Hi 13 10 2016

OMAN’S O OMA N’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 46,760 COPIES

VOL 10 ISSUE 40 / OCTOBER 13, 2016

Not Your Typical Race JOIN THE RANKS PAGE 12

THIS WEEK IN OMAN

HEAD FOR HIGHER GROUND

INDULGE YOUR SENSES

MEET AN OMANI OLYMPIAN

Escape the relentless summer heat with a trip to the Oasis-like village of Al Wakan. Get there in style in the new Ford Edge.

PAGE 10

Not every meal is about the food.

Explore the world of funky theme restaurants on a tour of Muscat’s three most unusual haunts.

PAGE 20

Barakat Al Harthy’s second trip to the Olympics was riddled with new challenges and left him rich in new experiences.

PAGE 18

04

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

Give us a shout with questions, comments, compliments, complaints, or just to say “Hi” Founder Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali scottarmstrong@timesofoman.com Chief Executive Editor Scott Armstrong felicia@timesofoman.com

Executive Features Editor Felicia Campbell Features Production Editor Swati Dasgupta swati@timesofoman.com

ashishdubash@timesofoman.com

Research/Copy Editor Ashish Dubash Associate Editors Salim Hamood Al Afifi Shruthi Nair

shruthi@timesofoman.com

salim@timesofoman.com

Associate Features Production Editor Mobin Mathew Blesson mobinmathew@timesofoman.com

gautam@timesofoman.com Digital Editor Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan Chief Creative Officer Adonis Durado Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin Graphic Editor Antonio Farach Design Editor Sahir K.M. Lead Designer Ali Jani Designers Antonio Ismael Sandiego Geri Batara Sonny Gregory Fernandez Director of Digital Television Joe Morrison Photography MMG Photographers

richard@timesofoman.com

Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham

aziz@timesofoman.com

Head Of Advertising & Marketing Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by Ali Jani Photography courtesy of Spartan Race Arabia For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

Muscat Media Group AN ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED COMPANY Post Box: 770, Postal Code: 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman EDITORIAL 24726600/24726666 Ext 235/160 felicia@timesofoman.com

CIRCULATION 24726600/24726666 Ext 135/136 circulation@timesofoman.com

ADVERTISEMENT 24726600/24726666 exT 435/193 hi7ayam@hotmail.com

SAY “HI” ON SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/hiweekly twitter & instagram: hiweekly_oman

HI WEEKLY

THE WEEKEND LINEUP

06

Tell us what you’re doing this weekend: Tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman; tag us in your weekend instagram photos @hiweekly_oman; or share with us on FB/hiweekly

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend

13

THURSDAY 10:00pm Party All Night World renowned label Hedkandi is coming to Muscat with international DJ Phoebe D’abo. Party hard until 3am with food, beverages, and of course, lots of music. OMR10.

On The Rocks Golden Tulip, Seeb +968 9798 3333 Facebook.com /ontherocks

4:00pm Trick or Treat Take a class at Crafty Kitchen to learn how to make creative Halloween treats.

Bake, mix, and decorate sweets like meringue ghosts and bones and peanut butter spiders under the guidance of Chef Ali. OMR15.

The Crafty Kitchen Madinat Qaboos +968 2469 6660 thecraftykitchen.com

14

FRIDAY 10:00am Bling-a-ling Go shop at the Oman International Exhibition Centre as it is hosting the MIJEX (Muscat International Jewellery Exhibition) till October 14.

Top designers from Oman will have their jewellery on display and will be selling their creations at special rates.

Oman International Exhibition Centre Seeb +968 2451 2109 omanexhibitions.com

4:00pm One Stop Shop in Ibri The Ibri Shopping Festival has begun and will be on until October 31 with games for kids and adults, stage shows, and lots of shopping everyday from 4pm to 11pm.

Municipality Square Ibri +968 9213 1216

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

15

SATURDAY

10:00am Bust a Move, Burn Some Fat

Oman’s best Zumba instructors Mila Owen, Marissa, Mimi Hashim and others will be conducting a high energy Zumba class for ladies only this weekend. Join them for just OMR5 and burn calories with your girl friends while learning some fun new dance moves.

Al Barza Auditorium Muscat College Bausher +968 9902 0080

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

HI WEEKLY

07

08

HI WEEKLY

WEEKEND DOWNLOAD

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

Have you tried any of these five? What do you think of them? Did we miss any of your favourites? Tag us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

NARCOS

WITH GAUTAM BHARGAV VISWANATHAN

THE SHORT & SKINNY • WHAT TO DOWNLOAD: NARCOS • GENRE: Crime/Historical Drama (with plenty of shoot-em-up action) • WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Drug Kingpin Pablo Escobar’s rise to power and the men on a mission to stop him • NUMBER OF SEASONS: 2 • NUMBER OF EPISODES PER SEASON: 10 • RUN TIME PER EPISODE: 49 minutes, approximately • ORIGINALLY AIRED ON: Netflix • IMDB RATING: 8.9/10 • STARRING: Wagner Moura, Boyd Holbrook, Pedro Pascal, Joanna Christie, Paulina Gaitan, Stephanie Sigman, Juan Pablo Raba, Maurice Compte

FIVE TO TRY

CINEMAS VOX IMAX At last, an IMAX theatre has been installed in Muscat. Head to City Centre Qurum to experience the magic of the 18-metre curved screen.

