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24 Parenting Pages: BIRTHDAYS GO BONKERS
SKIN SAVIOURS: Expert Recommendations SUCCESS ON THE SULTANATE’S SEAS: World Record
Your top guide to the best of Oman, every week
MAR 27 - APR 02 / ISSUE 313 • WEEKLY
RISE of the
RUDIES Taking On Muscat’s Social Menaces
PLUS!
Fashion
DOING DENIM
01
NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258
Food
32
ALKALINE DIET
Outdoors
28
EXTREME SAILING
40
THE BAROMETER
EDITOR’S
NOTE
GOING UP
UNLEASHING YOUR INNER ANIMAL In homage to the new Muppet movie, we’ve decided to emulate the most primal puppet of them all – Animal. Someone pass us a drum kit. Serenity is soooo last season.
GOING DOWN
HAIR REMOVAL Who didn’t whoop when Madonna broke the ultimate beauty taboo this week by flashing her unshaven armpit on Instagram with the hashtag #artforfreedom? The retro 70s look is clearly the way to go this spring – (see above!)
IT’S IN THE DIARY
Welcome to the new look Y Magazine your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has to offer.
Fast forward
W
hen did it become okay to be rude? I only ask because the absence of basic manners seems rife in Muscat at the moment. In just 48 hours I’ve had an irate driver gesticulate as I dared to overtake his car as it slithered at a snaillike pace along Seeb Corniche; a shop assistant look at me as though I was a human stink bomb; and a group of women treating me like a door servant with not so much as a nod of thanks. And I’m not alone. Everyone I speak to has a tale of bad behaviour to tell. Of course, I can deal with rudeness if I’m expecting it. In London, it’s so endemic that it’s almost a disappointment if you’re not bruised after a trip on the underground. And in the UAE almost everyone who is anyone queue jumps without remorse. But in Oman – the friendliest country in the GCC – it comes as a bit of a shock. After decades of letting the small stuff slip, out and out rudeness has become more de rigueur than a Chanel clutch. It’s time to take a stand and follow the ‘nice way’ code. In the meantime, we’ll heed Shuena al Mayahi’s words of forgiveness.
Kitty backpacks anyone? We can’t wait for the Call It Spring store to open this week at Muscat City Centre.
Penny Fray MANAGING EDITOR
THIS WEEK… Team Y met singing sensation Latifa (see p10) and mocktailed with Her Excellency Claudia Roth, Vice President of the German Parliament.
Ways to get your Y fix Online: Visit y-oman.com for even more inspiration. Smart device: Catch up with Y on the go at y-oman.com/current-issue
editor@y-oman.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Eihab Abutaha MANAGING EDITOR Penny Fray SECTIONS EDITOR Kate Ginn
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CONTRIBUTOR Tom Robertson PHOTOGRAPHER Jerzy Wierzbicki ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan
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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman.
MAR 27 - APR 02 / ISSUE 313
03
contents MARCH 27 2014
Features 20 Manners Rise Of The
This week
Your Oman
14 Gallery
06 The Big Interview
08 Voice Of Oman
10 News
Markus Iseli
Shuena al Mayahi Marrying Later
Food and Drink 28 Food
Simple Chemistry
30 Food Review
Relish
Sweet And Stylish
16 Oman In 43 Objects
20
Grand Mosque
17 Movie Listings Enemy
18 This Week
12
Nouveau Rude
Business & Career
Beach Ball
18 Parenting Pages 24 Mum’s The Word Let’s Party
26 Success In The City Work Less, Impress More
Cars and Outdoor 37 Destination
Khawr Ghawi
40 Outdoors
Extreme Sailing
42 Postcard From
Jaipur
44 Y-Fi
28
Health & Beauty
Manscaping
46 Car of the Week 32 Fashion Audi A3 Sedan Carpe Denim 34 Beauty What The Doctor Ordered 35 Style Council Barbra Young 35 Trends Fringed Bag
44
Y’s READER EDITION...
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU / KIDS’ CORNER / Reader Gallery / seXUAL ASSAULT / AROUND OMAN IN 80 PICTURES / BEING INSPIRED
YOUR
News
Gallery
INTERVIEW
OMAN
SWISS
STYLE MA R KUS I S EL I, G E N ER AL M A N AG E R O F T H E CH ED I M U S C AT You started your career in civil engineering. What made you go into the hospitality industry? I didn’t know what to do. I liked drawing and, in turn, interior design, which led almost seamlessly into hospitality. The link is quite obvious when you consider the processes of a hotel opening and the creativity involved. I also enjoy creating unique guest experiences. How does it feel succeeding The Chedi Muscat’s first manager - York Brandes? The Chedi Muscat is one of those rare hotels that is both inspired and inspiring. From its visually appealing design to the standards of management and service, the resort is a celebrated icon; I am privileged to be a part of it and even more so, to continue its legacy. So, how do you propose to do that? Apart from continuing to operate at a very high level, it’s about creating unique, tailor-made experiences. For instance, if we have a couple coming here on honeymoon, the experience starts at the airport with bubbly and chocolates in the car. The idea is to create that ‘wow’ factor.
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MAR 27 – APR 02 / ISSUE 313
What’s the hotel’s unique selling point? diversity of terrain and its It’s the combination of location, traditionalism. The people here design and team. It’s also about are very friendly. going that extra mile and If a genie popped out of a anticipating needs. lamp now and allowed you The hotel business is a to create your ideal hotel, fairly fast moving industry what would it be like? - how is it changing? I think it’s already here with a Social connectivity. A couple of few more luxury villas, a golf years ago, you’d have to log on course and maybe a marina. to the Internet from the Business Describe yourself in four Room, now you have 24/7 access to everything. THREE THINGS Needs and expectations are TO KNOW ABOUT evolving all the time and MARKUS: the younger generations are 01 He recently managed dictating that. If you don’t keep abreast of things, you the pre-opening and soon become stagnant and soft opening of the stale. You have to adapt and Palazzo Parigi, a anticipate needs. Leading Hotels of Isn’t that difficult? the World (LHW) Not really. It starts with the member in Milan, staff selection process and Italy. then it’s all about training 02 The Muscat posting emotional intelligence, so that they connect well with marks the Swiss the guest. native’s third stint What do you in the Middle East. personally think of He was Hotel Oman? I like the nature, the
words: I’m outgoing, creative, curious and progressive. What’s your business philosophy? Be honest – to yourself, your family and everyone else. What are the secrets to your success? Being consistent, committed, and loyal.
Manager of the Four Seasons in Istanbul from 2000 to 2004, and General Manager of the Four Seasons in Damascus from 2004 to 2008. 03 Earlier in his career, he worked in the United Arab Emirates and for InterContinental in Turkey. He spent four years in Sudan at the Hilton, and two more at safari lodges in Kenya.
PRESENTING
APRIL
PERFORMANCES
5 Apr 2014 7.30 pm
10 & 12 Apr 2014 7.30 pm
TRIORIENT & SARBANd
A RAhBANI GALA CONCERT
WITh FAdIA TOMB EL hAGE
By GhAdy & OuSSAMA RAhBANI
The three sisters of Triorient – Amal Tomb, Ronza (Aida Tomb) and Fadia Tomb El hage – perform as a trio with Ensemble Sarband, presenting an eclectic programme connecting medieval music, jazz and folk song in both European and Arabic styles.
A musical tribute to the Rahbani brothers, performed by Lebanon’s greatest voices. Produced and reorchestrated by Ghady and Oussama Rahbani, accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra of ukraine.
17, 18 & 19 Apr 2014 7.30 pm
24 Apr 2014 7.30 pm
ROMEO & JuLIET
ILdAR ABdRAzAKOv
BAvARIAN STATE BALLET
BASS IN CONCERT
The classic ballet version of the tragic love story Romeo and Juliet, with music by Sergei Prokofiev.
Today’s most sought-after opera bass will enthral audiences with his richly lyrical voice and dashing onstage presence.
30 Apr 2014 7.30 pm
dIANA KRALL ThE vOICE OF SMOOTh JAzz
The Canadian singer and pianist, known for mezmerising vocals, spontaneous arrangements and inspired performances from a vast songbook.
BOOK NOW
boxoffice@rohmuscat.org.om +968 2440 3332/3333/3334 www.rohmuscat.org.om
The Voice of Oman
Shuena al Mayahi talks about the art of forgiveness
correspondence caring for children Dear Editor
They say the first to apologise is the bravest, the first to forgive is the strongest, and the first to forget is the happiest. Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurts or offends us might always remain a part of our lives, but forgiveness can reduce its grip on us and help us focus on other, positive parts of our lives. However, forgiveness doesn’t mean that we reject the other person’s responsibility for hurting us, nor does it minimise or justify the wrong they have done. It is reasonable to forgive the person without excusing the act. We can forgive them so we can have peace, which helps us get on with our lives. And if we dwell on those hurtful events we could be holding grudges filled with resentment. It’s then that vengeance and hostility can take root in our hearts. This can allow negative feelings to crowd out positive ones, and we can find ourselves swallowed up by our own bitterness or sense of injustice. Maybe when we strongly believe that life is too short to remain bitter and angry, we can understand that nothing lasts forever, and if we don’t forgive and let go, we could wake up one day and realise it’s all too late. All we would be left with is regret. My advice is let’s try and learn to forgive each other, regardless how big or small the matter is, and try and put ourselves in the shoes of those who have wronged us. Try to empathise with them. Because at the end of the day we are all human and we all make mistakes.
Next week: Y Reader
08
MAR 27 - APR 02 / ISSUE 313
The cover story, ‘In Safe Hands?’ (Issue 312) is a reminder to us all. The absence of basic first aid and safety facilities is a reality in most residences. My observation is that awareness on this very important matter is lacking among parents. Working parents may be those suffering the most from this, as they usually depend on nannies to take care of children in their absence. Authorities require the installation of fire extinguishers before permission is granted to occupy a building, either for residential or commercial purposes. However, in
many instances no proper servicing is done after the equipment is initially installed. First aid skills should also be given equal importance. The main goal here should be to improve awareness. The absence of basic knowledge leads to confusion and often ends up creating panic. Therefore training should also be extended to those who are responsible for taking care of children at home. Best regards, Ramachandran Nair, Muscat
NO LAUGHING MATTER Hello Y There was a bitter smile in my face after I read your article about ‘Kids at Risk’ from your Issue 312. It’s a very important issue that every parent should know about. A few weeks ago at a mall, I suddenly noticed that there was a little boy walking around and crying and looking confused. It was obvious that he had become seperated from his parents. I couldn’t help but approach and try to calm him down. I took him to a security guard and waited until his parents finally showed up. Amazingly there was no sign of worry
WRITE TO US AND WIN A VOUCHER
from the father when he found his son. He was smiling and laughing as if losing a child was normal. After he said thank you, he jokingly asked me if I wanted this little boy because he already had three at home. I forced myself to smile at his joke and walk away. As someone who would like children of my own and who has been trying for many years, I wish that offer was more than just a joke. Damayanti, Muscat
o Dinner for tw at Tomato
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SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / @ytabloid / /ytabloid. Impress us and the winning correspondent will receive an InterContinental voucher. Guests may redeem gift vouchers from the hotel’s reception. For the rest of the terms and conditions see voucher.
YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US
Debate of the Week We asked:
‘You are in charge of sorting out a proper public transport system in Oman. What’s the first thing that you would do?’ Catcha Antonio
Put meters and tracking devices in taxis. Taxis are a convenient way to get from place-to-place and there are enough taxis in Oman. Unfortunately, there is no ‘standard’ fare and overcharging occurs. Tracking devices would add security for passengers especially at night. Adding pink taxis (similar to the lady’s taxis in Dubai) would be a great help too for female commuters. Once they implement this, they can start working on other means of transportation.
LETTERS Prajwal Haritsa
Improve bus transport by increasing their frequency along with introducing meters in taxis. This would be better for both the driver and the traveller.
Sadia Shams
Taxis are working as a lifeline in Oman but this is down to the fact that the public transport system is full of flaws. The first thing I would do is fix the fares, then change the attitude of the drivers.
Peter Thomas
Metered taxis. Abu Dhabi had them 30 years ago. I think Muscat can finally manage! Also, we need scheduled, routed buses. Once they’re working, we could worry about metros and trains.
E-MAILS
FA C E B O O K
SABCO was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine at Muscat Hills
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Steven Darwish
The first thing I feel that needs to be implemented, is an advanced public service driving licence for all those that operate public transport vehicles. You can have the best facilities in the world but if the drivers are not safe, and Vivek Abraham Chaly do not operate with due care and attention, there is no point. Introduce a good metro system. Once All these drivers should sit an this is in place, it would also cut down advanced test that covers vehicle the number of rash drivers on the road. People could also be encouraged control, passenger safety, road safety ( ie not driving through a to walk to the metro stations so that rushing wadi with a bus full of there would be an added fitness schoolchildren). They should also benefit. be required to complete a re-test every five years. Jasmine Prajapati It would not be an exaggeration to say that in many ways the modern world was created by railways, which revolutionised the transportation of people and goods. At present, we travel from one end of the country to the other by car or bus, both of which are not comfortable. In trains we would be able to travel in a more relaxed fashion and even sleep on overnight journeys.
Rakesh Pinto
A railway or metro line is the solution for growing traffic anywhere. If I were given the chance to sort this out, I’d introduce a metro line inside the capital and a railway line linking different cities of Oman. It is important to be faster yet safer. So railway is the obvious solution.
Hina Javed
I’d make more signposts to help with directions, as well as increasing the number of bus and taxi stands. There should also be a price hike for petrol to discourage personal vehicles.
Shereen Pereira Chauhan
Have public buses with route numbers clearly displayed, so that we know which bus to take. For example, Bus 15 would start at Muttrah and travel to Seeb via Qurum, etc. There could also be passes available for regular commuters.
New Debate:
Hilary Lister and Nashwa al Kindi have just entered the record books sailing from India to Oman (see p12). If you could complete an extreme challenge, what would it be and why?
Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.
MAR 27 - APR 02 / ISSUE 313
09
YOUR
OMAN W
NEWS
More Omani Women choosing to marry later
ith Mother’s Day just been, the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) has released a study on the relationship between the age of Omani women getting married and the number of births. According to research, there’s a significant trend in Omani women choosing to marry and have children later in life. Instead of home-making, they’re putting more emphasis on education and careers in the public or the private sector. And it’s these choices that account for the gradual shift in numbers over the last couple of years. However, the figures also reveal that the number of Omani marriages between 2009 and 2012 has actually increased by almost 20 per cent. So too has the number of births, which jumped by 13 per cent between 2009 and 2012 despite the large number of women choosing to marry in their late 20s. It’s therefore no surprise that the ratio of Omani women under 25 having children has been declining recently. The statistics are seen as tangible evidence that increasing numbers of women are becoming more career minded and contributing directly to the national economy before becoming stay-at-home mothers.
N
HOTEL ON COURSE
estled in a hillside setting with a spectacular view of mountains and sea, this new hotel must rank as having among one of the most enviable locations in Muscat. Designs for the five-star InterContinental Hotel & Clubhouse were unveiled this week with a starting date for work towards the end of the year. Built on 50,000 square metres near Muscat International Airport, the hotel will have 270 superior rooms, two tennis courts, three outdoor swimming pools and a spa. There will also be three restaurants, a ballroom and conference facilities. The hotel, which will overlook Muscat Hills Golf Course, is scheduled to open in 2016, creating 250 jobs.
A very special guest popped into the Y offices this week. Arabic singer Latifa Bint Alayah al Arfaoui, better known as Latifa, paid a visit to the studio of our sister radio station Al Wisal 96.5FM. Tunisianborn Latifa, who began her career at the age of six, talked about her music and future plans.
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MAR 27 - APR 02 / ISSUE 313
N E W COLLECTION MORE LIVING MORE STYLES MORE TRENDS
Made in Denmark
IN STORE NOW!
Gallery
YOUR
OMAN Bite Sized Our new weekly slot takes a lighthearted look at a news issue of the week.
Weather Forecasting
What is it? The application of science and technology to predict the state of the atmosphere for a given location. Why are you telling us this? Because meteorology is a hot topic here in Oman. Cafés everywhere are abuzz with discussion of what the weather’s going to do in the next few days. Will it be sunny? Or perhaps even sunnier? Then of course, there’s the sunshine, not to mention the blue skies. Surely there’s more to it than that? You’re right. Rain was actually forecasted for this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. And it can be a complicated art: Barometric pressure, computer based-models, temperature, precipitation, and wind chill are just some of the many concepts involved in this complex science. Why’s it important? Effective weather forecasting allows people to organise their daily lives. For example, if people in Muscat know it’s going to rain, residents can pre-plan their journey and nobody should get their cars stuck in floodwater. Ahem, that’s the theory, anyway. I’m sure that never happens. Can forecasting help us to plan more long-term? Absolutely. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Because if we can predict the weather, and the annual deluges, we can put effective flood control measures in place such as, dams, levies, and drainage systems. Drainage systems? What are they? Found in relatively few places throughout Oman’s residential areas, they would be the ideal tool for spiriting away high volumes of water from people and property that need protecting. Wow. They sound amazing! Are they costly to build? It depends on your view of costly. A few holes in the ground to protect homes and people from flooding… worth a few rial? Hmm, but the weather can be difficult to predict here in Oman. Yes, it’s insanely changeable and unpredictable weather; 7/7 sunshine, 365 days a year - with the odd day of rain in the winter. I see your point. Do say: Thank you DG of Meteorological Affairs. Don’t say: Is it sunny today?
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MAR 27 - APR 02 / ISSUE 313
Interview
NEWS
Female Sailors complete inspirational record attempt
T
wo women from Oman and the UK have completed a record-breaking voyage from Mumbai to Muscat. Hilary Lister from Kent, England and Nashwa al Kindi from Muscat sailed the 850 nautical miles from India to Oman, and into history, in just nine days. Lister suffers from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and is paralysed from the neck down and enters the record books as the first ever severely paralysed woman to make a transoceanic crossing. Nashwa became the first Arab female sailor to complete a trans-oceanic sail. The pair met eight months ago when Lister came to Oman to give a series of motivational talks and immediately started to make plans for the inspiring journey. With sponsorship and support from Oman Sail, Oman Air and Mistal - Ajit Khimji Group, among others, the two used a 8.5 metre Dragonfly trimaran with three hulls. The boat was specially adapted to use a ‘sip and puff’ system, which allowed Lister to control steering, the sails and navigation. The method relies on inhalation and exhalation of air into one of three straws. The change in pressure is then registered by a device, which in turn makes changes to the boat’s equipment. It’s a tried and tested system that Lister also used in a previous successful record attempt when she became the first disabled person to sail around Britain solo.
The recent voyage saw the two sailing at an average speed of five to six knots in winds that gusted from 10 to 15 knots. Stepping ashore after the monumental trip, al Kindi pointed out that she hoped the voyage would serve as inspiration for young Omani women to fulfill their dreams. “I am very happy and proud to achieve this goal. It was always my dream to sail offshore in a big boat. I am sure, and I hope that what we have done will be an inspiration for Omani and non-Omani women to go for their dreams and goals.” While the voyage had it’s fair share of challenges - including a ripped sail and a watch system that allowed the two women only four hours sleep at any one time during the night – there were also lighter moments, according to Lister. “The funniest moment I had was when a flying fish hit me slap, bang in the middle of the face. It was a hilarious moment, and we still laugh about it now. As well as the serious sailing, we had a lot of fun.”
A WEEK IN PICTURES
HEADLINING STORIES FROM OMAN AND BEYOND
All hope gone as relatives of passengers on missing MH370 flight told the Boeing 777 crashed into the southern Indian Ocean with no survivors
A court in Egypt sentences 529 Morsi supporters to death for their role in attacks on people and property
A Tibetan mastiff puppy has sold in China for almost $2 million, in what could be the most expensive dog sale ever
The total number of active Twitter uses in Oman leaps from 14,000 in 2012 to 38,000 in 2013
YOUR
OMAN
chocalot NEW opening of the chocolate room
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MAR 27 - APR 02 / ISSUE 313
couture call
Gattinoni fashion show at the chedi muscat
OMAN IN 43 OBJECTS
20. grand mosque
A
true icon of Oman, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat was completed in 2001 after six years of construction. The vast complex covers an estimated 416,000 metres and incorporates 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone. With a main Musallah (prayer hall) that can accommodate 6,500 worshippers, the mosque’s grounds have a total capacity of 20,000. The main prayer hall is also host to the world’s second largest hand-woven carpet. Specially commissioned from Iran, a team took over two years to produce the 21-tonne masterpiece that incorporates a staggering 1,700 million knots.
