enough to hold essential documents, cosmetics, and an extra sweater or cap to pull out anytime and anywhere. Temperatures inside the plane may go really low and it is
always good to carry a jacket or fleece scarf for warmth. A backpack is also really important, especially one that can also accommodate your laptop. But make sure you choose one that has a carrying handle and padded shoulder straps so that you feel comfortable carrying it around for longer time periods. The backpack should also have a separate storage area with a zip for important documents, tickets and your wallet. Caps are also an important part of your travel accessory and don’t have anything to do with the climate in the city you are travelling to. Beanies are considered to be all-weather ones as they are warm and comfortable. You can cram them into a corner of your suitcase or bag and it still looks fine when you take it out. It’s also loose enough so you don’t get marks on your forehead even after wearing it for hours. Ensure to get a good fittin one. Accessories can make or break an ensemble. So choose right and look perfect this vacation. Available at: Sun & Sand Sports, 24558355
bon voyage
37
ACCESSORIES
OMR6.500
OMR3.500 OMR4.000
Sparkle power OMR4.750
When you travel you don’t need to bring all your jewels. A few exotic sparkles, ranging from necklaces to earrings and bracelets will give you a good flair. Remember less is sometimes more and pairing a beautiful signature piece to jazz up your outfit will definitely turn heads. Not only will you look unique, but you will save on aircraft weight allowance. Here are some beautiful items from Aldo that are reasonably priced and will make you look chic.
OMR7.000
OMR10.000
OMR10.000
OMR12.000 OMR16.000 Available at: Aldo, 24558172
bon voyage
39
SPA REVIEW
Essence of life Hyesha Barrett gets revived at Essence Spa I love doing Spa reviews but this particular spa is something dear to my heart. I have been coming here for years now as I love their treatments, so I got excited to ‘get down to business’ per se. Located in Madinat Qaboos, take a right at the mosque situated on Al Inshirah Street (the side road parallel to the Sultan Qaboos highway), leaving the British Council behind you. Another reason why I enjoy coming here is that Essence is one of the
few spas in Muscat that takes you away from the noise of the city. Upon entering, your senses will be hit with the sweet smell of aromatic oils sending you instantly into that relaxed zone. Essence Spa is described as ‘a temple of serenity and a haven where you can go regain the balance of the mind, body and soul.’ There are seven treatment rooms available, a nail spa, a waxing room and liposuction facilities.
Bamboo Massage I tried the excellent Bamboo Massage, which lasted an hour and a half. The treatment melts away any tension while creating a deeply relaxing and soothing experience. In the Orient, bamboo symbolises eternal youth, energy, strength, fertility and peace. Bamboo massage is a technique that incorporates bamboo stalks of varying lengths and diameters to provide deep-tissue and muscle relaxation. Elements of shiatsu (finger pressure massage), Thai massage and lymphatic drainage are used as the bamboo sticks are heated with jasmine, lavender and rejuvenating oils and then incorporated into the massage. The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels that moves fluid throughout the body and is responsible for moving toxins away from healthy cells. The lymphatic system does not have its own pumping mechanism and lymphatic drainage is a type of therapy intended to help the body produce a free-flowing lymphatic system. The massage starts off slow and the pressure gets increasingly harder in order to relax the muscles before the warm bamboo is rolled over the body for a deep lymphatic treatment. Ask your masseuse to apply pressure according to your taste. I like mine
40
Jan - Feb 2011
medium to hard. This massage promotes circulation, sensory nerve perception, lymphatic drainage and provides a deep sense of relaxation and well-being. Heated stones are then used, as according to my Bali masseuse Suarsi, the bamboo will hurt certain parts of the body where there are protruding bones (mainly the spine), so the stones ease the treatment. In some areas, especially on my arms and legs, I did feel like a pancake being layered out, but the overall feeling is so relaxing I fell into a slumber. I awoke some time later, which actually felt like hours, fully relaxed and happy that the massage wasn’t over just yet. Suarsi placed the hot stones on the pressure points of my body: my palms, neck and underneath the knees before moving up to my face to start the facial.
Elemis fruit active flow facial This one-hour ‘pick me up’ is recommended every two weeks where the skin is deeply cleansed and stimulated with massage techniques. Powerful skin conditioning activates vital radiance and this facial recharges the skin bringing a radiant glow back to tired, dull and lifeless complexions. My face was slathered with a thick cooling agent and every millimetre of my face gently massaged before the cream was wiped off. This procedure was done twice. The second time the cream was left to settle, similar to a mask, before a hot air ventilator was blown to further dry the creaming agent. Suarsi then wiped off the excess and performed a facial extraction to eliminate any toxins. I could feel my pores expanding as she used
certain tricks to eliminate the residue. After a wipe down she used a cleanser, toner and moisturising daily cream before giving me a head massage as the cream settled. Before I knew it, time was up and I had to get ready to face the world. Even a couple of days later I still received compliments from friends saying how my glowing face dropped a few years. This facial is a must try. Essence Spa uses Elemis products from the UK for all their treatments. All you have to do is book, lie back and enjoy. It is guaranteed that at Essence Spa, you will experience peace and quiet where you can indulge in total tranquility.
www.essence-spa.com, 24603225 bon voyage
41
BEAUTY
Winter
Radiance
D
ry skin is a recurring problem, especially in winter. Winters leech out the natural oils from the skin. And when the superficial skin layers lose water, the cells shrink. Significantly decreased cellular volume can stress the skin’s elasticity, creating fissures. The disruption of skin integrity can result in inflammation with the risk of infection. Excessive dry skin can be caused due to inherited factors, hormonal imbalance as well as decreased lubrication due to ageing. Low humidity and central heating also affects the skin. Nutritional deficiencies and long term usage of certain drugs tend to impact the skin negatively.
For a glowing skin this winter Moisturise More
When you are travelling, always carry a moisturiser that suits the weather condition.
42
Jan - Feb 2011
A moisturiser that works fine in spring and summer may not be adequate. As weather conditions change, so should your skin care routine. A moisturiser that is oil based should be chosen during the winter months. Oil creates a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a lotion. Products containing glycerine and hydroxyl acids attract moisture to your skin, helping immensely in the winter months. Application of a soothing after-bath lotion helps the skin’s protective layer stay intact. Applying every four to six hours helps maintain the integrity of the skin layers all day long.
Slather on the Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t just for summertime. Winter sun can damage the skin too. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the face, neck and hands, about 20 to 30 minutes before going outside is recommended. The more you stay out, the more frequent the application.
Hand Care
The skin on our hands is thinner and has fewer oil glands. It’s harder to keep hands
Winters bring an uncomfortable dryness to the skin, especially to the face, hands and feet. Dr Sahana Gowda from Kaya Skin Clinic shows us an easy routine to keep dryness at bay
moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This often leads to cracking. Wearing gloves when outdoors helps.
Nutrition
Water is great for overall health and the skin benefits the most from it. Citrus fruits, nuts and green leafy vegetables are all good sources of nutrients for the skin. Over indulgence in aerated drinks should be avoided.
Foot Care
Simple foot lotions are lovely in the hot summer months, but during the winter, the feet need stronger stuff. Lotions containing petroleum jelly or glycerine are thicker and
a
c
b
(a) A process called dermabrasion, an exfoliating treatment that gets past all the dead skin cells in a way that you just cannot do with regular exfoliating creams; (b) A mask used to gently exfoliate dead skin cells; (c) Rehydrating masks help dry and dehydrated skin types
more helpful. Using exfoliants like coarse loofahs and pumice stone help to get rid of dead skin and this aids moisturisers sink in faster and deeper.
Pacing Products
If the facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid harsh scrubs and alcohol-based toners. These products tend to remove vital oil from the skin. Cleansing milk or a mild foaming cleanser which gently cleanses without stripping moisture is the better option. Masks that are hydrating rather than clay-based masks, which draw moisture out, are also helpful.