Make sure you pick an action-filled movie to fully take advantage of the immersive experience.

VOX, City Centre Qurum Qurum, Muscat +968 2234 4444 oman.voxcinemas.com

VOX MAX Vox offers a new viewing option in its massive screen MAX halls. Watch your favourite flick from any genre in the mega-theatre, but to really feel as if you are part of the story, go for one of the awesome 3D options.

VOX, City Centre Muscat Al Mawaleh, Seeb, Muscat +968 2234 4444 oman.voxcinemas.com

MX4D MX4D at Panorama Mall is the only theatre in town that offers a so-called 4-D experience, with 3D imaging coupled with special effects including motion seats, splashing water, smoke, and laser beams integrated into the movie viewing experience.

City Cinema Panorama Mall Bousher, Muscat +968 2456 7668 citycinemaoman.net

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

Curl up on the couch and chill with Narcos, one of Hi’s top picks to download and watch this weekend

CITY CINEMA RUWI Fancy seeing a Bollywood flick this weekend? City Cinema in Ruwi is famous for previewing some of the best and latest Hindi films each week. Use the old-school intermission break in the film to give stretch, go to the toilet, walk around the old theatre, or grab another popcorn.

City Cinema Ruwi Ruwi, Muscat +968 2456 7668 citycinemaoman.net

ing officials, or eliminating them, to achieve his goals.

Yet, while fleeing from a governmentsponsored manhunt, Escobar asks quietly if the safehouse they are fleeing to has a pool. “My kids love the pool, I have to give them that,” he says mournfully. Despite his willingness to take on anyone willing to challenge him, be it the rival Cali cartel, the Colombian government, or even the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Escobar’s overriding concern is for his family humanises the otherwise monstrous character.

Chasing him are DEA agents Javier Pena, played by the effervescent Pedro Pascal, who was excellent in Game of Thrones as Oberyn Martell, and the show’s narrator, Steve Murphy, played by Boyd Holbrook, who starred in both Milk and Gone Girl.

Murphy’s world-weary narration tone perfectly captures the thoughts and sentiments of those who made it their life’s work to capture Escobar.

Colombia’s verdant plantations, tropical forests and concrete jungles are as dramatic as the acting, and though subtitled television shows have not often worked with English speaking audiences, the Spanish speech adds a degree of authenticity to this riveting production.

Season two is now available to download or watch on Netflix, and with 20 rollercoaster episodes spread across two brilliantly crafted seasons, director Jose Padilha’s Narcos is the perfect download for a seat-gripping weekend of binge-watching.

— gautam@timesofoman.com

7D For an interesting, semi-cinematic experience, head to Funzone in Qurum to try the 7D experience—a short “film” featuring over seven unique special effects starting with a gripping rollercoaster ride and 3D glasses.

Funzone (next to Qurum Natural Park) Qurum Street, Qurum +968 2466 2951 7doman.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

“D

o you know who I am?”

Pablo Escobar barks at his father. “The President of the United States knows who I am, the head of the CIA knows who I am. But my own father doesn’t know who I am.”

“So what?” his father retorts. “You are not worth knowing.”

Narcos is the story of Pablo Escobar, who ran the world’s most successful drug-smuggling cartels from the city of Medellin in Colombia, moving the substance over the border in everything from mattresses and false bottoms in shoes to the insides of tyres and waistcoats with concealed pockets, eventually valued at $3 billion to become the world’s most successful crime boss.

Season 1 came out last year to critical acclaim, introducing us to Escobar through the fantastic acting of Brazilian, Wagner Moura, who starred in sci-fi flick Elysium. Moura portrays the kingpin brilliantly, his razorsharp acting effortlessly capturing the notorious criminal’s bombastic personality, and changes in his persona as he sinks deeper into the violent world of international drug trade.

What makes Narcos so brilliantly watchable is its ability to alternate between the subtle and the shocking.

Escobar is not averse to taking the Colombian government head on, at one point even colluding with communist guerrillas to storm the Palace of Justice with tanks to destroy evidence, as he adopts a plata o plomo (silver or lead) mentality, either brib-

HI WEEKLY

09

10

HI WEEKLY

ROAD TRIP OMAN

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

THE WEEKEND ESCAPE

A COOL MOUNTAIN OASIS STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY MEHDI TAGHAVI

T

his summer won’t seem to quit, and, if you’re anything like me, you spend your weeks fantasising about cooler temperatures and escaping the urban hothouse. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to take the new Ford Edge out for a spin, so I began plotting where to go.

