FACT Bahrain May 2013

THE SUMMER TRAVEL FEATURE MAY 2013 | VOL 6 | ISSUE 9 | BD1 | SR10

OUR PICK OF THE HOTTEST HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

PETR KRAUS AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE RED BULL TRIALS BIKER

FACT AT THE FORMULA ONE A PICTURE DIARY...

MARYAM TOORANI...

DRAWING BAHRAIN THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN BAHRAIN FACT BAHRAIN MAY

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Content

NOTEWORTHY

As the blistering months approach, we bring you our round-up of all the hottest holiday destinations to visit this summer, from America to Asia!

ART 42. The RE exhibition

A stunning arts display with a theme of regeneration...

44. Minimalist Approach

Our cover story this month features the work of illustrator Maryam Toorani.

Ali Driver takes on the new limousine from Audi.

FASHION 66. Funky & Fashionable

20 Petr Kraus in Bahrain!

We find out about Alaa Balkhy, and her fashion brand Fyunka.

Legendary Red Bull trial biker Petr Kraus shot a video in Bahrain last month, and we got an exclusive interview!

68. Travel Fashion

24 FACT at the Races!

Looking good on your hols has never been so easy...

A diary of what we got up to over the F1 weekend...

FACT Magazine M.E.

FACT M.E. - BAHRAIN EDITION

THE SUMMER TRAVEL FEATURE MAY 2013 | VOL 6 | ISSUE 9 | BD1 | SR10

Picture Credit Maryam Toorani

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Director Omar Shaheen

OUR PICK OF THE HOTTEST HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

Chief Operating Officer Rami Khalil

PETR KRAUS

MAY 2013

Terms and conditions apply.

56. Audi A8L

Next month we see season three of what is now one of the biggest scouting events for young footballing talent in the country!

ited Soccer Schools 2013

VIVA United

Find out in our review why the new Nokia is the perfect phone to take on holiday...

The VIVA Man U Soccer School!

gends played

Schools registered in our power-packed tournament will face-off in matches judged by official Man United coaches, who will select the 22 bright stars to fly to Manchester in an all-expenses paid trip to learn the secrets of professional football from the club that gave he world the likes of Bobby Charlton and Denis Law.

TECHNOLOGY 52. Nokia Lumia 920

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Manchester United

t’s that time of the year again when young footballers between the ages of 13-15 will score their dream opportunity to live, train and play the United way at the egendary Manchester United Soccer Schools.

CULTURE 30. The Travel Feature

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE RED BULL TRIALS BIKER

ISSUE 69

Editor-in-Chief Tony Sidgwick (editor@factlive.com) Deputy Editor Zara de Haldevang Fashion Writer Nefeli Christofides Contributors Christal Dennis Craig Heslop

FACT AT THE FORMULA ONE A PICTURE DIARY...

MARYAM TOORANI...

DRAWING BAHRAIN THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN BAHRAIN

Bahrain Edition

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MAY 2013

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Volume 6, Issue 9

Creative Director Paula Leal Designer Rashed Bindaina Photography Rashed Bindaina Regional Head of Sales Laura Alvarez ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 1721 6099 E-mail: laura@factlive.com PRINTED BY Union Press

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher.

All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions.

FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef.

Ministry of Information Subject Registration Number: CFB779

www.fact-magazine.com Scan the QR Code with your smartphone to log on to our new website, where you can get all the latest updates on Bahrain, the magazine and the team...

4/28/13 10:04 AM

FACT BAHRAIN MAY

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The editor

Things to Look Forward To… Tony Sidgwick Editor-in-Chief

tony@factlive.com

A

s we wrap up another epic F1 month, with all the fun and festivities that it entailed, I can’t help but settle into a bit of a funk, something akin to the low feeling you get after Christmas and New Year’s Eve – let’s call it post-F1 blues.

It helps a little when I look back at the pictures of all the fun we had over the F1 weekend, which you can find in our F1 picture diary on page 24, and remember all the racing action, the concerts and the parties, but then I remember it’s all over and feel down again.

It’s because I can’t help but feel that things are just going to slow down now until after the summer, and there’s nothing to look forward to until the end of the year. This is, of course, complete rubbish – there’s PLENTY going on, before, during AND after the summer.

So what I’m going to do now to cheer myself (and anyone else I happen to have depressed with my miserable ramblings) up, is take a look at what we’ve got coming up in the immediate future.

Well, for starters, we’ve got the summer holidays, as I know most of you will be jetting off to milder climes during the summer months. And for those of you who haven’t begun to plan them yet, we’ve brought you our annual summer travel feature, giving you our round-up of the hottest (or coolest, depending on your preference) holiday destinations this year, on page 30.

And we’re firm believers that laughter is the best medicine for the blues. Thankfully the Chuckle Club is still going strong, bringing two nights of hilarity to Bahrain on a monthly basis. Last month’s acts had us in stitches, and we really look forward to seeing what’s in store for May! See page 16 for more.

And we’ve only got two more months of bearable weather to look forward to as well, so stop moping and get out there and enjoy it while you still can!

Pools, beaches, boating, it’s all waiting for you. Yalla!

See you on the water…

News from the FACT Penthouse We got an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at the shoot of Red Bull’s Peter Kraus’s new video in Bahrain, as well as an exclusive interview, last month. Check out page 20 for the details... We had a fantastic time at the Gulf Air Bahrain F1 GP last month, with pit walks, launch events and great concerts. Check out page 24 for a diary of all the action... We successfully staged our first-ever Focus Group sessions at Block 338 restaurant last month, inviting 20 readers to come and give us their valued feedback about the magazines, and it was a resounding success. A BIG thank you to all who took part!

Image of the Month

To us, this image of Petr Kraus hanging out with some Bahrainis at a fisherman hut in Muharraq pretty much sums up the warmth and friendliness of Bahrain...

My favourite story this issue FACT at the races!

Being big F1 fans, the Gulf Air Bahrain F1 GP was the most fun we’ve had all year, and this year was special because of the unique events we got to experience over 4

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the weekend. We took plenty of photos, and bring you our picture diary of all the action on page 24.

Not that we’re trying to make you jealous or anything...

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NOTEWORTHY

The Manchester United Soccer School Returns!

VIVA’s partnership with Manchester United brings yet more excitement to Bahrain, as the third annual football training camp for youngsters takes place over the next two months! And THEN there’s the Manchester United Membership Card...

L

ast year, they made a dream come true for a squad of lucky young players, who were chosen through a selection process to travel to the Manchester United Soccer School in the UK. This year, once again they’re hosting what is now one of the largest football scouting programmes for talented young players in Bahrain. The community-driven initiative will give 22 promising boys and girls within the age group of 13-15 years old the opportunity to attend the week-long training camp in Manchester, England.

Schools across Bahrain have until 6

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May 4 to nominate and register their best teams at the VIVA Manchester United zone in Bahrain City Centre mall, and compete in a nation-wide tournament that will see a squad of talented boys and girls being selected.

The exciting soccer programme will give school children in Bahrain the opportunity to show off their footballing prowess through a series of selection criteria, including an inter-school tournament which will be overseen by renowned coaches from the Manchester United Soccer School from May 17 to 18, 2013.

The 22 top players picked from

the football try-outs will go on to win a week of expert football training sponsored by VIVA Bahrain from June 30 to July 6, 2013 on the Manchester United Soccer School grounds in the UK. This is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring young footballers to improve their skills, learn from the best in the field, and have what will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable experiences of their life!

Will any of Bahrain’s future World Cup winning team be part of the squad this year? n GO: To find out more, log on to www.viva.com.bh.

NOTEWORTHY

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“After the alarms went off, all staff left the building and thankfully the elevators were working,” said a KFH employee, who obviously isn’t quite up to speed on emergency evacuation procedures, after the second set of aftershocks were felt from the 7.8 quake in Iran.

THIS MONTH... DON’T FORGET

The Man U Membership Card

The benefits of VIVA’s partnership with Old Trafford don’t just extend to youngsters either. This year, VIVA launched the Manchester United Membership Card, which comes bundled with a free subscription to the Manchester United SMS service, the official members magazine, a Manchester United broadband USB dongle from VIVA, and anything else they decide to throw your way throughout the year.

However, the most exciting part is yet to come…

For four lucky Manchester United fans, the experience of a lifetime is up for grabs. Four members will be chosen at random to travel to Manchester, and fly with the team on their private jet to a European Championship game, stay with the team in their hotel, and spend time with them before and after the game.

On top of this, they get to have lunch with the Man U don himself, Sir Alex Ferguson, a man so accomplished in English football they knighted him!

Not everyone can be so lucky, though, which is why they’re also giving away a trip to Old Trafford for a Champions League game with a tour of the grounds for another thirty members.

Visit the website for more details.

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INTERNATIONAL FAMILY DAY Spread the love to your brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, grannies, grandads, dogs and even your pet fish.

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WORLD GOTH DAY Now you won’t need an excuse to wear all black. Goths, go ALL out this Wednesday - pile on the eyeliner, eyeshadow and dark lipstick.

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GEEK PRIDE DAY Gamers, online experts, techies and nerds - this day is dedicated to all of you. Pull out your nerdiest glasses and even wear a USB around your neck.

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INTERNATIONAL NO SMOKING DAY For all you chainies out there, put the puffing sticks down today. Remember each cigarette takes away four minutes of your life. Save your cash and your lungs... even just for one day this weekend.

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Zara’s RANT of the Month

“Is social media making us all less social?”

The lost art of a plain old conversation…

Don’t get me wrong; social media has transformed the world in more ways than we can think of. What I struggle to decide is, just how much should we let it dominate our lives? And where do you draw the boundaries?

Twitter, most probably a boring tweet from one of their two followers.

One of them even updated their status that they were there with me as my phone made that awful ‘de de de ding’ noise to inform me. Hello… I know I’m here with you BECAUSE IM SAT IN FRONT OF YOU (capitals for screaming btw).

When I was in my teens, the art of writing a letter was treasured. Receiving one brought genuine tears to my eyes. Aged 13, I had my first ever Nokia 3310. Text messages, top-up credit and endless phone calls. Life was cracking.

And that’s the other thing: wtf has happnd 2 ppl’s spelling? I don’t know whether people think everything is related to the amount of Twitter characters allowed, but all these abbreviations do my nut in.

Then it all changed.

I have had tonnes of phones and spent hundreds of dinars on pointless conversations but the one thing I HATE, more than anything, is what phones have turned us into: Anti-social individuals.

The other day, I arranged to spend time with friends, some who I had not seen for a while (yes I know it doesn’t tend to happen in this tiny country). We got together for drinks, which we had planned on Facebook, through our phones. Not even two minutes in, one of them had picked up their phone to check their

Note to self: make next month’s

column a happy one...

Love It Surge in local food

THE SCOPE

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Bahraini food is supposedly staging a huge comeback, where there has been a series of new cafes which all offer delicious, homemade and traditional meals. While we are far from against the idea of international flavour on the island, it is fantastic to see that people are sticking to their roots.

Feel free to drop off some machboos and mathrooba at the FACT office.

I use SM daily at work. It is useful, advancing and has created so many avenues for us. But, if you want to meet up for a drink, you may as well catch me over Skype, Facetime or WhatsApp with a bottle to myself cheers-ing you through the screen. At least then I won’t have to sit through watching the world and his wife updating their statuses, checking in at the gym (WHO CARES), tweeting how hungry they are or putting up their nan’s best dish on Instagram.

L8trs.

Hate It R.I.P to Margaret Thatcher

Although news from across the pond, we wanted to pay our respects to a woman of huge magnitude. Baroness Margaret Thatcher died on April 8, following several years of poor health. Our thoughts are with her family and hope her legacy lives on.

Can’t Believe It Man found in freezer

An Asian worker was found dead inside a freezer at a labour camp in Tubli last month. Although “there were no indications of a struggle”, we are struggling to realise how he ended up in there… apparently he was looking for some cold air – if this is happening now, what on earth will happen in the summer!

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Social Media.

@

FACT rounds up the best of our social media news, from tweets to funny finds... this is dedicated to our followers, friends, instagrammers & fellow online geeks...

THIS MONTH IN BAHRAIN

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Alexandra Novik

the number of downloads of our FACT Bahrain app so far...

Rami Salame Two parallel lines walk into a bar.

They realise they’re not supposed to meet in public, so they leave.

Eman Nooruddin I know there was something really important for me to do today! I just can’t remember what it is…

“Hello arabwheels friends, Isn’t it every guy’s dream?”

Find of the month

Tom Jankowski Do I have the attention span to watch the whole F1 gp today??? Should be a good experience but will I get bored after 6 laps???

Ahmed Abdullatif Better late than never, but never late is better

Louis Peitzman Listening to Lana Del Ray while cleaning the house. I was able to finish an entire room before she finished singing a word.

Alan Garner I’m painting a blue square in the backyward… so Google Earth thinks I have a pool.

Ammaro The calories you burn don’t count unless you brag to everyone about how hard you worked out.

Mahmood Al-Yousif What do people do when they feel an earthquake in Bahrain?

Take a moment to update their social media status…

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND MAYBE YOU’LL BE HERE NEXT MONTH! @FACTBahrain

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An entertaining preview of the following Nickelback concert, as found on Stumbleupon.com...

Nickelback idaho center

“You can spend $45 to go and see Nickelback this week.

Or you could buy 45 hammers from the dollar store, hang them from the ceiling at eye level and spend an evening banging the demons out of your head. That $45 would also buy you a lot of pickles, which have more fans on Facebook than the band. It would also buy you an introduction to rock guitar video course that would allow you to surpass the band’s skill level in five hours or less. $45 is also enough to see Men In Black III five times, buy a dozen Big Macs, do 10 loads of laundry or so many other experiences as banal and meaningless as seeing Nickelback but that come without having to actually hear Nickelback. But if you must, the band is playing at 6pm.”

Where’s Rashed?

Find our office monkey hidden somewhere in this issue and win a free subscription! Email your answers to editor@ factlive.com by May 16.

Look carefully, he could be anywhere!

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NOTEWORTHY

A Sporting Hero

Ali Hassan MMA is one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

FACT talks to Ali Hassan, the first Bahrain pro MMA fighter.

When did you start growing an interest in MMA?

Just over three-and-a-half years ago. It started as I kind of love violence… in a good way of course!

Was there anyone who particularly inspired you?

I was a big fan of UFC, and one day I just decided ‘let me do this’!

What stages did you go through?

I did Thai boxing for a few months, then went on to do Jiu Jitsu. I find it more interesting, endless and intense. Every time I do it, I have to study… it’s like being a doctor.

How physically demanding is it?

I work in a gym, so I am used to working out. However, I train twice a day, normally for four hours.

Out of all the martial arts, which is your favourite?

Jiu Jitsu. I did my first fight last year when I was 22 and I won it in the first round. So far I have fought about 7 or 8 Jiu Jitsu fights and one MMA. MMA is the quickest growing sport in the world, how has it changed in Bahrain?

In the last couple of years, more people have started to watch UFC and ultimately started wearing the 14

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Tap Out t-shirts! There are also a number of schools that have opened up, which has encouraged more people to find out what it is about.

What keeps you going?

Winning! I am the first man from Bahrain to achieve something like this… it makes me feel very proud.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

At the top of the Jiu Jitsu sport. I see myself as a world champion, and that is how I would like to be remembered.

What quotation do you live by?

‘Do or Die’.

n

GO: Ali Hassan recently took part in the WPJJC in Abu Dhabi, with 15 other people. He trains at Reza’s Martial Arts Center – more information can be found out about the classes on 1769 4646.

Ali Hassan - lives by the motto “Do or Die”

NOTEWORTHY

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NOTEWORTHY. Stories

The HilarityContinues Another month, another great line-up! After an evening of outright hilarity last month, yet another Chuckle Club hits Bahrain. FACT catches up with two of the three comedians headlining the events this month…

Mark Smith

Katherine Ryan

Who inspired your comedy career?