Regulating the Baths
Soaking in a hot bath feels great after
frolicking out in the cold. But the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. Luke warm water is better than hot or cold water. Using a mild bath product or one that is pH balanced helps maintain the skin’s oil balance. Showers may be better than baths as they minimise the contact duration of water with the skin. Since dry weather makes the skin more sensitive, some care has to be taken in selection of cosmetics. If dryness persists in spite of regular emollient application, professional consultation becomes mandatory.
bon voyage
43
COSMETICS
NaturallyBeautiful Natural skin care products help protect your skin and when travelling abroad, make sure to throw in your cleanser-moisturiser-sunscreen trio Taking care of your skin involves four major steps: cleansing, moisturising, exfoliating, and above all, protecting your skin. There are several ways to properly care for your skin and hair. With the following products from L’Occitane en Provence, learn how to take care the natural way.
Ruban d’Orange Soft Skin Scrub (Sucres Peau Douce) This body scrub gently exfoliates the skin and is rich in almond oil and apricot oil, and the skin is perfumed with the fresh and invigorating fragrance of citrus fruits.
Immortelle Divine Extract (Extrait Divin)
Ruban d’Orange Shower Gel (Pulpe de Douche)
Divine Extract is a fresh and velvety formula, enriched with hyaluronic acid derivative and Vitamin C derivative that enhances the skin, and visibly improves its texture and appearance.
Enriched in softening pulp concentrate, this Sunny Shower cleanses softly and leaves a fresh and sparkling scent of citrus fruit on the skin. This is suitable for all skin types.
Immortelle Divine Cream (Crème Divine)
Ruban d’Orange Soft Skin Milk (Lait Peau Douce)
The divine combination of organic Immortelle and Myrtle essential oils offers complete regenerating skin care by lifting the features and redefining facial contours, smoothing wrinkles and providing intensive action to visibly firm the skin.
This rich and non-oily lotion keeps skin soft and moisturised, even during winter.
This daily shampoo with olive tree extracts is formulated with an extragentle botanical cleansing base. Olive tree leaf extract, olive water and olive oil add softness and shine.
Olive Tree Conditioner (Après Shampooing) This hair conditioner with olive tree extracts detangles and smoothes your hair. Enriched with white wine vinegar and lemon extract, it is silicone-free.
Olive Tree Healthy Hair Mask (Seve Onctueuse Cheveux) The healthy hair mask is perfect for giving your hair a natural boost. Formulated with olive tree extracts and enriched with shea butter, it strengthens and protects the hair.
Olive Golden Branch Lush Shower Cream (Crème de Douche) An incredibly creamy formula enriched with olive oil, organic olive water and moisturising organic olive tree leaf extract, this shower cream leaves skin feeling as soft as silk.
Olive Luminous Body Cream (Crème Scintillante)
Immortelle Divine Eyes (Regard Divin) Divine Eyes enhances the area around your eye and is a fresh creamy-gel with anti dark circles and puffiness benefits. The formula is enriched with buckwheat wax and ash tree extract to reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Olive Tree Daily Shampoo (Shampooing Quotidien)
Enriched with olive butter, olive oil and organic olive tree leaf extract, this rich and luxurious cream moisturises and softens.
Feu d’Orange Soft Skin Oil (Huile Peau Douce)
Olive Silky Body Lotion (Lait Corps)
It is enriched with toning citrus essential oils and nourishing almond oil. It leaves the skin soft and prevents dryness. The fresh blood orange scent invigorates the mind and leaves the skin perfumed. When used as a massage oil after a day of travelling, you will feel relaxed and revitalised.
This daily body lotion has been formulated to moisturise, protect and soften the skin.
Available at: L’Occitane en Provence, 24558151
bon voyage
45
ROOM WITH A VIEW
Happily Marriott
T
he Marriott Resort is situated in Mirbat, 75kms from the centre of Salalah. It is a newly opened fivestar resort with a relaxing view overlooking the Gulf of Oman on one side and the mountain, Jebel Samhan on the other. Although this resort is a tad far from the centre of town, it’s a hit among tourists due to its proximity to the attractions this region has to offer. Rent-a-car facilities are available at the lobby. Ask any staff member who are more than willing to help make your stay as pleasant as possible. Complimentary pick-up service from the airport and 45 minutes later, I was greeted with beaming smiles and a warm welcome, before meeting Germinal, the GM and his assistants Sonia and Christian. “Anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask any of us,” stated Sonia before directing the bellboy to take the luggage to my room. All rooms are fitted with Internet connection, satellite TV with international
46
Jan - Feb 2011
channels, and all the five-star amenities. I happened to stay during Khareef, so the weather was cold and fortunately for me, the tourists hadn’t thronged to the region yet. I was the queen of the castle with seemingly every member of staff at my beck and call and ordered room service for dinner before falling asleep on the fluffy comfortable bedding. I woke up early and had a morning run under the rising sun on the clean sandy beach followed by a swim – in the pool not the sea, which is too rough during the Khareef season, but is a clear blue the rest of the year. I proceeded with a shower and a delicious filling buffet breakfast with Sonia and Christian. “Ahmed’s waiting outside,” mentions Christian as we walk out of the dining area together. The sightseeing master Ahmed took me on a fantastic tour and the chef so caringly put some extra muffins in my lunch box. Perhaps he saw how many I had scoffed at breakfast and wanted me to have my extra fill. A long
day’s sightseeing brought me back to the resort by late afternoon, and I relaxed by the poolside before retiring for the night to my spacious room listening to the waves crashing ashore from my balcony. The Marriott Resort is equipped with a medium-sized gym with state-of-the-art equipment, a huge 2000sqm outdoor swimming pool, chalets on the white sandy beach, an exclusive Frankinsence Spa, dive centre and delicious dining and beverage outlets. This resort doesn’t fall short in providing its guests a wonderful and memorable stay. All in all my stay was delightful. The view was fantastic and the room spotlessly clean; yet the only drawback for me was the small bathroom. But for a recently opened resort, the service was fantastic, the staff friendly and the food delicious. I will definitely return. Double thumbs up to the Marriott!
bon voyage
47
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Home made O pened in April last year, the French restaurant La Brasserie located opposite the fish market in Muttrah, serves some of the traditional rich dishes one could expect straight from Paris. With a rustic décor spread out over three floors, this cute restaurant has a ‘home away from home’ feel. The bottom floor holds eight tables with cosy seating and there is an outside patio with a further three tables. Black and white photos of the staff adorn the downstairs restaurant and the room has a very French feel with sail boats and marine items. Claude, the owner, comes from the coastal northwest region called Brittany in France. Delicious wafting pastries entice the eye as you make your way upstairs. The second floor is a coffee lounge equipped with sofas and a library. The top floor holds nine tables with white drapes flowing down from the barasti ceiling. If you sit on the table on the far left as
48
Jan - Feb 2011
you enter, you will gain the best views of the whole of the corniche. Splendid for a romantic sunset dinner with the white drapes flowing in the evening breeze.
La Brasserie provides a bit of je ne sais quoi
french treat was a pleasure. The outside was crispy, the inside creamy and every bite was a piece of heaven. • Lemon Tart OMR2.5 The crumble on the bottom was cooked to perfection: moist and crisp at the same time. This definitely had the ‘home made’ taste with the lemon cream and meringue adding a good zing to the dish.
• Beef Carpaccio and green salad, balsamic vinegar and basil oil OMR4.8 This starter lacked dressing but the thin layers of beef were quite tasty. The salad leaves were crisp and layered with mushrooms and slathers of parmesan cheese.
• Crème Brulee OMR1.5 It’s hard to go wrong with this dessert and top marks to the chef as it was made to perfection. The mixture was creamy and soft underneath a bed of crisp caramel. A must have.