The vehicle is the brand’s latest crossover, a category which has always perplexed me. Not a sporty sedan, and not a go-anywhere-SUV, I’ve never really seen the point. But, with an open mind, I picked up the vehicle from Wattayah to see what all the fuss was about.

The sport version has lovely features including some of the most comfortable perforated suede and leather seats I’ve had the pleasure to sit on, complete with cooling and heating functions. The car has all the bells and whistles as far as safety features like blind spot monitoring, forward and rear-facing cameras with their own washing system, along with super fantastic surprises like the massive sunroof that practically spans the length of the vehicle, making it almost a convertible. I loved some of the new technology too, like lane assist, which scans the road and gently pulls you back into your current lane (it is only deactivated for changing lanes when you use the indicator), as well as park assist, which

magically self-parks the vehicle in either perpendicular or parallel spots, and brings you back out of particularly tight parking spaces. The handling has been totally re-engineered, so that driving the mid-sized vehicle feels more like zipping around in a peppy sedan, and to that same end, the twin turbo, V6 engine makes you feel like you are driving a much smaller, more nibble automobile. Cruising around the city, I found that I was in love with the tremendously comfortable ride. My music was bumping through the Bluetooth sound system, and as I imagined myself with a family in-tow, I definitely began to see the appeal of this particular crossover. But besides hauling kids and groceries, what does the Edge have to offer the weekend warrior in off-road capability? I understood that the Edge wasn’t a dune bashing, rock-climbing monster truck, but was it brawny enough for some light outdoor adventure?

Itching for some cooler weather, but not quite mentally prepared for the journey to Jebel Akhdar or Jebel Shams, we decided to explore the village of Wakan, just an hour-and-a-half from Muscat, on the Batinah side of the Hajar mountains. I’d heard stories about the lush orchards of this little mountain town, and of cool breezes.

But I was worried that with this late summer

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

heat, we might be going out of the frying pan and into the fire so-to-speak.

We pulled to a stop just past Nakhal to wait for some friends and as I climbed out of the car, I was struck by the sizzling 39 degrees heat.

Disappointed and sweating, I lost all desire to hike, but we decided to carry on anyways, turning onto a small winding road.

The jagged peaks began to rise around us, the clouds collecting at their edges. The temperatures began to slowly drop, one degree here, then another as we crawled up through small, narrow-laned towns. Then the pavement ended.

I looked at my husband, and we looked back at the pitted road. “What do you think?” I asked him. He paused for a moment, surveying the steep incline and loose stone. “Well, let’s take it slow and see how it goes. It is a Ford, after all.” We nervously began climbing and the road continued to narrow and continued to grow more rocky. The views were breathtaking and we eventually saw the sign for Wakan. The last 100 metres were the worst of the entire stretch, but we emerged at the top of the hill and were welcomed by that illusive, cold burst of air that we’d been dreaming of.

At the bottom of a small observation tower we found bathrooms and a young man who was able to point us towards the smooth, paved path that served as the trailhead. The path lead straight through a charming village, crumbing in parts with ancient doorways and ziz-zagging alleys.

Just passed the homes, farmers bent over a lush, green acre of corn, herbs, and yet unplanted land set against the gnarls of forest beyond.

We entered through a knot of grape vines, ducking under the branches of pomegranate trees and date palms. The babbling sound of

HI WEEKLY

11

falaj waterfalls played against the soft rustle of the leaves moving with the cool wind. Along the path we found benches built into the sides of the walls, covered seating areas, and even a small prayer room. The 30-40-minute hike ended at the beginning of the Jebel Akhdar Nature Reserve trailhead, where we sat under small pergola overlooking another village surrounded by palm trees at the bottom of the gorge. A friendly goat came over to entertain us while we rested and prepared to make our way back down the scenic trail. It was 24 degrees, with a breeze that chilled us while we hiked back down. It was everything I’d hoped to find, and more.

The Edge bounded down the hill with ease, proving that it was as capable of weekend excursions as it was luxurious on city roads, and we ended our adventure with a picnic in a wadi below the village, barbecuing under a spray of stars. It was a weekend of unexpected surprises, exceeded expectations, and a glorious break from the heat and grind of the week.

