JAN 9 – 15 • ISSUE 252 • WEEKLY
Going Potty CLAY MEN OF BAHLA
MEET THE MUSTANGS / FATBURGER / MARVELLOUS MALMÖ / STYLE COUNSEL / Y-FI / FILMS / BIG DEBATE
10 News: Parking woes to end
EVERY THURSDAY NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR
BEAUTY: March of the Mature Woman BUSINESS: The Write Stuff
Your top guide to the best of Oman, every week
Free!
APR 24 - 30 / ISSUE 317 • WEEKLY
UP IN SMOKE PLUS!
ARE SHISHAS’ DAYS NUMBERED?
Fashion
Food
Dress for Success
Frugal Feeding
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NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258
32
Destination
28
Tiwi Beach
37
Congratulations Congrats to lucky young Y readers who won our Easter Egg Hunt. The eggs were hidden on page 22 & 40 in last week’s magazine. We had so many entries that we chose six instead of four winners. Well done to Luc Sherwood, Anna Bino, Farah Wameedh al Bassam, Ihsan Muhammed, Tia Marie Berlin and Sassa Taporco! See p17 for a photo gallery of our fabulous Camel Easter Hunt at the Grand Hyatt Muscat.
THE BAROMETER Going up
Oman’s population It’s finally happened. The Sultanate’s population has hit the four million mark. While it’s not exactly going to be crowded, the number is certainly a notable benchmark in the country’s history, and on 2 April stood at exactly 4,000,345.
Going DOWN
Manchester United employees After just ten months at the helm and a disappointing season in which he reportedly alienated a lot of the squad’s senior players, Manager David Moyes has been shown the door. Still, with a huge severance package, who’s complaining?
THIS WEEK… Team Y has been thrown round the OAA circuit in a Mustang, met the legendary Freddie Ljungberg and ventured to the beaches in Tiwi. We’ve also been psyching up the photographer’s dog for his first obedience training session. Watch this space.
Ways to get your Y fix Online: Visit y-oman.com for even more inspiration. Smart device: Catch up with Y on the go at y-oman.com/current-issue
EDITOR’S
NOTE
Welcome to Y Magazine your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has to offer.
Fast forward D
ear Readers. This week, Team Y has been pounding the pavements, talking to you, the residents of Oman, to investigate an issue that’s a truly multifaceted creature; shisha. Like the wispy smoke it produces, the attitudes to the practice of puffing on a water pipe are almost as ephemeral and intangible. Peer pressure, the desire to unwind, permitting requirements for cafes and sometimes, societal taboo, all play their part in creating attitudes that are as divergent as much as they are divisive. But be warned, if you are partial to the odd bit of double apple, no matter which statistics you read, shisha can have negative effects on your health. So be sociable, have fun, but above all, take care. And once you’re done with this issue, be sure to see us back here next week for another packed edition of Y where they’ll be more great features. TEAM Y
editor@y-oman.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Eihab Abutaha MANAGING EDITOR Penny Fray SECTIONS EDITOR Kate Ginn
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CONTRIBUTOR Tom Robertson PHOTOGRAPHER Jerzy Wierzbicki ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan
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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
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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman.
APR 24 - 30 / ISSUE 317
03
contents APRIL 24 2014
14 Interview
06 The Big Interview
Freddie Ljungberg
08 Voice Of Oman
Y Camel Hunt
10 News
Mahmood al Manthari Ali al Balushi
17 Movie Listings
Multi-Storey Cars
The Bag Man
18 This Week
Business & Career
School Carnival
26 Success In The City Write To The Top
Cars and Outdoor
Food and Drink
37 Destination
28 Food
Thrifty Food
18
30 Food Review
20
16 Gallery
12
20 Bubble Trouble Shisha Up In Smoke 24 Fired Earth Bahla Pottery Factory
This week
Your Oman
Features
Fatburger
Tiwi
40 Outdoors
Mustang Ali
42 Postcards
Malmö
44 Y-Fi
Health & Beauty
Crafty Tech-Styles
46 Car of the Week 32 Fashion Ferrari 458 Speciale Meaning Business
28
34 Beauty Hot Shoe Shuffle
32 NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE
RISE OF MEDICAL TOURISM / TRAVEL SPECIAL / SOPHISTICATED STYLE / POLISH POSTCARD / FLYING DRONES / EAT YOURSELF WELL
45
YOUR
News
Gallery
INTERVIEW
OMAN
PROPERTY
KING
M AHMOOD AL M A NT HA R I, C E O, REAL ES TAT E S OU Q, M U SCAT Interview: Kate Ginn How did you get to where you are now? As a matter of fact, where I’m standing now is not the stage that satisfies my ambition. There is still a lot to do and a lot to achieve. However to answer your question, I always take advantage of available opportunities and redirect them to the benefit of my plans. Believe me when I tell you that I try to create an opportunity whenever possible. I always bear in mind that failure is not an option, which might have helped me get to where I am now. Give us an overview of your business Real Estate Souq: The strength of Real Estate Souq lies in its diversity of service ranging from marketing of properties and brokerage, to management and valuation. This is in addition to professional services connected to giving advice and studies. Real Estate Souq has gained a good reputation in the market and an outstanding record of success among its customers. This is due to the fact that since its establishment in 2006, we have taken the initiative to act with the highest level of commitment and we have continuously worked towards excellence in all our endeavours. Has the property market in Oman changed since 2006?
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There is no doubt that the companies with well-known financial crisis that occurred in brands to expand into the local 2007-2008 had a negative effect market. on the local market. However, It’s a crowded market out it also helped create awareness there. What makes Real among everyone dealing with Estate Souq different from real estate, in terms of behaviour, all the rest? as well as accurate valuation. A We design innovative solutions new approach has been taken that make our services flexible both by investors and developers. to the customer’s needs and That approach was reflected in accomplish the job as per the setting up Integrated Tourism customer’s expectation in terms Complex (ITC) projects and of time and quality. That is the residential units. The developers main, and major, factor. started to provide better options Oman is growing at a of facilities with higher rapid rate. Can quality than in previous infrastructure times. A new trend keep pace? MAHMOOD’S related to buying The real-estate 3 TIPS for built apartments sector is highly BUSINESS has entered the connected with SUCCESS: local market. other sectors like Planning Instead of building industry, tourism Working hard their houses, local and trade. When Commitment people started to such sectors develop, accept the idea of it will positively reflect buying an apartment within on the real estate sector. a complex. That encouraged What’s your personal developers to provide such business philosophy? facilities. You can now see more I believe in my capability as an commercial malls providing Omani. There are many ways to residential and commercial accomplish things but I always complexes with retail, shopping believed that the right way is the and amusement facilities. This best and safe way. I believe in has motivated international taking a decision at the right time
and that’s what I do. Is there any business leader in Oman or the wider world who you admire or who has inspired you? There is no particular person as such. However, I make sure to learn from the success stories of those who have arrived at recognised achievements. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time with the business? All I can tell you is that in 10 years from now or less, people will point at me saying this is the person who created a change in the methodology of providing a service related to real estate and business in general. Describe yourself in three words? Committed, optimistic and determined. You’re a very busy man. How do you like to relax when you do have free time? Reading, social networking and travelling. In fact I make sure I travel on a regular basis. On one hand I get myself away from work pressure and on the other hand, I explore and learn new things.
The Voice of Oman
Ali al Balushi on why progress is impossible without change
correspondence respecting the rules Dear Editor
H
ow many times have you thought of changing some aspect of your life, be it your career, a habit or something else that would change it for the better? It’s a fact that life is evolving rapidly due to so many factors technological, social, demographic and environmental. Ultimately we have to face this change and adapt to it. Change is part of human nature. Sometimes it comes with pain because it can be challenging to step out of our comfort zone and adjust to new circumstances. As George Bernard Shaw said: “Progress is impossible without change,and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” When confronted with our own reluctance to adapt to change, we have to start with our mind and investigate why we are reacting negatively to the situation. Ask yourself, what will it take in order to change to a more positive outlook? Our deepest-held values drive our beliefs, and this conditions our feelings about our life choices. All we need to do is to define what aspect of our mindset we need to change and why. We need to take risks and start forming the values that will allow us to make the change a success. But just as important as initiating change, is sustaining it. A lot of people start altering an aspect of their life but then stop due to the pain or discomfort that is associated with the process. So, it is essential to commit to change until the desired goals have been achieved.
Next week:
YUMMY MUMMY KARIMA FARID
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While we appreciate government efforts to improve public awareness on road safety, it’s sad to note that there are many who ignore the basics of good driving. The most dangerous threat is still the extensive use of mobile phones while at the wheel. Added to this, are speeding and dangerous overtaking, which have been contributing factors in two recent accidents in the headlines. Meanwhile, it is quite disappointing to
people start enjoying each other’s company rather than constantly being hooked up to their mobiles, iPads and TV.
Debate of the Week We asked:
‘If you could create one new annual holiday to celebrate something in particular, such as Mother’s Day, what would it be and why?’ Bushra Ahmed
Fitness Day, on which we could look after our health. This would include our diet and exercise, and make people more concerned about their health.
Aarti Vats
The annual holiday I would propose would be Gadget-free Day, so that
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see people driving company vehicles ignoring safety guidelines. On many occasions I have seen company personnel driving without seatbelts, speeding and shifting from lane to lane without proper indication. Such poor attitudes to driving give a bad reputation to companies and organisations that have ethics and policies in place to promote road traffic safety. Best regards, Ramachandran Nair, Muscat
Merzia Vajid
The annual day I would propose would be Reconciliation Day, where everyone would meet up with their family or friends with whom they have had a fight or any differences, resolve their issues and celebrate the day together.
Sarfaraz Akhtar Khan
Expatriate Day. This special day would give due respect to all expats who work hard and honestly, no matter where they are in the world.
Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant
Naushil Ak
There should be a Senior Citizens Day where elderly people can celebrate, have fun, and enjoy time with their families. They don’t get their share of happiness, which they’re entitled to at that age.
New Debate: A classic but a goodie: you’re having a dinner party and can invite three famous guests from any time in history. Who would you like to see round your table and why?
Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.