MS: My favourites were Tommy Cooper and Steve Martin. I didn’t think comedy was even an option, though, until my best friend told me he was starting to do it. So I suppose my friend Jonny inspired me to do it. THANKS JONNY! Worst heckle?

MS. I did a gig where a man on the front row had an amputated arm. He described the gig as the worst thing that had ever happened to him.

When did you start being funny?

KR. Funny is obviously subjective. So my mother always thought I was funny. One of my sisters agreed. I think my dad and other sister were on the fence about it. I was never the ‘class clown’ growing up, but learned the power of humour pretty early. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love the feeling of making someone else laugh.

How tough was it to break into the scene?

Greatest comedian?

KR. Not very tough honestly. I’ve been lucky.

Although I wouldn’t call it ‘easy’ as it takes years and years, but I’m fine with toughness.

What excites most about coming to Bahrain?

KR. ‘Hello, I’m a poker player and I’d love to ride you for sport’. It wasn’t a line so much as a flat out proposition.

MS. For me the best is Steve Martin: A brilliant stand up who can do everything. He is an excellent actor AND he can play the banjo!

MS. As a Brit I would have to say I’m looking forward to the weather. Plus the food. I’m just excited about walking around the place during the day and trying to make people laugh at night.

Worst chat up line?

Best joke?

KR. One Direction.

ALSO PERFORMING: Carl Donnelly Described as a “gripping, unmissable stand-up”, Carl has been on Mock the Week, Russell Howard’s Good News, Dave’s One Night Stand and Stand Up For The Week. His conversational style and silly sense of humour has established himself as one of the most exciting young comedians around. With a host of awards, this man is a perfect finishing touch to the tripod.

GO: For tickets, call 3666 3509 or go to Virgin in BCC. May 8 – Brit Club, May 9 – Regency.

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NOTEWORTHY

Artist in Residence Al Riwaq Art Space has been something of a pillar in the art scene here in Bahrain over the course of the year. With Alwan 338 and numerous exhibitions, the gallery will this month be putting on another display of work, this time from Berlin-based Indonesian artist Yudi Noor.

During his month-long residency at Al Riwaq in April, the artist is continuing his research, where he questions the ambition of modernism and dramatic sense of nature through its relation to architecture.

For this specific exhibition, Yudi is concentrating on installation pieces

Art of Sita

harking to the histories of montage and assemblage, utilising a layering process of collected imagery and detailed elements using photographs and materials the public have resourced.

The Goethe Institute has supported the artist’s residency and, although Yudi’s work recently went on display at the end of last month, you will have the chance to catch it until May 28. Make sure you show your support by coming down to the bustling scene that is Block 338.

Another exhibition worth checking out is ‘Double Dimensions’. A joint showcase from British-born Meriel Cooper-Wallace and Sita Dotinga, from Holland, will open its doors on May 10 from 2pm-7pm. You can also go and see their work on the following Saturday from 10am-6pm.

Although both artists have very separate styles in painting, each of their pieces allude to the Bahraini influences they have enjoyed during their time here. Both have lived and worked with each other for over eight years, so enjoy a very strong bond.

GO: To find out more information, please call Al Riwaq Art Space on 1771 7441. You can also check out the website on wwwalriwaqartspace.com

GO: To find out more, call Sita on 3916 3879. The exhibition will take place in Villa 2, Venice Garden, Avenue 77 (opposite the camel farm on Janabiya Highway.)

1:1 Architecture and Design

La Fontaine Art Centre has an interesting exhibition currently taking place.

Although also opening in the latter of last month, the most recent display of work, entitled ‘1:1: Architecture and Design’, is one of the closing events from the Spring of Culture.

This particular event aims to capture the inner beauty of elements around us.

It presents the works of two architects, Thomas Modeen from Finland, a professor in MFA Design in Qatar, and Maysam 18

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Alnasser from Bahrain, the founder of 1:1 Architecture and Design. Thomas will primarily concentrate on black and white images of Manama, where he will highlight the beauty of everyday life. Maysam will participate with pieces that address the continuous conversation between traditional and contemporary, organic and defined, examining the concept of layering and roots.

GO: To find out more, email info@1-1architecure.com or call 1753 5121.

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NOTEWORTHY

CZEcH THIS OUt! Petr Kraus is the world-famous trial biker from the Czech

Republic who years ago earned himself the role of Red Bull Brand Ambassador for his super-extreme riding style.

Last month he came to Bahrain to shoot a stunning

Red Bull Media House video which can now be seen online, and FACT scored an exclusive interview with the man himself…

How did you get into trial biking?

I’ve enjoyed riding anything on two wheels since I was four years old. Then I got to see a boy who lifted his back wheel on his trials bike and made a small move on his front wheel. I was totally stoked that something like that is actually possible, and since then I tried to do the same. I became friends with that guy, and he is still my best friend even today...

Why do you think you have been so successful from such an early age?

I grew up quickly and was ahead physically compared to some of the other kids and loved being out there everyday, running around, skiing, playing tennis, hockey, soccer. I tried so many sports and I just loved to move.

Physical movement and coordination and trying new things was my way.

The second main reason was the consciousness in my very young age to work hard to be a professional sportsman, and the will to forget everything ordinary around me and focus on one way of life at the age of 15.

How did you come to be a Red Bull brand ambassador?

It was after winning the World Championships the first time and 20

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realising the fact that my sport is way too extreme and will never be placed into the Olympic Games, and that I wasn’t famous enough in the US to become part of the X Games.

I decided to go extreme and film my own video about extreme biking. We went to film part of this movie in Sao Paulo in Brazil and Red Bull was one of our small co-sponsors known only in Austria. This project was organized

by Gerald Salmina, a young and cool film-maker just starting his carrier. I was lucky to become part of it and did my crazy ride on a 10cm wide surface on the top of a 28-floor skyscraper. This was a sick move from me without any planning and safety back up. After Red Bull had seen me as a 19 year-old kid from eastern Europe going for it in a big way they decided to support me.

“Power and mind control is involved in trials in the maximum way and it perfectly fits with their product”

Power and mind control is involved in trials in the maximum way and it perfectly fits with their product. After that I did thousands of live shows, interviews in magazines and on radio and TV, filmed many interesting filming projects around the world.

What’s it like being a Red Bull brand ambassador?

Travelling a lot, meeting lots of interesting people from different sports and culture scenes. Spending way too much time on planes and airports but seeing the most interesting places on the globe and enjoying the best events and parties. I wouldn’t change my life from how it is now.

To you, what is the strangest, coolest or most memorable place you’ve shot a trial biking video?

Every place is different, I love many places like South Africa, Latin American countries like Brazil, Argentina, Central America like Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Mexico, and also I love Japan, and Europe of course. One of the most interesting projects was filming one month in Greenland last year, travelling through so many small settlements of 85 people in the middle u

We think it’s safe to say that this is the first time anybody has seen anyone do this on a dhow in Bahrain... ever.

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NOTEWORTHY

of nowhere for example, seeing how people can live, survive by actually only hunting their food in three months getting ready for nine months winter time and seeing their happy faces!

That’s something that every one of us should see.

What were your perceptions of Bahrain before coming here?

I went to UAE before a couple of times, and Qatar, and did shows at the Red Bull launch in Saudi Arabia, so I slightly knew what to expect. The shock is always to get used to the temperature, coming from snowboarding in -10 degrees Celsius overnight spending on plains to +28 straight to riding my bike and filming. That’s something you can never train your body for.

Alas, Petr’s quest to find a red bull-branded shisha pipe in the souq would remain unfulfilled...

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NOTEWORTHY

YoUR LIMItS ARE WAy BEyoND yoUR IMAGINAtIoN How did you find Bahrain? Did your experience match your perceptions?

I loved the contrast of the history and modern. The reactions to my sport were very warm and positive, people seem to enjoy the action of extreme sports. The Ministry of Culture was helping us a lot, the RB team and filming crew was super professional. I must say it was a pleasure to spend this busy week over here.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve taken from all your experience as an athlete and trial bike rider?

Your limits are way beyond your imagination, in sports and your life as well. If you have an obstacle ahead just find your own way to get over it. You have to believe it and work on it hard and long. It’s a long journey but if you really wish to achieve it, you will! Only the painful and long-term things in life are the best and are worth it! n

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NOTEWORTHY

F1 Fun: FACT

Jenson Button’s 2010 F1 car, the MP4-25.

at the Races!

Yet another successful Bahrain F1 Grand Prix was wrapped up last month, with a surprising result, and plenty of action both on and off the track. Read on for a summary of what FACT got up to…

Nico Rosberg signs the new Mercedes A Class at Bushido...

Thursday Though we didn’t actually spend any time at the track on Thursday, we had a nice introduction to the weekend by way of several car launches that took place.

It all started off with the new McLaren Automotive showroom launch in the morning, where we got up close and personal with Jenson Button’s actual 2010 F1 car, the MP4-25, in which he won the Chinese and Australian Grand Prix.

Then, in the evening, it was the launch of the new Mercedes A-Class, a glam event held at Bushido and attended by none other than Nico Rosberg, who signed one of the cars on display, which is now up for sale!

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Following that, it was off to the Ritz-Carlton for a spectacular Ferrari event showcasing the new LaFerrari (which unfortunately couldn’t be there in the flesh, as there is only one working prototype in the world and it was on its way to China for the Shanghai Motorshow).

This was the event to be at, as included in the assembled VIPs was none other than F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who we were fortunate enough to meet briefly (see pic on the left of editor-in-chief and Bernie), and Ferrari F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa!

Quite a night, and a fantastic warm up for the weekend to come…

FACT meets the man himself - the don of F1, Bernie Ecclestone!

NOTEWORTHY

Using a Porsche as a canvas for art - a winning concept!

Friday It was the F1 practice sessions on Friday, but a special treat was in store for FACT today, as we were invited to an exclusive F1 experience courtesy of McLaren, where we were treated to a pit lane walk and a tour of the McLaren garage and team building. During the tour, we met McLaren driver Sergio Perez (see pic on the below right of Tony and Serg!), who was happy to pose for some photos and have a chat.

We then retired to the Mumtalakat lounge in the Paddock Club for a delicious lunch while we watched the F1 practice sessions, which were dominated by Lotus’s Kimi Raikkonen when the final times had been posted, which was some indication of things to come.

After all the adrenaline-fuelled excitement, it was off to the glamorous Hed Kandi party, which was sponsored by FACT Bahrain, so the whole team enjoyed the VIP treatment whilst enjoying the sophisticated beats of Hed Kandi’s resident DJ Sarah Louise! u

FACT meets McLaren driver Sergio Perez.

Fernando Alonso talks to the press...

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NOTEWORTHY

The Ferrari F1 car, errr... hovering...

Saturday On Saturday, it was all business, as we headed down to the F1 circuit for the all-important F1 qualifying sessions that would decide who takes what place on the grid for Sunday’s race.

Nico Rosberg grabbed Mercedes GP’s second back-to-back pole since 1955, after Hamilton took pole in the previous Chinese Grand Prix.

This was a surprise result, as noone expected the Mercedes to be the fastest given the performance of the other cars during the practice sessions.

The final results were as follows: 26

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The awesome

Rosberg and Vettel on the front row, with the two Ferraris on the second, and in another surprise, the two Force India cars of Sutil and Di Resta on the third, which was a great result for them. Behind them, Webber and Raikkonen, and the two McLarens on the fifth row.

Hamilton was later demoted to ninth place on the grid when he was forced to make a gearbox change.

Saturday night was a night for rest, as we had another big day on Sunday, as well as the glamorous FTV F1 After Party at Coral Bay on Sunday night!

Mercedes SLS AMG F1 Safety Car...

NOTEWORTHY

SUNday Today was the day that everything has been building up to, and it was worthy of all the hype. The Bahrain F1 GP was chock-full of close action, wheel-to-wheel racing, with plenty of overtaking, controversy and obligatory drama.

Perhaps one of the most dramatic battles was that between the two McLaren team-mates, with Perez giving one of his most aggressive drives to date, much to the fury of Button, in a contest that even saw them make contact.

It wasn’t until several days after that the drivers made peace!

However, it was the top three that proved to be the most interesting.

Predictably, Vettel had a clear lead by the last quarter of the race, but then Raikkonen slotted in behind him to hold a firm second place, with Paul Di Resta looking to take a shock podium place in third.

However, much to our disbelief, we then saw Romain Grosjean, the other Lotus driver, in fourth place and steadily closing in.

Could it be…?

Sure enough, Grosjean caught up with Di Resta and overtook, to complete exactly the same podium as Bahrain’s race in 2012!

This is only the third time in F1’s history that there has been a repeat podium in consecutive years.

After a brilliant race, it was back to the vending area to catch the fantastic post-race concert featuring Ne-Yo and Calvin Harris, both of whom played to a massive audience who were going wild for both world-class performers.

Then it was off to the FTV After Party at Coral Bay, where a rather exhausted team chilled to the beats of Sky Bar Beirut’s DJ Jojo, and bid farewell to yet another fantastic Gulf Air Bahrain F1 GP. It’s always a bittersweet moment when we say adios to the F1 for another season. But now we’re looking forward to Abu Dhabi’s! n

A very happy Sebastian Vettel takes first place in Bahrain for the second year in a row!

Calvin Harris rocks a huge crowd in the post race concert at the BIC!

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We are now an App! With all the latest issues at your fingertips, Enter the world of FACT Whenever and Wherever you are!

FACT BAHRAIN MAY www.fact-magazine.com 28

Please note: the fact app is available for iPad and will soon be available on other platforms

CULTURE.

GETTING UNDER Bahrain’S SKIN THIS MONTH

There’s a beautiful, colourful and vibrant world out there waiting to be discovered, so don’t waste your holiday!

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CULTURE

Leaving on a jet plane...

It's that time of year again when everyone's looking forward to the blistering summer months with dread, and planning their escape to milder climes around the world. Therefore, FACT brings you our selection of some of the hottest destinations to visit this year 30

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CULTURE

BEIRUT, Lebanon For those who prefer a city atmosphere for their summer awakening, Beirut supplies all the nightlife and cultural fascination for a summer traveller.

Coined “the city that would not die,” the city’s history and energetic air invokes discovery. Walking down the streets of Beirut is to see an exhibit of war torn buildings mixed with vibrant clubs, contemporary museums and all the beautiful tastes of Lebanese and Armenian cuisine.

Though Lebanon’s years of conflict reach as far back as the 1940s, the Six Day War in 1967 is deeply steeped in the county’s present-day cultural scene – the subject is a common theme with Lebanese musicians and artists.

Damaged buildings from the war sitting next to posh contemporary galleries is what makes Beirut such a rare treasure.

Beirut’s nightlife is also a famed feature, if you can keep up with it! It’s easy to leave your hotel to explore the nightlife, and wind up

leaving B018 (a war bunker-themed night club) at six in the morning!

If you want an early night out accompanied by a nice selection of drinks, head to Gemmayzeh in the historic district. The street is lined with bars, restaurants and plenty of Lebanese youth ready to chat and have a good time.

For daytime relaxation, stroll down to Parliament Square in the Central District. If you run into a massive clock in the middle of the street, you’ve arrived at Nejmeh Square. There you can find shisha pipes cased with watermelons and pineapples; it’s also great for people watching (the Lebanese ‘blonde’ scene is great there).

Parliament Square is walking distance to downtown high-end shopping, where you go from an Alexander McQueen boutique to the colourful Puma Store.

Just around the corner across the street from Costa Coffee lie broken Roman Columns in the middle of a fenced-off garden, called the Garden of Forgiveness. Amazing discovery only takes a few steps in Beirut. Whatever your tastes for city life, Beirut has it all, and much more. n

Stay

Le Royal Hotel

Rooms are designed with a modern flair and funky, cool furnishing. Most have breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Five restaurants and bars are in the hotel for your convenience.

