Y Magazine #346, November 27, 2014 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

JAN 9 – 15 • ISSUE 252 • WEEKLY

Flight of the Flamingos

OMAN’S PINK WONDERS Red Bull Kart Fight ARE YOU READY?

10 ON THE WAY?

News: TAX FOR EXPATRIATES

HEALTH: Deskercise REVIEW: Al Manjur

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

PLUS!

SWIM4LIFE SLOW FOOD

NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

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NOV 27 - DEC 03 / ISSUE 346 • WEEKLY

Join Y’s water safety campaign FIAT 500

IN THE SPOTLIGHT This camel has every reason to smile. This week it was revealed that the ships of the desert would get their very own magazine in Oman. Camel World Magazine will cover all things camel; let’s hope none of the animals featured get the hump…

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

CRUISING Going on a cruise is all the rage. Oman’s cruising industry is booming, growing by 9,900 per cent in a decade. Expect 450,000 tourists to sail into the Sultanate this season. Ship ahoy!

GOING DOWN

OUR PATIENCE We’re fed up with having to wait in long queues, while frustratingly sluggish shop assistants move in slow motion. Speed up people! Putting clothes in a bag and scanning a price tag is not rocket science.

THIS WEEK…

EDITOR’S

NOTE

Welcome to Y Magazine – your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has to offer.

Fast forward

eing an Australian and growing up a stone’s throw from the beach, I was used to being around water from a young age. I learnt to swim early on and took to it like, well, a duck to water. The sea was always the backdrop to my life, whether surfing, swimming or just splashing around in the shallows with my four brothers. Growing up, I swam competitively and my 11-year-old daughter, who was also taught to swim as a toddler, has inherited my dolphin-like love of the water. In my view, learning to swim wherever you live is a no brainer. But in a country like Oman, with its 1,700km of coastline stretching along the Arabian Sea, it’s an absolute necessity. Yet there aren’t any swimming lessons for children in public and many private schools in the Sultanate. Nor is there a single accessible public pool for youngsters to learn the skills that could save their lives. Every year, hundreds of children and adults die in waters around Oman, whether it’s in wadis, pools, wells or the sea. In 2011, 226 drowning cases were reported. According to the World Health Organization, drowning is a “neglected public health issue” that is “highly preventable”. Which is why we are today launching a campaign, Swim4Life, calling for swimming lessons to be mandatory in all schools and for every child to have access to a pool. Not every family can afford expensive swimming lessons and we don’t believe they should have to. Join us and together we could save lives.

Team Y went to the movie premiere of Penguins of Madagascar at VOX City Centre Muscat, went snorkeling with reef sharks and caught up on our favourite television shows.

Ways to get your Y fix Online: Visit y-oman.com for even more inspiration. Smart device: Catch up with Y on the go by scanning the QR code below

editor@y-oman.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Eihab Abutaha MANAGING EDITOR Felicity Glover DEPUTY EDITOR Kate Ginn

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst CONTRIBUTORS Matt Blackwell Adam Hurrell Jerzy Wierzbicki INTERN Deeba Hasan DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing & Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product. We’d love to hear your news and views. For editorial enquiries, please email info@y-oman.com Want to read Y on the go? Scan our digital issue here:

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. NOV 27 - DEC 03 / ISSUE 346

contents

NOV 27 - DEC 03 2014

06 Coffee With Deeba Khalid al Shabibi 08 Voice Of Oman Felicity Glover

20 In Deep Water Y’s Swim4Life Campaign 24 My Geely Win An iPad

This week

Your Oman

Feature

16 Movie Listings The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part I

26 Red Bull Kart Fight Get In On The Action

18 This Week Bookworm

10 News Taxes For Expats

Food and Drink

Cars and Adventures

28 Food Feature Slow Food

38 Destination Flamingos at Filim

30 Taste Test Al Manjur

40 Outdoors Tennis Triumph

Health and Beauty 32 Fashion The Big Sleep

42 Postcard From Crete 44 Y-Fi High-Tech Swimming

34 Health 46 Car of the Week Deskercise Fiat 500

NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE... ROAD TRIPPING / TRAFFIC SPECIAL / EXPENSIVE HOMES / HARLEY-DAVIDSON / FILM / FASHION / FOOD / Y-FI

CMY

This week Deeba Hasan sits down for coffee with Khalid al Shabibi, a cyclist who has just returned from a GCC cycle tour

isiting hospitals in countries across the region, Khalid al Shabibi witnessed first hand the devastation that road accidents can wreak on human life. His cycle tour around the six GCC countries on a bike decked in red, white and green was no mere publicity stunt. It was a huge undertaking having a very serious message behind it. Along the way, Khalid visited the victims and families affected by road accidents as part of his continuing attempts to spread the message of road and cycle safety throughout the region. “I was very happy to meet with the patients from different countries,” he says. “They were very grateful and were interested in knowing more about me – who I was and where I came from. “Many people ask me why I did this and I say it was not only for the love of cycling and to raise awareness about important safety issues, but also for the love of the country and the Sultan. I want to put Oman on the map and promote the Sultanate as a great tourist destination.” Khalid also hopes to highlight the fact that cycling is a great form of exercise and convince people to use bicycles on shorter journeys.

Before Khalid’s own journey began in Kuwait on November 2, he underwent four months of gruelling training, cycling every day for nearly two hours as well as going to the gym. A slight figure in person, you wonder how he managed such an arduous schedule but he clearly has stamina and a strong psyche to match. Khalid cycled 400km through his home country, distributing leaflets on road safety as he went, before arriving in Muscat in time for the National Day celebrations. There was an exhibition held in each country he visited, containing pictures of His Majesty the Sultan along with videos of his speeches and tours. In addition, there were brochures distributed that promoted Oman’s beauty and visitors were presented with simple gifts that reflected Oman’s heritage. What Khalid found most touching was the interaction he had with the inhabitants of the different countries he was visiting. “People were really happy that it was someone from their region taking part in such an initiative. Hearing their remarks really made me feel very proud about what I was doing.” This was not Khalid’s first time completing a cycle tour around the GCC though. He undertook a similar adventure in 2010 to mark the 40th National Day of Oman. However, this lacked the

exhibitions and special events of this latest trip. Khalid thinks that cycling is a very important exercise and he is concerned by the lack of cycling culture in Oman. “Our modern lifestyles mean that we don’t get much exercise and this is why it becomes really important that we take some time out from our schedules and cycle.” Although he does admit that Oman’s infrastructure needs to become more cycle friendly. Khalid travelled to villages all over Oman in 2011, 2012 and 2013, visiting schools and colleges in order to raise awareness about the benefits of cycling. In the future, Khalid plans to do more of such events and has the full support of his family, but needs financial backing to turn his dreams into reality. Apart from excelling in his full-time job at Shell Oman Marketing, Khalid’s ambition is to continue cycling and encourage more people – including his three month old son and two daughters, aged four and seven – to take part in his tours in order to help promote road safety and tourism in Oman.

Have you got a unique story to tell or do you know someone who has? Contact us to have coffee with Deeba and be featured in Y Magazine. Email: editor@y-oman.com Khalid al Shabibi

JULY NOV 2703 - - DEC 09 /03ISSUE / ISSUE 327 346

THE VOICE OF OMAN Felicity Glover on the perils of hunting for a new car

correspondence A REAL TREAT Dear Editor,

y search for a new car has lead to a proverbial dead end. Because I’m short on time, the all-important test-drives, research and schlepping from showroom to showroom to find the perfect car has been put on hold. I am so desperate to get rid of my expensive rental, a gas-guzzling Toyota Prado, that I am even dipping my toe into the occasionally dodgy waters known as Dubizzle.com in what little spare time I have. But after a recent encounter there, it’s safe to say that I’d rather spend my precious time getting a tooth pulled. One of my first serious attempts at contacting somebody on Dubizzle was a disaster, to say the least. They were advertising a Mercedes ML350 and it appeared to be a good deal. I sent them an SMS to see if the car was still for sale, but it bounced back. I called the number and it wouldn’t connect. So I did what anybody would do in the 21st century and emailed them via the ad. A couple of days later, I received what could be described as an intriguing reply. The owner, it seems, had moved back to Finland after a stint in Oman – along with his so-called car. Suffice to say, he spun me an interesting tale that involved working for companies that didn’t exist, but he was happy to send the car back to Muscat so I could test drive it – I just had to send the money first. It goes without saying that I declined, rather impolitely, and reported his ad to Dubizzle. In the meantime, I have downgraded my rental car to save money. But if you have a legit car for sale, then I just might be interested… if I can find the time.

NEXT WEEK: JANE JAFFER

I think the 44th National Day is a day we will all remember. This year it was very different with people rejoicing after His Majesty’s speech. There were jubilant celebrations everywhere, with the colours of white, green and red splashed all over Oman. It was a real treat for the eyes. Normally private sector offices, banks and hospitals celebrate in a rather subdued manner, but this year all were happy. God bless His Majesty and this country.

‪STUTI KUMAR‬‬‪ ‬‬

DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

“As Oman looks to develop in the future, should schools focus on nurturing artistic or scientific talent in our children?” PRANAV ASHAR‪ ‬‬‬‬‬

For the country to move forward, it needs both artistic and scientific talent. Hence, children should be exposed to all options, which helps them to make an informed decision about their life. This will help them lead a successful and a fulfilled life, which would in turn help the country progress.

WRITE TO US AND WIN A VOUCHER

Wishes, Dr Vijayalakshmi Shetty, Muscat

I think every child has a special talent and it can be artistic or scientific. Schools should serve as a platform for the child to discover their talent and then help them achieve a livelihood with that talent. By continuous motivation, every child can explore and improvise in the field they choose. Schools should therefore not be a place where only bookish knowledge is tested. It should be a place where kids find and build on their passions with the support of their teachers and seniors.

HELEN SAYERS Schools need to focus on educating the whole person. This includes developing artistic and scientific talent, as well as encouraging personal skills such as good communication and creative thinking, as well as social and cultural values that foster self-respect and a peaceful coexistence. ‪MERZIA VAJID‬‬‪ ‬‬

Neither schools nor parents should force a child to learn something that they think he or she should learn. The choice should be left to the child itself, but schools should play their part in steering the children in the right direction, providing the necessary guidelines so as to enable them to achieve their chosen goals.