—felicia@timesofoman.com

Visiting Wakan Village Location: 2,000 metres above sea level in Wadi Mastal in Wilayat Nakhal, Al Batinah South Governorate How to Get There:Take the Expressway to the end and turn toward Nakhal and Rustaq. 5-10 minutes passed Nakhal, turn left in front of a watertower and follow the road towards Wadi Mistral. The paved road will wind up the mountain and continue un-paved to Wakan Village at the top of the mountain Average Summer Temperature: 25 C and cloudy Best Times to Go: Escape the heat in the summertime, or visit in February and March to see the Cherry Blossomlike blooms of the Apricot trees What to Bring: Bottled water, lunch or snacks (there are no restaurants in the area), and a camera Note: The village is home to local inhabitants and the orchards are their sole livelihood. Appreciate and respect the villagers opening their town to visitors and do not divert from the path or take fruit or produce from the land.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FORD EDGE Type: All-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback Engines: - 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost® engine: Standard with 253PS@5,500rpm; 378Nm@2,500rpm/ 3.5-litre Ti-VCT V6 available on SEL and Titanium models with 283PS@6,500; 340Nm@4,000rpm/ 2.7-litre EcoBoost® V6 Standard on Sport models with 340PS@3,250rpm; 542Nm@3,000rpm Transmission: Six-speed SelectShift® automatic with paddle shifters

AUTHORISED DEALER: Arabian Car Marketing Company Ford Showroom, Wattayah +968 2457 9719

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

HIGHLIGHTS • New 180-degree front camera with washer; standard rear camera • Enhanced Active Park Assist with parallel and reverse parking • Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Brake Support • Adaptive steering that adapts to driving conditions to make steering easier at low speeds • Lane-Keeping System to assist the driver when the vehicle drifts out of their lane • Vibrating steering wheel vibrates to alert the driver to return to their lane • BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert • SYNC® with MyFord Touch® touchscreen interface displaying phone, audio and available navigation functions • Hands-free liftgate

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

TO D

LIST

TRAIN FOR THE FIGHT OF YOUR LIFE Have you ever wanted to climb Mount Everest or participate in American Ninja Warrior or imagined yourself doing the stunts on Fear Factor?

If so, you likely are looking for a proving ground, a reason to push yourself passed your known limits. Fear not, the Spartans have landed in Oman.

STORY SHRUTHI NAIR

T

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

12

here is something about the word Spartan. I heard it for the first time when it gushed out of Gerard Butler’s mouth in the form of a loud Spartaaaaaaa in the movie 300. While the dictionary meaning of the word is “showing the indifference to comfort or luxury traditionally associated with ancient Sparta” it feels (to me) like there’s even more aggression, strength, and determination associated with the word than mere restraint.

So it stands to reason that one of the most challenging obstacle races in the world has been given that name.

The Spartan Race was started by Joe De Sena in Vermont in 2009. Joe is, according to most people who have met him, perhaps the most interesting and driven character they have ever met. A guy who was in a horrific accident and advised by doctors to stay away from running and athletics, Joe ended up completing 14 Ironman triathlons in a year, exemplifying his rebellious determination, vigour, and untamable passion for sport.

The name Spartan, according to Sean Meehan, the operations manager of Spartan Race Arabia, was inspired by the ancient Spartan warriors. Developed in light of the growing obesity in the United States, when much of the population was avoiding the gym, the main goal behind the inception of the Spartan Race was to rip people off their couches and get them

to do some intense physical activities that were beneficial to overall health, but also fun.

Through training for the race, the hope was that participants would find their inner Spartans.

The Spartan Race pre-event workouts give people a chance to go in groups for workouts that don’t involve a fancy gym or equipment, but still offers a tough workout that leaves every member feeling good and proud of themselves—getting dirty, making friends, laughing, and getting motivating to lead healthy and fit lifestyles, all without judgement. There’s also plenty of friendly competition to brag about on social media leading up to the official race.

The Spartan Race has been known to change lives, from the 268-pound man who experienced a life changing transformation after “accidentally” participating in the race and getting inspired to lead a different lifestyle to stories of the Spartan race helping recovering alcoholics and addicts to regain control of their lives.

Rather than sweat and blood, the race mostly involves sweat and mud. An obstacle course race of varying distances and difficulties for different categories, it involves running, jumping over walls, crawling under barbed wires, wading through mud pools, followed by more running, jumping, and crawling.

The Spartan race has been travelling to countries across the globe with plans of covering the whole Middle East. Spartan Race

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

Arabia has been held in Dubai and Bahrain and will be happening in Oman for the first time this winter. With one of the best terrains and landscapes in the Middle East, racing in the Sultanate is sure to be an exciting prospect.

Turn on the radio and hear the DJ’s talking about the race. Open Facebook and Spartan Race ads are sure to pop up, and drive past the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on a Friday morning and you’ll hear loud music and see the Spartan Race banners waving outside. That’s because pre-event Workout Tours are being held at the Complex every Friday as a build up to the event. These pre-workouts are especially great for those who are skeptical and nervous about the endurance race and want to try a taste of the experience and build confidence before committing. Around 600 participants have happily gotten themselves down-and-dirty at the Workout Tour so far.