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SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / @ytabloid / /ytabloid. Impress us and the winning correspondent will receive a voucher for dinner at the Golden Tulip. Vouchers must be collected from Y’s
Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions see voucher.
NEWS
YOUR
OMAN
MULTI-STOREY CARS
T
he days of frustratingly driving around for hours trying to find an elusive parking space could be over – at least, that’s the plan. Multi-storey car parks and more spaces in problem areas around Muscat are being discussed as part of moves to ease gridlock on the capital’s streets. For commuters fighting to park at peak times, it will be a huge relief – and a long overdue one. Don’t get too excited yet though. It could be a while before it actually happens. All of this is being looked at as part of a study by Muscat Municipality to devise a long-term solution to congestion in the city. Car parks with multiple levels, automated parking and extra spaces are some of the ideas suggested for problem areas like Muttrah Corniche, Ruwi, Al Khuwair and Bawshar. Metered parking lots are reportedly also a possibility. “We understand the problems that drivers, especially those who commute every day, are facing,” said Al
Tayeb Mohammed al Harthy, director of the technical studies department at the municipality. One proposal is to convert surface car parks in the Muttrah Business District (MBD) into multi-storey parking. More spaces around Muttrah souq are another possibility. A feasibility survey to gauge the number of parking spaces needed is underway.
New minibus system considered
M
ajor changes may be introduced to the current system of minibuses in Muscat in a bid to relieve some of the traffic blighting the capital. Along with increased parking facilities (see above), a study by Muscat Municipality is also currently
considering new rules for minibuses as authorities grapple with the problem of clogged-up roads. The most significant proposal is the changing of the current free-ranging minibus service to one in which the vehicles would only transport passengers from point-topoint in Muscat. Salim al Ghamari, a member of the Muscat Municipal Council, has also confirmed that the proposed changes would mean an increase in parking facilities for minibuses at each station. There would also be a change in the system for paying, with passengers having to purchase tickets at the station before getting onto the minibus. But it’s a plan that may reduce the flexibility of the current service, with minibuses only able to travel between the stations without stopping in between. The proposal and other traffic solutions will be discussed in upcoming council meetings.
New medical city planned
M
uscat will have a major new hub for hospital facilities by 2020 according to the Undersecretary for Planning and Affairs at the Ministry of Health. According to statements made by Talib al Hinai at the second International Medical Tourism, Equipment and Technology Exhibition, the new development is in the preliminary planning phases and is budgeted to cost more than half a billion rials. A project manager is in the process of being selected and soon the tendering process for the construction will start. The Medical City will consist of five hospitals, one each for paediatrics, organ transplant, neuroscience, trauma, as well as a general hospital. Plans also include a rehabilitation centre, a college for neurosciences and a research centre. The project is
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anticipated to cost RO567 million. But it’s not just medical facilities that will be built, with plans also afoot to construct a hotel and shopping centre within the Medical City.
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011
Gallery
YOUR
OMAN Bite Sized Our new weekly slot takes a lighthearted look at a news issue of the week.
Pistachio Power
What exactly are pistachios? The ‘happy nut’ in China, the ‘smiling nut’ in Iran and ‘green gold’ to any journalists desperately trying to flog a dead horse of a phrase. More precisely? A member of the cashew family, the humble nut comes from trees (Pistacia Vera) in the Middle East and Central Asia. They were, according to the latest research, eaten as food up to 8,700 years ago. Who’s big in pistachio production? Not content with the march to global food domination through honey, Iran tops the list exporting a whopping 470,000 metric tonnes of pistachios according to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). Turkey exported 150,000 tonnes in 2012. Why is Turkey important? Because one Turkish region is looking to the little green wonder as the next source of energy. France may have nuclear, Oman has oil and gas and Denmark, wind, but Turkey, well, they’re pinning their energy hopes on leftover food. A brave choice? Actually it could be quite sensible. Energy experts reckon that you should always look to use whatever resources you have locally. Reports of Canada planning to burn excess seal populations are as yet unverified, but in Turkey’s south-eastern region of Gaziantep, the excess energy resource happens to be cashew nuts. So what’s the cashew plan, Batman? To build a new pistachio-heated city over 3,200 hectares, housing a not-soinsignificant 200,000 people. Apparently, burning pistachio shells could contribute up to 60 per cent of the city’s energy needs. Is this a goer? According to the French engineering company Burgeap, it’s the most feasible source of energy in the region, and the project is now pending approval. Are there any risks with the plan? Yes, if there’s a particularly cold winter, residents will have to eat more pistachios. Bad news for those with a nut allergy – they may well have to go cold. Do say: There’s no reason nut to do it. Don’t say: My hand is swelling up.
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Interview
NEWS
IN THE FRAME
W
e all know Oman is an amazingly beautiful country – and now there’s a chance to show others through your own eyes why it’s such a great place. Oman Visitors Portal has launched a photography competition for resident and visitors to capture their favourite attractions in the Sultanate. Let’s Discover Oman Photo Contest aims to teach locals – and anyone who lives here – to see their city or home from a new perspective. At the same time, it will put Oman in the picture through social media. It’s all about letting the world know how unique the country is as a holiday destination. All you need to do is send in photos showing what you love about Oman. It’s as simple as that. Winning photos will be featured on all the Oman Visitors sites, which have an international following. There’s also a one-night stay in a five-star hotel in Muscat for the top entries. “We are looking to enable people to showcase their work and promote themselves – and Oman,” said Badar Mohammed al Azri, team leader at Oman Visitors Portal. To reflect modern Oman, the contest will be promoted across seven different social media channels. There’s a Facebook page in five global languages, YouTube (which
A WEEK IN PICTURES
shows more than 400 videos promoting the Sultanate) and an Instagram account. The contest runs from April 23 to May 23 and is open to people of all ages. A panel of judges and the public will vote for the winners. Entries can be submitted through the Twitter hashtag @Let’sDiscoverOman or through email info@ omanvisitors.com. Only images clearly reflecting Oman, such as Wadi Ghul below, will be considered and you can enter as many pictures as you like. Find info: www.omanvisitors.com www.facebook.com/cometooman Twitter: @cometooman Instagram: /cometooman
HEADLINING STORIES FROM OMAN AND BEYOND
Avalanche on Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, leaves 13 sherpa guides dead and three others missing
Captain of South Korean ferry, which capsized carrying 476 passengers, many of whom were children, detained by prosecutors
Competition to send an Emirati into space announced. Winner will be given a ticket for the Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo, worth RO96,224
A 16-year-old boy survived a flight from California to Hawaii, stowing away in the aircraft’s wheel well where temperatures dropped to minus 62 degrees
YOUR
OMAN
Soccer Swede
O
n the pitch he was a turbocharged bull, off pitch he’s softly spoken and courteous. Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg, a former Swedish international, was in Muscat this week to visit the Arsenal Soccer School in Oman, where he took part in a meet and greet session with young fans at the British School Muscat. A talented midfielder, he also used to model for Calvin Klein underwear, before retiring from club football in August 2012. Y’s Noor Hyder was lucky enough to have a one-on-one interview with Freddie, 37, (bottom right photo) to chat about his childhood dream and found out how his surname is really pronounced.
This is your second visit to Muscat, Freddie. Would you come back here a third time? I would love to. I first heard about Oman through some friends in Bahrain. So a couple of years ago when I was there, they told me to come here for a week. It was a great holiday and I loved it, so it’s nice to be back again. What would you say is the highlight of your career? It’s difficult to pick just one highlight since, of course, you have a lot of memories. Winning the double twice (the English Premier League and FA Cup with Arsenal in 1997-1998 and 2001-2002 seasons) is definitely a big highlight. And also winning personal trophies is great too. I just 014
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love playing football so that is the best memory of all. During the times you’ve been injured on and off the pitch, what did you do to take care of yourself? My worst injuries have twice resulted in hip surgery. To take care of myself I mostly just do lots of rehabilitation early in the morning and then at maybe four or five in the afternoon. You can’t do much when you’re using crutches so it’s a boring time where you just sit at home. During the press conference, you mentioned that you had met Oman’s beloved goalkeeper Ali al Habsi. What did you think of him? I met him at a hotel when I was here on holiday a couple years ago. I think he was getting married and he kindly invited me to his wedding. He is a great goalkeeper with good technique. You don’t just have football fans – people adore your modelling campaigns too. What was the best bit of your model career? Personally I don’t see it as modeling – they are more like sponsorships, endorsements for different companies, but if you’re referring to Calvin Klein, it took them three months to convince me to do it because I don’t take my shirt off for anything. So I was a bit nervous and a bit embarrassed but they made sure I felt comfortable and it worked out well. People liked the pictures and that’s the main thing. As an ambassador for Arsenal
Football Club, what do you hope to provide for Arsenal Summer School? It’s great to be here in Oman and to see so many passionate parents who are giving their kids a quality training syllabus prepared by Arsène Wenger. I am proud to still be associated with the club, especially through visiting its international schools, of which Oman is my first stop in the region. You’ve said you see Arsène Wenger as a father figure. What’s the most valuable advice he’s ever given you? I can’t really pick one thing but I’d say in general he’d say to me, and to most of the players, to keep calm, be humble, work hard and show respect – not just to your teammates but also to all the staff around you. I left home when I was young and that meant that I was not around my own parents, so yes, he became a father figure for me. If you hadn’t become a footballer, what would you have been? My dream as a little kid was always to be a fighter pilot. I love speed and I love airplanes. Describe yourself in three words. Oh that’s hard, I’ve never been asked this question before. Kind, shy and Swedish. Lastly, could you please help us solve the mystery of your surname? How is it pronounced exactly? The ‘L’ is silent. In England they call me ‘Lungberg’, which is easier for them. In my culture it is pronounced ‘Yungberg’.
THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT FREDDIE
FREDDIE FACTS
1
Freddie’s full name is actually Karl Frederik Ljungberg. He started being called Freddie when he moved to England. Before that in his hometown in Sweden, Vittsjö, he was known as Frederik. He played for Arsenal from 1998 to 2007, claiming the spot as the most expensive Swedish player to be sold to Arsenal (at the time) for three million pounds (RO1.9 million) Freddie was a vital part of the ‘Invincibles’ team who romped to the league title unbeaten in the 2003-4 season. In 2007, Ljungberg was voted the third best-looking male athlete in the world by Sports Illustrated.