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

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Today’s kids are so smart and inquisitive; we should encourage and motivate them. A balance is required in all aspects of life so it’s essential to nurture their talents – be it art or science – so they love what they are doing, rather than forcing them to do something until they are sick of it.

MANUEL MASCARDO

Let’s face it, the world outside the classroom is very competitive and we need to produce competitive graduates. One way is to start to nurture or tap the hidden talents of students. We need to assist the students to discover, cultivate and hone these artistic and scientific talents. Later on, they will not only become very competitive and productive people, but they will surely contribute meaningfully to the development of the country. Oman needs people who are creative, innovative, effective and efficient. With this nurturing in school, discipline and hard work will follow. Moreover, if we want our graduates to be future leaders, let’s also nurture them to be wide readers. As they say, “If you want to be a leader tomorrow, be a reader today”.

MOUZA HADRAMI

Both and equally.

SYED BOKHARI‪ ‬‬‬‬

Our future is in the hands of our children and they should be nurtured and motivated in the best possible latest technologies. Our future can be secured by preparing the new generation with the latest technologies, so that they can explore themselves in the best fields of life.

PIYUSH VORA‪ ‬‬‬‬

I feel schools should follow a balanced approach to ensure all round development and growth in children. From them will come many of our scientists, our artists and other professionals who have the potential for creating a better life for all of us and take Oman to great heights.

WWW.Y-OMAN.COM

for is denying the world a potential Da Vinci.

/YTABLOID

@YTABLOID

/YMAGAZINE

DR SANTHOSH was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine at Kims Oman Hospital

PRAGNYA MOHANTY‪

For all those students who are unable to understand their strengths and ability, school can motivate and guide them to choose the most suitable path for their life, which can be different from art and science too.

ZAHID SAEED GULL

The media is very much advanced and many children are both artists and science lovers from an early age. Oman will become more progressive in both fields with the new generation of schoolchildren.

JIGNESH PATEL

Children are the heart of this growing country and must gain both talents from school.

CHARISHMA GUPTA‪

The right balance of both artistic traits and scientific abilities has to be nurtured hand-in-hand for all the children of a nation. I think teachers from different schools should have a seminar to bring out the best ideas from the intelligentsia as to how this can be done in an organised and enriching manner.

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MONIKA KAUSHIK

I think that scientific nurturing is essential as the world is changing. In modern life we need to learn by doing. Artistic qualities come mostly from birth, but science is vast and the essential need of today.

AMRITA CHACHA

All the basics are learnt at school level and as Oman is a developing country, we definitely need to nurture our children in order to bring out the best in them.

DAWN YOUNG

Leonardo Da Vinci was both an incredible artist and a talented inventor, whose observations of the world around him are well documented in his numerous sketchbooks, that still impress us to this day for both their artistic and scientific brilliance. Every child is different and to deny them the opportunity to shine in which ever discipline they are born

New Debate:

“The government is facing a budget deficit. How do you propose the gap can be closed up?” Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

MOH No. 68/2014

NOV 27 - DEC 03 / ISSUE 346

YOUR

OMAN

NEWS

TAXING TIME FOR EXPATS

xpat workers could face a tax on any money sent home under sweeping changes proposed to claw back an RO2.5 billion budget deficit. Workers send billions of rials from Oman to different countries every year. A tax of 2 per cent on remittances could bring in as much as RO60 million, according to the Majlis al Shura this week. The Majlis voted to approve the tax plan on Sunday (November 23), although some members opposed it. A customs levy has been proposed and public expenses could also be cut, with a promotion and hiring freeze on government jobs and the public sector. The budget deficit, against an expenditure of RO15 billion, is due to a drop in oil prices. “The approval to tax expatriate remittances is one of several steps proposed to overcome the budget deficit, which the Sultanate will face while adjusting the oil price,” Tawfiq al Lawati,

IT’S A WINNER! Y readers got into the National Day mood with our patriotic competition to celebrate the big 44. We asked you to send us your best National Day photos from around Oman and you responded in your droves.

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a Shura member who took part in the meeting told a local newspaper. Around 1.9 million expatriates would be hit by the tax. Such a move would be deeply unpopular and has already met with mixed reactions, with claims it could lead to a black market in money transfers. Some have suggested that the tax should include a minimum salary requirement so that poorly paid workers are exempt. “A low-paid worker will not be able to bear the taxed amount,” agreed Mr al Lawati, speaking to a Muscat newspaper. “He will pass it on to the sponsor. So, eventually the sponsor or nationals have to bear the amount. It will result in direct tax.” A report by the Central Bank of Oman in July this year revealed that RO3.5 billion was sent out of Oman last year, an increase from RO3.1 billion in 2012.

From children draped in national colours and culinary treats, to a bus convoy organised by Nizwa University, the spirit of the occasion was captured perfectly. Picking just one winner was an incredibly hard decision, but in the end Kuldeep Bhatt edged it with this wonderful image of the vibrant atmosphere on the Qurum beach road on November 18. Congratulations Kuldeep, you win lunch for two in Mokha Café at the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel. Thanks and well done to everyone who took part.

Gallery

Interview

NEWS

BRAKES TO BE PUT ON QUADS T

hey are more suited to roaring up sand dunes or across uneven terrains off-road and far away from built up areas. But quad bikes are also a common sight tearing along roads and around residential areas in Muscat, much to the annoyance of other drivers and people living in the surrounding neighbourhood. Now it appears that it could be the end of the road for the menace. Muscat Municipality has this week suggested a complete ban on driving quad bikes on roads and highways, proposing a fine for anyone violating the restriction. Unlicensed shops renting out quad bikes illegally will also be banned. Developing the Bawshar sand dunes area, a popular haunt for quad bikers and off-roaders, is also under discussion. Officials want to see a designated and safe place for quad bikers to enjoy their hobby without endangering themselves or other people. Concerns about the safety of quad bikes – which can reach speeds of up to 76kph in more powerful models – have been raised in the Sultanate before. In June this year, a 16-year-old boy died after an accident while dune bashing on a quad bike with friends in Bawshar. He wasn’t wearing a helmet, which led to calls for a review of safety measures at rental shops. Wearing a helmet can decrease the risk of injuries by more than 70 per cent, according to safety campaigners. To drive a quad bike on a public road in other countries such as the UK, drivers must be registered and have a special licence and insurance.

MUSCAT FESTIVAL RETURNS

he Muscat Festival, a staple on the city’s entertainment calendar, is due to return on January 15, 2015 and it’s promised to be bigger and even better than ever with a number of never-seenbefore events. The festival will run for three weeks before closing on February 14, after which it will embark on a tour of the Sultanate. According to sources at the Muscat Municipality, the festival is due to take place across three locations – Amerat Park, Naseem Gardens and Azaiba beach. In preparation for the event, the two parks will be closed from December 1, while work for the festivities gets underway. New activities are planned for 2015, with an increased number of cultural events. The source disclosed that wonderfully titled activities such as Telly Match, Dinosaur village and Ice village will be staged, alongside poetry sessions, lectures and workshops. The Muscat Fashion Week, last held in 2013, is not expected to be revived, however. Despite being an apparent success, the event did not feature in this year’s festivities.

Serious doubts about the future of Muscat Festival were raised earlier this year, with speculations suggesting that it would not be held in 2015. The festival has been running since 1988 and attracted 1.6 million visitors in 2013. Several people have expressed the desire for the budget to be reduced for some events, as not all activities planned had brought in the

necessary return on investment in recent years. The need for events that would work towards promoting the Sultanate has also been discussed at meetings. In order to ease the burden of work on Muscat Municipality staff, opportunities of temporary employment for young people may be available in the build up to the festival. NOV 27 - DEC 03 / ISSUE 346

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YOUR

OMAN Bite Sized OUR WEEKLY SLOT TAKES A LIGHTHEARTED LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK. BRITISH MOON PROJECT

The Brits are going to the moon? Sort of. A group of British scientists are planning a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a British attempt at landing a lunar module on the Moon. Why would they do that? The plan is to land a module on the Moon that will drill deep below the surface to discover more about the rock and geology of the Moon itself. The plan is also to bury a time capsule of digital DNA details of the people who contributed funds to the project, alongside a history of the earth. How long will it take them to raise the funds? This is the most ambitious crowd-funded project ever announced. It is likely to take at least a decade to raise all the funds the scientists require. They’re going to need RO362,000 to get the project going, but they will need a further RO181,000,000 to actually get it off the ground and into space. Anyone can donate funds to the project, as part of the crowd-fund initiative. What is the project called? The project will be called Lunar Mission One and it is hoped that by 2024 a craft will have been designed, built and ready to launch. Why is this mission important? This mission is important for a number of reasons, both scientific and economic, but as Jim al Khalili, Professor of Physics, University of Surrey says, “There is still so much about the Moon that we do not understand; we feel we know it when we look up into the night sky, but I think after this mission we will look at the Moon in a very different light.” Don’t say: It will never get off the ground. Do say: To infinity and beyond!

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Gallery

Interview

NEWS

WANT A FACELIFT? GET A BANK LOAN

t’s not usually the reason why you would visit a bank manager requesting a loan. Asking for cash to help towards a new car perhaps, but certainly not to pay for plastic surgery or a gym membership. But that’s exactly what Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, is offering to its female customers. The bank announced this week that it was launching a unique health and beauty finance scheme as part of continuing efforts to promote specialised banking services for women. Touted as being designed for “modern health and beauty conscious women”, the bank will offer short-term loans up to RO25,000 for Zeinah customers who want to undergo plastic surgery, skin and dental treatment, or even join a health and fitness club. In order to be eligible, bank customers will need to earn a minimum salary of RO500 each month. Anyone who takes out one of the health and beauty loans can also look forward to special offers and discounts from health and beauty centres. “Offering banking excellence, Bank Muscat enriches women’s life at different levels,” says Amjad Hassan al Lawati, head of products and services. “Oman is witnessing the increased role of women in workplace and education. The need for new and specific banking products and services has emerged.” Whether men will be able to look forward to similar loans in the future remains to be seen.

