JAN 9 – 15 • ISSUE 252 • WEEKLY
Ice Dancer
Royal Opera House Muscat new season STAR SHOWER / GRAND DESIGNS / POWER UP / SILK ROUTE REVIEW / WORLD CUP HEARTBREAK / HERITAGE HOME
26 WITH SNOOKER CHAMP Feature: IN THE FRAME
Free!
EVERY THURSDAY NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR
BEAUTY: Deep down massage DESTINATION: Bidbid Fort Your top guide to the best of Oman, every week
MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321 • WEEKLY
VISA
Woes
PLUS!
Opening the door to Uncertainty?
Fashion
Food
Adventures
Club Tropicana
Kebab Crazy
Parasailing Oman
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Look out for… One Direction The hit British boy band is coming to Dubai. Parents are rushing for earmuffs and young girls are frantically hitting ‘Like’ on the official Facebook page, aptly titled ‘One Direction Dubai’. They’ll have to be patient though. The band’s ‘On the Road Again 2015 Tour’ will include a one-night only concert at the Dubai Sevens Stadium next April 4. Tickets, however, go on sale now (May 22) available at www.doneevents.com.
THE BAROMETER Going up
OMAN’S PET IDOLS We’ve been inundated with entries for the first Y Pet Idol competiton. From cutie canines to furry felines, and fish and hamsters, the photos are flooding in. Don’t worry there’s still time to enter. Simply send a photo/s of your beloved pet to info@y-oman.com, post it on facebook.com/ytabloid or tweet to @ytabloid. The best ones will be printed in the magazine and the top four winners will have professional photographs with their pet.
Going DOWN
FRESH AIR Dubai has announced plans for an ‘eco-friendly’ city, which will have air-conditioned pathways during the sweltering Summer season. Desert Rose - to be built in the shape of the flower - will link to the metro.
EDITOR’S
NOTE
Welcome to Y Magazine your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has to offer.
Fast forward T
here’s no place like home’ is a phrase often trotted out in conversation. We prefer the saying ‘Wherever I lay my hat, that’s my home’. For many of the 1.6 million expatriates who chose to live and work here, Oman has become their home. Their children have been born here, they buy cars and rent apartments, set down roots in the Sultanate, assimilating into the culture and building dreams. Expats feel lucky for the opportunities that Oman has given them, a wonderful lifestyle in a safe, welcoming country. Which is why the recent announcements on the visa process sent such alarm through the expatriate community. Would they have to leave after two years? If they did leave, would it mean waiting for two years to get another visa to work in Oman? These questions and more were the focus of much speculation. Y looks at the great visa debate and finds a few answers. Elsewhere, we reveal the new season at the opera house, have a few frames with one of Oman’s snooker champs, go parasailing and meet two designers shaping Oman’s future. It’s a packed issue. Enjoy! TEAM Y
editor@y-oman.com
THIS WEEK… Team Y has been demolishing newly replenished chocolate supplies as well as taking ownership of some fabulous homemade bracelets - thanks Cia!
Ways to get your Y fix Online: Visit y-oman.com for even more inspiration. Smart device: Catch up with Y on the go at y-oman.com/current-issue
EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Eihab Abutaha MANAGING EDITOR Penny Fray SECTIONS EDITOR Kate Ginn
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CONTRIBUTOR Tom Robertson PHOTOGRAPHER Jerzy Wierzbicki ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan
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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman.
MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
03
contents MAY 22 2014
Features 20 Lost In Translation The Visa Lowdown 24 Y’s World Cup Special On The Road To Rio
This week 16 Movie Listings
Your Oman
06 The Big Interview
X-Men: Days of Future Past
17 Oman In 43 Objects
Carla Conte and Mohammed El Hijazi
Heritage Homes
18 This Week
08 Voice Of Oman
26 On Cue Oman’s Snooker Scene
Ali al Rahma
24
Shopper’s Stop
10 News
10
Shooting Stars
14 Gallery
Song and Dance
Cars and Adventures
Food and Drink
37 Destination
28 Food
18
Kebab is King
30 Food Review
Silk Route
Bidbid Fort
40 Outdoors
Parasailing
43 Postcard From
Norfolk Island, Australia
44 Y-Fi
Health & Beauty
Power Rangers
46 Car of the Week 32 Fashion Mazda2 Hot & Haute 34 Health Deep Treatment 35 Style Counsel Barbra Young
45
28
33 NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE
HAPPY HEARTS / AT YOUR SERVICE / SMOKING BAN EXPLORED / FASHION IN CHECK / PET IDOL WINNERS / KEEPING SAFE / STYLE COUNSEL / BIG SCREENS
YOUR
News
Gallery
INTERVIEW
OMAN
GRAND DESIGNS CAR LA CONTE , C R E AT I V E D i R E CTO R , & MO HA M M ED EL HIJAZI , D IRECTOR O F CLI E NT SE R V I CE S , BRAN D C REAT I V E How did you get into interior design & branding? Carla: I started my design career in 1998, interning for one of Toronto’s top design and branding agencies. I was given this opportunity via a global internship programme. To be honest, I wasn’t entirely convinced that a design placement was right for me as I had decided on a career in medicine – I wanted to be a dermatologist. Although I excelled at maths and science, it was art and design that I was passionate about. I ultimately accepted the intern position at the agency and saw first hand how big brands developed sales strategies utilising design as a tool to convey their message and attract customers. I began to experience the business potential that design offered the world and decided this was something I could commit to. I obtained my interior design degree (Hons) from Ryerson University in Canada and won the coveted Designer of the Year title when I graduated. Mohammed: I jumped into the design world when we started the business. My role is to support the graphics department, while Carla heads the interiors side. My previous experience was in sporting and events management. Having that knowledge as a basis has been helpful on the project management, client relations and overall business side of things. What made you move to Dubai and start Brand Creative? Carla: I made the move to Dubai in 2006 to work on Dubai Festival City – an experience that opened many doors for me. I was exposed to the design and construction processes in the region and made important industry contacts that I am still linked to today. I spent nearly 13 years climbing the proverbial ‘ladder’ in two other design agencies before deciding 06
MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
with Mohammed to start our own agency in February 2011. Mohammed: In just under three years our interior design and branding agency has established itself in the market as the ‘go-to’ experts for strategically branded interiors specialising in the retail, hospitality and entertainment sectors in the UAE, GCC and internationally. Brand Creative’s design work provides retailers, hospitality and service business owners with unique, creative solutions that have a positive effect on sales and increase brand awareness. How did you hear about projects in Muscat? Our first job in Oman was with LuLu Group International designing the interiors for their new mall in Bawshar – The Avenues – which will feature all the major high street fashion brands as well as food and beverage offerings. It will feature a cinema, a family entertainment complex and many creative branded areas to enhance the current shopping experience in the country. We had worked on the Al Wahda Mall extension in Abu Dhabi in 2011 for the group, so we had already established a relationship. Other projects we work on in Oman come via roll-out schemes from retail brands we are working on in Dubai. What do you think of Muscat? Having both come from beautiful, landscaped countries (Canada and Morocco), we were both immediately drawn to the greenery and natural aspects that are unique to Muscat. The overlooking mountains and seaside views are stunning. There is a fantastic work ethic and enthusiasm for developing great new things from the people we’ve met. In terms of interiors and branding, how does Muscat compare to Dubai? Muscat is obviously not striving for
the same over-the-top experiences that clients demand in Dubai. Our clients here are looking for something new and refreshing, of course, but also trying to preserve authenticity and uniqueness. Integrating the landscape and creating sustainable concepts is important here. What do you hope to bring to Muscat? What do you think the reaction will be? We bring a personal knowledge of the region (we’ve lived in the GCC for nine years), but also an international palette of experiences, which is bound to advance current design practices. Yet we have an understanding of the protocols and sensitivities around getting work completed. So far, the reception to our work has been extremely positive. We have no intention of trying to make Muscat look and feel like Dubai – why should it? It has its own characteristics that need to be celebrated and explored. We want our work here to have a ‘wow’ factor that is unique to our work in Dubai and other GCC countries. One thing we do hope rubs off on Oman is the expected increase in tourism in the coming years due to the Dubai Expo 2020. When tourists visit Oman, they should see designs that are celebrating the country in its own right as opposed to a photocopy of the UAE.
What challenges do you face working in Oman? We would obviously love to have an office here as working on a job site from afar has it’s communication issues and delays. Overall, we do manage to fly here two to three times a month and sometimes joke that the flight to Muscat is easier than driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi! Describe Brand Creative in four words: Design that pushes boundaries. What do you do to relax in your free time? Being married to one another means that we dedicate a lot of our life together to our business, but we are conscious of making sure we balance it. We enjoy exploring new restaurants, the theatre and art galleries when we can. Travelling to nearby Asian countries, as well as our home countries when possible helps keep our knowledge of what’s happening in the world. If we gave you a blank wall at the Y Magazine office, what would you do to it? As a brand, Y Magazine likes to keep things local and relevant (yet cool!), so in that same spirit we would have a living wall (comprised of plants and flowers) installed (floor to ceiling) to create a sculptural piece of artwork. Graffiti-like without the paint.
The Voice of Oman
New columnist Ali al Rahma says its time to give technology a rest
Debate of the Week We asked:
R
emember back in the days when you heard a doorbell ring and quickly rushed to see who was going to surprise you? Remember how the home phone was strategically located in the front room so that everyone could get to it quickly? During every feast or festival, the doorbell never stopped ringing and neither did the phone. At one time, long-distance communication was expensive and difficult. Twenty years ago, people still used faxes. Pagers came and went in the space of a few years. Then mobile phones (known as GSM in the Middle East) arrived. The promise of new technology was to bring people together by making them reachable wherever they were. The revolution brought us the Internet, email and instant messengers. Remember ICQ and MSN? Who uses them nowadays? Suddenly, you could communicate with someone thousands of kilometres away for almost nothing. Finally, smartphones came onto the market. Now you have free IM installed on your phone so even if you’re in a meeting, you can simply take a break and start chatting (even if that means you’re not focusing on what you’re supposed to be doing). Let’s not forget the social-networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, where you can bump into an old schoolmate or long-lost friend. Of course, all this technology did make communication a whole lot easier. But there is a price to pay. We have so many ways to stay in touch, sometimes it stops us from doing the old-fashioned thing and talking to someone or going to see them. Instead of those Eid visits, you just SMS “thanks for your wishes” and broadcast it to the people in your IM app. It feels like an intrusion to answer the landline or check who’s ringing the doorbell. Yes, we are living life in the fast lane, but what does it cost us to see who’s at the door or to pick up a call? Go on, visit a close friend and say hello. Sometimes technology just gets in the way of what matters.