Leisure Hills Complex- Dbayeh Beirut- Lebanon www.leroyalbeirut.com reservation@leroyalbeirut.com Tel: +961 4 555 030 / 032 / 034 Fax: +961 4 555 031

Shop

Hamra Street, close by American University of Beirut, is cloistered with cafes, shops and hotels on this narrow stretch of road.

Downtown Beirut - Once bombed to shatters, Downtown Beirut is now a colossal shopping centre, elegantly designed to perfection.

Party

B018 – Bomb shelter turned nightclub, B018 pumps up the jams all night long and even beyond dawn.

White – An elegant rooftop bar that is well-established as one of Beirut’s most popular nightspots.

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CULTURE

Paphos,cyprus

For those looking for the romance of summer and the natural beauty of the Mediterranean, indulge in Cyprus. With cloudless blue skies and fresh coastal beaches, Cyprus is an islandseeker’s dream.

Though the temperatures are at their peak in the summer (average 22 C), dipping into the azure blue sea is an easy, fun way to cool off. Paphos’s many coastal rocks are used as jumping points for swimmers and a clever way to experience the white and blue scenery.

After a day relaxing at the beach or taking part in water sports, visitors can get a history lesson through Paphos’s archaeology. Near old Paphos is the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and beauty. Greeks say it’s where she “rose from the sea”, and it was the most famous places to worship 32

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Stay

Elysium Hotel provides a world-

class spa and the rooms are decorated in a simple Cyprus fashion. Warm and tranquil atmosphere, imagine a no-frill lodge with a balcony that looks over the crystal blue sea and palm trees. You’re also be staying next door to the ancient Tombs of the Kings.

Queen Verenikis Street Paphos, Cyprus T: +357 2684 4444, F: +357 2684 4333 info@elysium.com.cy

Eat

A.J. Village Restaurant – a cosy restaurant with a traditional environment promises to give you superb Mousakas.

Makarios Avenue 26, 4820 Platres, Troodos Tel: +357 25 422777

the goddess in the ancient world. Paphos is a historical inspiration for architectural sites dating from the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Remains of palaces, villas and theatres continue to give Paphos high historical value.

A day trip to the Troodos villages in the mountains welcomes a cooler climate with the lure of traditional cuisine. Cyprus Mezzeh, as any local will tell you, is a must, but don’t get discouraged if it takes a long time!

Some Mezzehs can include 20 – 30 dishes (and if you dine with a local they may “Siga, siga!” which means “Slowly, slowly!”) The Greeks know how good their food is and it’s meant to be indulged in, not rushed!

Mousaka is the signature summer dish – a potato and eggplant dish coated with a delicious cream and traditional sauce with minced meat.

The colourful beaches, fresh cuisine and Aphrodite await your visit. n

CULTURE

Agadir, morocco

Agadir is in the southern part of Morocco, and it’s where the Atlantic breeze ensures comfort while you suntan. With a ten-kilometre beach and developed coastal road, you can spend your days strolling along the sea front with its Palm-lined boulevards.

The town is clustered with fish stalls, displaying freshly caught sea life that can be quickly prepared in front of you, typically accompanied with salad and bread for a reasonable price.

With sun shining more than 300 days a year in Agadir, surfers from Europe typically flock to the town to take advantage the city’s rays and crystal blue seas. There are a number of surfing schools for beginners or those who want to

further hone their skills. Lessons can range from day to day or weekly full-board packages that include unlimited practice time with instructors at hand. With a variety of surf camps in the area, you can be sure to find a diverse group of surfers sharing the sea’s waves.

For a family dining experience, restaurants such as Rotisserie Nahda offer an alcohol-free, unfazed quaint neighbourhood vibe, where you can feed your palette with succulent lamb tagine and cous-cous under the starry night sky.

When it’s time to get away from the beach, Jardin de Olhao is one of Agadir’s most exquisite parks. The gravel paths and wooden walkways guide you to serene tropical gardens while passing berber-style décor. Agadir is a place to relax surrounded by beauty and be seen riding the waves. n

Stay

Sofitel Hotel Agadir Royal Bay Resort sits on a sandy, golden

beach with touches of Morroccan style fused with contemporary opulence. The resort offers oceanfront villas with private pools and exterior terraces. There’s even a healthy bar dedicated to fresh fruit cocktails and musical entertainment.

Bensergao 80007 Agadir, Morocco +212 528/820088 +212 528/820033 h5707@sofitel.com

Surfing

Moroccan Surf Adventures

With a variety of packages and laidback instructors, you’ll be sure to have a good time on the waves. Travel insurance is required to be enrolled in the surfing school. www.morocsurf.com +212 666283172 +212 528314874

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An international city with enchanting scenery, Glasgow attracts the traveller who wants everything. Packed with summer activities in the city and day trips to well-preserved historic towns like Edinburgh, there’s no limit of things to do.

Glasgow’s investment in cultural arts has paid off as a tourist attraction. The city has more than 20 major museums and galleries, most offering free admission.

Kelvinggrove Art Gallery and Museum is Scotland’s most popular attraction, bringing international artists and an increasing tourist population – all reasons why Lonely Planet ranked Glasgow as one of the world’s top 10 tourist destinations.

Glasgow’s overwhelming summer festival list seeks to please all interests – Glasgow Science Festival, Cinema in the Park, Bard in the Botanics, and the list goes on. There’s a reason for Glasgow’s summer itinerary.

After the economic decline from World War I, the city restructured itself with a post-war boom that lasted through the 1950s. Another stint in economic decline in the 60s and 70s due to overseas competition put Glasgow back in a slump. But then the city bounced back in force with its ‘Miles Better Campaign’ that rebranded the city as a culturally rich destination, securing large-scale projects like the Glasgow Science Centre, a number of cultural festivals and urban development projects.

Beyond the new cultural presence, Glasgow still preserves its historical atheistic. Though Glasgow streets aren’t adorned with an array of royal castles like its neighbour Edinburgh, you’re only about an hour’s drive or a shorter train ride from some of Scotland’s most extravagant castles.

Shakespeare mentioned Cawdor Castle in ”Macbeth,” securing it in literary history.

Once a barricade in the 1300s, it now showcases a 17th century interior with a detailed tapestry room with a four-poster bed, draped with thick red curtains and walls hung with Renaissance tapestries that illustrates the era’s aristocrat lifestyle.

Edinburgh Castle sits on an extinct volcano that overlooks the city of Edinburgh, near Glasgow, and holds 34

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Glasgow, Scotland Stay

Carlton George Hotel

Draped in Scottish plaid and situated at the heart of the city, Carlton George’s location is ideal for the first time traveller to Glasgow. The hotel’s Rooftop restaurant is a great start for the morning with a hearty Scottish breakfast – eggs, baked beans and the Scottish black pudding (a type of sausage made by cooking blood with a filler until it’s thick enough to congeal – it’s nicer than it sounds!). The eggs benedict is quite delightful as well.

Carlton George Hotel 44 West George Street +44 (0) 141 353 6373 info@george.carltonhotels.co.uk

Eat

Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery has the best fish in town. As one of the oldest, most-beloved restaurants in the city, Two Fat Ladies is a local favourite.

Its oak panelling, stained glass and marble bar brings elegance into a relaxed environment. It’s located in the City Centre and West End. 118A Blythswood Street in City Centre Glasgow, G2 4EG +44 (0) 141 847 0088 city@twofatladiesrestaurant.com

historical stories of secrets, betrayal and affairs. One guide described the “Barred window above the fireplace where King James IV spied on those gathered in the Great Hall.” It’s by far one of the most visited attractions in Scotland.

Besides being rich in royal history (David’s Tower, Mons Meg, Queen Anne Building St. Margaret’s Chapel), it’s a place where you can watch grown men re-enact period-era scenes in costume and waving weaponry. Once you’re back in the city, eat crayfish, apple and baby gem salad with Marie Rose dressing or Grilled seabass fillet with risotto Nero, fennel, confit lemon and crispy calamari at Red Onion Restaurant.

Cleverly, Glasgow knows it has too much going on in the summer, which is why you can find everything on this site for more guidance – www. seeglasgow.com n

CULTURE

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

If you want more bang for your buck, Iceland is the way to go.

Iceland’s warm, mild summers are prime for lounging in one of 170 hot springs, hiking the vastness of Landmannalaugar or situating yourself at the famed glacier lagoon.

Unfortunately for Iceland the economic recession hit the country’s currency, the Krona, pretty hard – almost a one-punch knockout. There are constant debates on whether Iceland should kill the Krona.

But Iceland’s unfortunate trails are a traveller’s blessing. The Bahraini Dinar can go a long way to secure you a VIP vacation status for a fraction of the price!

Most think of Viking warriors when Iceland is mentioned. In the 9th and 11th centuries Viking culture ruled the land.

Though Vikings were also craftsman and traders, the most memorable were the pirates and warriors who raided Western Europe in quest for land and settlement. An image of brawny lighthaired men in brown furry cloth and golden, pointy hats comes to mind.

If you’re lucky and get to visit Iceland this summer you will witness those images during the Viking Festival in Hafnarfjorour, where more than 100 Vikings get together for a June weekend of entertainment and activities – but no worries, piracy shouldn’t be on the itinerary. If anything, it’s perfect for watching a unique group of characters pass by during an outdoor lunch.

Iceland’s crowning glory is its natural environment. Year round, glacier tours show these natural wonders to new visitors. Tours such as The Golden Circle and Glacier Walk start with a boat tour, giving you panoramic views of aging, sculptured ice.

From there the tour leads you to the ancient Viking parliament, where your guide will give you some Viking tales of the landmark Þingvellir National Park. Then you’ll feel the stream from a hot spring and get splashed by one of Iceland’s iconic waterfalls. After the tour, gratify your hunger with some Icelandic skyr, a traditional thick yogurt and harðfiskur, dried fish with butter. n

Stay Known for its Art Deco style, Hotel Borg is simple, clean and homey (framed photos of Iceland’s boats and glaciers adorn the walls). Across the street is a park, usually with Icelanders laying out on the grass. It only takes a short walk to get to a line of restaurants, shops and boutiques.

Eat

Babalu

Its exterior orange walls and deep blue door illustrate this café’s quirky personality. Inside feels more like an artist friend’s living room than a café.

The crepes seal the deal in a customer’s return. If you want to feel at home and enjoy a strong Macchiato with a honey crepe to jet start your day, then this is the place to do it!

Skolavoroustigur 22a Reykjavik, Iceland www.babalu.is +354 552 2278

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CULTURE

Turkey is bustling with tourists in the summer months, and it certainly has many reasons why. A day’s exploration of the Princes’ Islands, having tea at the Topkapi Palace and rocking to the city’s chaotic and yet exciting nightlife keeps tourists on their feet.

Istanbul may not be the coolest as far as temperature is concerned, but it’s easy not to be bothered when you’re walking alongside the Bosphorus. The 20-mile long waterway connects the sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. Morning walks along the Bosphorus is a fresh, yet fishy wake up call. Touring down the port is also a great place to grab a freshly grilled sardine sandwich before getting on the metro to Sultanahmet, where you’re get your fill of museums, palaces and souvenir shops.

Once there, walk to Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, for its blue tiles that embellish the walls of its interior. A fusion of Byzantine elements and Islamic architecture, it’s considered a majestic splendour to behold.

The massive courtyard feels as large as the mosque itself, but it’s the interior that puts many in awe. More than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles engraved with a variety of tulip designs line the mosque’s interior. Features such as the heavy iron chain that hangs in the upper part of the court richly illustrates some of the mosque’s history.

A good tour guide will tell you that the sultan was the only one to enter the courtyard on horseback. The sultan had to lower his head under the chain to avoid getting hit, but it was also to ensure a sense of the ruler’s humility in the face of divinity.

A couple of blocks down the street, the Topkai Palace is where grandeur overwhelms the eyes and captures the heart. Bountiful with lush greenery, hundreds of posh, decorated rooms and a terrace café (madly expensive), the palace smacks of royalty. You can easily spend the rest of the afternoon searching through the artefacts and reading the history of each room. But if you’d rather 36

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Istanbul, turkey

Stay

Hotel Les Ottoman

On the banks of the Bosphorus, this gigantic hotel was once a pasha’s 18th century mansion. Reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire’s golden era, rooms are furnished in a boutique style and its architecture is a picture of grandeur.

The rooms, like their original inhabitants, are fit for royalty.

Muallim Naci Cad No: 68 34345 Kuruceseme, Istanbul +90 212 359 1500 info@lesottomans.com

Eat

Amedos prides itself for having great Ottoman dishes. It’s in walking distance to major historical sites and tourist attractions in Sultanahment. Dinner is the best time to experience the restaurant’s atmosphere - candle-lit tables with an air of romance and intimacy.

Hoca Rustem Sokak 7 +90 212 522 8356

not, Sultanahmet District also offers Haga Sophia, Byzantine Hippodrome, Great Palace Moasic Museum and a row of delightful cafés that satisfy urges for a Turkish doner, tea and shisha.

For a full-day adventure, take a short ferry ride to the charming Princes’ Islands. The islands became home to exiled princes and other royalty during the Byzantime era. Büyükada, which means big island, has the most fame and probably the biggest tourist footprint.

Leon Trotsky lived in Büyükada for four years after being deported from the Soviet Union – he picked it as his first residence in exile.

The islands are blissfully quiet, due to the lack of cars. Horse buggies and bikes are the only means of transport on the islands.

Historic homes are well preserved as well as their gardens that bloom and burst with vivid colours. On the island, tourists and city dwellers lay back on restaurant patios and café benches, sipping a cold drink (or mocktail) and snacking on Turkish delight.

Once back to the city, cool your mind and heat your body in a hamam. After all that relaxing, the party happens on Iskele Street and Kadife Street on the Asian side. If you prefer to stay on the European end, Taksim is crowded with pubs with balconies filled with people cheering to life with a shot of raki, Turkey’s national drink. n

CULTURE

kuala lumpur, malaysia

Stay

Seri Pacific Hotel fills its rooms

A melting pot of religions, races and natural wonders, Malaysia heightens the senses and calms the nerves.

Originally developed for mining, Kuala Lumpur has embraced its gastronomic diversity and low prices as key tourist attractions.

With its diverse population, an upsurge of festivals fills the summer months. Malays only account for 57 percent of the population. From May to June, there’s the Sabah Fest Cultural Extravaganza, Borneo International Jazz Festival, Colours of Malaysia, and the list goes on.

Malaysia has over 200 islands, so there’s no shortage of paradise. Pulau Pangkor is a short distance from Kuala Lumpur; its sandy beaches and clear waters work perfectly for watersports or just a day to bask in the sun. The Indo-Pacific Basin houses a various species of turtles, bizarre Frogfish, pipefish and schooling

Hammerhead sharks. Scuba diving is a much loved and common activity, and dive centres are plentiful.

Back on ground solid ground, take in Kuala Lumpur’s artistic streets. Houses and apartments are usually surging with bright colours, yellow, blue pink decorate neighbourhoods. The National Museum, located in the Kuala Lumpur Lake Garden, provides a vivid insight into Malaysia’s cultural history.

The Pucuk Rebung Art gallery houses the country’s antique fabrics, jewellery, old Malay poetry, photography and artefacts. The gallery also manages to include local contemporary art.

Then fill your stomach with ‘gourmet fusion cuisine’ served anywhere from the local street vendor to upscale bistros. Home to Baba Nyonya food, you can take this piece of heaven for as little as 3.50 (MYR) Malaysian Ringgitt (about 4QR) per dish. These traditional dishes are typically served in Melaka historical quaint cafés and shop houses. n

with modern luxury and tasteful furnishings. Sun Deck, the poolside bar comes with more tasty snacks than most travellers can imagine and the Japanese restaurant Kofuku cools the palette with its sushi assortment. It is ten minutes away from Kuala Lumpur’s renowned ‘Golden Triangle’, with upscale shopping and nightlife entertainment and a seven minute walk to Putra Light Railway Transit. Opposite to Seri Pacific is Putra Mall, so if you need last minute souvenirs for the mother-in-law, you can run over before your flight.