A WEEK IN PICTURES

HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND

US defense secretary, Chuck Hagel, resigns after months of pressure. The recent accouncement is the first major change to President Barack Obama’s Cabinet since the mid-term elections

British racing driver Lewis Hamilton becomes the F1 Champion for the second time after clinching a dramatic victory in the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

A Suicide attack at a volleyball game in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Paktika kills 57 after a bomb packed with ball bearings ripped through spectators enjoying the final moments of the match

Facebook announces its new Facebook at Work, a career social network, that will launch in January. Companies will need to sign up to the service before their employees can use it

2014

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COLLEGE FUN

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POOLSIDE LUNCH

THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OMAN CHAPTER HOSTED A FAMILY FUN DAY AT THE SIDE OF THE GOLDEN TULIP POOL LAST WEEKEND, WITH CHILDREN’S GAMES AND FUN FOR EVERYONE

EARLIER THIS WEEK, THE STUDENTS OF MAJAN COLLEGE, IN RUWI HELD AN OPEN DAY THAT FEATURED A SERIES OF EVENTS, INCLUDING MUSIC AND A TUG-OF-WAR TO NAME JUST A FEW. THIS YEAR’S PROCEEDINGS WERE THEMED AROUND THE COUNTRY’S 44TH NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS

MOVIES MOVIES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.com Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641

Life After Beth

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part I Harry Potter did it, Twilight did it and now The Hunger Games has gone down the same path. The one thing each of these film franchises based on immensely popular young adult fiction have in common is that they all split the final book into two parts. And it’s really annoying. That aside though, fans of the series will not be disappointed. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) awakes in District 13, fresh from her extraction from the Third Quarter Quell and grows – somewhat reluctantly to begin with – to fully embrace the persona of the Mockingjay; the one who will unite the Districts and lead them in rebellion against the Capitol.

Somewhat inevitably, the film suffers from a sense of padding, as large amounts of time are spent underground with the rebels biding their time, planning how to best bring President Snow’s tyrannical reign to an end, when in reality, they could be out there actually doing it. Of course if you’re up to speed with the previous films or have read the books, Mockingjay – Part I is a must-see. For everyone else, though, director Francis Lawrence (no relation to Jennifer) doesn’t spoon-feed and a great deal of prior knowledge is assumed, so it’s probably best to start at the beginning. Review by Matt Blackwell

PRE VI EW

ANNIE The Broadway musical is being brought into the 21st century, starring Quvenzhané Wallis in the title role alongside Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz. Annie is an orphan living in New York City under the cruelty of Miss Hannigan (Diaz). Mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Foxx) decides to take Annie in as a PR stunt and the two end up forming an unlikely bond.

IN W O T E C N HA C R U O Y B A GR ETS K C I T A M E IN TWO CITY C

The latest addition to the relatively new genre of rom-zom-coms, Life After Beth tells the story of Zach Orfman (Dane DeHaan) and his recently deceased girlfriend, Beth Slocum (Aubrey Plaza). Much to his confusion but overwhelming delight, Zach finds that Beth has miraculously come back to life and the two fall back into their old routine.

Set in the aftermath of the Second Sudanese Civil War that raged from 1983 to 2005, The Good Lie follows a trio of Sudanese refugees who are chosen for resettlement in America. Charity worker Carrie Davis (Reese Witherspoon) is on hand to help them find employment, although the three men find that putting their old lives behind them isn’t as easy as first thought. Based on true events, the film delivers its message without preaching, offering heart, hope and lighthearted moments in equal measures.

HAPPY ENDING

Yudi (Saif Ali Khan) is a commitment-phobic writer who got lucky with the success of a novel and hasn’t produced anything since. Caught between finding love and finding inspiration, he is approached by a fading film star (Govinda), who asks him to pen a Bollywood script in Hollywood style.

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NOV 27 - DEC 03 / ISSUE 346

The Good Lie

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The only noticeable difference is that Beth’s pyshical appearance begins to deteriorate as her hunger for flesh increases. Writer-director Jeff Baena delivers his feature debut with a deadpan humour, keeping everything just on the right side of believable.

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THIS WEEKS QUESTION

When was the Second Sudanese Civil War? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Pranav Ashar

THIS

WEEK NOV

If you missed it last year, here’s your chance to experience the magic of the pipe organ in all its glory. This one-off concert at the Royal Opera House Muscat features the pipe organ with international instrumental soloists, chorus and the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra. Starts at 7.30pm, with tickets priced from RO5. Book at www.rohmuscat.org.om

Dec 06

The Women’s Guild in Oman (WGO) is inviting you to join the launch of their new book club from 7.30pm at Gloria Jean’s, The Wave, Muscat. The book title choice is between Daughter by Jane Shemilt, The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer and The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, with the final decision to be confirmed by email vote. After the launch, the book club will be held on the first Tuesday of every month. To register, email aysheismail@gmail.com

Dec 04

Dec 02

Bookworm

Pipe Up

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

DEC

If you have fancy footwork and work in the aviation industry you’ll want to be part of the first seven-a-side footie tournament in Oman. The C Watch Aviation Cup 2014 will put players from airlines and aircraft sectors against each other for the first time. Registration ends on December 1. Catch the action from 10am at the Oman Football Association Field on December 6. Email cwatch.team@yahoo.com, cwatchteam.wix. com/cwatch or call Ali +968 9531 7361 or Issa +968 9961 0700.

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Movies

festival

TIME

FROM

NOV 2O

There’s still seve Winter Wonde n weeks to go in SABCO Cen planned for visitrland promotion. All sorts of tre’s will be joining inors up until January 15 next activities are year the fun, so head the cool celebrat down to be a pa. Shops io n. rt of E xp ect lots of festiv singing from T e fu 5pm-7pm and he Muscat Singers on Decemn with carol December 3, 10an appearance from Santa C ber 3 from laus on and 17 from 5p m-7pm.

Make a difference and get some exercise at the same time by taking part in the Beat Diabetes 2km walk. Supported by the Ministry of Health, the event aims to raise awareness about the disease, which is reaching epidemic levels in Oman. Last year, more than 8,000 people took up the challenge. The walk starts at 8am in Qurum Natural Park and is open to all ages. Free t-shirt and cap at registration from 7am onwards. Register now at all Centrepoint, Home Centre, Max and E-max stores in Oman or online at www. beatdiabetes.me

December

TRULY SOUTH

AFRICAN

Get into the festive spirit early with your first Christmas lunch of the year at the National Hospitality Institute. Booking is for public groups and office staff, so round up some friends or work colleagues. Available from Sunday-Thursday, 1pm-3pm. Prices are RO6 per person for three courses and tea/ coffee with mince pies. Minimum booking of eight people or RO48 per table. Contact 2481 6313 for bookings or go to www.nhioman.com

Find out the secrets of South African cuisine with a five-day food festival at Safari Rooftop Grill at the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel. In charge of the kitchen will be head chef Matt, who will be travelling from the renowned Coobs restaurant in Johannesburg. Expect boerewors, steak and other delights. Joining the fun on the opening night will be master bartender Denzel Heath, who will dazzle guests at the hotel’s John Barry Bar until December 4. Check the Grand Hyatt’s social media pages for regular updates – Facebook. com/GrandHyattMuscat, Twitter.com/ GrandHyattMCT and follow @grandhyattmuscat on Instagram.

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Grub’s Up From November

Walk for Health

Dec 05

Gallery

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Lend y JOIN US: Swim our voice t Post y 4Life camp o Y’s Face our comm aign. tweet book.com/ ents on yta us @ editor ytabloid obloid, @y-om re an.commail

IN DEEP

WATER

We’re surrounded by water but have no public swimming pools or compulsory school lessons to teach kids to swim. The result is that drowning continues to kill in Oman. With a new global report on the problem released, Y is launching a campaign to get the Sultanate to swim for life. Matt Blackwell, Deeba Hasan and Kate Ginn report

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I remember the blurred vision and just kicking my arms and legs in the hope of getting out of the water. Nothing worked. “I remember swallowing so much pool water and everything was a hazy blue as far as I could see. I thought I was going to drown, I thought I was gone.” This happened to Y writer Deeba Hasan when she was 10 years old whilst on a school trip to a now defunct water park in Seeb. Despite not knowing how to swim – many of her classmates didn’t either – the party of youngsters were taken for a picnic at Aqua Park by teachers from their school. Deeba got into difficulty in the middle of the deep end while unsupervised. She’s only here to tell the tale because a lifeguard on duty at the water park leapt in and saved her. Deeba was one of the lucky ones. According to a global report released last week by the World Health Organization (WHO), every hour more than 40 people lose their lives to drowning. More than 370,000 people drown each year, with those under five years old at greatest risk. Like Deeba, a large majority of the victims in Oman cannot swim and have never had any formal swimming lessons, an oversight that is hard to fathom in a country with 1,700km of coastline. In its report, the first Global report on drowning: preventing a leading killer, the WHO calls drowning a “neglected public health issue” that is “highly preventable” with the right measures in place. This is why today Y launches our campaign Swim4Life, calling for an end to the needless deaths of our children and adults each year. The figures sadly speak for themselves. On average, 1.4 people per 100,000 drown each year in Oman. Other GCC countries had similar rates – 1.2 in Qatar, 0.6 in Kuwait and 1.9 in Bahrain – but Oman was among the highest. Of these, the victims are more likely to be children. Almost seven out of 100,000 boys aged between one and four in Oman will die from drowning each year, it was revealed in the WHO report. In the same age group, almost three girls will die. Teenage boys are also at risk, with four out of every 100,000 losing their lives in the water. These figures were from 2010 – the only data available to WHO researchers – meaning the reality may be even bleaker now. Oman has one of the worst death rates for drowning in the GCC, second only to Saudi Arabia and Yemen, according to WHO rankings. And yet there are no public swimming pools in Oman and pupils in government schools do not receive lessons in how to swim as part of the curriculum. “Most kids there that day didn’t know how to swim simply because our school had no pool or any compulsory swimming lessons,” says Deeba, speaking of her experience. “I had been to swimming pools before, but only the baby pool and had not taken any lessons prior to this incident, so I knew practically nothing about saving myself.” A few months later, Deeba’s parents took a family membership at the Al Falaj Hotel and she learnt to swim in the pool there. The WHO report highlights that potential dangers include flash flooding; a considerable problem in Oman during the winter months, when rain can turn wadis into seething masses of water, able to carry heavy 4x4s away as if they were feathers. Treacherous tides can turn the sea into a merciless killer too. In October this year, three children and an adult died after being caught in an underwater swirl at Yiti beach, swept away in front of another child who only survived after being rescued by an Omani fisherman. A month earlier, three brothers drowned, the youngest aged seven, after getting in trouble in the sea at Saham. A lack of public swimming pools forces families to head to public beaches for a swim and children are often left without adult supervision. There have been calls by parents to introduce swimming courses in schools as part of the curriculum. In August last year, Y reported how an initiative called Teach Oman to Swim (Swim Oman), offering free swimming lessons to children and adults from local families who could not afford the cost, had to be scrapped after permission from the authorities wasn’t granted. While there are some schools that offer swimming lessons, many other students struggle and are forced to turn to hotels, health clubs or private residencies that are equipped with swimming pools. But with private swimming lessons costing up to RO55 for 12 classes, it’s a price that is beyond the reach of many families. The price for not having lessons could be ever higher though. As one story highlights, it could easily be a matter of life or death. Mahmood al Zadjali, a second year student at the Higher College of Technology in Oman, is a self- taught swimmer and has been swimming ever since he was nine years old. Last year he saved a friend from drowning in a wadi.