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OMAN
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To catch a camel
Youngsters hunt for the legendary Y EASTER camel cookie at the grand Hyatt muscat hotel
MOVIES MOVIES be a feminist revenge comedy in the Bridesmaids mould, but it doesn’t have the conviction or the charm.
For more information and times, go to: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641
The Pirate Fairy In the fifth film in Disney’s Peter Panbased series, we follow Tinker Bell and friends as they pursue the pirates who want to get hold of fairy dust. Outcast fairy Zarina comes to Pixie Hollow to steal the blue fairy dust and hand it to Captain Hook so he can make his ship fly. A superior children’s sequel.
The Other Woman
The Bag Man
P R E V I E W
It’s a relatively simple premise for a film and just as simple an order for someone to follow; find a bag, deliver it to someone and then get paid for an efficient courier service. But when it’s Robert De Niro asking you to do so, alarm bells should start ringing. Especially when his character, Dragna, is a infamous crime boss. And if that doesn’t make you sweat, how about delivering the goods to a seedy motel in the middle of nowhere? And that, essentially, is the plot. Predictably things go wrong for John Cusack’s run-of-the-mill delivery man, Jack, with the involvement of a mystery woman (Rebecca Da Costa) who he meets prowling around the rendezvous point. It’s a film that aspires to the dark
action of Tarantino but, sadly, doesn’t necessarily hit the mark. Yes, there’s gore, gun-play, and strange and weird characters, but there’s no riveting performances that are so central to a Quentin movie and that glue the film together. Cusack's Jack unfortunately falls some way short in delivering a charismatic performance to rival the likes of John Travolta's Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction. Neverthless, the film’s plot twists are enough to keep an audience watching. If anything, what The Bag Man does do, is salute an era of Jackie Browns and Kill Bills. Just don't expect another quality installment of noir-action that audiences have come to know and love. With few challengers on the horizon, those days may be gone.
Lamoakhza A Christian boy in Egypt is sent to a public school and decides to hide his religion from his fellow pupils to avoid prejudice and humiliation. From Egyptian filmmaker Amr Salama (Asmaa, Tahrir 2011) this powerful Arabic language comingof-age drama has wowed audiences on the festival circuit.
IN W O T E C N CHA R U O Y B A R G ETS K C I T A M E N I TWO CITY C
Hot shot lawyer Carly (Cameron Diaz) thinks she’s found Mr Right when she meets slick, Aston Martindriving Mark (Nicolai CosterWaldau). She decides to give up her freewheeling lifestyle and settle down until she discovers he is married to sweet and hopeless Leslie Mann. The pair square up and then become friends, hitting the town together and plotting revenge. They follow Mark to the beach only to find his third squeeze, Sports Illustrated cover girl Kate Upton, who they join forces with to teach the cheating playboy a lesson. The Other Woman wants to
Battle of the Damned Zombies, robots and Dolph Lundgren – it’s a combination that guarantees testosterone-fuelled action. Dolph is an elite soldier dropped into a city to rescue a woman from the deadly hoards of virus-infected flesh-eaters. Then the robots arrive to even up the odds.
Y’s Film Choice The Wind Rises
From Japan’s Studio Ghibli comes Hayao Miyazaki’s latest animated epic, the story of Jiro Horikoshi, the real-life designer of the mythical Zero fighter aircraft. Stunningly crafted in the inimitable Miyazaki style, this story is reality-based rather than the fantasy settings of his previous films, but it still has the unique dreamlike quality you expect from this master filmmaker. It takes us through the turbulent years from the 1920s to
TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN Just answer a question based on the week's cinema reviews and send your answers to info@y-oman.com, along with your name and contact information.
Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions see voucher. Contact: Movie enquiries 24607360
the 1940s through the eyes of Jiro, his admiration for Italian aircraft designer Caproni and Nahoko, the girl he falls for. The boy’s visions of flight become a disturbing reality when his designs are used for war. Sadly, this is 74-yearold Miyazaki’s final film, and probably his most personal to date.
Brought to you by
THIS WEEKS QUESTION What's the name of Robert De Niro's character in The Bag Man? LAST WEEKS WINNER Halima al Abdul Salam
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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE
THIS
WEEK
April
24
Egyptian trance duo Aly & Fila will be whipping up a storm in the gardens of the InterContinental Muscat hotel for a night of the best trance music from Roar Entertainment. The evening’s fun starts at 7pm. Tickets are priced at RO15 or RO25 for VIP entry. For more details contact 99793036 / 97438441 or email tickets@roaroman.com
Page Turner
Apr 26
Tri-hard Apr 25 Muscat Triathlon Club has organised the last event of the winter season and you can get a glimpse of the action. Head along to watch the competitors in the Off-Road Sprint and Super Sprint Triathlon push themselves to the limit at Jebel Sifah. There will also be a festive barbeque at the Sifawy Boutique Hotel as the club celebrates the end of a successful winter season. For more information, see www.mtc-triathlon.com
Trancing Shoes
If you feel it’s time to grab a good book to while away the summer evenings, head down to The Big Book Day which will be taking place at the Al Qurum Complex. You’ll be able to meet authors, pick up bargains at a used book sale and listen to stories being told. Maktabati – Oman’s first mobile library – will also be there, and there will be an opportunity to create your own poster. Takes place on Saturday (26) from 4pm to 7pm. For further info, email letsreadoman@gmail. com or call 99314230
What to do. What to see. What to hear.
Normandy Nosh
Festival of Fun
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25
April
The Restaurant at The Chedi Muscat is getting seasonal with Violet Artichoke. Delivered from Normandy, France, the chefs are putting together a series of dishes to showcase this unusual cuisine. Runs until April 25. For further information contact +968 2452 4343 or email restaurant@chedimuscat.com
+
26
April
Apr 24 - 25
APRIL - MAY
The Indian School of Darsait proudly presents its Carnival for the third year runnning. Taking place at Marah Land, Qurum Natural Park between 4pm-10pm, the festival will include games and face painting for kids, and handicrafts and food stalls to entertain tireless parents. Funds raised from the previous carnivals have been used for a variety of infrastructure developments and to support deserving students. Go check out the Carnival and treat yourself and the family to some great entertainment. For more info: http://ict.isdoman.com
April 30
May 03 I-Care will be organising another water distribution event from 9.30am to 1pm starting from the Radisson Blu hotel in Al Khuwair. You could be part of this caring initiative that will aim to distribute over 10,000 bottles of cold water to construction and maintenance workers. To register for this charitable cause go to www.i-careoman.org/volunteers/
30
Whispers of Serenity Clinic will be offering an anger management workshop to help you keep cool in tense situations. The course will take place at their north Azaiba clinic and will include a healthy snack on the day. Cost RO40. For more information call 24614268/99359779.
Sun Set Menu
Gift of Water
Cool It
April
If you fancy some haute cuisine in a great setting, then consider heading down to Marina Bandar al Rowdha. The National Hospitality Institute is organising one of its ‘Gourmet Nights at the Marina’ on April 30 starting at 7.30pm. A set menu of delights awaits with a specially chosen beverage to compliment each course. RO26 per person. To book, call 24816313.
Exclusive Gourmet Dining Experience with Michelin-starred Chef Alfredo Russo 29 April to 3 May 2014 Stay at Al Husn’s luxurious Deluxe room and savour Chef Alfredo’s first-class signature dishes, starting from OMR 200 net per night for two persons*. Stay package includes buffet breakfast, Chef Alfredo’s gourmet dinner for two persons and one autographed cookbook. For more information and room reservations, please call 2477 6262 and for restaurant reservations, please call 2477 6565. *Terms and conditions apply
Y MAGAZINE landscape 215mm (W) x 155mm (H)
www.shangri-la.com/muscat
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Bubble
TROUBLE
Shisha is coming under fire with new regulations and warnings about the health risks. Kate Ginn and Tom Robertson look at whether it should be stubbed out
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n a humid Saturday evening outside the Al Hail Hotel in Muscat, the unmistakable sweet scent of shisha hangs in the air as smoke gently drifts up into the sky. Similar scenes are being played out across the capital, where smoking the ‘pipe’ has become an ingrained part of Middle Eastern café culture, like drinking cardamom coffee. Yet the enticing smell that wafts around is dangerously deceptive. While many believe it is nothing more than a pleasant pastime or social way to spend a few hours with friends, experts claim that the health risks are hundreds of times worse than smoking cigarettes. Doctors and health workers are worried that, unlike cigarette smokers, shisha users are unaware of the health risks. Of more concern is that rising numbers of young women in Oman are forming a shisha habit, according to the Ministry of Health. Not many of these, or indeed the young men outside the Al Hail Hotel in Seeb, might be aware of claims by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that a one-hour shisha session can be the same as smoking 200 cigarettes. Or contain as much tar as up to 600 cigarettes. The first finding has been disputed by other research. For instance, chemists and pharmacologists in Saudi Arabia reportedly identified only around 142 chemicals in shisha smoke, compared with 5,000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke. A medical team in Pakistan also found that shisha smoke could be much less carcinogenic and radioactive than cigarette smoke. Whatever the truth, there’s no hiding the reality that shisha smoking poses health risks and can be unsociable. Shisha cafes – popular with tourists and visitors to the Sultanate – are mushrooming in Muscat, prompting the municipality to take action last week, with the announcement that stricter regulations are being brought in following complaints from people living in residential areas. The changes include increased permit fees (currently RO5,000) and forcing cafes or restaurants serving shisha to be 500 metres away from the nearest home. Those who break the rules face fines up to RO1,000 and closure. Then, there are the other problems shisha smoking can bring. People living close to Oscar cafe in Al Khuwair speak of the roads being blocked by customers’ cars and general unwelcome noise. Y Magazine sent several questions to Muscat Municipality about the new regulations and health concerns but had not received a response at the time of going to press. Not that anyone out smoking shisha on a Saturday night who Y interviewed seemed remotely bothered about either issue. Tobacco from shisha tastes smooth and smells sweet,
making it an enjoyable and unrushed experience. Two young men in a group, who smoke shisha every day and have done for over seven years, said they did not believe that shisha was bad for their health. Puffing away on a pipe at the Al Barzar cafe in Al Khoud, Mohammed was fully aware of the toxic risks but it would not stop him smoking shisha once a week and cigarettes the rest of time. He admits, though, that he keeps his shisha smoking under wraps. “Culturally, I don’t think it is acceptable [in Oman]. If you look around at the people here, I would guess that for 90 per cent of them, their families don’t know where they are, and they don’t want them to know where they are. “There are some people in my life that I don’t want knowing that I smoke shisha. I also believe that to smoke shisha is against the teachings of Islam. While I’m a Muslim, I’m not ultra conservative.” Shisha use among young people in Oman is on the rise, which Mohammed blames on peer pressure. A recent WHO Global Youth Tobacco Survey noted an “alarming” growth in the number of young males and females smoking water pipes and chewing tobacco. There is also concern at underage shisha smoking with cafes flouting the rules to serve under-18s. “The survey shows the emerging epidemic of water pipes, the use of which was alarmingly high (17 per cent among boys and 3 per cent among girls),” said the WHO report, which questioned young people aged between 13-15. Professor Wasim Maziak, a founding director of the Syrian Centre for Tobacco Studies, who has studied shisha use in the Middle East, backs up these findings. “Before the 1990s, water pipe use was somehow confined to older men and was on the decline all over the region,” he says. “However, in the early 1990s its use re-emerged somehow, and in a dramatic fashion. This time it wasn’t the older men, but young men and women who took up the water pipe.” Y spoke to one young Omani woman who smokes shisha, who told us it was something she did to be “sociable”. Prof Maziak argues it’s the very social nature of shisha that makes it so dangerous. “The social nature of this tobacco use method makes such regulations more needed, but perhaps more difficult to implement as well. The public health community in the meantime must wake up to the hazardous nature of this emerging tobacco use method both to users and those exposed.” Muscat has got tough on shisha smoking in the past. In 2001, it was banned in all public places, including hotels, restaurants and cafes in the city. This was lifted after trade plummeted. While such drastic measures might not be practical now, it is perhaps time, over 13 years later, to look at the issue again.