• Salmon Tartare OMR4.8 Raw salmon pieces mixed in with parsley, lime juice, mint leaves, shallots, pesto and coriander created an explosion to the taste buds. The pink grapefruit added an extra je ne sais quoi to an already delicious starter. • Mushroom Soup with truffle oil OMR3.2 This hot soup was mouthwateringly good, full of richness and very creamy. A great starter and a must try. • Stuffed Chicken in Squid – Dish of the day OMR8.5 The minced chicken didn’t quite taste like chicken but the squid was especially soft. My favourite part of this dish was the wild rice on top of a bed of mixed capsicum, eggplant and courgette. The dish would have been better if it was served piping hot; unfortunately we received it slightly warm. • Duck Parmentier OMR7.5 This dish is duck confit with sun-dried tomatoes served with mashed potatoes and bread crumb topping, accompanied
with a green salad. The duck was a little bit crispy but the taste was very flavoursome. Unfortunately the dish wasn’t hot enough. The salad also needed more dressing. • Lobster Termidor with tartare sauce OMR8.5 A lip smacking dish, the lobster was cooked to perfection and the homemade French fries were a perfect accompaniment to the succulent dish. The presentation was superb and this dish is a must try. • Crème Caramel Tart OMR2.2 This tart with a creamy filling and crumbled pieces around the edge was quite tasty, but it’s a shame about the rock hard crusty bottom. For a freshly baked pie it was rather disappointing. • Macaron with raspberry and blackberry OMR2.5 A treat for the eyes even before the mouth, this deliciously soft
Star Ratings Atmosphere Food Price Location Service La Brasserie, 24713707 Timings: The restaurant is open everyday from 7am until midnight for coffee and pastries but serves Breakfast from 7:00 to 10:30, Lunch from 12:30 to 15:50 and Dinner from 19:00 to 22:30 bon voyage
49
FOOD
Light & hearty Good food doesn’t need to calorie-laden. Have a go at these healthy dishes
J
ean-Luc Amann, executive chef, Al Bustan Palace Hotel, prepares two succulent dishes. From Strasbourg France, he spent many years in London, Dubai, Beijing and Hong-Kong before taking up the current assignment in 1999. To show us that good food need not be full of calories, Jean-Luc mainly prepares his dishes with herbs, vegetables and olive oil. Fish is his all time favourite. Fortunately for us, Oman’s seas are full of delicious varieties.
50
Jan - Feb 2011
SEABASS EN PAPILLOTE If seabass is not available you can also use red mullet or hammour.
Ingredients for a portion 1 whole sea bass, 300 – 400g Garlic, crushed, 2 cloves Onion, sliced, ½ piece Carrot, sliced, ½ piece Fennel, sliced, ½ piece Tomatoes, sliced, 1 piece Asparagus, 6 pieces Lime, 1 piece Olive oil, 150ml Salt, pepper, pinch
Equipment Required Greaseproof paper, 1 sheet
Preparation method
SALMON TARTARE
1 Clean, wash and pat dry the sea bass
Tuna is also a great alternative
2 Season with salt and pepper
Ingredients for a portion
3 Rub with olive oil and the crushed
garlic
4 Take the greaseproof paper and
brush with olive oil 5 Lay a few vegetables in the centre of
the paper 6 Stuff the sea bass with a few more
vegetables
7 Lay the sea bass on top of the laid
ut vegetables, and cover with the o remaining vegetables 8 Spread out tomatoes and asparagus
on top 9 Sprinkle with olive oil 10 Wrap the sea bass in the greaseproof
paper and tighten the edges like a hard boiled sweet
11 Place on a baking tray and bake at
220°C for 20 – 25 minutes. You can also steam it. To see if its cooked, pierce the fish with a toothpick and if it comes out dry, it is ready. 12 When ready, cut a window in the paper
Fresh salmon, 120g Riccota cheese, 40g Fennel, thinly sliced, ½ piece Capers, chopped, 10g Fresh shallots, finely chopped, 10g Mango purée, 10g Dill, bunch Kiwi, ½ piece Olive oil, 100ml Lime, ½ piece Lime juice, 50ml Salt, pepper, pinch
Equipment Required Stainless steel pastry circle
Preparation method 1 Dice the salmon 2 Mix it with the capers, shallots, lime
juice and dill 3 On the plate, spread out a bed of
mango dressing (blend the mango purée, olive oil, salt, pepper, lime juice)
4 Place the steel pastry circle in the
middle 5 Add the salmon mix 6 Top it with ricotta cheese and the fennel 7 Remove the steel pasty circle 8 Add some drops of kiwi juice on the side 9 Serve with lime and brown bread
and serve with fresh lime as garnish
bon voyage
51
HISTORICAL OMAN
Classic shopping Barka souq is one of Oman’s oldest markets. Priyanka Sacheti wanders through meeting a few of its stall owners
T
ucked away in what appears to be a tailoring shop monopoly and in close proximity to the fort, the Barka souq is undeniably less spectacular than its more popularly known counterparts in Muttrah or Nizwa, for instance; yet, Barka Souq has its fair share of stories to narrate, whether it is very much of the souq itself or its sellers. Once you walk past shops selling bowls of almond-garnished halwa and crammed with
52
Jan - Feb 2011
kitschy toddler boots, frilly girls’ dresses, ladies’ handbags and slippers, a single lane will lead you further down to the remaining stalls. While some shops were still closed when we arrived, others were very much in operation and ready to greet the visitors the day would bring. Interlocked barasti leaves constituting the ceiling brought in a relative cool breeze, dimly lighting up the narrow lanes dotted with brightly painted shuttered shops and
ominously dusty, rusting locks. The souq’s unvarnished nature stands in great contrast to the hypermarkets that have recently popped up around it, “Up till four to five years ago, before the big shops arrived, the souq was the heartbeat of Barka. Everyone used to come and shop here, some arriving from the interior and purchasing in bulk quantities,” explains Yogesh Kakka, whom we spotted working in earnest on his laptop in his grocery store, the latter standing since 1970. “However, we still continue to
Barka Souq is open all we ek with different shops opening at various intervals. They are open longer on the weekends creating a big ger buzz
entertain our regular customers, some of whom we have shared a relationship with since the time we began.” All of his loyal customers appreciate being able to purchase their items on credit, a bonus all the hypermarkets don’t provide. The souq also noticeably seems to be the domain of the old visitors and shop-keepers alike. Eighty-three year old Salman bin Ibrahim Bahrani says that he learnt the reins of the business when he was a child and has been here ever since; he owns two shops adjacent to one another, one selling material, which he purchases from Muttrah, and the other a tailoring one. “I open between 8.30-10am and 4.30-6.30pm and all my customers know this,” he says, his zest for business very much still intact. He does nonetheless admit that he does not know what will happen to his shops once he is gone: he has five sons, all of whom are disinclined to taking over the business so far. Seventy-three year old Malallah bin Malik al Zadjali previously operated a restaurant in Barka for fifteen years before opening up his shop of cosmetics and medicinal herbs ten years ago in the souq. As he informs us about cooling properties of crushed rose petals or dried leaves of a certain plant that brides apply on their hair during pre-wedding beautifying ceremonies, I cannot help but marvel at the myriad of meticulously labelled plastic bottles containing all kinds of dried herbs and liquids in his shop. One
cannot help pondering on a time gone by infiltrated with tradition and memories of a certain way of life that will sadly be lost with the disappearance of these shops and their distinguished owners.
at the prime it once was; nevertheless, it is in such corners of Oman that we continue to get a glimpse into traditional times and only hope the future will bring prosperity not downfall.
As with any other souqs in Oman, Barka is no exception to the plethora of items available: dried lemons, dried fish (brought in from Sur), indigenous perfumes and cosmetics, walking sticks, bukhoor, sherbets, knives, scythes and cheerfully hued baskets and sweepers woven from date-palm leaves. We stumble upon a wizened old man, who cheerfully gestures towards the variegated items he has on sale, including a collection of unidentifiable ragged, dried leaves. “Tobacco,” he grinn ed toothily. While we converse and wander around, the souq is filled with constant activity: men transporting sacks of rice in wheelbarrows, while elderly men exchange notes in front of a fruitshop characterised by a particularly vivid yellow bunch of bananas. It is apparent that the souq is no longer bon voyage
53
MONUMENT
Timeless enigma Stonehenge ranks among the world’s iconic archaeological sites. And still exhibits mystery
S
tonehenge, for the non-savant, looks just like a circle of huge stones. No one really knows how they got there or what their true purpose was. However, speculation on the reason it was built range from human sacrifice to astronomy. Stonehenge is probably the only site that manages to bring two totally different schools of mind together – those being religion and science. Some see Stonehenge as a holy site and others believe it represents a scientific observatory. Located in the county of Wiltshire, England, the site of Stonehenge is an addition to the Unesco and has been a part of the World Heritage Site since 1986. Stonehenge really is one of the greatest enigmas and ranks among the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. The circle of stones is perfectly placed in correlation with the sunrise, where one can probably
54
Jan - Feb 2011
conclude that Stonehenge was used more as a ground for worship than anything else. It has always sparked intense debate even after some 5,000 years since it was built by the
ancient Britons. And in this modern world flooded with conspiracy theories, it is not surprising that the monument’s mysterious past has spawned countless tales.