I REMEMBER THE BLURRED VISION AND JUST KICKING MY ARMS AND LEGS IN THE HOPE OF GETTING OUT OF THE WATER. NOTHING WORKED. I REMEMBER SWALLOWING SO MUCH POOL WATER AND EVERYTHING WAS A HAZY BLUE AS FAR AS I COULD SEE. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DROWN, I THOUGHT I WAS GONE “It was a normal day at Wadi Shab. We were walking through and I remember my friends laughing loudly behind me when suddenly everyone fell silent. I looked back and saw one of my friends in the water struggling to come up,” Mahmood tells Y. “I jumped in and tried to reach my hand out to him. When I felt his fingers, I clutched them really tight and pulled him up. The next thing I knew, we were both on the ground struggling to breath.” Educating people to be lifesavers as well as swimmers is also key to reducing deaths in the water. Contrary to popular belief, when a child drowns it is not a noisy event. Often their head will simply slip under and the next thing you’ll see will be a floating lifeless body. Young children can drown in water as shallow as 5cm. Less than a few minutes of immersion can cause death or irreversible brain damage. Preventative steps are vital, but experts are in agreement that simply teaching people how to swim could make the biggest difference. This is something that expats Stuart Martin and Tegan Randall are determined to help with. Stuart worked as a freelance dive instructor for four years in the UAE before opening a dive centre in Dubai in 2012. He moved to Oman earlier this year to set up Lua Lua Diving and Adventure with his business partner Tegan Randall. In addition to running scuba diving trips, the pair have also established a PADI Swim School, offering a complete learn to swim programme for those aged six months right up to adults. The response to their Swim School programme has been phenomenal in Muscat, from both Omanis and expats. “We’re solidly booked out,” says Stuart. “We’ve teach kids four days a week and there’s now a waiting list. The feedback we’ve been getting from NOV 27 – DEC 03 / ISSUE 346

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Global figures from WHO

parents has been very positive and most of them have gone on to say that they would like to learn how to swim themselves. We’ve started with kids, moved on to female only classes and will eventually open up to adult men as well.” Headlines are often dominated by incidents of drowning that take place over public holidays in particular. Both Stuart and Tegan agree that this is not a problem specific to Oman and talk of similar occurrences during their time in the UAE. In many of the tragic drowning cases that have occurred in Oman in recent months, the complication has come when a friend or family member has entered the water in an attempt to rescue the individual in peril. But not being strong swimmers themselves, problems soon arise. “It doesn’t take much for a child, or anyone, to be swept out in a rip current,”

THESE KIDS WERE BETWEEN 10 AND 12 AND THEY HAD NO IDEA THAT CONTACTING THE EMERGENCY SERVICES WAS AN OPTION Stuart explains. “In Oman particularly, the beach is where all the wadis come out and you get very strong currents. It’s just a case of general unawareness.” This sense of unawareness extends to how to react in the event of an emergency for many, according to Tegan. “When I was going over some basic safety rules with a new group the other day, I asked the kids what they would do in an emergency at home. Many said ‘call my mum’ and if she wasn’t there, ‘call her mobile.’ These kids were between 10 and 12 and they had no idea that contacting the emergency services was an option.” The pair also believe that many people are unaware of the strength of the ocean. Even when the surface appears flat, there can be strong currents underneath. “Everyone has had that scary moment when the current is stronger than you expected and if you’re a weak or non-swimmer, you can get into trouble very quickly. There’s so much beach space in Oman, but hardly any of it is being watched by lifeguards,” says Tegan. Decisive steps need to be taken in order to reduce the amount of drownings in Oman. Both Stuart and Tegan are instructor trainers, meaning they are qualified to train other people as swim instructors, and would like to see a more visible lifeguard presence on some of the Sultanate’s more popular beaches. “It’s not just about putting lifeguards on beaches though, it’s about making sure their training is up to standard all the time,” explains Stuart, who also thinks that a governmental information campaign should be launched, including increased signage on beaches and mandatory swimming lessons in schools. The time to act is now. The World Health Organization calls drowning a “hidden childhood killer” and one that could be stopped. “Action must be taken by national and local governments to put in place the simple preventive measures articulated by us,” says WHO director-general Dr Margaret Chan. “This is a needless loss of life.” 022

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NOV 27 – DEC 03 / ISSUE 346

023

My Geely W

e’ve almost reached the end of the road with our Geely journey as our competition draws to a close. But it could be just the beginning of the adventure for you. There are Geely cars out there just waiting to be driven out of the showroom and onto the open highways to explore Oman, both on and off road. There’s a model for everyone as well, from a student buying his or her first car (perhaps the cute GC2 Panda), a young family seeking safety and reliability (the Emgrand 7 or 8 sedan should do the trick) or those seeking to get off the beaten track (The Emgrand X7 SUV will get you there in style). Choose from a 1.5 litre engine right up to a meaty 2.4 litre. Geely, designed and manufactured in China, has established a reputation for quality, affordability and durability, with a good safety record too. All Geely models are designed and made in line with European safety standards with a five-star China – New Car Assessment Program (C-NAP) rating across all cars.

Its global fanbase is growing and Oman is part of the action. Towell Auto Centre, the sole distributor of Geely Emgrand in the Sultanate, is helping to spread the love here. For our competition, we’ve been asking Geely fans and owners to ask and answer questions about the brand. This week we print four more of the best Q&As received from you. * To keep up with the latest deals and information from Geely Emgrand, search for Geely Emgrand Oman on Facebook, or follow @GeelyOman on Twitter.

Geely Gossip No one has more fun making up car names than Geely. One small four-door hatchback (the MK) was called the “King Kong” after the jungle beast.

Top Geelys Which members of our Geely gang have won the two iPads up for grabs? Find out in next week’s Y (Dec 4) when we reveal the lucky ones in the final Geely installment.

Want One? Whatever you want from a car, Geely will have the answer for you. The full range in

Oman is the GC2 (Panda), a hot hatch with heart and a 1.5L engine, the trendy GX2 crossover with flashy colours, the suave Emgrand 7 sedan with 1.8L engine, its bigger brother the 2.4L Emgrand 8 and the Emgrand X7, the first SUV to receive a five-star rating in the China – New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) test. 024

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It’s your last chance to join the Geely gang, the coolest in town, and win an iPad

What is your experience with Geely cars? Do you recommend me to buy one? P.S. I’m a university student that needs a good car to move. From Sam al Maskary

What features would attract an Omani to buy a Geely vehicle? From Sulaiman Qassabi

I drive the Geely Emgrand 8. It surely is a very special car. Here’s what I love about it. The interior is elegant and restrained, the ride is smooth as silk, the fuel efficiency is brilliant, the materials inside feel good to the touch. The car is spacious and there’s, quite simply, a sense of occasion, both inside and out. I could go on. Everything about this car does it for me. Answered by Nasser Nassrullah

As a lady driver, I find it difficult to park a car properly, especially in cramped spaces. Which features ensure safe and convenient parking in a Geely? From Aarti Vats

The moment I sat in a Geely for the first time, I was amazed by how comfortable the ride quality was. I was even happier to discover that I had enough room legroom to make a first class airline passenger go green with envy! Another facet of this car I noticed was the sheer attention to detail inside – all the materials seemed nice to the touch and were beautifully made, like the kind you’d find in an expensive Cadillac or Infiniti. Bang for your buck is what this car offers. Answered by Sayed al Busaidi

I heard that Geely Emgrand offer a good family sedan. Can you enlighten me about its safety and convenience features, keeping in mind a child on board? What are the unique selling points? From Jonitha D’Cruz

I have a Geely Emgrand EC7 2015. Parking is no problem at all The Emgrand 7 has all the safety features that high end as I have a reversing sensor, which lets me know when objects are luxury cars have, including airbags, child lock and seat belts getting close. It makes parking easy, so no need to worry with this car. I am for all rear passengers. If you use them wisely, the car does the job very happy with my Emgrand; it really is a great car. for you. All in all, it is a very modern and cost effective car. Answered by Leo Lobramonte Answered by Shakir Dadarkar

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025

Racing addicts start your engines. Red Bull is on the hunt to find the fastest amateur go-kart drivers in the world and will be coming to the Sultanate next month What is it?

The Red Bull Kart Fight is a global competition to find the world’s best amateur go-kart driver. All those taking part will drive the same karts in qualifying and the 20 fastest drivers from 20 nations will then battle it out in a world final under the scrutiny of the media and Red Bull’s motor sport athletes.

What next?