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My Love Affair
With Shisha
One young local woman* describes why she just can’t give up the hot coals
D
The social nature of this tobacco use method makes such regulations more needed, but perhaps more difficult to implement SHISHA LOWDOWN Ì Also known as hookahs, water pipes, hubblebubble, borry, arhile, narghile and goza. Its use dates back at least 500 years. The origins of shisha are disputed – some claim it was in India, others Persia, Egypt or Turkey. Ì Smoking shisha is one of the oldest, most popular Turkish traditions. Shisha is a glassbottomed water pipe in which tobacco is covered with foil and roasted with charcoal. The tobacco is sweetened with fruit or molasses sugar, which makes the smoke more aromatic. The average shisha-smoking sessions last an hour.
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ouble apple. Grape mint. Rose watermelon. These are just some of the tantalising flavours of shisha readily available in almost every little nook and cranny of Muscat. Whether it’s the end of a long hard day or a relaxing night out with friends, for some, shisha is the perfect way to wrap up the night. Order a Moroccan tea and request frequent top-ups of ‘fahm’ and you’re golden. When someone spoils the tranquility by tutting or making a face about the health risks, I sigh inwardly and start going through my usual list of defences: I like it, it’s sociable, some of my friends do it and I don’t have any other vices. Let’s add another factor into the equation: I am a female. For us, smoking shisha is seemingly less socially acceptable than it is for the universally fortunate men. I started smoking shisha at the age of 16, which happened to be around the time shisha was fast becoming a weekend favourite. One of the main reasons I started smoking was because it was an opportunity to take part in a social activity. This was the age at which kids started drinking, and as a strict non-drinker, most social gatherings went by with me sipping 7-Up and munching on Chips Oman while everyone else tried their first few beers. Heading to MQ after a movie at Shatti Cinema and ordering a shisha with the rest of my friends gave me a sense of belonging. It was not influencing my inhibitions in any way, and it tasted good. So what’s wrong with it? Unfortunately, many are still baffled by the idea that a group of women would want to go to Tche Tche to smoke and catch up, while the thought of a group of men smoking and watching football wouldn’t garner any kind of negative attention. Thankfully I still get somewhat of a
better deal than most women. My family knows I smoke, and while they have warned me about the health risks and discourage it, I am still allowed to make my own decisions at my own risk. I do think sometimes whether it would put a potential male suitor off. And I still have an unsubstantiated fear of what members of my community would say if they caught me puffing away on a Thursday night (hence why I’ve asked to be anonymous in this story). I picture an abaya-wearing aunt shaking her head and glancing at me disapprovingly. I imagine her meeting my mother at a ladies’ Kahwa-and-gossip session and telling her of my smokey ways while my mother’s cheeks colour with embarrassment. I feel for my sisters in Saudi Arabia. A huge media debate erupted in Saudi when a sign outside a shisha cafe permitted women to enter, but only with a male. I understand that the goal of this movement was to reduce the rise in women smoking shisha, and it can be argued that it is more important for women to look after their health because their bodies are used to conceive and carry babies. But in today’s world, where women are constantly fighting for some sense of equality, there needs to be an acknowledgement that health is a prerequisite for everyone. After all, women can keep their bodies healthy by not smoking but what is the point in doing so when your partner in life is puffing away and weakening his lungs? So what does the future of smoking look like for women? Personally, I think that the increase in awareness of the health risks associated with smoking is a positive thing. There needs to be a clear idea of what kind of damage is being caused to your body when smoking shisha. I can say that if I knew the statistics I know now in my mid-20s, I probably wouldn’t have smoked shisha five times a week, as I did in my early-20s. I smoke once every of couple weeks now but when I do, I still truly enjoy the relaxation and feeling of togetherness with my fellow shisha smokers. * Name not used to protect identity
HEALTH RISKS ■ Some people mistakenly think that shisha is not addictive because the water used in the pipe can absorb nicotine. In reality, only some of the nicotine is absorbed. Smoking tobacco through water does not filter out cancer-causing chemicals. The smoke, though cooled by the water, still contains carcinogens. Shisha also exposes the smoker to tar. Shisha smoke is just as dangerous as cigarette smoke. ■ As a result, shisha smokers are at risk of the same kinds of diseases as cigarette smokers, such as heart disease, cancer (lungs, mouth, throat), respiratory disease and problems during pregnancy. ■ People smoke shisha for much longer periods of time than they smoke a cigarette, and in one puff of shisha you can inhale the same amount of smoke that you’d get from smoking a whole cigarette.
Earth
As more products are made using hightech manufacturing processes, the potters of Bahla are keeping traditional methods alive, finds Jerzy Wierzbicki
S
ired
ome 40km from Nizwa and 200km from Muscat lies the ancient town of Bahla, home to one of the most famous pottery factories in the Sultanate. The Abdullah bin Hamdan al Adawi pottery factory is one of the largest and oldest artisan producers in the north of Oman. For over 150 years, they’ve been crafting everything from small incense burners to huge pots for storing dates, as well as vases, bowls and jugs. It’s an entirely localised process that draws in the surrounding resources, from the original raw material, to the water used in the process and the skilled craftsman that work there. The clays used to make the handcrafted ceramics come from around Bahla and have a pale yellowy-green hue, in contrast with the red-coloured clay from Al Hamra. Once collected, the clay is rolled out by hand and then shaped on a traditional potter’s wheel. In the past, the potters operated the wheel by foot but recent changes have seen them adopt an electrically powered wheel. It’s only the most simple of tools that a skilled potter needs; small pieces of wood are used to create the delicate patterns and decorative ridges on the pot. After the final sculpting has been done, the pieces are left to dry in the sun before being placed in the kilns. Using modern electric kilns and gas-fired kilns, the potters at Bahla are able to experiment with various glazings before firing up the traditional clay kilns for mass production. The fame of the pottery has now spread worldwide, attracting tourists from as far away as Germany, France and the USA to buy the unique earthenware. What was once a local industry is now a perfect way for visitors to take home a piece of Oman.
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The Abdullah bin Hamdan al Adawi pottery factory is one of the largest and oldest artisan producers in the north of Oman
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BUSINESS & CAREER
Strokes of genius? To the trained eye, simple
identifiable features in your penmanship can reveal whether you’re the kind of person who could make it big in business.
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Trend
Networking
Minute Mentoring
Sleight
Of Hand
Even if you’re a deeply private person, just writing a few lines can reveal your innermost character to your employer, says Tom Robertson
T
apping away on the keyboard, I can hardly remember the last time that I sat down and actually put pen to paper. Especially for something more than a scrawled phone number on a Post-it note or a colleague’s takeaway order. And, with generations of schoolchildren resorting to keyboards earlier than ever, you may think that handwriting is a thing of the past. But you couldn’t be more wrong. For the chances are there’s at least one person who’s interested in seeing in what your handwriting looks like – your employer. Or, failing that, your future employer. Because while you may not think that your illegible scribbles mean a lot, to companies who employ graphologists – or handwriting analysts – it’s a useful tool for assessing a great deal about you. Experts claim that asking people to submit examples of their handwriting and then analysing a series of notable characteristics is an effective and reliable indicator of both behaviour and personality. Handwriting, they say, may reveal how the writer feels and the way in which they think. These traits can apparently be seen immediately. But how does it actually work? In essence, graphology claims that the different features we see in handwriting can show the motivation that lies behind the dotting of the I’s and the crossing of the T’s. A graphologist will look at aspects such as movement, spacing and form and study the variations between them. More specifically they’ll look for a series of features, from among over 300, that are purported to reveal different aspects about a character. It’s those features that provide the information for analysis. But what exactly can graphology be used for in the workplace? For recruitment, graphologists claim to be able to select the most appropriate candidate for the vacancy by assessing suitability for the role, strengths and weaknesses. Then there’s using the candidate’s handwriting to evaluate honesty and integrity of individuals. And it’s exactly this kind of forewarning that companies are starting to value when it
comes to the recruitment process, as the cost of recruiting an individual becomes an expensive business. Time and resources have to be put aside for the interview process but there’s also an inherent risk factor in employing new staff. The company may well be about to commit to employing a individual they know little about. “It is not used as the defining factor in the decision-making process,” says Paul Turtle, former managing director of Butterfields Banking Group, which has used the process in the past. “However, it has been shown to add an extra dimension to the jigsaw, which has frequently been validated once an employee is in situ.” But the ‘science’ isn’t without its critics as opponents seek to discredit a method that they argue exhibits regular flaws and is not able to accurately predict an individual’s temperament. “Lots of studies over the years have shown that it is all a load of rubbish, and not fit for use in any professional setting,” says Professor Laurent Begue, who works at the University of Grenoble in France as a psychologist. But with both psychologists and graphologists fighting to be the first choice in the recruitment process, it may well be that each side has something to gain by discrediting the other’s methods. Here in Muscat, however, there are psychologists that use the method themselves. “Handwriting is a window to both the conscious and subconscious mind and handwriting analysis or graphology can be used as an effective tool and reliable indicator of the personality and behaviour of individuals.” says Roma Fernandes, of the Whispers of Serenity Clinic.“It is also a simple and harmless way to understand a lot about a person without even having to ask them a lot of intimate or private questions. It is also a well-researched field with a lot of evidence to support its findings.” The good news for us in all this if we are faced with providing a handwriting sample? Professional graphologists agree that bad handwriting is by no means a sign of sloppy work or a lazy attitude to employment – it can frequently mean a high degree of intelligence.