Next week:
Al Sayyida MAYYA AL SAID
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MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
‘If you had to choose three nonessential items to take with you on a desert island – with no phone reception and no hope of rescue for a couple of years – what would they be, and why?’ Doyinsola Ogunsakin
I would take a float so that I could learn how to swim. I’d also take a pen and a big empty notebook so that I could write stories and become famous by the time I was rescued.
Deepthi Kanwathirtha
I would take along a solarpowered camera to capture all the little details of the stay. Secondly, lots of good music to keep me happy and, not to forget, sane on the quiet island. And lastly, since I’m terrified of dogs, I would take along a puppy. Being on an island with just the puppy would leave me with no choice but to overcome the fear and befriend him.
Merin Vineeth I would take sunglasses, sunscreen
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and handkerchiefs.
Yassin El Amin
A good cover to protect me from the rain and the sun, a lighter and a Swiss army knife. I happen to carry them along with me whenever I travel, just in case.
Bushra Ahmed
I would take my diary to write about my daily experiences. I also want to take my dog to be my companion and a ball to enjoy my time there.
Abhyudit Greene
A satellite phone, fishing rod and a box of matches.
Sanaa Aziz
I’d take my pillow, a blanket and lastly, a mattress so that I could sleep comfortably for the whole day.
Kiara Laetitia
It would have to be a massive paper pad, a never-ending ink pen (or one of those massive souvenir pencils) and a soda stream to have some luxurious fizzy rainwater.
make fire.
Nalin Mistry
A watch because I am time dependent and would like to do everything on time, a blanket because if I am cold at night I cannot sleep and also insect repellent to keep the mosquitoes away.
Andrew Catli Aludino
To keep me amused (and alive!) until rescue arrives, I would bring: 1. A fishing rod and hook to fish to pass the time – and for my food as well. 2. A kite with a very long line for leisure and to signal for help. 3. An English dictionary with translations into other major languages so I could learn how to speak other dialects during all that free time.
Ali Fareed AlLawati
Books, a hammer and a ton of duct tape because I watched a Myth Busters episode about the many uses of duct tape – like building a boat and a camp.
Naushil Ak
Firstly, I would take my glasses so I can produce fire from sunlight. I could cook and also keep myself warm at night. I’d also need sunscreen lotion so the sun doesn’t harm my skin. Lastly, loads of novels because I love reading books.
Mhel Aproda
If this is like the movie Castaway, I would bring a ball, a bit of vegetation to use as hair for Winston – my imaginary friend – and pieces of flint to
Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant
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Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions see voucher.
YOUR
OMAN
NEWS
STUBBING OUT
S
moking in public places such as beaches and parks will be banned under proposed new regulations to get tougher on cigarettes. A ban on smokers lighting up is already in place in shopping malls, cafés and enclosed restaurants. This came into force in April 2010. Some members of the Muscat Municipal Council reportedly want to extend this further to include open beaches and parks, mosque yards, pedestrian lanes, sports stadiums and other public areas.
The move follows a report by the Ministry of Health, which showed that 70 per cent of the Sultanate’s residents suffer from some kind of smoking-related condition. “We need to take the necessary steps to reduce tobacco use,” said a member of the council. “Studies have proved that laws banning smoking in public places have had a positive impact on health.” The Council said it had received complaints from members of the public exposed to second-hand smoke. Any ban would be implemented gradually. Restricting the sale of tobacco in residential areas has also been suggested.
BIG SCREEN
W
atching movies in Muscat is about to get a whole lot bigger and better. Oman’s largest 3D-enabled screens are set to open at Muscat City Centre next month, where there will be 10 screens. City Centre Qurum will also get seven screens. VOX Cinemas has announced that a stream of new Hollywood and Bollywood movies are set to hit the new screens from June 22. Some of the highly anticipated movies include X-Men: Days of Future Past, Samrat & Co and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. VOX Cinemas will be the first to introduce the ‘mega screen’ concept with VOX MAX, which will bring a
larger-than-life movie experience. The screens will also feature DepthQ® 3D, one of the the world’s leading stereoscopic technologies. Exclusive VIP-style seating with spacious seats, gourmet-style menus, flexible ticketing options and Dolby Surround 7.1 sound are other features expected to draw a new generation to cinema in Oman.
STAR SHOWER
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MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
L
ook to the skies this weekend for one of nature’s most spectacular light shows. According to astronomy experts, a meteor shower is expected to be visible in the Sultanate on May 23, with a staggering 400 meteors per hour forecasted. Meteors, or ‘shooting stars’ as they are known, are a flash of light, heat and ionisation that are sometimes accompanied by sound as a result of friction with the molecules in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. These meteors are debris trailing from the Comet 209P/LINEAR, which was discovered in 2004. As the meteors are named after the constellation they seem to originate from, this meteor shower is named after the Camelopard constellation. The showers are set to start at 10pm and go on for a couple of hours. Those looking to catch a glimpse are advised to watch the phenomenon from a location with no light pollution as it may hinder the sightings.
MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
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YOUR
OMAN Bite Sized Our weekly slot takes a lighthearted look at a news issue of the week.
Dino discoveries
What’s it all about? Rolling up your sleeves and looking for some dino droppings or fossilised femurs. Correctly known as paleontology, the field studies fossils to determine how dinosaurs and other creatures lived in the past. Wasn’t there a film made about this? Yup. Steven worked his Spielberg magic on the Michael Crichton novel, Jurassic Park, to bring us one of the most loved dino movies ever made. You know, the one in which a lawyer is eaten by a T-rex while he’s sat cowering on the toilet. Talk about undignified. Weren’t there sequels? Yes, they centred on a new breed of dinosaur, the Tyranoflopacinemus. Did we have dinosaurs here in Oman? Apparently yes. Fossilised remains of carnivorous therapods were reported to have been found in Fanjah in 1997 by a team from Sultan Qaboos University and the Free University of Amsterdam. But they’re small fry compared with the latest discovery. What’s that? Argentina’s Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio has just unveiled a spectacular finding of a mega-sized dinosaur. The specimen of the aptly named Titanosaur was recently unearthed in Patagonia and is now believed to be the largest dinosaur to have ever walked the earth. How big is big? At over 40m long, the giant lizard is estimated to have weighed the same as 13 elephants and, when stood with its head up, would have been seven storeys tall. One of its thigh bones alone is bigger than a human being. And old? Very. This old boy was probably strutting his stuff between 95–100 million years ago in what is now South America. Dino hunting sounds exciting! It would seem so. Recent discoveries include a half-bird half-lizard ‘chicken from hell’, ‘Pinochhio rex’ and two duelling dinosaurs locked in combat when they died. Researchers are now even beginning to reconstruct combat scenes. What should I do if I’m being chased by a dinosaur? Wake up. It’s probably a dream. But, if I am, what’s the best way to talk to a velociraptor or T-rex? Long-distance phone call. Do say: It’s a whopper. Don’t say: I saw it on The Flintstones!
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MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
Gallery
Interview
NEWS
Broadway comes
to Muscat B
roadway on Ice, the hit musical in which top skaters perform classic Broadway songs, will make its first appearance in Oman as part of the Royal Opera House Muscat’s (ROHM) new season that begins on September 18. Audiences can also look forward to performances by four world-class ballet companies, as well as renowned violinists Joshua Bell and Gidon Kremer, celebrated maestro Riccardo Muti and flamenco stars Estrella Morente, Tomatito, Paco Peña and Miguel Vargas. One of the most festive and thrilling performances to watch out for this season is Broadway on Ice, which will see the ROHM stage transformed into a gleaming ice platform where some of the world’s top skaters will perform classic Broadway songs. There will also be four exquisite ballet productions by Ballet am Rhein, the Stuttgart Ballet, Hamburg Ballet, which will bring back family favourite The Nutcracker, and Asia’s leading South Korean ballet company, Universal Ballet. The coming season will feature a variety of diverse genres from across the world, including a programme of Omani music. Omani artists will perform a concert, A Night of Inshaad, while the ROHM will celebrate Omani Women’s Day with its annual concert. The hugely popular outdoor concerts performed by the Omani military bands and The Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra will also return.
A WEEK IN PICTURES
It’s been a year of growing audiences at Muscat’s premier classical entertainment venue, with a significant increase in the attendance of Omani audiences. Ticket sales for last season were at 80 per cent capacity. International audiences also grew, with guests from more than 57 countries joining in the spectacle compared with 46 countries in the previous season. ROHM will also continue to focus on education and outreach through many events, including the interactive production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute for families. Dr Nasser al Taee, ROMH’s education and outreach board adviser, said the interactive children’s opera performance had allowed hundreds of Omani students to participate in educational, recreational and creative activities. “ROHM will continue the efforts it started last summer, offering internships for college and high-school students to help them gain hands-on experience as early as possible and to introduce them to basic technical, artistic and administrative aspects involved in our activities,” said Dr al Taee. Christina Scheppelmann, ROHM’s director general, said the aim was to continue working on the good reputation it had built over the years. “Our aim during this new 2014-2015 season is to pursue the same aims, featuring only what is new and exceptional.”
HEADLINING STORIES FROM OMAN AND BEYOND
Three people were arrested and face charges after a mining explosion in Soma, Turkey, which killed 301 people and injured hundreds more
Qatar has announced it will abolish its sponsorship system for foreign workers as part of a package of labour reforms
A Facebook page set up for Iranian women to take selfies without wearing their hijabs has attracted 180,000 likes in just two weeks
The army in Thailand has declared martial law after months of tension between the government and opposition
YOUR
OMAN
GALLERY
SONG A N D DA N CE
music, colour and fun at the family open day at the Royal Opera house Muscat Photos: Ania James
Come and Enjoy with us at
Tuesday Seafood Night
Thursday International Live Cooking
our exclusive
Friday Family Brunch
For more information call 2451 4444 or e-mail to fb@goldentulipseeb.com For in-house guest, please call 1258 014
MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
Friday BBQ Grill
MOVIES MOVIES For more information and times, go to: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641
X-Men: Days of Future Past
PREVIEW
Is it possible to surpass expectations and make an intelligent, character-driven drama that is also a hugely entertaining Marvel franchise blockbuster? We have to say yes – the seventh in the X-Men series is a manysplendoured thing. Director Bryan Singer comes back to the saga he handed on after 2003’s X-Men 2 and gives it a superior polishing with a script that might have overwhelmed a lesser talent – incorporating two timelines and both sets of X-Men characters coming together for an exploration of the nature of change. With the future of humans and mutants apparently doomed by a race of robots called Sentinels, the X-Men are sent back in time to inhabit their younger selves in a 70s world of big hair, Vietnam and Richard Nixon in the hope that they
Freezer can prevent a future catastrophe. In terms of acting prowess, we have Hugh Jackman giving probably his best performance as Wolverine, leading the audience through the complex story, while around him we are treated to a top cast on outstanding form. James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart play the young and old Charles Xavier, Michael Fassbender and Ian McKellen are Magneto, while Jennifer Lawrence is a young Raven and Mystique. It could all have been too much – and perhaps not everyone gets enough screen time to do their roles justice – but the overall result is more impressive than almost any other recent Marvel offshoot, and some of those have been pretty darned good. Review by Joe Gill
Maleficent Fresh from its phenomenal success with Frozen, Disney brings us another update of a classic fairy tale, with a new twist on Sleeping Beauty. Angelina Jolie plays the evil fairy Maleficent, who places a curse on the king’s daughter that sends her into a years-long sleep. When the child (Elle Fanning) awakes, it seems she maybe the only one who can stop her father’s kingdom descending into war. It promises spectacular fantasy with a big dose of Lord of the Rings-style magic and monsters.
IN W O T E C N A CH GRAB YOUR MA TICKETS INE C Y T I C O W T
Dylan McDermott plays a New York mechanic who wakes up and finds he’s locked inside a restaurant’s cold storage slowly chilling to the bone. The arrival of some Russian mobsters demanding to know where
One to Avoid The Angriest Man in Brooklyn
Robin Williams is a very cranky estate agent whose generally bad attitude is made worse when his car is wrecked by a homicidal Russian immigrant. He goes to the doctor (Mila Kunis) – who is also not too happy because her cat jumped out of a window – for a brain scan result and is told he only has 90 minutes to live.
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MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
A Million Ways to Die in the West Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane stars and directs in this western comedy in which the clue to the joke is in the title. If you’re a western lover, MacFarlane’s knowing wink – with gags sending up the old west with the subtlety of a Gatling gun – will either work, or make you feel he’s not so cleverly trouncing a genre that’s already way beyond parody. Sterling support from Sarah Silverman, Liam Neeson and Charlize Theron.
Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions see voucher.
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their money is reveals a case of mistaken identity. Then he discovers a wounded cop who may or may not hold the answer to the mystery. It follows the same principles of Saw, and a lot hangs on whether you care enough about the characters to ignore the implausibility of the plot.
Cue a frantic attempt to make amends with friends and settle accounts with a family who can’t stand one another. It’s highly unlikely you will survive the whole unfunny hour and a half without losing the will to live.
Brought to you by
THIS WEEKS QUESTION Who plays the evil fairy in Maleficent? LAST WEEKS WINNER Bryan Martis
Mud Brick Houses
F
rom the coastal limestone bricks used for building in Dhofar to the igneous blocks used in the mountains, Omani buildings and architecture have been inspired by local building materials. Traditional mud brick houses are found throughout the Sultanate. Associated with oasis towns, the mud can be used with palm fronds and trunks to create simple one-storey abodes through to elaborate three-storey houses.
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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE
May
May 23 - 24
CROWN JEWELS Love jewels? Who doesn’t? Indulge your passion at the Muscat International Jewellery Exhibition 2014 (MIJEX), a five-day event at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Seeb, Muscat. Jewellery showcased will include the finest gold, silver, diamonds and precious stones. Timings are Tuesday-Saturday 11am-9pm and Friday 4pm-11pm. Entry is restricted to adults and children aged 12 and over. For more information, contact mijex@omanexhibitions.com
THIS
What to hear.
JUNE
May
Shopper’s Stop
Shop ‘til you drop. Enjoy a day of international shopping at the Holiday Bazaar 2014 with bargain-priced products from around the world, including the Philippines, Europe, Africa, South Asia and Oman. Clothing, jewellery, footwear, handicrafts and beauty products will all be under one roof. Bahja Hall, The Jungle Restaurant, near Qurum Natural Park, from 10am10pm. Entry is free.
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Enjoy a night of flamenco music and dance to accompany a unique exploration of Arabo-Andalusian civilisation as musicians and dancers go on a journey to retrieve the glory of Andalusia. Book your seats for the Royal Opera House Muscat extravaganza now. Shows start at 7.30pm on May 29 & 30 and 2pm on May 31. For tickets, RO7.258, and information, visit www.rohmuscat.org.om
What to see.
23
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For a happy heart, join the‘Go Red for Women’ campaign to raise awareness of heart disease amongst women, the number one killer worldwide. For the second year, in partnership with the Medical Simulation Center, Majid Al Futtaim’s City Centre Qurum is offering free checks for key cardiovascular disease risk factors blood pressure, blood sugar, Body Mass Index and cholesterol. Women showing risk signs are referred for further assessment. Free testing and consultations between 5pm9pm. The Medical Simulation Center is also conducting CPR sessions to teach families a life-saving skill to use at home and in the workplace. For more information on ‘Go Red for Women’, please visit /MuscatCityCentre and /QurumCityCentre
What to do.
WEEK MAY
Andalusian Glory
May 29 - 31
26-30
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In memory of Clare Francis, a triathlete who passed away 12 months ago, RevGX Martial Arts and Fitness Centre and Oman Bicycle are hosting an informal, social and fun triathlon event at the Azaiba Beach jetty car park. Individuals and teams are welcome to try the Just Swim 750m, Just Cycle 20km or Just Run 5km events – or do all three in the sprint distance triathlon. For registration and information, contact lea.revgx@gmail.com
MAY
30
I
t’s extraordinary what an innocuous looking notice in a newspaper can do. Certainly, no one could have imagined the reaction that would follow the publication of an official ‘Announcement’ by Royal Oman Police (ROP) in several daily media journals last week. Perhaps the second line ‘Regarding employment visa’ gave a clue to the turmoil that might follow. In 11 written lines, the ROP declared that, effective July 1, an employment visa would not be issued for foreigners who ‘previously worked in the Sultanate and has not complete two years from the date of last departure.’ Earlier this year, the Ministry of Manpower announced it wanted to reduce foreign workers by around six per cent. Nearly 90 per cent of all workers in the private sector are expats, according to the Ministry. It seemed the Ministry was taking strident measures to push its long-term Omanisation policy (the aim is to reduce the expat population to 33 per cent of the total four million). Social media in Oman went into a frenzy with Facebook and Twitter abuzz with speculation and rumours about the effect of the notification on the 1.6 million or so expatriate population in the country. A further announcement that expat workers would not be allowed to switch between companies in the Sultanate merely added more flames to the crackling fire. “We thought all the expats were going to have to leave or that if we left the country, we could not return for two years,” says one expat, who has a job in an accounting firm. The Ministry of Manpower was forced to issue an official statement on Twitter to counteract the growing uncertainty. It said the two-year ban only applied to expats who leave the country before the completion of their two-
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year contracts. Foreign workers would also be allowed to switch employers during their contract with a No Objection Certificate (NOC), the Ministry also confirmed. There were reports the ROP had jumped the gun with the announcement or had misunderstood the terms. One official was even quoted blaming a confused translation from Arabic to English – there was no denying that the wording of the original ROP notice could have been misconstrued. But while the authorities have tried to clarify the exact terms and implications of the rules, some still believe confusion remains. “I think there seems to be a lot of confusion and even contradiction,” says Maggie Jeans, coordinator of the British Business Forum and herself an owner and operator of a company specialising in importing books. “It may even be a lack of coordination between the ministry of Manpower and the Royal Oman Police.” But whatever the reasons, she is concerned that the recent announcements add to the challenges faced by those running businesses in the Sultanate. “If you’re looking to employ an expat, it can already be hard to get visas.” “What these announcements may do is lead to a feeling now where people working here feel unsettled. It doesn’t give out a positive image if people feel that their days are numbered.” Over 100 members of the Oman American Business Council (OABC) met with representatives from the Ministry of Manpower last week to discuss the issue. “The message was the while Oman would never have 100 per cent Omanisation, they want to get more senior jobs replaced with Omanis in the private sector,” one attendee tells Y. Before these latest visa announcements, a raft of changes had already been brought in, such as restricting permits for females and construction workers (both of which are still in place). The knock-on effect is being felt in different sectors, Y has discovered. One private hospital has a list of doctors and nurses waiting to get visas, meaning staff have to work extra or even double shifts to cover gaps in the workforce. A sports complex has had similar problems obtaining visas for low-level foreign workers, forcing the current staff to work more hours. Hotels, including the five-star ones, are encountering visa problems too. Garry Friend, General Manager of the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel, says: “We have had difficulty getting
visas for females. “We wanted to employ a pastry chef from Germany, a single lady, but it was refused. We ended up getting a male chef and didn’t have a problem getting a visa for him.” Some have viewed the change and the tightening up on visas as part of the omanisation process. In place since 1988, the programme seeks to increase the percentage of Omanis in the work place, compared to expatriate employees. But while there’s a certain amount of flexibility with different sectors having different targets, these visa changes as part of Omanisation may need careful consideration, suggests Jeans. “All countries need a balanced mixture of both expertise and experience,” says Maggie Jeans. “There’s no doubt that Oman has a willing and skilled workforce, but it’s always necessary to balance that with experience.” But that’s a sentiment shared by key decision makers in the Ministry of Manpower. In response to a question on targeting 100 per cent Omanisation at the Oman American Business Council on 14 May, Salim Naseer al Hadrami, Director General of Development and Planning, is reported as saying that 100 per cent Omanisation is not part of the plan. He’s reported as acknowledging that no country can manage without a minimum percentage of expatriate population. While Maggie Jeans sees the advantages to a having a system whereby employees can only switch employees without a letter of No Objection from employers, the business owner is worried about the future ramifications of an increasingly restrictive visa policy. “I think that there are certain sectors where it might be hard to achieve the set quotas,” she says. “Such as the hospitality and construction sectors. “I understand from others that it can already be difficult for businesses to get the required visa clearance for their employees. The obvious concern is that it reaches a point where these measures out off inward investment into the country. This would then be a real issue.” So, the dust - and frenzy on social media – appears to have settled on the great visa debate. At least, for now it has.
What these announcements may do is lead to a feeling now where people working here feel unsettled. It doesn’t give out a positive image if people feel that their days are numbered
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A standard employee contract between an employee and employer is governed by the Oman labour Law (2012) relating to Royal Decree No.35/2003, issuing the labour law. A standard employment contract is drawn up between the employee and employer and has an effective duration of two years.
Yes. However, if you abscond or leave on bad terms, you will not be issued another work visa for two years. If you receive a release letter or No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer, you will be able to return to work in Oman and apply for a working visa. The options are to leave Oman, renew your contract or have the freedom to accept a new job with another employer.
All expatriates who honour their employment contract by completing two years are reported to be free to depart from Oman, renew their visa with the same employer or to accept a job with a new sponsor.
The Ministry of Manpower and the ROP have clarified that an expat worker with an NOC can transfer companies inside Oman, even before the end of the initial two-year contract is complete.
The latest regulation targets expatriate employees who breach the two-year requirement, in that doing so can harm the interests of the employer.
If an expatriate worker leaves the company with an NOC, the former employer will not be able to apply for another visa for a member of staff to take his/her place.
Under article 41, an employee is entitled to terminate the contract prior to its expiry and retain full rights in certain situations: • If the employer has misled the employee at the time of signing the contract in relation to the terms of work. • If the employer doesn’t fulfill his obligations in accordance with the provision of the law. • If the employer commits an immoral act against the worker or his family. • If the employee is assaulted by the employer or a representative. • If there is grave danger threatening the safety or health of the worker (with conditions).
From June 1 for the transference of visas, according to the ROP. The twoyear visa ban is applicable from July 1. Restrictions were put in place by the Ministry of Manpower a couple of months ago relating to female workers. Preference is being given to males. However, companies can write to the Ministry specifying reasons why a female is required for a particular job and a clearance will be issued if deemed necessary by the Ministry. Clearances are still being issued for female-specific jobs, including beauty sector, tailoring for women and selling women’s clothes. The restrictions are dependent on the size of the company. This visa was for a six-month period but after this, the Ministry will review and either relax or continue with the restrictions. Restrictions on issuing visas for construction workers and housekeeping staff are still in place. The move was an attempt to regulate the labour market. Try the Ministry of Manpower website www.manpower.gov.om, though when we looked, we couldn’t find anything about the new visa rules.
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Y’S WORLD CUP SPECIAL COUNTDOWN TO R I O
B rought to you by
Y continues to bring you all the latest World Cup news from South America. As well as keeping you abreast of the latest footy news, we take a look at some of the most painful and anguish-filled memories in recent World Cup history.
Heartbreak and shock
2010 – Ghana cancels place in history books
Having been only the third African team in World Cup history to make the quarter-finals of the World Cup, Ghana crashed out to Uruguay in 2010. With the two teams tied at one a piece during extra time, Ghana were gifted with a penalty kick to slot home the winner. But Asamoah Gyan’s spot kick pinged off the cross bar and Uruguay went through after an extra-time penalty shootout. Ghana had snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
2006 – Zidane drops the bomb
In an act that sent ripples through the global football world, France’s Zinedine Zidane unleashed a shock attack on Italian Marco Materazzi. Though missed by the referee, a fourth official caught sight of Zidane head-butting Materazzi in the 110th minute and he was subsequently sent off. Zidane
On the ball – All the latest news from Rio US trim the fat
Former German footballing hero Jürgen Klinsmann and now coach of the U.S. team has started a gruelling 13-day soccer camp for the American squad. He’ll trim a squad of 30 down to 23. 024
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watched from the sidelines as the Italians won the subsequent penalty showdown to take the World Cup.
1950 – Host heartbreak
Although the 1950 tournament fielded just 13 teams, Brazil fancied its chances of gaining their first World Cup title after storming their way to the final stages. In a deciding clash against its neighbour, Uruguay, the plucky underdogs silenced the huge Brazilian crowd at the threetiered sporting cathedral of the Maracana with a 2-1 defeat of the hosts. Brazil’s dreams of a first World Cup win were shattered.
2014 – Not this time
There were moments of hope in the qualifying rounds that led us to believe that perhaps this was the World Cup when we’d see Oman parading on the fields of South America. A win over Jordan in October 2012 and a draw with Australia in March 2013 led to a heightened sense of self-belief. But it was a defeat against Japan and a 1-0 loss to Jordan in Amman that dashed Omani hopes of a World Cup final qualification. Next time, boys.
English despair
World Cup pessimism is reigning in England, where it’s emerged that a government document has predicted an early exit for the English team. The report said: “While England are certain to be playing in the matches in the first period, there is a high probability that they will not be playing in the later matches.”
Brought to you by
On the road to rio With just under three weeks to go, the squads are being trimmed left, right and centre-forward to leave a side of national heros in waiting. But which teams really stand a chance of lifting the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy? From the teams who could make it all the way to the last few nail-biting matches, to the ‘also rans’, there’s no escaping Y’s scrutinty.
Germany
Argentina
This week we continue profiling the 10 highest-ranked teams, with gallant Germany and adventurous Argentina
FIFA RANKING: 2 (as of May 8) HISTORY: Make no mistake about it, Germany have serious match-winning pedigree. Not only have they mastered European tournaments, winning the European Championship three times, but they’ve lifted the World Cup trophy three times – in 1954 and 1974 and then again in 1990, the year of the country’s unification. PREVIOUS FORM: Germany usually make it into the last four and was last in a World Cup final in 2002, when they were runners-up. The team has impressively maintained this top form, finishing top of their qualifying group after clocking up an impressive nine wins in 10 matches. STAR PLAYER: Bastian Shweinsteiger is no stranger to the international stage, but a recent knee injury has fans worried. The German keeper, Manuel Neuer, is said to be one of the best in the world and a worthy successor to world greats, like Oliver Kahn. CAPTAIN: Philipp Lahm COACH: Joachim Löw CHANCES? Germany are tipped to go all the way this year with their blazing attacks and recent good form set to keep them in the running. Could this be the occasion for one of the most successful footballing nations of all time to add a fourth World Cup title? Very possibly. Group G with Portugal, Ghana and USA Opening Game: June 16 v Portugal
FIFA RANKING: 7 (as of May 8) HISTORY: The Albicelestes (sky blue and whites) are another team with a strong World Cup pedigree who could well go all the way. Having appeared in four finals, they’ve won two of them, beating the Netherlands in 1978 and West Germany in 1986. With the country neighbouring Brazil and football engrained in the nation’s conscience, the team is set to enjoy massive supporting crowds. PREVIOUS FORM: Argentina suffered a couple of stumbles in the early stages with a loss to Venezuela and a draw with Bolivia. The South Americans rumbled through the rest of their qualifying matches to remain unbeaten for 14 matches. Their recent World Cup form does not bode well, though – since 1990, Argentina have failed to get beyond the quarter-finals. STAR PLAYER: Lionel Messe, who plays forward for Barcelona, is without equal among Argentinian footballing stars. A multiple winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or from 2009 to 2012, he’s commonly ranked as the best player in the world. CAPTAIN: Lionel Messe COACH: Alejandro Sabella CHANCES? Two of their group opponents are ranked 37th and 44th, so progression to the next round should be a mere formality. The team then has talent in depth with the likes of Carlos Tevez and Angel Di María to face the big guns in the latter stages. Group F with Iran, Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina Opening Game: June 15 v Bosnia and Herzegovina
WHO COULD SPRING A SURPRISE? BELGIUM FIFA RANKING: 12 HISTORY: A relatively small country better known for its chocolate than its footballing prowess, Belgium can’t claim a long line of international football titles. However, the Red Devils (Diables Rouges / Rode Duivels) have featured regularly in the tournament in the past. The Belgiums qualified for six World Cups in a row between 1982 and 2002. PREVIOUS FORM: After a period of defeats and setbacks, the Red Devils have slowly been nurturing young talent with an eye on the future. That investment in young players is now starting to pay dividends, with the team making it to their first World Cup finals for 12 years. They’re a team with youth and energy on their side and come into the finals having topped their group, so they’re off to a great start. STAR PLAYER: Striker Romelu Lukaku has dazzled in the English Premier League this season. He scored 15 goals in 31 games while on loan to Everton from super club Chelsea. He’ll be supported by ace Tottenham Hotspur winger Nacer Chadli. CAPTAIN: Vincent Kompany COACH: Marc Wilmots CHANCES? Without any dominant world football forces in their group, Belgium have every chance of getting through to the next stage. Whether they’ve got the experience to reach the last eight, though, is highly debatable. The young team from a little nation could turn out to be a crowd favourite. Group H with Algeria, Russia and Korea Republic. Opening Game: June 17 v Algeria
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Right on
Cue
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Tom Robertson meets one of Oman’s top snooker players leading the charge as the sport gains a new popularity in the Sultanate
here’s a certain pose that snooker players strike as they line up their shots. With the front leg slightly bent, back leg straight and chin dipping right down to the cue, it’s a stance that says “I am balanced, I am poised to strike”. And strike is exactly what Yousef al Foori does. Taking the break, he launches the opening salvo as I face one of the top-ranked snooker players in Oman. Strolling to the table in the Abdullah al Ghafri snooker club in Madinat Qaboos, I have one aim – to make sure that I don’t embarrass myself. Winning is out of the question, of course. Hands slightly shaking, as some of Yousef ’s contemporaries are looking on, all I want to do is strike the ball cleanly. The cue slides through with a satisfying clunk of the tip striking the white and, blow me, it’s a half decent safety shot. From there, of course, it is entirely downhill for me. I make the mistake of splitting the pack of reds, which elicits a grin of delight from the skilled dueller as he realises that the game is there for the taking – as though that was ever in doubt. He plucks off a red, then sinks a black. Scalps another one pointer, then holds the cue ball with a bit of backspin to line up for another seven pointer. Repeat, repeat, repeat, until it’s game over.
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Consistently ranked in the top four in the country, the 37 year old from Muscat practises up to five times a week to keep himself placed in the rankings. And it shows as I cringe at the thrashing just administered to me. At least we can sit down and do the interview now; I’m a journalist, after all, not a full-time snooker player. But then again, neither is Yousef. Normally, the delicate touch that Yousef demonstrates with the cue is put to good use as a professional flautist with the Oman Symphony Orchestra. It was partly that music, sprinkled with a bit of misfortune, that led him to the allure of the green baize. “I had a bad injury to my leg when I was playing football. I was about 20,” recalls Yousef. “I was looking for something else to do, a hobby to take up. That’s when I started playing with my friends in a club in Al Khoud.” But it was also music that would propel Yousef to the forefront of Oman’s snooker scene. “It was while I was studying music in London that I spent a lot of time in snooker clubs around Victoria and Tooting,” he says. “I became friends with a lot of really top-class snooker players. They coached me and taught me how to play properly.” Soon enamoured with a game that Yousef says anybody can play – from the very young to the not so spritely – it wasn’t long before he started to play competitively. “There was a small competition in Al Khoud which I used to play in and it went from there,” he says. One of the most competitive snooker tournaments in Oman is held twice a month at his home club in Madinat Qaboos, organised by Hanif al Balushi. Taking place over two evenings, 32 of Oman’s top players battle it out for a place in the final held on the third evening. But it’s not all about the competition insists Yousef. “I just want to make sure that I can keep playing, not necessarily to always win. Sometimes it’s a game that relaxes me, sometimes it makes me mad. But I always play to enjoy.” But with just a handful of clubs in the Sultanate’s capital, snooker isn’t a sport that enjoys a great deal of popularity in Oman. But why? “I think that youngsters don’t really have the money to pay for a couple of hours on the table. Clubs also don’t advertise that much, so people who want to play can’t necessarily find the clubs.” “But the sport’s popularity is growing and the future’s looking good,” he insists. “We’ve just started a snooker association, the Oman Billiard and Snooker Committee, which will organise tournaments and has support from the Government. We also have some impressive juniors coming through. One of our younger players, Omar bin Sultan al Busaidi, recently won gold at the 16th GCC Snooker Championships in Dubai in December.” Now our chat is over, it’s time to get back to practice as Yousef has a match later that evening. And what better way to warm up than to head back to the table to give me another thrashing. “Do you want to break or shall I?” he asks. “I had better,” I insist.“I get the feeling it’s going to be the only shot I’m going to take.”
Drink What You Can’t Eat.
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Available in all leading Pharmacies in the Sultanate of Oman Distributor: Ibn Sina Pharmacy LLC
MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
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food and drink
Trend
New Restaurant
Reviews
KICKING KEBABS
Originating in the Middle East, a skewer of meat, fish or vegetables roasted and served up hot is a staple of the Omani diet.
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TREND New Restaurant
News
Kebab is KING It’s finally getting the recognition it deserves, says Shishira Sreenivas
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he humble but mouth-watering kebab, or kabab, has been the go-to snack in the Middle East and South Asia for centuries. Basically, they are skewered pieces of meat marinated with spices and grilled, a versatile takeaway eaten for breakfast, lunch or even dinner. Omanis as well as expats can be seen enjoying this delectable favourite at local coffee shops all over the Sultanate, along with their equally beloved shisha. The word “kebab” is derived from the Persian word “kabap” and means fried meat. It was invented by medieval Persian soldiers who used their swords to impale their meat and cook it on open fires. Now, however, the swords have been replaced by the less intimidating and much smaller wooden or metal skewers. In his accounts of his travels to India, Ibn Battuta, a celebrated 14th-century Moroccan traveller, noticed that kebabs, which were introduced during the Mughal era, were served in royal houses to emperors during the Delhi Sultanate period. Even commoners would enjoy kebabs with naan (bread) for breakfast. While the Middle East and South Asia claim kebabs as their own, they have become synonymous with street food in many countries around the world. Typically, they are prepared using lamb, mutton, chicken, beef or seafood. While kebabs were originally meat-based, there are now several options for vegetarians. If you’re looking to get your hands greasy with these ravishing snacks, there are many varieties to choose from around town. In honour of these appetisers, The Indus, a restaurant at the Opera Galleria, has introduced a month-long festival to satiate Muscat’s kebab connoisseurs. There will be no fewer than 18 varieties to choose from: 12 meat-based and six vegetarian options. These include baby grilled pomfret from the seafood kebabs, shikampur from the mutton selection or the tandoori aloo tuk from the vegetarian section. While the locals do have some absolute favourites, master chef Shaikh Arif Ahmed says kebabs are kebabs. “The locals prefer tandoori lobster, kakori kebab, shikampur, murgh anari tikka and a few vegetarian options also,” he says. “In fact, Omanis prefer to taste everything and love all types of kebabs. People also like the authentic taste of the Hyderabad and Lucknow kebabs.” But the chef says his personal favourite is none other than hara bhara kebab, a spinach-based veggie lover’s delight. Another great place for kebab tasting is the Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant. During their tikkas and beverage promotion, chef Pardeep Singh will be offering a variety of kebabs from their tandoori tikka specialties. Chef Singh’s personal favourite? He says it’s undoubtedly the fish tikka mumtaz. While kebabs are definitely a hit with your taste buds, they may not do you many favours when it comes to your mid-section. Just one serving of kebab piles on a whopping 200 calories. And if you’ve somehow managed to live under a rock and never sampled this perennial hunger stopper, now’s the time to join the growing number of kebab lovers around the world.
Recipes
Fish Tikka Mumtaz
- Chef Pardeep Singh
Ingredients: l 180 to 200g White fish fillet (cleaned, washed and cut into six equal pieces) For marinating: l 30g Feta cheese l 2 Tablespoons Olive oil l 1 Tablespoon Samak powder l Finely chopped garlic l Juice of one lemon l Salt and white pepper to taste. Method: Marinate the fish for 30 minutes, then skewer and cook in a hot charcoal tandoor for 10 to 12 minutes. Garnish and serve hot with mint yogurt dip.
Hara Bhara Kebab
- Chef Shaikh Arif Ahmed
Ingredients: l 1kg Baby spinach l 200g Green peas l 200g Clarified butter l 10g Cardamom powder l 35g Yellow chilli powder l 50g Roasted cashew nuts l Salt to taste Method: Saute spinach leaves and green peas in clarified butter (100g) until the water boils off. Wait until it cools down and then grind without water. After the paste is ready, roast in the clarified butter, yellow chilli powder, cardamom powder and salt to taste. Make round patties. Add roasted cashew nuts to the paste. Shallow fry without any clarified butter in the pan as the butter in the patty will suffice. Serve the patties with your favourite spicy chutney.
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food and drink
Trend
New Restaurant Info Box
Silk Route Chinese & Thai Cuisine Al Noor Plaza Building, Madinat Sultan Qaboos Timings: 12-3pm, 6.30pm-11pm Sat-Thurs; 1pm-3pm, 6.30pm-11pm Fridays Email: sales@silk-routeoman.com www.silk-routeoman.com Lunch for three RO24.7 (including drinks) Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals
The Perfect Route
Punctual service, happy staff and delicious food. Noor Hyder tries Muscat's most-loved Chinese restaurant
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s a long-time resident of Muscat, I have come to know Silk Route like a culinary Marco Polo. The Chinese restaurant opened in the early 1990s in Qurum, but made a move to the less-congested Madinat Qaboos some years ago. It’s now housed in the Al Noor Plaza building, which is unfortunately serviced by an annoyingly tiny parking area. On a lazy Friday afternoon, I was hit with serious Chinese food cravings – the sort that cannot be ignored. A salad was not going to cut it. I wanted noodles and I wanted them now. And so I dragged my dutiful parents to Silk Route. The restaurant was welcoming and cool, a refreshing change from outside. The waitress brought our menus and we started flipping through a compilation that promised both authentic Chinese and Thai food. There was a quiet buzz inside, with only three other tables filled in a restaurant that could easily seat 120. The smiling waitress brought us bowls of prawn crackers and pickled cabbage, which helped our cravings as we tried to make our choices. For starters, we decided to keep it short and sweet, with our eyes and
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stomachs on the mains. We ordered viscous liquid. The soup had just the drums of heaven and inquired the right balance of crab and corn, about the plaa tod, a spicy deepwas warm enough to qualify as fried pomfret fish. fresh but not too hot to gulp down. My dad was thoroughly In between mouthfuls, a waiter disappointed when the waitress plopped down small cups and filled informed us they did not have them with a Chinese tea to help any available that day, but to lift cleanse our palates. his mood, he ordered a crab and The drums of heaven arrived corn soup as a starter, which I halfway between our soups and enthusiastically claimed a share of. while it was garnished with For our mains we went for the unenthusiastic slices of cabbage crispy shredded beef, mixed and carrot, the aroma was noodles and mixed rice. enough to make us put VERDICT: Having previously down our spoons. It tried the chicken with wasn’t piping hot, but the 10 cashews, we asked taste was pleasing, with Great food and the waitress to help enough sauce to cover service make us decide between the for a brilliant the crispy outer layer and experience five spice chicken or compliment the softness of sweet and sour chicken. the inside. With her recommendation of Perhaps the best thing about the former, we closed our menus Silk Route is the staff. They kept a and focused on munching the subtle, watchful eye on us and were delicious prawn crackers, which amazingly alert. were accompanied by two rich As we polished off the sauces. Oh my, the chilli sauce drumsticks, our mains arrived, was amazing – a perfect blend of accompanied by fresh servings of tang and pepper, without being hot tea. overpowering. I heaped my plate with two Much to our delight, our soup glorious mounds of carbs, the arrived within 10 minutes and it noodles and the rice, and mirrored seemed the waitress had overheard them with two generous stacks of me as she brought our serving in beef and chicken. two bowls. The rice and noodles were Ignoring my father’s scowl, I cooked to perfection. Tender and dipped my spoon into the slightly soft, they acted as the perfect base
8.5
for the meats we were about to demolish. I was happy to see small pink shrimp nestled in the rice, which kept me from feeling I should have ordered a seafood main. The beef was to die for. Divinely crispy, but not difficult to chew, it was seasoned deliciously and, paired with the rice, simply had to be devoured. The five spice chicken looked slightly pale in comparison and sadly tasted a tad bland. While it was soft and well balanced by various vegetables, it tasted more like one spice and some salt. Luckily, the chilli sauce saved the day. A dollop provided the muchneeded ‘oomph’ to the chicken. We polished the beef off (there might even have been some animosity when we realised there were only a few pieces left), leaving some chicken and huge servings of rice and noodles. I asked for them to be packed – along with the chili sauce – and scheduled in a midnight snack. While we waited for the bill (not longer than two minutes), we leaned back in our chairs and let our happy tummies rest. Silk Route is thoroughly loved in Muscat for a reason – the authentic food, magnified by the attentive service, ensures you always leave sated knowing you’ll return soon.
HEALTH& BEAUTY
Health
Beauty
TOTALLY TROPICAL
Prepare to be taken to paradise this season with dresses, jumpsuits and tees that showcase everything from palm trees and parrots to pineapples and hibiscus. We especially love this punchy holiday piece from CaffĂŠ Swimwear.
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fashion
The tropical print on Carven’s beautifully crafted satin flats feels so right for spring. The soft pale-pink leather lining and elasticated slingback strap makes this pair perfect for long days on your feet. RO190
HOT & HAUTE Less ditsy, more graphic, the blooms to favour this season come straight from a heady tropical garden, says Penny Fray
Cut from flexible stretch-ponte, this fitted mini dress from Just Cavalli is printed with vibrant florals and has a daring cutout back. Balance the high hemline with flats. Available from Net-A-Porter for RO290
H
eavens! Is it getting hot in here, or is it just summer’s steamy prints sending temperatures soaring? Hothouse florals and tropical patterns are everywhere at the moment – from red carpets and runways to Muscat’s many malls. Of course, this trend started to gain pace the season before last, but this time the prints are a little more elegant and a lot more exotic. At Hermès, Rousseau’s landscapes punctuate looks while at Emporio Armani, water lilies look lovely on tailored designs. For a bit more punch, there’s always Marc Jacobs’ aloha shirt-style hibiscus prints or Givenchy’s botanical riot. If you haven’t got the hint yet – let me spell it out for you – this isn’t the time to wear nambypamby florals in pastel shades, but power prints and ‘look at me’ colour clashes. Eek! Of course, you can tone it down with muted shades à la Jason Wu or try the simple, grey palm-tree sweatshirts at No 21. After all, not everyone can carry off loud Hawaiian shirts or über-bright Bermuda shorts with aplomb. But saying that, there are certain designers who have always encouraged head-to-toe, just-the-right-side-of-flashy prints – Etro and Dolce & Gabbana to name just two. Working with classic shapes, they let the pattern take all the risk. In the mall, M&S does it best, leaving cheaper outlets to do the fun thing with pineapple bags and silly shades. Of course, if you are going to go all out with your tropical print, it is probably best to play it down on the accessories front. Taste is all about balance, after all.
This parrot tee from Zara is a piece of art. Wear with a pencil skirt or pair of tailored trousers for a more polished look. From RO6
Fun bags are all the rage this season. Tick off two trends in one with this bright pineapple bag from George. From RO5
Not afraid to take a trend to the edge of bad taste? Make a statement with these comic shades from George. From RO2.50
PUNCHY PETALS
Want to dip your toe into the tropical trend? Brighten things up with this cheery yellow polish from H&M. From RO2.5
Penny’s tips on carrying off this season’s tropical power print:
1. If you want to experiment with exotic prints, but need to err on the side of caution – go monochrome. 2. Keep it chic with tailoring. Think super-flattering pencil skirts with white tees and heels or statement pants with pool slides. 3. Love colour? A bright maxi dress needs to be balanced out with neutral accessories.
MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
033
HEALTH& BEAUTY
Health
Beauty
Fashion
DEEP TREATMENT Feeling stressed and in need of a firm hand? You’ll want the healing hands of a massage, says Annie Brown
W
ork is hectic, my social life is organised chaos and family commitments are demanding my time. Sound familiar? The fact is that modern living is becoming faster, more pressurised and generally more challenging if you are, like me, trying to juggle everything. This can take a physical toll. The body, under a deluge of stress and adrenaline-fuelled days, can grind to a halt. Don’t worry – help is at hand. To be exact, the healing hands of Hamad Aly, the spa manager at the recently opened new Zayna Spa at the Millennium Resort Mussanah. By the time I arrived at the resort, my body was in urgent need of attention. Hours hunched over a computer writing for a living had left me with more entanglements in my back than a sailor’s knot collection. My shoulder had pretty much frozen up in protest. There are lots of therapies from around the world at Zayna Spa, from massages to facials and reflexology, but the recommendation was for a deep tissue massage. The spa, which has 11 spacious treatment rooms, only uses 100 per cent organic products. There’s also a ladies-only pool and Jacuzzi, and a terrace overlooking the bright blue sea to relax on before or after your treatment. Hamad, the manager of Zayna, has previously worked for the Ritz Carlton chain and was brought in to head up an international team. He also speaks several languages. When not working, I like to exercise with running, cycling and spin classes up to three 034
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times a week. As well as my painful shoulder, my leg muscles are quite tight from all that use. With the background music of whale calls like a maritime lullaby, I lay back and let Hamad do all the work. Deep tissue is similar to Swedish massage but the deeper pressure is good for releasing chronic muscle tension. It can help with chronic aches and pains and conditions like a stiff neck, lower back pain or leg injuries. There are other benefits too, apparently. A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that people’s blood pressure fell after a 45-60 minute deep tissue massage. That’s not all. Other research by the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that massages like deep tissue reduce stress hormone levels and heart rate, while boosting mood and relaxation with the release of oxytocin and serotonin. As the whales begin to weave their spell and help me relax, Hamad was busy with his own magic on my back and shoulder. Muscle tension or injury can cause adhesions – bands of painful, rigid tissue – which can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore movement. There can be a little discomfort at times (it should subside within a day or so) but believe me, it’s worth it. By the time Hamad had finished with me, I was completely transformed. My shoulder felt looser and easier than it had for ages. And my legs felt ready to take on a marathon. In fact, I felt like a new woman ready to tackle anything life could throw at me.
What is it? Deep Tissue Massage (45 minutes) A more aggressive massage that targets deeper layers of muscle fibre by applying medium to firm pressure to the affected area, helping to treat chronic tension that can lead to painful conditions. This massage is also helpful for correcting biomechanical alignment in the body. RO25
Benefits? • • • • • •
Relieves stress Encourages relaxation Helps manage pain Improves flexibility and range of motion Relaxes muscles Lowers blood pressure
Also Try Classic Relaxation Massage (45 minutes) Anti-ageing massage that uses pressure from the fingertips to reach deep into tissues. RO25
Thai Massage (60 minutes) Based on a long history of therapeutic healing, the free flow of energy is released by engaging pressure points and stretching to unblock. RO30
Hot Stone Massage (60 minutes) Warm, soothing stones glide over the body with the help of specific aromatic oils. RO30 Zayna Spa Millennium Resort, Mussanah Tel: 26871555, Ext. 7618 Email: zayna.spa@ millenniumhotels.com www.millenniumhotels.com MRMMUSSANAH
Health
STYLE COUNSEL
BARBRA YOUNG ANSWERS YOUR FASHION QUESTIONS
Beauty
Fashion
Q.
Dear Barbra, I’ve just received a lovely neon and crystal necklace from my trendy niece for my birthday. It’s very ‘out there’ and I have no idea how I’m supposed to wear it. I’m not a big fan of costume jewellery or colour and only wear a few simple rings and a bit of pavé, but she’s visiting Muscat from Amsterdam next month and I’d like to wear her gift. I’m 43 and a little wary of bright colours. Mrs G – MQ.
A.
Barbra Young, a former designer and retailer
TREND BLING RING
Costume fads come and go, but diamonds will always be a girl’s best friend. Express your inner maximalist with an investment ring. This one is from Olivia Collings’ pearl collection, although Khimji’s has some amazing ones from some of the more luxurious jewellery houses such as Cartier.
CATWALK TO CLOSET
If you have any fashion questions for Barbra, email info@y-oman.com or tweet #style @ytabloid
Dear Mrs G, Lucky you. The necklace sounds divine and statement jewels are right on trend. I know it can be scary to face colour when you live in a monochrome world. Quite a few famous fashion designers suffer from the same complaint, namely Giorgio Armani and Michael Kors. These fabulous gents live their lives in a neutral world too. But every now and then they break out some colour – I suggest you do the same. You don’t mention which neon colours are in your necklace, so wear it with a plain-hued dress. Blue is a good compromise. Try this fabulous frock from Oscar de la Renta (right). Once you wear the necklace a few times and get lots of compliments on how stylish you look, I am sure you will start to experiment with wearing it in more creative ways. Have fun with your gift – and don’t worry about your real jewels matching your costume piece – they’re not supposed to!
Burberry
STREET STYLE Shine Opada Spotted At: Royal Opera House, Muscat Boden
Burberry Prorsum’s midi skirt, cut from English lace using a Victorian loom, nails this season’s obsession with lady-like pastels. The RO380 number is currently sold out on Net-a-Porter – but don’t worry as Boden, the yummy mummy’s mother ship, has a similar version for RO64. Available online.
Wearing: Dress, jacket by Autograph from Marks & Spencer, bag by Parfois, shoes by Charles & Keith.
MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
035
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Postcards from
CARS AND ADVENTURES
Indoors
Y- F i
Cars
Beautiful Bidbid
Hewn from local materials, one of the fort’s two towers has stood firm in the face of ancient enemies and modern visitors alike.
MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
037
CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES
D estination P o s t c a r d s f r o m
Y- F i
Indoors
Destination
Bidbid Fort A beautifully renovated stronghold and tranquil setting await those willing to travel just beyond the Sultanate’s capital, says Jerzy Wierzbicki
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Cars
of damp in the air and I gratefully noted the clouds blocking the worst of the punishing sun. In such a peaceful environment, it felt like I was in a kind of sanctuary. Although the world moves on, there are some places that never seem to change. Bidbid is one of them. It’s almost lost to time and the pace of life seems as though it’s remained as it is for millennia. With a slightly more subdued light than the usual glaring rays, conditions were great for photography, so I wasted little time in heading to the village’s fort. Two old cannons greet visitors as they approach the main entrance, making for some great shots. With its symmetrical square structure running to more than 30m each side, it’s an impressive piece of Omani heritage. But standing by its thick walls wasn’t enough – I was after another angle from which to approach the hulking subject. I clambered up a small hill nearby and installed a wide-angle lens on the camera. The equipment allowed me to peer over the walls and capture the significant complex of buildings and structures within. Here, visitors can find a well, a mosque and a falaj. Using the same lens also allowed me to capture an image of one of the fort’s huge, circular towers almost leaning over me. Bidbid Fort is a beautifully renovated example of Omani heritage. It was one of the first to be lovingly restored using local construction materials such as palm tree trunks, which are used to support parts of the fort’s roof. It took 14 months to restore and was eventually completed in 1988. And the work shows. The fort is an architectural gem in a tranquil setting to which I will return time and time again.
HOW TO GET THERE
travel guide
L
ocated just an hour from Muscat, Bidbid and its fort offer a fascinating insight into Oman’s culture and heritage. A stunning location that reveals a changing culture as you move away from the coast and into the interior, this old settlement in the Ad Dakhiliyah governorate is perfect for a day trip. Drive just 40km out of Muscat and those looking to explore the mountainous north of the country will find it littered with defensive structures, of which Bidbid is a beautiful example. I first visited this charming little town a few years ago during the winter and remember a fantastic soft light soaking the surroundings. It was early one weekend morning. A tranquil silence was blanketing the buildings, making it a perfect place to simply stop for a moment, take stock and appreciate being away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nothing stirred but the tops of the palm trees in the nearby plantations as their fronds rustled in the light breeze. A few weeks ago, I needed to get out of the city, but with temperatures over 40 degrees °C and strong winds buffeting the hills and wadis, I wasn’t sure that heading off on a long trip was the best idea. Fortunately, Bidbid made the ideal destination for such a day. After just 45 minutes of driving from the Sultanate’s capital, I was among the settlement’s swaying palm trees and near a neat, shallow falaj steering the water towards the green-topped giants. Nearby Wadi Fanjah is an idyllic picnic spot with abundant running water in the area, creating a swathe of cultivated land and other palm plantations. Although it was hot, the humidity was low. The wind whisked away any sense
You don’t need a 4x4 to get to Bidbid and its fort. From Muscat, simply take the main road to Nizwa along route 15. A few kilometres after the town of Fanjah, the turn
off to Bidbid is well wadi, where you’ll signposted. Take also find ample the exit, pass a Shell space for parking. petrol station and then continue on GPS location of into the village. The Bidbid fort is located at the 23°24’46.45”N end of the village, 58° 7’35.90”E near a wide stony
MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
039
CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES
D e s t i n at i o n
Postcards from
Y- F i
C a r s OUTDOORS
Up, up
and away Heather Duncan discovers the thrills and spills of parasailing, but realises that getting in the air is the easy part
I
’m flying 150m above the waves holding on to a harness for dear life as I experience the white-knuckle adrenaline high of parasailing above the sea off Qurum. I’ve truly got a seagull’s-eye view of the city and it’s more than worth the terror I experienced before I took to the air. But now here’s the tricky bit: How do I get down? Parasailing is the newest sport to hit the shores of Muscat courtesy of the new venture Go Fly Parasail Oman and the hype surrounding it is already huge. After years of trying to bring parasailing to Oman, the company has been granted approval to operate from the Ministry of Tourism and is now open for business. If you are not familiar with parasailing, the concept is pretty simple. It involves a boat motoring through the water with a passenger attached to an open parachute that cruises along in the wind as the rider rises up from the waves. Go Fly Parasail comes under the umbrella of the Euro Divers group, which is based at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, and is already a well-known name. A big perk of this activity is that you do not have to travel down to the marina. Instead, the boat will collect you right from the beach on the Qurum corniche, across from Japengo, giving it a real holiday vibe. We soon found out that booking the activity was the easy part, but getting the weather to cooperate was a little trickier. We arrived at the Qurum corniche as instructed and awaited the boat’s arrival. It was tantalisingly close, but we could see the craft struggling to get to the shore to collect us due to the crashing waves. After 20 minutes of trying, the captain phoned to tell us that it just wasn’t possible and tomorrow we shall try “inshallah”. A little disappointed, we headed home and hoped for a break in the weather for the next day – unfortunately, that didn’t happen. They say third time lucky and so the next day, we headed to the beach to try again. But once more, the boat could not make it to shore due to the high waves. The crew was trying their best, but we could 040
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see for ourselves that it just wasn’t possible. Keen to persevere and not reschedule for a fourth time, we eventually found a small break in the waves and the boat came as close to the shore as possible. Chest high in the water, we waded in so the boat didn’t run aground and the crew hauled us onboard. Our harnesses were secured by the well-trained crew, fresh from their certification courses in Dubai. I felt in safe hands, but last-minute nerves were kicking in and I was terrified at the thought of what I had signed up for. But there was little time for doubts – just as soon as the boat motored away, the wind caught the parachute and lifted me into the air. The wind lifted me higher and higher and I was soon 150m up. After a couple of minutes of flying, I felt confident enough to loosen my white-knuckle grip on the harness and relaxed a little. Other than the height above the water, the first thing I noticed was how peaceful and serene it felt to be cruising along like a bird. Along with the adrenaline of flying, it was a real treat to see such beautiful panoramic views of the city. I could spot landmarks such as the InterContinental hotel, the Amerat mountain road and far enough up the coast to The Wave, Muscat. Too soon, my time was up and I had to start my descent. Only then did I realise that getting into the air was the easy part – now I had to get down in one piece without screaming like a little girl. There is a large bullseye target painted on the landing deck of the boat that you aim for. Thankfully, the landing was a lot smoother than I had envisaged and the crew soon manoeuvred me back on to the target of the deck without any problems. Once safely back in the boat, I relaxed and felt an incredible sense of achievement. That’s one more thing to tick off the bucket list. The price per person is RO35, which I thought was quite expensive. But I would recommend it as something that everyone should try at least once. It is definitely a great activity to bring in the tourists as it ticks several boxes: adrenaline fuelled for the adventure lovers, a boat ride, beautiful aerial views of the city and a way to cool off in the summer with the wind and ocean spray. To avoid disappointment, be aware that the weather conditions have to be right or you may be rescheduled for the following day. But, as always, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you fancy soaring like a bird, then call +968 98194444 or email parasail-oman.com to book.
Fact Box ● Parasailing first became a popular recreational activity in the late 1960s. ● Ideal wind speed is 19-43kmh. ● Celebrity fans include Rihanna and Justin Bieber.
5 MINISEMINARS TOURISM Will the Oman tourism industry growth have an impact in your life and work? Would you like to increase your knowledge about the principles of tourism? Would you like to know more about the lessons learnt in tourism internationally? Introduced by Dr. Angelo Battaglia, Head of Tourism and Management Department and his team. Courses10 OMR per person. Open to all.
JUNE 17TH CULTURAL AWARENESS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE IN OMAN – TOURISM PERSPECTIVE Rehabilitation of ancient castles and forts, promoting cultural activities and traditional historic sites as the new dimension of cultural and creative life in Oman.
AUGUST 19TH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM Fostering the local entrepreneurship in tourism industries as the new way to increase the job opportunities, the business atmosphere and the prosperity in Oman.
OCTOBER 21ST BENEfITS Of SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Preserve and maintain the value of sustainability in the tourism environments: perspectives, reflections and new ideas among local communities, residents and tourists.
NOVEMBER 18TH WORLD Of EVENTS, THE GCC COUNTRIES AS THE 3RD LARGEST EVENT INDUSTRY DESTINATION Mega-projects and cities, events in CGG countries: the creative approach to boost local economies and regional networks in the globalizing world.
DECEMBER 16TH NIzWA – ARAB CULTURE CAPITAL 2015 Nizwa 2015 between tradition and innovation: the example of an Arab Culture Capital in the world Pre-register at www.otc.edu.om, payment by cash before seminar starts For more information please contact: Dr. Angelo Battaglia angelo.battaglia@otc.edu.om or Short Courses Department scd@otc.edu.om, Tel: (+968) 24512312. /OmanTourismCollegeOfficialPage
MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
041
CARS AND
INDOORS
Chris Friend recommends
Norfolk Island, Australia G
r e e t i n g s . I ’ m g u e s s i n g t h a t fo r m a n y o f y o u , N o r fo l k I s l a n d w i l l b e a n e w p l a c e t h a t h a s n ’ t b e e n o n y o u r r a d a r b e fo r e . L e t m e i n t r o d u c e i t t o y o u . I t ’ s a small island in the Pacific Ocean between Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia, about 1,412km directly east of the Australian mainland. Only a one-hour and 40-minute flight from Auckland and three hours from Sydney and Brisbane, the island boasts a sub-tropical climate and a growing reputation a s a d e s t i n a t i o n fo r s u r f i n g . I t r y t o g o t w i c e a y e a r a n d t h e l a s t t i m e , t h e w a v e s were amazing. With its rugged coastline pounded by heavy swells rolling up the T a s m a n S e a , N o r fo l k i s p r o b a b l y b e s t k n o w n a s a fo r m e r c o n v i c t s e tt l e m e n t . O n c e f e a r e d a s t h e h a r s h e s t p e n a l s e tt l e m e n t i n t h e w o r l d , i t w a s t h e f i n a l r e s t i n g place of some of Australia’s most-hardened convicts, hence its one-time moniker, “ H e l l i n P a r a d i s e ” . A f t e r t h e p r i s o n ’ s c l o s u r e , d e s c e n d a n t s o f t h e i n fa m o u s B o u n t y m u t i n e e r s - p a r t o f m y o w n h i s t o r y f r o m m y d a d ’ s s i d e o f t h e fa m i l y - s e tt l e d o n t h i s b e a u t i fu l i s l a n d , c o n t r i b u t i n g t o i t s c o l o u r fu l h i s t o r y a n d heritage. The prison ruins are still intact and the history of the island is well C H R IS F R IE N D preserved in a natural way. The island has a population of about 3,000. AND FELLOW One of the island’s residents is the novelist Colleen McCullough, whose SURFE R works include The Thorn Birds and the Masters of Rome series, as well as M o r g a n ’ s R u n , s e t , i n l a r g e p a r t , o n N o r fo l k I s l a n d . I t ’ s a l s o h o m e t o h o r d e s of resident cows, which have been granted freedom of the land to keep the grass freshly mown. T a l k i n g o f t h i n g s g r e e n , t h e N o r fo l k I s l a n d p i n e t r e e i s a s y m b o l o f t h e i s l a n d and appears on its flag (yes, it has its own pennant). The tree is also a key e x p o r t i n d u s t r y fo r t h e i s l a n d . T h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t l o c a l h o l i d a y i s B o u n t y D a y , celebrated on June 8 in memory of the arrival of the Pitcairn Islanders in 1 8 5 6 . N o r fo l k u s e s t h e A u s t r a l i a n d o l l a r a n d , e v e n b e tt e r , i s t a x f r e e - t h o u g h fo r s h o p p i n g , y o u w o n ’ t f i n d m e g a m a l l s h e r e . I s l a n d e r s u s e t h e i r o w n u n i q u e l a n g u a g e , k n o w n a s “ N o r fu k ” , a m i x t u r e o f L o w G e r m a n , 1 8 t h - c e n t u r y E n g l i s h and Tahitian. It’s this unspoilt air that keeps visitors like me coming back year a f t e r y e a r . T h e u n i q u e l a n d s c a p e s , t h e l a n g u a g e , t h e l a w n - m o w i n g c a tt l e , l o c a l h o s p i t a l i t y a n d t h e t a l l t a l e s o f c o n v i c t m e m o i r s a l l m a k e fo r a n u n fo r g e tt a b l e experience.