The top drivers from qualifying will then go forward to compete in the national final on Friday, December 12 at 5pm. The winner of this will go on to represent Oman in the world final, which will take place in Austria’s Red Bull Ring in February 2015.

Has it happened before?

The Kart Fight has been running for several years, but this is the first time the search has been extended to Oman.

How do I get involved?

If you’re over 16 years of age, all you have to do is head down to the Oman Automobile Association to get some practice laps in before putting your skills to the test against the clock in the preliminary qualifying rounds. Qualifying is open until December 9.

Did you know?

● Michael Schumacher, the most successful racing driver of all time, once said “I learned everything I know about racing from my karting days.” ● The first go-kart was built by Art Ingels in 1956 and was made from scrap parts, with a two stroke engine. ● The recently crowned F1 champion, Lewis Hamilton, began racing go-karts at the age of eight.

How do I find out more?

Log on to www.redbull. com/kartfightoman for further details.

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FOOD AND DRINK

TAKE IT SLOW

As an antidote to a fast life, the Slow Food movement is all about learning to love our food once more.

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Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

TREND New Restaurant

News

SNAIL’S

PACE

Forget fast food, Slow Food is the future. Deeba Hasan talks to the nutritionist trying to bring the movement to the Sultanate

ext time you bite into a burger, stop and think for a second. Where did it come from? Not the shop from which you bought it, but the actual meat itself. Oman-based nutritionist Samira Rengert has made it her mission to change our eating habits, preserve regional cuisine and traditional farming methods, all to ensure we can answer this question without hesitation. In her view, modern life should be about Slow Food, not fast. “In an era of many health risks due to our unhealthy diets and many unnecessary stress factors, people are beginning to return to their roots and lead slower, healthier lives,” Samira says. Carlo Petrini introduced the Slow Food movement in Italy back in 1989 to counter fast food culture. Over the years, the message has spread to more than 150 countries amid growing concerns over the rise of fast food outlets and the disappearance of traditional gastronomic delights. It’s a global, grassroots organisation that believes everyone has the right to access good, clean and fair food. Central to Slow Food’s philosophy is the firm belief that by understanding where our food comes from, how it was produced and by whom, adults and children can learn how to combine pleasure and responsibility in daily choices and appreciate the cultural and social importance of food. “Consuming foods in their original form is often the best way for our bodies to extract the energy and nutrients they contain. However, many modern diets are based on processed foods and this, combined with other lifestyle factors, can result in unwanted health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases,”

says Samira. “The Slow Food movement as a whole is an attempt to educate people of these ill effects in the hope of encouraging widespread use of organic produce.” The Slow Food movement is already present in several countries across the region, including Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE and Samira is trying her hardest to bring it to Oman. “Slow Food is already present in Oman in the form of traditional farming, but our job is to document everything and preserve it for future generations. We need to create awareness when it comes to eating locally produced foods and supporting the farmers.” As a nutritionist specialising in children’s nutrition, Samira feels that food education should be a key part of a child’s upbringing, both at school and at home. One of the things that the Slow Food movement does is to connect young people through a youth network to raise awareness. It also looks to preserve endangered foods through biodiversity projects and defends animal welfare, in addition to a number of activities organised by members in their own local groups. Slow Food celebrates its anniversary on December 10. The event is marked with the Terra Madre Day, used to celebrate the local food of member nations. Samira plans to mark the occasion by bringing together a collection of Omani family recipes, in collaboration with the Oman Tourism College. The intention of president and founder of Slow Food, Carlo Petrini, is to unite the pleasure of food with responsibility and sustainability with nature and there is no reason that Slow Food cannot work in Oman, just as it has done in other parts of the world.

Slow Food Diet ● The ideal breakfast would be an organic egg, ideally

from a backyard chicken coop, along with Omani honey or dates with fresh laban. ● A typical lunch would be maleh – salted fish cooked in lemon water and served with khubz rakhal and a rocca salad on the side. Light and very healthy. ● For an Omani dinner, try traditional bread with dal, cooked vegetables and maybe some grilled chicken if available.

Maleh soup Maleh is an Omani dish made of tuna or other types of fish preserved in sea salt. It’s available in fish markets in large barrels, but you can also make your own. Ingredients § 1 large piece of tuna § 1 large onion § Juice of 1 lemon § Green chili Preparation method

● Rinse the fish under running water and place in a pot with water. Bring to the boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. ● Discard the water and remove the skin from the fish. Peel and cut the onion into large pieces. ● Place the fish and onion pieces in a pot with fresh water and bring to the boil. Let it simmer for some time until the fish is soft; add the lemon juice and a few pieces of green chili. ● Let it simmer for a few more minutes and serve.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Midket r Ma

Info Box

AL MANJUR

Cave Muscat, Darsait, Muscat Telephone: 2465 1465 Opening Hours: 12 noon-1am Dinner for two with drinks including taxes: RO31

A TASTY VIEW

Verdict : 8 / 10 Service 7 / 10 Food 7 / 10 Ambience Good food – even better views Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

EVERYTHING TASTES BETTER WHEN YOUR VIEW IS SPECTACULAR, BUT SOME DON’T NEED TOO MUCH OF A HELPING HAND, FINDS KATE GINN

t’s true that surroundings can make or break a meal. There’s no point being served Michelin-quality food in an environment that leaves you feeling as cold as a bowl of gazpacho. Equally, average cuisine can sometimes be lifted to greater heights by pleasant surroundings. Al Manjur in The Cave, the multi-restaurant complex on the edge of Muscat, does pretty well on both scores, having decent food with a vista that makes you want to savour every second. It’s been five months since this landmark culinary complex opened its doors to the gourmands of Oman and, through a combination of too much work and laziness, I’ve only just made it down there to eat. My first thought is that the sprawling threefloor 50,000sqm craggy rock edifice looks like something from the set of The Flintstones. I almost expected Fred and Wilma to scamper round the corner at any moment yelling “Yabba-Dabba Doo”. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not that it isn’t dramatic. It is, but I can’t shake off the notion that it’s man-made and not really hewn out of history, carved from the surrounding hills. We visited for lunch, so perhaps the effect was lost on us. It’s probably much more atmospheric in the dark with the strategically placed lights casting shadows on the looming rock. As it was, we arrived just after 3pm to find that most of the restaurants had shut up shop until the evening. The friendly receptionist had mentioned Clouds, the Lebanese-Mediterranean eatery with an enviable location at the top and the best view in the house, but after climbing the stairs, we discovered it was empty and closed. Thankfully Al Manjur, the Omani restaurant, was open for business, albeit with very few customers. Still, it was late for lunch and too early for dinner.

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THE SPRAWLING THREEFLOOR 50,000SQM CRAGGY ROCK EDIFICE LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING FROM THE SET OF THE FLINTSTONES. I ALMOST EXPECTED FRED AND WILMA TO SCAMPER ROUND THE CORNER AT ANY MOMENT YELLING “YABBADABBA DOO”. We opted to go out on the terrace and enjoy the panorama of glowing red-brown hills and slither of sea glinting in the distance, with the drone of traffic heading to and from Muttrah. The efficient young Omani waiter quickly came and took our orders for drinks, fresh green apple juice and pineapple for my dining companion. From the small list of starters, which included baby shark spring roll (not for me), we opted for the fish coatless. Cooked with potatoes, eggs, breadcrumbs and flour, the golden brown oval shapes were perfectly cooked and seasoned.

As the sun began to slip away, we settled back to make the most of the view before it was lost to us. My one bugbear was the music playing from speakers on the terrace. Soft background tunes are fine, but when it’s blaring out too loud, it spoils what is otherwise a relaxed lunch. We didn’t have to wait long for the main courses to materialise, by which point a few other diners had appeared out on the terrace. Without consultation, we had both gone for the lamb; the shuwa with kabuli rice for me and the kalya for my companion. The authentic shuwa was perfect, moist and beautifully tender, if a little too spicy for my palate. Thankfully, a side of cooling yoghurt and cucumber calmed down the taste buds, although I did run out of this very quickly and the requested top-up arrived with only a mouthful or two of the meal to go. Across the table, the kalya – pieces of mutton, lamb livers and kidneys cooked in a thick broth with spices – was also being devoured without complaint. We shared the well-cooked, plump kabuli rice, feasting until our stomachs hurt. The sweet young waiter kept popping back to make sure all was well, as indeed it was. Bursting full, there was no room to accommodate pudding, although I was almost tempted by the khabeesa (a sort of cream wheat dessert). In the end, it was tea, Omani coffee and halwa. The halwa never actually materialised, but ready to leave anyway, we didn’t bother to make a fuss. Al Manjur didn’t blow me away, but it certainly got marks for effort. A nice touch was the solicitous restaurant manager coming up at the end to check all was fine with our experience. It was, but overall this is somewhere that leaves you wanting more of the view rather than the food.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

NIGHT & DAY

All day PJ wearing is one of the perks of the festive period. But don’t just keep them for the bedroom. Add a pair of statement shoes to a gently tailored two-piece like this one from TU and hey presto – you have the perfect party outfit.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

THE BIG

Cut for a relaxed fluid fit and finished with contrasting handmade piping and mother-of-pearl buttons, Olivia von Halle’s luxury pyjamas are the chicest way to unwind after a long day. RO199 from Net-a-Porter

SLEEP

Too good for bed? Add a jacket and wear this Lipsy slip for a festive soiree. From RO21

We’ll happily take to the sofa in any of these luxury pieces, says Penny Fray

ou can’t beat a good pair of PJs. Not only Bella Freud’s 1970 candle has will they get you through some tough a subtle alchemy of rich saffron deadlines and several slices of calorific with a base of frankincense and cake, they’re also a good accompaniment myrrh – it’s a favourite of mine. to vintage episodes of Sex In The City. Besides, they’re RO22 from Net-a-Porter the surprise fashion hit of the season. Famous fans include Rihanna, Rita Ora, Kate Moss, and Russell Brand. No wonder sleepwear sales are currently soaring. And thanks to the designer support of Stella McCartney and Louis Vuitton, pyjamas, now commonly referred to as loungewear, have made the transition into daywear. There was a time when I couldn’t wait to get home from meetings and dive into fleecy numbers, compete with bunny print. Not only were they super comfortable after a day strapped into a suit, they were also wonderfully warm. Admittedly, they weren’t very chic, but when a frenemy suggested that I looked down-market in them, I took action. Cue a trip to a well-known department store to buy a luxe monochrome number in the finest noir silk. It was eyewateringly expensive, but made me feel like a 1930s aristocrat. Besides, it doubled up as posh party-wear thanks to a pair of sparkly stilettos. The moral of this tale? Don’t skimp on your loungewear. Indulge in cashmere, silk and if the occasion merits – marabou feathers. Go on, you’re worth it. Bedtime

Olivia von Halle’s matching robe is crafted from silksatin. Cinch your silhouette with the contrasting white waist tie. RO337 from Net-a-Porter

Cuddle up to this Helen Moore hot water bottle for RO27 from Amara.com

can’t come soon enough when there’s a pair of these heavenly bed socks waiting to keep off the evening chill. Made for The White Company by Johnstons of Elgin, these super soft socks are a real treat for your feet. From RO21

PILLOW TALK

How to transform your sleep wear into street wear:

1. A tailored jacket and a pair of heels will add definition to your silhouette. 2. For best results, stick to silk or cotton fabrics. 3. Never be tempted to try a onesie – not even in an ironic way.