ANalyse your handwriting ❶ Pressure - Applying a lot of pressure may mean that the person has lots of emotional energy. ❷ Letter size - Large letters may indicate an extrovert personality and small letters a quieter individual. ❸ Slant - If the letters slant to the right it may indicate a willingness to engage, and assertiveness. Upright says a personal can be dependable, and to the left is reflective. ❹ Connection - Linked letters may indicate a strong logic while disconnected letters infer imagination.
WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS:
Handwriting doesn’t lie “The CV and how the candidate comes across at interview can mask either positive or negative traits that lie beneath the surface. This is when you have the option to buy in the expertise of a Personality Profiler or Graphologist. When used correctly, graphology can give a good indication of a person’s personality structure, their ability to grow and develop, and perhaps more importantly their integrity.” Margaret White, Consultant Graphologist
BUSINESS BUY
Year of the Horse Imperial Red Lacquer Fountain Pen Writing with a quality pen needn’t be a lost art. Bringing the fountain pen right up to date, Cross have launched a special ‘Year of the Horse’ collection to celebrate 2014. With a polished translucent imperial red lacquer, a twistoff cap and solid 18KT gold nib decorated with a unique horse design, this pen will say far more about you than the ink that flows from it. RO173
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food and drink
Trend
New Restaurant
LOVE FOOD, HATE WASTE
Reviews
Don’t throw away that stale cake – use it to make cool cake balls. Simply blast the old cake in a blender until it’s finely crumbed. Stir in a large dollop of buttercream icing (basically butter/margarine mixed with icing sugar). With your hands, roll the mixture into several little balls, as many as you can make. Place these onto a plate or into a bag and freeze for around 1520 minutes. Melt some chocolate and use it to cover the cake balls. You can either put sticks into them or just dip them in the chocolate, then sprinkle on some decorations. Place them into the fridge so that the chocolate can set. Then the cake pops/cake balls are ready to eat. They should keep for another week.
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TREND New Restaurant
News
FRUGAL FOOD
Penny Fray finds out how to shop smarter, cook cleverer and waste less to save money
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ome might call you cheap. Others, prudent. But we think your meticulous cataloguing of coupons and sale dates is truly inspired. Which is why we’re sure you’ll appreciate this feature on how to make your money go further when it comes to meals. It’s influenced by the increasing number of cookery books out there focusing on the art of creating gourmet standard meals without breaking the bank. Forget about pasta dishes and endless variations of curries – let your imagination run free. “Inexpensive food can, and should be, exciting, beautiful and delicious,” says Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. “Cook with the seasons – making the most of ingredients when they are at their best and least expensive – and you will eat well. ‘Use inexpensive cuts of meats when possible, such as beef flank and lamb shoulder, which are generally much more tasty than prime cuts. Similarly, select varieties of fish that are often overlooked and considered unappetising like pollock and gurnard. Prepared and cooked in the right way with appropriate flavourings, these forgotten treasures will have you salivating.” I must admit that these days, I see no point in eating bad or fast food. It gives no pleasure, no proper nutrition and is a little sad and solitary. Far better to sit at a table filled with friends and family, all enjoying the feast that I’ve created for a fraction of the price of a restaurant meal. But how to cut costs when you’re used to premium products and are so easily tempted by artisan labels? I asked some Muscat gourmands and frugal friends for their top tips: ❶ Make a shopping list. Make sure you check your fridge, freezer and cupboards before you hit the supermarket. That way you’ll avoid doubling up and wasting things later. ❷ Shop around. Visit souqs and markets. Also get to know local fishermen and farmers. Not only will it be cheaper to cut out the middleman but it’s chic to be able to recite the provenance of your ingredients to dinner party guests. ❸ Waste not, want not. Last night’s leftovers and today’s forgotten foods could be tonight’s feast. Use the Internet to find some amazing recipes by typing in the ingredients you have available. ❹ Make useful price comparisons. There are loads of useful online tools telling you what’s in season. Online forums are another great place to pick up loads of useful advice from other thrifty shoppers. Get clued up before you hit the shops. ❺ Never shop when you’re hungry. Studies show you’ll fill your trolley with all kinds of extra treats. ❻ Stock up on spices. They’ll add flavour to the blandest of ingredients. Just buy the big bags rather than those little jars. They’re a fraction of the price and you get loads more for your money. Simply decant them into airtight jars, label them and, if stored correctly, they’ll last for ages. ➐ Bulk buying is always cheaper, so why not get together with friends and family to share the costs? ➑ Think twice before being lured in by ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ offers. It’s only a bargain if you need it and can use it within the sell-by date. The only exception to this rule is if you see some really good quality fresh meat or fish on offer and you know you have space to store it in the freezer. ➒ Shop with cash only. That way, you’ll be forced to think about what you buy and whether you really need it. ➓ Store your food correctly to keep it fresher for longer. Apples go in the fridge, root vegetables in a cool dark place and store bread in the cupboard or freezer. In fact, you’ll be amazed what can be frozen – freshly cut herbs like coriander can be thrown straight from the freezer into the pan.
JOY’S GINGER FAIRINGS
Recip
e
Ingredients: l 110 g Butter or hard margarine l 1 Tablespoon of golden syrup l 170g Self raising flour l 85g Sugar l 1 Teaspoon of ground ginger l Pinch of bicarbonate of soda
Method: l Set the oven to Gas mark 5 l In a saucepan, melt the butter and the golden syrup. l Remove from the heat, and stir in the sifted, dry ingredients l Take a spoonful of mixture - a really heaped up teaspoon is a good size - roll it into ball and put it on a baking tray. Leave enough space between them as they spread out during cooking. l Bake for 12-15 minutes.
Cook’s Tip
Use a large enough pan so that you can sieve the dry ingredients straight in without making too much mess.
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food and drink
Trend
New Restaurant Info Box
FATBURGER Al Masa Mall Building 713, Al Sarooj, Shatti Al Qurum Tel: +968 22344344 www.fatburger.com Opening Hours: 11am-11pm, seven days a week Price: Dinner for two RO14
Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals
Slim Pickings It’s the newest burger joint in town and already hugely popular, going by the queue. Kate Ginn takes a bite out of Fatburger
A
good judge of a restaurant, so some people believe, is the number of customers dining there or waiting to get in. On that premise, Fatburger could claim even now to be a phenomenal success. Barely had it opened its doors for business than the people of Muscat answered the call for custom – lots of them. Such was the clamour that we waited almost 25 minutes just to place our order. It was quite a baptism of fire for the Fatburger staff, frantically whipping up burgers and fries to meet the demand. They coped admirably. But then, as the saying goes, if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. It was inevitable that the arrival of Fatburger in Oman was going to cause something of a stir. We’ve certainly waited long enough for the chain to reach these shores – the original Fatburger opened in 1952 (in Los Angeles) and since then, it has spread its tentacles all over the world, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Kuwait. We’ve been fed little morsels of hype about Fatburger’s opening for months, so no wonder the frenzy was akin to the arrival of the latest boy band. I got a small taste of what was to come at the official launch
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VERDICT:
night last Thursday and returned two evenings later with dining companion, Slowcoach. First off, the restaurant has a plum location, just off 18th November Street in Al Masa Mall, near Shatti al Qurum, the hunting ground of the chic crowd and a stone’s throw from the highway. Inside, it’s long and narrow with seating for around 20, the rest spilling out onto the pavement and chairs outside. Which is fine, but when crowded, as it was on the night we visited, it’s quite an intimate setting. People were queuing right next to diners trying to enjoy their food. No one likes someone else openly drooling over his or her burger and watching it being eaten. All Fatburger food is made and cooked to order, hence the wait. There was only one server on the till, for both dine-in and takeaway. All this action gave us ample time to watch the Fatburgers, as I dubbed the staff, at work. It’s quite a production line. As the main server takes an order, it’s shouted out (loudly) and then repeated (even louder) by the kitchen staff, who immediately start preparing the food. The order also flashes up on a screen, should they forget it. They need the reminder. Boy, were those orders flying in. We waited patiently, choosing
from the menu above the server, which alternated from English to Arabic. My eye and heart had been caught by the milkshakes, a long line of which I could see being churned out and distributed to tables. We finally got to the front of the queue. “Yes, two milkshakes please, Mr Server. Don’t scrimp on the cream on the top, there’s a good chap.” The server looked awkward. They had run out of ice cream, he apologised, and milkshakes were off the menu. In fact, the young Omani guy in front of me had just bagged the very last one. Disappointing, to say the least. To be fair, we were given free soft drinks to make up for it - but that didn’t fill the aching milkshakeshaped void in my tummy. So, to the food. As you would expect, there’s a vast array of burgers to choose from including original, Turkeyburger, Veggieburger and even a Hawaiian Pineapple Sweet Teriyaki Chicken, along with hot dogs and sandwiches. I went for the Mushroom Swiss with skinny fries (they do fat fries too, of course) and onion rings. Slowcoach pondered the feasibility of taking on the Quad Fatburger, with five patties, but wisely went for the Triple in the end, with all the works, plus add-ons of cheese and
7
bacon. His 10 burger, when Service is top notch. Good food it came, felt – but hopefully as heavy as will get even a brick. better We sweated it out al fresco, due to the lack of space in the air-con zone. In a few weeks, though, outside will be offlimits. So either Fatburger is going to be bursting with people inside, or it’s a summer of takeaway trade. My burger was excellent, the gooey Swiss cheese melting into the meat, with woody overtones of mushrooms. Shame the fries were a tad bland. The onion rings too were good, nice and crunchy, but a touch more flavour wouldn’t go amiss. True to his name, Slowcoach was taking ages to work through his Triple. To be fair, it was huge and cumbersome, with no graceful way of eating it in public. It needed a ‘private moment’ to eat it at home, he announced, so he had the rest bagged up. The chilli fries, however, were swiftly gobbled up. There were no desserts. Now, if there had been milkshakes, we could have had one of those but… well, you know the tale. Customer service at Fatburger is excellent. The food has just a little way to go yet before it can claim the same. Once the opening teething problems are dealt with, however, it should be a slam dunk.