But take care, the races seem to be addictive, with some participants trying to attend as many Spartan races as they can each year, even if that means that they have to travel across the globe to do so. Why, you might ask, would someone travel and train so hard for an amature sports competition? It’s simple really, the Spartan Race is much more than an obstacle course to its devotees, it has become a way of life for hundreds who found their inner strength within a group of sweaty individuals willing to crawl through mud to change their lives. —shruthi@timesofoman.com

WHY SHOULD THE SPARTAN RACE BE ON YOUR TO-DO LIST? Apart from being a great group and individual activity, offering the freedom to play in mud and have loads of fun getting fit, it also has the following highlights: • Enhances cardiovascular fitness • Encourages and motivates you to train • Challenges mental strength • Promotes teamwork and teamspirit • Improves strength and flexibility • The Spartan Race is for everybody, offering options for different levels.

• Kids between the age group of 4 to 15 (broken into 4-8, 8-12, 12-15) can participate in the kids category • There are also different levels of races based on fitness and calibre with an Elite category for professional athletes and standard races for those who’ve never hit the gym or even run a kilometre before.

To register go to spartanarabia.com* *Registration is open until October 20

HI WEEKLY

13

14

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

BEAUTY

5

Makeup Essentials That Shouldn’t Leave your Handbag

For makeup-lovers, you can never have enough. There are always beautiful new shades of lipstick or eyeshadow to add to the collection. Overtime, one product after another will end up in your purse, making it heavier and heavier until you find it impossible to smartly whisk out what you need at the right time. Or maybe that’s just me. It’s time to put your products back on the dressing table where they belong, and thoughtfully restock your handbag with just the essentials.

STORY ANTARA BOSE

2. Bright Lipstick or Lip-Stain Keep your favourite red, pink, or orange lip hue on hand. Bright colours brighten the face, so if you aren’t feeling like sporting too much makeup, splash of colour on your lips should be enough. Lip-stains generally last longer and look more natural, but waterproof lipsticks work great too. Just ensure that your lip product contains some moisturising ingredients.

1. All-Purpose Eyeliner As much as we swear by our quintessential jet black liner, playing with colours is all the rage this summer and it is a fresher look for daytime. Though yellows or pinks might be a little too over-the-top for most, a bold blue or green shade will pretty much match any skin tone or hair colour. Opt for an eyeliner that has a tad bit of glitter (I repeat, just a little sparkle) to really make your eyes look radiant and daring. If you want to play it safe and choose a darker shade of liner, like a brown, having a little shimmer really adds vivacity. *Tip: If you can score a double-ended eye pencil, use the darker shade on the upper eyelid and a shimmery lighter one along your water line.

Antara is a professional model living in Muscat. Check her out on Instagram @antarabose

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

HI WEEKLY

3. Tinted Moisturizer Want to sport the ‘No Makeup’ look, but also want to even-out your skin tone?

Tinted moisturizers (BB creams) are the first product you should be reaching for. This is because they take care of essential moisturizing and also add the needed colour to even out imperfections. Some are even infused with anti-ageing oxidants, hydrating minerals, skin brighteners, SPF and a whole lot of other great things (did I mention the power to take over the world?) that will leave you looking naturally, This na n attu ura rall l y, ll y, celebrity-fl cel e eb bri rity ityy-fl -flaawless. awl wles esss. Thi hiis should h shou sh hou o ld d be be bag. thee only th onlyy base on base ase in as in yyour ou ur b ba ag. ag. g

4. Mascara

(with the right wand) Never underestimate the power of mascara.

Many a-times mascara is considered just an add-on, an extra, something that will enhance the eyes a little. But just putting on some mascara can be all that it takes to get that instantly made-up look as it adds volume to the lashes and adds definition to the eyes.

Find a wand that suits your needs (volume, length, curl) and pair it with your favourite mascara brand and colour. Don’t leave home without it. *Tip: Don’t throw away your old mascara.

Instead use the dried wand to groom your eyebrows or to dust-off clumps that tend to deposit on the lashes.

5. Multipurpose Cream or Powder Rouge This amazing product does double-duty, making it the ultimate hand-bag-friendly product.

Though popularly used to add that dainty, pinkish glow to the cheekbones, it can also be used as an eye shadow or lip tint. Whether you opt for cream or powder depends on whether you have oily or dry skin. Use a brush to sweep powder over oily skin and use your finger to add it to your lids for warmth. Dab cream onto your cheeks with your fingers if you have dry skin and a cream rouge can also be used to add a subtle hint of colour to the lips. —HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

15

16

HI WEEKLY

HI C OOK IN G SCHO OL ASIAN NOODLE MONTH

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

HI WEEKLY

All About Soba Origin: Japan Composition: Buckwheat Flour Serving Style: Traditionally served either chilled alongside soba tsuyu dipping sauce or as a soup in a warm broth Flavour and Texture: Nutty, tender, thin noodles that hold up well in cold salads or in hot soups Cooking Tips: Do not salt the water (as many do for Italian noodles). Once boiling, add noodles and turn down to simmer for less than 10 minutes. Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to remove excess starch before serving.