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Beauty

Deskercise W

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❸ DESK PRESS UPS:

Here’s Sean’s short training plan, enabling you to work out at work:

Exactly the same as a normal push up, only instead of getting down on the floor you put your hands on the desk, a bit wider than shoulder width apart. Lower your body towards the desk and back up. This works the chest muscles and the upper arms and is useful for general upper body strength. It helps with all sorts of things from changing the water cooler at home to pushing the trolley in the supermarket.

❶ CORE BREATHING:

❹ TRAPEZIUS MUSCLE STRETCH:

As we spend more time at our desks, exercising can be tricky. Adam Hurrell spoke to personal trainer Sean Blake to find out how we can keep fit at work hether it’s at work, in our cars or at home, we spend hours sat down each day. It’s not healthy, but with our lives increasingly dictated by work, how are we supposed to find the time to fit in our daily dose of exercise? Y enlisted the help of Sean Blake, a personal trainer based in Muscat, who designed a simple office exercise programme you can easily do at your desk. “People who have a sedentary job tend to burn far fewer calories during their day as opposed to those who are up and about,” explains Sean. “This has all sorts of horrible side effects on your health. Not doing enough exercise is a key contributor to being overweight and this can lead to heart diseases and diabetes to name just two examples.” One of the most important things, according to Sean, is to get some cardiovascular exercise in throughout the day. This doesn’t necessarily mean going for a run or cycling or swimming, it can be achieved simply through making better choices. “Try taking the stairs instead of the lift when at work or in the shopping mall,” he says. “Another good one is to do the shopping yourself, rather than having your domestic help do it for you. And when you do the shopping, you can leave your trolley at the top of the aisle, get the things you need and bring them back. All these extra steps count towards making sure you’ve done a bit more exercise.”

HEALTH F a s h i o n

Take a big breath in and then when you exhale, suck your belly button in towards your spine. If you put your hand on your belly button it can help your brain associate which part of the body you’re trying to move. The sharper the exhale, the more effective the exercise. This is a good one as it works the core muscles, particularly the transverse abdominis, which is really useful in maintaining good posture.

❷ SQUATS:

Getting up and down from your chair, without using your hands for support, is pretty much a perfect squat. This is a great exercise for the abs, back and thigh muscles. Again the core is involved, but it also works your legs. This means that taking the stairs will become easier! Try getting up and down at least thirty times a day.

Not an exercise as such, but a stretch. A lot of people who have desk jobs find that their upper trapezius (the muscles just below the neck in between the shoulders), tend to ache a lot and can get uncomfortable and tight. There are two ways to stretch them. One is to squat down with your hands placed on your desk, look down at the floor and lean back. The other is to simply interlock your hands and push them away from you at shoulder height while simultaneously leaning your head backwards. Hold for between 10-20 seconds and repeat three times.

➎ LEG RAISES:

Being in a seated position all day can make your hip flexors, the muscles responsible for raising your upper leg, tight and weak. This can lead to all sorts of posture problems, so to work these muscles you can sit at your desk and raise one of your legs up and down, try to do 15 at a time without touching the floor. Keeping the leg straight throughout this process is essential. Sean Blake is a personal trainer who is based in Muscat. He can be contacted at seanblake90@hotmail. co.uk and on +968 96162036.

GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Yiti • Sifawy Boutique Hotel Qantab • Al Bustan Palace Hotel • Marina Bander AL Rowdha • Oman Dive Club • Shangri La - Barr Al Jissah Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • Khimji Mart • Lulu Hypermarket • National Hospitality Institute • Shell MBD • Bank Dhofar • Moore Stephens • NBO • Oman Oil Ahlain • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Centre pointSplash • Copper Chimney • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Muscat • Muscat • Bait al Baranda • Bait al Zubair • Diwan • Shell Darsait • Cave Restaurant • Indian Social Club • Khimji Mart • KIMS Hospital • Lulu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell AL Falaj/Rex Road • Al Falaj Hotel • Badar Al Sama • Golden Oryx Restaurant • Kamat Restaurant

•

Toshiba Showroom RUWI • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Watches - Showroom • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • OTE • Sarwana Bhawan • Swaroski Hamriya • Apollo Medical Centre Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best cars • BLS • Ford • GM (Chevrolet) • Hatat House • Honda • Hyundai • Kia • Lexus • National Travel & Tourism • Passage to India • SABCO Group • Shell • Subaru • Suzuki • Toyota Qurum • Al Araimi Complex • Balance Gym • Bank Nizwa • BMW showroom • Burger King • Capital Store • Chili’s • Crowne Plaza • Finland Eye Center • Fun Zone • Gloria Jean’s Coffee • Jungle Restaurant • Left Bank • McDonald’s • Mercedes Benz • Mumtaz Mahal • Nandoos • Nissan • Oman Oil Ahlain • Pizza Hut • Qurum Commercial Complex (Old CCC) • SABCO Centre • Second Cup • Starbucks • Tché Tché coffee

shop The Sultan centre (TSC) PDO • PDO • Oman Oil Head Office • PDO • Ras Al Hamra Club Royal Opera House • Indus Restaurant • More Café Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Carribou Coffee • Darcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Laser Center • Intercontinental Hotel • Jawaharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks Sarooj • Al Fair S/M • Al Masa Mall • Al Shatti Cinema (Dunkin Donuts) • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclinic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell MQ • Al Fair S/M • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • Darcy’s Kitchen • Emirates Airlines • Hana Slimming Centre • Kargeen Café • KFC • Mackenzies • Mood Café • Oman Oil Ahlain • Papa John’s • Pizza Hut • Saharz Beauty Saloon • Starbucks • TBWA Zeenah Al Khuwair • Badar Al Sama • Bait Al Reem • Bait Al Reem - Coffee Shop • Café Vergnano •

•

Centre pointSplash • Diplomatic Club • Friendi Mobile • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Grand Hyatt Muscat (Saloon) • Gulf College • Harley Davidson • HSBC (Old OIB) • KFC • Khimji Mart • Khimji’s Watches - Showroom • KM Trading • Landmark Group • McDonald’s • Ministry of Information • Muscat Bakery • Mustafa Sultan Enterprises • Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Ahlain • Oman United Insurance • OMRAN • Pizza Hut • Radison Blu • Shell • TGI fridays • The Kebab Factory • The Tikka Place • VLCC • Zahara Travel • Zakher Shopping Mall MGM • Carribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s Coffee • Just Falafel • Nawras • Paul Patisserie • Tim Hortons Bousher • College for Banking & Financial Studies • Costa Coffee • Crepe Café • Dolphin Village • Modern College Of Business Studies • Moka & More Café • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital - Emergency • Muscat Private Hospital - Outpatient

•

Oman Medical College • Stationery Hut Ghubra • Al Hayat Polyclinic • Al Maya Hypermarket • Aster Hospital • Bank of Beirut • GMC • Lulu Hypermarket • Oman Oil Ahlain • Park Inn • Porsche • The Chedi Ghala • National Mineral Water • TAISM Azaiba • Al Fair S/M • Al Maha • Al Meera H/M • Audi • Bentely • Brand Oman • Carribou Coffee • Costa Coffee • Golden Tulip • Infinity Service Station • Jaguar • Jeep • Land Rover • Mazda • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Ahlain • Peugeot • Seven Seas Complex • Shell • Skoda • The Sultan centre (TSC) • Towell • Volks Wagon • Volvo • Yamaha • Zubair Automotive (Sayarati) Al Murtafaa • Bank Muscat • DHL • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf Club • Oman Air Mawaleh • Chili’s • Costa Coffee • Makkan Café • Noodle House • Starbucks • Starcare Hospital • Tim Hortons

• VLCC Hail • Al Mouj Golf Club • Amouage - Oman Perfumery LLC • Bait al Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College • Costa Coffee • Markaz Al Bahja • McDonald’s • Oman Football Association • Oman Sail • Shakespere & Co. • The Wave H.O. Rusayl • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -1 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -2 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -3 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • SQU - Diplomatic Club • SQU - College of Commerce • SQU - Students Banking Area • SQU -Hospital • Waljat College Seeb • McDonald’s • SABCO Media Al Khoud • Badar Al Sama • Al Fair S/M • Pizza Hut Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • Lulu Hypermarket Sawadi • Sawadi Beach Resort Massnaah • Millennium Hotel Sohar • Centre pointSplash • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Market • Nawras • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port • Sohar University Nizwa • Nizwa University

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Postcards from

Outdoors

Y- F i

Cars

CARS AND ADVENTURES

TAKE FLIGHT

The beach at Filim attracts flamingos and a whole host of other bird life who use the warm waters and lagoons to feed.