My favourite place
Slaughter Bay Lagoon, once the site of weekly prisoner hangings during its penal past, is now a draw for surfing dudes such as myself. Norfolk is open to swell from all angles, with consistent surf rolling in over the island’s volcanic rock and coral reefs. The long peeling walls provide plenty of challenges and, best of all, there are no crowds. The island’s incredible scenery, with its craggy cliff faces and prison ruins, is another bonus for surfers.
ND NO R FO LK IS LA
Highlights Emily Bay, where the outer reef provides shelter from the open ocean, is a great place for the kids to swim or snorkel and admire the coral. Crime is virtually non-existent on Norfolk. At night, take in one of the historical re-enactment shows of the Mutiny on the Bounty or try a murder mystery tour. Norfolk Island National Park includes forests and two smaller islands, Nepean Island and Phillip Island, where you can see the wildlife and flora. Visit the ruins of Kingston Vale prison and wander through the old cells for an atmospheric glimpse of the past. Horse sports are popular, too, as is golf, diving and canoeing. Lowlights
Don’t expect sophisticated shopping or a swinging nightlife. Burnt Pine, the main shopping centre, consists of a post office, surf shop, supermarket and cafes. That said, the quaintness is a nice antidote to fastpaced modern life.
Souvenirs
The island has developed quite an enclave of sculptors, painters, jewellery makers, textile weavers and photographers, all offering their vision of the surroundings, made from local materials. Go for a landscape painting for the office or home or a hand-woven tablecloth for special occasions. A vase decorated with ocean themes, a strand of beads cut from sea shells or a printed set of photographic postcards are just a few of the many Norfolk souvenirs you can find here.
Where to stay Getting around Norfolk is pretty straightforward and most travellers hire cars – there are only about 20 roads on Norfolk, so you won’t get lost. A good range of accommodation is available for all budgets and styles, from luxury cottages and lodges to apartments and motels. Air New Zealand flies from both Australia and New Zealand. 042
MAY 22 - 28 / ISSUE 321
SURFE RS CH ECK OU THE S T WELL
-FI
Postcards from
Cars
Indoors
Y-FI
Power Rangers
You don’t have to be near a plug socket to get some electro-juice on the go, say Tom Robertson and Matthew Herbst
THE TECH IN YOU
icharger If you’ve spent money on a stylish iPad or iPhone, then its likely you want your charger to look just as good. Mophie’s Juice Pack is a smart little number for the fashion-conscious tech brigade that will charge an iPod, iPhone and iPad on the go with its powerful 4000mAh battery. What’s more, six LED lights indicate how the charging is progressing. Not only is it tech savvy, but buy this red version and Mophie will donate five per cent of the profit to the global fund for helping to fight AIDS in Africa. From itechme.net for RO 31.
Packs a punch AC Apocalypse
EDITOR’S PICK
Broken down, kilometres from anywhere and faced with the end of the world, you’re probably going to want to make a last phone call or at least find out what happened in the last episode of Homeland. Thankfully Duracell has planned for just that eventuality with the Powerpack 600. Not only will it jump-start your knackered car to escape encroaching zombie hordes but it will provide enough juice for 35 mobile phone recharges, or 12 tablets. Handily it recharges from AC power sources in deserted cottages or on the road from a car’s DC cigarette lighter. www.amazon.com for RO 65.
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Go big or go home, someone once said to us. And it’s that very ethos that TeckNet has applied to its Power Bank USB External Battery Backup. This mobile phone charger is one for those who value power over pretty. Although TeckNet’s battery packs come in varying power outputs, from 3,000 mAh to 10,000 mAh, this U.K.-based company has knocked out a monster 15,000 mAh version that will charge up to two USB devices at superfast speeds to get you and your friend back up and running again. RO19.5 from amazon.com
less is more Photovoltaic technology is getting to the point where modern solar panels don’t need blazing sunshine to convert light into an electrical charge. That means you’ve got to be able to use them in all conditions come rain or shine. Joos have capitalised on this by producing the Joos Orange, which works in low light conditions and even in light rain. Its waterproof panel claims to charge three-and-a-half times faster than any other charging device in the same PRICE bracket and will even work when underwater. And if you don’t fancy braving the elements for a charge, you can always top it up from any USB source. This kind of clever costs RO57 from solarjoos.com
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FIND OUT WHAT’S HIP & HAPPENING IN GADGETS Wind-E It doesn’t all have to be about solar. Add a Rutland 504 e-Furl to your camping gear and you’ll also be able to power all your kit with just a bit of help from a good breeze. Better used in windy locales, the Rutland is lightweight and portable – but a bit of an investment: RO226 from marlec.co.uk
App of the week
Want to feel good about all the CO2 emissions you’re saving when using solar energy to recharge your devices? Then download the Onyx Solar Photovoltaix Estimation App. Enter the surface area and type of solar panel you’re using and it’ll tell you how much CO2 you’ve saved. You can even send emails with results to brag to your friends. Free for iOS and Android.
Logical tech
NEW!
Zero Sun Game
Forging ahead in the portable power systems and sustainable power market is Goal Zero. The company, founded in 2007, has developed a number of solar panels and power packs from the compact to the heavy duty for some true off-the-grid living. It produces everything from lightweight USB phone chargers to ultra-bright solar-powered lanterns. But new from the company is its heftiest product to date, appropriately named after the Abominable Snowman of Nepal. The Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator promises a truly remote wired lifestyle. Serious equipment, serious money – RO539 from goalzero.com
Remember those old solar-powered calculators? Well, Logitech has applied the same technology to its K750 Wireless Keyboard. That’s one less powered device you’ll have to worry about when travelling. With plug and play functionality (just plug in the wireless receiver into a USB port) and the ability to charge from both indoor and outdoor light, it’s one small but useful leap towards environmental sustainability. Around RO23.9 from Lulu.
Charge the Yeti 1250 by combining it with the Goal Zero boulder solar panels (optional extra) or by plugging into your cigarette lighter or wall socket. Charging times vary from 16–160 hours depending on the power source. Powerful enough to run everything from USBcharged devices through to fridges and televisions. Unlike conventional generators, there’s no noise or fumes. Comes with a full range of inputs and outputs, including two solar inputs and three AC outputs, three USB outputs and three DC outputs. FEB 27MAY – MAR 22 - 0528 // ISSUE ISSUE 309 321
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CARS AND ADVENTURES
D e s t i n at i o n
Postcards from
Indoors
Y- F i
C ars
Mazda2 Specifications
Specifications Engine: 1.5L four cylinders Horsepower: 113 Transmission: Four-speed automatic
car of the week The Mazda2 compact proves that good things can come in small packages, says Kate Ginn
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n a world of monster 4x4s and hulking big pick-ups, it’s easy to forget that not everyone wants to drive a vehicle that resembles a tank. Some of us prefer a more petite form of transport. Which is where the Mazda2 comes into play. It’s small, beautifully formed and fun to drive, making it a highly desirable alternative to the big boys on the road. The fact that it looks good too is a bonus. In fact, the Japanese boffins at Mazda have recently restyled and refined the baby of the range to give it a more dynamic and edgy appearance. The body has been shortened for a stocky, athletic finish. Don’t be deceived, though. This compact may be small in stature but it can more than look after itself on the mean streets of Muscat (or anywhere else in Oman for that matter). With a nippy 1.5-litre engine under the bonnet, it certainly won’t be intimidated by the SUV bully boys or supercharged racers. It’s light, too, slimmed down by 40kg in its body shell and chassis alone, making it nimble and more agile. The result is a car that accelerates and brakes more quickly, with improved handling and sensitivity. 046
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It all seems so effortless with the electronic power steering and gear changes that are smooth and precise. This slender shape is a bold move from Mazda. At a time when some of its car competitors are going heavier, Mazda has gone the other way, calling it their ‘gram strategy’ in the hope of standing out in the crowd. If the Mazda2 were personified, it would be a cool teenage boy not afraid to be different from his peers and confident in his own identity. For those who want a bit extra, you can go for the sports package with eye-catching alloy wheels and rear spoiler. Personally, I think it does itself justice without the need to pose. Mazda does have an impressive pedigree. It’s the only Japanese car company to win the prestigious World Car of the Year and the 2 model has been awarded the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP safety ratings. It’s a tough little car. The body shell is made from ultra-high tensile steel, giving driver reassurance and collision protection. There’s also up to six airbags – front, side and curtain – to make sure that all occupants are protected and stay snug and safe. The makeover continues inside with an updated instrument panel
with orange backlighting behind the trip computer and dials. It feels spacious with good visibility, making driving feel easy and comfortable. Mazda has also perfected the ergonomics of the seats and steering wheel. Though in my book, a steering wheel pretty much looks like any other. Still, it sounds impressive doesn’t it? Some models feature the stateof-the-art Mazda Navigation System with a 6.1-inch colour touch screen. You can fiddle with an all-in-one multimedia set up with integrated Bluetooth, auxiliary input and USB connectivity. There are all sorts of other features too. I won’t bore you with a long list, but it includes power windows and mirrors, and keyless entry (in some trims). Fuel economy is good (so no need to worry about that carbon footprint) and the tank can hold almost 43 litres – not bad for a shorty. Even better, the boys at Mazda Oman at Towell Auto Centre are offering some great deals at the moment if you want to snap up your own little 2. For just RO75 a month, you get free first-year insurance, registration and 50,000km services for three years. So perhaps it’s time to ditch that 4x4 and realise that while size does matter, sometimes small is best.
They say: ‘The trendiest compact’ We say: ‘Big features at a small price’
Check this out
Central locking (also available with keyless entry) Power windows and mirrors Auxiliary audio input Anti-lock braking system (ABS) Electronic Brake Force distribution (EBD) Up to six airbags 42.8-litre fuel tank capacity Electric windows