These thin, protein rich noodles are so popular in Japan, that soba has become synonymous with any thin noodle. The noodles are a Japanese summertime favourite, served cold in little bundles and dunked in light dipping sauces or in light soups.

Many soba noodles are gluten-free (though some brands use both buckwheat and wheat flour) and they are packed with protein and fibre, making them a healthy power food. Though far from traditional, my favourite way to eat them is in a cold, peanut sauce salad.

10 Minute Cold Soba Salad This quick, healthy weeknight recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to tweak-to-taste and if you are missing an ingredient, the salad will surely survive (and still be delicious) without it.

Ingredients 2 bundles of soba noodles Sauce: • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or tahini) • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar • 3 tablespoons sesame oil • 2 tablespoons soy sauce • 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey) • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more if you like spicy) • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 1/2-inch piece ginger, peeled and minced • 1 tablespoon lime juice (add to taste)

Veggies *Use whatever you have on hand, adjust the below suggestions to suit your taste • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, divided • 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and sliced (1.1/2 cups) • 1 small red bell pepper, sliced (1 cup) • 1 large carrot, grated (1/2 cup) • 3-5 scallions, chopped • 1 birdseye chilli, finely sliced (more or less, depending on how spicy you like it) Toppers (optional) • 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds diced hot chilli pepper • Sriracha hot sauce • Cilantro leaves Instructions 1. Cook noodles in boiling water according to package directions. Drain, and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. Set aside.

2. Mix sauce ingredients well. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add water or lime juice if it is too thick.

3. Toss together noodles, sauce, and chopped vegetables. Garnish with cilantro, diced chilli pepper, chopped peanuts, or toasted sesame seeds and serve with Sriracha hot sauce, if you like.

—felicia@timesofoman.com

COMPETITION TIME: SHOW US YOUR NOODLES The soba show-and-tell: If you made it, post it on Hi Weekly Facebook or on Instagram @HiWeekly_Oman.

The two soba salads with the most Likes and Shares on Facebook, and the two Instagram sobas with the most likes, will win gift certificates to the authentic Chinese restaurant, Mamasan.

17

18

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

Competing in the Olympics is without doubt the biggest moment in any athlete’s life.

Millions of fans pin their hopes and expectations on their country’s competitors. Millions of eyes are glued to their countrymen or women on the field. When the event begins, it is the sportsman’s shot at glory. Those few minutes are what many spend a lifetime preparing for, those few minutes when they give it their all, those few minutes that seal their places in history.

MORE THAN A GAME

BARAKAT’S ROAD TO RIO B

PICTURES: SUPPLIED

STORY SHRUTHI NAIR

arakat Al Harthy, a military kid born in Ibra 28 years back, was one of the four Omani sports stars representing the Sultanate in the Rio 2016 Olympics. His journey leading up to his Olympic race on August 13, 2016, began over a decade ago as an ambitious, talented 15-year-old

school boy.

Always passionate about athletics, Barakat participated in all the inter and intra-school races that came his way.

And, as a natural born runner, he won most of the races he participated in from the very beginning. During one such inter-school race, he was discovered by his first coach who immediately saw the boy’s potential for greatness.

At his coaches urging, he went to Europe for further coaching and training, which Barakat described as a total “culture shock”.

From his protective, secluded home environment in Oman, he was flung into a world of brutal competition. And, though it was tough, he realised for the first time how much this world had to offer him.

His journey from that point on was one without commas or full stops. He continued progressing race-by-race as he competed in different countries at various international races. The athlete won numerous medals over the course of his thunderbolt career, and at 24-years-old, his hard work earned him a ticket to the 2012 London Olympics.

The very fact that Barakat was competing in the Olympics was enough to make his country proud, and earning 7th place in the heats with a time of 10.41 was cause for celebration. But that wasn’t good enough for Barakat.

The young man vowed to train harder and perform better and push himself farther over the subsequent four years for a chance to compete again, and better his time. He trained in Bahrain, Bulgaria, and Oman under different coaches and with

different athletes and the training sessions provided a good mix of techniques, styles, and intensity levels. He gave careful attention to food and nutrition, and his run times continued to improve.

The best training for Barakat was in Bahrain where he spent time working with a team. He became great friends with one of his team members there, who went on to qualify for the 400m finals. The two would challenge each other and train together in competitive ways daily, pushing one another to raise their games.

With four years of rigorous training and preparations under his belt, Barakat set off to compete once again on the world stage in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

But his actual journey to Rio was to be his first major obstacle.