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D E S T I N AT I O N P o s t c a r d s f r o m

Y- F i

Outdoors

Destination

FLAMINGOS AT FILIM THIS WEEK, WE HEAD BACK IN TIME TO JANUARY 2012 TO CHECK OUT THE COLOURFUL CREATURES THAT CALL THE BEACH AT FILIM HOME 038

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Cars

Oman due to the total and infinite emptiness, although locations like this are very difficult for photography. Near the peninsula is a small fishing village called Filim and when the tide is out, lots of birds come to feed here. There’s a shallow bay filled with bushes and green grass that is the perfect place for many species of birds, including greater flamingos. “Before this trip, I researched how to take the best wildlife photography and I discovered that you not only require the correct equipment, you also need a lot of knowledge about the animals. I’d brought only one camera with me, complete with two lenses – a telephoto AF Nikkor 300/2.8 with a 1.6 focal extender, and a wide angle for landscape images. “I reached Filim at night and early the next morning I moved quietly to the shore where I saw a small group of flamingos feeding. I attached my telephoto lens, put my camera on a small tripod and started taking photographs. It can be very easy to frighten the flamingos, making it

extremely difficult to approach these birds. “My 300mm lens didn’t seem to be enough for good photographs, so I had to use an extender, which increased the lens to 460mm. With this equipment I was able to take better pictures from my position while remaining hidden from the birds. “I wore dark clothes and sat between two rocks, waiting for the moment when the flamingos would appear in the viewfinder. I took less than 100 images and soon decided to check a different location. “In the afternoon I found a group of several greater flamingos bathing in a lagoon. I approached the group of birds very slowly and all the time was ready to take pictures. Moving slowly, I didn’t frighten them and was able to get within 100m of the birds. Suddenly though, something startled them and they flew out of the water; it was a decisive moment and I managed to get eight photographs. Everything I did that morning ultimately came down to those few seconds.”

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

ver the past few weeks, we’ve been looking at former Y photographer Jerzy Wierzbicki’s back catalogue of trips around the country, selecting some of his best as part of our retrospective series. This week, it’s the brightly coloured flamingos that can be found on the shores around the little fishing village of Filim. Here’s Jerzy’s take on them: “Natural life photography needs one important thing – patience. Often, photographers have to spend long hours and sometimes days just to catch one good shot. You have to remain covered in camouflage or under a special shelter to ensure you’re not visible to the animals. “For most of the year in Oman, the weather and light conditions are too strong for long photography sessions, especially outside, making winter the best time for watching and capturing the country’s natural life. A few weeks ago, I went to the Bar al Hikman peninsula, the place where the sky meets with flat desert. “It’s one of my favourite places in

From Muscat, take road 15 to Bidbid and then take road 23 until it splits to road 27. Stay on this road until Sinaw, where you should join road 32. Approximately 190km down this road there will be a left turn for Filim. A 4x4 is not compulsory for this trip as there is a blacktop road.

GPS location of Filim village: 20°34’21”N 58°04’39”E

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

Adam Hurrell rediscovers his love of the game as he takes to the court under the guidance of Pro Tennis Oman

s a child and teenager, I was a regular at my local tennis club. Saturday mornings were occupied with lessons, group classes and matches with friends. We played on grass and hard courts, all in preparation for the annual summer tournament. One knee operation later, however, and tennis was sadly off the cards for me. Having not played properly since the age of 15, a lesson with Andrew Razvan, head tennis coach at Pro Tennis Oman was a potentially tall order. You see Andrew is the former Romanian number one seed. Any nerves were soon put at ease as Andrew was welcoming and tailored the lesson to suit my ability perfectly. He explained that footwork and agility were just as important as actually hitting the ball. “There’s no point having the technical skill to hit the ball if you can’t get to it first.” 040

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As the game of tennis has progressed over the years, the physical requirements have dramatically changed. The ability to serve with power and speed have come to play a more dominant role, Andrew explained to us. This aspect was something that Andrew struggled with as the difference between playing as a junior and an adult pro is vast. Between the ages of 15 and 17, the physical ability of the player often determines whether they can progress further within the sport and not having the tall physique often seen in top players such as Novak Djokovic, the pro game was tantilisingly out of reach for Andrew. But this setback has not dampened his enthusiasm. “I still love the game,” he says. “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out the way that I wanted, but I still have a passion for tennis. I play every day of my life and wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The 29-year-old coach is now on a mission to raise the profile of tennis in Oman, pushing others to succeed as he searches for a future star. He talked us through how to hit the ball and why it was so important to swing the racket through the body and avoid jerky movements. Controlling the ball is about smooth body movements, especially in the shoulders and the wrist action, he told us. From the basics, we moved on to playing points from the baseline. Andrew is an excellent coach and a real credit to the Pro Tennis Oman academy, which he co-owns with his business partner. In under an hour he had me and my colleague, Kate, returning balls with accuracy and confidence. As the lesson progressed, we did too, with fewer balls leaving the court in wild directions. We were soon playing a tag-team type

Postcards from

game, taking it in turns to return a shot initially played by Andrew. This game emphasised Andrew’s point about dexterity and movement when playing tennis. We were forced to really move around the court, making pre-emptive decisions about where the ball would be coming from and how best to play it back. Our rather lacklustre fitness levels were seriously highlighted here and after our 60-minute lesson, both Kate and myself were feeling rather out of breath. Omani tennis does have one leading light; Fatma al Nabhani, the 23-year-old female professional who has won four singles and four doubles titles on the International Tennis Federation tour to date. Andrew and the seven coaches that work with him are keen to promote tennis at a grassroots level, creating future professionals to join Fatma on the world circuit. “Tennis is growing in Oman,” said Andrew. “When I first began [coaching in Oman] three years ago, it was only for an hour. Now I teach up to seven hours a day and every year we bring more coaches in. We are getting more Omanis playing and we are talking to the Oman Tennis Federation about possible programmes.” They also have a session at The International School of Choueifat in Muscat every Saturday with about 80 children taking part. Overall, roughly 150 children and 100 adults attend lessons held by the academy. Andrew is also involved in coaching youth players in national and international tournaments and works with children and adults from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Over the weekend of November 20-21, Pro Tennis Oman held a successful junior tournament at the Golden Tulip Seeb. In total, 80 players took part and it was a great opportunity for the academy to show off the fruits of its coaching and showcase the burgeoning talent within its ranks. Andrew has been playing tennis since a very young age and for him it’s not only a job, but also a way of life. His passion and enthusiasm for the sport is infectious and it certainly sowed the seed in my mind about possibly getting back into tennis. It’s funny how we forget how much we enjoy things in life until we try them again.

Y- F i

C a r s OUTDOORS

● Pro Tennis Oman offers group and individual tennis coaching lessons. They teach everyone from beginners to elite players and also offer competition and tournament support ● They operate on courts at The Crowne Plaza Hotel Muscat, Golden Tulip Seeb, The Desalination Plant, Al Sarooj, Sultan Qaboos University and the International School of Choueifat ● 1-hour individual lessons: RO15 (with head coach Andrew Razvan) ● 1-hour group lessons: RO5 ● Contact: protennisoman@yahoo.com Mob: +968 97608960 / +968 97608572 ● www.protennisoman.com or search for “Pro Tennis Oman” on Facebook

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

SPLASH OF COLOUR

Crete is a vibrant island where the traditional white washed villas and cobbled streets are doused with beautiful colour.

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1. Visit Knossos Palace 2. Take a trip around Heraklionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s old town 3. Explore the beaches 4. Visit the town of Archanes 5. Endulge in some spa treatments

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Outdoors

Y-Fi

Cars

POSTCARDS FROM

Matt Blackwell recommends

CRETE O

v e r t h e c e n t u r i e s , f o u r d i ff e r e n t e m p i r e s h a v e r u l e d Crete and all have left their mark, giving the most populous Greek island something of a unique flavour. The Mediterranean diet is said to promote long life and v i t a l i t y , w h i l e t h e C r e t a n p e o p l e a r e r e n o w n e d fo r t h e i r w a r m hospitality. Historically known as the “Crossroads of Civilisation” due to the island’s positioning between Africa, Asia and Europe, Crete is blessed with natural beauty in abundance, ranging from the rocky mountains that command breathtaking views of the island, right down to the powder-soft white sand of secluded beaches with crystalline waters. Resorts such as Malia and Hersonissos have become the got o d e s t i n a t i o n s fo r h o r d e s o f E u r o p e a n t w e n t y s o m e t h i n g s i n search of a party, but there are still plenty of hidden gems and several slices of solitude available.

My favourite place According to Greek mythology, Crete was the birthplace of Zeus; king of the gods, and the island was once home to what is widely regarded as the earliest recorded civilisation in Europe – the Minoans, meaning that there is a vast amount on offer for lovers of ancient history, such as myself. One of the most fascinating places I visited was Knossos Palace, the religious and economic centre from which King Minos is thought to have reigned in the Bronze Age. Much of the complex remains intact and hours can be spent wandering around in the sunshine imagining how things once were. Hiring one of the tour guides available onsite adds a fascinating depth to your understanding. The twisting, labyrinthine corridors of the palace are said to have once homed the mythical Minotaur. Highlights A trip around the old town of Crete’s capital, Heraklion, is a must. Big name brands and smaller boutique designers sit side-by-side, lining the quaint Venetian streets that wind their way down to the harbour. Drop in at one of the seafront restaurants for some of the freshest seafood around. We were lucky enough to stay at a hotel that boasts a Thalasso Spa Centre that’s listed among the top 10 in the world, which we obviously had to sample. Popular throughout Europe, thalasso uses seawater as a form of therapy and a number of packages can be arranged to include hydro-massages, seaweed body wraps and numerous other treatments. Crete has beautiful beaches in abundance. Many will be populated by tourists, but a little searching can uncover some real treats. If white sand and turquoise blue waters sound appealing then head to Elafonisi, a small island just off the west coast that is connected to Crete via a strip of sand at low tide. Ask the friendly locals for insider tips if you want to escape the crowds and discover your own private paradise.

F IS H IN G B MATAL OATS MOORE D A

R UI NS A T TH E A NC IE NT LA C E KN OS S OS PA

Lowlights

The island has been mass marketed as a tourist destination and as such, you may have to venture somewhat off the beaten track to find the “real” Crete, but a short stop for lunch at one of the tavernas in an ancient market town such as Archanes will easily rectify this.