HEALTH& BEAUTY
POSH FASHION
Pop star turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham knows exactly how to rock the business shift – the working mother’s new style saviour.
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Health
Beauty
fashion
MEANING BUSINESS It’s time to ditch the stiff suit in favour of the practical power dress, says Penny Fray
I
t has taken over the mantle as the hardest working dress in fashion from the wrap. We are of course talking about the power shift. This fabulous fitted frock is ageless, versatile and can instantly make you look polished. No wonder so many chic CEOs, female politicos and working mummies are fans. The rules are simple. Almost anything goes but the hemline should sit just above, on or below the knee. The silhouette should accentuate your curves by skimming, not clinging, to them. And unless you’re Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, ditch the nude tights. They’re frumpy and have no place in the middle of the desert. If you need to cover up, wear a cardigan à la Mrs Obama. To sprinkle a bit of individuality – accessorise, accessorise, accessorise. A belt or a bit of bling will almost always make an impact. Personally, I prefer to go for a strong colour like orange, blue or green rather than a classic neutral. If you’re brave enough, yellow is this season’s shade du jour. Naturally, the clever executive always mixes high with low, meaning that she’s is just as likely to be found in Zara as she is Chanel. Then she just adds a covetable piece or two to the mix. Designers that, in my opinion, excel in the posh shift include Victoria Beckham and Roland Mouret. On the high street and online there is Jaeger, Hobbs and M&S. A very stylish lawyer friend of mine works her shift like a shire horse, wearing it with ballet pumps and an oversized scarf for the school run, adding a jacket and court shoes for courtroom, then adding a statement necklace with a fun clutch for evening events. Whatever your profession, view the power dress as a blank canvas that you can add your personal style and practical requirements to. Dressing for work has never been simpler. Pigalle Spikes is one of Christian Louboutin’s most coveted styles, and this season the pumps are updated in a fresh turquoise hue. They’re a great way to jazz up a neutral coloured dress. RO490
FASHION SHIFT
Penny’s tips on cracking the new dress code:
Step away from the season’s dark palettes and opt for M&S’ brightyellow dress. The lace material gives the prim silhouette a much-needed modern edge. Victoria Beckham’s sleek pencil dresses are adored for their flattering and elegant proportions as well as beautiful fabrics. This lightgrey stretch-satin crepe version has a soft lustre and will nip you in at the waist. Showcase the chic sleeves with an updo. RO605
Bright hues – tick. Floral print – tick. This scarf checks all the right boxes. Layer it over daytime looks for a pop of pattern and colour. RO12
Bored of the Birkin? Try this timeless tote by Valextra instead. Cleanly designed and crafted by hand, this is a timeless investment from RO1,000. This roomy textured-leather style has two internal pockets to keep you super organised.
Need to go from day to night? Jazz up your dress with this statement necklace – surprisingly from Matalan. From RO8
1. Eye-catching accessories are a must – but stick to one focal point. If you’re in the creative sector, anything goes. Corporate types however should try this season’s chunky chains in gold or silver. 2. Be brave with bold colours. Strong shades like yellow, red or magenta in classic shapes create a real impact. 3. Wear a jacket over your dress, especially if it doesn’t have sleeves, to deconstruct the suit.
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
COMING
OF AGE
There is something afoot. Older women are suddenly storming the fashion and beauty stage, discovers Penny Fray
O
ne minute you’re sitting reading Y Magazine’s fashion pages thinking you would totally rock those skinny jeans. The next, you’re in a department store pondering the strange allure of Spanx. Middle age happens almost overnight. Luckily, these days, it no longer feels like you’re being lobbed over an invisible wall. Why? Because maturer women are finally taking centre stage. Everywhere you turn, there’s now a woman in an advertising campaign with grey hair, wrinkles and the twinkle of experience in her eyes. Big brands including Marks & Spencer, TK Maxx and L’Oréal have all finally decided to champion the over 50s. “Why is it that when you reach a certain age you’re supposed to fade away, leaving all the best fashion and cool beauty brands to the young? I think that’s ridiculous,” says Barbra Young, Y’s style expert. “Many women over 40 know what suits them, have confidence in themselves and are interesting. No wonder we’ve taken centre stage.” As supermodel Elle Macpherson enters her fifth decade and Christie Brinkley hits 60, we’re redefining what’s old, say trend forecasters. Okay, so we may not have the genes or army of helpers that many celebrities do but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of what we do have. “Today’s ‘oldies’ are fitter, healthier and better educated about grooming and beauty than any generation before us,” concludes Barbra. “We remain in the workforce longer and care about the face as well as the body we present to the world – but more importantly to ourselves.”
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Health
BEAUTY
Fashion
Don’t fall into the mutton trap. Barbra Young offers ten tips to get it right: 1 Get into colour. Black combined with navy or even plum is more forgiving than pure ebony. 2 Statement jewellery can add the fab factor to daywear with the caveat that you don’t wear the family heirlooms. Invest in something modern and different. 3 Skin pigmentation changes as we age, so go for hair dye that’s three shades lighter than you would have at 18. 4 Nothing dates you more than having the same hairstyle and makeup that you may have rocked a decade ago. It’s all about staying in the now. When it comes to makeup, less is more. Ditch the ageing powder compact and use tinted moisturiser instead. Alternatively, apply foundation in thin layers, little by little, rather than one thick, mask-like layer. 5 Look for products that have magic words like light reflecting, brightening or luminating. 6 On a budget? Extra-virgin olive oil contains fatty acids similar to those found in our skin and is a gentle moisturiser. If you have skin that’s dry and sensitive from overloading it with hardcore anti-ageing products, slather on a thin layer of unflavoured oil at night instead. 7 Supersize your ‘sunnies.’ By now, I’m hoping you know how damaging the desert sun can be, so besides coating on sunscreen, shield yourself with chic accessories. Protect the thin skin around your eyes with large glasses – and throwing on a scarf can also help prevent sunspots in the décolletage area. 8 If you do have brown age spots, lemon juice diluted with water helps fade them on all skin tones. But a word of warning – since acids can be irritating, apply it before bed with a cotton bud, and gradually increase to twice daily. Stop if your skin reacts badly or gets too light. 9 Use your lip pencil wisely, it’s an essential tool to stop your lipstick bleeding, but use a natural tone and stay within your lip line. 10 Watch your eyebrows – harsh lines are ageing so don’t tattoo or dye them more than one shade darker then your hair colour. 11 Last but not least, don’t forget that Botox and fillers are fantastic little helpers – just keep it real, as a little goes a long way. More won’t make you look younger, just weird and scary.
Health
STYLE COUNSEL
BARBRA YOUNG ANSWERS YOUR FASHION QUESTIONS
If you have any fashion questions for Barbra, email info@y-oman.com or tweet #style @ ytabloid
Barbra Young, a former designer and retailer
Beauty
Fashion
Q.
I’ve just taken on two homeless dogs. They’re sweet but they need constant walks and I’m struggling to find appropriate clothes. I loathe both jeans and joggers. I need a chic but practical outfit that can withstand the rigours of sand and fur. Any recommendations? PJ. Muscat.
A.
It’s too easy on these hot days to grab the first thing you see when the dogs start lurking around your ankles for a walk. Off you go to the beach or dog park looking like a bag lady, hoping no one sees you. But Muscat’s dog community is small and as fiercely competitive as the school gates. So how to remain cool, comfortable and chic? My advice is to start with long or cropped cotton yoga pants. They breathe, stretch and come in a decent range of colours. Grey, however, is my choice as black will show all the dog hair, while white will get spotty. Add an elbow length loose long T-Shirt or shirt, accessorised with either tennis or boat shoes. I loathe jogging shoes on everyone except joggers – and even then – how these ugly, huge things became an expensive status symbol is beyond me. Finish off your look with a nylon or cotton crossover bag for all your dog stuff and water bottle as well as a pair of big sunglasses to protect your eyes and a scarf to hide your messy hair.
Sweaty Betty capri yoga pants with Alexander Wang tee and ultra-trendy sling bag from The Row.
TREND
HOT SHOE SHUFFLE
Ladies, it’s time to rejoice. Gone are the days of skyscraping stilettos, Grandma’s loafers and razor-sharp courts. Summer 2014’s fashion has dictated that flat shoes are now our friends. Our bruised feet are jumping for joy – especially now that they actually can. Sceptics should think twice, since the new flat is anything but unimaginative. From metallic Isabel Marant sneakers to Marc Jacobs’ sequined ankle boots, the trend proves that creativity is key. Our personal item on the lust list is the Dries van Noten flat wedge sandals (RO385), which are a stylish way to dress up the flowing maxi dress this summer.
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Postcards from
CARS AND inDOORS
Cars
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Indoors
Blistering Barnacles!
Sealife clings stoically to rocks near Tiwi Beach as waves surge around.
