Y Magazine #356, 5 February, 2015 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

Run For Fun

WE JOIN A 10K RACE

Sweet Journey FOLLOW THE DATE TRAIL FROM PALM TO SOUQ

Free!

EVERY THURSDAY NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR

10News: TWO ARRESTED AFTER TODDLER’S MURDER BEAUTY: On The Scent COMPETITION: The Weight Is Over

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

FEB 05 - 11 / ISSUE 356 • WEEKLY

SPECIAL

INVESTIGATION

PLUS!

Y LIFTS THE LID ON UNREGULATED PET SHOP INDUSTRY

NEED FOR SPEED

NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

CHIC CHILDREN

POCKET WHIZZES

COMPETITION No plans for Valentine’s Day? Then enter our special competition in which we are giving away two lots of dinner for two courtesy of Rumba Lattina at The Cave. Go to P12 for details. And good news for those who missed the cut-off date to register for our “The Weight Is Over” competition. Due to overwhelming demand, we have reopened registrations until February 7. You’ll find all the details on P26-27.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

EXPAT WORKERS The National Centre for Statistics and Information has revealed that the number of expat workers in Oman has hit just over 1.5 million. Indian nationals account for 603,000 of the total number, while Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals are in second and third place at 540,400 and 214,300 respectively.

GOING DOWN

RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC At least that’s the plan. Royal Oman Police has met with Muscat Municipality to share ideas on how to reduce rush hour woes experienced by drivers. Ideas include implementing ramps and restricting wastewater trucks. The number of vehicles in the Sultanate has reached more than 1.3 million.

THIS WEEK…

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

Fast forward

ets can bring the most extraordinary joy to people, both young and old, while studies have proven that there are both physical and psychological benefits to owning a pet. As an animal lover, it is hard to understand that there is a flipside to this. In some parts of the world, pets are viewed as nothing more than profitmaking breeding factories – and treated appallingly by uncaring owners with nothing more than dollar signs in their eyes. Our cover story this week looks at this issue much closer to home: the trade in animals via pet shops in Muscat. During our week-long investigation, we found an unregulated industry in which certain breeds of cats can fetch up to RO450 and puppies can sell for a whopping RO1,000. Even more disturbing is that the welfare of many of these animals is secondary for some of the pet shop owners. From malnourished kittens and puppies to sick animals left without food, water or decent facilities, it is a heartbreaking tale that requires urgent attention from the authorities. Elsewhere, Y heads to the Dominican Republic in Postcard, joins the Muscat Marathon in Outdoors and visits the date souq at the Muscat Festival. Have a great week – and remember; it’s better to adopt a pet than shop for one!

Team Y has been to the cinema to check out the Oscar-nominated American Sniper, ran an impressive 10 kilometres in the Muscat Marathon and discovered an amazing array of dates on show at the Muscat Festival.

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editor@y-oman.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi MANAGING EDITOR Felicity Glover

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi CONTRIBUTORS Matt Blackwell Adam Hurrell INTERN Deeba Hasan

DEPUTY EDITOR Kate Ginn ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing & Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product.

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. FEB 05 -11 / ISSUE 356

contents

Feature 20 Creature Comforts? Y Reveals Conditions In Pet Shops

FEBRUARY 05 - 11 2015

Your Oman 06 Coffee With Deeba Amar Latif 08 Voice Of Oman Heather Duncan 10 News Toddler Murdered In Sohar 14 Gallery Showtime At British School Muscat

24 Date Delight From Palms To The Souk

This week

26 The Weight Is Over Slim To Win RO500

16 #FYI 5 Highest Transfer Valuations In Football 17 Movie Listings Son Of A Gun 18 This Week Weekend Dunes

20 Cars and Adventures

Food and Drink

38 Destination Al Musalha

28 Food Feature Faster Than Fast Food 30 Taste Test Omede Restaurant, Holiday Inn, Seeb

40 Outdoors Running Man

Health and Beauty

42 Postcard From Dominican Republic

32 Fashion Toddler Chic

44 Y-Fi Pocket Power

34 Beauty 46 Car Of The Week Scents And Sensibility Honda CR-V 35 Health Catnapping

NEXT WEEKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ISSUE... THE ENGINE ROOM / COFFEE WITH DEEBA / FASHION / CARS / GADGETS / TASTE TEST / EVENTS / MOVIES

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Audi3Oman

This week, Deeba Hasan sits down with Amar Latif, a Scottish blind adventurer and the owner of Travel eyes, the world’s first agency for disabled people to explore the globe

Amar

Latif

JULY FEB 0503-11- 09/ ISSUE / ISSUE356327

mar Latif had lost 95 inherited condition. As he grew life memories to picture what is per cent of his sight by up, the disease took hold and life described to him. “If someone the time he was 20 years for Amar changed forever. was to say green grass, I would old. Despite this, when I saw “There used to be this picture understand that, if someone said him giving a recent motivational hang rising sun, I would be able to speech at the German University remeing in my room and I mber waking up one visualise that as well.” of Technology in Oman morning and not being able to Of course, life is by no means a (GUtech) he was constantly see it. walk in the park and even though smiling and came across as an “The thing I most wish I could his assistant, Bob, accompanies incredibly cheerful person. see again are the faces of my him everywhere, Amar still faces Instead of holding him back, parents and family. While I can daily challenges. “Once when losing his sight seems to have hear the auditory effects of the I was working in London on a inspired him to do more. Now agein documentary, I sat in the taxi and 40, Amar has worked as an actor, and g process in their voices in the content of what they Bob told me that I was wearing director, motivational speaker say, one brown and one black shoe. and is also the founder and owner appemy visual memory of their arance remains frozen in In my defence, the shoes were of Traveleyes, the world’s first time exactly the same.” commercial international air tour year from when I was around 16 s old.” While Amar has refused to operator specialising in serving Although Amar and his parents let his disability restrict him, he blind as well as sighted travellers. had prior warning, it didn’t believes there are still barriers that The company was established make coming to terms with his blind and disabled people need to in 2005 and is based in the UK, condition any easier. “My mother overcome. with plans to extend packages to was very supportive, she wanted “Many disabled people have Oman in the near future. to do lots of things for me. My multiple skills, a built-in sense Traveleyes offers a unique way dad of determination and the will to to “see” the world, as Amar says. but was supportive too I guess, work. Employers need to be more “We are joined by sighted people me in a different way; he wanted to push on with my education. mindful of this.” who get to travel at half the price I had lost my sight and was There are also personal in exchange for guiding blind thinking what is the point now?” barriers, he says. “After going people and describing sights to Refu sing to let retinitis blind, I realised I could endure a them.” pigmentosa – the inherited lifetime of negativity, dependence, In his own words, Traveleyes degenerative eye disease that bitterness and regret, or I could “celebrates tourism by exploring led to his gradual loss of sight replace that with a constructive amazing destinations. Blind and – define him, Amar finished and optimistic attitude towards sighted, we are unstoppable.” his degree in accounting and life’s challenges. And they certainly prove that, finance and worked as head of “If I had not become blind, I offering skiing, trekking and commercial finance for British would almost certainly never have sailing breaks all over the globe. Telecom before going on to achieved most of what I’ve been Amar believes tourism should become a successful entrepreneur. able to so far.” be celebrated and is an advocate Ama r says his biggest gift was Amar is a firm believer and of the work being done in Oman. his independence, which saw him living proof that if you put your “Tourism is absolutely vital,” he fly to Canada to spend a year heart into something, you can says. “It brings in revenue and is as part of his degree course. “I achieve it. great for the economy, but most thought if I stayed in the UK, my “When I went blind, people importantly, it helps a country mum was going to wrap me in asked me to not continue my build national treasures and cotton wool and I would become degree. When I wanted to go to promote its inheritance. depe Canada, people asked me not “Oman has so much to delight wan ndent. This wasn’t how I ted to be, so I left my mum to go. They said travelling had visitors, how proud and inspired crying at the airport and took off nothing to offer a blind man, but I you all must be.” to Canada.” did it all and did it well.” When he was four years old, The fact that his sight left him doctors told Amar’s parents that gradually was perhaps somewhat Have you got a unique story to tell or do he would lose his sight by the of a blessing in disguise in that you know someone who has? Contact us to age of 18 due to an incurable have coffee with Deeba and be featured in Y Amar is able to use his early Magazine. Email editor@y-oman.com

THE VOICE OF OMAN NEW COLUMNIST HEATHER DUNCAN ON APPRECIATING THE BEAUTY OF LIFE IN OMAN

correspondence GET MOTIVATED Inspiration Out of the Depression Box

iving in a country as beautiful as Oman is a real privilege. With dramatic scenery, hundreds of kilometres of golden sand and an abundance of tropical marine life, this really is a magical place to be. Granted, we all have to slog out the extreme summer temperatures to make it to the winter months, when it’s possible to explore the land without running for the closest AC unit, but it’s worth it. Camping, boating, barbecues and walks on the beach – all amazing activities that we save for the “better” weather. When speaking to some young adults recently, I asked them what they had planned for the weekend. Their response was: “Maybe sleep, maybe walk round the mall,” This is all well and good in the summer, but I didn’t understand why that would be your greatest plan for your free time in the winter. Surely this is the time to enjoy the great outdoors! We all have busy lives and commitments that take priority, but even when I am busy, I try to spend time outside when I can. Being appreciative doesn’t have to be energetic or expensive either; maybe a walk or simply taking the time to observe the way the afternoon sun strikes the iconic Grand Mosque. We are so lucky to live in such an amazing place, I would encourage you all to take some time to enjoy what we have, especially before the mercury starts rising again and we head back indoors for months on end. Check out Heather’s blog at theduncanadventures.com

NEXT WEEK:

MATT BLACKWELL

FEB 05 - 11 / ISSUE 356

I don’t trust myself any more. This is undoubtedly the outcome of innumerable hastily made decisions, innumerable failed attempts at everything under the sun, mood swings more frequent than the rise and fall of the moon and the realisation that constancy and I are more opposing forces than the sun and moon are to each other. At the end of the day, each rises and each falls; and this cycle continues. The moon graces the night with its glow and the sun shines its light on everything below. And with that knowledge, I will wake up tomorrow, make some new mistakes, and I will learn from them. I will make some fresh attempts on tasks that I may not succeed at, but

DEBATE OF THE WEEK

I know that out of 100 tasks, if I have failed 99 times, I would have succeeded once. Samawiyah Ulde, , Student of Indian School Muscat, Grade XI

RACHNA SHANKAR‪

My first baby was born around the same as my final exam for my master’s degree. After handing in my final answer sheet I was rushed to the hospital. Not only was my son born safely that day, but also I got a first class with distinction in my degree.

ASIMA RAHIL

WE ASKED:

“What is the most courageous thing you have ever done?” ISSA BORJA

Initiated a charity event to help a newborn baby suffering from congenital heart disease.

ELAINE PARRY

I stopped a robbery in my place of work and then identified the culprits to the police.

WRITE TO US AND WIN A VOUCHER

The most courageous thing I do is speaking the truth in every matter of life, whether it relates to my friends or family.

KONRAD BORKOWSKI‪ ‬‬

I open-top kayaked on Lake St Lucia, South Africa, sightseeing hippos and crocodiles.

MONIKA KAUSHIK

When I was in school one day, my mother was sick. At night, she suddenly became critical and could not breathe. My father was not there, my siblings started crying and the hospital was far. I took my mum and admitted her to hospital. I stayed with

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

ebHotel /GoldenTulipSe eb @GoldenTulipSe

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her the whole night while the doctor gave her the treatment that saved her.

AMIR MOZAMMEL‪

Tried to cross the busy Ghubra-Al Khuwair highway, without even imagining what would happen to me if I fail.

HABIB MOHAMED

The last time me and my friends went to Snake Canyon, one of them fell from a height of nine metres and broke her back. Once you enter the canyon there is no way to return, so we carried her to hospital where she had to spend six months in bed recovering.

VIBHA SIMHA‪ ‬

I was married to someone who abused me. Freeing myself of the mental and physical trauma was the biggest challenge, but after this bold step I found and married my soulmate before moving to the beautiful city of Muscat a couple of months back.

‪ADEEBA MD HUSSAIN‬‪

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ALAN CHAPMAN

I helped with body recovery when the MS Herald of Free Enterprise sank after leaving the Belgian port of Zeebrugge in 1986.

DIEGO KARUMALDUMAL

The most courageous thing I’ve ever done is telling everyone that I am an atheist.

KAZE MUSTAKIM

I once jumped into a lake without knowing how to swim.

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE

As far as I can remember, the most courageous thing that I have ever done is overcoming my fear of seeing and touching dead people when I was studying nursing in the Philippines.

TAVVA APARNADEVI

Last year, a snake came into my house. I was shocked, but after some time I managed to build up

enough courage to remove it with a stick.

VANESSACATHERINE JOSON BISCOCHO

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WILSON HEMMING

When I was at school I stood up to a group of older kids who who were repeatedly bullying one of my friends.

Though I was far away when one of the strongest recorded typhoons hit the Philippines in 2013, I still managed to support my fellow countrymen by sending relief goods and some cash back home.

MAX FROST

I once rescued a cat when my neighbour’s house was on fire. Afterwards, I realised I had put my life at risk, but the family were incredibly grateful to me, particularly the young daughter.

SYED BOKHARI

I can’t forget the night when my uncle died. I was taken to the morgue and had to spend a long time there with the other dead bodies, just to wait for the hospital to arrange an ambulance for me to take my uncle’s body home. I was very young at that time and was all alone.

New Debate: “Is Valentine’s Day a chance to make genuine romantic gestures or is it a commercialised moneymaking scheme?” Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

HAYDEE NAGUIB was spotted with her favourite Y Magazine at Tim Hortons, City Centre Muscat

Late in the evening, I was walking in the park and I noticed a guy following a teenage girl. I stopped to watch for a while when I realised that the girl was not safe. The guy approached the girl and forcibly stopped her. It seemed that he wanted to tell her something, but the girl was very frightened and didn’t want to listen. For several moments I hesitated, wondering whether I should get involved. I thought it might be their personal matter, but the girl was weeping hard. Suddenly, he pushed her behind the bushes and I heard a scream. I knew I had to act quickly, so I ran towards the spot and I shouted at the man. He ran away and the girl came to hug me, thanking me for defending her.

RISHIKESH CHIDHAMBARANATHAN When I was in middle school, I asked the headmaster, “What are you doing here?”

SHAWN ALVA ‬

I jumped off the first floor of my school building when I was very young after watching a similar stunt in a movie. I told my friends to form a circle below and catch me, but I still bear the scars all over my head and will never get carried away again without thinking of the consequences first.

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FEB 05 - 11 / ISSUE 356

YOUR

OMAN

NEWS

Toddler Murdered

in Sohar

two-year-old boy was found murdered in an abandoned house in Al Afifa, in Sohar Wilayat last week, in what has been described as one of the most brutal crimes seen in Oman in recent decades. Police forensic examinations revealed that the murder took place about 7pm last Friday (Jan 30). According to the victim’s uncle, Naser al Mamari, the child was kidnapped while playing with other children in the area. The parents were busy at a relative’s wedding at the time. “The killer stuffed sand in the infant’s mouth, suffocating him to death. They also tortured him with the help of a blunt instrument, leaving severe marks on his body,” al Mamari told a local newspaper. Two suspects from the victim’s village, a 20 year old who apparently suffers from a mental illness and a 15 year old with no criminal record, have been arrested in relation to the crime. An official from Royal Oman Police said the two suspects first

stalked the two-year-old boy at Al Afifa beach and then dragged him into an abandoned house, where they suffocated and bludgeoned him to death. The boy’s family has demanded the death penalty for the killers, but if the two suspects are convicted, they are likely to escape this outcome. According to information available, the 15-year-old would be sent to the juvenile jail to undergo rehabilitation, which means the death penalty would be ruled out in accordance with Omani Penal Law. Furthermore, the 20 year old has papers from a local government hospital as proof of his mental illness, meaning he too would be spared the death penalty. Soon after the incident went viral on social media, sympathetic messages started pouring in for the little boy, and many are still in shock over the crime.

RUWI TO GET AC TAXI STAND

010

FEB 05 - 11 / ISSUE 356

he 400-plus drivers who use the taxi stand at the end of Ruwi High Street to pick up and drop off passengers will be breathing a sigh of relief, as construction on Oman’s first air conditioned taxi stand begins. “We now have a reason to rejoice as our need has been realised by the authorities and we are thankful to the Muscat Municipality, the wali of Muttrah, the Royal Oman Police and many others who worked for this,” Ali bin Fadhel al Balushi, who officially represents the taxi drivers, told a local newspaper. To the delight of the taxi drivers, who up until now have rested in the shade of trees and sat on the footpath during the scorching summer heat, the new facility will not only be fully air conditioned, but will also have rest rooms, chairs and water coolers.

NEWS

ROGUE TRADERS NAMED AND SHAMED

raders who break new consumer laws will be named and shamed publicly as part of a drive to proect consumer rights, which will come into force on March 1. Under the new law, the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) will also now have the power to directly issue fines of up to RO5,000. However, those found guilty of breaching the law will also be named in the media, with their picture and details of their case made public. “In future, if a shopkeeper is found prima facie guilty in the court and no provision for appeal was given, his photo will be published in the media along with crime details in both Arabic and English,” Khalid Mohammed al Amri, assistant director general of consumer services and market control at the PACP, was quoted as saying by a local newspaper. In addition to this, businesses that contravene the new law could be hit with a potential fine of up to RO50,000 – a tenfold increase on the current maximum fine – and face a jail term spanning anywhere from 10 days to five years. In a concerted effort to clamp down on the distribution of shoddy goods, the new law states that repeat offenders risk having their commercial licences revoked and guilty firms could face closure through

a court order if they are pulled up for the same offence subsequent times. The has been designed to account for modern trends in business and will supersede the existing consumer protection law, which was put into effect in 2002. Last year, the most commonly complained about business sectors in Muscat were car services, mobile and communications, and electronics. However, after the amount of cases received by the PACP peaked at 36,000 in 2013, 2014 actually saw a decrease, with only 29,246 complaints. Despite this, more than 2.5 million items were confiscated under consumer protection laws from the various governorates around the Sultanate last year.

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marriott_med_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒÂ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriott_med_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒÂ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriott_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? åç´ƒ©˙ˆ˚¬µ˜øœ®ß†¨¥`¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒÂ˜ØŒ‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriott_bold_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? åç´ƒ©˙ˆ˚¬µ˜øœ®ß†¨¥`¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒÂ˜ØŒ‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriot_condensed_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒÂ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriot_condensed_medium_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒÂ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriot_condensed_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒÂ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб AbadiMTStd-Light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆΔ˚¬µ˜øϖœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒÂ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" $‚Ç¨¬£¬•‚Ç©‡∏ø—Ä—É–±

An Evening With Your Loved One February 14, 2015

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Enjoy an intimate dinner in Beach Pavilion, featuring live music and an exquisite 4-course set menu. OMR 45* including soft drinks and premium beverages

For reservations, call 968-2476-4000 or email BoxOffice.AlBustan@ritzcarlton.com. *Price is subject to 17 percent service charge and prevailing government taxes.

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Gallery

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

BABYCORE

What on earth is that? You’ve heard of “normcore”, right? If not, cast your mind back a couple of months, when Y’s Fashion page (Issue 335) featured the trend, which is basically about dressing, well, normally. Babycore, on the other hand, is basically wearing baby clothes in adult sizes. You can’t be serious! Unfortunately, we are. But so far, we are only aware of one person who’s willing to go back in time and sport the clothes they wore as a toddler. Who would that be? The guilty party is Matt Starr, a 25-year-old New York-based artist who has rediscovered his inner bub after stumbling on a treasure trove of all his old baby clothes. Who’s to blame for that crime of nostalgia? Of course, we can thank his mum (or mom), who, as mums are want to do, saved the colourful Gymboree clothes her son wore while he was still running about in nappies. Oh. That’s a bit sad, right? Matt would argue otherwise. In fact, he was quoted recently as saying: “There’s a playful, laid-back and comfortable aesthetic to baby clothes that most adult clothing brands don’t offer.” On the flipside, we’d argue that adults need more than a few brightly coloured onesies, complete with button-down bottoms, for their day-to-day lives. He’s not creating adult-sized baby clothes, is he? Not exactly, but he has asked a designer to recreate his favourite blue, green and red Gymboree sweater in an adult size. He’s even put a picture of him wearing it on Instagram. Matt now plans to launch a full range of baby clothes in big-boy sizes, which makes us wonder: how will this trend compete with sweatpants and hoodies? Don’t say: Discover your inner child with baby clothes. Do say: Grow up! * Check out our toddler fashion on P32

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COMPETITION

YOUR

Interview

NEWS

LUCKY IN LOVE

his Valentine’s Day, Y has teamed up with Rumba Lattina at The Cave to offer you the chance of winning a romantic meal for two. Chefs at the Latin American restaurant have worked tirelessly to create an incredible romance-themed three-course menu that will be on offer from February 12 to 14. On the big day itself, there will also be a live band to serenade couples. To enter this competition and make Valentine’s Day extra special, all you have to do is send in a photo of yourself making the most romantic or crazy gesture for the person you want to take to dinner. You can take anyone to dinner with you on February 14, whether it’s a friend, relative, parent or partner, just make sure you post your selfie on the Y Magazine Facebook page between February 5 and February 10. The winners will be announced on February 12.

A WEEK IN PICTURES

HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND

A toddler buried under rubble in Syria has been pulled out alive by rescuers who dug with their bare hands. A video, posted on YouTube, showed a recovery team frantically digging to rescue the trapped youngster in Aleppo

The UN condemns the murder of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto who was beheaded by ISIS, as a video is released of a capitive Jordanian pilot supposedly being burned alive

Troy Bradley and Leonid Tiukhtyaev land their helium-filled balloon safely off the coast of Mexico after an 11,265km trip across the Pacific Ocean, breaking two long-standing ballooning world records

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic wins his fifth Australian Open tennis title and his eighth career Grand Slam, defeating Britain’s Andy Murray in four sets

Gallery

Muscat’s Big

Interview

NEWS

Indian Wedding O man is now well and truly on the destination wedding map. For four days, the Shangri-La’s Barr al Jissah Resort & Spa’s Al Waha Hotel was renamed Virani Castle, in honour of the Virani family wedding that took place there on January 23-26. Contrary to how it may sound, the family, which runs an international gemstone business, didn’t actually take over the hotel, but about 1,000 guests, as well as international performers, were flown in for the wedding of Smit Virani and Chandni Amin. The four-day event saw the hotel decked out with lavish decorations as themed sets were used for each ceremony, while the evenings witnessed incredible live performances from celebrities such as past Indian Idol contestant Rahul Vaidya and Bollywood stars Dia Mirza, Aarti Chhabriya and Mouni Roy. It took the cooperation of two Mumbai-based events companies to pull off the impressive feat. “Destination weddings have grown over the years for Indian marriage celebrations and international markets like Thailand, Hong Kong and others in Southeast Asia have been over exposed. The same has happened with destinations within India, like Goa and palace hotels of Rajasthan. Over the last year, Oman has emerged as a fresh destination, with only a couple of hours flying time and its modern infrastructure,” said Jigar Shah, director of Sound Spirit, one of the companies that handled the event. According to Shah, these sorts of weddings can take up to eight months of planning and preparation, but he feels that Oman has great potential to attract many more similar weddings in the future.

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YOUR

IT’S SHOWTIME

OMAN

BRITISH SCHOOL MUSCAT’S SENIOR PUPILS THRILLED AUDIENCES WITH PERFORMANCES OF THE MATCHGIRLS OVER THREE NIGHTS

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GALLERY

Y brings you some amazing facts from around the world

Highest transfer valuations in football

RO43.2 MILLION

RO58.1 MILLION

In a constant struggle with Messi for the title of best player in the world, Christiano Ronaldo has moved slightly ahead in recent years, winning the past two Ballon d’Ors, the annual award given by FIFA to the male player considered to have performed the best in the previous calendar year. The Portuguese forward moved to Real Madrid from Manchester United for a record breaking RO46.4 million in 2009 and is under contract with Los Blancos until 2018.

The 24-year-old Belgian winger moved to British club Chelsea for RO18.5 million in 2012 and has since set the Premier League alight, more than doubling his valuation in the process. Despite being under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2017, Chelsea are said to be wary of summer bids for the player from Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain, as talks to extend the current deal are reportedly stalling over Hazard’s wage demands.

RO96.1 MILLION

RO36.5 MILLION

The second Chelsea player to make the list is Spaniard Diego Costa, who only joined the blues in June of last year. The striker quickly settled into life in English football and has netted 17 times in a total of 19 league appearances. His phenomenal scoring record has made him a firm fan favourite in London, although he is currently serving a ban for stamping on Newcaslte United’s Emre Can.

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Widely regarded as the best football player in the world – some say the best of all time – Lionel Messi is Barcelona’s all-time top scorer, has won an unprecedented three Ballon d’Or awards and is still only 27 years old. Putting a price on this level of talent is almost impossible, but having been at the Catalan club since he was 13, many predict the Argentine could never be pried away, regardless of the price offered.

RO31.3 MILLION

The Frenchman was a product of Manchester United’s youth academy, making his first team league debut in 2012 at the age of 18. Later in the year, however, Alex Ferguson revealed that Pogba would not be signing a new contract. The Red Devils will be ruing this lack of foresight as the player has gone on to become hot property after excelling for both club and country. The midfielder is under contract at Italian side Juventus until 2019. Source: football-observatory.com

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

The Gambler

Son of a Gun

Serving a six-month sentence for a minor crime in a Western Australia prison, JR (Brenton Thwaites) falls under the protection of the alpha male and Australia’s public enemy number one, Brendan Lynch (Ewan McGregor). Of course, protection comes at a price and after helping Lynch and his crew break out, JR is invited to take part in a heist that promises to deliver millions if it can be pulled off without a hitch. What starts out as a prison movie, with a grittiness reminiscent of David Mackenzie’s excellent Starred Up, soon becomes a heist movie fused with a gangster drama, in which the young JR

finds himself the reluctant player in a strategic game where he must plot 10 steps ahead or risk falling victim to a potentially deadly venture. Son of a Gun beats viewers around the head with glaringly obvious chess metaphors and the themes at play, namely mentor clashing with a student and the pursuit of forbidden love, are familiar, but first-time filmmaker Julius Avery has come up with a neatly packaged, fast-paced debut crime thriller complete with several pleasing set pieces. Review by Matt Blackwell

P RE VI EW

THE TESTAMENT OF YOUTH

Based on Vera Brittain’s World War I memoir, The Testament of Youth is a British drama that tells the story of a generation who had their youth stolen by the horrors of war. Vera (played by Alicia Vikander) postponed her studies at Oxford University to serve as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse during the war both in London and abroad.

IN W O T E C N A CH R U O Y B A R G TS E K C I T A M NE I C Y T I C O TW

Jim Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) is a literature teacher with a sordid secret. Coming from money and privilege, he resents his own background and only feels alive when risking everything at the blackjack table. This leads to a self-destructive spiral of blowing borrowed money until

he owes thousands to the wrong people and may have to pay with his life, but for one last role of the dice. Not your typical Wahlberg thriller, The Gambler is stylishly directed but ultimately lacks conviction and suffers from a slightly rambling script.

Clash of the Empires A race of peaceful hobbits are attacked and enslaved by the dragon-riding cannibals known as the Java Men. One young hero decides to shake off the chains of oppression and enlists the help of humans in his search for an enchanted dagger that will free his people. The special effects are clunky and the script is poor. All in all, a dire film that shamelessly seeks to exploit the success of recent fantasy flicks such as The Hobbit and Seventh Son.

Bollywatch ROY

Director Vikramjit Singh’s debut feature centres on a love triangle between filmmaker Kabir Grewal (Arjun Rampal), a mysterious thief named Roy (Ranbir Kapoor) and their mutual love interest. The Indian romantic thriller also features Jacqueline Fernandez in a dual role as a bohemian filmmaker and a glamorous globetrotter.

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN, just answer a question based on the week’s cinema reviews and send your answer 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.

Brought to you by

THIS WEEKS QUESTION How long is JR's prison sentence? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Dinesh Chandran

Contact: Movie enquiries 24607360

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08 Feb

Cat & Mouse

Catch the iconic cartoon characters Tom and Jerry making their debut in the Sultanate at City Centre Muscat and Qurum as part of the Muscat Festival celebrations. Have fun at the interactive and life-sized cheese maze set up at City Centre Muscat, where you can experience the Tom and Jerry chase. There’s also a chance for a meet and greet with the characters, as well as colouring workshops. Timings are 5pm-9pm (Sun-Wed) and 4pm-10pm (Thurs-Sat) at City Centre Muscat, which includes photo opportunities with Tom and Jerry. At City Centre Qurum, the famous cat and mouse cartoon duo will entertain visitors with a 30-minute live stage show. Families will also get a chance to meet the characters for 15 minutes before the show. Show timings are at 6pm and 8pm SunWeds and 4pm, 6pm and 8pm Thurs-Sat. Meet and greet 5pm and 7pm Sun-Weds and 3pm, 5pm and 7pm Thurs-Sat.

THIS

WEEK

LOST TANGO

Grab this one-night-only opportunity to see the unique talent of Ute Lemper, Germany’s reigning diva of song. Combining her passion for singing with tango music, Ute will bring the authentic sounds of Buenos Aires to the stage at the Royal Opera House Muscat. Argentina’s premier tango ensemble, the Piazzolla Sextet, will add to the electrifying performance that fuses Europe with South America. Curtain goes up at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced from RO5. Check out rohmuscat.org.om for full details and to book.

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

F E B R U A R Y Feb 12 - 14

Weekend

Dunes

Get your 4x4 ready for the next adventure or if you don’t own one, book a place in one as The Guide Oman prepares for its next desert safari. What could be more romantic than spending the first part of Valentine’s Day in the sand dunes? To secure your place, contact Abdul Rahman on +968 9228 5813, Rebecca Mayston on +968 9803 8820 or email Rmayston@theguideoman. com. Happy duning!

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IT’S BAZAAR

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

Until Feb

Feb

Snap up some fabulous bargains at the Meena Bazaar 2015. Clothing, jewellery, accessories, beauty products and much more will be on offer, making this event a shopaholic’s heaven! From 10am10pm at the Jungle Restaurant, Al Bahja Hall, in Qurum. Entry is free.

Until Feb

Feb

Latte Moments Meet up with old friends and discover some new ones at the next Women’s Guild in Oman (WGO) Coffee Morning. This time, it’s being held in the Crowne Plaza Muscat hotel in Qurum. Sit back, relax and natter away with stunning views across the sea and beach to enjoy. From 10am-12 noon. Browse womensguildoman.com to find out more.

BE ENCHANTED

CLASSICAL EVENING Enjoy a concert with a special Czech focus, drawing on centuries of tradition from one of Europe’s musical capital cities. The celebrated PKF – Prague Philharmonia will be joined by the energetic conductor Jakub Hrůša and German-Canadian cellist Johannes Moser as a soloist to perform a programme of classical favourites. The night begins at 7.30pm. Ticket prices start at RO8. Book at rohmuscat.org.om

Feb

The wonderful story of Rapunzel is recreated on stage at the City Amphitheatre in Qurum Natural Park to bewitch both children and adults alike. Based on the smash-hit Disney film Tangled, the show tells the story of a lost young princess with long, magical hair who yearns to leave her secluded tower. Against her mother’s wishes, she accepts the help of a handsome intruder to take her out into the world she has never seen. Show starts at 7pm. There’s a seating capacity of 4,500, but make sure to be early on the night to get the best seats.

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FEB 05 - 11 / ISSUE 356

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CREATURE COMFORTS?

A Y investigation finds cats and dogs living a life of misery in small, dirty cages in Muscat pet shops. Meanwhile, animal welfare volunteers are gearing up to help them. Kate Ginn reports Photos: Shaquel al Balushi & Adam Hurrell

he smell is overpowering. The unmistakable aroma of animal waste and unclean cages hits you in waves as you walk through the door. Towards the back of the shop, the cats are kept in what looks like a storage area by a sink. A tiny white Persian kitten stares out morosely from its “home” – a filthy cage strewn with bits of food, which it shares with another kitten. Its fur is grimy and matted, the eyes sad. He meows pitifully when people approach and claws the glass front, apparently desperate for some affection. “Ninety rials”, says the shop assistant pointing at the kitten. Next to its cage, eight adult cats are crammed into one cage with wire on the floor. There’s no bedding, two full litter trays for all the cats to share, an empty food bowl and a water bowl with a slither of liquid. The white Persians are RO60 and the black ones are RO40, we are told. All the white Persians have eye infections, a common problem for the breed. The eyes of Persian cats need cleaning daily to prevent any infections. When we ask the assistant about the red, sore-looking eyes, he says it’s “normal”. The cacophony of mews from the assorted cats grows louder and more urgent. The smell becomes more

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sadly, it’s not always the case. At Animal World in the Al Araimi Complex in Qurum, the owner of which also has Nawras Veterinary Clinic and Sama Veterinary Clinic, an extraordinary sight greets you as you enter. Various breeds of dogs and puppies are double stacked in glass-fronted cages, like exhibits in a museum. The cages are clean enough, if a little sterile, but are devoid of any bedding, toys or even the most basic of comforts for a living animal. A Chinese Shar Pei, a dog breed known for its distinctive deep wrinkles, paces its small glass prison. They were bred for hunting and herding in ancient China and, according to The Shar Pei Club of Great Britain, need plenty of exercise and an experienced dog owner. A sticker on the glass gave a price of RO530. Next door, a bored Golden Retriever (RO550) was “playing” with his empty food bowl. Meanwhile, a Husky puppy – a breed one Omani animal welfare group said is particularly unsuitable for desert climates – was lapping furiously at a water bottle attached to the outside of his cage. This shop, it has to be said, was one of the better ones with clean cages and staff very much in evidence. In Amazon World in the basement of Markaz al Bahja mall, we saw miserable cats in disgusting dirt-encrusted cages with no natural light or fresh air. We also found four adult cats in squalid conditions, living in wire-floor cages without stimulation, toys or room to exercise, at the store’s sister branch, Al Amzon World, in Al Hail. Dogs and cats imported into Oman for sale must be at least four months old and vaccinated against common diseases. They should also come with a “Pet Passport” giving their date of birth. Some claim that documentation is falsified to bring in younger animals, though there is no suggestion that any of the pet shops we visited are involved in such practices. Providing false documents carries a penalty under Omani law of three to 10 years in jail. Those who do buy from pet shops face a lottery. If their pet falls ill, it can cost them considerably more in vet’s bills than the price they paid for the animal. One animal lover we spoke to told us about someone who bought two Rottweiler puppies in a Muscat pet shop. The animals were ordered especially from Thailand – a notorious puppy “farm” location – cost hundreds of rials each and died within a week from parvovirus (a highly contagious viral disease). The replacement pets, taken from a cardboard box full of puppies, were later found to have hip and eye problems. “Anyone who is an animal lover should

OFFICIAL VIEW

pungent. The fluorescent lights (there is no natural light in this part of the shop) flicker. And the hovering assistant pushes harder for a sale. Welcome to one of Muscat’s pet shops. World of Pets in Al Hail North is one of the less salubrious shops that we visited during a week-long investigation into the pet shop business and trade in animals. It’s a lucrative market in which some of the more coveted breeds of cats can fetch up to RO450 and beyond. Puppies are even more expensive, costing RO1,000 in some cases. What we found was an unregulated industry where animal welfare seems to be the last thing on the minds of some pet shop owners. We saw malnourished animals; left without food, water or proper facilities. Cats and dogs are kept in inadequate sized cages, where they can hardly lie down and are never given exercise. One cat, clearly sick and in need of medical attention, appeared to have been left to die, while others are used for breeding, in order to churn out a regular supply of kittens for the unsuspecting public. The only hope for an end to this miserable existence is that one of the customers will take pity on them. Some will die before that happens. “The conditions that cats and some dogs are kept in in some pet shops is not acceptable,” says Dr Elke Heitz, owner and head veterinarian at the Al Qurum Veterinary Clinic in Muscat and a member of the UK’s Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. “There needs to be minimum standards of care and the size of cages that animals can be kept in. “They must have access to fresh water and fresh food. Staff in pet shops often don’t have even the most basic knowledge about animal welfare or how to care for these cats and dogs. They have zero qualifications.” Oman currently doesn’t have any animal welfare laws, yet pets are big business. Several new veterinary clinics have opened up in Muscat recently, catering to the growing numbers of animal-loving expats and nationals. Vets like Dr Heitz are the ones who often have to deal with the fallout from pet shops when purchased animals fall sick, sometimes within days of being bought. We found varying levels of conditions when we visited seven pet shops around Muscat, from Qurum to Al Hail. Hygiene standards at many were poor and levels of care were questionable to say the least. Even more alarming is that some of the pet shops are now linked to vets in the city, either owned by the same person or family. In theory, these pet shops should be exemplary;

Y Magazine found a complex procedure and confusion when we tried to find out who was responsible for pet shops

uscat Municipality told us: “Before someone can bring animals into a pet shop, officials from the Municipality go to the place to check the safety standards and cleanliness of the shop. Muscat Municipality is responsible for checking the standards of the pet shop in general and the Ministry of Health is responsible for ensuring that the animals brought in are healthy. “When someone wants to open a pet shop, they have to go to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry where there is a section which has representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour and the Royal Oman Police, which help with the procedures and approvals. “Municipality officials regularly visit the shops and if the pet shops are in poor conditions, they are warned. If, after repeated warnings the pet shop owners do not improve the conditions, they are asked to close the shop. “If people see things related to the Muscat Municipality they want to report, they need to call 1111 – a free 24-hour hotline from where they will be directed to the right department.” Y called the 1111 Municipality hotline on Monday (Feb 2), but was told by the lady who answered that Muscat Municipality was not in fact responsible for pet shops. Instead, she directed us to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Y tried contacting the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, but there was no one available to speak to us. We also spoke to the Public Authority for Consumer Protection, who said pets did not fall under its jurisdiction either.

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adopt rather than shop,” says Murtadha al Lawati, a member of Omani Paws, a group set up by animal lovers to rescue, neuter and home stray cats and dogs. “The industry is completely unregulated. For instance, the sale of Huskies should be banned by law in Oman. These animals should not be allowed in a desert environment. But the pet shops don’t care, they’re only interested in making money.” Al Lawati does say that some vets are doing a lot of good work to help with groups like theirs, such as offering discounted treatment. One solution would be to only import animals through certified international breeders, but this wouldn’t help animals bred in the Sultanate. Others say authorities in Oman need to take control, pointing across the border to the UAE. There the government has taken steps to protect animals from abuse and neglect with an Animal Welfare Law and animal shelters. Emily Shotter, who is part of a network of animal welfare

PET HEAVEN OR HELL?

AMAZON WORLD MARKAZ AL BAHJA MALL IN AL HAIL

No natural light or fresh air. Had Persian and Turkish kittens for sale in small cages. Disgusting dirtencrusted floor. Low food and water in bowls. Several cats didn’t respond to attempts to wake them. Their response: The shop’s owner, Salim, said he was unaware of the condition of the cats. He arranged for one cat to see a vet immediately. He also promised to make the cages bigger and improve the animals’ living conditions. Y will go back to check.

WORLD OF PETS AL HAIL NORTH

No natural light and stank. White Persian kitten in terrible state sharing a dirty cage with a Tortoiseshell kitten. Cross eyed Siamese sitting in litter tray. Eight cats in one dirty cage, many with eye infections. Large white breeding male cat in dirty cage on floor. Their response: The manager told us that the cats are let out of their cages for exercise every day and they give sick animals medicine. He admitted one of the cages was too small.

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volunteers in Muscat, says: “I feel very strongly about animal welfare and hope that some legislation around this will be brought into force in the not too distant future.” She believes an alternative solution may be to work with pet shops to improve conditions. Along with other concerned volunteers, Shotter is part of Oman Animal Welfare Team (OAWT) for Oman Cat-astrophe and Dog-Tails, which has come up with a plan to potentially tackle the problem. “We want to get together a group of people who will go into pet shops and help care for the animals. We would go in once or twice a week, clean cages, make sure there is enough food and water, donate toys and bedding and provide much-needed attention and affection for the animals.” To succeed this would, of course, require the cooperation of the various pet shop owners. “We hope they will see it as a chance to make their business better. If the animals are well looked after, people are more likely to buy them.” Sarah Cook, an expat living in Oman, is willing to volunteer. She launched a rescue mission with her mum to save two cats kept in birdcages in Seeb Souq. “There were three cages stacked on each other outside,” says Sarah. “The top one had chickens, the middle one a cat and the bottom one had several ducks. The smell was horrendous. The chickens’ waste was dropping on the cat’s head and the cat’s waste was falling on the ducks. “Inside, we found another cat in a cage surrounded by birds. The cat didn’t have food or water, and there was no litter tray. “Two men were playing catch using a live chick dyed pink. They were chucking it back and forth to each other like it was a ball.” In the end, she managed to get both cats out by giving the shop owner RO15 for both. One cat later died, despite treatment. Emily Shotter adopted the second cat. Until things change – either with legislation or by other means – the animals in Oman’s pet shops have no protection or a voice to speak on their behalf. And their suffering will continue.

AL AMZON WORLD AL HAIL NORTH (SISTER

ANIMAL WORLD AL ARAIMI COMPLEX – LINKED TO NAWRAS VETS AND SAMA CLINIC

One of the worst with four adult cats kept in cages in a secluded area at the back. Cages with wire floors and no signs of food. Little water and filthy litter trays. No natural light, no toys and no bedding. All looked lethargic and depressed. Male ginger Persian in appalling state in a cage with matted fur falling out. Their response: Salim said he would organise for the ginger Persian to see a vet.

One of the better pet shops. Dogs and cats in glass cases at the back. Very clean, but no stimulation, toys or bedding. Some didn’t have water in their bowls. Turkish Angora kittens in front window with low water. Topped up when we demanded three times. Their response: A member of staff said the dogs were exercised every day and that toys and bedding were removed during cleaning (Note: there was no evidence of cleaning when Y was there).

SHOP TO AMAZON WORLD)

CREATURES SABCO CENTRE – LINKED TO CAPITAL VETS

One of the better pet shops. Cats kept at the back in a glasspartitioned room. Clean cages but white female Persian had an eye infection. A Himalayan kitten, very thin and with matted fur, wandering around loose. Their response: We were informed that the Persian is undergoing treatment. All cats have bedding and toys that are removed during cleaning (Note: there was no evidence of cleaning when Y was there).

CREATURES WORLD

CREATURES KINGDOM

Two adult cats in small cages with barely enough room to move. Forced to sleep right next to stinking litter trays. Their response: One of the cats turned out to be pregnant. They admitted one of the cages was too small.

Cats and dogs in clean but small cages. Cages looked old, dark and dim. Dog cages were almost the same size as the cats’. No toys or bedding. Food and some water. One of the Persians appeared to have an eye problem. Their response: Unable to contact, Y will return to check later this week.

AL HAIL NORTH

FUNZONE, QURUM

THE STORY OF RICKY BOBBY

HEATHER DUNCAN SAVED

A PET SHOP KITTEN

THE STORY

OF MOET EMILY SHOTTER HAS THREE RESCUED CATS

I M

y husband Colin and I already had one “bin” cat, Stephen, who we rescued from the streets near our home in Azaiba, Muscat. We also had an adult German Shepherd dog called Penny, not to mention a toddler son, Spencer, who has just celebrated his first birthday. So getting another cat might have seemed a crazy idea but I wanted a companion for Stephen. We went to look at several pet shops and ended up in one where Colin spotted a cute Turkish Angora kitten in a cage. He was very small and being bullied by the other cats. I left the shop for a moment and went I came back my husband had bought him for RO130. When we got him home we realised how thin he was. He was around six weeks old and clearly hadn’t been fed well enough. He also had sores on his skin and hadn’t been given any jabs. Now, almost seven months on, Ricky Bobby, or RB as we call him, is awesome. He’s probably one of the lucky ones, as we haven’t had any health issues with him. He does have a constant runny nose and his legs are slightly too short, probably because he’s so inbred. He can jump onto a chair, but he’s not a great climber. You need to use your own judgement when buying from pet shops. A lot are sick or fall ill and die. Some of the passports they come with are fake and their ages are often wrong. I don’t want to keep the trade going, but sometimes you can’t walk away. We couldn’t have left that little guy there.

first met Moet when I went to the vet in Muscat one day for the usual supplies. They knew about my love of cats and said they had a one-year-old blind cat up for adoption, but she wouldn’t be advertised because they wanted the right owner for her. My instant reaction was that I didn’t want a blind cat. I’m out all day at work and a cat with those needs seemed too difficult. However, they asked me to “just come and see her”, so I did. There she was, a sweet little champagne coloured Persian, with stiches where her eyes had recently been removed. I crouched down to stroke her and she instantly rolled over for tummy rubs, purring loudly. I was sold. How could I not take her? She was one of a few cats that had recently been rescued from a pet shop and the vets believe she had already been blind for several months, perhaps due to untreated cat flu. She’d spent her life in a pet shop cage and both her eyes had become infected, meaning they had to be removed completely. She also had to be wormed, vaccinated and spayed, which was all done for free by Al Qurum Veterinary Clinic in Muscat. Five months on, she is a vibrant, talkative, playful and incredibly happy girl. She manages to get around my flat almost like any sighted cat would; chasing balls around at top speed and climbing up and down from the bed and sofa easily. She has settled in well with my other cat Luna, who was also rescued (in October 2013) and my most recent addition, Lily, who was rescued from horrible conditions at Seeb Souq a few weeks ago.

THE STORY

OF ALLY Y’S MANAGING EDITOR FELICITY GLOVER BOUGHT

HER PET CAT FROM A BREEDER IN MUSCAT

THE STORY

OF ALFIE PENNY DESTRO BOUGHT

A PET SHOP CAT IN

MAY LAST YEAR

ur cat had died the year before and we weren’t really looking for another one. Then I walked into a pet shop in Muscat, saw Alfie and fell in love with him. He was in a cage and the conditions were okay, he was quite clean. I asked an assistant, who told me that he was a female Bengal around three months old, when in fact he turned out to be a male Silver Tabby closer to seven months old. I’d always wanted a Silver Tabby, so after visiting five times I bought him. His passport, which seems to be genuine, says he is from Ukraine. When we got Alife home, he was very frightened at first and hid for three days. He was also full of ear mites. We soon realised that he couldn’t jump onto our sofa. He’d been in a cage for so long without any exercise that his back leg muscles were too weak. Now Alfie is 14 months old and absolutely fine. He’s very playful and very loving. He doesn’t like sitting on laps, which might be because he wasn’t handled or socialised as a kitten. I’m an animal lover and buying from pet shops is not something I thought I would do. But there are many cats that need homes and if you can rescue one, then I think it is worth it.

t took us a long time to commit to having a pet. Moving countries can be a stressful time for animals and as expats; this is something we had to consider. But having grown up with a multitude of pets in my family, I know just how important it is for children to have this experience. Not long after arriving in Muscat, I decided my daughter and I were ready for the commitment and soon found a gorgeous litter of Himalayan kittens on the website Dubizzle. The family we bought Ally, our kitten, from were experienced breeders who know exactly what it takes to keep cats healthy and happy. When we picked her up; we knew she’d had the best possible start to her life. She was a little shy at first, but it wasn’t long before she was racing about the house and bonding with my daughter and me. A couple of days after Ally became part of our family, we took her to the vet for her vaccinations and a checkup. The vet knew immediately that she wasn’t from a pet shop. “She is so much healthier than the pet shop kittens we see,” he said. “She is in very good health.” And I have to say that she is. Looking at the photos in our cover story this week, there is a remarkable difference. While Ally is full of energy, her fur thick and glossy, the other cats I’ve seen in pet shops are not quite as lucky. From eye infections, to listlessness, dehydration and stomach problems, they face a litany of health issues the older they get – and their new, unsuspecting owners are paying a high price for this. Ally turns one in May and she has grown into a playful, cat who loves meeting new people. We know we’ve been very lucky with her, I just wish it could be the same for the pet shop animals. FEB 05 - 11 / ISSUE 356

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Dates are found in abundance all over the Arabian Gulf and vendors from the furthest reaches of the Sultanate have been peddling their wares at the Muscat Festival. Deeba Hasan went to sample them 024

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erched in the high branches of a date palm tree on his farm near Bahla, Salim inspects the fruits that will one day fill supermarket shelves or end up in a date souq, like the one at the Muscat Festival. Dates are a versatile fruit and visitors to Al Amerat Park have been savouring the flavours of date cookies, syrups, jams, halwa, honey and a range of other products available from the 40 to 50 different stalls set up in the designated date souq. Throughout the duration of the festival, stalls have alternated weekly between a date souq and a honey souq. The small, sticky delights have always been the most basic offering to guests in Arab homes. Rich in vitamins and minerals and high in fibre, they offer fantastic nutritional value and often form part of the everyday diet in the Middle East. Dates are known to offer various medical benefits, including relief from constipation, intestinal disorders, heart problems, anemia and abdominal cancer to name just a few. Apart from being delicious, the fruits also contain calcium, sulfur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium which all contribute towards a healthy diet and strong body. Evidence has been found of dates being consumed by the Ancient Egyptians and fossil records show that the date palm has existed for at least 50 million years. The date palm is thought to have originated somewhere around where Iraq now stands. While the fruit can be found all over the world, the chief producers are Egypt, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Oman is ranked seventh in the top 10 producers of dates worldwide. Apart from the Middle East and North Africa, dates are also naturalised in Australia, Spain, the Canary Islands, India, Pakistan and various other places. Neither birds nor bees are attracted to the flowers of date palm trees, which makes growing the fruit an interesting process. Male trees produce pollen, while female trees produce flowers, meaning that in order to grow and

harvest dates, people working on the farms have to pollinate the flowers by hand in what can only be described as a dedicated labour of love. Pollination of date palms involves gathering some strands from the male flower and introducing them into the female palm trees. This process fertilises the female flowers and starts the development of the fruit. After this, the ends of the flower branches are cut to ensure a harvest of high-quality dates. As summer approaches, the fruit branches sprout and begin to bow down under the increased weight. During the month of August, the fruit branches are covered with protective nets to keep damaging parasites away and to avoid the use of chemical sprays. Dates mature in autumn and the harvest can begin. The fruit branches are cut by hand and the spoilt or immature dates are removed. The dates are then partially sorted and sent to collecting centres where their quality is checked. Maher Yaqoob al Subhi, a date trader and first-time participant at the Muscat Festival says: “We are from Barka, which is a coastal town and so we cannot cultivate dates there. This is why we give contracts to other farms and traders from different places in Oman like Nakhal, Nizwa and Samail. They sell their produce to us and we sell it on further.” At his counter, Maher is selling 20 different types of dates. “We have dates with cashew nuts, dates with chocolate, dried dates and dates with ginger, which are normally given to diabetic patients who can enjoy the taste of the date without having to worry about changes in their blood sugar levels.” The hard and dried dates are sometimes ground into a powdery mixture, which can be used as a substitute for sugar in tea and coffee. So next time you buy a packet of dates, think of Salim high up in his tree, as well as the fascinating journey the humble fruit has taken – from pollination all the way to packaging – as you savour the unmistakable taste.

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e at : d 1 g ies 7 n omh 12 h 2 r y i r t s f o n r s c rc Cl or e rua run ar Ma M , f eb F tion ntil day ti u ur pe y 12 Sat m r n Co rua l o a b ve Fe Re d an r G

Due to popular demand, the deadline to register for our slim to win competition, with RO500 cash and a share of RO2,200 worth of prizes on offer, has been extended

e knew that our “The Weight Is Over” competition was going to be big, but we hadn’t anticipated quite how huge. We’ve had such an overwhelming response that we’ve extended registration for our first-of-its-kind weight loss event until February 7. “This is a very important initiative as obesity is a worrying social issue in Oman, in particular the associated diseases that come with it, such as heart disease and diabetes,” says Felicity Glover, Y’s Managing Editor. “It is never too late to do something about your weight.

yourhealth.

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“Healthy eating habits, eating in moderation and regular exercise go a long way to help you manage your weight.” A balanced diet and plenty of exercise are both essential to a healthy lifestyle, says Padma Kasthurirengan, a director of Balance Health & Fitness. “Good nutrition and regular exercise helps one to stay healthy and live longer. Everything we eat and drink affects the body functions. Combining well-planned, targeted workouts with a quality diet maximises the benefits from one’s fitness efforts. “As today’s society moves towards a more sedentary lifestyle, there is a greater need than ever to increase the daily physical activity level to maintain both cardiovascular fitness and body weight.” In order to help you achieve the appearance you’ve always wanted, Y Magazine has teamed up with Geely Oman, VLCC Wellness Oman and Balance Health & Fitness to give you a host of reasons to go for it – how does RO500 cash and RO2,200 worth of prizes, including gym membership and health treatments, sound? All you have to do is commit to trim down and shape up for one month.