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THIS WEEK
MOVIES MOVIES THIS WEEK’S MOVIES For more information and times, go to: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641
Event 15
Enemy curiosity develops into an unhealthy obsession that leaves his partner struggling to cope. The sizzling psychological thriller adeptly portrays one man desperately questioning his own identity and the mundane life that he’s slipped into, as much as that of his twin. Few answers are offered in the twisting plot and it’s certainly a mental workout which doesn’t let the viewer relax for a second. But the performances by the cast make it worthwhile if you’re a viewer who isn’t normally fussed about giftwrapped happy endings. Reviewed by Tom Robertson
PREVIEW
From Director Denis Villeneuve comes a complex puzzle of a thriller. Disinterested with anything in his seemingly monotonous life, including his charming girlfriend, played by the talented Melanie Laurent, Jake Gyllenhaal plays a disgruntled and bored university professor, Adam Bell. When Bell spots his exact lookalike in a movie, and with nothing to lose, he sets about finding his cosmic twin, Anthony Clair. From the moment Bell tracks down and meets Anthony, his life descends into a bizarre tale of trying to work out who he really is and how the two men are linked. But it’s a story in which Gyllenhaal’s
Odd Thomas Anton Yelchin gets out of his seat on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise and on to the set of Odd Thomas, where he takes on the role of a young psychic in small town America. Determined not to let an influx of ghouls unleash all kind of ghastly chaos on his native Pico Mundo, Thomas teams up with his girlfriend (Addison Timlin) and the town’s sheriff (Willem Dafoe) to launch themselves full tilt into combat with the spooks and stop an approaching disaster. The movie comes from Director Stephen Sommers, who was also responsible for The Mummy and G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra. While a little different from those previous outings, we can no doubt expect more nonsense this time round.
Jennifer Morrison plays Captain White, a soldier recovering from PostTraumatic Stress Disorder, heading home on leave. But an explosion in Washington DC leaves her and two other soldiers stranded in a lift and struggling to survive what appears to be a radioactive fallout. The plot builds as she attempts to maintain control over her fellow
soldiers. As insubordination increases, so does the tension, as the three consider whether they’ll make it out alive.
As Cool As I Am The movie centres on teenager Lucy Diamond (Sarah Bolger) as an average teenage girl growing up amid the fast crumbling ruins of her parents’ relationship. Bolger puts in a terrific performance in a family drama that, due to the material at hand, can be a little depressing at times. Nevertheless, it’s a film that will just about hold the viewers attention.
Y’s Choice Blood Ties
Hot on the heels of the 70s badboy antics of American Hustle, Blood Ties cashs in on the resurgence of Hollywood’s love affair with the decade of brown flares and big collars. Clive Owen plays Chris Pierzynski, a small town crook who’s just been released from a nine-year stint in prison. Dreaming of a lifestyle that’s beyond the reach of the menial jobs he’s stuck in, it’s not long before Chris delves back into the world of crime. But it’s his brother, Frank, who’s ultimately set to suffer as a young and aspiring cop struggling
to deal with his brother's antics. Having once idolised his older sibling, it’s not long before their destiny is dramatically entangled together and the ultimate betrayal beckons.
MAR 27 - APR 02 / ISSUE 313
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HOT RODS
April
11
Urban Art Finnish artist, Soile Yli-Mäyry will exhibit her artwork titled “Asphaltpeari” at the Stal Gallery, Madinat Qaboos. Yli-Mayry’s exhibition will focus on people’s alienation from nature in the urban world. For information and gallery timings, contact +968 24600396.
Love fast cars and lots of thrills and spills? You need to head to the Oman Automobile Association for the Oman Drift Championship. Local and international drivers will be competing to be crowned Drifting King in the ultimate event. For details go to www.omanauto.org, www.facebook.com/ omanautomobileassociation, Twitter OAA_omanauto Tel: +968 24510630
March
THIS
28
WEEK
What to do. What to see. What to hear.
MARCH - APRIL
Beach Ball
The Nawras Beach Football Tournament 2014 is back again this year. March 28th will see teams from Muscat battling it out to see who’s going to take on the winners from Sur in the finals to take place on March 29th at the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel’s beach. There’ll also be activities and live entertainment for the spectators.
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‘Til
APR 02
It’s Women’s March! With both International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day falling in March, the month is reserved for women. To make it extra special, Qurum City Centre will have special deals on ‘Ladies Day’ starting from 11 am. Simply turn up on the day.
March
31
Sister, Sister!
Clean Up Oman Want to finally do something about the trash on the street that bothers you? Form a team and register to take part in Oman’s largest cleaning voluntary event, the 3rd Annual Clean Up Oman Day. To register, contact info@cleanupoman.org
Light a Candle, Save the Earth Join the global event, Earth Hour, and pledge to save some energy for Mother Nature between 8.30pm and 9.30pm by switching off those unnecessary lights! To sign-up online, go to www.omanearthhour.org
March
28
Three singing sisters in a band aptly named TriOrient will entertain the Royal Opera House Muscat audience with an eclectic program of genres, such as jazz, medieval, and folk. They will be accompanied by an ensemble sarband. Show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets range from RO5 to RO58. For tickets and details, visit rohmuscat.org. om
mARCH
29
APRIL
05
Am-dram Muscat’s Kathiyawadi Parivar (MKP) presents two Hindi one-act plays directed by award-winning director, Saras, at the Grand Hall at the Al Falaj Hotel. The show starts at 6pm and entry is free. For information, contact Jagdip Bhatia at +968 95213710.
MARCH
29 MAR 27 - APR 02 / ISSUE 312
019
OF THE
RISE
NOUVEAU
RUDE
Forget about TEEN hoodlums, a new and scarier breed of ‘rudie’ is on the rise, say Penny Fray and Tom Robertson
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F
orget about ‘yob’ culture, the latest form of rudeness in Muscat is almost beyond hope because its perpetrators often don’t accept that they’re doing anything wrong. They just consider themselves to be of paramount importance in all things, followed by their immediate family and friends. And you may be one of them. The 'nouveau rude', as we've dubbed them, have no sense of responsibility outside their immediate orbit. They’re the 4x4 owners who barge you out of the way on the Sultan Qaboos Highway because their car is bigger than yours. They’re the teenagers who queue jump without embarrassment. They’re the yummy mummies who click their fingers at service staff with an air of superiority, despite the fact back home they’d probably be living in a two-up, two-down, cleaning their own toilets. The list goes on. Granted, there are times when avoiding rudeness or causing disrespect can be a complicated business. Offence can be caused by ignoring our own society’s customs, but there’s also the issue of breeching etiquette caused by cultural, religious and national differences. It’s sometimes difficult to observe all those boundaries that tie societies together and here, in Oman, things are fundamentally complicated. Nearly 40 per cent of the country’s residents are expats. In essence, Oman is a nation hosting a multitude of different nationalities that all bring different cultural norms, along with morality and codes of conduct originating from the many countries they come from. It’s a veritable minefield. A casual reference can cause upset on religious grounds and, so too can things like being inappropriately dressed. Then there’s other less explicit customs that can cause offence such as showing the soles of feet or eating with the left hand. And on top of all that, there’s the problem of customs and manners that change over time. In today’s modern Oman, men may find themselves shaking hands with women who, in previous generations, may not have done so. But the nouveau rude are a clique apart and can’t plead cultural ignorance. No matter how complicated the customs, there comes a point where it’s simply a matter of according a basic level of respect to fellow citizens, regardless of the difference in paypackets. But what makes the rudies think that they can act in this way? “Some people need to belittle others to make themselves feel good about themselves and to soothe their ego,” says clinical psychologist Roma Fernandes, from the Whispers of Serenity Clinic in Azaiba. “When ignored, such immaturity only leads to them doing it more because they get a certain amount of pleasure in seeing others look uncomfortable. But, also there can be another side to it where people have some serious personal issues that they try to hide by being rude and are so internally focused that they just don’t think about the harm they might be causing with their harsh words. Brokenness and low self-esteem are often covered with a rude and non-caring attitude.” And it’s in the hospitality and services sector where such disrespectful behaviour can often be witnessed the most. Fingers snapping at overstretched waiters, complaints screeched at affronted reception staff and shop attendants given little, to no respect, are just some of the problems plaguing the sectors as the Nouveau Rude march on. And it may be a gross misconception of expendability that’s driving the behaviour, says Robert MacLean, Principal of Oman’s National Hospitality Institute (NHI). “In general the level of rudeness is high from customers
to staff. There is an attitude, ‘If you don’t like it, there are plenty more where you came from.' It is the lack of simple 'please' and 'thank you' which is most noticeable.” At the Institute trainees can learn how to combat the growing menace of the Nouveau Rude. “Our students have specific modules in which we train them with role play situations on how to deal with rude customers. We also advise them to seek assistance from a more senior member of staff and not to get into an argument with customers. We try to make sure that the students understand the concept of a service environment where they provide a service but without being servile.” But ultimately, being a Nouveau Rude essentially means being a bully. So how exactly does one combat that characteristic? “The confidence levels of staff are very important when dealing with difficult customers and the skill of turning around a negative situation into a positive one is very important," says MacLean. But the dynamic can also work the other way and the ramifications of rudeness from employees can be great. Experts agree that rudeness both breeds discontent and can cause productivity to fall. So while the Nouveau Rude Riche are sat in their top spec Porsche Cayennes, they may not be sat there for long. Incivility may have a price, say those investigating the scourge of bad manners. Christine Porath, an Associate Professor researching impoliteness reckons that rudeness, simply put, is bad for business. “Research shows that people are less likely to buy from a company with an employee they perceive as rude, whether the rudeness is directed at them or at other employees. Witnessing just a single unpleasant interaction leads customers to generalise about other employees, the organisation, and even the brand.” With this in mind, the NHI launched Smiles of Oman last year, a nationwide campaign aimed at providing skills at different levels for staff to deliver better customer service. “It is also designed to remind customers that service staff are human beings and should be treated accordingly,” says Maclean. “It costs nothing to say a simple 'please' and 'thank you.” So mind your Ps and Qs.
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021
D R A C W O L L E Y A S I THIS ACHING THE FOR BRE CIVILITY RULES OF
TALES OF IMPOLITENESS Fahad al Tamimi. I was once waiting in a queue at the bank when a lady pushed in front of me. Even though the staff member informed her that there was a line, she demanded to be served. Later that day, unbelievably, the same lady came into the pharmacy where I was working. It was a ticketed queuing system so I was somewhat amazed to see her writing a complaint about having to wait! Jerzy Wierzbicki. The greatest lack of
consideration I’ve been shown was when I was on the Sultan Qaboos Highway near Al Khuwair. I was driving along and a driver drove right up to the back of my car and started flashing his lights. I pulled aside to let him pass, which he did. But to my horror he then drove in front of me and slammed on his brakes causing me to do an emergency stop. It was dangerous and disrespectful. Road rage? Road rude, more like.