Barakat’s flight to Rio was a connecting flight from Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately, his flight from Oman got delayed, he missed the flight to Rio, scrambling and finding his way onto a connecting flight via France. This not only delayed his arrival in Brazil, but, even worse, he arrived to find his luggage that contained his entire sports kit had gone missing. A late, nervous, and frazzled Barakat left the airport carrying only a handbag containing his spikes and jersey.

He was received by people from the Olympics organising committee and driven to Olympic Village. As he rode, he was amazed at the scene: Army men, chaos, and crowds of people filling the streets. It was a stark contrast to the calm of Oman.

Upon reaching the village, Barakat found himself feeling star struck as he watched many of his heroes who he’d seen on TV or in the newspapers strolling casually through the village, training, and clicking selfies. Michael Phelps walked passed him, he found himself training next to Usain Bolt, he was truly among them.

The best athletes in the world were all under one roof, and the atmosphere was filled with energy, patriotism, and

pride, full of vibrant colours, people from different ethnicities and nationalities, all preparing for the competition of their lives under the waving flags of the world.

After getting the feel of the place, Barakat found his room in one of the hundreds of newly constructed apartments in the Olympic village and then headed out for kit shopping. He planned to start training as soon as he returned with his gear.

However, the weather in Rio had different plans. A near continuous, pouring rain made it impossible to train as much as he had planned to before race day.

There were a lot of things that bothered Barakat—not being able to run on the track even once before his race, loosing the opportunity to train and get his body used to the new weather conditions, not being able to arrive earlier to acclimatise.

But the one feeling that overpowered all these negative thoughts was the fact that he was there, at that moment, amidst all the greatest players and athletes. He had earned his place among them and nothing would ever change that.

Barakat’s 2016 performance far surpassed that of the 2012 Olympics as he placed 3rd with a brilliant time of 10.22 in the heats, though, this year, they chose to only select the top two for the semi finals.

Barakat has no regrets whatsoever.

He has always believed that, “practice makes a man perfect,” and knows that he has gotten one step closer on his journey.

Barakat will continue to strive for his own personal best, but his true dream is to see the Omani national flag being raised and the Omani national anthem being sung at an Olympic game. In the spirit of a true sportsman, Barakat looks forward to the day when Oman will win its first medal. To him, it doesn’t matter who wins it, because, like all the greats, he understands that competition is about pushing oneself to the limit for the love of something much greater.

—shruthi@timesofoman.com

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

HI WEEKLY

19

20

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

Dining for the Senses When it comes to dining out on good food, there are all kinds of options all over the

world, from hole-in-the-wall sandwich shops to five-star fine restaurants. But, good food is only one reason we eat out, and, for many, the promise of an entertaining experience, is a far greater draw than what’s on the menu.

g

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

STORY SWATI DASGUPTA PHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E. alk of pirate ships transports me back to Bali. This might seem odd, as Indonesia is a land best known for its beaches and age-old temples, but Bali also boasts some of the most uniquely done theme restaurants I’ve ever seen, including a pirate theme establishment where my childhood whimsy was reawakened as I fantasized about doning an eye patch and head scarf and setting off in search of my treasure chest. See, over the years my gourmet interests have inadvertently gravitated more towards the ambiance of an eatery, be it for an elaborate sit down meal or a quick coffee at any café. And as my more sophisticated appetites for various fine cusines has been satisfied, I find that this aesthetic attraction is taking yet another turn as I am drawn less to formal, composed decor and more towards those that are quirky, different, even bizzare.

I felt this same childlike fascination a few years back in a far away fairyland in the heart of Disneyland Paris where I was completely bedazzled by the visual excitement around me. With my own head spinning, I tried to calm my frenzied little one as we explored every corner of the sprawling park.

When our stomachs growled in hunger I thought, let’s just grab a quick burger, but I changed my mind when I spotted Pizzeria Bella Notte. It wasn’t an ordinary fast food restaurant, but a theme restaurant serving Italian cuisine in a fantastic space inspired by the Disney classic, Lady and the Tramp. The interior resembled a medieval fortress in Florence — the architecture, murals, and stone sculptures adding the charm. Later in our trip we visited Walt’s, another theme restaurant based on the life of Walt Disney. The place was filled with objects and documents depicting the historic moments in Walt Disney’s life. An old fashioned piano, a fancy elevator, knick-nacks and drawings covered every corner of the restaurant with The Adventureland room featuring a mini pirate ship. I don’t remember the food, but I’ll never forget those meals.