50746 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia +603 4042 5555 resv@seripacific.com

Eat

1919 Restaurant’s pineapple fried rice puts a happy spring in your step. The zesty rice is laid out in half a pineapple functioning as your plate. The building is in a bungalow unit. Sipping tea from the engraved 1919 cups is a unique touch to the décor and customer satisfaction. The mango kerabu is served in a deep fried yam ring, lightly soured with strands of lettuce as garnish. For dessert, try the “Free Shangahi Pancake” – the name will make you want it and the taste will make you grateful.

47-49 Lorong Taman Ipoh Satu, Garden South, Ipoh 31400 Malaysia +603 55477196

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salalah, oman It’s paradise in an Arabian desert. During the months of the Khareef, the monsoon season when a mist descents on the surrounding mountains filling the valleys with water, lush greenery allows visitors to breathe in the freshness of Salalah. The Khareef takes place from around June to September, and is the busiest time of year in Salalah.

The captivating smell of frankincense permeates this southern Omani town. This is not a place to bathe in the summer sun; it’s where you go to cool off. When most of the Gulf states reach temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the summer, Salalah has an average of 28 degrees.

These balmy temperatures make for a welcome escape for those who long for coolness and calm during a sultry 38

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summer without an expensive flight.

If you take a walk or drive to the coastline warm water geysers splash from the ground, ensuring playtime for children and laughs for adults.

Salalah is home to the frankincense tree, a proud attribute to Omani rich attribute that connects a variety of religions. Thousands of years ago frankincense was worth its weight in gold. Take a trip to the low-key market and you can buy these precious scents to take home, along with some traditional Omani jewellery made from local silver.

If you’re lucky you can also take in some traditional dancing that sometimes entertains pedestrians in the town centre.

The lush green valleys are an ideal picnic spot, and you’ll be sharing ground with both foreign visitors and locals as they enjoy the cool weather. Alternatively, take a drive up into the high mountain villages in the mountains surrounding the city to get a taste of traditional life for the local farmers. In some places, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were driving through the English countryside! n

Stay

Hilton Salalah Resort is a beachfront oasis set among beautifully manicured gardens. The long winding courtyard and freeform pool is the ideal place to relax. If you want to pamper yourself to the full extent, treat yourself to an outdoor message. Then wander down to the Sea Breeze Bar for a refreshing cocktail. +968 230211 234 salalah@hilton.com

Eat

Baalbek’s Lebanese cuisine

is a quality choice. Traditional Arab dishes and mezzas somehow taste more flavoursome when you’re seated on a terrace while a breeze cools your face in the summer. The freshly squeezed juices are stellar.

July 23 Street, Salalah, Oman +968 23298 834

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ARTS.

Keeping Bahrain’s eyes, ears and minds in shape

THIS MONTH YOU MUST...

RE

An exhibition featuring four talented artists displays each of their individual takes on the concept of ‘regeneration’ READ

touching distance

james cracknell and beverly turner

Not another nameless lump in lycra, Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell is a source of inspiration for us all, and this book is well worth the investment.

LISTEN

WATCH

the 20/20

the great gatsby

Is Jessica Biel distracting JT a bit too much because his music sure has gone downhill...

We review his third album offering.

We’re actually tingling with excitement at the thought of this movie launch!

justin timberlake

drama

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ARTs

Beauty in the Aged

The Waterline Gallery at the BFH is at the forefront of Bahrain’s art scene this month. Zara de Haldevang manages to speak exclusively with each of the artists to find out more about their work, their styles and what we can expect from the latest exhibition, ‘RE’.

Louise Greenfield

Loraine Mary Stewart Todd

The only international artist taking part, Louise’s interest in art stems back to her childhood years, where her mother, a ceramic and screen-printing teacher, encouraged her to draw and embrace her creative environment.

“I see what I do as making the intangible tangible. My work uses natural materials in a way in which their fragility and beauty is captured and preserved. The target pieces [in the exhibition] are structurally precise and mindful of a subject that was perhaps disregarded,” she says.

This is the first time Louise is exhibiting in Bahrain and in her words, she told us: “I am hoping to receive some feedback on the use of unusual, disregarded materials as they are a move away from materialism and what is typically considered attractive or worthy, particularly in the Middle East.”

No stranger to the island, Loraine first came to Bahrain for work reasons 17 years ago, and has naturally seen the art scene change a great deal since then. “It is now becoming more focused on its wealth and local and regional talent and creativity. There still needs to be a unified art centre with an associating art club to promote and invest in present and upand-coming artists.”

Another artist whose interest began in her younger years, she describes her current relationship with art as “integral to my being; the aesthetics of nature, form, structure and colour enclose me”.

In her upcoming exhibit, when asked how she finds beauty in the aged, Loraine said, “By bringing the discarded and abandoned materials together in an unusual and creative way so you can revisit and possibly see the beauty you missed the first time.” There are a series of people and themes on Loraine’s inspiration list; some of these include, travel, art institutions, Josephs Beuys, Pollock and Grayson Perry.

GO: See Louise’s work at www.louisegreenfield.com

GO: See Loraine’s work at www.reexhibition.wordpress.com

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ARTs

Giuse Maggi

Jody Peck

Italian by birth and resident of Bahrain for just less than 10 years, Giuse stands by her opinion that there is a “serious lack of information about events (before and after) and a lack of connection and communication within the art community. I think art evolves with times, places and culture. Bahrain is still isolated from the official art networks; therefore art is still left to the creativity of the individuals rather than a trend. This is an advantage on which Bahrain should capitalize and develop its own artistic imprint.”

Like every artist, there is always a few helping hands along the journey. “For me it’s Paul Klee, Rene Magritte and Jack Pollock. I would say my style is contemporary, abstract and functional. I also live by the quotation ‘carpe diem’.”

The upcoming event is a sense of achievement for Giuse.

“I am hoping to achieve surprise, inform and delight. My relationship with art is about enjoyment, self-accomplishment and communication. For me, art is a language.”

Jody knows Bahrain – not surprising when he has lived here, on and off, for 22 years. Since his arrival, many factors have changed for artists here. “Several years ago, the ‘art scene’ was almost non-existent. As Bahrain developed infrastructurally, so did a wave of interest within the art world. The emergence of numerous art exhibitions and the recent ‘Spring of Culture’ has really encouraged Bahrain’s artistic roots to grow, develop and flourish. I believe we are still on the brink of a very exciting movement about to take place as it is still only in the early stages.”

It is the last few years of Jody’s life that have seen his career change. He told us, “I’ve built up and expanded my photography career and studio workshop and realized the specific artistic influences that ignite my inspiration.”

With a style of “deferential fusion of robust machines adapted into domestic utilities; to create a complimentary integration of the two into a form of industrialised art.” n

GO: See Giuse’s work at www.maggiglass.com

GO: See Jody’s work at www.ippphotgraph4.wix.com/portfolio

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ARTs

A Minimalist Approach Maryam Toorani’s work is original to say the least. Zara de Haldevang talks to the artist to find out more about her life as an illustrator.

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With inspiration stemming from fashion illustrators such as Cherri Wood, Monsieur Qui and Garance Dore, it isn’t hard to see that Maryam’s life as an illustrator is destined to go far.

Bahraini by birth and just 23 years old, this artist may be young in age but her knowledge of, and perspective on, the ever-changing art scene is impressive.

She told us, “I think the art scene in Bahrain is constantly evolving, but one great thing that has recently been happening is the surge of different platforms that artists can make use of.

ARTs

From open exhibitions to outdoor markets, it’s easier today to get your work out there. You can also find a huge array of different fields being explored as opposed to our traditional artists. We have sculptors, painters, illustrators, sketchers and graphic, multimedia and glass artists... and much more!”

When it comes to the style of Maryam’s work, the artist explained, “My style is minimalist.

I like things contemporary, simple and clean cut. One thing I embrace is white space and contrary to popular designer belief, white space is not the enemy.

I started an art project last year called ‘Less Is More Designs’ (LIM) that features original, contemporary illustrations and typographical prints. My pieces fall under different themes with my most recent collections being illustrations about Bahrain, fashion and literature.”

Her passion in art stems back to her school years – having developed an interest in sketching and graphics in particular, one of her earliest memories was winning a pot painting competition in sixth or seventh grade! And this passion shows no signs of stopping.

Maryam told us, “Bahrain is doing a great job keeping up with the art world and I am planning on taking part in another exhibition soon. In the meantime, I sell my pieces through Instagram and I am concentrating on using my company, LIM, as my own personal, creative outlet.” n To find out more, email Maryam on lim_designs@ hotmail.com or follow her on Instagram (@LIM_designs).

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ARTs

NEW ALBUMS, ARTISTS, AND AUDIOPHONICS

CHOICE TUNES JT has returned six years later... some would say six years too late.

POP

20/20

By justin timberlake

Pop

Girl who got away By dido

BACK in 2002, JT debuted his first album Justified. He was the guy in all-white tracksuits, chirpsing “Gonna have you naked by the end of this song”. 20/20 is now his third baby, where it seems to be all about drinks, R&B

red

By ne-yo

dinner and plans to “make love on the moon” in his “space cocoon”. It seems that, now JT has a hot new wife in the form of Jessica Biel, his music-making has gone downhill.

The album, as a whole, is at times a good listen, though every song just seems to drag on and on. Even on the album highlight ‘Mirrors’, a robot voice repeats “You are the love of my life” 35 times in eight minutes... it’s all just a bit too much. ‘Suit & Tie’ is an awful excuse for a song, while ‘That Girl’ displays his status as an old veteran of tabloid coverage.

The fact remains that it has been seven years since FutureSex/ LoveSounds, and JT’s spot has been taken over by the likes of Lady Gaga, Taylor “Always-Heartbroken’ Swift and the dreadfully wonderful phenomenon that is Justin Bieber.

An old-fashioned talent, JT will undoubtedly disappear again and return to shine once more. We recommend this is best enjoyed with some time on your hands and a very active love life.

Soundtrack

Best of bond... james bond By mixed artists

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

JUST how much time off does Dido need? Motherhood means she has spent five years off the scene and her latest album is far from a fantastic comeback.

The title track ‘Girl Who Got Away’ finds her fantasizing about nothing; ‘Sitting on the Roof of the World’ describes her desperation to fit in and hatred for fame; ‘Loveless Hearts’ finds her declaring herself despondent; ‘Blackbird’ curses the desiring heart and ‘Happy New Year’ sees her ready to sob into her champagne. Saying all this, Dido’s distinctive tone has a therapist’s resolve, although sometimes she does run the risk of sounding narcoleptic and drifting in to zombieland. We do feel for Dido. There is a stalwart power to her character which makes us hope she never makes good on her dream to disappear completely.

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WHAT’S IT LIKE:

In association with Virgin Megastore, Bahrain City Center

FACT BAHRAIN MAY

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

THIS man is hot on the music list (and he was just at the Bahrain F1!). It’s nice to hear Ne-Yo return to his core of melodic R&B on his fifth studio album, not to mention his build on his everexpanding dance-pop footprint on the second half. The prolific singersongwriter, who actually wrote over 150 tracks for the album, even dabbles in country with Tim McGraw. ‘The Cracks In Mr Perfect’ is a welcome stroke of honesty, ‘Lazy Love’ is a sexy, bedroomready ballad worthy of its place; ‘Let Me Love You’ re-established his top 40 appeal and is further proof that co-writer Sia Furler is the creme de la creme of emotive dancefloor ballads.

An absolute must-buy, must-listen, must love for everyone... dripping in soul, great tracks and in-your-head beats.

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

THERE seems to be a song for everyone on this CD set. The 50th Anniversary compilation contains a pretty awesome selection of songs which go with the adventure and action theme in James Bond. You’ve got Tom Jones, Nancy Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Carly Simon, Tina Turner, Chris Cornell, Madonna.. just to name a few. Fans of Adele and the latest Skyfall film will be disappointed to hear that the theme tune didn’t make the cut - god knows why.

We all have our moments when Bond is not on the movie night list - the same goes for this soundtrack. Unless you like more than three to five films and/or theme songs, then don’t part with your money. It is, however, a great purchase for those hosting a Bond dress-up party.

ARTs

BAHRAIN’S BEST READS THIS MONTH BY GENRE

CHOICE WORDS

In association with Virgin Megastore, Bahrain City Center

Autobiography

touching the distance

By james cracknell & beverley turner

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

This really sets James apart from just being another nameless lump in lycra

Fiction

The Storyteller

By Jodi Picoult

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

SAGE Singer is a baker who works through the night preparing the day’s breads and pastries, trying to escape a reality of loneliness, bad memories, and the shadow of her mother’s death. When elderly Josef Weber appears at her support group, they strike up an unlikely friendship and, despite their differences, they become companions. That is until Josef reveals a terrible secret...

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

This is a book which gracefully explores the lengths we will go to in order to protect our families and to keep the past from dictating the future. This is her 19th novel and, although some readers have classified it as a little confusing, it is well-worth your time. Make sure you have a box of tissues handy... you will need them.

WRITTEN by husband and wife, this tells the extraordinary story of Olympic gold medallist and rower James Cracknell: from the moment he stood bored on the cricket pitch at Kingston Grammar School and watched the rowing, to the yo-yoing of his career, the highs, the lows, the thrills and the spills.

After being hit by a truck wing mirror while cycling in Arizona, James suffered life-changing injuries which changed him from being a safe, reliable and kind man into a shorttempered fantasist with memory loss.

This is packed full of stories about achievements, battles against life’s barriers, being a father, a husband and a patient. But, above all, it tells the truth about being a champion.

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

Over the past few years, British rowers have done so well it is often hard to remember who has done and won what, where and when. With two Olympic golds and six golds in the world championships, James was in danger of becoming a victim of his team’s success and remaining another slightly nameless lump in lycra. This all changed when he forced his way into the national UK consciousness with a series of extraordinary feats of endurance including rowing across the Atlantic and walking to the South Pole.

This is an honest autobiography; an involving, intense, moving and powerful account of how a man battles to become the man he once was before a freak accident occurred.

Non-Fiction

Fiction

By jared diamond

By maggie o’farrell

The world until yesterday WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

MOST of us take for granted the features of our modern society, from air travel to telecommunications to literacy and obesity. Yet, for nearly all of six million years of existence, human society had none of these things. While the gulf that divides us from our primitive ancestors may seem unbrigeably wide, we can glimpse much of our former lifestyle in those largely traditional societies still.

This is a first-hand picture of the human past as it has been for millions of years.

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

Charismatic, provocative, enlightening and entertaining. Oh and probably Jared’s most personal book to date.

The author does a sterling job in making a compelling case for the lessons that traditional societies have to teach us.

instructions for a heat wave

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

IT is 1976 and it hasn’t rained for months in London. Gardens are filled with aphids, water comes from a standpipe and Robert Riordan tells his wife Gretta he is popping round the corner to buy a newspaper. He doesn’t come back.

The search for him brings Gretta’s two estranged daughters and son, on the brink of a divorce, back home. Each with different ideas as to where their father might have gone, none of them suspects their mother might have an explanation that even now she cannot share.

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

Wonderfully and intelligently written, this is a perceptive observation of the internal dynamics of family relationships. Every character is a marvellous creation; the key factor which perhaps makes this book as successful as it is.

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ARTs

TOP FILMS SHOWING THIS MONTH IN BAHRAIN

ON SCREEN Di Caprio was determined to win the staring competition this time...

The Great Gatsby drawn into a world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As he bears witness, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and highoctane tragedy.