Matthew Herbst. Just the other day I was stood outside a gift shop on the pavement when two teenage boys walked towards me. Walking side-by-side, there wasn’t room for them both to pass but instead of walking in single file, they physically shoulder barged me out of the way and into oncoming traffic. I couldn’t believe it. Tom Robertson. A few weeks back I watched
something happen that I shall never forget. I was sat in a restaurant where there was a large group of young women, talking and chatting. When they got up to leave, one of the young ladies forgot her handbag. The waiter called out to the group and held it up for her. I’ve seen girls lose their handbags before and the sheer panic that sets in - so I was expecting the absentminded girl to express relief and gratitude. What did she do? I watched incredulously as she beckoned to the waiter to bring it to her, snatched it out of his hand, turned away without a word of thanks and walked off with her nose in the air.
Kate Ginn. I was standing at the ATM where a lot of people were waiting. After 20 minutes I finally got to the front of the queue. To the left appeared two Omani women who were loitering by the ATM. When the gentleman in front of me retrieved his money and left, the two women simply pushed ahead of both myself and the entire queue and started using the cashpoint. When I attempted to say something they simply glared at me and acted as though they had the right to go ahead of everybody else. I was incredulous. Penny Fray. Despite being famously impatient,
I understand the importance of waiting in line, so when a local teenager walked past me as though I was invisible in the store near our office, I was more than a little aggrieved. Before I had a chance to remonstrate though, the store’s manager wagged his finger at him and said something in Arabic, at which point the youngster gave me a little snarl and moved away.
Shishira Sreenivas. Having lived in America for over three years, I had become used to the politeness where ‘thank yous,’ ‘you’re welcome’ or a basic ‘I’m so sorry’ for an unintentional nudge in a crowd is pretty commonplace. But when I stood in line at the security bag check in Muscat International Airport after immigration, I was shoved to the side a by a skinny man to get his bags onto the conveyor belt right as I was hauling my heavy ones to do the same! He deftly avoided my shocked glare and walked right past me without any kind of remorse. That was a bit of a culture shock for me. 022
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IT’S TIME TO TAKE ON THE RUDIES
Here are three ways to make a difference and deal with Nouveau Rudies:
❶ Try to understand the person’s perspective before you react to their behaviour. Strangers often don't bother to consider other people’s feelings, especially if they're already emotionally bogged orget etiquette guides for ladies and gentleman and down by something else in their lives. They often exist all that guff about proper use of cutlery. It’s time to go back to basics, minding our Ps, Qs and everything in a haze of anonymity, indifference and ‘me-ness’. else. You see, while being breathtakingly rude seems increasingly de rigueur among Muscateers at the moment - ❷ If someone is being overtly rude or manners matter. That’s why I find myself tut-tutting when a offensive to you, politely but firmly call him child slaps their nanny at McDonald's or somebody refuses or her out on their inappropriate behaviour. to say a simple ‘thanks’ when the door is held open for Stay calm. Don't be aggressive or lose them. In fact, the Sultanate’s grapevine is currently buzzing your temper, as that will only escalate with tales of bad behaviour. It’s a huge mistake however, to the situation. Try not to engage in their think that just because we wouldn’t dream of swearing at conversation or denials - all you're trying the elderly or spitting on the pavement, we’re exempt from to do is to limit their conduct towards you this censure because real rudies are often educated, wealthy or your family. and think they’re civilised – like the gourmand who doesn’t bother to acknowledge their server or the yummy mummy who blocks the entire parking lane with her 4x4. This new ❸ Finally, don't overthink form of rudeness is almost beyond hope because those who the situation. After you've confronted someone about perpetrate it don't even accept that it’s rude. their behaviour and things That’s why here in Y we’ve decided to take a stand. After all, life is better when everyone gives up a little of their haven't improved, you need own comfort for the good of all. A trip to the cinema will to accept that you've done illustrate this as the constant WhatsApp whistle issued as much as you possibly from a single phone ruins the film for up to 50 people can to improve relations who become wordlessly but profoundly irritated by the with them. Move on. thoughtlessness of another. Don't overanalyse Of course, we’re all guilty of slight evilness when stressed what happened. or in a rush. I often get told off for blurting orders sans niceties or tapping my foot impatiently when kept waiting. Just banish them from your thoughts. But imagine if I didn’t, you didn’t and we all managed to They’ve wasted control our actions just for a few minutes – it would leave lots of goodwill in the collective bank for us all to draw on enough of your in the future. precious time already.
F
When one dark hour
MARCH
brightens up the future.
Join the World in celebration of Earth Hour.
Switch off your electrical appliances from 8:30 pm till 9:30 pm on 29th March and be a part of the growing community of eco conscious citizens of Oman and the World.
P.O. Box: 44, Hai Al Mina, Postal Code: 114, Sultanate of Oman, Tel: +968 24730000,Fax: +968 24730010
excel.banksohar @Banksohar_Excel banksoharexcel www.banksohar.net
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023
Welcome to Y’s monthly Parenting Page, where we look at issues that affect mums and dads. We’ll have topical stories, trends, fun tips and competitions, and speak to parents on the ground who know all about the ups and downs of having children.
Parentingpage
Tip of the We
ek
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Arranging the perfect birthday for a toddler can push many parents over the edge. Here Cherie ClarkMoore, mum to two-year-old twins, gives some advice
Let’s Party!
Should you go for a performing clown and magician or just stick to a bouncy castle? And is the catering to be done inhouse or outsourced? Then there’s the question of whether to go for cupcakes or macarons. These days, holding a birthday party for a toddler is like staging a major theatre production. Guest lists have to be strategic and the entertainment needs to be amazing. Add to this the pressure on parents to hold a bigger, better party than the last one and you get the idea why the occasion has most mums and dads tearing out their hair. I know only too well the feeling of running around Muscat to find appropriate gifts, cards and wrapping. Or working out how you are magically going to turn your toddler into a fairy princess for two hours when she hates wearing clothes. Not to mention trying to be social by holding broken conversations with 20 people while stopping your toddler taking the entire tray of chocolate éclairs off the buffet table or terrorising the family cat. My childhood was filled with parties that included no more than about 10 children. There were one or two games, children were allowed to play rather than being entertained and there was a homemade birthday cake with perhaps a small bag of sweets to take home. These were child-centred celebrations that did not require party planners and catering staff and, most of all, they were fun. How things have changed. These days, children’s parties seem to be more of a display of social standing rather than a celebration for the children. There can be a great deal of pressure on parents to throw elaborate themed events including designer cakes, balloon sculptures, face painters, bouncy castles, catered buffets and beautifully handmade gift bags. Equally, for the attending parents and children, there is pressure to make sure that your little one is seen to be enjoying the whole thing and to provide the perfect gift in fear that it may be returned or, worse still, posted for sale on Facebook as an ‘Unwanted Gift’ (this does happen). “Kids these days expect to walk away from a birthday party with a goodie bag, which in my time, were unheard of,” agrees Laurine, a Muscat mum with two toddlers. Sometimes, the party seems more for the parents than the actual child. Children under three years don’t need huge celebrations and are likely to be overwhelmed by big events. There are stories of wildly over-the-top parties for one-year-olds. As party planner Linda Kaye says: “Regardless of what gifts 024
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and activities are hitting the top birthday party chart of the week, there’s one concept that reigns supreme, and that’s designing a birthday party centred on the age and interests of your child.” The older the child, the bigger the expectations can be. “My little girl loves birthdays, the bigger and ‘blingier; the better,” says Emer, a mother-of-two. “She turns five in June and it’s all about the theme. She also loves getting to invite all her little friends and bringing cupcakes to school. Last year when she turned four, we really noticed a difference in how she reacted to parties. She loved planning her own and talking to friends about theirs. “My little boy, however, will turn two soon. He is not into big crowds yet and I know he would not enjoy a big bash; it would scare him. We have been invited
to lots of lovely second birthdays but for my little man I will be keeping it low key so that he feels comfortable and enjoys his day,” Kaye, who has planned parties for stars, says: “Party ideas do not have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes the simplest idea is the most successful which is actually how I started my business. I made baking the cake the party itself for my daughter Marcy’s sixth birthday and this was the concept behind the formation of my company.” For my children and I, the most enjoyable birthday parties have been held at home or in an open location such as a park. My twin girls have just turned two and are only beginning to understand the difference between a birthday party and a play date. For now, we will keep it simple.
KID FACTS
The average toddler takes 176 steps a minute.
A two-year-old is more active than at any other point in their life, which explains why it is so exhausting running around after them!
Starting at around 28 weeks of pregnancy, your baby can smell the same things that you smell.
mum's the word
We asked three Muscat mums: “What do you plan to do or did you do for your child’s second birthday?”
Josephine O'Brien, mum to Marlow, two: “We had a small family party when we were in Australia over the winter holidays, one party for each of the grandparents. It was just a cake, some basic decorations, grandparents and a couple of aunts, uncles and nephews. Marlow’s birthday was later in the year when we were back in Muscat, but we decided just to keep it small and celebrate with only our family. Marlow doesn’t like big groups of little people so having a big party for him didn’t seem like the best way for him to celebrate."
By age two, your toddler will have more than 100 trillion synapses, the most ever in their life. That’s part of the reason he or she has such an incredible capacity to learn.
A three-yearold’s brain is on average twice as active as an adult.
Amanda Campbell, mum to Isabella, 21 months,: ”For Isabella’s birthday, I’m thinking about either renting out a jungle gym or having a teddy bears picnic in our garden with a paddling pool.
Cherie Clark-Moore, mum to twins Mya and Zoe, two: " We just celebrated our twins second birthday. We decided to have a very small party at home with three other friends of the same age. I made a cake, bought a few helium balloons and had a BBQ outside. It was easy and stress-free and the girls didn’t end up with a ton of presents they didn’t need. "
Diaper Bags
Mia Bossi Audrey in Sand, RO466 Trust Jennifer Lopez to carry an Italian leather diaper bag with snakeskin trim. This bag keeps up with J.Lo’s twins as well as her A-list celebrity status.
Bebecom Mother Bag – Brown RO12.6 The Mother Bag set includes a big diaper bag, small diaper bag, food bag, bottle holder and changing mat. A simple and affordable set for mother and child.
Diaper Dude Camo RO27 A diaper bag that dad won’t shy away from. This cool sack has a sporty messenger styling and lots of handy features for on-the-go parents.
Petunia Pickle Bottom Cosmopolitan Carryall - Plum Tart Cake RO146.30 A vintage inspired look with vibrantly coloured cut velvet.
Hoppop Boosti Bag 2in1 RO61 A diaper bag that can be used as a feeding booster seat. Very neat. Isoki Change Mat Clutch RO10.5 Want to be able to dash out of the house without a big nappy bag? This change mat clutch might be just what you need.
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025
BUSINESS & CAREER
THE ZEN OF SAYING ‘NO’ You may be in a job where you have to
say ‘yes’ most of the time. But you’ll find the world won’t stop turning if you occasionally say ‘no’ – in fact, you may even feel less stressed and much happier if you do. Scared? Experts suggest making a game of it. For instance, decline every second irrelevant request that shoots your way, even if it comes straight from the boss. You can choose to go for it or not. If you succeed and save time as a result, why not reward yourself with the weekend off?
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Trend
Networking
Minute Mentoring
WORK LESS,
Impress More
You don’t have to work like a drudge to progress your career. Penny Fray discovers the art of just doing the important stuff
D
o you often fall into bed exhausted at the end of an impossibly busy day? Perhaps you got a lot done. But is it stuff that really matters? Or is it just stuff? That’s the question that I had to ask myself recently after a friend bought me a book about the power of doing less. It seems that I was needlessly sacrificing my social life and sanity trying to clear endless to-do lists instead of doing the smart thing of just saying ‘no’. Before I knew it I had created some diary space to enjoy the moment and be creative. This didn’t last long, of course. Within a week, a snake had entered my paradise and it was called guilt. I couldn’t help but associate doing less with being lazy or not being a team player. As far as I was concerned, leaving the office on time was wrong if others had to stay late. I’m not alone here. According to studies, peer pressure is often to blame for our growing compulsion to work around the clock. Last year the Department for Business Innovation and Skills’ work-life balance survey revealed that 71 per cent of employees cited ‘workload demands’ as their main motive for working overtime. Other reasons included staff shortages, the expectations of their boss and the guilt that they might be doing less than their colleagues. Guilt is an incredibly effective driver; a 2010 university study showed that women feel guilt more intensely than men. So if our colleagues are working on weekends, we’re more likely to. So how do you break the cycle? “Any time you have a guilty moment, write down exactly what it’s about, why it occurred, and who’s involved,” says project manager and writer Fergus O’Connell. “Then see what kinds of patterns emerge from this. Are there always certain people involved? Are there certain situations when guilt occurs? Try to understand why these patterns are happening and figure out things you can do to stop them.” Change is important if you want great swathes of leisure periods opening up to you. You will have to be in control of time rather than being a slave to it – because if we’re honest there’s a choice to
do or not to do. “Just think about this for a few moments,” suggests O’Connell. “A new you is at work doing an outstanding job and still having a life. That life will be full of the riches that you’ve always wanted – the people, the ambitions and hopes and dreams that you have. And you know, you might end up actually prolonging your life.” It might not sound like much but experts warn that even minor tasks like firing off emails could have negative effects on your wellbeing, as our minds are never fully disengaged from our day job. Professor Cary Cooper, who has studied the effects of overwork on the human body, says that in an ideal world no one should work more than 48 hours a week. His research has found the stress of permanently being ‘on’ can impair your immune system leading to more frequent colds and flu, stomach problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and even depression. “We should monitor our overtime in the same way we monitor our calorie intake, because overindulging can be just as damaging,” he explains. A study by the European Heart Journal found that employees who worked 10 or 11-hour days, instead of the standard eight, had a 60 per cent higher risk of heart disease, as a result of having less time to exercise, relax and unwind. “If you don’t invest in the people in your home, then things will go wrong there and that unhappiness feeds back into your work, making you feel less effective and secure at work. It’s a vicious cycle,” concludes Cooper. So how do we regain control? The short answer is to simply stop doing. According to O’Connell, you need to learn to say no, ditch the guilt, prioritise, down tools and just do the things that really matter to you. “With the rubbish out of the way, you should be in a pretty good position to do the right stuff with a clear mind. Even if they’re huge, every journey begins with a single step. Petit a petit, as the French say – little by little. Now it’s time to get started.”
WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS:
BREAK HABITS
“Overloaded? Ask yourself whether you really feel burdened by your workload or whether it’s about perception; are you trying to get noticed by your boss or distract yourself from a personal problem? Maybe you’ve got into the habit of working long hours. It’s not easy to break bad habits so ease your way in. If you drop by the office every Saturday then promise yourself you’ll only do it once a month or that you’ll only look at your emails four times a day instead of every 15 minutes.” Dr Roopa Koshy, Consultant Psychologist at Top Medical Care, Muscat.
BUSINESS BUY
It’s common for anyone in the business world to amass dozens of contact cards on a weekly basis. This sleek, stainless steel Y&G leather card carrier will not only help you look chic but be practical as you stow those cards in this neat little case. Available on Amazon for RO 3.4
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027
food and drink
Trend
New Restaurant
STAR BODY
Reviews
It may be easy to make fun of Gwyneth Paltrow’s views about exercise, food and inner journeys – but with a body like this, it’s simple to see why we’re willing to eat better and exercise more.
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TREND New Restaurant
News
SIMPLE CHEMISTRY
It’s called the alkaline diet and celebrities claim it keeps them looking and feeling great. Shishira Sreenivas gives the latest food fad a go
M
ove out of the way Atkins Diet and Weight Watchers because there’s a new diet infiltrating the weight loss world and it looks like it’s here to
stay. It’s got top celebrities - from Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Aniston to Gwyneth Paltrow and Kirsten Dunst swearing that it helps them maintain their svelte figures. The alkaline diet might sound like a phrase from your old chemistry textbook, but in reality it’s one of the most straightforward diet regimes that can help you not only shed those extra pounds, but also work magic for your skin and energy levels. But for the sake of the title, here’s a bit of chemistry to back up the plan pioneered by health guru Robert Young. A pH level is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a certain substance is. pH 0 is entirely acidic, a pH of 14 is completely alkaline and pH 7 is neutral (E.g water). Your body’s natural pH level happens to be quite alkaline ranging between 7.35 and 7.45. However, the stomach is very acidic with a pH level of 3.5 or below to aid digestion and balance the body’s pH level depending on what you put in your mouth. The alkaline diet does one simple thing. It supposedly helps the body maintain alkalinity by introducing foods high on the alkaline index. The diet is comprised of predominantly vegetarian foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds which are among the most alkaline food groups. Fruits and ‘veggies’ like figs, grapefruit, lemon, lime, broccoli, artichoke, kale, spinach, cauliflower and asparagus are considered to be likely alkaline. Red meat, poultry, dairy products, caffeine and fizzy drinks are considered acidic and are to be avoided. Alkaline foods are also full of vitamins and have a high water content, so consuming these allows the kidneys to hydrate your body through the food eaten, not just through your daily dose of water. The whole point of the diet is that your kidneys don’t have to work so hard to neutralise your pH levels and unnecessarily extract calcium and magnesium from your bones in order to protect the body against the high levels of acidity your grilled chicken or scrumptious white chocolate will bring into your body. Of course, like any other diet ever invented, that fab beach body you keep dreaming of will only be possible if you try this diet with a side of gym. As a vegetarian, I found this regime fairly simple and effectively dropped a couple of pounds in the process. But not everyone is as impressed by the plan currently sweeping Muscat.
R
p eci
STRIKING A BALANCE
RAW GAZPACHO
Benefits of an alkaline diet include:
Ingredients: l 1-2 Cups of tomatoes l 1 Celery stick, chopped l 1/4 Cup of your choice of cilantro, parsley, arugula, basil, and/or onion l 1/2 Cup sunflower sprouts. l 1/2 Large or one whole small avocado l 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
l Improved digestion l Better skin l Enhanced memory l Stronger bones l Soaring energy levels l Less caffeine cravings Dietician Tania Ferraretto, described the alkaline diet as yet another whim that would not be sustainable in the long term. “I can’t think of any reason why you should eat alkaline foods and eliminate acidic foods,” she says. “It will mean people potentially miss out on essential nutrients such as calcium, iron and zinc, which are really important. Women are usually the targets of these sorts of diets and they tend to be low in calcium and iron anyway.”
Method: Blend all ingredients, adding water as needed for desired consistency. Top with a handful of pre-soaked (1-4 hours) raw pumpkin, sunflower or sesame seeds. Or try raw pecans, almonds or pistachios.
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e
food and drink
Trend
New Restaurant
Info Box
Eating With Relish
Relish Al Raid Plaza, Qurum, Muscat. Tel: +968 24563656 Hours: 9am -11pm Price: Food and drinks for three: RO19.5
Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals
This vegetarian-only restaurant serves food good enough to convert even the most hardcore meat eaters, says Shishira Sreenivas
A
s a vegetarian, you get used to having just a small section reserved for you on a menu. Usually, there is only a selection of bland, non-meat platters to choose from, while carnivore diners have loads of delicious dishes to devour. So imagine my joy at having the whole menu to pick from. Relish is a fairly new restaurant in Qurum and boasts a multi-cuisine menu of mainly Mexican, Italian and Indian, containing all vegetarian ingredients. I dragged my parents along, who also happen to be strict vegetarians, for the experience. We were greeted with a warm smile by the waiter and shown to a table outside. It’s time to make the most of al fresco dining before the summer arrives. For some reason our waiter handed over just one menu, meaning the three of us were left craning our necks at awkward angles for a glimpse. Thankfully, a waitress handed a separate drinks menu to each of us a few minutes later. I ordered an Al Kadra, a mocktail concocted with avocado, orange and mint while my mum settled for a
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Shirley Temple. My dad, however, The poppers were simply out of decided to order a broccoli soup. this world. A mayo based dip added For starters, we were spoilt for to the zingy flavour. Meanwhile, choice. In the end, we went the assorted platter had the three for jalapeno, potato and cheese of us scrambling to get a bite of poppers and a plate of assorted everything from the plate. Portions vegetable kebabs. were quite large and the taste was As we waited for the drinks, directly proportionate. The minty I scanned the restaurant. The potato squares and paneer (cottage inside was chic and bright with the cheese) were my favourite. white furniture and vivid cushions I was so busy munching away that adding to the colour. A live station I forgot to glance at the long menu for pasta and chat (slang for for the main course. When the Indian street snacks) at the waiter came back to ask, VERDICT: back of the room gave we had to request the 10 the restaurant more menus again to scan Whether you’re of a comfortable, fun through. vegetarian or not, this feel rather than a stiff, I’ve had enough place has enough on the menu to get you to skip formal atmosphere. Indian food to last me the red meat and try My green drink was a lifetime - actually no, the herbivorous surprisingly refreshing and I don’t think you can ever way. I enjoyed the combination have enough - but decided of avocado and mint. My mum to opt for something a little was pleased too. But my dad was so different, a tandoori paneer tikka happy with his simple broccoli soup sandwich. Both my parents went that he called the waiter over to tell Mexican. Mum ordered tacos, with him personally. I tried a bit myself a burrito Mexicana for Dad. The and I have to say, it was delicious. mouthwatering descriptions for the It didn’t take long for the starters Mexican dishes made me question to arrive – thank goodness because if I should have gone the same way the drinks were not satisfying the but I decided to stick to my guns. hunger that had built up by then. My mum gobbled down one
8
of the tacos and by the looks of it, she loved it. Dad’s burrito was just humongous, stuffed to the brim with a side of guacamole. Unable to resist, I took a helping from both their plates. It was good. The jalapenos and cheese didn’t overpower the dishes as sometimes is the case with Mexican food. I was impressed. However the moment my sandwich arrived laden with fries on the side, my longing for Mexican food vanished as I busily tucked in. It hit the spot, being both juicy and crispy. My only disappointment was that I would have liked more stuffing in the sandwich, but it was good nonetheless. The waiter came back to ask about desserts. We stared at each other and answered 'NO' in unison. We were stuffed; the carb-filled dinner had us full to the point where drinking water seemed daunting. After paying the bill, we thanked the attentive waiter and efficient manager, and left determined to come back to try other vegetarian dishes from the menu that our limited appetite didn’t allow in one sitting.
HEALTH& BEAUTY
Health
Beauty
fashion
Mall store Next showed us how to do denim the dressier way with this shirt frock.
RHAPSODY IN BLUE
Denim has always been great for weekend wear and off duty looks but this season the durable fabric has become much more fashion forward. Whether you choose a denim jacket, shirt or dress, this is the season to experiment with styles and washes.
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CARPE DENIM
These Next high tops look great with a skater skirt and this season’s bomber jacket. RO17
Jean fabric has gone high fashion, showing up on everything from pencil skirts to boiler suits, says Penny Fray
E
ach new season, if you shop wisely, there are a few key pieces that can refresh your entire closet. This spring, it’s denim. Nothing reflects fashion’s laid back vibe quite like the hardwearing material. But it’s not just about sporting a pair of your favourite skinnies. Designer brands like Balmain and DKNY encourage us to rethink our denim portfolio with everything from lady-like boiler suits and dungarees to patchwork pieces and shift dresses. If you can think it, you can wear it, as designers experiment with super sized turnups, shredded cuffs and ripped waistbands. The wash is irrelevant because they’re all in – from sun bleached to stonewash. Mix a distressed chambray shirt with true blue skinnies or up the ante by mixing textures – leather and denim anyone? This is the ultimate versatile trend in that, if you pick the right piece, you can wear it anytime, anyplace, anywhere.
The cut and versatility of this amazing biker dress means you can wear it for work, rest or play. RO25 from Littlewoods.com Matalan has become our go-to mall store for staples like this faded shirt. Designed for a loose fit and crafted with a hint of natural stretch, we’ll be wearing this lightweight piece with heels. From RO11
Every wardrobe needs jeans that transcend seasonal trends and J Brand’s 811 mid-rise pair retain their shape, ensuring a flawless leg-skimming fit with every wear. Work yours with everything from slouchy tops to denim shirts. RO255 from Net-a-Porter. Although you can get the same designer name from Brands-ForLess for under RO30.
Gianvito Rossi’s denim shoes are a contemporary alternative to basic leather heels. Dress them up for the office with a white shirt and tailored pants, teaming them with a luxe sweatshirt and skinny jeans for low-key events. RO225
JEAN POOL
Penny’s tips on donning denim
Treat your designer denim to the care it deserves with The Laundress’ specialist set. The allergenfree detergent doesn’t contain fabric-damaging chemicals, so colour and softness are preserved. Use the cleanly scented spray to freshen your jeans between washes. From RO16.5
1. If you’re going to buy one key denim piece this spring, make it the chambray shirt. Wear yours with skinny leather trousers and a pair of wedge trainers. It’s the new yummy mummy uniform. 2. If, like me, you loathe denim’s laid back vibe, wear it tailored á la Victoria Beckham or Louis Vuitton. 3. Dip your toe in the trend with denim shoes. The malls are awash with them.
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
L o n t h ay i n g e loti goo right?d for youron is moist Not qui skin, you tourising cate. Over break n caus can the tieven give yout, and e are fony white s ou milia, p r skin imed whenots that s trap dea the sk ped in d in.
JUST WHAT THE
For some skin care solutions, only science will do, says Penny Fray
T
hey’re thick, they’re slick and they’re ready to dredge the grime from your pores – but do you really need to commit to a lengthy (and expensive) process of designer skincare to trip the face fantastic? I’ve spent a small fortune over the last couple of years trying to control my hormonal skin, only to find that my doctor’s simple recommendation of a RO4 bottle of Neutrogena Acne Wash was all that was needed to end my beauty woes. This got me thinking. Are we making things more complicated and costly than they need to be? After all, every dermatologist or beauty expert that I’ve ever spoken to has said that most women’s beauty routines are ridiculously intricate and involve far too many products. We load up our skin with a ton of stuff that we don’t need, clogging it up in the process. As one expert said ‘you don’t need to force feed your skin with the equivalent of foie gras.’ “Some products really are the same,” adds Dr Dina Hosni Gumma from Muscat Dermatology and Cosmetic. “The difference is all to do with branding, marketing strategy and how much research the company has put into it being safe and effective. Still,
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some dermatological products have medical pharmaceutical ingredients that cannot be found in ‘normal’ beauty products.” People argue about the art of anti-ageing as though it’s rocket science but there are two things everyone agrees on – your skin needs to be clean (but not stripped of oils) and made soft (but not drowned in gunk). You can add problem specific products – a brightener or line filler - but there’s no point going beyond that. “The essential aspect of skin care has always been cleansing, toning and moisturising,” explains Dr Dina. “By keeping your skin clean, you prevent the pores from clogging and causing blackheads which is the precursor of acne and other problems. Find products that are not too oily or non-comedogenic before minimising pore openings with a salicylic or glycolic acid. A good moisturiser is also essential to allow the skin to be properly hydrated. This is very important as when the skin is too dry it over compensates by producing more oil, which in turn makes the pores more visible as they dilate and become easily blocked. Finally, don’t forget to use a daily sunblock as there’s nothing more ageing than sun damage.” For my money, the best and consistently good dermatological lines include Dermalogica and
Dr Perricone’s products. I’m also hooked on Lucas Papaw’s ointment. The experts, however, have their own favourites. “I personally use Bioderma Sensibio H2O to remove makeup,” says Dr Dina. “It’s excellent because it offers a micelle solution that soaks up all the unwanted cosmetic particles and dirt like a sponge. My daily face wash however, is Avene Cleanance Soapless Gel, because it’s made from natural thermal spring water and isn’t harsh on the skin. For exfoliation, I use a sonic cleanser followed by my daily moisturiser by Teosyal. This is excellent for hydration as it traps moisture into the skin and offers an effective Vitamin C boost. “At night sometimes I use a retinol based cream called Retinox by Roc. This has the right amount of tretinoin or Vitamin A derivative needed to increase the production of new cells to help in rejuvenation. “As a sunblock I have two favourites - Avene emulsion SPF 50 and Neutrogena’s Ultra-Sheer sunblock. And that’s it.” If even this sounds too complicated, Dr Dina offers this final piece of advice: “Wash your face with warm water and then rinse with ice cold water as this helps the pores open and close, leaving the face in fine shape.”
Health
STYLE COUNSEL
BARBRA YOUNG ANSWERS YOUR FASHION QUESTIONS
Barbra Young, a former designer and retailer
THE FRINGED BAG
TREND
Bring a bit of a bohemian twist to last season’s clutches with artisanal fringing or tassels. Leading the way to the haute hippie look were both Gucci and Valentino. Although this leather number from H&M is a steal at RO41.
If you have any fashion questions for Barbra, email info@y-oman.com or tweet #style @ ytabloid
Beauty
Fashion
Q.
I’m 54-years-old and hate my bingo wings. More than that I’m starting to hate brands and fashion stores that don’t give a flying-fig about catering to women who have flabby upper arms that they don’t particularly want to flash. All the dresses and tops I like tend to be sleeveless but I’m not big on cardigans because of the frump factor. What’s an expat to do to survive the Omani heat without horrifying the locals? Grumpy Old Woman - Muscat Hills
A.
Dear Grumpy. I hear you! This is a dilemma that ranks up there with world peace. And while I have enormous admiration for our sisters who let their limbs hang out, I can’t either. The idea that my arms will still be visibly waving when I’ve stopped 30 minutes ago is scary. It’s best to conceal. Buy less but buy smart is my number one tip. Cotton and linen shirts with elbow or full-length sleeves work well. Just stay away from short or cropped sleeves because elbows are also unattractive when we reach a certain age. Ditto T-shirts that cling to flesh that is not firm. Search for dresses in places that understand your needs. Believe it or not there are a few, including M&S and Anna Sui’s silkbrands like DVF. Lucky for us, the tide is turning. Did you kimono-style notice during the Golden Globes and the Oscars how many of georgette jacket is cut for a the dresses had sleeves? free-flowing, bohemian By the way, cardigans don’t need to be frumpy. Look for sheer silhouette. For the most modern take, team it styles. The trick is to layer a long top with cropped narrow with a sleek top and pants, topped with a short, saucy sheer cardigan. It’s all about skinny pants. You can get less costly versions proportion. If you are wearing a fuller pant or skirt, try the from Muttrah Souq. opposite of a shorter top and longer cardigan – either sheer or loose weaved will do. Finally, if you are wearing a sleeveless dress, top it with a lace or sheer jacket. Both are on trend and very alluring. Despite the horror of suddenly realising that there is stuff we can no longer wear due to biology, it just makes us more creative. Go online and look at actresses of a certain age. See the way they are working the problem. But always remember proportion.
STREET STYLE MEAGAN PATRONI Spotted At: Seeb Corniche Wearing: A 1970s vintage dress from Retro Station with handcrafted earrings from Nizwa Souq.
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Postcards from
Cars
Y- F i
Indoors
CARS AND inDOORS
BIRD LIFE
Soaring on warm air currents, gulls circle over the dazzling blue waters of Khawr Ghawi
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CARS AND OUTDOORS INDOORS
Postcards from
Cars
Y- F i
Indoors
Destination
Khawr Ghawi Wash away the dust from the desert with a refreshing trip to a lagoon, where the bird life is as beautiful as the soft white sand and crystal clear waters, says Jerzy Wierzbicki
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One of the most spectacular central location is the longest beach in the whole country, twisting like a long sandy snake along more than 180 Kms from Ras Madrakah to Al Lakbi. I have visited a few times before, mostly for fishing and camping, not photography. I wasn’t convinced that a flat, sandy strip was much interest to me photographically. How wrong I was. Last summer, on my way back from Dhofar and a bit exhausted by the intensive previous days and the heat, I stopped in a town called Al Khalil. There’s a small coffee shop there, which has great sweet Karak tea. Near Khalil is Khawr Ghawi. Khawr (Khor) is a lagoon created at the end of a wadi, and are typically found in the Dhofar Region. Khawrs are mostly filled with a mix of fresh and salt water. In the mountainous regions, Khawrs are created naturally. I was curious how they could establish themselves in the flat sandy part of Oman. My first visit there was very short. I didn’t take any photographs, it didn’t strike me as anything special, but I did file it away in my memory as a place to visit another time in a better season. The time came a few weeks ago. On my way back from the Empty Quarter, I decided to break my usual routine and not go to Muscat by
Road 31. Instead, I headed to the shoreline near Lakbi. I wanted to spend one more night near the sea and this long, white sandy beach looked like the perfect place. I set up camp on the beach, enjoying the salty smell of the sea and change of scenery after days spent between desert dunes. In the morning, refreshed after a good night’s sleep, I headed north and stopped in Khalil to refuel my car. It was still early and the light was much better than when I was there the first time. I stopped my car on the end of the white beach. The views were incredible: dazzling ivory sands, a dark blue sky and turquoise water in the lagoon created a fantastic palette of colours. As with most lagoons, it was a bird’s paradise. Among the many species of sea birds swooping from the sky, I spotted gulls and dunlins. My dog, Trop, was also in heaven. After several days of unrelenting desert sun, he was overheating and immediately ran into the sea, where he happily splashed around in the shallow water. Afterwards, he rolled in the wet sand and looked - and smelt - like a little damp monster! I put a long lens on my camera and tried to approach the birds as close as possible. Dunlins and a small group of flamingos immediately took flight and landed in the far distance.
I was luckier with the seagulls. The water in the lagoon is very shallow and warm. In one place, I could walk right along the sandy peninsula opposite the mainland to get an excellent overview of the whole area. There is something else that makes Khawr Ghawi unique. Along with the water and birds, there’s a mangrove plantation, established by the government in 2005. You can find out about it before reaching the lagoon; near the main sandy track is a big sign that gives you lots of information about the mangrove project. I wandered over to see the greenery. In the deeper part of the lagoon, near the mainland, I found lots of mangrove trees. They occupy a huge area of several dozen hectares. Unfortunately, humans have blighted this little sanctuary. Everywhere between the mangroves and some parts of the lagoon, I found lots of plastic bags, bottles of boat engine oil and bits of discarded rubbish. It’s a shame that local fishermen and visitors do not respect the place’s reserve status and dispose of their detritus properly. Still, the beauty that has been preserved and the peace of the lagoon is, in my opinion, worth the trip any day.
HOW TO GET THERE
travel guide
H
ave you ever had that wonderful moment of discovering something is so much better than you ever expected? It doesn’t come along very often for me. So when it does, it’s an even more memorable experience. This is exactly what happened on my second visit to Khawr Ghawi, a six kilometre-long tidal inlet in the central part of Oman. I was simply blown away by the vivid colours and rich landscape of the area, a safe haven for several species of birds. It was unexpected because my first trip there hadn’t been anything particularly special. I have the impression that the central part of Oman is less known – and a little more neglected - than the rest of the country. People searching for weekend adventures tend to overlook it in favour of camping or family trips into the mountains near Muscat or Al Sharqiya Sands, around a 90-minute drive from the capital. The Dhofar region is, of course, another hugely popular place during the Khareef. Central Oman gets a bit of a raw deal. It is much more varied and diverse than you can imagine, rewarding those who are prepared to take a chance on the unknown.
It’s very easy to reach Khawr Ghawi. From Muscat go to Duqm on Road 32. Pass Duqm and go straight to Al Jazir by Road 41, which goes very close to the ocean.
When you reach Al Khalil, turn towards the seaside. The main track will lead you directly to the lagoon. A 4x4 would be helpful, although the main sandy track
is good enough for a small SUV as well.
Location of Khawr Ghawi: 18°34’55.20”N 56°38’20.65”E
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CARS AND OUTDOORS INDOORS Photo: Tom Robertson
SEA
SPEED Tom Robertson takes a look at one of the world’s most prestigious and competitive sailing events making a return to Oman’s shores
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T
here’s a certain amount of trepidation with which one sets foot aboard an Extreme 40 catamaran. And for good reason. These are the Formula One boats of global yachting. Quick, sleek and highly responsive, they’re the kind of boat that only a highly skilled crew can handle. And even then things can go wrong. When the boat, ‘The Wave, Muscat’ ploughed its nose into the water in Qingdao, China, in April 2011, it capsized in spectacular fashion, effortlessly tossing its professional crew into the water and demonstrating what happens when adverse conditions transpire against a twitchy and powerful vessel. This weekend just gone, the Extreme Sailing Series was back in Oman for another session of potentially sail-ripping, hull-gouging yacht racing. It was only the second such ‘act’ of the 2014 season, in which the home team, The Wave, Muscat, was seeking to defend it’s 2013 title, along with its current place at the top of this year’s scoreboard. But there was stiff competition. The ten boats competing in the series are crewed by a host of world class sailors who’ve already proved their seafaring mettle in this and other sailing disciplines; Red Bull Sailing team includes two double Olympic gold medallists, Roman Hagara and Hans Peter-Steinacher from Austria, while J.P. Morgan BAR is skippered by four times Olympic champion Sir Ben Ainslie and Olympic gold medallist Pippa Watson, to name but a few. And when you look at the boats they’re crewing, it’s no wonder that such experience and expertise is required. Designed by Yves Loday, the Extreme 40 is a larger version of the catamaran on which he himself won at the
Postcards from 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. “Basically, the Extreme 40 is a scaled-up version of the Tornado” says Herbert Dercksen, CEO of TornadoSport, which developed the boats. “All of the dimensions are relative to the Tornado, it is just twice as big and incredibly fast.” And fast is exactly what it feels like. Present for one all-too-short race on the Extreme Red Bull Sailing Team boat, the acceleration of the craft was immediately apparent when the horn sounded for the start of the race and the sails were trimmed to get us underway. And this was just in a slight breeze of five knots. On a gustier day, I could only assume that the acceleration and top speeds would be nothing short of hairraising. Capable of reaching 30 knots (56 km/h), the Extreme 40 is a boat built with speed in mind and to create the most thrilling sailing spectacle possible. Each of the catamaran’s two hulls houses a honeycomb core covered by a carbon fibre ‘skin’ which creates an exceptionaly light and strong boat capable of achieving the wave piecing speeds. But the clever bit? At forty foot long, the boats can be dismantled in hours and be shipped inside standard shipping containers to the other racing destinations worldwide. It’s this design feature that gives the tour its globetrotting nature. Sydney, Singapore, St Petersburg and Istanbul are just a few of the far-flung locations where the eight Acts are held, the next being in Qingdao, China, from 1st to 4th May. Here in Muscat, the speedy multihulls zipped past the shoreline of Almouj Golf course, allowing Muscat’s inhabitants to get a ringside seat of the spectacle. Relying on their width to provide stability rather than a deep keel, the catamarans were able to sail in shallow waters close to the shore to give spectators the best possible view of the action. On board the Red Bull Extreme Sailing Boat, the crew were moving around with meticulous efficiency, adjusting the sails to rinse every last breath of wind from the light breeze plaguing the day’s racing. But even with an absence of substantial gusts, the boat still felt as though it was speeding along, the water whizzing past under the trampoline on which I sat. The skipper, Roman Hagara, deftly steered the boat through the fleet while crew members winched furiously at each turn. Once back on course, two of the crew members would leap forward onto the two bows, resting there in order to try and keep the boat as level as possible. But ultimately the efforts over that and the other days would leave Red Bull Sailing Team in 6th place after the second act. Perhaps with the home advantage and predominant support, it was the home team that sailed to victory. They clinched the win on the final, gustier day, taking the act and cementing their position as the overall series leader.
Y- F i
Cars
INDOORS
If you start to head to the galley when somewhat yells ‘port’ on a yacht, let Y introduce you to some basic yachtspeak.
Port – The left side of the vessel Starboard – The right Bow – The front of the boat Stern – The rear Catamaran – A vessel with two hulls of equal size. Draws its stability from a wide beam (width), rather than having a deep keel. Trampoline – For catamarans only, this is the nylon mesh that is strung between the two hulls allowing the crew to move around the boat and between the hulls. Mainsail – The large sail, which provides the vessel with forward motion. The sail uses the same principle as an aircraft wing, relying on differences in pressure on either side of the sail. Boom – The horizontal pole that runs along the bottom of the mainsail allowing the sail to be controlled and angled by the crew. Rudder – The fins extending down into the water at the back of the boat which allow the boat’s direction to be controlled.
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CARS AND
INDOORS
Ruined splendour One of Jaipur’s must-see attractions, only the top levels of the five storey Jal Mahal remain above the water level of Man Sagar Lake.
Top 5 Places To Visit: 1. Amber or Nahargarh (Tiger) Fort 2. Anokhi Farm (for block prints) 3. City Palace 4. Monkey Temple 5. Jal Mahal (Water Palace)
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Cars
Y-Fi
I n d o o r s postcards from
Kate Ginn, recommends
JAIPUR N
a m a s t e f r o m t h e P i n k C i t y , b e tt e r k n o w n a s J a i p u r , a n d o n e o f m y fa v o u r i t e d e s t i n a t i o n s i n I n d i a . Delhi is the huge metropolitan sprawl teeming with life and Mumbai may be the centre of Bollywood glamour, while Kerala is the erudite smaller c o u s i n . B u t fo r m e , J a i p u r h a s a l i tt l e b i t o f e v e r y t h i n g t h a t m a k e s I n d i a s u c h a fa s c i n a t i n g e n i g m a . I t h a s e x t r e m e p o v e r t y l i v i n g s i d e - b y - s i d e w i t h l u x u r i o u s h o t e l s ; c o n g e s t e d c h o k e d d i r t y s t r e e t s a n d t h e m o s t b e a u t i fu l g r e e n o p e n spaces; and designer boutiques round the corner from street markets, where haggling is obligatory. It’s a loud, dirty and crowded place - home to more than three million people b u t u tt e r l y c a p t i v a t i n g . J a i p u r f i r s t s e d u c e d m e f i v e y e a r s a g o a n d I r e t u r n e d r e c e n t l y fo r a w e d d i n g t o f i n d i t w o n d e r fu l l y u n c h a n g e d . The same air of chaos prevails - cows wandering down the centre of the road and the incessant beep of car horns - and I immediately fell in love with it all over a g a i n . I t f e e l s s o a l i v e a n d v i t a l . T h e r e ’ s a n i n f e c t i o u s e n e r g y t o i t t h a t r u b s o ff on you. As the capital and largest city of Rajasthan in Northern India, it has understated charisma. I f y o u w a n t t h e u s u a l t o u r i s t s i g h t s o f I n d i a - e l e p h a n t s , fo r t s a n d p a l a c e s t h e s e c a n b e fo u n d i n a b u n d a n c e . B u t J a i p u r i s s o m u c h m o r e t h a n t h a t , w i t h hidden gems just waiting to be uncovered.
