Hi Weekly - November 20, 2015

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 54,000 COPIES

VOL 9 ISSUE 31 / NOVEMBER 20, 2015

RUN OFF WITH THE CIRCUS Get a peek behind the scenes of the Great Vegas Circus in Qurum as their final week of performances begin.

Audited by

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THIS WEEK IN OMAN

HAVE AN AUTHENTIC BENGALI FEAST

REACH FOR A CLASSIC

GO TO THE BEACH

Savour the heat of mustard oil, the richness of coconut curry, and a distinctive lineup of sweets at the only traditional Bengali restaurant in Oman. PAGE 16

Go try a pair of time-tested, eternally cool aviator shades. We did and ended up with five new favourites.

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Pack up your tent and grill for a remote weekend escape on the white sands of Khalouf beach. PAGE 8

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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 31 NOVEMBER 20, 2015

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

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Editor Hubert Vaz

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Senior Editors T. A. Ameerudheen Faisal Mohammed Naim ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

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Chief Sub-Editors Mohammed Shafeeqe, Ashish Dubash ashishdubash@timesofoman.com

Online Editor Mahran Shaukat Ali shafeeq@timesofoman.com Multimedia Editorial Assistant Shruthi Nair

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shruthi@timesofoman.com 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

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

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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 31 NOVEMBER 20, 2015

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THE WEEKEND LINEUP Helping you plan what to do in and around Muscat this weekend

19 20 21 THURSDAY

Go to the Park

Marah Land Amusement Park in Al Qurum has organised a special National Day festival from 10:00am to 11:00pm.

Take your family for games, rides, and snacks. The Great Vegas Circus is currently camped in the park, offering the chance to take in a performance at 5:30pm or 8:30pm.

MarahLand +968 2200 6092 marahland.com

Grab Some Popcorn and Spy on 007 If you haven’t caught James Bond in action lately, head to Vox Cinema to see Daniel Craig peel back layers of deceit in ‘Spectre’, a non-stop adrenaline rush of a movie.

Photography: Supplied

Vox Cinemas +968 2455 8888 voxcinemas.com

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

5:30pm Enjoy Desi Jams and Family Fun The Indian

8:30am Attend an Urban Art Retreat

Section of RAHRC (PDO Club) has organised a ‘Desi Dhamal’ party for members and non-members with music pumping courtesy of DJ Pulse, performances of Indian dances, henna and face painting, a kids’ fashion show, and stalls of games and snacks.

Join professional and amateur artists at the Gailani Art Retreat, a full day of creative activity involving visual art and music at Left Bank in Al Qurum. Attendees must be at least 21 years old, and need to call to register as well as bring their own large canvas boards (2), a set of brushes, acrylic paints, and a rag-cloth. The day begins with a meditation session and ends with a group deliberation.

RAHRC (PDO Club) +968 9212 0122 indiansection.rahrc@gmail.com

6:30pm Party for a Cause This year’s annual British School Muscat Ball will be held at the Grand Hyatt Muscat with the theme ‘Movie Stars Red Carpet’.

All proceeds from the event go to the welfare of school children. Open to all, the ticketed event includes live entertainment and a gourmet meal.

Grand Hyatt Muscat +968 24641234. britishschoolmuscat.com

LeftBank, Al Qurum +968 9760 9925 gailaniart.com

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Going out of town to see any of these events? Tag us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 31 NOVEMBER 20, 2015

KHALEEJI HAPPENINGS Broadcasting the best events in the GCC (November 19, 20, 21)

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Thursday, November 19 Dubai International Rally (Dubai)

The Dubai International Rally, the final round of the Federation Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA) Middle East Rally Championship, held this year in conjunction with Dubai Motor Festival, is set to provide spectators a unique adrenaline rush as professional racers like 14-time champion Mohammed Bin Sulayem blaze around the tracks.

Automobile and Touring Club of UAE, Dubai +971 4296 1122; dubaiinternationalrally.com

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Thursday, November 19 Autumn Consumer Fair (Kuwait)

Visit the Autumn Consumer Festival at the Kuwait International Fair Ground, and shop for gifts, lifestyle articles, handicrafts, art products, jewellery, and seasonal goods.