D: baz luhrmann C: leonardo dicaprio, carey mulligan, joel edgerton

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

The film follows Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) as he leaves the midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922 - an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz, bootleg kings and skyrocketing stocks. Chasing his own American dream, he lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby (DiCaprio), and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy (Mulligan) and her blue-blooded husband (Edgerton). Nick is

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING:

It isn’t often that we come across films that make us tingle with excitment: The Great Gatsby has given us the ultimate set of goosebumps.

Firstly, what a cast! DiCaprio has already proved his worth from his last role in Django Unchained; Carey Muliigan set her standards in An Education; Tobey Maguire gave us an impressive performance in both Spiderman and Seabiscuit;

and Joel Edgerton is currently hot on casting directors’ lists after his stealing performances in Warrior, Zero Dark Thirty and King Arthur. Also look out for Isla Fisher, as she seems to be paving her way to more serious and successful roles.

Probably one of the most anticipated films of the year, especially after its release was postponed from Christmas 2012, Baz Luhrmann’s extraordinarily compelling vision and talent will be sure to have F. Scott Fitzgerald smiling in his grave. The fact that this blockbuster is opening the 66th Cannes Film Festival only goes to show that we should expect big things from this film.

Big things indeed.

WIN 2 FREE CINEMA TICKETS Redeemable for any film at any Cineco cinema

Answer the following question:

Name one of dicaprio’s supporting actors in django unchained.

E-mail answers to: editor@factlive.com

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ARTs

Star Trek: Into the Darkness D: j.j abrams C: chris pine, zachary quinto, zoe saldana, alice green

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

After being called back home, the crew of the USS Enterprise find a seemingly unstopabble force which has attacked Starfleet and left Earth in chaos. Captain James T. Kirk (Pine) and the crew of the Enterprise are tasked with leading the deadly manhunt to capture the party responsible and settle an old score.

[ SYNOPSIS]

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING: Because it’s Star Trek... and this is the twelfth Star Trek film and also serves as the sequel to the 2009 release. You only have to watch the trailer to get your heart racing.

We understand that this may not be all of your cups of tea, but it is worth a watch all the same. Chris Pine’s piercing blue eyes are a plus on screen, while Benedict Cumberbatch (what a name) has perfected the hard glare. And Zoe Saldana... need we give you any more reasons to go and watch?

‘Queue wind change...!’

‘Bad boys...bad boys whatcha gonna do...”

Epic is based on the children’s book by William Joyce and follows the story of an army of bugs who summon mythical creatures, known as Leaf Men, to help them protect their garden from an evil spider queen. From the same creators of Ice Age and Rio, this film is about good versus evil, secret universes and whimsical characters. Expect to hear the voices of Colin Farrel, Amanda Seyfried, Beyonce Knowles, Christoph Waltz, Jason Sudeikis and Johnny Knoxville.

Great one for the kids.

Now You See Me pits an elite FBI squad against ‘The Four Horsemen’, a super-team of the world’s greatest illusionists. The team pulls off a series of daring heists against corrupt business leaders during their shows, showering the stolen profits on their audiences while staying one step ahead of the law. Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Isla Fisher and Morgan Freeman...YES PLEASE!

Hangover Part III D: todd phillips C: bradley cooper, zach galifianakis, ed helms

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: This time, there’s no wedding or no bachelor party, so what could go wrong... right? All bets are off when the Wolfpack take to the road. Think of too much alcohol, too much ego and a whole lotta trouble.

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING: For the very reason that this is the third and final film of the franchise. Even if you thought, like us, the first one was epic and the second let the side down, this is the type of film you go to watch for the sake of saying ‘have you seen the new Hangover film?’. In all honesty, we are sad this is the last one of the trio.

Let’s hope a Bridesmaids sequel hits the screens soon to make up for it.

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TECHNOLOGY.

Keeping THE PEOPLE OF Bahrain state-of-the-art

Testing lumia 920

We went to the Hatta Mountains to check out the smartphone camera everyone’s been talking about...

DRIVEN

Audi A8L we Drive

Ali Driver takes on the powerful new limousine from Audi. With a 420hp V8, he enjoyed every minute...

AND ALSO...

LAB TEST...

GO PRO HERO 3 action camera!

We check out the awesome new camera from Go Pro, designed specifically for all things extreme!

Nissan Pathfinder we drive

The CUV from Nissan becomes more on-road than off-road, but is also more luxurious...

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TECHNOLOGY

the NOKIA Lumia 920 THE ideal holiday phone?

Carrying a bulky camera on your holidays can be a burden, but the camera on this new Nokia is supposedly so good that you don’t have to! Katy Gillett went to the UAE’s stunning Hatta, a popular tourist spot, to find out if this is true...

Working for a magazine amounts to a fair bit of mobile photography.

We tweet, we Instagram, we post on Facebook – and to do this with ease we need high quality images from a camera phone. But does it match up to your average holiday-snapper’s digicam?

We find out at the Nokia mobile photography workshop with Dubaibased photographer Daniel Cheong.

Hatta

Just over an hour from Dubai Airport, and after a brief jaunt through the Omani borders, sits Hatta Fort Resort – the perfect setting for a photography workshop. The stunning mountainous desert landscape certainly makes for a good photo (as you can see from these images). For the (approx) 36 hours we were there, we managed to go offroading to the natural Hatta Pools, climb rocky ‘mountains’ and partake in a bit of archery. Each activity was meant to highlight a certain aspect of the camera and its apps.

Useful features...

Panorama; Photosynth (allows 360° panoramas); Blink (takes a burst of images so you can choose the best); Smart Shoot (which allows you to change faces and remove unwanted objects from your image); and the optical image stabilisation to eradicate blurry images on bumpy rides.

The Workshop

Daniel Cheong may be a self-taught photographer but his images speak for themselves. He’s incredibly talented, but as he hasn’t been doing it for all that long, and he has been picking up tips along the way, he’s able to break it down in simple terms for us laymans.

For just over an hour, we were given a crash course on the rules of photography, exploring terminology and tricks of the trade (see page opposite for more). To find out even more about what we learned from Daniel, head to our blog at www.factqatar.wordpress. com. Here we include the lingo, post-editing techniques and the rules of composition.

A phone for creatives

Overall, I have to say I’m a bit of a Nokia convert. I’m a past BlackBerry and current iPhone user, but have always considered swapping over to the Samsung SIII or Note.

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TECHNOLOGY

These are a few of the snapshots I caught on the 920 camera

Now, I genuinely do see the Lumia 920 as a serious contender.

It has everything I need: a great camera that uses Nokia’s PureView technology with creative lenses to play with; maps I can download and use offline anywhere in the world; a user-friendly Windows 8 system; great apps for music, film, news, games; and Microsoft Office (fabulous for a writer/editor)!

On the other hand, it was a pain downloading the app on my Mac so that I can upload images from the phone, and the fact that it doesn’t have the official Instagram yet is annoying (with the great camera, that’s bound to change soon though). Plus, it’s pretty hefty for a smartphone and if you don’t like to be too flashy, the colour choices might not suit you.

However, all in all, if you want something more alternative and you’re willing to fork out (around) QR2,300 for it, then I think this is a great choice for the creative user with more than a passing interest in photography. And, if you have the possibility of taking it for a test drive around Hatta, then I say go for it! n Daniel’s Top Tips for Mobile Photography

THINK of composition rules (rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry and patterns, depth, framing, and viewpoint).

ALWAYS shoot before 9am or after 4pm, as that is when the light is softest and gives the best images.

BY having shadows in the image, you’re removing the flatness of your photos (hence the timings rule).

TRY to stabilise your camera as much as possible.

TAKE many shots from different angles. Experiment.

GET inspiration by looking at other photographers’ work.

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TECHNOLOGY

LAB TEST

gO pRO hero3 Available: beyond the beach (BD240)

GoPro’s cameras have been dazzling extreme sports enthusiasts for years. The original HD Hero first delivered stills and wide-angle HD back in 2009, and those capabilities improved with a higher-res sensor, faster burst mode and wider field of view in the Hero2. Now, the Hero3 has been rolled out, which packs even greater performance (up to 4K video) in a cube that’s almost a full centimetre thinner than its predecessors… have we got your attention?

Despite the fact that GoPro hasn’t changed the look of its cameras much, it’s really what’s underneath and inside that counts. The latest top-of-the-line camera packs an f/2.8 wide-angle lens in front of a 12-megapixel sensor and built-in WiFi. The Hero3 checks in at 2.28 x 1.57 by 0.82 inches and is no longer clad in all silver, like its siblings.

Instead it is coated in smooth soft-touch plastic on the back and a textured version of the same stuff on its sides. Not only does this make the camera easier to hold, it also provides a nice visual contrast… and a finish that will hold up better to the rough and tumble lifestyle it will undoubtedly lead.

Those with stubbier fingers will be happy to hear that the power switch on the front and the record button up top have doubled in size. There

Pleased

“It packs greater performance that its predecessors.”

IMPRESSED

“Every function has been improved in more ways than one.”

Super-duper IMPRESSED

“You can even control the camera through your smartphone.”

is a pair of LED indicators – one red to serve as a power indicator and one blue to tell you WiFi is on – and on the side are micro-HDMI and mini USB ports along with a microSD slot. Overall, the Hero3’s build quality is unfaultable, with all the components well fitted and somewhat slick.

To add to this, GoPro has also released a free, self-titled app for iOS and Android that turns your handset into a remote control. Once connected, the app provides both a real-time preview (roughly a 1.5 second delay) of the camera’s field of view and a full suite of controls.

You can stop and start recording, switch between shooting modes, change frame and resolution rate, delete pics and clips and even check the battery status and remaining SD card space. The only feature it lacks is the ability to review photos and videos.

This is, quite simply, the most capable action camera on the market. n PROS

- The best camera of its kind available - Worth every single penny 54

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CONS

- Complaints over short battery-life

TECHNOLOGY

LAB TEST

Sony Experia z Available: Major electronic outlets (BD249)

The first question we have to ask is, has Sony finally got a smartphone right? With a cutting-edge camera, a super-slim design and the ability to withstand life’s knocks and bumps, the Xperia Z is a phone that has got everyone pretty fired up about Sony Mobile again… at last!

Although the Xperia S and T were promising releases and examples of striking out from the brand, the latest model is really banking on making a cataclysmic dent in the makeup of the smartphone market; so much so that Sony has claimed to have ‘reinvented the phone’ – a bold and rather optimistic claim.

Well, the early signs it will steal the limelight from its competitors are quite promising: there is a quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon Krait processor, 13MP camera, 16GB storage (which is expandable, woohoo!), 2GB RAM, water and dust-resistant, 1080p HD screen with Bravia Engine and LTE to name a few.

To give the brand credit, there are few manufacturers out there who can take what is, effectively, a plain black square and make it into something beautiful. It may be a magnet for fingerprints; others have already come out saying, “looks like every other smartphone out there”. It is also not the lightest handset out there at 146g, but it exudes a heftiness that implies a quality device.

The front is minimalist, while the back is a little busier and STUCK. As it is now becoming the custom, good luck if you want to try and remove the battery. Although unnerving for someone testing this fact, you can drop it into a sink and it’ll work absolutely fine, judging you have covered the ports using watertight protectors.

There is so much that Sony has got right with this product. It has built on the strong heritage of the Walkman and given power users one of the things they often desperately crave - a good battery performance and top speeds. There is also

Pleased

“A phone that has got everyone fired up about Sony Mobile.”

Very pleased

“The manufacturers have made something beautiful out of something so simple.”

Impressed

“A definite contender for smartphone of the year.”

so much to love about the Sony Xperia Z, and while there are some annoyances, they pale in comparison. Although it’s shoddy that there are software bugs, these are issues that can be resolved.

Beautiful in design, this is an example of an Android smartphone that can be used to show iPhone owners that they’re not necessarily at the top of the heap anymore.

This is a good contender for smartphone of the year. However, by the time that happens, the competition from fellow Android manufacturers will have grown even fiercer. If you can afford it, we recommend it hands down. n PROS

- Water-resistant - Fantastic music and camera quality

CONS

- Non-removable battery - Software bugs FACT BAHRAIN MAY

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TECHNOLOGY

ALI DRIVER SAYS THAT

“The Audi A8L manages a fine balancing act of being both a driver’s car AND a limousine at the same time…”

Our Mystery Motoring Expert, Ali Driver, thinks that being a chauffer in the A8L 4.0 TFSI Quattro might just be his dream job!

Let me outline briefly why I believe that the A8L 4.0 TFSI is the best Audi A8 in the range: There are only four models of the Audi A8 – the A8 3.0 TFSI Quattro, the A8 4.0 TFSI Quattro, the A8L W12 Quattro, and the S8 4.0 TFSI Quattro.

The 3.0 and the 4.0 both come in normal and long-wheel-base mode, the W12 only comes in long-wheel-base mode, and the S8 is only available in the standard length.

The 3.0 is a more fuel-economical model made for Europe, where the poor souls have to worry about such trivial things like tax and the environment, so we will put that one aside for now.

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The W12 is simply a rolling torque factory, really only built to be a limousine, and with the extra power required for heavy armour plating and bullet-proof windows required by VVIPs, diplomats and the like. The extra torque also helps mitigate the extra weight from the staggering list of luxury options that can be specified.

However, despite the extra power, it’s heavy, and therefore isn’t actually any faster than the A8L 4.0 TFSI, so unless you’re Angela Merkel (and she probably needs the bullet-proof glass these days) there’s no point in getting the W12.

The S8 is a phenomenal car with unbelievable levels of performance for

a large size premium executive saloon.

I can attest to that personally, having driven previous generations of it. It completely blew me away.

However, it is still, at the end of the day, a large-size premium executive saloon with red stitching and carbon fibre bits, which means that you can’t help but feel that it’s a car for middleaged bankers, lawyers and CEOs who aren’t quite ready to grow up just yet! I mean, if you REALLY wanted blistering performance, you’d buy the Audi RS4, the RS6, or of course, the R8 V10.

And when considering the choice between the A8 and the A8L, well, the A8L is longer, with more legroom in the back and therefore higher levels of comfort.

So, using my infallible and worldfamous powers of deduction, I hereby announce the A8L 4.0 TFSI as THE A8 of choice, thus spake Ali Driver.

So, enough self-righteous waffle of

One of the shining symbols of Bahrain’s commerce and economy is a suitable backdrop for the Audi A8

TECHNOLOGY

questionable logic, and more car reviewin’.

The A8L is a fantastic car to drive.

Smooth, comfortable, agile and very, very fast, it ticks all the boxes for a premium large-sized saloon. However, this is a HUGELY competitive segment, with the A8 going up against the likes of the Mercedes S Class, the BMW 7 Series and the Jaguar XJ, all of which do slightly longer variants like the A8L. Despite its size, the A8L is amazingly agile, largely thanks to Audi’s industry-leading Quattro allwheel-drive technology. I’ve said it time and time again, there are very few four-wheel-drive systems that can match the Quattro.

And the power from that twin-turbo 4.0L V8 is immense. Floor it at any speed, and after a fractional turbo lag, all 420 horses drop-kick you in the back of the head as you surge forward like an angry bull on steroids. Thanks to the turbos, the power u

Simply driving the A8L gives one an abiding sense of one’s own self-importance!

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TECHNOLOGY

The interior of the A8L is an exercise in luxury and comfort, both front and rear!

delivery throughout the rev range is truly impressive, making overtaking in practically any situation a doddle.

Inside, the levels of luxury are what you’d expect from a range-topping Audi.

The list of optional features that were present on the model we drove could fill another page, but I’ll reel off a few of my favourites: The air-conditioned seats are a blessing in any car in the Gulf summertime; 360 degree parking camera assist, as previously seen on Infiniti models – it’s awesome getting a top-down view of your car when you’re parking, and you can even switch between the various cameras around the car; BOSE surround sound stereo system – absolutely stunning sound clarity; self-closing doors that’ll shut themselves if you just pull them to; and the panoramic sunroof makes it lovely and airy in both the front and rear seats, with tinted glass stopping things from getting TOO hot.

The standard cruise control is a nice touch, but an even nicer touch would’ve been the optional adaptive cruise control, which this particular model didn’t have.

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It’s a good thing it looks good from the rear - with a 420hp V8, this is the only view that most people will ever see!

making its way into the cabin. And being the A8L long-wheelbase model, the rear legroom is absolutely fantastic, and there are even footrests available for the weary boardroom executive!

The dashboard isn’t the most straightforward I’ve ever seen – it takes a little while to familiarise yourself with all the knobs and buttons. For example, in attempting to turn down the stereo volume, at several points I found myself turning down the aircon instead! And don’t even ask me what that little touchpad does…

It is, however, all very stylish and extremely comfortable, and I’m sure that once you get used to it, it’s all very straightforward too. Setting up the Bluetooth connection for my phone, for example, took no time at all, and the SatNav was fantastic.

The A8L 4.0 TFSI is everything a limousine should be – it’s hugely comfortable, with plenty of room for passengers, but it’s also fun to drive, making the journey enjoyable for everyone in it! n

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TECHNOLOGY

ALI DRIVER SAYS THAT

“The new Pathfinder sacrifices some of its off-road credentials to become a much more refined experience overall…”

Our Mystery Motoring Expert, Ali Driver, has had to change his perception of the Nissan Pathfinder to suit the new model.

The old Pathfinder, in my humble opinion, wasn’t a CUV – it was a compact SUV. What’s the difference you may ask? Well, once again, in my humble opinion, a CUV is a vehicle with SUV characteristics, styling and size, but with a chassis that isn’t configured to go off-road.

A compact SUV is a small off-roader that can still tackle rugged terrain.

The Pathfinder formerly fell into the latter category – it was a rugged and capable off-roader through its various incarnations until the previous generation. I myself, drove a rented 2010 Pathfinder the 60

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length of Oman, from Muscat to Salalah, and took it on very arduous mountain trails that no mere CUV could have even attempted.

It boasted a plucky 4.0l V6 that was more than sufficient to pull it through sand and mud and up rocky inclines, and the 4WD system was very capable of crawling and scrabbling up rocky, uneven surfaces.

However, with the new Pathfinder the focus has shifted much more to the CUV side of the spectrum. The telltale signs are all there as soon as you look at it. The front bumper, for example, juts out much farther

than on previous models, and sits much lower to the ground, drastically reducing approach angles, which is something I was constantly aware of on the few occasions I dared to take it off road.

I was also constantly aware of the 20-inch alloy wheels that came with the top-spec SL model I test drove.

While they may look very nice, and improve on-road handling somewhat, the lower-profile tyres meant that scratching the rims was a constant threat when navigating a rocky trail.

Overall, it feels much less rugged than its predecessor – unlike the

TECHNOLOGY

Despite the AWD system, the new Pathfinder isn’t really meant for serious offroading...

The keyless entry and start/stop fuction is just one of the impressive list of standard features...

The interior is stylish, well appointed, and VERY comfortable, really setting it apart in the mid-range CUV segment.

previous generation, you got the distinct impression that it really doesn’t like leaving the safety of the tarmac, despite the different 4WD settings.

So, while as an SUV the Pathfinder fails somewhat, the good news is that, as a CUV, it really excels! So, once we shift our perception of the Pathfinder away from the SUV, we can start to really appreciate it for what it is.

So, what is it?

Well, for starters, it’s a mid-size CUV that’s actually larger than most in this segment, meaning that there are three rows of seating, all of which can be folded flat, which means that the Pathfinder is a seven-seater MPV that also doubles as a van.

The interior of the SL option is comfortable and well appointed, with a premium feel given by features like the air-conditioned front seats, the allround reverse cameras, the rear-seat entertainment screens, the power rear lifegate, and much, much more.

It’s also very stylish – Nissan really seem to be getting things right lately in terms of styling, both within and without, with a warm, cosy and comfortable feeling to the interior.

And even though we’ve established that the Pathfinder is more CUV than SUV, it will still go more places than your average crossover, thanks to the adjustable all-wheel-drive system with optional 2WD and diff lock, and the 3.5l V6 engine which puts out 254hp.

I see this car as being made with the American market in mind, where it’ll be expected to navigate snowy mountain roads, muddy forest tracks and the like, but nothing more arduous than that. We did, however, test it on some soft sand, and it pulled through with little fuss. We also took it up some rocky inclines, and the traction control did a great job of scrabbling over the obstacles.

However, as I said before, you don’t want to tackle any very sharp u

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TECHNOLOGY

inclines for fear of damaging that low front bumper.

The on-road performance is very good, with great ride comfort and decent handling, again thanks to the all-wheel-drive system and the Vehicle Dynamic Control. Throw it into corners, and it’ll make it’s way round with surprisingly little drama.

So, in essence, what we have with the Pathfinder is a compromise – the 2013 model is more luxurious, more spacious, and boasts more features and better on-road performance than its predecessor, but this does come at the expense of some off-road performance. However, it will still go to more places than most other CUVs in this segment, which puts it ahead of the competition.

The Pathfinder’s place as a compact SUV in the Nissan line-up has been replaced by the Xterra, so if you want affordable off-road performance, that’s your car. If you want a highly capable CUV that can carry seven people in comfort, and still get to places a normal car wouldn’t, then the Pathfinder is your best bet! n

For a CUV to have three rows of comfortable seating is very impressive!

We were constantly worried about scratching the 20 inch alloys...

Who is Ali Driver?

1. He lives in Bahrain and says he grew up on the streets of Muharraq, but we think he’s actually from a rich family in Saar, and won’t admit it.

2. He says his car skills are all self-taught, but we’re sure we’ve seen a course certificate from the BIC on his wall.

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3. He drives cars better than anyone we know (but don’t ever tell him).

4. He claims to be able to change a regular car tyre in under 4 minutes, but we’re sure that’s only when his wife helps him.

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We’re growing!

Our 4th Alosra Supermarket is now open in Riffa Palms. g expandin fresh and

Follow us on Twitter @Alosra_Bahrain and Facebook Alosra Supermarket Saar 17 697558 Amwaj 16 033773 Durrat 77 770001 Riffa 17 750006 www.bmmigroup.com 64

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FASHION.

FIGHTING THE BATTLE AGAINST BAD TASTE IN BAHRAIN

THIS MONTH YOU MUST...

stylishly sporty

bershka’s new collection

If you ever thought looking hot at the gym is impossible then you’re about to be proved wrong with the Start Moving line.

Sunshine And Summer time It’s officially summertime, which means less clothes and more fun, but don’t let the sun make you lazy. Your wardrobe should be even hotter than the weather, which is why we’ve run down some of the season’s coolest looks to keep you looking fresh. So let the sun shine, we’re ready!

fun and fyunka local brands

Alaa Balkhy talks to us from Jeddah about her latest venture in fashion as she takes the region by storm.

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Fashion

Funky and Fashionable

ayyad Photos credited to fahad

Young and talented – two words to describe our designer of the month Alaa Balkhy.

FACT finds out a little more about her brand Fyunka.

Khaleeji them es can be seen througho ut her pieces

She creates a bit of everythi ng

from make-up bags to notebooks

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Fashion

A couple of Alaa’s hom emade designs are pictured he re

Her brand ha s proved to be

A word that directly translates from Arabic as ribbon bow, Fyunka is a Jeddah-based fashion line with illustrations and designs influenced by pop culture and inspired by Khaleeji insights. Alaa, who is just 24, told us, “I wanted to have a general name that could later extend to more products than just a bag… at the moment I have got a range of products from bags, totes, clutches, notebooks, t-shirts, pouches and make-up bags.”

When it came to the ideas behind the products, Alaa said, “My inspiration came from everything around me, but I really wanted to create something different that people could relate to.”

After recently selling her products at the very successful BAB Market in Manama’s souq, the designer told us, “Bahrain was beautiful; I got a lot of positive feedback and it was

popular so far as it is homegro wn

The lady of the moment - Alaa Balkhy really important for me to meet the customers and fans of the brand. I believe my products are a ‘must-have’ because they are different and they are made in Jeddah.

“I really want Fyunka to grow more and to start involving the community – this will hopefully spread through Social Media.

“In the meantime, my products are available in various boutiques across the Gulf.” And, of course, here in Bahrain.

While it is apparent that more and more fashion designers are appearing in the region, FACT is always excited to meet those who are making their dent in the market. Alaa’s passion and motivation is admirable. A girl who lives by the quotation “Everything happens for a reason”, this is one designer worth keeping an eye out for… we certainly are. n To find out more, check out Alaa’s blog – www.alaabalkhy. blogspot.com or email fyunka@gmail.com. You can also buy them in: Green Diamond Boutique (1766 6636)

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Fashion

This Is Why I’m Hot

Now is the time of year when our clothes get notably shorter and lighter. This month we’ve chosen our favourite pieces in which to bear the scorching Bahrain sun, making sure you break a sweat in style.

Vincci

Vincci’s summer collection is ideal for the young professional woman looking to insert a little excitement into her business wardrobe. This pair of expertly cut tapered trousers, seen here worn over a simple figurecomplementing white vest, are the perfect example of office chic.

Charles and Keith

Make any outfit pop brighter than a candy store with this super-sweet clutch by Charles and Keith. Use it to insert a dominant feminine colour into a monochrome look.

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ALDO

Wedges are a seasonal favourite.

Aldo makes a statement by approaching the classic contemporary summer design with a sculptural hand, creating an unorthodox heel we plan on adorning on our feet like it’s art.

Fashion

Miss selfridge

Pastels have made a decided presence in the colour stories of recent summers and 2013 is no exception. Embrace an innocent feminine sensibility with this pair of loose fitting shorts from Miss Selfridge.

H&M

In simplicity there is beauty. This season’s wardrobe essential is the camisole and we can’t seem to get our hands on enough to curb our fashion cravings. This low cut design by H&M worn over a slim-fitting trouser or draped skirt is just the thing for summer.

Victoria Beckham

By far our favourite piece from the Victoria Beckham S/S 2013 collection, this sweet but sexy look is a surefire summer hit.

Structure is key, with a lace insert below the collar and crisp angular lines defining the garment’s architectural take on traditional masculine tailoring.

Massimo dutti

Sunglasses are a necessity this time of year, and this pair by Massimo Dutti are so chic we find ourselves creating new reasons to bear the sweltering heat.

lacoste

Vest tops are our preferred summer wardrobe staple. Easy to wear, and even easier to style, this dual-tone striped vest by Lacoste can’t find its way into our wardrobes fast enough.

TOPSHOP

Taking two of our most beloved seasonal runway trends, the kicker short and geo prints, Topshop offers a pair that is to die for.

Stradivarius

Give your feet a break with this pair of delightfully sweet mint coloured slippers by Stradivarius.

JUICy couture

We love Juicy Couture’s fit and flare mini skirt; it’s playful shape makes it an ideal summer purchase. Style against a crisp, heavily structured shirt to create a contrast that will offset its cutesy image.

massimo dutti

Recycled and reinvented, colour blocking is a trend that has graced numerous runways in recent years.

Massimo Dutti’s three-tone wedges are the prefect illustration of resort style.

Chloe

(AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE ) There’s a reason we, like most girls, are obsessed with everything Chloe.

With Claire Waight Keller at the helm, Chloe’s seasonal runway offerings can only be described as a seamless unity of elegant feminine sophistication with clean contemporary tailored design. This season it was boxy silhouettes, sheer panelling, floral appliqué and oversized ruffles that stole our hearts.

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Fashion

Massimo dutti

Massimo Dutti are experts at dressing up – this soft grey informal suit is a perfect example of how to execute an exciting season-appropriate business look.

Let’s do it even brighter As the weather reaches prime sunburn territory, it’s time to shop for all-new summer attire. From the latest high street and high-end collections, we’ve put together our favourite on-trend wardrobe pieces to help you beat the heat in style.

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Fashion

H&N

TOPMAN

Known primarily for their contemporary take on casual wear, we’re pleasantly surprised to find that H&M suits up with the best of them.

Ideal for any formal evening affair, this dangerously dapper look stays true to the brand’s laidback youthful design aesthetic.

Featuring an illustrated graphic design, this short sleeve shirt by TOPMAN is just what every young style conscious man needs in his summer arsenal. Team with a pair of tailored shorts to see the season through in style

Carolina Herrera

Give those legs a little room to breathe with this pair of dual red tone tailored shorts by Carolina Herrera. Wear against a white or navy V-Neck T-shirt for an overall unaffected preppy look.

Aeropostale

T-Shirts are a summer staple; spice things up this season and embrace an edgier sensibility with this nautical inspired skull print by Aeropostale.

Salsa

kenzo LACOSTE

Get yourself in a summer state of mind with this nautical themed long sleeve T-Shirt by Lacoste. Team with a pair of white chinos for a fresh dressed down weekend look.

Known for their off-the-wall urban design aesthetic, Kenzo strikes gold with these multi tonal abstract print sneakers.

ALDO

Leave those stuffy Oxfords at home this summer and let your feet have a little fun with this vibrant summer-appropriate pair by Aldo.

Coloured denim is a big trend el this season. Fu your summer wardrobe through a burst of energy with ns this pair of jea

by Salsa in a bold mustard yellow hue.

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Fashion

What women 1 2

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sandals

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As the temperature climbs up our poor feet need cooling down so strap on the sandals ladies as summer is almost here!

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1. STRADIVARIUS BD19.9 | 2. TOPSHOP BD32.5 | 3. topshop BD22.5 | 4. topshop BD27.5 | 5. stradivarius BD19.9 | 6. topshop BD22.5 7. LACOSTE POD | 8. vincci BD13.0 | 9. stradivarius BD19.9 | 10. MASSIMO DUTTI POD | 11. vincci BD10.9 72

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Fashion

want...

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TOPS

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Whether you pair with pants, shorts or skirts it doesn’t matter, because tops and tees are a girl’s best friend this season.

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1. lacoste POD | 2. stradivarius BD12.5 3. stradivarius POD | 4. salsa POD 5. topshop BD30 | 6. salsa POD | 7. promod BD14.9 8. stradivarius BD6.9 | 9. stradivarius BD8.9 10. stradivarius BD8.9

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Fashion

Men’s best 2 3

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TEES

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Keeping all men calm, cool and collected this season is this wide collection of trendy T-shirts.

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1. lacoste POD | 2. lacoste POD | 3. salsa POD | 4. lacoste POD | 5. next BD14 | 6. lacoste POD | 7. salsa POD | 8. salsa POD | 9. boggi BD32 | 10 salsa POD | 11. lacoste POD

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11FACT QATAR BAHRAIN April MAY

Fashion

buys

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SHOES

Now is the time to use and abuse the smartcas look. Try any one of these pairs on for size, to start you off‌

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1. lacoste POD | 2. lacoste POD | 3. next BD21.5 | 4. salsa POD | 5. lacoste POD | 6. next BD22.5 | 7. lacoste POD | 1. lacoste POD | 1. salsa POD

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Stylishly sporty As nineties sports-inspired looks make their way onto the Spring Summer 2013 catwalks, Spanish brand Bershka have come up with a fantastic new collection that lets the ladies feel stylish even when working out.

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Fashion

“Trendy yet comfortable designs that are made for a good workout session” Overall, the colours focus on five shades: metallic silver, electric blue, white, neon lime and black.

The items are made for urban wear by combining cold colours with futuristic materials, such as metallic mesh, plastic and classics like leather.

In terms of materials, the collection contains the latest techniques in textile technology.

The GES DRY technique is used for example, which is a high-tech fabric designed to keep the body dry and comfortable, perfect for the gym (and Bahrain’s hot weather!). Basically, the absorbent molecules added to the fabric allow water to pass through in a gas state.

An intense hour at the gym tends to leave you feeling happy and motivated but never glamorous (although most of us wish it would!). Well, Bershka is trying to change all that with their Start Moving Collection, which was launched in March, with trendy yet comfortable designs that are made for a good workout session.

As American sport becomes ingrained in popular culture, fashion references are being made to baseball, basketball, rugby and boxing, and this can be seen throughout Start Moving.

It features a line of footwear, including heeled shoes with a sporty feel and trainers for the gym, as well as other great pieces that can also be worn on the street.

This means, says the brand, that it allows greater sporting efficiency as the body does not have to waste energy on the same process.

To be honest, we’re pretty surprised our favourite high street brands haven’t picked up on this before, as you’re going to the gym to feel your best so why not look your best as well?

That’s one less excuse for avoiding peak times at the gym…

“Allows greater sporting efficiency as the body does not have to waste energy” FACT BAHRAIN MAY

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In the Shops...

BD15.9

BD12.9

BD29.9 BD6.9

BD8.9

BD29.9 BD15.9 BD19.9

BD6.9

BD45.9

BD6.9 78

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BD17.9

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FIGHTING THE BATTLE AGAINST BAD TASTE IN BAHRAIN’s Homes

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Fashion In the home

Colourful Memories

Childhood friends Sara Sayyar and Mariam Fathi have found their ultimate passion: refurbishing aged furniture and home accessories.

FACT talks to the creative pair to find out more about their brand Babushka, the story behind its creation and its plans for the future.

S

ara and Mariam have both been blessed with a talent others dream about; to create something beautiful out of an old memory. Despite both being committed to full-time jobs, the girls have always strived to find a project they are both passionate about.

They told us, “Over countless cups of coffee and an inspiring trip to India, we spoke about our aspirations, cultural experiences and entrepreneurial ideas. Almost two years ago, an opportunity presented itself to us. Sara’s grandmother moved to a new house and was compelled to leave her old furniture behind. Together, we decided to preserve the beautiful pieces and create charming decorative furniture, which embraces and captures the eccentricity of diverse cultures.”

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Fashion In the home

our expertise and know-how of the required technicalities of every product in order to design and manufacture our furniture in the most efficient manner and, most importantly, to ensure the highest quality possible.”

The future looks promising for this unique little company. By June, the design duo are hoping to have their own store up and running, where, in their own words, “customers can experience the complete Babushka experience.”

Trust us, all of these pieces are worth taking a look at. We can’t wait to visit the shop when it opens! n GO: To find out more information, have a look at their products on Instagram (@babushka_bh), email the girls on babushka_bh@yahoo.com or call 3994 4339/3929 4464.

The name Babushka even has a story of its own. “In Russian, Babushka means grandmother or old lady. Symbolically, we would like our furniture pieces, like grandmothers, to be perceived as beautiful in every way. It stands for reviving precious memories, making new ones and indulging in diverse historical and cultural stories,” they added.

Although the production process differs for each piece, there is no doubt that every piece of their growing collection is made with the utmost care and thought. The girls went on to say, “We are constantly building on

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SPEED RENT A CAR

Currently renting or looking to rent a vehicle? Why not try us?

New vehicles available, from saloons to 4x4s Competitive prices

Daily – Weekly – Monthly – Long-term rental schemes Vehicle delivery and collection to your home Airport pick-up and drop-off service

“ Helping to manage Your Path” Amwaj: +973 1601 0131 Saar: +973 1779 5300 Out of Hours: +973 3885 2413

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TIME

Recreation is just as important in life as occupation!

This is your guide to making the most of your precious spare time.

There’s no need to waste it...

The Chef’s Table with Ehab Orabi

We dine at the table of Mesk Holdings’ Group Head Chef Ehab Orabi, as he takes us on a culinary journey of Mediterranean fusion cuisine...

FIAMMA

We return to the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa’s Italian eatery to try out their new menu, and are treated to a veritable Italian feast!

Cooking classes The Kempinski is bestowing its skills upon Bahrain’s budding chefs this month...

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TIME TO UNWIND

VENUE REVIEW Fiamma: Exclusive, comfortable and yummy!

FIAMMA SOFITEL ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA PRICE: BD25-30 PER PERSON

Fiamma may not be the largest of venues, but boy does it go to prove that good things come in small packages. Set in the courtyard area of one of Bahrain’s most idyllic hotels, the Sofitel, this restaurant is inviting, clean cut, comfortable and, the best part of all, has a traditional feel to it… and that’s before we even eat any of the food!

Although this venue has been open for a while now, the restaurant recently launched a brand new menu; an event we were generously invited to and consequently enjoyed all the new delights on offer.

While sitting outside we enjoyed a crisp glass of white and a couple of the ‘pass-arounds’ which included Beef Bresaola with sweet melon – a simple yet complementing nibble - and Arancini with an assortment of fillings, tomato, cheese and Bolognese – a round-shaped ball with a soft centre.

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As the menu launch was presented in a buffet fashion, we were lucky enough to make more than one visit to the food counters. One the first trip, we sampled the grilled eggplant, Zucchini frittata with tomato relish and some mixed olives. The aubergine was perfectly cooked and had the melt-inyour-mouth effect, while the Zucchini frittata inspired us that there are more ways than one to serve this ingredient.

Trip two saw us indulging in the Skewers, made with hammour and shrimps with rocket pesto, Gnocchi with Gorgonzola and marinated cherry tomatoes. The fish was light, while the shrimps (although still shelled) had that wonderful crunch. The Gnocchi, which is sometimes an acquired taste, was creamy while the cherry tomatoes offered a sweetness when combined.

Not quite full enough, we decided that we definitely had room for one last visit. This is when we decided that we would be coming again: Penne al pesto Siciliano, Tagliatelle mari e monti, risotto and shrimps. We are

hungry even writing this! The Penne was perfectly cooked and definitely more-ish.

However, the real winner was the Tagliatelle mari e monti. The light pasta worked SO well with the crunchy shrimps, while the tomato and creamy sauce ticked all of the boxes.

We only wish that they had given us more to take home.

Now, although we were spoilt from enjoying all of this amazing food for free, it is hands-down a restaurant worth visiting and paying for. Whether you wish to enjoy a meal for two, or perhaps sit outside in this fine weather with a group of friends, Fiamma will never disappoint.

With an extensive beverage list, both for drinkers and teetotallers, each dish can be complemented with a glass of your choice, while Italian food lovers will be left spoilt for choice when deciding just which dish they want to enjoy.

You will be seeing us again Fiamma! n

TIME TO UNWIND

Lunch at La Med

The Kempinski Cooking Classes

If you work in or near the Seef area, then the Ritz Carlton, Bahrain might just be the perfect place to drop into for a quick and delicious lunchtime meal.

The Lunch Express at La Med offers a tempting three-course menu including starters from the salad buffet, a main course to choose from – either the “Catch of the Day” or a dish from the La Rotisserie station – and a dessert, all guaranteed to have you back to the office and to your next business meeting within one hour!

Offering beautiful views of the Ritz Carlton gardens and pool area, it’s the perfect place to wind down and relax during your lunch break.

GO: The Lunch Express at La Med is BD9++, from noon to 3pm, Saturday to Thursday.

For more information, please contact +973 1758 6499.

Learn to cook like a master with the five star chefs at the Kempinski…

Nibbles for the Perfect Party!

Planning the perfect summer party, but stuck on how to impress your guests with the food? Surprise your friends and family with this exclusive cooking class at Kempinski, specially organised to get you ready for those private parties while the weather is still beautiful. Learn the art of homemade finger foods from the masters of decorative bites, straight from the kitchens at Kempinski!

Cold Mezzeh with a Twist!

Perfect your skills in Arabic cooking with this unique class

by Kempinski’s Chef de Cuisine Issam Seddoq. Prepare an assortment of your favourite cold mezzeh with a modern twist.

For those of you who love the cuisine at Baharat, you will love Chef Issam Seddoq’s tips and tricks to making delicious cold mezzeh!

GO: The first class takes places on Wednesday, May 8, in Saveur, from 3pm to 6pm. The second class takes place on Wednesday, May 29, in Baharat, from 3pm to 6pm. There are only ten spots available in each class to book early to avoid disappointment. Call 1717 1441 for more information.

Discover Asia

Already well known for its fantastic weekly theme nights, Silks restaurant in the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain has added yet another culinary adventure to its repertoire.

“Discover Asia” is a veritable voyage across the Far East, showcasing Asian delicacies like crispy duck, Vietnamese spring rolls, Thai curry, dim sum, sushi and Teriyaki, all in a sumptuous buffet with live cooking stations creating delicious dishes and spicy aromas right before your eyes.

GO: Discover Asia takes place every Tuesday night, and is priced at BD15++, or BD19++ including unlimited selected beverages.

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THE CHEFS TABLE

H

aving originally come to Bahrain as Head Chef of Aroma restaurant, he impressed the powers that be at Mesk Holdings so much that they asked him to help them create the new concept that was Block 338. The idea was to create a Spanish dining establishment with a focus on Tapas.

And he is the first to admit that, unfortunately, the idea was a mistake!

“For the first two months it boomed, but then it began to struggle, because everyone was saying the food was too expensive. The problem was that the products were too expensive.”

Unfortunately, the price of the ingredients used in true Tapas was not compatible with the small portions that these sharing dishes are usually served in, and people felt that they were not getting value for money.

A drastic rethink was urgently required.

“Up until six months ago, things were very tough, but over the last six months, we’ve really come back, and now I’m very happy with what we’ve got. It has taken us a year, but now we’re back up there again. Aside from the restaurant being very busy, we have constant orders for catering, for set menus, for events.”

And the reason for this turnaround? Well, the first move was to shift the emphasis on the menu away from Tapas. Though there are still small sharing dishes, they’re more affordable. However, this also involved creating a whole new menu of dishes that people would enjoy.

Ehab’s main aim was to create something that couldn’t be found anywhere else. “I don’t want any of our dishes to taste the same as any other dish in Bahrain. We’ve created a Mediterranean fusion menu with flavours that are truly unique. For example, we’ve created a special mixed salt which has many different Asian herbs and salts in it, as well as spinach and paprika. It’s a very unique flavour; we use it in many dishes. It’s a signature flavour of the restaurant.”

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Chef Ehab Orabi A trip to one of Adliya’s most popular restaurants was in store for us this month, as we dined at the table of Mesk Holdings’ Group Head Chef, Ehab Orabi.

THE CHEFS TABLE

the Butternut Squash soup, which was smooth, delicious and creamy, if a little thick for our tastes. This, however, was just to whet our appetites for the range of sharing dishes that were to come.

First up came the grilled octopus and potato, which was a unique take on a very traditional Spanish dish, with the potato flavoured with the aforementioned special mixed salt.

It was fantastic, but only for people that don’t get squeamish at the sight of whole tentacles on their plate!

None of our team did – the dish vanished within minutes.

Then came the Wagyu beef

skewers (a personal favourite of this particular writer), which are skewers of Wagyu beef tenderloin, onion and pepper marinated in a special Miso mustard and onion sauce. With four decent sized skewers coming with each reasonably priced portion, these are an ideal sharing dish for a starter, or a snack with friends whilst having a beverage or two.

This was followed by the lamb lollipops, another great sharing dish with specially prepared lamb ribs marinated in a herb sauce, with more of the sauce coming on the side as a dip.

What came next, however, was

the dish that really stole the show.

The oven-baked seabass is without a doubt one of the best items on the menu. The seabass is cleaned, and then stuffed with lemon slices and herbs, before being completely buried in sea salt mixed with dill, and baked in the oven for 20 minutes. It’s then taken out, and the now-hardened salt shell is cracked to extract the fish, with is then prepared with vegetables and a delicate gravy.

It’s absolutely spectacular, with delicious, moist and tender chunks of fish that will have you diving in for more after every mouthful! n FACT BAHRAIN MAY

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THE CHEFS TABLE

Learn to Cook the Italian Way!

These master classes with a highly experienced and, more importantly, a true Italian chef will have you whipping up delicious dishes in no time. FACT’s Tony Sidgwick goes along to find out more…

C

ucina Italiana has been running these classes since January, and they’re steadily increasing in popularity. From running one class a month in January to two full classes a month now, there’s already a hard core of regulars who are learning how to cook classic Italian dishes directly from an expert, with all the tips, tricks and advice that comes with it.

When the restaurant, located in the Safir Hotel, Juffair, asked us to come along and try it out, we were keen to find out more. As you arrive, you’re handed your lesson pack, which includes the recipes for the 90

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day with plenty of space for notetaking, a pencil, and a name tag to help everyone get to know each other.

After an introductory drink, Chef Fortunato appears and introduces himself. Many of those attending already know him. After a brief explanation of the day’s plan, we get straight down to it, and we’re whisked off into the kitchen for the cooking demonstrations.

In this class, we learned how to make minestrone soup, and lasagne alla Bolognese. We started with the Bolognese sauce and the béchamel sauce, because the lasagne would have to bake for a while. While the

lasagne was baking, we learned how to cook the soup.

It’s not just the recipes that are useful in these classes, but the expert tips you get during the experience. For example, when cooking the Bolognese sauce, it’s best to braise the meat for as long as possible before adding the tomato sauce to get the best flavours.

This was news to me, who always added the sauce as soon as the meat was brown on the rare occasions I cook a ‘spag bol’.

He also described the fundamentals of the béchamel sauce, which is really just a base for a whole variety of sauces that can be made in the same

THE CHEFS TABLE

way, with slight differences depending on which dish you’re having. For example, creating it with fish stock and lemon juice makes a great creamy sauce for fish.

What these classes do for rank amateurs such as myself is strip away the mystery surrounding cooking, and reveal that it’s often much simpler than you might think, which in turn encourages you to try it out for yourself. This in itself makes cooking more enjoyable, which is never a bad thing!

Chef Fortunato is friendly, approachable, and obviously very enthusiastic about what he does, and loves to share his knowledge with people. This is, I believe, what makes these classes so popular.

If you’re keen on getting involved, get in touch with the restaurant on the number below. There are currently two classes running, on a Monday and a Wednesday, but if demand increases, so will the classes. At the moment, we advise that you book early to avoid disappointment! n

Competition WIN A COOKING CLASS WITH CHEF FORTUNATO! Do you want to learn now to cook Italian cuisine like a master? FACT is giving away places at the Cucina Italiana cooking classes to four lucky readers. All you have to do to enter is answer the question below: What is the main ingredient in Bolognese sauce?

(Hint: It’s not tomatoes!)

Send your answers to editor@factlive.com by May 16th to be in with a chance of winning.

Go: To find out more, call the restaurant on 1700 1317.

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VENUE SPOTLIGHT

BAHARAT

Address: Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre Contact No: (+973) 1717 1000 Website: www.kempinski.com/bahrain Email: restaurants.bahrain@kempinski.com Twitter: @KGIHBCC

Not a bad spot for a day’s ‘beverage’ tasting, don’t you think?

Exquisite Arabic Dinner Cuisine...

Situated on the stylish ground floor of Kempinski Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre, Baharat officially opened its doors to the public in January 2013 to great success. Baharat features an eclectic array of Middle Eastern and Oriental dishes, including mouthwatering selections of appetizers, grills serving Shish Taouk, lamb chops and Dajaj Mosahab, and a delectable array of desserts such as Loukamat, Baklava, Katayef Assafer, and of course, Um Ali to delight the sweet tooth.

Boasting contemporary counter designs with live cooking stations, saj and tandoor ovens, and private dining areas, Baharat delivers an exceptional fine dining experience unparalleled in Arabic cuisine on the island for the whole family.

WHEN: Wednesday to Friday, 8pm - 1am PRICE: BD16++ excl. beverages

Kempinski Friday Brunch Now in Baharat!

Enjoy the warm intimacy of Baharat and indulge in a sprawling gourmet buffet of international classics crafted by five star chefs at live cooking stations. Soak up the sun on the outdoor terrace while your children enjoy a buffet of their favourite bite-sized dishes, as well as a lot of fun surprises in the kids’ corner!

Take advantage of the complimentary pool offer for brunchers, and relax by the infinity pool while your children play in the Camelo Club, equipped with toys and games for children aged 3 to 8 – a perfect combination to define every weekend.

(Camelo Club is unsupervised, parents are responsible for the supervision of their own children).

WHEN: Every Friday, 12.30-4pm PRICE: BD19++ excl. beverages, BD28++ including beverages.

Special family rate - 2 adults and 2 children - BD70++

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Calling all Brew Lovers!

May 3 is a definite date to note in your diaries. What better way to start the month than with the infamous BMMI Hops Festival? As the summer heat has well and truly settled in, and the temperatures are soaring, nothing can beat the taste of an ice-cold beverage.

This Friday, there will be a regatta at the Bahrain Yacht Club throughout the day, which will then be followed by a four hour Hops Festival from 4-8pm. Organised by beverage gurus BMMI, you can enjoy the weekend with mellow music, banter and some good laughs while tasting your way through 28 different brews of the world’s finest nectar. There will an extensive range of malt from 11 different countries (we strongly advise you to leave your cars at home for this day!).

On top of all this, there will be a BBQ and a bonfire on the beach. Last year’s event was held at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club in Saar, and saw well over 200 people attend.

With such promising feedback, it is no surprise that it is back once more. We will be there… make sure you don’t miss out on this one.

To find out more about the brews, brands and other events from BMMI, check out the Facebook page – BMMIRetailShop or check out the website www. bmmishops.com. n GO: For further info, call Kat on 1736 4004 or the BYC on 1770 0677.

TIME TO UNWIND

Keeping the Party Alive!

Not content to let the party die down after the F1 weekend, KLUB360 has more hedonism in store for Bahrain’s clubbers this May… And the tunes to fuel the hedonism will come courtesy of the lovely Carolina Cartell. A DJ of Belgian/ French origin, Carolina started her music career at the very young age of 14, when she participated in the World DJ Championships. By the age of 18 she was firmly on her way to becoming a well-known electro DJ. She displays amazing versatility, also dabbling with hip-hop, techno, DnB, house, and a number of other genres and styles. She has played for several big-name recording artists such as Rick Ross, The Black Eyed Peas, Jay Sean, Flo Rida, Ludacris, and Raghav, just to name a few.

Carolina Cartell has also established herself in Miami as a producer. Her company, Cartell Entertainment, gives unpublished DJs and artists around the world the opportunity to expose and monetize their work without the

Members Get the VIP Treatment!

complications of red tape.

She has also had a successful career in modelling, having participated in the Miss Belgium competition.

This brilliant and visionary artist is headed to KLUB 360 on the 23rd of May for a truly memorable WTF Night 10. n GO: Carolina Cartell will be playing at KLUB360 on May 23. For information or table bookings, call 3336 0300.

KLUB360 are now running a membership programme that gives a whole range of fantastic benefits to members. The card costs BD360, which might seem like a lot, until you find out that BD250 of that is credit to use within the club. You can top up the card, and you need never take cash into the place again!

Other benefits include free entry into the venue and the after-hours lounge on any night of the week, non-queuing status whenever you arrive, table reservation priority and VIP lounge access, discounts on bookings in the Elite Crystal, 15% discount in Elite Group F&B outlets, and a free bottle of bubbly on your birthday!

You’re also entered into the annual Elite Hospitality Raffle Draw, where the top prize is a luxury car!

GO: For information, call 3336 0300.

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Check us out online!

www.fact-magazine.com

HEALTH & WELLBEING Your body is your temple, so worship it! Looking after your health doesn’t have to mean exercising and eating health food - a good pampering is just as important...

Your body is your temple, so worship it! Looking after your health doesn’t have to mean exercising and eating health food - a good pampering is just as important...

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

MAKING Healthy HISTORY In a world of fad diets, organic food and size zero, eating has become one of the most talked-about activities of our daily lives. But it’s knowing what it is in your food and how it is made which matters the most. FACT is given an exclusive tour of Al Ghalia Farms to find out more about how they have set a benchmark for healthy eating in the kingdom.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

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S

e t in the heart of Karranah, in a generous 1.5-hectare area of land, sits Al Ghalia Farms.

Although not open to the general public, the farm generously gave FACT the chance to explore every inch and, here we are now, telling you all about it.

As you walk into the entrance to the farm, you are greeted by a series of rather large greenhouses, each individually designated to the production of a certain crop, herb or produce. The first one we entered

belongs to the lettuce family, where there are currently six types of lettuce growing here, some of which have one or two varieties.

As we continue our way to the next house, we recognise kale, basil, spinach, peppers, chillis and rocket, until we are met with an impressive greenhouse, ceiling-high with vines of cherry tomatoes.

So how does this farm work? Welcome to the world of hydroponics; a subset of hydroculture and a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. Al Ghalia, which is the first company to ever use such a method in Bahrain, prides itself by reducing its carbon footprint; a success only achievable through such a farming method.

There are many advantages from the use of hydroponics and a notable one is the reuse of every drop of water used. Sat in the middle of each of the greenhouses is the water treatment plant and here the water is drained, recycled, treated and reused.

There are currently 14 people working at the farm, where each worker is trained for at least a month before being allowed to handle the produce alone. Such training Within the greenhouses, an abundance of fresh products stretches on endlessly!

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Row upon row of fresh vegetables you feel healthier just LOOKING at them!

is apparent after meeting the Farm Operations Manager, Bhaskar Rao – a man who knows anything and everything about hydroponics. He told us, “What makes us different is that we deliver our produce within hours of it being harvested. This means that every one of our products is picked at the peak of their ripeness, where they contain high nutrient levels and fantastic flavour”.

Al Ghalia is also the proud bearer of the GAP and LEAF endorsements.

Notably, GAP is an international body which sets standards for the certification of agricultural products across the globe.

With such credentials, Al Ghalia Farms is granted permission to export on an international scale – a success worth boasting about! n Al Ghalia produce is available in numerous outlets including Alosra, Waitrose, Al Jazeera, 24-Hour Markets and in lots of restaurants across the island.

[ HYDROPONIC FACTS]

90

% less water is used in hydroponic farming than traditional soil farming

4

times the amount of crops can be planted in the same space

0 soil is used 2

crops can grow twice as fast due to getting the same amount of nutrients, water and oxygen

12

months a year there is no growing season.

Every type of produce can be grown, no matter the weather outside!

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Growing Your Own Future Zeeba Al Ameer is a woman on a mission: she is determined to promote the world of gardening throughout the Kingdom of Bahrain. We find out more about her work…

With the impressive achievement of being Bahrain’s first female agricultural engineer, Zeeba Al Ameer has devoted her years to making a difference. Having joined the Ministry of Agriculture in 1979, after graduating with a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Cairo, this motivated lady spent 21 years as a horticulturist.

Her role was to essentially determine what various plants, crops 100

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and trees could grown in Bahrain and how to maximize growth and cultivation in the Kingdom’s harsh and often relentless climate.

After so many years of research, Zeeba became involved in the initiative “Grow Your Own”, an initiative that was created by the Higher Council, who also organise the Bahrain International Garden Show.

When asked why such an initiative is essential here, she replied, “Bahrain really needed this concept

because there was truly a lack of information and understanding about growing your own crops.

There was also no availability for people to learn. I am very proud to be the first Bahraini to teach this industry to others.”

Zeeba went on to tell us, “Many people follow the ways of the outside world when it comes to home gardening and a lot of it is not applicable in our climate. I believe that there are true pleasures of gardening and horticulture; it’s great for the mind, body and soul.”

In terms of the limitations of growing produce, there are some plants that can grow all year, despite the heat. “Although we do have a shortage of water here during the summer and we require more fertilizer due to our sandy soil, there are many small touches that can be made which will lead to major results. The best flowers and vegetables can be grown for at least six to seven months a year. What many people don’t understand is that it is possible to have a flourishing

HEALTH & WELLBEING

garden of flowers and vegetables for most of the year.”

Zeeba finished by saying, “Over the next few years, we are hoping to continue this initiative and really develop it into a society. The people of Bahrain need to be shown what is possible in their own country.”

Please keep an eye out for upcoming courses, which will be announced over the next few months. n GO: For more information on how you can get involved, email ‘Grow Your Own’ on zeebaalameer1@gmail.com or follow it on twitter: growyourown_bh.

A couple of Zeeba’s home grown plants

“I am very proud to be the first Bahraini to teach this industry to others.”

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BEAUTY SPOTLIGHT

Earth and the Moon:

Health and Fitness Address: Seef Mall, New Extension, Ground Floor Contact No: 1700 1700 Website: www.toniandguybahrain.com

label.m Lab Remedy Three in-salon repair treatments, available exclusively at TONI&GUY! Label.m Perfect Lab Remedy - its the range everyone’s talking about right now!

They’re in-salon professional intensive treatments formulated with exclusive Tri-Keravitaplex Complex, a blend of three vegan proteins and Vitamin E, to help protect, nourish and repair hair and scalp.

The three treatments repair protein deficiencies and visibly transform both hair and scalp by promoting optimal levels of healthiness.

Designed as ‘targeted repair for healthier, beautiful hair’, there are three different variants for Dry & Damaged (nourishes), Coloured (protects) and Dry & Itchy scalps (soothes).

Call TONI&GUY now to find out more!

Visit Toni&Guy at Seef Mall or call 1700-1700. www.toniandguybahrain.com

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Our Health Columnist is fitness guru Craig Heslop, Founder & Coach of Tribal Fitness, who believes that a more back-to-basics and natural approach to living is the key to a healthy lifestyle…

Modern society has a strange assumption that ‘looking fit’ means being healthy. On a daily basis I ask individuals the question: “what is your goal?” This is usually met with, “I want to get fit.”

After minutes of further probing, “I want to get fit” is usually broken down into, “I want to lose this excessive amount of lard in my body.” It is very unusual to hear: “My goal is to make the necessary changes to optimize my health.”

Firstly, I would like to pose a question to you: What is health and what is fitness?

The dictionary shows us that health is the ‘soundness of the mind and body’ and ‘freedom of disease’.

Although this offers some broad direction, it still leaves us with more questions than answers. Fitness, in the dictionary, is defined Craig Heslop, as “the extent to which an Founder & Coach organism is adapted to or of Tribal Fitness able to produce offspring in a particular environment”. This statement sounds pretty cool, but today’s obese coach potato is well adapted to the couch and they continue to be able to breed.

Secondly, I would like to state that health and fitness are completely separate. I have met many professional athletes in poor health. In the last two years, six NFL players have committed suicide. These men were in peak physical condition. These young men were so unhealthy that they ended their own lives and often those of others. The modern NFL player today will live to an average age of 58 years. But, as long as we look good, everything is okay right?

At Tribal Fitness, our purpose is to return people back to their healthy roots through natural movement, food and living. Fitness, in the right dosage, contributes to health.

To ‘be fit’ at Tribal Fitness, an individual moves efficiently and effectively on a daily basis. Finally, a fit individual has a wide cache of abilities. We are only restricted by our weaknesses. At Tribal Fitness we work to create balanced humans that can run, climb and jump with equal proficiency. n GO: For more information, or to get involved with Tribal Fitness, email craig@tribalfitness.com, or call 3947 3710

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HEALTH SPOTLIGHT

A health tip from...

Contact No: 17 587 333 | Website: www.bnl4life.com

Christal Dennis

Who Am I really?

Christal Dennis is a Personal Performance Coach and Hypnotherapist with a Masters in Psychology, Leadership Development and Coaching. She is dedicated to helping people overcome life’s hurdles and tapping in to their deepest potential...

Is the Internet Bad For Your Health?

Almost everyone in the developed world, and also many people in developing nations, uses the Internet. It’s estimated that, in America, 85% of adults and 95% of teens surf the web, and no less that one in seven people in the whole world are on Facebook!

It’s therefore important to consider the health issues related to Internet use.

People have been proven to become addicted to the Internet. It’s estimated that 5-10% of users are online addicts, and it has also been shown that extensive Internet use has shrank certain areas of the brain by up to 20%!!

Research has also linked Internet use to ADHD and depression. Physical ailments related to extended Internet use include eye strain, bad posture and sleep deprivation.

And, perhaps most sinisterly, cyber-bullying has become a MAJOR problem for a minority of youngsters around globe, which has even led to several cases of suicide across the Western world.

The Internet is one of the most important developments of the past three decades, and is one of the most powerful and useful tools in the world. However, like any addictive substance, we have to make sure that we control how we use it in our lives, lest it winds up controlling our lives!

If we asked ourselves the question “Who am I?”, You will notice that your brain starts working on formulating an answer. You may start hearing your mind say: “I am (whatever your name is)”, then you may hear all your roles in the world being listed.

For example: I am a mother; a successful businessperson, etc. But this does not answer the question of who you really are. Your name is only something you identify with, and so are your roles. This voice speaking to you is created by your ego. And it is responsible for all the incessant thinking that goes on in your mind.

The ego can be seen as the structure that creates all the anger, resentment, feelings of dissatisfaction. Taken further, the ego is that part in all humans that creates unrest, and the need to acquire more and more money, power and material things. The ego is insatiable.

Ok, so enough ego bashing! What to do about this ego of ours? Eckart Tolle, the author of the “Power of Now”, and more recently “A New Earth”, says that presence is the gateway leading out of the ego. When he speaks about presence he is referring to us having full awareness of our thought processes and life around us.

A short exercise in presence is sitting in a place in nature or any other place for that matter. Ask yourself the question: “Am I still breathing?” Notice your breath going in through your nose and out again. Notice your body sitting on the chair while feeling the aliveness inside your body. Notice the nature surrounding you; really look without giving names to anything you are looking at. While doing all this, don’t allow your mind to think anything at all. This little process can be used in any part of your life.

Although this process is quite simple there is so much to be learnt about awareness and being present. Have a look at the books I mentioned above. Also, Oprah has done 10 episodes with Eckart Tolle about this subject.

You can access it on Youtube. It is called “A New Earth with Eckart Tolle”.

Until later, give yourself the gift of being present! n GO: For a personal consultation call 3669 6666

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S.A.T’s? M.B.A’s?

Pah! In Bahrain, only one test score really matters

your Bahrain IQ! WHAT’S YOUR BAHRAIN IQ

This month is all about our Big Travel Feature.

Do you:

a.

Our Health Lead this month is all healthy eating and locally grown food. After reading this you:

Now it’s pushing 35-40 degrees, the cinema is the place to be. Do you:

a. a. b. b. b. c. c. c.

Think, hell yeah, I’m outta here. See you later sweltering sunshine?

Decide that, well, if FACT is telling me to go on holiday, then I HAVE to go?

Realise that, after F1, you haven’t got enough money for milk let alone a plane ticket off the island?

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Run outside, dig up your garden and realise that you have nothing to plant?

Take back all the nasty things you once said about how Bahrain is all about McDonalds and fast food?

Promise yourself that, once the weather is better, you will only eat what is grown in your own back yard?

Rip out our Arts Reviews and swear to only go to the good ones?

Buy tickets for every new film and do a movie marathon?

Buy a sleeping bag, make up camp and refuse to move out of the cold cinema unless dragged?

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

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play where legends played with VIVA and Manchester United VIVA Manchester United Soccer Schools 2013

It’s that time of the year again when young footballers between the ages of 13-15 will score their dream opportunity to live, train and play the United way at the legendary Manchester United Soccer Schools.

Schools registered in our power-packed tournament will face-off in matches judged by official Man United coaches, who will select the 22 bright stars to fly to Manchester in an all-expenses paid trip to learn the secrets of professional football from the club that gave the world the likes of Bobby Charlton and Denis Law. VIVA United

Terms and conditions apply.

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