Intrigued by my own growing obsession with theme restaurants in different parts of the world, I wondered how this concept of dining for entertainment evolved. A quick look into the history told me that the credit for the first theme restaurants goes to the cafés and cabarets in Paris, which weren’t exactly restaurants at all, but gathering places built around a particular concept to create a different environment for guests. These cafés were weird and some were morbid, too. There were cafés in which waiters were made to dress up like convicts and the paintings and décor depicted war and death and one of the café even used coffins as tables. Over the years the dark concept restaurants have been overtaken by more playful concepts, from the famed rock-and-roll themed, Hard Rock Cafe; to rainforest themed eateries in which you can eat in the simulated wilderness of the forest, complete with sounds of waterfalls, lightning, and rains; to automobile-themed restaurants where diners can sit in vintage car seats for their meals.

Over the past few years, Muscat has witnessed the openings of a number of so-called theme restaurants of its own.

So, ignoring the food offerings and focusing instead on the conceptual designs, I set out to explore these dining destinations. Three of them stood out to me as especially memorable, which is exactly what I hope to find when I go in search of a restaurant to feed my imagination as much as my stomach.

—swati@timesofoman.com

HI WEEKLY

21

22

HI WEEKLY THE JUNGLE As soon as you walk in to The Jungle, you will be greeted by green creepers and trees. Walking towards the main dining area, the lush greenery continues.

The faux, etched stone walls and the ceiling offer a tribal vibe, and even the crockery follows this feel. The sound of rain water and crashing thunder mingle with the calls of animals and birds, as well as the roar of a dinosaur (apparently this is a pre-historic jungle).The colourful, unconventional wildness dĂŠcor is playful and especially delights children, who can be seen exploring the space while parents peruse the rather exotic, grill-heavy menu.

The Jungle Restaurant Near Qurum Park, Qurum +968 9569 0658 junglerestaurant.net

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

HI WEEKLY

MUMBAI CHENNAI EXPRESS There’s nothing quite like the old-world charm and nostalgia of waiting at the train station and seeing the bogey coming chugging towards the platform. If you grew up in India everything about Mumbai Chennai Express restaurant, from the doors to the interiors, will remind you of the trains that you took as a kid.

The interior of the space emulates the inside of an Indian Railway compartment with walls and seats that are a mirror image of a train car. The concept was initiated by the managing director, Sivakumar, the year the Bollywood movie Chennai Express was released and the idea is all the more novel by the fact that here in Oman there is no rail service as yet.

Mumbai Chennai Express Next to the Savoy Grand Hotel Apartments, Azaiba +968 2422 0973

23

24

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

1947 INDIAN RESTAURANT Entering 1947 is a bit like stepping into the pages of an Indian history book. An homage to the year India earned its independence, the vintage look begins right at the entrance where a huge cannon is set among classic wooden carvings. Inside the walls are adorned with pictures of Indian freedom ďŹ ghters and the tables are covered in newspapers from that time. The ambiance is rounded out by speeches echoing over the sound system.

There’s plenty to read and look at, which makes it a great place to subversively get Indian expatriate children interested in Indian history.

1947 Indian Restaurant Behind the Al Maha Petrol Pump, Al Ghubra +968 9224 1112 facebook.com/1947Muscat

26

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

ISWK’s LOGIBIZZ a Business Development Competition amongst commerce students of Indian Schools in the Sultanate of Oman was organised by ISWK recently.

IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY

Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017 included a visiting high level delegation from the government of Gujarat, who attended an event held at the Indian Embassy.

HI WEEKLY

27

28

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

Pakistan School Muscat Graduation Ceremony was held at the A.Q. Khan Hall to felicitate the outgoing classes of 2nd year and A2. Chief guest Fayyaz Ali Shah, Chairman BOD Adnan Shehzad, and Senior principal, Atta Ulla Niazi were present.

IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY

‘Jaya Sandhya 2016’ JK Films ‘Omaneyam’ 600th Episode celebration was held in the presence of top stars from the Malayalam film industry such as Sharadha, Ashokan, Navya Nair, and filmmaker Major Ravi along with singers Kallara Gopan and Rajalakshmi.

Photos by Purushothaman K.

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

HI WEEKLY

Second Advanced Table Tennis Championships’ inauguration and valedictory functions held at Indian School Muscat.

IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY

29

30

HI WEEKLY

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 13, 2016

SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY Fill empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column, and area.

Level | Very Easy

Level | Easy

6 7

2

9

3

4

3

2

6

1

5

7

7

2

7 6

6

6 7

1 5

8

5

9

3

4

4

2

1

5

2

9

9 8

3

1

6

7

8

9

4

2

5

3

7 9

2 4

5 7

1

1

9

Level | Moderate

7

9

7

1

4

5

2

1

4

7

Level | Difficult

4

6

8 3

5

1

2

9

8

4

3

9

7

8

6

4

1

3

7

8

6

7

8 6

4

9

7

2 1

1

5 8

7

9

4 2

2

4 9

9

7

7

4

9

1

6

8 1

5

2

2

1 3

3 6

7

4

VISIT US AT FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY FOR THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE