JAN 9 – 15 • ISSUE 252 • WEEKLY
Easter Special
Egg hunt and win a hamper
FIND A FORT / OFFICE POLITICS / FISHY TALES / EVENTS THIS WEEK / RICHOUX REVIEW / VISAS ONLINE / FILMS
10 News: Shisha Under Fire
ON YOUR BIKE: Muttrah and mountains BEAUTY: Delicious Dermis
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APR 17 - 23 / ISSUE 316 • WEEKLY
Clean Your Life
PLUS!
Fashion
Beautiful Bling
01
NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258
Food
32
Sweet Temptations
Car
28
McLaren 650S 46 Spider
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EDITOR’S
NOTE
CAMELS AND CHOCOLATE
This week, we’re giving away some goodies to celebrate Easter – but it’ll take a little bit of detective work. Just head to P25 where you can find details of how to get your hands on some great prizes, take part in a treasure hunt and bake a camel cookie.
THE BAROMETER Going up
Instagram babies Phones at the ready and proud mums full of mischief. Cue a host of baby snaps on Instagram featuring tiny tots in all manner of guises. This little strong man, Spencer, was caught flexing his baby biceps by mum, Heather Duncan.
Going DOWN
SPIRALING SAMSUNG Samsung’s profits, apparently. In a recent statement, the South Korean electronics giant said it was expecting a second consecutive decline in global earnings. With very mixed reviews of the S5 emerging and cheap competitors gaining popularity, is Samsung entering a challenging period?
THIS WEEK… We’ve been busy trying to find Creme Eggs in Muscat so we can gorge ourselves rotten. That’s if we can stop them from melting as the temperatures start to creep up and up and up. “You ain’t seen nothing yet,” say the seasoned veterans in the office.
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
Welcome to Y Magazine your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has to offer.
Fast forward E
aster. The season when the commercial chocolate machine rises up and goes into overdrive, distributing millions upon millions of eggs globally. Yes, it’s a time to celebrate with a guilt-free gorge on our favourite cocoa creations. Inside these pages you’ll find a whole host of Easter-themed goodness, covering everything from chocolate facials and how to buy the best chocolate, to Easter movies. It’s all part of a celebration in which we look to new beginnings. But, as we discover in our main feature, it’s not just a time to concentrate on the future. It’s also a great point to evaluate exactly what we need to have in our present and keep from the past. Do we really have to hold on to those old clothes that we know we’ll never wear? We show you how to declutter your life in our fabulous Spring Clean special. It’s all about casting off emotional baggage and possessions weighing us down and concentrating on just those things we actually need. And what could be more essential than the latest copy of Y Magazine? So after that Spring clear out, grab a coffee or a chai, put your feet up and relax with another packed edition of your favourite weekly. TEAM Y
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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APR 17 - 23 / ISSUE 316
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contents APRIL 17 2014
This week
Your Oman
Bruce Palmer Jane Jaffer
Goat
Ramp Couture
Red Tide hits Oman
Business & Career
10
26 Success In The City Playing the Game
Cars and Outdoor
Food and Drink
18
28 Food
Chocs Away
30 Food Review
20
Transcendence
18 This Week
10 News
24 Easter Special Photos, competitions and recipe
17 Movie Listings
08 Voice Of Oman
20 Spring Clean Declutter Your Life
16 Oman 43 Objects
06 The Big Interview
Features
Richoux
37 Destination
Harat Asfalah
40 Outdoors
On Your Bike
42 Drifting
All the action
44 Y-Fi
Health & Beauty
Something Fishy
46 Car of the Week 32 Fashion McLaren 650S Spider Gorgeous Gems 34 Beauty Tasty Facials
28
44
33 NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE
IS shisha UP IN SMOKE? / Going potty/ POWER DRESSING / CANINE TRAINING / FRUGAL FOOD / WRITING YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS
YOUR
News
Gallery
INTERVIEW
OMAN
Law Man B ru c e Pa lm er, re g ional managin g partner at law firm C urtis, M alletP revost , and author of the OM AN Law Blog The Curtis Oman I nterview by Tom RobertsoN
Law Blog 01 Designed
How did you find your way to Oman? It’s been a quite a journey. I’ve worked in Washington DC for the U.S. Treasury Department, the United Nations in Geneva, and have practiced in Riyadh, Paris, London and now Muscat. What are the challenges of working in the GCC, compared to your previous roles? Doing business anywhere new first and foremost requires cultural understanding and sensitivity. Everywhere is different, in big or small ways, and different doesn’t necessarily mean wrong. To achieve success you have to learn the rules, and play by them. For example, once you understand that the idea of forming an orderly queue is utterly English and does not always apply in the Middle East, you can stick your elbows out and get things done. Can you describe a typical working day? Busy! There’s nothing ‘typical’ about it. As head of our Middle East corporate practice and regional managing partner, there’s always something to do, and plenty of variety. I love the cut and thrust of corporate law, the staccato rhythm of deal after deal. I’m also lucky enough to travel extensively, visiting clients across the region.
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as a resource for anyone interested in doing business in Oman. 02 Intended as a practical tool for understanding how to operate efficiently and legally in Oman. 03 Open to suggestions for new topics, Curtis value feedback from readers on how the blog can be even more useful and interesting. 04 http://omanlawblog. curtis.com
You have a blog to help people understand legal complexities here – what is it about? It’s aimed at people doing business in Oman, or lawyers who are new to the jurisdiction. It provides regular legal updates and also highlights and explains the quirks, subtleties and complexities of local legal rules and regulations. A recent post was ‘A Brief Overview of the Electronic Transactions Law in Oman’. It might not sound like great bedtime reading for everyone, but our audience seems to appreciate what we do. Why did you first write the blog? We decided we wanted to provide wide-ranging information on Omani law and practice to clients, which is often hard to find. The blog allowed us to reach a wider audience than the traditional hard and soft copy client alert format. Why do you love writing about these issues?
The brilliant thing about blogs is that they are truly reader-focused. I enjoy thinking about topics that will be both interesting and practically useful to our followers, and then structuring thoughts and ideas so that they are clear and easy to digest. Blogging forces me, and the other contributors to the Oman Law Blog, to crystallise our academic knowledge into readable, user-friendly information. What are the benefits of blogging for you and the clients? It’s an opportunity we don’t get every day, and I firmly believe that it makes us better lawyers, and keeps us in tune with our clients’ needs and interests. It has also had the unintended unifying effect of bringing the lawyers in Curtis Oman closer together, working jointly on articles each month. All of the lawyers and trainees
prepare pieces for our blog. Can you very briefly list three significant accomplishments in your career? Watching the success and continued development of our Middle East practice gives me a buzz every single day. We have 21 lawyers in Oman now, and we’re still growing. To have built something substantial and profitable, to see the younger members of my team thrive, to feel that what I’ve done has been done to the best of my ability. I count those as pretty significant accomplishments. When you’re not busy providing legal advice, how do you like to relax? You won’t be surprised to hear that, as a lawyer who loves his job, I don’t get a lot of free time. The time I do have is spent socialising with friends and family, plus a spot of bad golf thrown in for good measure. I also have a hobby collecting Oriental carpets, which I’ve been doing for 25 years. How would you describe yourself in three words? Non-conformist.
The Voice of Oman
Jane Jaffer on how books can give us a glimpse into the past
listen up Thanks Team Y,
L
ast week saw the opening of the Dar Al Atta’a Let’s Read charity bookshop in Qurum. As we were stacking shelves and getting ready for our first customers, I found myself in the biography section. I have always found reading about other people’s lives fascinating. Biographies can be inspiring, offering great insights into coping with hardship and overcoming difficulties. Autobiographies provide us with a fly-on-the-wall perspective on an historical era. A personal account of someone who actually lived through past events reveals a wealth of interesting detail about the time and place, helping us to understand the emotional impact the experience had on shaping people’s lives. Two years ago, I had the pleasure of assisting Saud bin Ahmed al Busaidi in writing his life story. Memoirs of an Omani Gentleman from Zanzibar has now been published in both English and Arabic. His story, like that of so many other Omanis who were born before 1970, is one of hardship and difficulty. Following the revolution in Zanzibar, Saud had to reinvent himself in two different countries. But his story is also full of adventure, intrigue and real-life historical characters. All of us have interesting stories within our own families. Documenting our ancestors’ lives helps us to find our place in the world and gives us a greater understanding of who we are and where we come from. Oman has seen tremendous change over the last 44 years. There must be so many wonderful stories out there just waiting to be told.
Next week:
THE RETURN OF ALI AL BALUSHI
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This snap was taken in our building in the CBD Area of Muscat. Residents in our building always complain about my son Aditya, aged 6, being noisy while playing with his group of friends on the premises due to his high pitched voice. So I showed him Y’s last issue (Issue 315) about life in Oman becoming louder and talked to him about this global issue. He now vows not to add to the noise. Regards, Raj, Muscat
Wildlife under threat Dear Y, Seeing the letter, ‘Wild Nakuru’, submitted to Y issue 314 by Sunil D’Cruz has reminded me of the plight of the rhino. Since 2008, poaching in South Africa has escalated year after year, culminating in hundreds of the animals being killed. And I believe this is the case in many African countries. International trophy-hunting clients from Asia, the U.S. and Europe pay roughly RO12,800 for each rhino shot. Money is always an incentive for certain people. In spite of help from army personnel,
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poaching continues along the border between the Kruger National Park and Mozambique. The dehorning of rhinos in certain reserves and privately owned farms seems to have slowed down the killing by making the rhinos less attractive to poachers. However, there is no indication that the practice is coming under control. Rhino deaths continue to rise in spite of the many organisations now actively involved in addressing the problem. Wishes, W Ambler, Al Ansab
Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant
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YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US
Debate of the Week We asked:
‘If you could reinvent any part of your life, be it career, appearance or social life, what would it be? Think BIG!’ Merzia Vajid
I think I would reinvent my social and family life. I would spend more time with family and relatives, and choose friends more wisely because in the end, neither job nor appearance stay for long. All that you will be left with are your friends and family.
Deepthi Kanwathirtha
I love my job, but if I had to reinvent my career I would definitely want to teach. Society gives us so much and teaching is the best way of giving something back.
LETTERS Sherwin Alejandro
I would go to the gym early each day and get myself in shape!
Khushboo Udeshi
Reinventing is not my forte. What’s gone is gone. It’s no fun to repeat things all over again and attempt to go back to try and change what ‘you are’. Instead, go ahead and explore the future that awaits.
Benny Najeeb
Simply nothing – I am totally satisfied with my life.
Sophie Tayco Soldevilla
I’d be a successful businesswoman and so rich that I could go to any place I wanted, anytime.
Payal Jaiswal
I would reinvent my career to ensure that it would give me the funds to reinvent my appearance and provide me with the confidence to redefine my social life.
E-MAILS
FA C E B O O K
Karim Hanefioui
I would most probably reinvent my career. I love what I do now, but I have a passion for my photography hobby. If I could turn back the clock, I would pick photography as a career. It might be risky and it might not pay as well as the career path I’m on now but I would have the opportunity to express myself more artistically.
Preeji Jayasree
Reinvention means change. Each time a major shift happens in our lives, whether it’s leaving a job or moving, we have to take control of who we want to become. I would try to become a positive thinker. I used to blame my negativity on all kinds of outside forces – fate, experiences, or parents. Teaching myself that positivity is a choice has been one of the biggest things I have never done for myself.
Sadia Shams
I would try to become a good human being and live a life without regrets. That’s because the word ‘regret’
always comes after making mistakes in our lives - and I am totally unable to bear regrets.
Jenny Newman
I’d be a smaller and shorter person to see if there’s a difference in the way people are treated according to their size. Bizarrely, I’d also like to have grown up somewhere with a bit of hardship to see what it’s like to live in a place where life is more challenging.
New Debate:
If you could create one new annual holiday to celebrate something in particular, such as Mother’s Day, what would it be? And why?
Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.
Edna Menezes, 18 months old, was spotted with Y Magazine while safely strapped into a car seat
Richard Stanford I’d reinvent myself as an actor. I’ve always done a bit of amateur acting but would love to have been a professional. I know life would have been more unstable but how different and exciting it would be. Piyush Vora
Looking back at my life, I would reinvent my childhood because when you are a child you have a vision of the future based on your limited knowledge and experience. I would like to have that opportunity again to make my life more amazing.
Aftab Khan
If I had the chance to reinvent myself, I would become Prime Minister of India and use the opportunity to weed out corruption, improve health and education for the benefit of all – especially the underprivileged. I’d be strong, but maintain peaceful relations with neighbouring countries.
Mayuri Sawant
I wouldn’t like to change much, but I would love to be a good student and grab all the opportunities I’ve missed. I would also love to go back in my kindergarten days and enjoy my time there.
APR 17 - 23 / ISSUE 316
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NEWS
YOUR
OMAN Return of the Red Tide
S
Words: Tom Robertson Photo : Jerzy Wierzbicki
potted off the coast off Qurayyat last Friday, a slithering ribbon of red has announced the arrival of a small algal bloom south of
Muscat. It’s a phenomenon that also occurs off the coast off the UAE, when swimmers are regularly advised to steer clear of the water. These ‘red tides’ of potentially toxic algae engulf the Emirates’ beaches and tourist hotspots such as the Palm Jumeirah. According to local experts, the coloured streaks also being spotted here in Oman are caused by tiny microscopic algae, or plants, called phytoplankton. “The bloom is of a single-cell algae called Noctiluca scintillans,” says Dr Charlotte Best, a local phytoplankton
expert. And it’s a change in conditions that’s led to this most recent bloom, says Dr Best’s colleague, Elayne Looker, of Five Oceans Environmental Services in Muscat. “Phytoplankton are always present in the sea, but under certain conditions they can bloom where their population rapidly increases, resulting in areas of highly concentrated algae.” “There are a variety of reasons for the cause of such blooms. Its growth depends on the availability of the algae’s food source, such as nitrogen, phosphorous, other singlecelled algae, or fish eggs and bacteria”, explained Looker. While there have been deaths in other parts of the world caused by algae, it’s believed that this particularly variety isn’t toxic to humans, said Dr Best. “In this case, the cells themselves are not toxic.” However, they are known to accumulate ammonia to toxic levels. High levels of ammonia found in their cells have been linked to mass mortality events in fish, she added. “A large bloom of this algae can be harmful to environments due to the fact that they deplete the water around them of oxygen, can clog up fish gills and smother the seafloor when the cells die.” But this isn’t a cause for alarm for people, the scientists say. “This algal bloom is not directly harmful to humans,” Dr Best explained. Oman is no stranger to the phenomenon of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). They have been known to cause mass mortalities of coral and fish in the Sultanate. The first records of HABs in Oman date back to 1976 and 1978 and now occur every year. But it’s not just fisheries that are affected. In the past, seawater desalination plants and power plants that use seawater for cooling have been forced to close temporarily due to a mass influx of algae. But the two scientists were quick to add that algal blooms are an entirely natural phenomena and as such, there are currently no attempts to control them. “These blooms have been occuring in this region for decades, and whilst monitored, there have been no attempts to our knowledge to control them,” says Dr Best. “The key point for algal blooms is monitoring whether they are toxic or not, and then taking appropriate steps for the closures of certain fisheries if necessary.” And, with the blooms considered to be an annual and widespread feature of the Arabian Sea, we can expect plenty more red tides in the future, say the scientists.
SHISHA UNDER FIRE
Stricter rules for shisha are on the way after a rise in complaints from people living in residential areas. Under the new regulations, a shisha restaurant will have to be at least 500 metres away from neighbouring homes instead of the current 200 metres. Permit fees will also increase from the present RO5,000 to slow down the flourishing shisha café market, it has been reported. The new cost of a permit has not been revealed. There is also talk that permission will only be given in certain areas
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of the city. Permits are issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Restaurants where shisha is served have to abide by regulations set out by Muscat Municipality. Violations can result in hefty penalties of RO1,000 and over. Repeat offenders can be closed down. More than six shisha places in the Muscat Governorate were recently shut down by the Municipality. Health concerns have also been raised. The number of young Omani females smoking shisha has gone up, according to the Ministry of Health.
YOUR
OMAN Bite Sized Our new weekly slot takes a lighthearted look at a news issue of the week.
Business class
What is it? That depends on where you are and who you’re travelling with, but typically it’s the travel class between cattle and royalty. How long has it been around? For air travel, it was first introduced in the 1970s. It’s believed that airlines got the idea when they realised passengers were happy to pay for more legroom for their platform shoes and wide-flared trousers. What would I get for my money these days? Depending on the plane and airline, it could be a seat that extends into a full bed. While for others, it means an extra bag of complimentary peanuts and a curtain that’s pulled between you and the economy passengers. This means you don’t have to look at the great unwashed – and they can’t see you either. Why are you telling us this now? Because flydubai has started offering business class on their flights between Muscat and Dubai. That’s a blissful 3000 seconds of “an exceptionally comfortable seat, good food and great entertainment.” Long gone are the days of posh bottoms having to spend 50 minutes in a normal seat. Do I really need to upgrade to get great entertainment? No, not at all. It’s free on the Muscat to Dubai route anyway. What’s the preferred advertising method for business class? Soothing orchestral music and gentle sunrises at 30,000 feet with smiling, pretty girls holding the complimentary nuts. The typical PR pose is one that involves a hostess holding a tray with drinks, or tucking a grown man into bed. How can I get myself into this magical land? Aside from the normal route of simply buying a business-class ticket, Etihad has introduced the option for economy ticket holders to ‘bid’ online for an upgrade as long as there are spare business-class tickets. Sounds great. How much would I need to bid? Possibly about the same as the price of a business-class ticket. Do say: Sir, smoked salmon or lamb? And to drink? Don’t say: Cheese sandwich, sir? That’ll be RO4.
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Gallery
L
Interview
NEWS
eVisas In Sight
ong queues at the airport and multiple trips down to the Royal Oman Police to try and arrange visas could all be but a distant memory by the end of the year. ROP officials have confirmed that a special team is working on a project to introduce a new electronic visa by the end of this year. It’s a move that could see the whole process of applying for a visa undergo a radical change and switch to an online system. According to the ROP, people will be able to apply, pay for and receive tourist, business and visit visas via the Internet. But perhaps the most significant development will be the implementation of a system that will allow a sponsor or a company to apply for a work visa online on behalf of an expatriate without having to visit the police’s offices. It’s all part of an overhaul in order to simplify procedures, as well as enhance security and to gather statistics for planning purposes. And that’s not all. Omani nationals will soon be carrying e-passports rather than the current machinereadable version. The new passport will contain a security chip that will bring Omani passports up to date with the latest guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organisation, as well as containing the holder’s personal information, photo and biometric data.
A WEEK IN PICTURES
HEADLINING STORIES FROM OMAN AND BEYOND
Syrian army retakes rebel-held Maaloula a day after President al-Assad said war was turning in his favour
Heartbleed bug sparks online security alert with hundreds of thousands of websites compromised
Saudi Arabia is considering lifting a ban on girls taking part in sport in state schools
Oman announces a six month visa block on the recruitment of construction and housekeeping workers
YOUR
OMAN
Gallery
Interview
NEWS
Students head for private schools
M
ore and more parents may be choosing to place their children in the Sultanate’s private schools rather than government schools, according to the latest statistics from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). In 2012/2013 the number of students enrolled in government schools fell from 517,053 to 514,667. Although the decline in government school numbers has slowed compared to the previous year, the trend is still downward. But it comes at a time when the number of students enrolled with private schools continues to rise rapidly. Last year alone, the number of children attending private education in the Sultanate rose from 65,326 to 71,274. That’s a rise of 11 per cent over the last academic year. The statistics also showed a marked difference in the national make-up of staff between government and private schools. Omani nationals feature more widely in government schools where, at 83.9 per cent of the total staff, they comprise the vast majority of teachers. That’s in stark comparison to private schools where Omani teachers make up just four out of every 10 teachers.
I
t was fun time for children from the orphanage in Muscat during a special event held in their honour at the weekend. Youngsters took part in a host of games and musical activities at the Hyatt Thrive event. This is the second year that the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel has hosted Oman’s orphans as part of a global month of community service.
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OMAN IN 43 OBJECTS 22. GOAT
W
hether passing through a village or travelling up into the mountains, there's a good chance you'll spot a goat along the way. There's even a small herd who gather to eat by the side of the road opposite the beach near Y's office in Seeb. Omani goats come in many differing shapes and sizes but this little fella – standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon of Arabia atop Jebel Shams – is one of the classics. Curious and greedy, goats are mostly friendly in nature, particularly if they see something to nibble on. Roaming free in the wild around the Sultanate, these agile, hardy creatures are able to climb on bare rock and survive on sparse vegetation.
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MOVIES MOVIES For more information and times, go to: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641
Transcendence
P R E V I E W
We've had Terminator and I, Robot. Next up in the man-versus-machine film genre is Transcendence, starring Johnny Depp as Dr Will Caster, an expert in the field of artificial intelligence. In a neat twist on the theme, director Wally Pfister, who is best known for his work with Christopher Nolan, presents us with the question, what if man was machine? The answer comes when Caster is shot by a militant group, which vehemently opposes his research. In an effort to save his mind and allow him to live on, his wife and fellow scientists connect him to their latest technology.
But they soon discover that Depp's original thirst for knowledge becomes an all-consuming quest for power, and one that is seemingly without bounds. For those tired of seeing the A-lister as a camp pirate, Transcendence offers the talented Depp the chance to branch out into an entirely different role while not straying into the bizarre realms of some of his other minor movies. In addition to a brilliant supporting cast headed by Morgan Freeman, there's also some fantastic special effects that make this blockbuster a treat on the big screen. Reviewed by Tom Robertson
In the Blood Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, or, more to the point, hell hath no fury like a newlywed who's lost her husband. Gina Carano, a former mixed martial artist, bursts onto the screen as Ava, a recently married young woman who was happily enjoying her honeymoon. That is, until her husband is lost during an adventure in the Caribbean forest. With a dark past and armed with a dangerous set of skills to boot, she sets out to find him. Entering a violent criminal world and an emerging conspiracy, Ava has to employ every jaw-breaking trick in her arsenal of moves to get the happy ending she had envisaged when she said,“I do.”
IN W O T E C N CHA R U O Y B A R G ETS K C I T A M E N I TWO CITY C
Brick Mansions Featuring the late Paul Walker, this remake of the 2004 French film, District 13, was one of his final roles. It's an attempt to anglicise a great film and bring it to a more global audience that, to some extent, pays off. The star attraction is the same incredible parkour (free-running) antics of David Belle as he and Walker try to battle against crime lords in Detroit's slums.
We Are What We Are Bill Sage stars as Frank Parker, a father who insists his daughters take on family responsibilities following the tragic death of their mother. But as a rainstorm lashes the town, alarming clues to the family's activities are washed into the open. It soon becomes apparent to the local townsfolk that the Parkers aren't your average family.
Y's Easter Choice Hop
Chocolate doesn't just magically appear overnight at Easter. We all know it's thanks to the Easter Bunny, so what could be a better Easter movie choice? Voiced by Russell Brand, a young Rabbit, EB, is next in line to be crowned Easter Bunny. But dreaming of rock stardom, he shirks his responsibility and sets off for Hollywood. After a road accident leaves EB injured and in need of shelter, he's taken in by Fred (James Marsden), who struggles to cope with his
TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN just answer a question based on the week's cinema reviews and send your answers to info@y-oman.com, along with your name and contact information. Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions see voucher. Contact: Movie enquiries 24607360
mischievous new friend. And to some extent that's understandable – what would you do with a jellybean pooping rabbit?
Brought to you by
THIS WEEKS QUESTION Brick Mansions, starring the late Paul Walker, is a remake of which French film from 2004?
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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE
Apr 22 - 30
WEEK R
What to do.
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Grammy award-winning opera star Ildar Abdrazakov will entertain audiences in Muscat with his powerful, deep voice in a one-night only performance at the Royal Opera House Muscat. The handsome Russian star has appeared at world-class venues including Covent Garden, London, Carnegie Hall, New York, and the Vienna State Opera. Tickets are priced from RO5-RO48. Show starts at 7.30pm. For tickets and details, visit www.rohmuscat.org.om
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What to see. What to hear.
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For all fashionistas out there, the much-awaited Fashion Ka Jalwa Season 3 will be held at Marah Land, next to Qurum Natural Park. The show’s theme will be IndoOman. Entry is free and invitations can be collected by contacting + 968 96062624/ 99744676/96262390 or email at info@eventzinstyle.com
Career Move
Apr 22 - 24
MODERN MONET
Art students from the Art Education Department at Sultan Qaboos University are hosting an exhibition, ‘Impressions of Oman’ at the Omani-French Centre. The gala opening is on April 22 at 7.30pm. For more information call +968 24697579 or visit cfo-culturel@hotmail.fr
Super Bass
If you’re looking to change career or want advice on studying, this three-pronged approach could be just the job for you. Ghedex, Trainex and Jobex – Global Higher Education, Training and Job Opportunities – is the biggest event of its kind in the Sultanate. Held at the Oman International Exhibition Centre, under the patronage of the Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Manpower, it’s great for students, graduates, jobseekers and those seeking to study aboard. For information, visit www.ghedex.om
Happy Reading
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April 19
MEET MUSTANGS
Sketch for Charity Sketch Muscat for Charity is a fundraising event for UNICEF’s Children of Syria fund. To participate and donate, join the event any time between 10am-5pm at MuscArt’s Gallery on the third floor, Ghubra Plaza on 18 November St. Minimum recommended donations are RO5 for adults and RO2 for kids. Bring your own art supplies. For further details, contact Sue Pownall at studio@suepownallartist.co.uk
Oman’s first charity bookshop selling previously enjoyed tomes is open for business. The Dar Al Atta’a Let’s Read shop has a huge selection of fact and fiction books for adults, teenagers and children. All paperbacks sell for 500bzs and hardbacks for RO1 each. Open every Wednesday from 10am-12noon and 4pm-7pm at the Public Knowledge Library in Qurum, Muscat. Also available at a convenient time to suit friends, women’s group, clubs or schools. Call 99314230 or email letsreadoman@gmail.com to book an appointment for eight or more adults/children.
April
Join owners of the iconic American car, the Ford Mustang, to celebrate its 50th birthday. Around 75 members of the Mustang Owners Club in Oman are due to meet from 2pm at the Oman Automobile Association’s Drift Arena with competitions, live music, fun for children and lots more entertainment starting at 4pm. Free entry. Around 6.30pm, the Mustangs will leave in convoy for a parade around Muscat, going past the airport, Qurum and ending at Love Street, Shatti al Qurum.
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TIME TO
CLEAR
YOUR HEAD
With a change in the air, now is a good time to tidy up your life. A serious declutter can be good for the soul. Penny Fray helps you clean up your act
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here’s a room full of dusty old books, a faux orange fur that’s never seen the light of day and a loft full of designer clothes several sizes too small. So many shopping trips, so little house space. I’m a well-known hoarder and since my move from Muscat back to the UK, I’m engaged in a war against clutter – closet-creaking, bookshelf-breaking and surface-hogging clutter. I don’t know why, but people always think I live in some sort of sterile space rather than the ‘hobo’ house I’m currently encased in. My friends say it’s because I seem more organised and unsentimental than I actually am. For some reason I find it comforting being surrounded by possessions. Just the idea of throwing anything away brings me out in hives. Similarly, my mind is always full of thoughts and plans. It buzzes with a swirling swarm of things that I need to do, want to do or plan to do. These mental lists can be exhausting just thinking of them, let alone doing them. Sometimes, I long for a quiet, calm head, where everything is neat and in order. My home could do with being like that too. Which is why having a good old clear-out and sweeping away the rubbish in your life, be it emotionally, physically or mentally, can have an amazing effect on your well-being, effectiveness and productivity. “Spring is a great time of year to go through life’s wardrobes and declutter,” agrees Jenni Eden, a life coach based in Muscat. “They say decluttering your rooms has a corresponding effect on the mind. “When we go through and tidy up surfaces, clean out kitchen cupboards, dig out magazines and the various bits we long ago decided to keep for some obscure reason, we feel lighter, fresher and brighter afterwards.” It makes sense to me. While I haven’t yet reached the stage of losing my two dogs under the junk, I admit that every cupboard, closet and spare space in my fivebedroom home is crammed with unused things. My home office, which I’m currently sat in, is home to more files than the FBI – piles of weekend supplements and boxes full of randomness with nowhere else to live. This, however, is just what Jenni Eden says I should be getting rid of, in order to blow away the cobwebs in other parts of my life. “Just as we keep old letters, reports, books, half-started projects and out-of-date tins cluttering up our homes, we also in the same way carry around old beliefs about ourselves,” she says. Apparently, as a result of these limiting beliefs, old tapes continue playing in our heads, reinforcing our behaviour. It can limit our creativity or future success. “You will ‘cap’ your success by holding yourself back with these thoughts,” says Jenni, who has just written a book How to Plant Positivity to Sow Seeds for Success. Of course, some forms of disorder seem more justifiable than others; it should go without saying that you can never have too many books. They're educational. Up until the point where they collapse in a literary landslide and nearly kill the cleaner – but more on her later. And my black dresses? Classics. A girl can never have enough. Ditto trench coats, totes and ballet pumps. The thing is with clutter, the occasional blitz is not enough – it’s an ongoing battle. One that I’m losing and one that the cleaner charges more for the emotional distress of facing. They tell me that getting rid of stuff is therapeutic. And I’ve always had a nagging suspicion that life may become a little more straightforward if I could manage to streamline what I own. But I can’t. Enter the tidiness guru, otherwise known as my mother. She’s ruthless. So much so that she used to throw away my childhood paintings seconds after they made it across the threshold, arguing that
they didn’t go with the decor. Ditto gifts. There’s no pretence or polite “how lovely, dear.” Instead they’re packed off to the charity shop with merciless efficiency. Her rule for decluttering is simple: ‘If you don’t use it, bin it.’ I reckon any psychologist worth their eye-watering hourly fee would identify her as the root of my hogging habits. As a kid, I knew that if I didn’t squirrel away my possessions, they would be sent to charity. But why are we so afraid of change? After all, a change is as good as a rest the old saying goes. Yet many of us – myself included – freeze in their tracks at the thought of changing just the tiniest thing in our comfortable lives. Yet experts argue that we must be brave and take the plunge in order to streamline our lives and minds. Jenni Eden says the most common obstacles are fear of failure, fear of success, fear of being unworthy and fear of losing your identity. The latter perhaps explains my reluctance to throw away any of my possessions. Decluttering your mind means letting go – of past hurts, perceived slights, disappointments, grudges and long-held grievances. “The mind is a lot more complex than clearing out your wardrobe and more challenging – it needs a different approach,” says Rosie Malcolm-MacEwan, a therapist from the Al Harub Medical Centre in Muscat. “Mostly these are things from the past but not forgotten, hard things in life that maybe we haven’t been able to deal with. “The mind has amazing strategies to push them to the back of our mind, such as denial, avoidance and procrastination.” Rather like an old forgotten dress stuffed at the back of a wardrobe, however, these suppressed emotions have a habit of resurfacing, leading to anxiety and depression. Only when you remove these blocks and resistances, can you be free to achieve your desires and ambitions. “It’s all well and good spring cleaning your wardrobe and decluttering but if you don’t start with the mind you might as well not start at all,” says Rosie. “Like those detox diets and rigorous exercise programmes when you sweat it out, in the mind too, feeling uncomfortable is a necessary step to cleanse and clean. Just like I need to face up to my phobias about throwing any material objects away, a similar stoical stance is needed when it comes to getting rid of baggage in your life. “Take responsibility for your self and all those negative feelings, and your own boxes,” says Rosie. “Detox those friends too that aren’t really true or giving to you. I believe its better to have a few true friends than ones that clutter your life and leave you feeling dumped on.” My mother certainly doesn’t mess around when it comes to putting my house in order, literally and metaphorically. Within 24 hours of arrival, the purging parent has decided to restrict my retail splurges to almost nothing. She’s more pitiless than the world-renowned order freak Marie Kondo, author of The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying – a bible for ‘neatniks.’ In just a couple of hours, the kitchen and living room are mess free. Old newspapers, videos and cushions are thrown. As the physical clutter clears, so does my mind. I feel calmer and strangely at peace. I think I’m ready for the next stage: cleaning out my head.
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Kate Ginn, Y’s Sections Editor, on why a good purge works wonders in her life
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oth my wardrobe and my mind are given regular clearouts when the need arises. Spring, with its sense of new beginnings, is always a good time for a spot of renewal. And in my book, if you are going to do it, you might as well do it well. Believe me, I am ruthless. Friends and acquaintances will be culled from my smartphone contacts and Facebook if they have reached their sell-by date. It might sound harsh but age brings a certain understanding that time is precious and you therefore want to at least spend it with people with whom there is some sort of connection. My mind is the next to come under the microscope. Over a year or even several months, the brain becomes clogged with what I call the detritus of life, emotional lumps and clumps. These need to be cleared out. I think of it as a bit like unblocking a drain. This involves getting rid of any baggage, such as negative thoughts or unhealthy issues, which may have built up. I always seek guidance, whether through self-help books or a professional, to sweep away the obstacles. And once my mind has been flushed out, I am set with a clear head for the months ahead. The final part of this decluttering process is my wardrobe. I am, by nature, quite a sentimental person (though I may not seem it) but when it comes to clothes, I have no compunction in throwing away unwanted items. My mantra is ‘Not worn for two months, never will be.’ Items are arranged in three neat piles: keep, charity collection and bin. I feel no sadness whatsoever when a pair of too-tight trousers bought in a sale (the promised diet never happened) are chucked out. Far better to recycle to a new home that will love, cherish and actually wear them. When the clear-out cycle is complete, I always feel refreshed, re-energised and ready for what the future may bring. Until the next declutter that is.
Marie Kondo’s Guide To Decluttering Your Home: ■ Sort things by categories rather than rooms. Clothes first, then books, papers, miscellaneous bits and lastly sentimental items. ■ When you come across an item that you find hard to throw out, ask yourself why you had it in the first place and assess its role in your life now. ■ The art of proper folding not only saves space but it also saves time – no more rooting or ironing.
Rosie’s Guide To Decluttering Your Mind: ● Plan what you want to do to help yourself. Get close friends to help. ● Make some very specific goals: what you will do and by what time. It must be written down. If not, you aren’t making the commitment to do it. ● Get some help from a therapist who can support you to ‘unpack’ these difficult items in your life. Counselling can be a rewarding solution. ● Keep a note or record of your work towards your goals. This will show you how far you have gone and motivate you to continue. Reward yourself for little steps taken. Tip: Emotional Freedom Technique (E.F.T) can be incredibly effective in helping to declutter emotional rubbish. It involves literally tapping on specific meridian points to help release blockages from the mind and body. 022
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Y EASTER GALLERY
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Getting ready: Egg decorating at home and chocolate bunnies with cupcakes at the Park Inn by Radisson
It’s celebration time, so join in the fun with Y’s fantastic Easter hunts – and win a hamper and chocolate treats
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aster is about lots of things – marking a time of renewal, being with family, eating lots of choccy eggs and, of course, taking part in a treasure hunt. Sound familiar? Which is why we are offering you two chances to be a winner with different Easter hunts for children and big kids. We have teamed up with the Easter Bunny and the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel. The Easter Bunny has visited the Y offices early and dropped off FOUR chocolate Easter eggs for our young readers. All the children have to do is find ONE of the two small Easter eggs that we have hidden in the pages of Y somewhere. Hunt high and low, check every page, and try to spot an egg. You only need to find ONE to have a chance to win. When you do, simply ask Mummy or Daddy to email us with the page number where you found the egg to info@y-oman.com by end of Saturday, April 19. Winners will be chosen on Sunday, April 20 and must collect their prize from our offices in Seeb, Muscat. Good luck!
This is what the eggs that are hidden in Y look like. Can you find one?
Recipe
FIND IT... MAKE IT
We’ve come up with a twist on the Easter Bunny – the Easter Camel. With a little help from the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel, we've created a special cookie for Easter. This little chap will be the star of a Treasure Hunt that we're holding with the Grand Hyatt on Friday (18). Y Camel Cookies will be hidden in the hotel gardens for little ones to find. The hunt starts at 12.30pm and lasts half an hour. Open to children and their parents. Whoever finds the most cookies will win a Hyatt hamper stuffed full of Easter goodies. We also persuaded the Grand Hyatt’s new pastry chef, Lionel Bonnaud, to part with the recipe for our very cute and tasty Y Easter Camel Cookies so you can make your own at home. Enjoy! Ingredients: l 560g Butter unsalted l 140g Sugar l 100g Almond powder l 3 Egg yolks raw l 3 Egg yolks hard-boiled l 3g Salt l 5ml Vanilla essence l 600g All-purpose flour l 15g Baking powder For the icing: 1 Egg white raw 100-150g Icing sugar
Method: l Cream the butter in a mixer. It should be soft and easy to work with just a hand spatula. l In a bowl, crumb the boiled egg yolks then combine with the sugar, almond powder, salt and flour. l Add the butter, vanilla essence and raw egg yolk to the mixture and work quickly with the fingers (or with a mixer at low speed). The dough should not be overworked. l Roll the dough between two pieces of baking paper at 0.5 cm. Set on the tray and let it rest in the refrigerator for two hours. l Heat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius or gas mark 5. l Remove the dough from the chiller, remove the top baking paper, cut the desired form quickly and set the cookies on a baking tray lined with baking paper using a flat spatula or a fork. l Bake until golden brown and let it cool down until completely cool. From there you will have to be very gentle as the cookies are very
fragile and crumbly. l In a small bowl, add the egg white and the icing sugar through a sieve (to avoid lumps), mix with a spoon, add as much icing sugar as needed until the icing is no longer runny. l Make a cone out of baking paper, fill it with the icing, cut the tip and decorate the cookies as you like. If you’re feeling too lazy to cook this Easter, don’t worry. There’s no need to miss out on tucking into one of our adorable Y Camel Cookies. Simply head to the Easter Day Brunch at the Grand Hyatt Muscat’s Mokha Café on Friday (April 18), where Y’s Camel Cookies will be served as part of the celebrations. There will also be chocolate-themed Easter Bunny giveaways for kids. Other fun includes face painting and an egg hunt. RO22 with soft drinks or RO35 with extras. For info go to www.muscat.grand. hyatt.com, call +968 2464 1234 or email muscat.grand@hyatt.com
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BUSINESS & CAREER
Make your move Office politics may not
be high on everyone’s agenda but it’s a concept that needs to be mastered.
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Trend
PLAYING
Networking
Minute Mentoring
The Game
Keep friends close and your enemies closer on the chessboard of your career, says Tom Robertson
G
ossip, manipulation, power seeking, self-promotion, and discrediting colleagues. These are just some of the depressingly underhanded strategies that inhabit the world of office politics - and that organisations battle to control on a continual basis. It seems that compared to actually getting the job in the first place, trying to keep your career on the straight and narrow as a competitor tries to bring you down is the really hard part. You know the one I’m talking about. The Machiavellian figure in the corner scheming how he or she can swipe the credit for the firm’s latest success, or absolve themselves of its latest calamity. They’re the ones developing strategies to gain an advantage, personally or for a cause they support. The reality, says Diana Podmoroff, an expert at Mind Tools career consultancy, is that the phenomenon exists and we just have to deal with it. “Whether you hate it, admire it, practise it or avoid it, office politics is a fact of life in any organisation. And, like it or not, it’s something that you need to understand and master to be sure of your own success.” But there’s a cost; while an individual employee’s quest may well help them to climb the career ladder, it can also have a negative impact on colleagues and the wider firm, as they spend precious time and effort working for their own goals rather than that of the company. If successful, it’s a strategy that serves personal ambition by attaining benefits and rewards, be it a promotion, pay rise, or credit for commendable work. Experts cite a raft of factors that could sour the atmosphere. Employees can be driven to compete with each other as they struggle to deal with a hierarchy that they don’t want to be near the bottom of. Then there’s the passion factor. People who care deeply about their work can be driven to act in underhand ways if the usual channels of teamwork and cooperation don’t work out. And we shouldn’t forget the issue of limited resources in the workplace that we’re all fighting for, whether it’s the departmental budget or a new coffee machine. But, insists Podmoroff, office politics – or at least a form of it – can actually be good for both the individual and the company, as it starts to merge with other more acceptable practices. “Good office politics help you fairly
promote yourself and your cause, and is more often called networking and stakeholder management. “If you avoid practising ‘good politics’, you miss the opportunities to properly further your own interests, and those of your team and your cause.” And that kind of constructive engagement is good for business, says Ingrid Andersson, CEO of corporate Wellbeing Oman. “An organisation benefits greatly from putting in place a program for positive employee engagement, which helps establish a collaborative and productive atmosphere in the workplace.” But when we’re not lucky enough to have such well-structured management, what are the key skills that can help us to survive in this seemingly Hobbesian world of individual and zero-sum gains? According to Oliver James, author of the book Office Politics: How to Thrive in a World of Lying, Backstabbing and Dirty Tricks, researchers have identified three key attributes which we should master. Firstly, astuteness, which both helps you interpret your competitors and the organisation in which you’re operating, says James: “If you cannot interpret the signals of people around you, there’s little likelihood of you working out how to get your way. If you don’t understand how your organisation works, you will be blundering about in the dark.” Then there’s effectiveness, or the ability to execute plans once you’ve made them and decided which tactics to use, be it keeping competitors in the dark, or downright deception. And that leads to the next manipulative skill: appearing sincere. Once you’ve revealed ulterior motives, says James, it’s hard to resume your next cunning project: “If your colleagues have lost faith in your honesty and integrity, it will be hard to progress.” But are we always doomed to live in a world of inter-employee competition? Not neccessarily. Researchers writing for the journal of business ethics, uncovered evidence to suggest that Machiavellian behaviour is highest among junior management while the plotting and scheming subsides as people move higher up the career ladder. Does that mean we should just try and ignore office politics? Perhaps Plato may well want to have the last word on that one: “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”
WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS:
Communication is key “The negative effects of office politics can be reduced by appropriate training in interpersonal communication and related organisational aspects. This reduces unnecessary friction and tension as employees will be in the possession of the tools required for preventing and managing potential and actual conflict situations. The presence of proper abilities and channels for effective communication, both to subordinates and superiors, is of utmost importance to all organisations Ingrid Andersson, CEO of Corporate Wellbeing Oman
BUSINESS BUY
Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli’s seminal work, The Prince, will tell you everything you need to know about how to get what you want, be it by luck, fortune, scheming or manipulation. With Italian republics and principalities the main focus of the book, the concepts are lofty - but the lessons are real.
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food and drink
Trend
New Restaurant
GOING LOCO FOR COCOA
Reviews
More than 250,000 tons of chocolate will be sold worldwide this Easter. That’s an awful lot of Easter Eggs. Oman imports 8,021 tons of chocolate a year. The Sultanate’s sweet tooth is nothing compared to Saudi Arabia though – it imports nearly eight times that amount each year.
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TREND New Restaurant
News
SWEET LIFE
Easter is a time of new beginnings, Spring awakenings and, of course, yummy chocolate, says Penny Fray
S
ugar is the hot new health topic. Everyone who is anyone is discussing it. But you’d think it was arsenic by the horror it now seems to incite. Linked with everything from heart disease and diabetes to obesity and ageing, the white stuff is rapidly being eliminated from the diets of Oman’s hip, young things. Of course, none of this is new. Nutritionists have been aware of the dangers of refined sugars for years. But with Easter just around the corner, isn’t it time we chilled out about chocolate? Whatever your religion, or even lack of it, this weekend is a good excuse to celebrate spring with vats of chocolate, Simnel cake and an Easter egg hunt. Here’s my guide to having a really good Friday...
BUY: POSH EGGS A Cadbury Creme Egg may taste amazing but when it comes to choosing our chocolate, the experts say that it’s more than a numbers game. It’s not just about the percentage of cocoa, it’s about the quality and provenance of the bean. When you eventually get it out of its ultra luxe wrapper and into your mouth, you’ll want it to linger on your tastebuds for as long as possible, savouring the sweetness and stopping you craving more. While you can buy Thorntons and Lindt creations from Al Fair, it’s worth going online for the crème de la crème of chocolate and eggs almost too pretty to eat. Try Hotel Chocolat or Rococo. Alternatively, Holland & Barrett’s Booja-Booja egg is ethically handmade and decorated by a community in Kashmir, India. What’s more, the chocolates are organic, as well as dairy and gluten free. If you have something special in mind, why not make your own? You’ll find all the materials you need at Lakeland in Muscat City Centre.
ENTERTAIN: THE HUNT No, we’re not talking about shotguns and the slaughter of innocent animals here but rather the more pleasant pursuit of an Easter Egg hunt. Tally-ho as each contestant is given a small bucket to collect the hidden booty of foil-covered chocolates. Now that’s what I call fun.
BAKE: SIMNEL CAKE Though now almost exclusively associated
with Easter, Simnel cake was once part of Mothering Sunday. It’s basically a lighter version of Christmas cake with the marzipan incorporated into the creation rather than covering it.
VISIT: THE CHOCOLATE ROOM
The smell of chocolate hits you as soon as you walk through the door of this newly opened boutique café in Muscat. Paying homage to all things cocoa, if offers everything from fondues and fancy cakes to artisan eggs and a mouthwatering array of chocolate milkshakes. It’s the ideal spot to catch up with a friend over a cup of genuinely rich and thick Italian hot chocolate. Did I mention there are over 20 flavours to choose from? Yummy.
CHOCCY FACTS ● Switzerland produces about 150,000 tons of chocolate a year and the Swiss are the greatest choc eaters in the world (around 12kg per capita). ● According to the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), the major world producers of cocoa are Africa (73 per cent), Asia and Oceania (14 per cent) and the Americas (13 per cent). ● Among the largest cocoa producing countries are Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Indonesia, Ecuador, Cameroon, Nigeria and Brazil. ● Dark chocolate is healthier than the milk variety if it contains a high percentage of cocoa solids – 70 per cent is good. ● In 2012, Dubai launched the Middle East’s most expensive box of chocolates (Le Grand Louis XVI for RO346). ● The world’s most expensive chocolate is Chocopologie Chocolate Truffle (also known as La Madeline au Truffle) by Knipschildt Chocolatier, at RO1,000. It is made of 70 per cent Valrhona dark chocolate with vanilla, heavy cream, sugar and truffle oil. Each one is made to order.
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food and drink
Trend
New Restaurant
Dinner Debate
Don’t spend too long discussing Richoux's culinary influences. Sit back and enjoy the food, says Tom Robertson
I
’m a little OCD (obsessive and burgers, with some Russian beef compulsive disorder). I tap stroganoff thrown in to really send things three times, no more, no my OCD into near meltdown. less. I don’t like the number six The Richoux chain says it's an but I do like the number nine. Don’t English restaurant set up by a even get me started on 12. When I go French couple in London back in camping, I like everything in boxes, 1909. Now with four restaurants labelled. In fact, I like everything in worldwide, it claims to capture the boxes, even mental ones. essence of the old English tea house. So it was with great discomfort But, like your half-French grandma that I sat in a chair at Richoux one screaming ‘Allez les Bleus’ during a Saturday lunchtime. Not because Rugby match, there was something the chairs weren’t comfortable, they continental about this restaurant were. But because here I was, sat in that refused to keep quiet. a brasserie-style restaurant with a A refreshingly adequate wait, French name, a stone’s throw from which hinted at the preparation of a symbol of Omani modernity – fresh food, was confirmed when the the Royal Opera House Muscat kitchen doors swung open to reveal – reading a menu crammed with chefs hard at work and whipping up English food. “Oh Richoux, what home-cooked dishes. are you?” I whispered under my In the meantime, I had taken breath. possession of a tropical mix in Large chandeliers swung from the which a banana had had a fight with high ceiling, marble-topped tables a strawberry and pineapple and were laid with glinting cutlery and overpowered them convincingly. But a huge mirror hung behind the bar. my friend’s strawberry colada was Green leather bedecked dining divine. booths and even little brassWhen the dishes came VERDICT: style plug sockets screamed we turned our attention more Montmartre, Paris, firstly to my companion’s 10 Good food and than Muttrah or Marble Chicken and Mushroom pleasant setting Arch. a la King. Pieces of – but comes at a But glance at the menu chicken breast were slightly higher than average price and the choice was of both covered in a mushroom croissants and full English and onion sauce, which breakfasts, chicken cordon bleu claimed to tout fresh tarragon
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but wasn’t wholly convincing. Nevertheless it was a good dish and ticked all the boxes. Then it was time for my lamb. Two steaming aromatic shanks sat invitingly on the plate. In a land that specialises in succulent tender meat, it’s a brave man who serves meat on the bone in any form other than shuwa. But what was left of the little lamb looked as though it was going to give the goat a run for its money. And it did. Beautifully cooked and topped by a flavoursome jus, I had my work cut out to finish the rich meat. Then, beside it, there was lovely mashed potato. Petrified that I would be faced with powdered potato – which should be made illegal – I gratefully sank my fork into a piping hot mound of creamy, real mash, tinged with melted cheese. Nearly stuffed after our main courses, we still found the space to go positively berserk on the dessert front. We gorged ourselves rotten on
Info Box
RICHOUX Opera Galleria Shatti al Qurum, Muscat Tel: +968 9310 0100 Hours: 9am-11pm on weekdays and 9am-12am on weekends Price: Two-course lunch for two with drinks: RO38
Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals
hot chocolate fudge cake and hot cake pudding. Apparently there was a difference – but we didn’t hang around to argue the finer points between the two, instead pawing at the delicious gooey chocolate messes on the plates before us. And then we sat back and patted our fattened stomachs. Fed, watered and feeling slightly greedy we were left in Cartesian contemplation of that still gnawing question, “What is Richoux?” But I suppose we didn’t really care too much. The food had been great and we’ll never get to meet Monsieur and Madame Richoux to discuss whether they had ever envisaged their culinary dream to be French or English. All I know is that if Wellington and Napoleon had ever shared a coffee together, it would have been here. But they weren’t there. So I just tapped the table three times, and then left.
HEALTH& BEAUTY
ROCK STEADY
“A kiss on the hand may be quite continental but diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Marilyn Monroe.
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Health
Beauty
fashion
NATIONAL TREASURE Jazz up your Spring ensemble with some showstopping bling, says Penny Fray
Statement necklaces continue to dazzle on the catwalks. This colourful style from Accessorize has a mesh chain and is finished with cream and turquoise drops. From RO23
T
here are two different kinds of love. There’s the transient, shallow kind you feel for, say, George Clooney. And the deep, enduring kind you feel for diamonds. Jewellery may no longer be all about status and wealth but it does make a statement. While most of us prefer the real deal, the danger is that it can look a bit staid unless worn with style. After all, you don’t want to appear like you’ve just raided your great aunt’s bling box. No, the expensive stuff has to ooze edgy glamour. It also has to look like you’ve bought it yourself. Think super cool ear cuffs, spidery diamonds or chunky chains. In fact, if you want to make an impact, better buy jewels as you would art – invest in the best and in what you really love. I personally prefer the subtler end of the spectrum with Mikimoto pearls or a tasteful tennis bracelet from Tiffany & Co. But there’s also a lot to say about bare arms totem-poled with a healthy collection of interlinked bangles by Inez and Vinoodh. Of course, you don’t have to channel the late, great Elizabeth Taylor to dazzle. Costume pieces can be just as jolly. Big tribal cuffs are gorgeous as are statement bibs. Coco Chanel, remember, used to swathe her neck in great ropes of fake pearls and she always looked a million dollars. This season’s biggest accessory trends scream colour and crystals. Primary shades were seen everywhere on the catwalks – from Kenzo to Miu Miu. My favourite Muscat stops for faux jewels include Accessorize, H&M, Claire’s and Fancy World. Online, though, I’m completely addicted to the bold, beautiful hues of J Crew’s necklaces. Whatever your taste, your canvas must be super-neutral – perhaps a black crepe sheath dress or a Saint Laurent-style tuxedo. Too much embellishment on the outfit front and you are in danger of looking like you are on a Embrace this season’s tribal trend shopping channel selling the stuff. with eco hand candy from H&M’s Conscious collection. Made from recycled plastic and organic cotton. From RO10
The haute hippy aesthetic is captured by this pink friendship bracelet with faux diamonds from M&S. Adjust the buckle fastening for your perfect fit. From RO6
Forget wearing your heart on your sleeve – far better to do it on your finger with this slogan love ring from Boticca. RO21
Ryan Storer’s ear cuffs are this season’s must-have accessory. This oxidised silverplated brass version is embellished with shimmering Swarovski crystals. Two clip fastenings ensure it sits securely along your left ear. Available from Net-A-Porter at RO335.
How fashion forward is this floral necklace from Zara? J’adore the bright colours. From RO11
BRING ON
THE BLING
Penny’s guide to wearing costume jewellery:
1. Layering pieces may be an easy way to make an impact but don’t over do it. An arm full of bangles means you should forgo all other jewellery. 2. A big, bright bib can give a simple outfit like a T-Shirt and jeans a much needed lift. 3. Statement bracelets call for bare wrists so make sure you go short or no sleeved.
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
GOOD ENOUGH
TO EAT
For a glowing complexion a chocolate complexion could be the sweetest thing
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e all know that chocolate tastes great and makes us feel good too with its mood-boosting powers. But you might not be aware that it can also make you look amazing on the outside too. Choc facials and body wraps can leave the skin flushed with health – and as it’s stuffed full of anti-ageing properties, studies have shown it can also help to keep those wrinkles at bay. Not only is such a facial fabulously indulgent but the aroma is heavenly too. “Chocolate contains more than 300 different compounds that have a positive impact on one’s health and beauty,” says Daksha, an aromatherapist and owner of Daksha’s Salon & Spa in Shatti al Qurum. “This craze for chocolate skincare treatments is an emerging trend in Oman. Though it has a lucrative market in India and some European countries, Oman has been exposed to chocolate meltdowns only recently.” According to Daksha, the antioxidants in chocolate do wonders for the skin, renewing it and lifting the spirits at the same time. But before you go rushing to smear your face or body in a melted bar of Cadbury Dairy Milk or Galaxy, do bear in mind that beauty treatments do not use edible chocolate. Salons such as Daksha’s use cocoa extracts, mainly imported from France and other European countries. This is combined with other ingredients to create a gorgeous-smelling mixture, which can then be applied in generous dollops. “We mix other ingredients, like honey, yoghurt and essential oils according to skin type to give the best possible results,” says Daksha. “The various chocolate mixtures exfoliate and revitalise your skins as it melts away your stress.” For a more vigorous scrub, oatmeal is often 034
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Wh is chocoyl ate good for your skin ●H ? contain igh in antiox
added to the mixture to give it the abrasive consistency needed to remove dead skin cells and give the skin a healthy glow. Warm chocolate mixed with essential oils can also be used for many treatments including hair, manicure and pedicures, body spa baths and facials. Chocolate body wraps are also popular. Cacao – also called cocoa – the main ingredient in commercial chocolate bars, is high in antioxidants, which absorb skin-damaging free radicals. That basically means it helps to keep the skin flexible, smooth and plumper, rather like a natural Botox, and gives moisture to dry skin. Enthusiasts say the vitamin-rich chocolate also energises the skin, making it look younger. Chocolate-themed hair treatments work a similar magic, turning even the driest of tresses into luscious locks and leaving the scalp tingling with cleanness. Still not convinced? As well as smelling sweeter than a Mars bar, the list of therapeutic properties contained in chocolate is almost endless. There’s a high mineral content that includes magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium – all of which are fantastic for skin cell renewal – and vitamins A, B, C, D and E, for nourishment and rehydration. Chocolate also stimulates the release of endorphins, sending anti-stress messages to the brain, enhancing your mood. If Cleopatra had known the secret, she might have chosen to bathe in chocolate milk rather than plain old asses’ milk.
idant s an ● Incre ti-ageing pro s and perties a s es th collage n and li e production too. of ghtens ble an ● Hydr d acne marks mishes . at the app es skin and so earanc f e of wrin tens and fin kles e ● Suits lines. all skin types.
Classic Chocolate Facial Whip up a luxury chocolate facial using the following ingredients: Mix 5 tablespoons of raw cocoa powder with 3 tablespoons of organic honey. Blend in 3 tablespoons of natural organic yogurt, and add about 1 tablespoon of uncooked oatmeal to make a firmer consistency. Depending on the moisture content of the yogurt, you may need to adjust the oatmeal amount. Apply the mixture to your face, rinsing off with cool water after 20 minutes. Use the darkest honey you can find for its increased antioxidant properties. Local Omani honey is readily available in supermarkets and shopping malls. (Source: livestrong.com)
P.s. Make sure your face is thoroughly cleansed before the facial.
Health
STYLE COUNSEL
BARBRA YOUNG ANSWERS YOUR FASHION QUESTIONS
If you have any fashion questions for Barbra, email info@y-oman.com or tweet #style @ ytabloid
Barbra Young, a former designer and retailer
Q.
Beauty
Fashion
I go through ties like a desert adventurer goes through water. Do you have any tips on how best to care for my work ties? Marco, Muscat
A.
Dear Marco, First, by thinking carefully before you order curry or douse your salad in dressing. Both are highly likely to end up staining your tie and, once that’s happened, it’s almost impossible to clean it – especially if it’s silk. Second, when you take off your tie, roll it loosely and store it that way overnight, before transferring it to a hanger or somewhere it can hang. Knitted ties should be stored rolled. In your longer letter you ask about which material is best. Well, for work purposes, the vast majority of good-quality ties are made from silk, although there are a few made from wool, cashmere and even cotton for summer. A print bang on trend at the moment is floral – otherwise go for a metallic finish like this one from Zara (top right).
TREND
THE SILVER CLUTCH
Fancy a little daytime decadence? This season’s most modern metallic, silver, will add a fresh element to your off-duty look. Try the essential clutch with a sleek silhouette. Pair with blue-washed denim to elevate your weekend closet. We love this sparkly box from Edie Parker - from RO450. It’s inspired by the high-wattage glamour of mid-century showgirls’ costumes.
STREET STYLE SUSAN PROCTOR Spotted At: Muscat Grand Mall Wearing: Cream chiffon shirt, black trousers and nudecoloured shoes, with multicoloured bag, all from TOTEM boutique.
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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Al Mina’a • Bait al Baranda • Bait al Zubair Muttrah • Shell Select Qantab • Al Bustan Palace Hotel • Marina Bander AL Rowdha • Oman Dive Club • Shangri La Sifa • Sifawi Beach Hotel Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • Lulu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality Institute • Pizza Hut • Shell Select MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centre pointSplash • Khimji Mart • NBO • Oman Oil Ahlain • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell Select CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard Chartered Bank • Woodlands Darsait • Indian Social Club • Khimji Mart • KIMS Hospital • Lulu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell Select AL Falaj/Rex Road • Al Falaj Hotel • Badar Al Sama • Golden Oryx Restaurant • Kamat Restaurant • Toshiba Showroom
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• Oman Sail • Shakespere & Co. • The Wave HO Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College • Markaz Al Bahja • McDonald’s • Omantel • Starcare Hospital • VLCC Rusayl • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -1 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -2 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -3 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College SQU • SQU - Diplomatic Club • SQU - College of Commerce • SQU - Students Banking Area • SQUH - Rception/ Canteen Al Khoud • AL Fair • Badar Al Sama • Pizza Hut Seeb • McDonald’s Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • Lulu Hypermarket Sawadi • Sawadi Beach Resort Massnaah • Millennium Hotel Sohar • Centre pointSplash • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Market, Falaj Al Qabail • Nawras • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port • Sohar university Nizwa • Nizwa University
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Postcards from
CARS AND OUTDOORS
Cars
Y- F i
Outdoors
Ancient defences
Pointing menacingly over the surrounding territory, a canon keeps watch from the fortification of Harat Asfalah.
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Postcards from
Cars
Y- F i
Outdoors
Destination
Harat Asfalah
Jerzy Wierzbicki enjoys a little known historic fort all to himself
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travel guide
iving on the coast in the most developed part of the country, it’s easy to forget that in years gone by the political and cultural heart of Oman was found in the Interior. I was struck by this historical shift on a recent visit to Batinah where you can find so many small castles and towers, evidence of a time when the country was divided into rival centres of power. The architecture from this lost era is especially evident on both sides of Jebel Akhdar. A few weeks ago, I noticed that an ancient defensive system is still visible on the map of Batinah Governorate. One of the most concentrated clusters of medieval Omani architecture is found near Nakhal and Rustaq. In both towns, there are extraordinary examples of massive defensive structures such as Al Hazm fortress in Rustaq and, of course, Nakhal Fort. But what about the smaller and lesser-known military outposts? Harat Asfalah, some 8km from Rustaq and hidden amid a huge palm tree plantation, is part of a defensive line along with large forts
and smaller castles. Even the biggest and most sturdily built castle has no meaning without its connections to these smaller military bastions. Together they created the socalled Rustaq loop, which provided essential protection for the region. I decided to visit Harat Asfalah one afternoon and, after an hour’s drive, parked my car just opposite the main gateway next to the old cannon. Equipped with one camera, I walked through the gate and found myself alone there. I was the undisputed king of the castle. The entire construction betrays the military use of the building. Thick walled, narrow rooms each have small rifle windows, while the whole castle is surrounded by a four to five metre rampart. In the centre is a massive tower overlooking the plantation, providing a bird’s eye view of the mountains, a great vantage point for the soldiers who once occupied this outpost. In the tower are several guns still pointing through the windows in anticipation of the long non-existent enemy. Looking through the gun port, I could see
the same dramatic glimpse of peaks and date palm orchards as the troops who watched over the land in centuries past. I was struck by the contrast of green carpet, brown-grey peaks and blue sky. I stopped for a while on the high battlements of the castle and took some photographs of the surrounding landscape, so typical for this part of Oman. After a half-hour reconnaissance around the site, I left and moved into the date palm plantation. The crowns of the trees and the falaj the system of water channels - created a pleasantly cool climate, providing shade from the hot sun under the cover of the palm fronds. The whole area is veiled in silence and the soft tweet of birds is the only sound you can hear. On my return to Muscat, I tried to find some information about the history of the place but there are few recorded facts about the fort, which is architecturally similar to the Al Hazm Fortress. This stunning place is located less then 100km from Muscat and is great to visit during the hot summer season.
HOW TO GET THERE It’s very simple and easy to travel to and you can use any vehicle to get there. Just go to Barka and later turn to Nakhal and Rustaq. In a small village called Afi, turn right into the village.
The road to Harat Asfalah is well indicated by the brown road signs.
GPS location is: 23°27’13.67”N 57°48’33.07” E
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CARS AND OUTDOORS
Town &
Country With a fantastic variety of cycling locations on our doorstep, two wheels is the way to go says Tom Robertson
Photo: Anne Sønderskov
W
hether you’re taking on the craggy peaks of the Hajar Mountains or whizzing through Muscat’s streets, Oman offers something for those willing to get on their bicycle and resort to pedal power. And as long you avoid the heat of the day, there’s never been a better time to head for the hills with a mountain bike or enjoy a leisurely ride along the Muttrah Corniche. For those who fancy seeing the oldest parts of Muscat on two wheels, you don’t even need to own your own bike. O’Bike, launched early last year by Muscat Municipality in partnership with Omantel, is now entering its second year and continues to go from strength to strength. Located on the Muttrah Corniche, the O’Bikes are available for all to use each day from 5pm until 9pm. All you have to do is hand over your identity card or passport to the staff at the O’Bike stand and you’re free to speed off along the Corniche for up to half an hour, completely free of charge. Similar to the Velib’ bikes of Paris, Boris Bikes in London or Dubai’s Nextbike, the O’bikes are a breeze to use. There were just three gears, a brake and a little bell to warn pedestrians of my imminent arrival. All I had to do to get on the road was quickly
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adjust the saddle before heading out into the hustle and bustle of Muscat at sunset. Stable and sturdy, the little O’Bike and myself flew through the fresh sea air and along the beautifully flat promenade that snakes around the ancient port. What a way to spend an evening. Fish were shoaling alongside in the water as dusk approached and the sun started to set behind the surrounding hills. Weaving in and out of the pedestrians led to an equal mix of smiles and bemused glances as onlookers registered the still relatively new sight of the O’Bike on the Corniche. But the gentle evening jaunt is just one way of getting out and about on a bike. There is of course, another way. You’ve just got to be prepared to get hot, sweaty and dusty. With one of the world’s most famous mountain bike races, the Trans Hajar, occurring annually in the Sultanate, it’s no surprise that Oman is a haven for mountain bikers. “Oman is unique. It can be a harsh terrain, but also one that’s extremely varied,” says Frans Kohler, who runs Oman Bicycle Shop and has over thirteen years moutain biking experience in the Sultanate. “The country can offer something for everyone. There’s some great routes, whether it’s heading up mountains or weaving through oases. And
Postcards from that’s something that attracts people from far and wide. All the visitors that we’ve spoken to say they’ll come back.” And with a number of bike shops offering rental services, the mountain biking wilds of Oman are accessible to all, and, better still, just a stone’s throw away from the capital. So with a sturdy German model from Oman Bicycle, I set off for the hills by Al Amerat just outside of Muscat. My biggest challenge was to overlook the sweltering 43-degree heat that, according to my car’s thermometer, lay waiting to toast me once I stepped outside. Gone was the cooling air of the previous evening’s sea breeze. Here instead was a still and sweltering heat that threatened to incinerate those foolish enough to be riding out in it – like me. Surprisingly, as soon as the wheels started turning, I was seduced by the great outdoors and forgot about the searing temperatures. Craggy peaks towered over me, forming a mazelike warren in which to loose myself. Stones on the track pinged off from under the rubber tyres. As I ventured further into the area around the park known as BT Race Track, I began to realise that with a bike, the arid, rocky terrain soon becomes a veritable playground. The bike’s rear and front suspension made bumps and dips manageable, but flying down a scree slope could still result in a severe case of elbow jarring. As the hours ticked by, the exertion started to take its toll. Calf muscles cried with agony as I tried to keep the bike pointing up hill, along with indignant protests from my quad muscles. And little wonder. It’s reckoned that just an hour of cycling for an 80kg adult can burn over 650 calories. A predominantly aerobic exercise, it’s a great way to get fit as the heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a good workout. Not to mention the decrease in body fat levels that results from regular exercise and increased muscle strength and flexibility. But be warned – mountain biking in Oman does carry a risk that needs to be managed. Experts reckon that under average conditions of intense exercise the human body can lose up to 1.5 litres of water an hour – that’s two per cent of body mass – bringing on the early stages of dehydration. No wonder I was reaching for my water bottle so frequently.
Y- F i
C a r s OUTDOORS
Mountain biking checklist ▲ Carry adequate provisions of water and highenergy food, as well as a basic tool set, spare inner tube, puncture repair kit, pump and small can of oil. ▲ Wear a helmet – It should be a snug fit and securely fastened so that there’s only enough room for two fingers between your chin and the strap. ▲ Make sure your bike is in good condition – inflate tyres to the required pressure. Check the brakes work, that the brake cables aren’t frayed and that the brake pads sit evenly on the wheel rim. ▲ Ensure the wheels are on securely and that all parts of the handlebars and handlebar stem are secure.
On Your Bike ▲ Town cycling O’Bike Muttrah Corniche Open daily – 5pm-9pm /OBike Free for 30 mins ▲ Cross-country Oman Bicycle Shop Corner Muscat Expressway, Building 966 - Behind Rehab Hotel Apartments, Bawshar St info@omanbicycle.com www.omanbicycle.com Tel: +968 99664710 APR 17 - 23 / ISSUE 316
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CARS AND OUTDOORS INDOORS
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fast & furious
hot cars and drivers at the oman automobile association’s extreme drift challenge
-FI THE TECH IN YOU
Postcards from
Cars
Indoors
Y-FI
THE LIFE AQUATIC
Bring the tranquility of the ocean into your living room with the latest aquarium technology. Matthew Herbst takes the plunge SEE LIFE It’s a nice idea but keeping that tank clean is a big turn-off. Not any longer. The biOrb LIFE 60 coldwater aquarium uses special ceramics for biological filtration so excess waste is collected and held in a filter cartridge at the base of the tank. The biOrb is suitable for goldfish or small temperate freshwater species and if you invest in the biOrb Heater Pack ,or Intelligent Heater, you can add their tropical cousins. Simply replace the filter cartridge every four weeks and change a third of the water to keep the tank crystal clear and free of waste. Also comes supplied with a smart LED light, which automatically replicates a natural 24-hour light cycle. Available in three colours – Chilli Red, Piano Black and Ice White. Starts from RO188. See more at www.reef-one.com
AQUA ART These gorgeous Bayshore Rectangular Wall Aquariums create a stunning centrepiece in any room and create a unique ambience. Designed with brushed aluminum-plated frames, the tanks are lighter than stainless steel yet durable enough to avoid rust. Each wall aquarium is created with safe tempered glass (5mm thick) or bubble acrylic to protect the fish and ensure leak-free living. www.petsmart.com from RO65
OFFICE OCEAN Stressed at work? Then you need this USB Desk Aquarium with adjustable overhead LED light. Watch your fish glide effortlessly around the little tank, while the multi-coloured interior light provides an ever-changing display to ease away tension. It’s enough to make you fall asleep at your desk. The running water filter provides oxygen for your aquatic friends and creates beneficial negative ions in the air. Put your phone on silent, slot it into the desk caddy and take time out to enjoy the sound of bubbling water. RO26.93 from www.amazon.com
EDITOR’S PICK TROPIC COFFEE This Aquarium Coffee Table is one of the most unUSUAL designs available. Inside The Midwest Tropical 675 Square glass TABLE, YOU CAN keep a range of fish and a cool selection of marine plants. ThE TOP rests on a black acrylic pedestal and is illuminated by a bed of blueglass gravel. Topped with 3/8-INCH tempered square glass, It also comes with lighting, an extension cord, decorative plants, gravel, twostage submersible filter pump and easy-to-follow instructions. FROM
RO226.38 AT www.amazon.com
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FIND OUT WHAT’S HIP & HAPPENING IN GADGETS
App of the week JELLY fashion
Jellyfish are the last thing you want to bump into when you’re enjoying a splash in the sea. But now some ingenious people have turned them into the latest must-have fashion in ornamental fish tanks. The mesmerising forms and soothing movements make it a living work of art. With the right setup, you can have exotic jellyfish anywhere in your home, even in the office. It does require a bit of thought, however, since jellyfish are delicate organisms. These desktop tanks are custom-built to ensure the survival of the umbrella-shaped creatures with a filtration system and built-in water circulation. The stylish design has built-in colour-changing LED lighting to give a gorgeous glow to your gelatinous pets. From RO109.73 - RO263.75. See jellyfishart.com for more information.
NEW! Hydra 52 LED lights Anybody who knows their Butterflies from their Angels will tell you that when it comes to tropical species, there are three things that you need to make your fishy friends thrive; light, light and more light. With every part of our luminous lives becoming dominated by LEDs, it wasn’t going to be long before the technology ventured into the world of high-end aquarium accessories. Aquaillumination has come forward with the brilliant Hydra 52, a set of lights that will provide fish and corals all the ultraviolet gooness they need. At RO230 per set, they’re not cheap, but you can’t put a price on your maritime mates.
iQuarium HD
If time is not your friend and you yearn for an aquarium, why not download this free App on iTunes for your personal pocket fish fun. It’s the perfect background for iPads and smartphones. In fact, it is so real that your pet fish even have babies. Not sure what you will need to do if your tank gets overcrowded though. Join the new aqua-craze for free at itunes.com
www.aquaillumination.com
52 individual LED lights in seven different colours cast a full spectrum of light over the tank giving fish and corals the light they crave. Connect the light units wirelessly to the Aquaillumination controller (sold separately) to manage the lighting setup and introduce a range of weather effects, such as sweeping clouds, and night and day cycles. Each unit is energy efficient, using 135watts of power, and is compatible with power sources ranging from 100 - 2450V.
ONE for the kids
Everyone needs to start somewhere in life. So why not teach your child to start off small with their own minature aquarium, the Mini Bow 1. Its bow-front design provides plenty of swimming room for fish, it’s easy to set up and maintain, plus the compact size is great for use in smaller spaces, such as a desktop or dorm. From only RO7.69. Check it out at www. amazon.com
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CARS AND INDOORS
Postcards from
car of the week T
Y- F i
Beauty, power and breathtaking speed, all with an F1 pedigree behind it – it has to be a McLaren, says Kate Ginn here’s an old saying that if you have to ask the price of something, then you probably can’t
afford it. Sadly, this is very true when it comes to a McLaren sports car. There’s no point even pretending that the meagre offerings in my bank account would come anywhere near the asking price. I doubt it could even cover the cost of a new alloy wheel, let alone the whole car. As you’re asking, you won’t get much change out of RO125,000 million for the new McLaren 650S Spider. Unless you are in the same megarich league as former footballer David Beckham – who was spotted behind the wheel of a black Spider in Beverly Hills last year – it’s a rather prohibitive price tag. Right, now the vulgar business of money is out of the way, let’s just concentrate on the car itself. It’s simply stunning looks are enough to make even the most hardened of men drool with envy. The handling is, as you would expect, first class. And the superb performance, with its unique McLaren M838T twin turbo V8 engine, will blow you away. This is the car that McLaren hopes will cement its presence in the supercar world. The 650S coupe is impressive but the convertible Spider is, in my
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opinion, in a class of its own. Removing the roof heightens the driving experience. And boy, can this car go when it’s let free. It will take you from a standing start to 100kmh in three hair-raising seconds and hit a staggering top speed of 329kmh. This pace is made possible, in part, by a super lightweight body. Crafted from materials such as carbon fibre and aluminium, it tips the scales at a very slimline 1,370kg. Of course, there’s nothing else lightweight about the Spider. This is a real heavyweight of a supercar, and packs enough punch to wipe the floor with many of its rivals. To be honest, I could look at this car for hours. The eye is drawn along its flowing, sculpted body, which manages to look stridently masculine yet, also curvaceously feminine at the same time. This duality gives it a distinctly exciting, edgy feel. I imagine that there’s a tingle of excitement every time you slip behind the wheel, no matter how long you own the car. Let me give you a few more mouth-watering statistics. The Spider can reach 200kmh in 8.6 seconds – it took me longer than that to write this sentence. For those who like to feel the wind in their hair when driving, the Spider’s two-piece retractable hardtop can be automatically raised or lowered in less than 17 seconds.
To protect the driver from being buffeted by wind at high speeds, a rear glass screen acts as a deflector. For a semi-open top driving experience, even when it’s raining, you can lower this screen independently and keep the roof up. It allows the driver to also hear the distinctive roar of the engine – a throaty rasp, which makes the Spider sound like a 40-a-day smoker, albeit one who goes to the gym regularly. Inside, it’s a thing of beauty. Everything has clearly been painstakingly designed with the driver in mind. Bucket seats fit snugly round the body, a slanted centre console with a large screen dominates the cockpit and there’s a full digital instrument cluster behind the flat-bottomed threespoke steering wheel. As you would expect in a car of this price (RO125,000, in case you forgot), it’s all top of the range from the upholstery to the entertainment system. Should you have any spare cash to splash after your outlay, you can always go for extras like additional paints (I love the Tarocco Orange), different alloy wheels and a sport exhaust. I would definitely invest in the optional height-adjustable suspension to raise the ground clearance. If I had just spent this much on a car, I certainly wouldn’t want to scrape the front end on a steep driveway.
Indoors
C ars
McLaren 650S Spider Specification Engine: V8 Twin Turbo 3.8L Horsepower: 641 Transmission: Seven-speed Seamless Shift Gearbox (SSG) Acceleration: 0-100kmh in 3 seconds Top Speed: 329kmh Price: RO125,000
They say: ‘The world’s most versatile supercar.’ We say: ‘Takes open-top thrills to a new level.’
Check this out
Two-piece retractable hardtop Heated glass rear window Carbon ceramic brakes Unique five-spoke lightweight ‘650S’ alloy wheels IRIS satellite navigation with Bluetooth telephony DAB digital radio Alcantara trimmed cabin Audio Streaming Voice Control
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