THIS WEEK IN OMAN
OUTRUN A BORING DAY AT WORK
PERFECT COMBO OF MILK AND COOKIES
FOOTWEAR IS HER CANVAS
We all get into routine and do the same things each day, especially at workplace. So let’s escape the boredom by taking small initiatives at work. PAGE 8
If you are one of the many cookieholics in town or love the delicious combination of cookies and milk, then visit Bella’s Bakery and Kitchen this week. PAGE 10
Any object can be turned into a piece of art, proves Wijdan Saleem by painting on shoes, eliciting a “wow” response from people. PAGE 12
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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 Chief Executive Editor Scott Armstrong scottarmstrong@timesofoman.com felicia@timesofoman.com
Executive Features Editor Felicia Campbell Features Production Editor Swati Dasgupta swati@timesofoman.com
ashishdubash@timesofoman.com
Research/Copy Editor Ashish Dubash shruthi@timesofoman.com
Associate Editors Salem Afifi Shruthi Nair
salim@timesofoman.com
Digital Editor Gautam Viswanathan Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin Graphics Editor Antonio Farach Design Editor Sahir K.M. Lead Designer Geri B. Sonny Designers Antonio Ismael Sandiego Gregory Fernandez Director of Digital Television Joe Morrison Photography MMG Photographers Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham
richard@timesofoman.com
Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by Geri B. Sonny
For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com
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What are you doing this weekend? Tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman; tag us in your weekend instagram photos @hiweekly_oman; or share with us on FB/hiweekly
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FRIDAY
11.00pm Get Spooked
6.00pm Beats By The Beach
Go to this Spooktacular Halloween party and feed on mysterious food and drinks while dressed up ghosts will try to haunt you all night. Entry free for all spirits Privé Gastro Lounge +968 9702 0354
It is time to enjoy some great music by Dj’s JIXO and DANZ by the beautiful beach of Oman. OMR 15 for men. Ladies free. Muscat Hills Resort +968 7152 1835
SATURDAY
8.00am Munch some Brunch Enjoy some great food with bottomless iced tea and iced cold brew coffee until 4.30pm for OMR 6.500 Copper Restaurant +968 2456 4292
Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend
THE WEEKEND LINEUP
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YO U M I S S E D I T
THERE’S PLENTY OF NEWS THAT MADE WAVES ON SOCIAL MEDIA THIS WEEK. HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE WERE TUNING IN TO. COMPILED BY SHRUTHI NAIR & SALEM AFIFI GO TO TIMESOFOMAN.COM/HIWEEKLY FOR VIDEOS AND MORE
RELIEF CONCERT: A concert took place as part of One America Appeal to help raise money for victims of natural disasters, attended by former US presidents including Obama. timesofoman.com/hiweekend
TRENDING THIS WEEK DEMI GETS PERSONAL: Music industry’s sweetheart released a documentary earlier last week, which gives an intimate look at the 25-year-old diva. timesofoman.com/hiweekend
JAKE PAUL SUED: YouTube prank star is being sued after carrying out a horn prank that caused severe hearing damage to an individual. timesofoman.com/hiweekend
TOP TRENDING VIDEOS: This week we have a special video for first time flyers. A must-watch for those possessing a sense of humour. timesofoman.com/hiweekend
TRENDING MUSIC
TIMBERLAKE FOR SUPERBOWL The pop singer is set to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2018. Previous performers include Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, and Beyonce.
TRENDING MOVIE
THE LAST JEDI The latest addition to Star Wars universe is all set for a December release date, titled ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ trailer made fans even hungrier for the premiere.
#popularhashtag
TRENDING FASHION
MARC JACOBS SPRING 2018 Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2018 show at New York Fashion Week brought back the turba fashion with Brooch-decorated headscarves stealing the spotlight.
#UsmanKhan # KylianMbappé #ItTakesRealCourageTo
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7 Ways to Get Through Boring Work Days STORY ANTARA BOSE
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nother of those days where it seems like the journey from 9am to 5pm is going to last a century? We’ve all been through those days at the workplace when the clock seems to stand still. If you’re reading this copy on one of those days, gear up, for that is going to change. If you’ve just lived through one of them, let’s make sure it doesn’t happen again. Give one of our 7 suggestions a try next time you feel you’re stuck at a monotonous day at work. And if one isn’t enough, by all means, try them all (and ahem, probably look for another job). Help a colleague Just because you have nothing to do on that blessed day, doesn’t mean everyone else has that luxury too. If you are bored of your own work, hop into another department and offer to give a hand. We are pretty certain you’d be welcomed with open arms. Apart from actually being productive in office (and for official reasons too), the department you pick could be one where your interest lies. Getting to know how they actually function and proving how handy you could be can open other career doors. It’ll be a fun learning experience and next time when you need a hand, you might even get some help from your new-found buddy from across the hall. Personalise your space We didn’t want to use the word ‘organise’ because it sounds boring. Make the most of your slow days and start by de-cluttering your workstation. Having things in order, cleared up and neatly stacked can really make things easier on busy days. Then, get creative. Let your space reflect who you are. Print photos of your family and pets and make your own picture frames. You can also get some witty slogans printed (as long as it’s not offensive) and pin them around. Download some wallpapers for your desktop or draw your own prized portraits. Run to the stationery shop and buy some colourful desk accessories like de-stress balls, paperweights or even a fancy new mug; it’ll breathe some new life to your everyday desk. Play a prank As long it’s not loud enough to reach the CEO, harmless pranks will brighten up any day. Find an equally bored colleague who you know isn’t going to mind being played a little so you both can have a good laugh; you, of course, can take it a step forward and share it with everyone else and chuckle a little further at your colleague’s expense. Just make sure you don’t pick Miss Goody Two Shoes who marches to the manager’s cabin with a new complain every day. You won’t be having the last laugh then.
Read real news When we say ‘real’, we mean non-Facebook or other such forms of social media (we didn’t say news of other people’s personal lives). Grab a newspaper or a magazine. Staying up-to-date with current affairs is a good way to kill time productively. And honestly, it looks better than showcasing to everyone around what kind of photos you ‘like’ on social media. Do something for the boss (and yourself, of course) Remember those tasks your boss was complaining about; or that project that needed some brainstorming but no one really got to work on it? Swap watching videos on YouTube to researching and getting some work done on those assignments. It’ll be different from what you usually do because there isn’t a definite pressure, a deadline you have to meet or an expectation you have to satisfy. Let your creativity flow and give it your best shot. No matter how much of it you actually get done, your boss will appreciate you going that extra mile. Network This could be physically or virtually. If you are working in a company that has accounts in one wing and HR two wings away, and you didn’t know you even had a department called quality control, it would be a good idea to familiarise yourself with your distant, yet fellow mates. Pop by and say hello, introduce yourself and let them know they are doing an amazing job. Virtually, you could go online and utilise this time to connect with other professionals in your field. Building contacts is never a bad thing. Tick off accomplishments and feel good Take some time to appreciate yourself (we know, bosses tend to miss that) and everything you’ve been able to achieve. Write out all the things you’ve been meaning to do and manually tick off all those goals you’ve been able to accomplish at work. Bask in your own glory. — HiWeekend@timesofoman.com
Antara Bose is a model turned fashion and beauty consultant. A popular blogger, anchor, and voice over artist, she maintains a deep connection with the local fashion industry and is passionate about discovering and celebrating aspiring talent as well as promoting animal rights. For fashion updates with a side of humour and sarcasm follow Antara on instagram @antarabose and on Facebook (Antara Bose)
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DINING
AT BELLA’S BAKERY AND KITCHEN THEY TAKE THE CLASSIC MILK AND COOKIES GOODNESS TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF GREATNESS.
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STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY SALEM AFIFI GET YOUR MILK AND COOKIES BELLA’S BAKERY AND KITCHEN +968 9140 6610 Instagram: @bellasmuscat Facebook: @bellasmuscat What to Order Cereal Milk 1-litre bottle OMR 5 24 Cookies (small box) OMR 8 36 Cookies (large box) OMR 11
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t feels as if it was just yesterday when I would often ask my mother to pass me a couple of cookies, and while she remained unawares I would quietly take a few more from the jar and rush to my bedroom with a huge cup of milk to relish the perfect combination of cookies and milk all by myself. I could never wean off that childhood habit of mine and I still dunk my cookies in milk. This crunchy-creamy treat shall remain my favourite forever and if you too love the delicious magic of cookies and milk then visit Bella’s Bakery and Kitchen, where they serve you cereal-drenched milk and fresh gourmet cookies. It all started on Instagram where I came across my friend’s post that said ‘I’m drinking cereal milk’. I started stalking the tagged account and that’s how I got to know about Bella’s and decided to pay a visit. Bella’s Bakery and Kitchen is known for their cookies that are perfectly crunchy from the outside and soft finish inside. I ordered four types of cookies and a tall one litre bottle full of cereal milk. The milk came in a refillable glass bottle with the Bella’s logo on it. As I opened it, I was overwhelmed by nostalgia as the sweet aroma of cereal milk took me back to my childhood days. I could not resist to have a sip of this slightly cream-coloured milk. The taste was impeccable, just as I had imagined. After having half a litre of that heavenly milk, I took bites of the cookies, and they tasted equally scrumptious. Be it the milk chocolate chip that had Bella’s signature touch, the white chocolate cranberry or the cocoa peanut butter full of peanuts flavour and cocoa, each one of them were a classic treat. The star of the show however was the cinnamon brown sugar cookies. The woody, spicy smell of cinnamon infused with buttery-baked flavour of gourmet cookies is to die for. I could munch this all day, everyday. Bella’s Bakery and Kitchen will showcase their cereal milk, cookies, and much more at the upcoming Souq es Sabt at Al Mouj starting November 4. So forget about your tea and biscuits and head for what I call ‘the ultimate milk experience’ for a cookieholic and you will keep coming back for more. And, if you bring back the bottle, you also get a discount on the refill. —salim@timesofoman.com
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When it comes to style, individuality is a must. Meet Wijdan Saleem, an art aficionado, who converts canvas shoes into works of art with her designs.
WIJDAN ’s unparalleled passion for animation started at a very young age when she made countless iconic characters from the favourite childhood cartoons and superheroes like Batman and Wonder Woman, to our beloved Disney superstar, Mickey Mouse. As she grew up, she branched into painting and that’s when a hilarious yet unique idea came to her mind. She started drawing on shoes. First she did it for herself and later for her loved ones. With fashion trends coming late in Oman, she decided to turn the customary shoes into something exclusive with her designs. It didn’t take a while for people to start noticing her art. Today, Wijdan has an enormous portfolio of pop culture drawings, all hand-painted to your liking. While there are several materials one could paint on, but Wijdan prefers to use either shoes covered in fabric or a pair of Converse. Leather is another popular option but it requires more time and technique for the paint to look amazing on its smooth, slippery surface. Using acrylic paint, Wijdan can create anything, from a simple heart-shaped drawing, to a more elaborate skull with veins popping out of it. She recently drew a character on pink slip-ons that looked fabulous. Though Wijdan is known for her illustrated, anime-inspired drawings, she can work on a canvas as per her clients’ request. She can personalise them as you wish, making them bespoke treasures that will surely have a special place in your heart, and your wardrobe, too. Wearing hand-painted shoes doesn’t discriminate when it comes to gender, as both boys and girls can look stunning in custom shoes. The young artists herself ensures that her craft is about being who you are and expressing yourself, which can be seen in some of the designs she’d done for her loyal customers. Making statements has always been the way to go for style followers. They may be considered an unusual fashionable medium in Oman but they will add a tonne of character to your ensembles. And, who wouldn’t want to look unusual. At the end of the day, that is what style is all about. —salim@timesofoman.com Plan your Canvas Shoes +968 7112 5909 Instagram: @itswij
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SAVOUR LIFE’S PEAK EXPERIENCES It’s often said, ‘Go where you feel alive’. Keeping that spirit in mind Alila Jabal Akhdar recently organised Reach Your Peak, an exclusive adventure trip, where one could not only feel the sublime rush of adrenaline but also watch the breathtaking beauty of the Green Mountain. STORY SHRUTHI NAIR
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discovered something in life some time ago — you can be alive and you can feel alive. And these are completely different things. There are a few things that make me feel completely alive, where my senses are heightened, all the happy hormones are released, and the world feels like an awesome place to be. It usually happens when I feel an adrenaline rush — that insane feeling of fear, excitement, and ecstasy and the eventual release. I usually get that feeling when I’m live on air, but the only other time I feel as ‘alive’ is when I’m trying an extremely challenging adventure sport. I’m not the fittest person, but I never turn down an opportunity to try something new. So when I was approached with the Reach Your Peak programme, I jumped on the chance. Alila Jabal Akhdar, one of my most favourite destinations in Oman, organised the Reach Your Peak journey, an exclusive adventure trip that judiciously uses Oman’s one-of-its-kind landscape to give all adrenaline junkies and fitness freaks a heavy dosage of everything they crave for. The trip started from Muscat on Thursday where I was driven all the way to the Green Mountain, which although is the same country but feels like a totally different nation in itself. This was my second time in Jabal Akhdar, and like the previous time I couldn’t contain my excitement as the car kept going upwards and the temperature proportionately kept getting cooler. In about half an hour, I saw the stoney hotel clusters and finally the board that said Alila appeared. Yes, I was here. As soon as I got down, I took a minute to absorb the view around me — of the sun’s rays playing on the leaves of the shrubs, the beautiful resorts entrance and the majestic mountains guarding the entire area. What a sight!
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As I entered and went straight to the Juniper restaurant, the seats of which overlook the cliff, I joined a few other ladies who had just finished their yoga session. They were having interesting conversations about energy and vibrations and chanting Hindu mantras like ‘Om Gam Ganpataye Namah’ that blew my socks off. The early morning yoga clearly had an effect on all of them — they looked calm and peaceful and most importantly happy to be there. I wouldn’t even expect otherwise as the natural energy flowing in the place is magical — adding to that spiritual practices and exercises, I could only imagine being transferred to a completely different realm. After some delicious egg benedict and coffee to wade my tiredness off, I went up to my room with a view of the infinity pool and the infiniteness of the mountains and valleys. I quickly went down dressed in my sports wear and shoes and loads of sunscreen all prepped for what awaited me down below. I was standing at the edge of the cliff feeling my heart pound, a small bead of sweat trickled down my face and slowly I took a few steps forward. No, I wasn’t planning to jump off the cliff, not without my carabiners at least. Holding tightly onto the rope and as I was told “trusting it completely” I kept moving forward slowly until I was almost perpendicular to the ground depending completely on the rope running along the mountain to keep me standing.
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As I kept moving deeper into the valley, it started getting quieter, save the sound of my panting and occasional grunts and perpetual panting. It’s weird how it felt like meditation although the adrenaline was gushing like no man’s business. Up, down, and across — I wouldn’t say I kept striding, but I took carefully calculated steps using all of my limbs and muscles and brain to go across the most difficult and exciting path I’d ever taken. I would stop occasionally to catch my breath but would be breathtaken by the view and just the very idea that I was right in the middle of this gorgeous view. Through slippery, rocky, muddy terrain I reached a surface that had single steps to hold and step on that led me to the cave, out of which came four lines — two on the side to hold, one on top for the carabiners and one to walk on. Yes, just one line, one shaky, swivelling line on which I had to walk to get to the other side. And oh, you know what’s underneath? Nothing for a few hundred metres so don’t even think of looking down. However, once you cross the bridge and go back up the mountain and complete the entire circuit, the sense of accomplishment and pride you will feel will keep you smiling and buzzed for the entire day. I felt like a fear factor winner once I got back to the top where I started from and let out the loudest scream just to hear it echo back. I was so glad to have done this at Alila, the place with the best spa, because that is exactly what I needed after this rigorous battle with the mountain and my fears. I opted for a detoxifying massage that sent me into a trance for 60 whole minutes and I felt all rejuvenated when I came out ready for another battle. Okay, not really. However, I did try out the archery there in the open and I somehow managed without hurting anyone with my bad aim. A few good shots, too many horrible ones later, I walked back to my room and on my way admiring the unadulterated beauty this place beholds with so much to offer to people looking for serenity, adventure, relaxation or just some time away from the concrete jungle and the mechanical mess that our lives have become. —shruthi@timesofoman.com
ALILA JABAL AKHDAR Cave Via Ferrata OMR 30 for in-house guests OMR 50 for outsiders +968 2534 4200 jabalakhdar@alilahotels.com
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THE LITTLE VAMPIRE Directed by Uli Edel this ďŹ lm is based on the characters from the bestselling novels by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg and tells the story of Rudolph, a 13-year-old vampire. Tony struggles to make friends at his new school and is bullied and picked on by the other boys, and has little hope of overcoming his miserable new life. Then he meets Rudolph, a kid vampire with whom Tony becomes very close. But, when Rudolph’s life and the future of the vampire race are threatened by a ruthless vampire hunter, Tony helps Rudolph in an action and humour packed battle against their adversaries. Voice Over: Jim Carter, Rasmus Hardiker and Alice Krige Running At: Vox Oman, City Cinemas
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OTHER RELEASES THIS WEEK
Happy Death Day Cast: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, and Ruby Modine
Only The Brave Cast: Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, and Jeff Bridges
Directed by Christopher B. Landon and written by Scott Lobdell this film is about a college student who is murdered on her birthday and begins reliving the day over and over again. She sets out to find the killer and stop her death until she discovers her killer’s identity.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski this film is based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. A group of elite firefighters risk everything to protect a town from a historic wildfire. Through hope, determination, and sacrifice they forge a unique brotherhood that comes into focus with one fateful fire.
Brawl in Cell Block 99 Cast: Vince Vaughn, Dan Amboyer, and Jennifer Carpenter
Jigsaw Cast: Matt Passmore, Tobin Bell, and Callum Keith Rennie
24 Hours To Live Cast: Rutger Hauer, Ethan Hawke, and Paul Anderson
Directed by S. Craig Zahler this is a story of a former boxerturned-drug runner who finds himself in a gunfight between police officers and his own ruthless allies. He is thrown in prison where his enemies force him to commit acts of violence that turn the place into a savage battleground.
Directed by Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig this is a story of a mysterious madman who rounds up a group of victims to play sadistic games of life and death. As the investigation proceeds, evidence points to one suspect: John Kramer, the man known as Jigsaw, who has been dead for ten years.
If you’re in the mood for an action film, 24 Hours to Live does exactly what you must be wanting to see. An assassin seeks redemption after being given a second chance at life. Ethan Hawke’s assassin character is brought back to life after being murdered.
The Vault Cast: James Franco, Taryn Manning, and Francesca Eastwood Directed by Dan Bush this American thriller is about two estranged sisters who are forced to rob a bank in order to save their brother. A bank employee tells the sisters that the real money is in a seemingly disused, haunted bank vault. The vault belonged to a failed bank robbery in 1982, and the ghosts of that robbery are waiting to take a revenge.
COMING SOON SUBURBICON
ITTEFAQ
Cast: Matt Damon, Oscar Isaac, and Julianne Moore
Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha, and Akshaye Khanna
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Giti Tyre brand was launched in Oman in association with its local partner Eint Automotive. – Photos by Purushothaman K.
IN FOCUS DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FOCUS? SHARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY
Chiru Mega Youth Force organised the ‘Batukamma and Dasara Fesitval’ with playback singer Madhu Priya and TV personality Chevella Ravi ‘Bithiri Sathi’ entertaining the audience. The organisers also honoured five famous personalities from the Telugu community in Oman.
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