The four-stage construction The First Stage
The first Stonehenge was a large earthwork, comprising a ditch, bank, and Aubrey holes (ring of 56 pits), estimated to have been built around 3100BC. The holes form a circle about 460m in diametre. Excavations have revealed cremated human bones in some of the holes but they were probably made, not for the purpose of graves, but as part of the religious ceremony. Shortly after this
site, these stones were set up in the centre to form an incomplete double circle. The nearer part of the Avenue was aligned with the midsummer sunrise.
The Third Stage
The third stage of Stonehenge, about 2000BC, saw the arrival of the Sarsen stones, which were brought from Avebury, in north Wiltshire, about 40kms north of Stonehenge. The largest of the Sarsen stones transported to Stonehenge weighed 50 tonnes and transportation by water would have been impossible so the stones could only have been moved using sledges and ropes. Modern calculations show that it would have taken 500 men using leather ropes to pull one stone, with an extra 100 men needed to lay the huge rollers in front of the sledge. These were arranged in an outer circle with a continuous run of lintels (the horizontal support of stones). Inside the circle, five trilithons (each being two upright stones supporting the lintel) were placed in a horseshoe arrangement; the remains we can still see today.
The Final Stage
The final stage took place after 1500BC when the bluestones were rearranged stage Stonehenge was abandoned and left untouched for over 1,000 years.
The Second Stage: The Arrival of the Bluestones (Dolerite)
in the horseshoe and circle that we see today. The original number of stones in the bluestone circle was probably around 60 and these have long since been removed or broken up. Some remain only as stumps below ground level. It’s been estimated that it took over 20 million hours to construct Stonehenge. The stones not only invoke awe but the stones seem to exude an almost magical aura. The moment you walk in the middle of the circle of stones, you will experience a sense of being the only living creature in the entire universe. There are very few places in the world to offer this sense of isolation, and Stonehenge definitely comes up at the top.
The site is roughly circular and it is difficult to precisely date the stone rings because of the scarcity of dateable remains associated with them, but it is known that they were constructed during the Neolithic (New Stone Age) period, 4000-2000BC. Stonehenge is one of the most important prehistoric monuments in the whole of Britain and has attracted countless visitors even from the earliest times. It continues to stand as a timeless monument to the people who built it.
The second and most dramatic stage of Stonehenge started around 2150BC. Eighty two bluestones (a form of dolerite which appears blue when wet or freshly broken) from the Preseli mountains, in southwest Wales, were transported to the site. It is thought these stones, some weighing four tonnes each were dragged on rollers and sledges to the headwaters on Milford Haven and then loaded onto rafts. They were carried by water along the south coast of Wales and up the rivers Avon and Frome, before being dragged overland again to Wiltshire. The final stage of the journey was mainly by water, down the river to Salisbury, then to Amesbury. This astonishing journey covers nearly 390kms. Once at the
bon voyage
55
NATURAL WONDER
Nature’s twist
The Dead Sea in Jordan is the epitome of serenity, collecting stories through the ages
O
ne of the most spectacular, natural and spiritual landscapes in the world lies deep in the magical Jordan Valley, just 55kms southeast of the capital, Amman. The Dead Sea is a saline lake and measures 76kms in length, up to 17kms in width, is 1,050sqkms in total and is 365m deep. It is located 400m below sea level and is the lowest point on the surface of the earth. This happened under the influence of the tectonic activity that caused part of the land to sink. Today it belongs to the Jordan Valley, bordering Jordan to the east and Israel to the west. This natural wonder hides wonderful treasures in its waters, one of which is the unbelievably large quantity of natural salts, making the Dead Sea the world’s richest source of natural salts. Due to its extremely high salt and mineral content, the sea is devoid of life. But the curative powers and therapeutic quality of the Dead Sea have been recognised since the days of King Herod, more than 2,000 years ago. The ancient Romans and Jews built bathhouses utilising its water and mud on its banks. Queen Cleopatra was very familiar of the miraculous influence of the minerals on the human skin and used the salts and mud from the Dead Sea hoping to regain her youth. The waters are unique in that they contain 27 per cent of various salts, compared to three per cent in normal seawater. Further, while sodium accounts for approximately 80 per cent of the salt content in normal seawater, it
comprises much less of the salt total in water from the Dead Sea. The balance of the salts comprise of magnesium, potassium, calcium chloride and bromides. The best use you can make of the salt content is that you can float on the water without even trying. When you visit simply recline on the water where you can read your holiday book while soaking in the year-round sunny skies and dry air.
Healing Power
Modern medical researches confirm that the positive combination of the minerals and salts from the Dead Sea contain healing properties for different diseases. Mud from the Dead Sea contains minerals that heal wounds, energises hair roots and eradicates dandruff. The mud has even been credited with eliminating headaches and migraines. Amazingly, these minerals have healing and comforting values for a host of medical conditions, including arthritis, muscle
stiffness and aches, rheumatism, stress, fatigue, joint inflammation and even itchy, dry skin. Studies also show that the minerals found in the Dead Sea provide your body and skin with extensive benefits, such as: - Helping to balance and maintain proper water and moisture levels - Helping to promote the healing of skin tissue - Helping to prevent and cure allergies giving the skin surface an anti-allergic protection - Helping to protect against airborne pollutants - Helping to counteract internal toxins So the question is: how can this all-natural mud be so effective at helping and cleaning your skin and body? The answer lies in what you can’t see - the high concentration of salts and minerals present in the mud. As the Dead Sea evaporates year after year, the minerals which are already present in high amounts get absorbed into the mud at the bottom of the sea. This mud is then extracted and packaged, with all the impurities removed. The minerals which are present in the mud are all natural minerals which your skin needs every day. By using Dead Sea mud as a mask you are feeding your skin these essential minerals which help maintain the right moisture levels and hydration. Another very powerful effect of using Dead Sea mud is that as it dries, it pulls out any toxins that may be present in your skin cells from your everyday diet. This leaves the skin completely clean, refreshed and pure on top of infusing it with the minerals.
bon voyage
57
OFF-ROADER
Touar-ing
Agent For the first time since its launch, the Touareg has undergone a full redesign. Malcolm Crasta takes it on a drive to Jebel Akhdar to find out if it lives up to its predecessor
L
aunched in 2002, the Touareg was the third ever SUV to join the Volkswagen fleet. Known for its on and offroad performance and for its towing capabilities. It even holds the world record for the heaviest load towed by a passenger car, pulling a Boeing 747
58
Jan - Feb 2011
as part of an advertising campaign – the Touareg achieved remarkable success and has since been picked up by over 500,000 proud owners worldwide. But throughout its lifetime, it has only ever received a single facelift in 2007. Now though, the new 2011 Touareg has undergone a full redesign and is longer, lighter, sleeker, safer
and with more room than its predecessor. We got our hands on one and headed for it’s home turf to test it out – the scenic route up Jebel Akhdar. The trip was the perfect opportunity to test its ‘impressive on paper’ qualities and see how they played out in real life. Starting with the most obvious, the car’s looks are for the most part a significant improvement from its predecessor. The front headlights, grille and bumpers follow suit with the rest of the ‘new’ VW family and feature sharp edgy headlights, chrome-lined grilles and beefy air inlets. The LED lights that surround the main headlights are striking, and the sides and rear also follow the same design principles with sharper edges and more defined lines. The interior is plush, comfortable and spacious with more than adequate adjustments in the steering and seats to fit even the tallest drivers. The ergonomically placed controls are a breeze to use and Volkswagen’s touch-screen stereo and navigation system is one of the simplest we’ve ever come across. It even features a massive boot that can be extended even further with folding seats; perfect for those weekend trips.
The 2011 model is fully redesigned. It is longer, lighter, sleeker, safer and has more room than its predecessor
Get behind the wheel and you are greeted by ample visibility, as well as the commanding yet comfortable seating position the vehicle offers, which is what a great number of SUV buyers crave. On the smooth tarmac and in city traffic, it drives similar to the previous model, but this is more a testament to how good the old model was on the road. In terms of refinement, some tyre noise does intrude into the cabin on rougher surfaces. Engine noise is also well contained and wind noise is almost non-existent, which is amazing considering that this is a rather large SUV.
conditioning, numerous driver assistance systems and panoramic sunroof are all available should you decide to go higher up in the model list. On a whole, the new Touareg is a significant improvement on the older
model, mainly in terms of technology and refinement than driveability. Regardless, these changes are an upgrade and its combined fresh look breathe a new life into a eight-year old model. If anything, the new VW is even more desirable now than it was before.
The steep slopes of Jebel Akhdar posed absolutely no challenge to the new 280hp 3.6l V6 that powered our test vehicle. Its 360Nm of torque output combined with the eight-speed gearbox was more than up to the task. The same applied when we started exploring the bumpier roads. The suspensions coped well with bends and bumps while keeping body roll to a minimum. The ride was comfortable, regardless of whether you are on-road or off-road. In terms or safety and equipment, the Touareg ticks almost every box that we can think of: Air bags all around, traction and stability control, surround area view cameras and trailer stabilisation. Creature comforts such as satellite-navigation, four-zone air-
bon voyage
59
HOTELS
MUSCAT
directory AL DAKHILIYAH
1
Al Bahjah Hotel..................................................3 star hotel.......................24424400
52 Al Diyar Hotel.......................................................2 star hotel.......................25412402
2
Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental........5 star hotel.......................24799666
53 Al Jabal Al Akhdar Hotel.............................2 star hotel.......................25429009
3
Al Falaj Hotel........................................................4 star hotel.......................24702311
54 Falaj Daris Hotel ..............................................3 star hotel.......................25410500
4
Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments..................1 star apartments........24478171
55 Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel..........................4 star hotel.......................25431616
5
Al Maha International Hotel....................4 star hotel.......................24494949
56 Jabal Shams Nomadic Camp Centre.Desert Camp....................99382639
6
Al Reef Hotel Suites.........................................1 star apartments........24494638
7
Beach Hotel...........................................................2 star hotel.......................24696601
AL BATINAH
8
Bowshar Hotel.....................................................3 star hotel.......................24491105
58 Al Nahda Resort & Spa...............................5 star resort......................26883710
9
Camilia Hotel........................................................1 star hotel.......................24837460
59 Al Sawadi Beach Resort..............................4 star hotel resort........26795545
10 Crowne Plaza Muscat....................................4 star hotel.......................24660660
60 Al Wadi Hotel.......................................................3 star hotel.......................26840058
11 Golden Tulip Seeb............................................4 star hotel.......................24510300
61 As Suwaiyq Guest House............................1 star hotel.......................26862241
AFRICAN
RESTAURANTS, CAFES
travel
Caravans
................................................................................................24475501
Zanzibari Island Restaurant & Coffee Shop......................................24497783 ARABIAN Al Deyar
................................................................................................24603553
Al Khanjar
................................................................................................24795545
Al Hooti
................................................................................................24601996
Al Istanbuli
................................................................................................24480900
Al Katkoot
................................................................................................24542883
Al Khaima,
Majan Hotel..................................................................24592900
Lyali Zaman..................................................................24498818
Al Reef Al Lebnani ................................................................................................24485775
12 Grand Hyatt Muscat........................................5 star hotel.......................24641234
62 Crowne Plaza Sohar.......................................5 star hotel.......................26850850
Al Tanoor
................................................................................................24776666
13 Hala Hotel Apartments.................................2 star apartments........24810442
63 Green Oasis Hotel............................................2 star hotel.......................26846077
Al Zafran
................................................................................................26841111
14 Holiday Inn - Al Madinah.........................4 star hotel.......................24529700
64 Sohar Beach by Swiss-BelHotel.............4 star hotel resort........26841111
Arab World,
Al Ghubrah.....................................................................24491734
15 Hotel Muscat Holiday....................................4 star hotel.......................24487123
MUSANDAM
Ruwi High St.................................................................24798119
Automatic,
Al Khuwair......................................................................24487200
65 Esra Hotel Apartments...................................2 star apartment..........26730464
As Seeb.............................................................................24424343
66 Golden Tulip Resort Dibba........................4 star resort......................26836654
Qurum................................................................................24561500
16 Intercontinental Muscat................................5 star hotel.......................24680000 17 Majan Continental Hotel.............................4 star hotel.......................24592900 18 Midan Hotel Suites..........................................3 star hotel.......................24499565 19 Mutrah Hotel........................................................2 star hotel.......................24798402 20 Nuzha Hotel Apartments.............................1 star apartments........24789199 22 Park Inn...................................................................4 star hotel.......................24507888 23 Qurm Beach Resort.........................................4 star resort......................24605945 24 Radisson BLU Hotel Muscat.....................4 star hotel.......................24487777 25 Ramada Muscat................................................4 star hotel.......................24603555 26 Ramee Dream Resort...................................3 star resort......................24453399 27 Ramee Guestline Hotel................................4 star hotel.......................24564443 28 Ruwi Hotel..............................................................3 star hotel.......................24704244 29 Safeer Continental Hotel..............................3 star hotel.......................24471111 30 Safeer Hotel Suites...........................................2 star hotel.......................24691200
67 Golden Tulip Resort Khasab....................4 star hotel.......................26630777
68 Khasab Hotel.......................................................2 star hotel.......................26730271
Beirut Restaurant ................................................................................................24568411
69 Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay..........5 star leisure resort....26735555
Beituti
................................................................................................24692121
Bin Ateeq,
Al Khuwair......................................................................24478225
DHOFAR
Bareeq Al Shatti.........................................................24605735
CBD.......................................................................................24702727
70 Al Hanna Hotel...................................................2 star hotel.......................23290274
Camilia Restaurant and Café........................................................................24706663
71 Al Jabal Hotel.......................................................2 star hotel.......................23210611
Fatair Al Khaleej ................................................................................................24798184
72 Areen Youth Hostel Apartments ..........2 star apartment..........23234810
Hormuz
................................................................................................24709070
73 Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah..................5 star hotel.......................23235333
Jabal Lebnan
................................................................................................24698098
74 Haffa House Salalah......................................4 star apartment..........23295444
Kargeen Café,
Al Harthy Complex...................................................24560531
75 Hamdan Plaza Hotel.....................................3 star hotel.......................23211025
Centrepoint.....................................................................24694048
76 Hilton Salalah Resort.....................................5 star hotel.......................23211234
MQ Complex.................................................................24692269
77 Safeer Residence Salalah..........................3 star villas.......................24480308
Layali Zaman
................................................................................................24498818
78 Salalah Marriott Resort................................5 star hotel.......................23268245
Meknes
................................................................................................24475497
79 Samahram Tourist Village .......................3 star hotel/villas........23211420
Mombasa
................................................................................................24480340
Ofair
................................................................................................24482965
Samar
................................................................................................99273529
Shahrazad
................................................................................................24776666
Shiraz
................................................................................................24660660
Tarboosh
Opp Sabco Centre.....................................................24565673
Al Ghubrah.....................................................................24498553
38 Al Areesh Camp.................................................Desert camp....................24493232
80 Duqm Tourist Guest House.......................1 star hotel.......................25427191 81 Ghaba Guest House .....................................2 star hotel.......................99358639
The Arabia Courtyard...........................................................................................24524400
39 Al Naseem Camp.............................................Desert camp....................24493232
82 Uwaifiyah Guest House...............................1 star hotel.......................25428273
The Khanjar Omani Cuisine...........................................................................24795545
31 Safeer International Hotel..........................3 star hotel.......................24473900 32 Safeer Plaza Hotel Suites...........................3 star hotel.......................24471000 33 Star Hotel Apartments...................................2 star apartments........24498008 34 Sun City Hotel.......................................................1 star hotel.......................24789801 35 The Chedi Muscat.............................................5 star beach resort.....24524400 36 The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel..............2 star hotel.......................24502570
AL SHARQIYAH 37 1001 nights...........................................................Desert camp....................99448158
40 Al Qabil Guest House....................................1 star guest house.....25581243
AL DHAHIRAH 79 Ibri Oasis Hotel...................................................2 star hotel.......................25691626
AL WUSTA
Turkish House
................................................................................................24488071
Ubhar
................................................................................................24565689
41 Areen Youth Hostel Al Ashkara..............2 star apartments........25566266
BURAIMI GOVERNORATE
42 Bidiya Tourist Camp........................................Desert camp....................99332914
84 Al Dahrah Hotel.................................................1 star hotel.......................25652995
Wadi Hadramout Restaurant........................................................................24475282
43 Desert Nights Camp........................................Desert camp....................92818388
85 Al Barka Hotel Apartments ......................1 star hotel.......................25654955
CAFES
44 Ibra Hotel................................................................1 star hotel.......................25571873
86 Al Masa Hotel ...................................................2 star hotel.......................25653007
Abala
................................................................................................24695903
45 Masirah Hotel......................................................2 star hotel.......................25504401
87 Hamasa Hotel ...................................................1 star hotel.......................25651200
Al Ahli Café
................................................................................................24424400
46 Nomadic Desert Camp.................................Desert camp ..................99336273
88 Al Salam Hotel....................................................3 star hotel.......................25655789
Al Falaj Coffee Shop.............................................................................................24702311
47 Sur Beach Hotel.................................................3 star hotel.......................25542031
89 Haima Rest House..........................................1 star hotel.......................23436061
Al Maha
................................................................................................24487123
48 Sur Plaza Hotel...................................................3 star hotel.......................25543777
90 Al Jazeera Guest House..............................1 star hotel.......................25427555
Al Mas
................................................................................................24491105
49 Turtle Beach Resort.........................................Resort....................................25543400
88 Mahoot Guest House ..................................1 star hotel.......................25427272
Art Café
................................................................................................24558176
50 Raz Al Jinz Scientific Centre.......................1 star hotel.......................96550606
89 Al Majd Hotel Apartments .......................2 star hotel.......................25688272
Barista
................................................................................................24571531
90 Wahat Al Barka Hotel Apartments ....1 star hotel.......................25650955
Café Barbera
................................................................................................24603505
91 Al Buraimi Hotel ..............................................4 star hotel.......................25642010
Café Capuccino ................................................................................................24564443
51 Swiss-BelHotel Resort Masirah..............4 star resort......................25504274
Café Ceramique ................................................................................................24566617
The Pavilion
....................................................................24814008, 24812006
The Bollywood
Café de Lotus
................................................................................................24560439
Tokyo Taro
................................................................................................24702311
Bombay Chaat Corner........................................................................................24796042
Café G Patisserie ................................................................................................99531999
Wok Of Life
................................................................................................96549654
Copper Chimney ................................................................................................24780207
Café Samaharam ................................................................................................24707207
FAST FOOD
Curry House
................................................................................................24564033
Café Unique
Chicking
Markaz Al Bahja - .................................................24540200
Curry Leaves
................................................................................................95267540
Café Vergnano 1882...........................................................................................24692370
Muscat City Centre - ..............................................24489575
Divine
................................................................................................24705070
Caribou Coffee
................................................................................................24694473
Coral Express
................................................................................................24540200
Dosteen Restaurant..............................................................................................24622850
Casa de Café
................................................................................................24499565
................................................................................................96684686
................................................................................................24565653
Dairy Queen
Jawaharat A’Shatti....................................................24693031
Happy Village
Colombian Aroma Café......................................................................................24693131
Lulu, Ghubrah..............................................................24504504
Horizon Restaurant................................................................................................24798252
Costa Coffee
Seeb Intnl Airport......................................................24519468
Kamat
Seeb Intnl Airport......................................................24519734
................................................................................................24564995 Al Khuwair......................................................................24479243
MQ........................................................................................24692858
DQ Grill & Chilli ................................................................................................24693031
Ruwi....................................................................................24783300
Muscat City Centre....................................................24535895
Domino’s Pizza ................................................................................................24479111
Keranadu
Oasis by the Sea.......................................................24605574
Dunkin’ Donuts ................................................................................................96177967
Khana Khazana ................................................................................................24813466
Al Asfoor Plaza............................................................24571236
Hardees Qurum................................................................................24564642
Khyber
................................................................................................24781901
Lulu Bouwsher............................................................24503861
Al Khuwair......................................................................24489575
Koliwada
................................................................................................99421778
Bareeq Al Shatti.........................................................24692699
Muscat City Centre....................................................24558020
Lazeez
................................................................................................99273529
Cinnzeo
................................................................................................24699660
Airport Roundabout.................................................24521133
D’Arcy’s Kitchen ................................................................................................24600234
Hot and Crispy
................................................................................................24699524
Glacier Café
................................................................................................24540391
KFC
Al Khuwair......................................................................24566999
Grind Floor
................................................................................................24487777
Muscat City Centre....................................................24497909
Al Araimi Complex ................................................................................................24566180
Le Mermaid Café ................................................................................................24602327
Ruwi High St.................................................................24704040
Al Khamis Plaza ................................................................................................24562791
Majlis al Shams InterContinental...........................................................24680000
Qurum St..........................................................................24566999
Al Harthy Complex ................................................................................................24564481
Mokha Café
Grand Hyatt...................................................................24641234
Seeb....................................................................................24543030
Al Wadi Commercial Centre...........................................................................24564782
Shangri-la’s Barr al Jissa Resort & Spa.........24776666
Near Airport...................................................................24521414
Alasfoor Plaza
Motif Beach Café ................................................................................................96179800
Azaiba Roundabout................................................24566999
Capital Commercial Complex (CCC)...........................................................24567338
Patisserie
................................................................................................24521234
Lulu, Ghubrah..............................................................24502888
................................................................................................24603555
Al Madina Plaza........................................................24566999
Jawaharat A’Shatti Complex...........................................................................24692113
Petit Café Pooldeck
................................................................................................24680000
McDonald’s
Al Khuwair......................................................................24482046
Rumours Café
................................................................................................24692121
As Sarooj................................................................... 24691033/4
Second Cup,
CCC Qurum......................................................................24566616
Muscat City Centre....................................................24545773
Shatti Al Qurum..........................................................24699951
Book Roundabout ..................................................24421119
Bareeq Al Shatti.........................................................24697776
Qurum behind CCC .................................................24565798
Sirj Tea Lounge ................................................................................................24641234
Nozha
................................................................................................99273529
Starbucks,
Ernts and Young bldg...........................................24567644
Papa John’s Pizza, Lulu, Ghubrah.............................................................24501111
Jawaharat A’Shatti....................................................24601457
MQ........................................................................................24697220
Muscat City Centre....................................................24558861
Qurum................................................................................24571100
Muscat Intnl Airport.................................................24519468
Surf Café
Penguin
Ghubrah...........................................................................24493963
................................................................................................24776666
Sidewalk Café and Deli.....................................................................................24563058
Seeb....................................................................................24422004
The Crépe Café ................................................................................................24558530
Sultan Qaboos University....................................24413144
FAR EASTERN
................................................................................................24564686
Khimji Megastore ................................................................................................24708075 Markaz Al Bahja ................................................................................................24540222 Sabco Centre
................................................................................................24562761
Zeenyia’s Collections............................................................................................99775721 CENTREPOINT Al Khuwair
....................................................................96473101, 24601569
Fahad Plaza, Ruwi 96..........................................................................................96725845 Muscat City Centre ....................................................................96473113, 24558063 Sohar
................................................................................................95119656
Salalah
................................................................................................23289260
MUSCAT CITY CENTRE Muscat City Centre (Mall).................................................................................24558888 Aftershock (Fashion)..............................................................................................25558016 Bata (Footwear) ................................................................................................24558855
Pizza Muscat
Al Khuwair......................................................................24483393
China Mood
................................................................................................24764000
Al Harthy Complex...................................................24565618
China Town
................................................................................................24567974
MBD.....................................................................................24817715
Chinese Garden ................................................................................................24489414
PHD by Pizza Hut ................................................................................................24822555
Fat Face (Fashion) ................................................................................................99708330
Golden Dragon ................................................................................................24697374
Subway
Al Khuwair......................................................................24593963
Gap (Fashion)
................................................................................................24558095
Al Masa Mall...............................................................24604664
Home Centre
................................................................................................24558063 ...................................................................................... 24558981/82
Golden Oryx
................................................................................................24702266
Emax (Electronics) ................................................................................................24558062 Camaeiu
................................................................................................24558590
Jade Garden
................................................................................................24605945
CCC........................................................................................24560327
Max (Fashion)
Lai Thai
....................................................................98025189, 98025191
MQ........................................................................................24694774
Origem (Fashion) ................................................................................................92648542
Magic Wok
................................................................................................24537118
Muscat City Centre....................................................24558080
Oysho (Fashion) ................................................................................................24558865
Marjan Restaurant and Pool Bar..............................................................24641234
Taza
................................................................................................24489779
Rado (Watches) .......................................................................9776492, 92247101
Narjeel
................................................................................................24560606
The Cream & Fudge Factory..........................................................................24695305
Salsa (Fashion) ................................................................................................24558631
Palayok
................................................................................................24797290
Wally’s
Markaz Al Bahja.......................................................24540200
Sunglass Hut
Silk Route Chinese & Thai...............................................................................24696967
Al Masa Mall...............................................................24543154
White Company (Home)...................................................................................99124278
Thai Basil
INDIAN
................................................................................................24499565
The Noodle House ................................................................................................24558377
Birijani House
................................................................................................24488478
................................................................................................24558869
Zara (Fashion)
................................................................................................24558887
Zara Home
................................................................................................24558869
RETAIL
MQ........................................................................................24699367
................................................................................................24564443
directory
Adonis Oman Travel and Tours............................................................ 24693371/2
OUA Travel
................................................................................................24559900
Al Ibtisama Trading..............................................................................................24703404
Advantage Travel and Tours..........................................................................95220095
Premier Tours
................................................................................................99222620
Al Maha Car Hire ................................................................................................24603376
Airborne Travels ................................................................................................24479295
Rawabi Desert Adventures..............................................................................95201107
Al Maskry Rent a Car..........................................................................................24595241
Amazing Arabia ....................................................................24701454, 99310005
Remal Al Sharqiya Tourism............................................................................24544525
AST Car Rental
....................................................................24571311, 23298085
Al Ahlam Tours .............................................................................................244892612
Rusayl Travel
Avis
................................................................................................24607235
Al Areesh Wahiba Camp..................................................................................99317107
Salalah City Services.............................................................................................23299663
Budget
....................................................................24683999, 24510816
Al Daleel Tours ................................................................................................23296503
Salalah Tourism ................................................................................................23292289
Dollar Rent a Car ................................................................................................24487841
Al Ghadeer
................................................................................................99325441
Sama Al Wasil Tourism Village...................................................................99604004
Elegant Rent a Car ................................................................................................24571951
Al Ghubayra
................................................................................................24812874
Shanfari Travel and Tours................................................................................27602710
Europcar
Al Haditha
................................................................................................24603587
Sumahram Falcon ................................................................................................95774166
Global Car Rental ................................................................................................24697140
Al Hashar Tourism & Travels.........................................................................24836100
Sun and Sand Tours............................................................................................99373928
Hertz
................................................................................................24566208
Al Hasn Araimi Travel..........................................................................................24799966
Sunny Day Tours, Travel and Adventure ............................................24490055
Mark
................................................................................................24785050
Al Maskry Tourism and Travels...................................................................24595241
Steps Travel and Tourism.................................................................................24488891
Al Naheem
................................................................................................24478192
Tour Oman
................................................................................................24799966
Al Dar Taxi
...................................................................................24700555/777
Al Noor
................................................................................................99318822
United Tours
................................................................................................24787448
Allo Taxi
................................................................................................24697997
Al-Qandeel Travel & Tourism........................................................................24643877
Zahara Tours
................................................................................................24400844
Muscat Cab
................................................................................................96429096
Al Raha Tourism Camp......................................................................................99343851
Comfort Line
................................................................................................24702191
Al Sawson
Hello Taxi
......................................................................................... 24607011/2
................................................................................................24510012
Flight Information ................................................................................................24519456 ................................................................................................24704455
Ahlan Lounge
................................................................................................24519088
Air Arabia
................................................................................................24700828
Air France
................................................................................................24562153
Air India
................................................................................................24799801
Desert Discovery ................................................................................................24493232
Air Maldives
................................................................................................24566046
Desert Thunder ................................................................................................95555153
Air New Zealand ................................................................................................24700326
Eihab Travels
Bangladesh Airlines (Biman)........................................................................24701128
AST Tours
....................................................................24571311, 23298085
Bahwan Travel Agencies..................................................................................24797405 Choice Holidays ......................................................................................... 24660364/7
................................................................................................24683900
Elite Travel & Tourism.........................................................................24485020/2880
British Airways
................................................................................................24568777
Empty Quarter Tours.............................................................................................99387654
Cathay Pacific
................................................................................................24789818
Ena Tourism
................................................................................................23298500
Egypt Air
................................................................................................24794113
Global Tours
................................................................................................24484156
Emirates Airlines ................................................................................................24404444
Golden Oryx Tours ................................................................................................24489853
Ethiopia Airlines ................................................................................................24660314
Gulf Leisure
................................................................................................24693561
Gulf Air
....................................................................24703222, 80072424
Gulf Ventures
................................................................................................24559985
Indian Airlines
................................................................................................24791914
................................................................................................24700249
Iran Air
................................................................................................24787423
Japan Airlines
................................................................................................24704455
Jet Airways
................................................................................24813321/5844
Kenya Airways
................................................................................................24660317
Kanoo Travel
Khasab Travel and Tours.................................................................................26730464 Kurban Tours &Travel.........................................................................................24699886 Mark Tours
................................................................................................24782727
Marmul Travel and Tours................................................................................24482868 Majan Travel
................................................................................................24785728
Mezoon Travel
................................................................................................24796680
Midland Tourism ................................................................................................24566524 Moon Travels
................................................................................................24793551
Nahar Tourism Oasis...........................................................................................99387654 National Travels & Tourism (NTT)...............................................................24660376 Nomad Tours
................................................................................................95495240
Nomadic Adventures and Tours.................................................................99336273 NTT Tours
...................................................................................... 24660378/70
OTTB
................................................................................................24789845
Oasis Tours
....................................................................24499922, 99440441
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.................................................................................24566737
AIRLINES
Aeroflot
Arise Travel and Tour..............................................................24605825, 99642291
Al Turki Transport ................................................................................................96429096 Comfort Line (Muscat - Dubai).....................................................................24702191 Oman National Transport Co.........................................................................24590046 Safety Line
................................................................................................96429096
Bait Adam
................................................................................................24605033
Bait Al Baranda ................................................................................................24714262 Bait Al Zubair
................................................................................................24736688
Children’s Museum........................................................................................ 24605368/9 Currency Myseum ................................................................................................24641510 Muscat Gate Museum........................................................................................24739005 Nahkal Fort Museum..........................................................................................26781384 National Museum ................................................................................................24701289
Kuwait Airways ................................................................................................24701262
Natural History Museum..................................................................................24641366
Lufthansa
Oil & Gas Exhibition Centre............................................................................24677834
................................................................................................24796692
Malaysian Airlines ................................................................................................24560796 Middle East Airlines..............................................................................................24796680
Planetarium
................................................................................................24675542
................................................................................................24707222
Omani Heritage Museum................................................................................24600346
Pakistan International Airlines......................................................................24792471
Oman-French Museum......................................................................................24736613
Oman Air Qatar Airways
................................................................................................24771900
Qantas
................................................................................................24559941
Salalah Museum ................................................................................................23294549
Royal Jordanian ................................................................................................24796693
Sohar Fort Museum..............................................................................................26844758
Saudi Arabian Airlines........................................................................................24789485
Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum.................................................................24588700
Singapore Airlines ................................................................................................24791233 Sri Lankan Airlines ................................................................................................24784545
Oman Geo Tours ................................................................................................24600914
Sudan Airways
................................................................................................24816565
Oman Discovery ................................................................................................24706424
Swiss Air
................................................................................................24787416
Oman National Transport.................................................................................24490046
Syrian Airlines
................................................................................................24797567
Oman World Tourism..........................................................................................99252680
Thai Airways
................................................................................................24705934
Orient Holidays ................................................................................................24478902
Turkish Airways ................................................................................24703033/2778
Sur Maritime Museum.......................................................................................24541466
TO BE LISTED EMAIL: bonvoyage@deenarmedia.com
BUS TRAVEL
Arabian Sea Safaris..............................................................................................24693223
MUSEUMS
Arabian Sands Tour Services..........................................................................24785027
................................................................................................24700190
TAXIS
................................................................................................24485637
CAR HIRE
TRAVEL, TOUR OPERATORS
travel
..........................................................................................24605593
Turkey
..........................................................................................24697050
Austria
..........................................................................................24793135
UAE
..........................................................................................24600988
Bikers Oman
Bahrain
..........................................................................................24605074
United Kingdom
..........................................................................................24497078
Harley Davidson Owners Group.................................................................99310853
Bangladesh
..........................................................................................24567379
Uruguay
..........................................................................................24568202
Oman Automobile Association.....................................................................24510239
Belgium
..........................................................................................24562033
United States of America..................................................................................24643400
ROCK CLIMBING................................................................................................................
Brunei
..........................................................................................24603533
Yemen
Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre.....................................................24485663
Canada
..........................................................................................24643400
Rob Gardner
Chile
..........................................................................................24561977
SAILING
China
..........................................................................................24696698
BOATING
Colombia
..........................................................................................24816264
Capital are Yacht Club........................................................................................24737712
Cyprus
..........................................................................................24490200
Desert Thunder
Denmark
..........................................................................................24526000
Grand Hyatt Boat House..................................................................................24641234
Egypt
..........................................................................................24600411
Gulf Leisure
Finland
..........................................................................................24701454
Marina Bander Al Rowdha............................................................................24737288
France
..........................................................................................24681800
Ocean Boats Diving and Sea Tours.........................................................92645889
Germany
............................................................................. 24832482/164
Rawabi Desert Adventures..............................................................................95201107
Greece
..........................................................................................24706648
CYCLING
Marina Bandar Al Rowdha............................................................................24737288
Holland
..........................................................................................24603706
Muscat Cycling Club ..........................................................................................99324594
Rawabi Desert Adventures..............................................................................95201107
India
..........................................................................................24684500
DIVING AND SNORKELLING
Water World Marine ..........................................................................................24737438
Iran
..........................................................................................24696944
Al Sawadi Beach Resort....................................................................................26795545
Iraq
..........................................................................................24604178
Blu Zone Watersports.........................................................................................24737293
Ireland
..........................................................................................24797083
Desert Adventures ..........................................................................................95201107
Al Lilac Beauty Centre.........................................................................................24483994
Italy
..........................................................................................24693727
Desert Thunder
..........................................................................................95555153
Al Nahda Resort and Spa, Barka..............................................................26883710
Japan
..........................................................................................24601028
Dimaniyat Diving
..........................................................................................99311350
Ayana Spa
................................................................................................24693435
Jordan
..........................................................................................24692760
Global Scuba
..........................................................................................99317518
Korea
..........................................................................................24691490
Gulf Leisure
..........................................................................................24693561
Beauty Centre
................................................................................................24697585
Kuwait
..........................................................................................24699627
Musandam Extra Divers....................................................................................99877957
Beauty Today
................................................................................................24568991
Lebanon
..........................................................................................24695844
Muscat Divers
Malaysia
..........................................................................................24698643
Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre.........................24485663, 99239658
Mexico
..........................................................................................24561977
Ocean Boats Diving and Sea Tours.........................................................92645889
Emirates Medical Centre...................................................................................24604540
Morocco
..........................................................................................24696152
Oman Dive Centre ..........................................................................................99379031
Essence Spa
Mozambique
..........................................................................................24594207
Sub Aqua Dive Centre Salalah.....................................................................92471073
Europe Beauty Centre & Health Club - CBD.....................................24797813
Netherlands
..........................................................................................24603719
GOLF
Europe Beauty Centre and Spa - Wadi Kabir.................................24815805
New Zealand
..........................................................................24794932/5726
Ghala Wentworth
Norway
..........................................................................................24603706
Al Maha Golf Club ..........................................................................................24522177
Pakistan
..........................................................................................24603439
GAME FISHING
Palestine
..........................................................................................24601312
Grand Hyatt Muscat ..........................................................................................24641234
Philippines
..........................................................................................24605140
Gulf Leisure
Portugal
..........................................................................................24561400
Muscat Game Fishing Club.............................................................................99322779
Qatar
..........................................................................................24691153
HIKING
Russia
..........................................................................................24602894
Desert Thunder
..........................................................................................95555153
Kottakal Arya Vaidya Sala...............................................................................24701555
Rwanda
..........................................................................................24487978
Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre.....................................................24485663
Manal Beautician ................................................................................................24479655
Saudi Arabia
..........................................................................................24601744
Rawabi Desert Adventures..............................................................................95201107
Muscat Beauty Salon..........................................................................................24562541
Somalia
..........................................................................................24697977
HORSE RIDING
Muscat Slimming Centre...................................................................................24565687
South Africa
..........................................................................................24694791
Al Sawadi Beach Resort....................................................................................26795545
Nadia Beauty Salon.............................................................................................24689777
Spain
..........................................................................................24691101
Al Sawahil Horse Riding...................................................................................95177557
Nails Spa
Sri Lanka
..........................................................................................24697841
Desert Thunder
Sudan
..........................................................................................24697875
Qurum Equestrian School.................................................................................99832199
Syria
..........................................................................................24697904
ICE SKATING
Sweden
..........................................................................................24708693
Ice Skating Centre ..........................................................................................24489492
Switzerland
..........................................................................................24568202
KAYAKING
Taiwan
..........................................................................................24605695
Al Sawadi Beach Resort....................................................................................26795545
Tips and Toes Nails Spa...................................................................................24603969
Tanzania
..........................................................................................24601174
Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre.....................................................24485663
The Spa Bar for Men..........................................................................................24698681
Thailand
..........................................................................................24602684
Rob Gardner
Touch & Glow Beauty.........................................................................................24791979
Tunisia
..........................................................................................24603486
Oman Dive Centre ..........................................................................................24824240
..........................................................................................24600815
..........................................................................................99556430
SPORTS
EMBASSIES
MOTOR SPORTS
Algeria
..........................................................................................99239658
Castaways Sailing Club..........................................................35086284, 24594613 ..........................................................................................95555153 ..........................................................................................99819005
..........................................................................................24591248
..........................................................................................24693561
..........................................................................................95555153
..........................................................................................99239658
..........................................................................................35555153
SPORT FISHING Grand Hyatt Boathouse.....................................................................................24641234 Gulf Leisure
..........................................................................................99819006
Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre.....................................................24485663 Oman Dive Centre ..........................................................................................24824240
Chi Spa, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa.................24776666 Daksha’s Salon ................................................................................................24562596
Grand Spa
................................................................................................24603225
................................................................................................24695766
Grand Spa (Bareeq Al Shatti)........................................................................95588880 Hana’s Slimming & Skincare........................................................................24697270 Holistic Skin & Hair Care...................................................................................24601134 Hollywood Beauty Centre.................................................................................24568292 Kaya Skin Clinic ................................................................................24601700/4300
................................................................................................24699440
Raz Hair and Beauty Salon...........................................................................24692219 Signature
................................................................................................24490282
Sri Sri Ayurveda Clinic..............................................................24480874, 92800793 The Chedi, The Spa...............................................................................................24524400
VLCC
................................................................................................24695157
BEAUTY
..........................................................................................99355671
Desert Thunder
L E V
A R T
Z I U
Q
1
2
In which continent is Nepal located?
Which is the largest country in South America?
a) Asia b)Europe c)Africa
3
a) Argentina b) Brazil c) Colombia
What is the official language of China? a) Mandarin b) Chinese c) English
4
What is the currency of Vietnam?
The Euro tunnel links which two countries?
a) Yen b) Dollar c) Dong
5
Win!
a) France and UK b) France and Germany c) UK and Germany
A DVD PLAYER
Answers for the last issue quiz are: 1. Arctic Ocean 2. The island of Hawaii (10,414 km2) 3. Germany 4. Egypt 5. Australia 6. Emirates Park Towers 7. Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus Mountains of Russia (5,642 metres above sea level) 8. China 9. Greece 10. Leningrad
Get a chance to win a SAMSUNG DVD player. Send in your answers before Feb 20 to bonvoyage@deenarmedia.com or fax to +968 24693569 Last month’s winner (Padi Diving Licence): Barry Allen
Note: Judges’ decision will be final. Correspondence after the entry deadline will not be entertained. Incomplete or illegible entries will be disqualified. Winner must provide valid ID to claim prize. Allow up to two weeks to process.