KIF Ground, Kuwait City +965 2538 7100; info@kif.net

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The first event of its kind in Dubai, the two-day Dubai Bake Fest will bring bakers and retailers of savoury and sweet treats together under one roof to celebrate the art of baking. Learn some trade secrets from top bakers while sampling some of the most delicious baked delights in town.

There are even special baking events for children. Entry is free.

Dubai Investment Park +971 4427 8687; dubaibakefest.com

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Saturday, November 21 7:30pm KK Live (Bahrain)

Watch Bollywood singer KK perform live with his seven-member band at a special concert organised by the Indian Ladies Association Bahrain at the Indian School grounds in Isa Town. The proceeds of this event will go to the Sneha School for children with special needs.

Indian School Bahrain +973 3985 0372; ilabahrain.org

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DESERT ACTIVITIES IN SHARQIYA SANDS

Friday, November 20 Wild Khaleeji Free Running (Qatar)

Watch 18 Arab Free-runners competing in a special tournament in Doha called ‘Wild Khaleeji’, a unique contest that promotes freerunning as an active sport. There will be live rehearsals, freestyle battles, and live entertainment for spectators in the Fanzone area.

Aspire Park, Doha +974 4413 8188; wildkhaleeji.com

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FIVE TO TRY

Friday, November 20 9:00am Dubai Bake Fest (Dubai)

DUNE BASHING

QUAD BIKING

CAMEL RIDES

SAND BOARDING

CAMPING

This adrenaline-filled activity that takes you up and down, over and across the spectacular dunes in the deserts south of Muscat. alrahaoman.com +968 9934 3851

If dune bashing seems daunting, smaller quad bikes are a great way to start conquering the dunes. desertthunderoman.com +968 9555 5153

Hop onto the ship of the desert for a bumpy slow, yet fun ride and imagine a time when these beasts were the main mode of transport. omansafaris.com +968 9286 4776

Similar to snowboarding, this activity is gaining ground in Oman, given the presence of the large number of steep dunes in the deserts and a total lack of snow-covered mountains. alrahaoman.com +968 9934 3851

Camping lets you really immerse into the enchanting world of the desert by giving you a chance to experience everthing from stargazing to watching the early morning fog dissolve with the rising sun.

1000nightscamp.com +968 9944 8158

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WEEKEND ESCAPE

WHERE THE DESERT MEETS THE SEA

KHALOUF BEACH This weekend, take a long, scenic drive down the coast of Muscat and through Sharqiyah to reach one of the most beautiful, and remote, beaches in Oman.

Photography Courtesy of Hud Hud Travels

Story Shruthi Nair

After a long, eventful week of National Day celebrations, it is time for a relaxed seaside safari on some of Oman’s most beautiful coastline.

This weekend, escape the city and head south to enjoy the serene, beautiful wilderness of Khalouf Beach in Al Wusta. The pristine sand beaches set against the backdrop of sand dunes are well worth the long drive. You can pack your own cooler and gear and trek out on your own, or splurge on a luxury package from Hud Hud Travels which includes transportation, delux tents, and meals for OMR400 per person (hudhudtravels.com, +968 9980 2922). - shruthi@timesofoman.com THURSDAY 15.00 Try to sneak out of office early this Thursday and start driving towards Nizwa on 15, take a turn south at Izki to head towards Sinaw on route 33/32. and keep on driving for four hours to reach Khalouf (20°28’15.4”N 58°03’55.8”E), home to one of the Middle East’s best beaches.

20.00 On reaching the beach, which is set among the coastal dunes and sheltered by a rocky outcrop, take time to relax and enjoy the serenity of this seaside retreat before firing up the grill or being served dinner by Hud Hud’s personal camp chef.

FRIDAY 09.00 After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning on the beach fishing, beach driving, and snorkelling.

13.00 Head back north on route 32 to the local fishing village of Mahoot to have lunch and pick up locally caught fish for dinner, taking a slight detour to see the the spectacular Barr Al Hickmann salt pans.

14.00 Continue north to Shannah (20.750851, 58.739992) and take the 3pm ferry (nfc.om) to Masirah Island. Alternatively, the Hud Hud package includes a boat ride exploring the shallow waters and lagoons around Khalouf with a local fisherman who will point out an amazing variety of sea birds, flamingos, and birds of prey.

20:00 Watch the flickering fire as your fresh seafood dinner cooks and fall asleep under the stars.

SATURDAY 07.00 Get up early and after another relaxed breakfast on the beach, pack up for your drive north.

11.00 Three hours into your drive, stop in the town of Sinaw (directly on route 32) where the Bedouins come to do business. Catch the end of the souq, which typically runs from 8am to around midday, to shop for traditional silver Bedouin jewellery, handicrafts, and even vintage guns.

14.00 Find some lunch in town before embarking on your two-hour drive back home.

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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 31 NOVEMBER 20, 2015

LIBERTO SG RAY-BAN RB3025 JM 169 The Best. Ray-Ban made the original aviator shades, which remain absolute classics, but with plenty of modern options.

The new camouflage fabric rim binding on the JM 169 takes the cool quotient to the next level.

BEST PRICE: OMR 77

If flashy is your way of style, and it still has to be aviator, then Liberto SG is the most fitting find. The transparent plastic frame and chrome hued lenses in various striking colours lend enough flash and contrast to set you apart from the crowd.

BEST PRICE: OMR 30

SILHOUETTE 8667 If minimalism is more your speed, then this is the pair for you. Rimless with needlelike temples and bridge, the Silhouette aviator will leave an impression of utter sophistication.

BEST PRICE: OMR 139

POLICE 8991 M The Police aviators combine aviator style with a trendy, lightweight chrome frame to offer a classy alternative to the all time classics.

BEST PRICE: OMR 46

Top Shades STORY FAISAL MOHAMMED NAIM PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI

Sunglasses are a quintessential part of style persona, and for those looking for a “classic cool” look, there is no better option than the aviator. The sunglasses were given their name due to their oblique teardrop shape, which matched those of the smoked-lens flying goggles of the old-school pilots of the midcentury. Popular since the 1960’s, these shades were immortalised by pop stars like Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr, and later, in films like “Top Gun” in which they are a vital element of Tom Cruise’s fly-boy look.

The aviator style is fairly consistent across brands and are ideal for those who want a timeless style they can always reach for without worrying about accessorising based on the latest trend. We rounded up our top picks available here in Muscat, which can be found at various outlets, like Sunglass Hut and Al Alami, though we found the widest selection at Paris Optics in Al Araimi Complex, Alarjan Building (+968 2457 1923).

- faisal@timesofoman.com

CARRERA 8010/S NLX With more frame and more style, if it’s sturdy you need, the Carrera NLX could be the answer to danger-zone desires.

BEST PRICE: OMR 86

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ASK AN OMANI

From Field to Festival:

ALL ABOUT ASSA

STORY T. A. AMEERUDHEEN PHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E

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“A

ssa is a symbol of Omani pride,” said Jamal Mohammad Ali Al Balushi, the owner of Alauddin City in Muttrah, as he described the traditional cane also known as khaizaran. “My father bought me a small assa when I was a child, and I continued to carry it with high esteem during marriage functions and other special ceremonies. My personal assa collection grew with my age.

At present, I have eight sticks that suit different occasions.”

Nowadays, most Omani men only carry the long embellished sticks when they attend marriage functions, cultural gatherings, and traditional celebrations. But the assa had many practical purposes in the past. Men once used them to control camels, herd sheep, and protect themselves from venomous insects and snakes. They used the stick like an extension of their hands, gesturing with it and tapping it on the ground to make a point during conversations. Thus, it became more than a tool, an integral part of Omani lives that is now considered as important symbol of Omani identity as the dishdasha national dress, khanjar daggar, and mussar turban.

Available in all souqs across the Sultanate, assas vary greatly in price and style. At Jamal’s shop, he creates and sells these distinctly Omani accessories and even offers customised assa to his clients. “Artisans have to work for three months to produce an assa with special features. It needs a high amount of concentration to chisel the wood, fix the handle, and add special gems to the stick. Customisation is, indeed, a tedious task,” he explained.

Bamboo is most commonly used to manufacture the assa and Jamal uses bamboo from the Netherlands to ensure his products are high quality, though other woods, even ebony, are used as well. “I like the natural fragrance of sandalwood.

It is a valuable product. It will last long too,” he said. The wood is treated with oil and engraved using copper, silver, and special stones. The handlebar is then fitted with silver, copper, or aluminium accents.

Though assa come in different colours, those with silver handles decorated with precious stones are the most popular in the Omani market. “Assas with ivory or rhino horn handles were much sought after products before the government banned them. Now, many prefer sticks with buffalo horns,” said Jamal. The wide range of materials used, and the craftsmanship behind the intricate assa, mean they vary widely in cost. Ultimately though, it is the delicacy of the handle that decides the price, from a simple bamboo stick that goes for one rial, to top quality, engraved assas that cost upwards of OMR5,000. But whether humble or ornate, the assa remains a cherished part of every Omani man’s wardrobe. - ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

CONTACT JAMAL Alauddin City (handicrafts & gifts) +968 2471 1565, aladdincity@gmail.com

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Where Art Reigns STORY PATRICIA GROVES PHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E.

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s I once again enter the studio of wellknown Muscat artist Radhika Hamlai, I am reminded of her focused approach to the artwork that, along with family, is so central to her life. Radhika’s self-styled studio is a modern retreat in her extended family’s rambling home, which is full of old-world character.

Consisting of a well-organised production room laid out as a workshop and a lounge furnished with only a computer station, a couch, and a collection of art books, in this Spartan, stripped-down environment, Radhika’s huge contemporary paintings hold commanding dominion over the space, giving it life.

Radhika reflects on the room in which she spends so much of her time. “I live in a world animated by dramatic form, bright colour and meaning, which awaits me each new morning.”

BUYING GUIDE DESIGN AROUND YOUR ART For a truly singular space, choose your art first and then build the rest of your decor around it.

HiWeekly@timesofoman.com

UNDERSTATED ACCENTS Look for accessories and rugs with colours that echo those in your focal point piece of art, but make sure the colours are on the muted-side so that they don’t fight for attention. Peruse the extensive collection of accent decor at Home Centre, Al Khuwair, +968 2460 1569, homecentrestores.com KNOW YOUR ANGLES The lines in your furnishings should also complement those of your artwork. If you have curvaceous abstracts, go for a saddle back sofa. If your artwork is more geometric, find seating with similarly strong lines, like the Effar Ball chair at Homes R Us, MGM, +968 2439 6160, homesrusgroup.com

DON’T BE TOO LITERAL Art speaks to our emotions, so go with your gut when choosing other elements in your space. Your major artwork called to you, and if you are drawn to a particular accessory or piece of furniture in the same way, there is likely a common aesthetic theme.

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Will you be dining in or dining out this week?

Share with us your innovatively mouthwatering dishes and their recipe on facebook.com/hiweekly or tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman or tag us in your instagram photos @hiweekly_oman

KOLKATA SPECIALITIES STORY SWATI DASGUPTA | PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI

In the heart of Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, you can enjoy international flavours, from classic English breakfast to authentic Chinese. You can also feast on street eats, a quintessential part of the local dining scene, but what really makes a trip to this food city worthwhile is the singular experience of an authentic Bengali meal.

A typical Bengali meal starts with something bitter, followed by dal, fritters, vegetables, and finally, an array of fish delicacies. Fish is essential and is cooked in mustard oil for distinctly flavoured dishes. While spices are mostly used in the form of paste for a richer taste, chillies are also added to round out the pungent flavours of the mustard oil. The dessert scene is equally regal, with sweets like rasgullas (cottage cheese dumplings) and mishti doi (sweet yoghurt) served in small earthen pots.

For those of us in Muscat craving the flavours of Bengali cuisine, or curious to taste them for the first time, Dawat Restaurant on Rex Road in Muscat serves authentic Bengali dishes like chingri malai curry (prawn curry cooked in coconut) and shorshe hilsa (fish cooked in mustard paste), dahi rohu (fish in yoghurt based gravy), "egg devil" (potato wrapped egg), and more.

— swati@timesofoman.com

DAWAT RESTAURANT Rex Road + 968 2470 7722 Sohar + 968 2684 7565

DOI ROHU is fish cooked in yoghurt based gravy SHORSHE HILSA is a type of herring, cooked in mustard paste

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FISH FRY is fish fillets marinated with spices, coated in a thick batter, and fried.

VEGETABLE CHOP is a combination of mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables like, carrot, beetroot, and peas rolled in breadcrumbs, and deep fried.

EGG DEVIL is half of a boiled egg covered in a potato mixture, rolled in breadcrumbs, and deep fried.

CHINGRI MALAI CURRY If you’re in the mood to Dine-in this weekend, bring the flavours of Bengal into your own kitchen and make, chingri malai, a rich, creamy coconut curry.

INGREDIENTS

CHINGRI MALAI CURRY is prawns cooked in spices and coconut milk

BENGALI PULAO is sweet rice with cashews and raisins and served with spicy curries

• 1/2 kg prawns, the larger size, cleaned and de-veined • 1tsp turmeric powder • Salt as per taste • 5tbsp onion paste from one large onion • 2tbsp vegetable oil • 1 large clove coarsely chopped garlic • 4 small bay leaves • 4 cardamoms • 6 cloves • 2 small cinnamon sticks • A pinch of sugar • 1tbsp ginger paste • 1 1/4 cup coconut milk • 1tsp red chilli powder • 6 slit green chillies

PREPARATION • Clean the prawns and mix with turmeric and salt. Set aside for about half an hour.

• Roughly chop onion and sauté until translucent, grind into a paste.

• Heat oil in kadai/frying pan and lightly fry the prawns until they turn a pale golden colour. Remove

and drain on paper towel.

• In the same oil, add the chopped garlic.

• As soon as the fragrance of the garlic rises, take out the garlic from the oil so that the oil is garlic flavoured, but there is no garlic in the gravy.

• Add bay leaves, coarsely pound the cardamom, clove, and cinnamon with a pestle and add them too.

• Add the onion paste when you see the whole garam masala crackling.

• Continue frying the onion and spices and add a little bit of sugar. Continue cooking until it turns brown in colour or the oil separates from the paste.

• Add the ginger paste and cook the masala a few minutes more. Stir and add coconut milk. Add red chilli powder, a pinch of turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Add the slit green chillies and mix well.

• The gravy tastes best when you simmer it over a low heat for about 25-30 minutes.

• When you see the oil surfacing on the gravy, add the fried prawns and cook on low until the gravy thickens and becomes creamy.

• Serve with white rice or yellow pulao.

Recipe adapted from Chingri Malai Curry in “Bong Mom's Cookbook”

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UNDER THE BIG TOP STORY HUBERT VAZ | PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANII

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he fairyland pink and yellow striped tent of The Great Vegas Circus has been pitched at Marah Land in Al Qurum since September and next week they are pulling up stakes and heading to the UAE. So, we paid them a visit to find out more about the talented international team of artistes — dancers, clowns, contortionists, trapeze artistes, lions tamers, tightrope walkers, and more — who have been wowing crowds during their twice daily, two-hour shows (5.30pm and 8.30pm, except Sundays).

“We brought the Monte Carlos Circus to Oman in 2012 and now we have brought The

Great Vegas Circus, both of which are world renowned and performed by internationally reputed artistes. The highlight of this circus, to me, is a wonderful act by a batch of five South African white lions,” explains Nicholas Obeid, the General Manager of Eventoh Exhibition Management. Lebanese by birth, Obeid followed in his father’s footsteps with his work running the circus, and though his company now manages acts from hip-hop artists to fireworks displays, the circus holds a special place in his heart and forms the core of his events line-up. Obeid travels the world recruiting the top talent, with performers hailing from North America, South America, Africa, and Europe. We went backstage to meet them and see their skills first hand.

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HIGH WIRE ACT Performers: Juliane, Edwin, Said, Samir, Baby, Beverly, Sared, from Colombia Highlight: Pyramid formation This high wire act is performed at a height of about 8-10 metres from the ground by a group of seven Colombians, including Juliane (the trainer), Edwin, Beverly, Baby and her sons Said, Samir, and 13-year-old Sared, who is performing this act for the first time in Muscat.

The team is trained by Juliane, (Edwin’s uncle) who choreographs the movements, calls the counts during each show, and ensures that all performers practice daily and maintain a high level of fitness with backstage workouts.

“I do feel scared every time, but I want to do this act and learn more,” says the youngest member of the troupe.

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CROSS BOW ACT Performers: Gose, from the United States, and his wife Paula, from Chile Highlight: Shooting an apple set on Paula’s head Gose and his wife Paula present one of the most popular acts, which is both comic and thrilling. Gose, a Native American archer, uses his skills to shoot a series of targets strategically placed around his wife, while Paula creates hurdles for him, and ultimately, poses as his final target by balancing an apple atop her head.

“We have been doing this for the past twenty years together, yet we practice regularly to keep the accuracy of our act perfect as the arrows fly at 300 feet per second and can be quite dangerous. The feeling is also different when the target is on my wife’s head, as I have to employ a great degree of precision while shooting every arrow,” says Gose.

Paula adds, “I have total confidence in Gose. In the beginning, I used to be scared, but now we do everything automatically. We have never committed a mistake in any show so far; it’s all the result of hard practice.”

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VEGAS PUPPIES ACT Trainer: Magali Zamudio, from Mexico Performers: (Maltese) Stella, Ringo, Buster, Opal, and Vegas Highlight: Ladder leap The audience, especially children, love the Vegas Puppy Act, in which five, pure white Maltese puppies – Stella, Ringo, Buster, Opal, and fourmonth-old Vegas come on stage to stand on two-feet, jump through hoops, slide in sequence, and even get behind the wheel of a tiny car. Though the pack is full of rambunctious energy, they are pros, obediently following the cues of trainer, Magali Zamudio for one of the cutest performances you’ll likely ever see.

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GLOBE OF DEATH Performers: Juliane, Edwin, Said, Samir, from Colombia Highlight: Vertical and horizontal cross leaps Performed by the men of the high wire act, The Globe of Death is a classic motorcycle stunt that takes place inside a metal globe wherein riders criss-cross each other’s paths in a thrilling display of daredevilry.

Edwin says each of them use bikes of different brands for this act, though the Honda CRF is his favourite.

Trained by Edwin’s uncle, Juliane, the bikers practice diligently, as a slight mistake can prove disastrous.

“Concentration is the key in this act, and there is no room for mistakes at all. We have to be very alert and fully aware of each other’s movements so as to make minor adjustments in our driving patterns within a split second to avoid any collision.”

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SINGLE TRAPEZE ACT Performer: Alexandra, from Ecuador Highlight: Head spin Unlike the usual flying trapeze performed by a group of performers in other circuses, all eyes are fixed on the graceful movements of the lovely Alexandra in this single trapeze act. The Ecuadorian performer contorts, flips, and swings high above the crowd in this mesmerizing one-woman show. This act, she says, is the result of years of practice and she constantly studies the work of other performers to bring freshness to every show. The highlight of her performance is a balancing act for which she stands on her head atop a swaying swing.

THE LION SHOW Trainer: Musa Selepe, from South Africa Performers: Huston, Laredo, Austin (male lions), Abby and Dallas (female lions) Highlight: Musa getting up-close-andpersonal with the lions Silence descends over the crowd as Huston, Laredo, Austin, Abby, and Dallas enter the caged ring via a special tunnel that connects to their abode backstage. With shimmering white coats and amber eyes, the five South African white lions pace with a stately air, but when their young trainer, Musa Selepe, steps in, he commands their full attentions.

As the music plays, Musa calls out commands and the lions step onto stools in a

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variety of formations, hop across each other, bound through rings, and stand on two legs in this unique show of camaraderie between man and beast.

White lions are the result of a genetic mutation, and are unable to survive in the wild, but that doesn’t mean they are tame. “Whether white or yellow, lions are lions, and they wait for an opportunity to attack unless you convey to them that you are the boss of the ring,” the South African trainer explains. “There have been occasions in the past when things went wrong and I had to cleverly exit the ring without letting the animals sense that I was planning to escape.”

Just 29 years old, Musa is already among the best circus trainer-performers, and he

has a unique way of creating rapport with the animals. “I make it a point to visit the cages backstage and talk to the lions so that they get familiar with me, my voice, my smell, my mannerisms and don’t take me for a stranger when I enter the ring. It’s all about connection.

The animals are never in the same mood for every show; sometimes they are quiet, sometimes aggressive, and one must know how to control each situation.”

Despite his expertise and training, his act, like all the circus acts, is not without risks, but the circus life is an exciting one for which these creative performers are passionate. Musa summed up the team’s collective attitude best of all. “I always pray before I enter the ring for every show, but once in, I just enjoy myself.”

GO TO THE CIRCUS If you haven’t seen The Great Vegas Circus yet, head to Marah Land to witness the thrilling action before they leave town on November 28.

Great Vegas Circus Marah Land, Al Qurum +968 9720 6242 marahland.com Tickets available onsite for OMR 5 – OMR 15

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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 31 NOVEMBER 20, 2015

IN HOT PURSUIT S TO RY FA I S A L M O H A M M E D N A I M | P H OTO G R A P H Y S H A B I N E

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 31 NOVEMBER 20, 2015

HI WEEKLY

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The extent of man’s passion can be measured by how far and to what stretch he is willing to go in its pursuit.

It was the love for vintage bikes that ignited Hamed Al Khanjari’s affair with Indian Motorcycles, “Vintage is my call. I love the classic old school looks, and nothing else comes even close to the Indians when it comes to that,” says Hamed, whose desires took him on a journey to six countries. After years of waiting to buy his dream bike, Hamed now holds the distinction of being the owner of the first Indian Motorcycle in Oman

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t was around 1989, and we would pay OMR2 for two rounds on a dirt bike around the arena, and I used to be so overfilled with joy,” Hamed Al Khanjari recalled, reminiscing about his teenage years at the Oman Automobile Association. After an injury barred him from pursuing another of his fervid hobbies, basketball, his interest in motorbikes intensified.

“I am an adventure-loving guy at heart. I always seek action. When I could no longer play basketball, biking was the only thing I found solace in.”

He bought his first bike, a light 650cc Yamaha cruiser in 2009. After a year he graduated to the Yamaha VStar 1300, as he felt the need for more power. For four years he rode the Yamaha, but he couldn’t stop thinking about the sleek valenced fenders and the warbonnet figurine of the classic cruisers, but the plutonic ideal of this style, the Indian Motorcycle, had been out of production for years.

The Indian brand, launched in America in 1901, is a fighter. Bouncing back every time critics tried to write its obituary, the company itself went bankrupt in 1953, and had since changed hands several times with limited success. Finally, after hobbling along for decades, Indian was re-launched big time by Polaris in 2013.

“I was fascinated to the core with what Polaris had done with the motorcycles.

Advanced and yet thrown back in time – the bikes strictly retained their classy vintage looks of the fifties, while on the technological front, they were second to none coming equipped with the big 111 CU IN (1811cc)

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engine and rider assist technos like standard ABS, fuel injection, Ride Assist, etc,” Hamed explained.

After the re-launch, Hamed’s dreams began to materialise and he started visiting showrooms around the world. He travelled to Dubai, Malaysia, Thailand, Tokyo, and ultimately, to the United States where he toured Indian Motorcycle’s biggest showroom, Arlen Ness Motorcycles in Sacramento, California.

“It was a dream come true for me. Every element of the Indian brand legacy was preserved there. I got the chance to explore all the models, accessories, and merchandise under one roof. I also got the chance to see customised bikes from Arlen Ness, the world’s leading bike customisers.”

Upon returning back from USA, the happiest surprise awaited him — the Indian had arrived in Oman.

His passion for the brand had become so well known in Oman that the dealers of the brand decided to wait for his return before publicly announcing the launch. “Hamed is the face of Indian bikes in Oman. He is so passionate about them. For months he kept coming and inquiring about when the bikes will be launched,” said Gulzamin Ahmad, Sales Manager, Fairtrade Auto, authorised dealer for Indian Motorcycles in Oman.

Hamed jumped at the chance to finally own the object of his desire: a top-end Indian Chief Classic in sparkling Indian Motorcycle Red. It was officially the first Indian sold in the Sultanate.

“We saw it fit to honour him this way. We are proud to have him as our first customer for the Indian brand,” Gulzamin said, adding that the dealership also presented him with a certificate officially declaring him the first Indian Motorcycle owner in Oman.

It has been over a year since Hamed found his darling, and not a scratch or a hint of dullness can be found in the glinting chrome.

Even after the closest inspection, you might be compelled to believe that the bike is just a few days out of the showroom.

Even though life is busy for the 40-year-

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 31 NOVEMBER 20, 2015

AMERICAN BATTLE OF THE BEASTS ONE OF THE MOST popular styles of motorcycles in the world, the cruisers, are based upon the American model of large, heavy frames, traditionally powered by a substantial V-twin engines tuned to deliver strong, low-speed torque and roll-on response. The riding position is low and often slightly reclining with feet forward. The famous cruiser motorcycles the world over are Harley-Davidsons. So, why not a Harley for Hamed?

“If Harleys started in 1903 and Indian began in 1901. Both brands have got much heritage and legacy.

But I feel the Indians today are more advanced, better powered, and more stable. Even the biggest Harley hasn’t got 161Nm of torque, which the Indian has, and not to forget the 1811cc Thunder Stroke engine is also the biggest stock engine on any American cruiser.”

Counting further advantages to his Indian, Hamed feels that the bike emitted less heat with minimal engine vibration and extreme stability, even on leaning. “To make the bike more balanced they put the belt-drive on the right side, opposite to the gearbox on the left, nicely balancing out the bike.” old Hamed, after work and family, he makes sure to spend time with his sweetheart every day. He takes good care of his ride, keeping the bike covered, washing it by himself every other week, using only the best of products, and treating the chrome with a special metal polish. “Even if I am not riding frequently, still I would make sure to have a close look on and around my bike every day. I have to make sure my beloved is comfortable at all times.

Doing so makes me happy and content.”

Plenty of customisation is visible on the bike as well — a solo seat rack, chrome fender tips, and front suspension leather bag — with more on the way, including leather grips and louder stage 1 exhausts. Seems the Indian was well worth the wait; she’s a beautiful belle to spoil.

– faisal@timesofoman.com

THE FASTEST INDIAN ORIGINALLY named Bert, Hebert James Bert Munro, a motorcycle racer from New Zealand, adopted the moniker “Burt” following the misspelling of his name in an American motorcycling magazine in 1957. This was a man whose life was motorcycles, and his name change was a fitting reflection of this fact.

Working from his home in Invercargill, Munro worked for 20 years to highly modify a 1920 Indian motorcycle that he purchased new the year it was released.

The bike had an original top speed of 55mph (89km/h), but, unsatisfied, in 1926 he decided to start modifying his beloved machine. Being a man of modest means, he would often make parts and tools himself instead of having them professionally built, so his records and races won were due not only to his racing skills, but also to his ingenuity.

Munro travelled to Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, ten times during his life to race.

Though the first time was for reckoning, in the subsequent nine races at Munro set three world records: in 1962, 1966, and his standing record set in 1967, when Munro made a land speed record riding his 1920 Indian Scout. 68 years old himself at the time and riding a 47-year-old machine, Burt clocked a top speed of 305.89kph that day, which remains the fastest officially recorded speed on an Indian motorcycle in history.

Burt was the subject of a 2005 film, The World’s Fastest Indian, a composite of his Bonneville speed runs, and in March 2013, Indian Motorcycles commissioned a custom-built streamliner named the ‘Spirit of Munro’ as a tribute to his achievements and a testament to the historic love and loyalty of Indian riders.

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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 31 NOVEMBER 20, 2015

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