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CARS AND OUTDOORS INDOORS
Postcards from
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Y- F i
Indoors
Destination
Tiwi
If you want to break out of town and cool off, head for the beaches around Tiwi for a perfect seaside campsite, says Jerzy Wierzbicki
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down a small road that snakes along by the water’s edge towards Tiwi, a few kilometres away. Once you get on the track, it’s a case of looking out for one of the many great camping spots. I found a patch between two rocky outcrops that at one time in their lives had been coral reefs. It was a site close to the sea, and gave the perfect panorama over the water. I stretched out a sunshade, put a coffee on the fire and then settled down for a short nap. What better way could there be to escape the midday heat and the sun’s pounding rays? But it was hunger that ultimately stirred me into action and coerced me into preparing something to eat. At this point in the afternoon, the sun was already dipping much closer to the mountains and the temperature was beginning to drop. I couldn’t help but think this was a perfect time of day to be here. Only the sounds of waves welling up and breaking against the shore broke the tranquil silence. The sea was calling to me, so I headed to the water’s edge and jumped into the turquoise waters. I had chosen to camp in a small bay. A little more protected than other parts, the waves were smaller and the sea felt just that bit warmer. As soon as I took the plunge into
the crystal clear sea, I knew that struggling with the heat to get here had been worthwhile. This was my prize for spending a hot day in the car and at the beach and, my, what a reward. After washing away the sand and dust, my mind turned to thoughts of dinner. I grabbed my dog, Trop – no, he wasn’t to be dinner – and a fishing rod and headed for the rocks to try my luck. If I could catch something to put on the campfire then this would be the complete seaside camping trip. But as I cast my rod time and time again with little success, my hopes started to fade. Eventually, Trop and I had to admit defeat and head back emptyhanded, despite my little friend waiting patiently – and somewhat expectantly – beside me. The only fish that would be on the menu that night would be canned. As we returned to our campsite, the sun was heading down behind the mountains that lay further inland. It was a perfect moment – the temperature was pleasant as the
wind faded to just a delicate breeze, bringing with it a subtle smell of the salty sea. This trip had been a timely reminder that we can still spend idyllic days out enjoying the coastal havens not far from Muscat before the weather really starts to heat up. All along the coast near Tiwi are locations that are made for camping, especially for families at the weekend. It’s a veritable wild playground for everyone, with stony beaches, white sandy shores, rocky outcrops, towering cliffs and various swimming and diving spots. What’s more, you don’t need a 4x4 to get there. Your average family car will get you all the way to the beach. This is still one of the best times to explore Oman’s wild coast.
HOW TO GET THERE
travel guide
T
he onset of the summer season and rapidly soaring temperatures risk putting a brake on a lot of our favourite outdoor activities for a few months. Now almost at the end of April, this is one of the last times we can enjoy being outside before the heat sends us running back indoors. But a few locations still remain within reach and allow us to take a welcome respite from sweltering, crowded city streets or having to sit in claustrophobic offices. I, for one, don’t miss the constant whirring of the air conditioning. Instead, it’s an ideal time to head for white sands and rocky beaches, and enjoy refreshing swims in the Arabian Sea. Last weekend, I felt that urge to get away and make a break for Oman’s wild and beautiful coastline to the south. I woke early to ensure that I could set off while it was still cool and get on the road to Qurayyat. (There’s a new Oman Oil service station located there now which is handy for those long journeys.) The sun was getting hotter and hotter but, I reflected, it was still tolerable for camping near the sea. Just after taking a left towards the coastal village of Fins, I turned right
A 4x4 is not necessary for getting to many of the beaches between Fins and Tiwi. The gravel track along the coast is in good condition so most cars should be able to take you there without any problems. From Muscat, head south on Route 17 past Al Hajar
towards Qurayyat. Stay on Route 17 until you reach the small village of Fins on the coast about 170km from Muscat. Turn left off the main road and head towards Fins, but just before you reach the village, turn right onto the coastal track towards Tiwi.
Along this road is where you’ll find lots of perfect camping spots.
GPS location of the small bay where I camped: 22°53’11.13”N 59°13’26.99”E
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CARS AND OUTDOORS
Meet The
Mustangs
If you want to see the world’s original muscle car in action, then an event in Muscat to celebrate 50 years of production is the perfect place to meet the beast eye-to-eye, says Tom Robertson
I
f you have time to open a dictionary and flick to the end of the ‘M’ section, you’ll find ‘Mustang: An America Wild Horse’. So it’s of little surprise that when Ford created the iconic car nearly half a century ago, it was given the name of the famously untamable stallion of the frontier. Whether a wild steed on the plains of Wyoming, or a pioneering legend of the automotive world, both are powerful beasts that can throw the inexperienced rider. When the Ford Motor Company took the Mustang’s concept car, the T5, to production in April 1964, it had no idea of the remarkable success its new launch would enjoy. The original annual sales forecast of 100,000 units was reached in just three months. In its first 18 months, a million Mustangs were sold. And it’s a phenomenon that caught the eye of the other U.S. car manufacturers as they clamoured to roll out their own version of the ‘pony car’ with small boots and big bonnets. And you know what they say about cars with big bonnets – there’s a big engine underneath it. Chevrolet developed the Camaro and Dodge developed the Challenger as rival models to Ford’s V8, 4.7-litre bestseller. Now produced in ten different models by the Michigan-based company,
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the Mustang has legions of fans the world over, including in Oman. And to mark the half century of this motoring icon, Ford pulled out all the stops at a celebratory event in Muscat. On Friday, over a hundred Mustang owners gathered at the Oman Automobile Association to herald the landmark year in the car’s history. “We were hoping to have a hundred, but we far surpassed that,” said Gurupati Shetty of Ford Oman. “Our main aim was to bring all the Mustang owners to a single platform, providing them with an opportunity to meet fellow owners and enthusiasts. We though we should mark this event with a celebration by bringing all the Mustang owners in Oman together to exchange notes and network. We also wanted to showcase the Mustangs in action.” And celebrate they did, in engine-revving, smoke-billowing, tyre-squealing style. In addition to side events, such as a show by the Oman Skate team, amateur drifters thrilled the cheering crowds as they took to the OAA track, showing off the Mustang’s ability to burn rubber and make some serious V8-powered noise. It was also the perfect opportunity to meet the Muscat Stangs, an owner’s club brought together by their love for the American classic and founded by
Postcards from local enthusiast Sami al Habsi. “We’ve become more and more organised and active, also with some sponsorship from Ford. Some of our biggest events have been the meet-ups, for example on National Day,” said Jamal al Toubi, a founding member of Muscat Stangs. “We also participated at the Muscat Festival in partnership with the Muscat municipality. There was a car show, a ‘burn-out’ and a drifting show, which featured Vaughn Gittin Jr, a Formula Drift champion.” The Stangs have gone from strength to strength since the organisation’s inception three years ago. “We try and raise awareness about the cars and how to drive them. They’re incredibly powerful vehicles, and they need a certain amount of skill and control to drive them properly. We also attempt to dispel some of the ‘bad-boy’ image that goes along with the car.” But while the opportunity to buy and own a Mustang is taken for granted by many here in Oman, coming to the Sultanate offers the chance to realise a childhood dream for others. Michael Osowska, a pilot who is now a resident here, bought his Mustang GT last June. “When I lived in Poland, this was, and still is, the kind of car that very few people can own. Not only is the original purchase price a lot higher there, but the taxes and the cost of fuel make it virtually impossible to have one. “But here, the car costs less and is cheaper to run because fuel isn’t really a consideration. It means that it’s feasible to actually get that car that you always hoped you might own one day.” But with potential customers unable to test drive the Mustang from showrooms, why did Michael decide to take the plunge? “I was lucky enough to have a friend, whose Mustang I drove. From the minute I felt that incredible acceleration, I knew I wanted one. So I walked into the showroom, saw a colour and model I liked – a blue GT – and bought it.”
Y- F i
C a r s OUTDOORS
Muscat Mustang owners spell out 50
Ford Mustang - The Facts ▲ First unveiled at the New York World Trade Fair on April 17, 1964. ▲ Designed by Philip T Clark and John Najjar who, as a fan of the Mustang fighter plane, is credited with suggesting the name. ▲ Five generations of the motoring legend have been produced to date, with the sixth iteration – the 2015 model – expected to be in showrooms in November 2014. ▲ Most Mustang models range from 305 to 420 horsepower but it’s the Shelby GT 500 that leads the herd with a frightening 662 HP. ▲ Famous Mustang owners have included Bill Clinton, Charlie Sheen and Kelly Clarkson, while Steve McQueen drove a V8 Ford Mustang GT Fastback in the 1968 action thriller Bullitt.
Contact: Muscat Stangs www.muscatstangs.com muscatstangs@gmail.com Sami Al Habsi +968 98033533 APR 24 - 30 / ISSUE 317
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Anne Sønderskov, recommends
Malmö K
n o w n a s ‘ t h e C i t y o f P a r k s ’ a n d l o c a t e d i n t h e fa r s o u t h o f t h e country, Malmö is Sweden’s third largest city. The regional capital o f S k å n e i s t h e p e r f e c t d e s t i n a t i o n fo r a r e l a x e d g e t a w a y . I t ’ s a place to sit back and take in modern art or sample all kinds of d e l i c i o u s fo o d a n d l o c a l d e l i c a c i e s . T h e r e ’ s a l s o a n a b u n d a n c e o f o p p o r t u n i t i e s to max out your credit card in the city’s mix of specialised boutiques and large department stores. M a l m ö i s a g r e a t p l a c e fo r a o n e - d a y t r i p o r e v e n a fu l l w e e k e n d i n o r d e r t o h a v e e n o u g h t i m e t o e x p e r i e n c e a l l t h a t t h e c i t y h a s t o o ff e r . T h e r e l a x e d atmosphere and the chilled-out vibe stands in great contrast to many larger b u s t l i n g E u r o p e a n c i t i e s . M a l m ö h a s m a n y o f t h e s a m e a tt r a c t i o n s t o c a t e r fo r a w h o l e r a n g e o f t a s t e s , w i t h a t h r i v i n g m u s i c s c e n e a t t h e O p e r a H o u s e , v a s t g r e e n p a r k s a n d t h e M a l m ö h u s C a s t l e . Fo r t h o s e t h a t w a n t t o w a n d e r t h r o u g h t i m e , t h e r e ’ s a l w a y s t h e c i t y ’ s b e a u t i fu l o l d t o w n w i t h i t s n a r r o w , winding streets and traditional Scandinavian architecture.