Souvenirs You won’t find any shortage of gift shops in cities like Heraklion. Most of them capitalise on Greece’s historical past, printing ancient scenes on small clay ornaments. Be warned though; the level of taste in the scenes depicted can vary dramatically. Where to stay If luxury is your thing, you won’t find it lacking at the stunning five-star resort hotel the Aldemar Royal Mare. With a mixture of 25 shared and private outdoor pools, six restaurants, four bars, a small shopping mall and access to a private beach, you could easily spend the entire duration of your stay simply exploring the facilities on offer in the hotel’s complex.

THE BE AUTIFU L MAR OF ARC KET TO HANES WN

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Postcards from

Cars

Outdoors

Y-FI

HIGH-TECH SWIMMING Swimming is a great way to keep fit and with some 1,700km of coastline in Oman, there’s no shortage of water to practice in. Matt Blackwell brings you the gadgets to help you improve safely along the way

THE TECH IN YOU

FEEL THE PULSE Bone conduction is big news in the world of underwater personal electronics and Finis are the leaders in the field. The Aquapulse is inserted under goggles and once clipped to your earlobe, will monitor your heart rate via your inner ear and cheekbone. When exercising, you need to work at different percentages of your maximum heart rate depending on what you want to achieve from your workout, but with the Aquapulse chattering away in your ear, you’ll always know when you’re working too hard or not hard enough. Available at www. finisinc.com for RO50.04

JUST KEEP SWIMMING Not everyone has the luxury of an Olympicsize swimming pool in their back garden and this is where the HomeSwimmer Stationary Swimming System comes in handy. No matter what size pool is available to you, you’ll still be able to get the lengths in thanks to the belt that attaches to your waist, providing gentle resistance as you stroke. Just fix it to any strong anchor point and you’re good to go! The HomeSwimmer is lightweight and fits in a handy carry bag, meaning you can set it up at any indoor or outdoor pool at hotels, apartment complexes, schools or fitness centres. Available from www.amazon.com for RO32.05

It may look like a strange contraption, but the Freestyle Breather Kit from Arena is actually an invaluable aid in swim training and can greatly improve breathing technique. The kit helps to prevent water inhalation by protecting the nose and mouth from splashes, creates a larger air pocket from which you can take in oxygen and guides you to better head alignment, preventing excessive rotation in the process. Endorsed by Olympic swimming champion Massimiliano Rosolino, the Freestyle Breather Kit can be used by competition swimmers who are looking to perfect their technique or novices who want to build their confidence in the water. Available at www.simplyswim.com for RO13.26

SUBMERGIBLE SONGS

EDITOR’S PICK 044

BREATHE FREELY

IF YOU’RE THE KIND OF PERSON WHO CAN’T BE WITHOUT YOUR MUSIC NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE, YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO GET YOUR HANDS ON A SPEEDO AQUABEAT 2.0 UNDERWATER MP3 PLAYER. NOT ONLY CAN YOU LOAD UP 1,000 TRACKS THANKS TO THE 4GB OF STORAGE, THE AQUABEAT ALSO HAS A BUILT IN PEDOMETER, STOPWATCH AND CALORIE COUNTER FOR SERIOUS SWIMMERS. WATER RESISTANT UP TO THREE METRES, THE MP3 PLAYER IS ALSO A SUITABLE ACCOMPANIMENT FOR RECREATIONAL SNORKELLING. THE MONO OLED-DISPLAY MEANS YOU CAN EASILY SURF BETWEEN TRACKS AND THE PLAYER IS AVAILABLE IN A NUMBER OF EYE-CATCHING VIBRANT COLOURS. AVAILABLE AT WWW.AMAZON.COM FOR RO60.27

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FIND OUT WHAT’S HIP & HAPPENING IN GADGETS

App of the Week

LIGHT UP The waters around Oman teem with marine life, much of which can be experienced by simply grabbing a mask and snorkel. The ocean comes alive at night, though, as different creatures come out to play and this alien world will be unfamiliar to many. Enter the Aqua Light Mask. It’s effectively a swimming mask with waterproof headlights and will give you a clear view below the waves, whether you’re partaking in a night dive or just fancy exploring the nooks and crannies in the reefs. Waterproof up to 10 metres and available at www.sears.com for RO26.18

NEW GARMIN SWIM When it comes to technology for serious athletes, Garmin is the brand you want. The new Garmin Swim has the ability to detect strokes, track lengths and distance as well as logging drills, leaving you entirely free to focus on your technique while you train. The fully comprehensive Garmin Connect acts as your interactive online logbook, wirelessly downloading data from the watch, which then allows you to easily evaluate your performance and analyse strengths, weaknesses and efficiency. The Garmin Swim has a sleek profile to reduce drag and the design is rugged, despite being slim, lightweight and stylish. Available from www.garmin.com/swim for RO57.74

SPEEDO FIT

If the Garmin Swim is slightly out of your price range, this app is a great substitute. With a stylish design and easy-to-use interface, you can log swims, set goals and check your progress at a glance. The pool locator and tips and techniques sections are two things that set Speedo Fit apart from your everyday fitness tracker. Download for free from the App Store.

FOR THE KIDS

When it comes to children and water, safety is always the best policy, whether they are accomplished swimmers or not. The iSwimband Aquatic Safety Device is lightweight and can be worn as a headband or bracelet and, if submerged beyond a preset time, will trigger an alert on a Bluetoothenabled iOS device. Effective at a range of up to 30m, one iOS device is capable of monitoring up to eight iSwimbands, making it great for family trips to the beach. While there is no substitute for keen parental supervision, the iSwimband definitely adds an extra layer of protection. Available at www.amazon.com for RO38.5 NOVJULY 27 - 03 DEC- 03 09 / ISSUE 346 327

045

CARS AND ADVENTURES

Destination

Postcards from

Outdoors

Y- F i C A R S

Fiat 500 Comfort Specifications: Engine: 1.4L 16v Horsepower: 100 Transmission: 5-speed automatic/semi automatic Acceleration: 0-100kph in 10.5 seconds Top Speed: 182kph

CAR OF THE WEEK The Fiat 500 is a cute little bambino that retains its iconic looks and appeal, easily winning over Kate Ginn in the process

here’s small and compact and then there’s the Fiat 500. This little automotive bundle is quite simply like no other car that you’re likely to see on Oman’s roads. As it’s just launched here, you won’t be seeing many out and about yet either. Hence the reaction that mine got as I took it for a spin around Muscat; from waving children to young Omani guys, who smiled and gave me the thumbs up. This wasn’t entirely due either, in my view, to the colour of my Fiat 500 – a very fetching pastel powder blue – but more down to the excitement that this compact car creates. A Fiat 500 is instantly recognisable by its shape (a little softer around the edges than the original these days) and arching roof, down to its dinky little wheels. It’s so damn adorable to look at too, with those sweet bug eye headlights and smiling grille. Don’t be fooled, though. This dainty car is a heritage heavyweight. We are talking a real classic that can trace its history back to 1957. Over the years, it has also been a rally champion, proving its mettle in even the toughest of conditions. So how would it fare on Muscat’s notoriously challenging roads? To give you some idea of Fiat 500’s diminutive stature, it comes in at 3,456mm long (that’s 139 inches) and 1,627mm wide (64 inches), making it quite possibly the smallest car on Oman’s highways. Strangely, I didn’t feel that vulnerable while driving, even when sandwiched between a sewage truck 046

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and a lorry. For a small car, the 500 is heavy (just under 1,000kg) and feels solid. It can be disconcerting at first, though, to be so low down compared with other drivers but I got used to it. In fact, I quite revelled in being different from the rest and standing out in the crowd. Inside, the cabin feels light and airy – thanks in part to a fixed sunroof, which allows light to flood in. The windscreen is larger than that found on a MINI, making for good visibility. I’m tall and yet didn’t feel cramped in the driver’s position at all. There was plenty of legroom and enough space between my head and the roof to make it comfortable. What does take some getting used to is the 500 Dualogic gearbox. It can be set to semi-automatic, which allows you to change gears, or full automatic. I found the latter could be a bit jerky when moving up through the gears. Switching to the semi mode makes for a much smoother ride, giving the driver more control. It also cleverly shifts to a low gear when slowing right down, anticipating your next possible move. Don’t expect acceleration like lightening, but when the 500 gets going, it happily hits 120kph with no vibration or wind noise, and could clearly go faster. It’s playful to drive with a hint of cheekiness – I loved the retro-style interior with the colour-matched shiny pastel blue dashboard. My trim (Comfort) had fabric seats, but if you upgrade to Sport, you’ll have leather seats as standard.

For even more street cred, go for the cabriolet soft-top with a roof that folds right back for the ultimate open-top driving experience. For the price (starting from around RO8,000), the 500 has a good standard spec, including alloy wheels and chrome kit, elevating it above rivals such as the Smart car. The devil, as they say, is in the details and the signors and signoras from Fiat have paid great attention to getting things right with little touches here and there, such as two-tone cloth and elegant functionality. Now, where you are going to feel hard done by is the rear space. When it comes to getting two adults in the back, I’m sure it can be done, but it looked very snug to me. Equally, the boot is adequate but it won’t take bulky items, such as huge suitcases. To accommodate those, though, you can simply put the back seats down. But then you wouldn’t buy a Fiat 500 for these reasons. You’d buy one for city driving – it’s an urban cutie perfect for navigating through traffic jams, tight spaces and bad parking. You’d get one for the chance to own a little piece of history and make it your own. You’d buy one for the fun of it. There’s a choice of funky body colours available – from Passione Red to Dolce Purple (Diva Pink should be arriving soon) – and a wide range of interior fabrics and leathers. You can customise your 500 with options such as stickers, wheels, badges and even key covers. Whatever your reason may be, the Fiat 500 will do its best to make you smile.

They say: “Unmistakably Italian Style.” We say: “Si, per favore!”

Automatic climate control Fixed sunroof Radio/CD/MP3 player 16” multispoke alloy wheels Blue&ME hands-free system with Bluetooth technology Leather steering wheel with audio controls Seven airbags Chrome kit Dualdrive electric power steering