A mb e r
F o rt
My favourite place
Most visitors head for Amber Fort, the iconic fortress palace of India, and one of three majestic fortifications in the hills above Jaipur. However, I much prefer the less popular Nahargarh Fort, which means ‘abode of the tigers’. It’s been some time since one of the striped beasts was actually spotted stalking in the surrounding woodlands but I still love the allure of the name. Travel up the winding road, taking in the views of Lake Palace and peacocks on the way. The fort is a little neglected but that’s part of its charm. Watch a spectacular sunset, bathing the city below in a red hue.
Highlights The people of Jaipur are wonderfully colourful characters, rich in generosity and spirit. Expect to be invited into your guide’s home for some chai and sweets to meet the family, as I was on my first trip to the city. The old city where Jaipur gets its name, the ‘Pink City’, for its distinctive paint on the facades of the shops and houses, and the encircling walls. This is where to go for bustling markets. Look out for the odd monkey jumping around walls. There’s a great selection of restaurants to be found here too. Must try: a journey in one of the rickshaws or a walking tour of the old city to see the sights on foot, and an ayurvedic massage.
JA IP UR K at e G IN N IN
Lowlights
Like many parts of India, poverty is not hidden so be prepared for the sight of families and small children sleeping on cardboard in makeshift tents. It can be upsetting. Begging used to be a huge problem but when I went back last month, a police crackdown had stopped most of it. Beware of Monsoon season, which starts in June and goes through to September. Bad traffic and driving here can give Oman a run for its money too.
Souvenirs
Head to the street markets in the old city for fabulous and ridiculously cheap fabrics and vintage textiles, cotton kaftans, bed linen, scarves and gorgeous pashminas. Bed throws can be snapped up for as little as 300 rupees (RO1.8). Be prepared for some hard haggling – it’s all part of the fun and sellers will expect you to try and knock down the price. You can also learn about block printing, a craft that dates back to the 1700s, in Sanganer village. Rajasthan silver is a good buy too. As is painted pottery and tiles.
Where to stay From high-end to budget, Jaipur has accommodation to suit every pocket. If you’re in the mood to splurge, head for Rambagh Palace Hotel (if you can’t afford to stay there, you can still have dinner at its outdoor restaurant, Steam, where you dine in restored old wooden railway carriages). Samode Haveli Hotel is my personal favourite, an oasis in the old city, or try the numerous guesthouses offering clean rooms at a decent price.
Galtaji Templ e (the M onkey Palac e)
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-FI THE TECH IN YOU
Postcards from
Cars
Indoors
Y-FI
MANSCAPING
Shaving is entry level grooming for most men, but it’s maintaining a desired look that’s the tricky part. Matthew Herbst investigates what’s sharp on trend MULTITASKer The endless growth of unsightly nose and ear hair, along with the added strain of requiring a barber to style those demanding sideburns can be too much to bear for any man. The BaByliss for Men 3 in 1 Trimmer is a safe, easy and gentle trimmer for eyebrows and any other kind of hair perpetually encroaching upon our faces. The shaver comes with two different heads, making it ideal for trimming the odd moustache as well! From RO6.30 at www. johnlewis.com
JACK OF ALL TRADES
EDITOR’S PICK
This HC365C Remington Stylist comes as a twentyfive piece set that includes an array of accessories for easy home hair trimming. You’ll get a hairdresser’s cape, scissors and neck brush, among other salon necessities. The blades are self-sharpening and designed never to need oiling. It also has a cordless battery life of up to forty hours, the strength of which is indicated using an in-built light. www.debenhams.com from RO18
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BAck to basics Sometimes basic and affordable is just as good as the posh product. The Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 Power Select is ideal for creating a comfortable shave with its three power settings. There’s also a handy builtin gel reservoir for moisturising the skin as you shave. The digital LED also shows the remaining battery life. From RO5 at any leading supermarket.
face value The Clarisonic Aria Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush is a sleek scrubber that oscillates at more than 300 movements a second to eradicate dirt and oil from your pores. For those who can take that kind of punishment, The Brush’s timer lets you choose a one or two minute cleansing cycle. Also comes with a handy stand that doubles as a charger. RO76 from clarisonic.com
FIND OUT WHAT’S HIP & HAPPENING IN GADGETS
SMOOTH OPERATOR The Philips rechargeable all-in-one BodyGroom Pro TT2040 is designed for men who want a clean-cut appearance without the hassle. It’s suitable for use everywhere on your bodyfrom your chest and abs to your back and shoulders. Plus, it’s cordless and works on wet or dry skin, so you can also use it in the shower or on the go. Time to get streamline for breaking those swimming and cycling records. www.philips-store.com from RO48.80
NEW!
App of the week
DiamondClean Rechargeable sonic toothbrush
Being well groomed and armed with an expensive suit isn’t the only thing you should focus on. Fresh breath and gleaming pearly whites are even more important. Available online from RO158.60 Brushes at a staggering 31,000 strokes per minute. Philips claim that the toothbrush removes up to seven times more plaque, removes stains faster and that you’ll notice a difference in just two weeks.
MY STYLE
Style Guide for Men is endorsed by David Gandy – and in case you didn’t know, he’s the face of Dolce & Gabbana. This app is sleek and easy to navigate. It hosts over an hour-and-a-half of high-class male grooming footage with tons of videos consisting of practical tips and interviews with leading experts in the men’s fashion and grooming industry. Worth the small cost of RO2.58 from iOS and Android app stores.
Provides optimal cleaning between teeth and along the gumline for improved gum health. Offers superior cleaning between teeth and removes significantly more plaque than a manual toothbrush. Sonicare brush heads have diamond shaped, medium stiff bristles to effectively, yet gently, scrape away plaque. The two-minute timer on this toothbrush helps ensure the full brushing time recommended by dental professionals. Operates with a 30-second interval timer that indicates when you’ve completed a quadrant of your mouth. Comes with a Lithiumion rechargeable battery. Available in white or black.
GUY STUFF
It is hard to believe that Acqua di Parma started as a small factory in Parma. The first fragrance, Colonia, was created in 1916. Still very much the quintessence of Italian elegance, Acqua di Parma delivers an unparalleled selection of luxurious light scented products for men and women. See www.acquadiparma.com Prices vary FEB MAR2727– -MAR APR 05 02 // ISSUE ISSUE 309 313
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CARS AND INDOORS
Postcards from
Y- F i
Indoors
C ars
Audi A3 Sedan Specification
Engine: 30 TFSI/40 TFSI Four Cylinder Transmission: S Tronic seven-speed Horsepower: 122/180 0-100kph: 9.3 seconds/7.3 seconds Top Speed: 211km/ h/242km/h Price: From RO9,950
car of the week A perfect combination of elegance, power and speed, the allnew Audi A3 promises one thrilling ride, says Kate Ginn
W
hen a car is described, among other things, as ‘taut’, ‘muscular’ and ‘sporty’, it has my attention. It sounds like my sort of automobile. I don’t even need to see the design to know that I’m going to like it, a lot. Of course, words are only one side of it. Anyone can talk the talk. It’s whether you can live up to the hype that matters. Thankfully, the new Audi A3 sedan does so, and then some. It’s a stunning car to look at, with a low, flowing line that takes the eye sweeping from the bonnet to the boot in one continuous, undulating move. It gets better. It handles and performs as good as it looks, seducing the driver with flawless handling and that wonderful German efficiency. This car marks a bold move for Audi, being the first time the A3 is available as a sedan. It’s a calculated move – not a gamble – as the premium compact sedan market is one of the fastest growing segments in Oman. Will the A3 make an impact in the race for customers? Unequivocally yes. There is always room for elegance and class, which this car has in buckets. It has that rare ability (in a car) to look like both a beauty and a beast. The engine under the bonnet, which can 046
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take even the base level model to 100km/h in under 10 seconds, matches those body contours. What Audi does well is the attention to detail that it devotes to every vehicle. You can imagine the designers sitting down and meticulously going through every conceivable driver scenario. There’s an air of refinement to the A3’s interior too. Even the entry-level car (the Attraction trim) has an unmistakable high-end feel, from the upholstery to the stereo. If you want to go super luxe, you can always get the optional Milano leather finish for the seats. Let’s talk about the performance. It’s excellent with an overhauled engine giving a robust, powerful response, thanks to the inclusion of sports suspension (dynamic in the Attraction line). This gives the driver a ride that demands engagement. The A3 wants you to experience the drive, not just go along for the ride. It’s helped by lightweight design – just 1,250kg for the four-door 30 TFSI – and dynamic handling. I don’t want to bore you with those baffling car statistics that no one but the automobile boffins who designed it understand, but the A3 is one clever car. When full engine power isn’t needed, two of the four cylinders are automatically deactivated without reducing performance and without you noticing. It makes the car more efficient and reduces CO2
emissions, so you’re helping the planet too. The A3 also has a huge boot. At 425 litres (it can be extended further by folding down the rear seats), it’s a whopper that can handle just about any amount of baggage from a family on the move. If you like gadgets, there’s a funky slim 5.8” colour display, which pops up electrically, with a driver information system, which reminds you when it’s time to take a rest. See, I told you it was smart. If you want more, there’s the optional MMI Navigation Plus kit with 7” touch screen. With this, passengers can use their mobile devices with a WLAN integrated hotspot. You can also opt for the Bang & Olufsen sound system. I would certainly go for the optional surround-view camera and park-assist add-ons. But then, if I were buying this car, I’d be tempted by the top-of-the-line version, the Audi S3 Sedan, 2.0 TFSI, capable of hitting 100km/h in just five scintillating seconds. This baby is so fast that its top speed has been electronically capped at 250km/h. The sports suspension, lowered body and turbocharged engine are mouthwatering. You’ll have to wait for the S3 until the second half of this year, when it’s expected to arrive in Oman. By then, of course, you may already have bought the A3. It’s that good.
They say: ‘Sheds a whole new light on the term ‘sedan’.’ We say: ‘Yes please, we want one.’
Check this out
All-LED highlights Alloy wheels (up to 19”) Light/rain sensor Panoramic glass roof (optional) Dark tinted privacy glass (optional) Bluetooth interface Cruise control Rear parking aid Side airbags at front and head airbag system Four-spoke leather-covered steering wheel
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