T u r n in g Tors o skysc raper
My favourite place
Kungsparken, one of Malmö’s many parks, is always on my to-do list during the summer. The area was landscaped in 1872 and modelled upon the romantic English parks that feature cosy nooks and secluded corners, perfect for a dreamy outing with your special someone. But it’s also just a lovely place to chill out with friends and eat one of Sweden’s delicious and renowned kanelbullar. These cinnamon buns are the perfect accompaniment for gazing at people passing by on the canal’s paddleboats. For something more substantial than a pastry, I like to make a stop at the famous Korvhuset – literally, the Sausage House. It offers more than 100 different types of sausage and hot dogs to cater for all tastes – all served with soft mashed potatoes and their delightful homemade mustard.
Highlights
On a clear day you can see one of Malmö’s newest landmarks, the 190-metre-high residential building, Turning Torso, which can even be spotted from Denmark just over the Øresund, the strait between the two countries. This incredible building was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and consists of six large cubes, the highest one turned 90 degrees from the lowest. The Malmö Konsthall museum is also worth visiting with its interesting experimental exhibitions alongside modern classics. Opened in 1975, its home to one of Europe’s largest single spaces for contemporary art. But if, like me, you’re an incurable shopaholic then the long pedestrian street stretching from the main square, Stortorget, all the way across the city centre will be right up your alley. You’ll find all the famous Swedish brands including Tiger of Sweden, Lindex and Filippa K on the strip alongside small boutiques and the big department stores.
n id ge - b et w ee Ør es un d b r nd S w ed en D en m a r k a
Lowlights
Even though it is Sweden’s third largest city, it’s still a relatively quiet and small place by global standards, so if you’re after glitz and glamour then this may not be the place for you. It is, however, a great place to start a tour of the beautiful southern Swedish landscape, especially during the summer months.
Souvenirs
Scandinavia is known for its design and at the Form/Design Centre located at Lillatorg (Little Square) you can find a well-stocked shop of Scandinavian design classics, new design products and handicrafts. If you fancy something more traditional, next door is Hokeriet, an old-fashioned general store that sells hand-painted wooden toys for the little ones awaiting your return back home.
Where to stay There’s a bit of an absence of smaller B&Bs in the centre, which is mostly dominated by larger hotels. A personal favourite of mine is the Elite Hotel Savoy, located close to the old part of the city and the central train station. From here it’s easy to jump on the frequent trains heading for Copenhagen, just across the Øresund bridge, and which stop directly at Copenhagen’s well-served international airport, Kastrup. The hotel dates back to the 14th Century and is a beautiful mix of classic and contemporary. Perhaps that’s why international celebrities such as Bjorn Borg and Judy Garland chose to stay here. 042
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Sunse t in a p ark in malm Ö
-FI THE TECH IN YOU
Postcards from
Cars
Indoors
Y-FI
Cool Crafts
Put that creative mind to work with the latest arts and crafts gadgets, say Matthew Herbst and Tom Robertson
Sew technical There’s sewing machines and then there’s sewing machines. Pulling no punches in the home embroidery category, Bernina have stormed onto the scene with the 880. The onboard memory comes preloaded with over 1,700 different stitches. If only we could name two. But a seven-inch touchscreen will also allow the budding clothes designer to create new patterns and shapes. www.bernina.com Serious seamstresses only: RO5,390
Bead the Best
EDITOR’S PICK
If you’ve got an artistic child or creative young friend, then the Bead Magic Weaving Loom could be the perfect gift to set their talent free. The loom enables young wannabe jewellery designers to create a number of bead-based designs in various styles and patterns. With instructions included, children can learn to both thread and weave fashion jewellery from over 1,500 beads in five different colours. RO10.4 from Amazon.com
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Productive printing Get in on the latest technological revolution and feed your arts and crafts tech craving with the Pirate3D Buccaneer. This kickstarter-backed project promises a user-friendly 3D printer that is hassle-free. With wireless connectivity and a compact size, the Buccaneer uses a SmartObjects programme to create digital 3D models that can then be printed. www.pirate3d.com, Availability TBC, expected price RO133.
Flying High Oh to have had one of these when we were nippers. The biggest and most demanding plane yet, the LEGO Technic Cargoplane features wing flaps that can be controlled by the Technic joystick, as well as front and rear cargo bay doors. Not only do the propellers spin and the landing gear retract, but the whole thing rebuilds into a hovercraft – who needs Transformers? www.shop.lego.com for RO76.
FIND OUT WHAT’S HIP & HAPPENING IN GADGETS
App of the week
Digital drawing Something for the truly creative – and the very tech savvy at this price. If you’re serious about art and design in a digital age, then consider adding a Wacom Cintiq 12WX to your armoury of IT tools. Drawing directly onto the 12.1-inch display allows the user to create designs with the pre-installed software and then transfer them to your computer. Features pinpoint accuracy with the included Grip Pen and five interchangeable nibs. RO999 from Amazon.co.uk
NEW! AMD Project Discovery Tablet As we look to take more computing power on the move, AMD has asked the question – why shouldn’t we carry some serious gaming punch with us too? Shown off earlier this year and expected in some form this year is the AMD Project Discovery Tablet. Already demonstrated running PES 13 (Pro Evolution Soccer), the tablet has made waves among gamers for being able to produce highend PC gaming on the go. Price and release TBC. www.amd.com
BARN YARN
This free Lion Brand Yarns App is a must for anyone who knits or crochets. Just search their extensive database for free patterns, bookmark them, find stores in your area and access Lion Brand support if you need help with your projects. www. itunes.com
Features AMD’s new Mullins chip, which provides some serious processing power for rendering crisp, advanced graphics on the 11.6-inch full HD display. At just 10mm thick, the tablet is a slim and highly portable device. But for enhanced gaming controls, the AMD fits into the GameCradle docking station to provide thumbsticks and shoulder and trigger buttons. Compatible with 4K TVs, the Windows tablet can be connected to nextgeneration screens.
GIRLY STUFF
The Sak range of goods is all the rage at the moment, with their innovative gadget cozies and other crochet items. Keep your tech safe while still remaining bang on trend. See more at www.thesak.com Prices vary
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CARS AND INDOORS
Postcards from
Y- F i
Indoors
C ars
Ferrari 458 Speciale Specification
Engine: V8 4.5L Horsepower: 597 Transmission: Sevenspeed F1 dual clutch Acceleration: 0-100kmh in 3 seconds Top speed: 325kmh Price: Around RO115,500
car of the week It’s the most high performance Ferrari V8 sports car ever – enough to make other supercars quake, says Kate Ginn
T
here’s a particularly cool feature on Ferrari’s latest offering, the 458 Speciale. In layman’s words, it corrects bad driving, or rather works out the angle the car is taking on a corner and adjusts the amount of braking required. Basically, it helps make an okay driver an extraordinary driver. Which, quite frankly, is only what this terrific car deserves – a mediocre motorist behind the wheel of the famous prancing horse just won’t cut it. It also cleverly strokes the ego of the driver, making him or her feel ten feet tall. And let’s face it, we all like a bit of ego stroking now and again. I’ve always had a ‘thing’ for Ferraris. I guess it’s partly my heritage (my mother was half Italian) - hence my adoration of Armani – and partly an appreciation of aesthetically pleasing objects. I enjoy good looks and there is no doubt that a Ferrari is beautiful. If the Ferrari was a woman – and this car is definitely a ‘she’ – she would be classy, alluring and sophisticated, with just a hint of raciness beneath the refined exterior. For the 458 Speciale, add sassy and a bit naughty. This, after all, is the highest performing V8 ever produced in 046
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the Ferrari family, with blistering speed and magnificent handling. Of course, it’s exquisite to look at too. This isn’t just a Ferrari with stripes, however (though I do like the optional blue and white skunk-like strip down the centre of the car). No, this special edition is a different beast altogether from the standard 458. For a start, it’s 90kg lighter but more powerful, meaning it’s capable of heartstopping speed. How fast, you ask? Well, it takes a mere three seconds to reach 100 kmh and 9.1 seconds to hit 200 kmh. The Signors from Ferrari say the 458 Speciale clocked just over 1 minute 23 seconds to complete the Fiorano Circuit, the company’s private racetrack in Northern Italy where super-powered creations are put through their paces. Imagine heading down the Sultan Qaboos Highway in a car capable of these sorts of speeds. I have a feeling that you wouldn’t be bothered by any tailgaters. This sharper-edged performance is aided, in part, by outstandingly advanced aerodynamics, with changes to the front and rear to cut drag, which will become a standard feature of all new Ferraris in the future, apparently. It also gives the driver a sense of instant confidence and feeling of control at high speeds. Another
ego stroke. According to Ferrari, the idea behind the 458 Speciale was to use racing-inspired technology to stir up extreme driving emotions, so giving the perception of being close to the edge. It’s streamlined, uncompromising shape also stays true to the ethos of the Italian stallion but this Ferrari also comes with a kick like a mule. This provocative stance continues inside, with a modified interior reflective of its rawness. The glovebox has been removed, replaced with pockets for odds and ends, as have the carpets (the floor is a very snazzy aluminium plate). Racing seats are made of carbon-fibre and there are touches of aluminium all around. Don’t fret – it doesn’t skimp on the inimitable Ferrari luxury, with hand-stitched upholstery and exquisite finishing. Its ergonomic layout gives an impression of sitting behind the controls of a jet fighter plane. Indeed, Ferrari calls it the ‘cockpit’. That fabulous engine bursts into life at the touch of a button, like waking a slumbering monster. Driving this car guarantees lots of attention, extraordinary power at your fingertips, a feeling of uniqueness, and a raucous ride of pure, undiluted pleasure. Now, you can’t get much more Speciale than that.
They say: ‘Extreme technology for special emotions.’ We say: ‘Supreme Italian design like no other.’
Check this out
F1 traction control High-performance anti-lock braking system Side Slip Control Specially designed 20” Michelin tyres Alcantara upholstery Automatic climate control Parking sensors Navigation system Voice control Steering wheel gearshift paddles Bluetooth connectivity