Whoever has lost the most weight during that time (based on a percentage of weight loss), in both male and female categories, will be crowned the winner, each claiming RO500 in cash. There are also prizes for second and third place, plus a special consolation prize, so everyone has a chance to win. “This a great way to start changing your life forever, to start living your life to the fullest and to be as healthy as you possibly can,” Felicity says. “We understand that it can be difficult for some to take the leap and commit to losing weight, but all it takes is a little courage and the support of your family and friends. And before you know it, you will be on track to a new life and a new you.” For people who have perhaps been reluctant to make lifestyle modifications in the past, this new competition provides both a health and financial incentive to make positive changes. “Exercising does not have to be boring and dreaded,” says Padma. “It can be something that one enjoys and that helps to increase the overall happiness in life, as well as relieve symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. At Balance, we have designed activities that give you pleasure so that exercise is a fun and enjoyable activity.” The final registration date is now February 7. “The Weight Is Over” will begin on February 12 and run until March 12. The Grand Reveal will take place on March 21. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today and make a commitment to taking the first steps towards a new, healthier, slimmer you.

e from ic v d a g n ti ie d l a ti Essen man: VLCC Wellness O S:

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Though they may see in extra-large portions. Try making your and added sugar and soldas refreshing and are lower in carbs, sugar, at home; they’re just calories. DRINKS: plan and spike blood SUGARY SODA ca rail your healthy meal e teaspoon, so if your de n s ink dr en ad ls on Sugar-l oons. r grams of sugar equa sugar levels. Every fou sugar, that’s equal to consuming 7.5 teaspgain. Go of t s igh am we gr e us 30 s ca d may drink ha water. calories and carbs an These beverages add with sugar substitutes, or better yet, drink de ma s on rsi ve for diet OICES: ich TEIN FOOD CHice a week, eat beans, wh VARY YOUR PRO tw te pla ur yo on ry in ult ote po pr d the an d at keep me Make seafoo fibre and protein and are a natural source ofn. portions small and lea ies, ice cream, DITCH THE FAsT: s – such as cakes, cooknot everyday fat d ate ur sat of rce nal choices, Make major sou and hot dogs – occasio pizza, cheese, sausagesid fats to oils when preparing food. foods. Switch from sol

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If you are aged 18 or over and believe that you have got what it takes be a contestant with “The Weight Is Over”, the registration process couldn’t be easier. Simply pick up a registration form at these locations: ● Geely showrooms located in Wattayah, Azaiba and Barka. www.geelyoman.com /GeelyEmgrandOman @GeelyOman on Twitter

PRIZES UP FOR GRABS FIRST PRIZE MEN AND WOMEN: RO500 cash each and a Balance Health & Fitness health club single membership for one year worth RO399 each SECOND PRIZE MEN AND WOMEN:

RO350 worth of VLCC treatments each

THIRD PRIZE MEN AND WOMEN:

RO200 worth of VLCC treatments each

VLCC SPECIAL AWARD (FOR MEN AND WOMEN):

RO150 worth of VLCC treatments each * Geely Oman, which is part of the Towell Auto Centre (TAC), has put up the RO500 cash prize for the men’s category, while Y Magazine has matched this for the women’s competition.

● VLCC branches in Al Mawaleh and Shatti Al Qurum www.vlccwellness.com/Oman ● Balance Health & Fitness at Al Qurum Complex, Muscat www.balanceoman.com ● Y Magazine’s office at SABCO Media in Seeb, Muscat Complete the form and post it in the drop box on site or: You can also complete an online registration form on our website www.y-oman.com/register Post your details on Y’s Facebook page /ytabloid or simply drop us an email at editor@y-oman.com. We will need your name, age and contact number to verify your registration and add you to the competition. “The Weight Is Over” will feature two categories, male and female. Main prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place. The judges’ decision is final. There will be three official weigh-ins: before February 12, midway through the contest and a final one after March 12. Contestants must be free to attend the Grand Reveal, when the winners will be announced, on Saturday, March 21 in Muscat. FEB 05 - 11 / ISSUE 356

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FOOD AND DRINK

LOOKS GOOD?

This decadent burger may have your taste buds running into overdrive, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually a fast track to bad health. Try our healthy alternatives opposite instead.

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Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

TREND New Restaurant

FASTER THAN

FAST FOOD With new research linking junk food to memory loss, Matt Blackwell looks into alternative ways to get a speedy food fix

veryone knows that eating a lot of the wrong kinds of food is unhealthy. Now that western eating habits have infiltrated the Middle East – drive down the highway and you’ll find yourself surrounded by multinational chains on both sides, with KFC, McDonald’s, Burger King and Pizza Huts as far as the eye can see – the incidences of diabetes and obesity have skyrocketed. Portion sizes of fast food are often large and the food itself is low in fibre content while being high in fat, salt and sugar. Diabetes is one of the major health concerns in Oman. This was highlighted by Professor Mohammed al Maatouq at the first Oman Diabetes Summit, which took place in November last year. The disease, which killed 1,200 adults in the Sultanate in 2013, is associated with a fast-food diet and a sedentary lifestyle. The Saudi Arabia-based al Maatouq revealed that doctors in the GCC were seeing patients as young as five years old with obesity and pre-diabetes before the age of 10. A poor diet can also lead to several other health conditions including cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and hypertension (high blood pressure). If that’s not bad enough, a new study has revealed that trans fats – the type of unsaturated fat often found in fast food – can also lead to memory impairment. The discovery came from American researchers, who estimated the amount of trans fats eaten by participants before giving them a series of word and memory tests. “Trans fats were most strongly linked to worse memory in young and middle-aged men during their working and career-building years,” said lead author Dr Beatrice Golomb, of the University of California in San Diego. The results showed that each additional gram of trans fats eaten a day was associated with an estimated 0.76 fewer words correctly recalled. People eating the highest amount of trans fats remembered 10 per cent fewer words. However, it’s not all doom and gloom and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. What if we were to tell you that with the help of a microwave, it’s possible to create tasty meals that are healthier, cheaper and actually faster than fast food? It may sound like a miracle, but it’s true. Just give some of these recipes a go and see for yourself.

News

Brown Rice with Sausage Ingredients: § 1 cup microwaveable brown rice § 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled sausage § 2 tbsp roasted red pepper, chopped § 1 cup baby spinach leaves § 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese Method § Prepare rice according to package directions. § In a small microwave-safe bowl combine sausage, red pepper and spinach. Microwave for one minute. Stir in rice. §Top with cheese.

Chicken Teriyaki and Brown Rice Ingredients: § 1 cup microwaveable brown rice § 1/3 cup cooked, diced chicken § 1/2 cup frozen broccoli, thawed § 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce § 1 tbsp peanuts, chopped (optional) Method § Prepare rice according to package directions. § In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chicken and broccoli. Microwave for one minute. Stir in rice and teriyaki sauce. § Top with peanuts, if desired.

Chicken and Brown Rice Burritos Ingredients: § 1 cup microwaveable brown rice § 1/4 cup salsa § 1/2 cup cooked, diced chicken § 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated § 2 whole wheat tortillas § 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves (optional) § 2 tbsp sour cream (optional) Method § Prepare rice according to package directions. § In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine salsa and chicken. § Microwave for one minute. § Stir in cheese and rice. § Divide mixture onto tortillas. § Top with coriander and sour cream, if desired. Source: www.menshealth.com

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FOOD AND DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Midket r Ma

Info Box

OMEDE RESTAURANT

Holiday Inn, Seeb Tel: +968 2208 0555 Opening hours: Open daily with 24-hour room service to hotel guests Dinner and drinks for three (including taxes): RO46

SURPRISE PACKAGE

Verdict : 8 / 10 Service 8 / 10 Food 9 / 10 Ambience Excellent apart from the tax rate Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

THE HOLIDAY INN HOTEL IN SEEB MAY NOT SPRING IMMEDIATELY TO MIND AS A DINING DESTINATION, BUT DON’T LET ANY PRECONCEPTIONS PUT YOU OFF, SAYS ADAM HURRELL

oliday Inn is a global brand. The last time I sampled its hospitality I was at Heathrow Airport in the UK and I have also stayed at one in Paris. Like all multinational brands, they are often carbon copies of one another, so I wasn’t expecting an awful lot from the one here in Seeb. As a budget brand of utility hotels, Holiday Inn fulfills a vital role for frequent travellers but historically, the quality of food served at its in-house restaurants has done little to inspire me. However, upon I walking through the doors of the Seeb hotel I was struck with the distinct feeling of premium. The fixtures, fittings and clean, modern design all spoke of quality. There were no gaudy colours, tired carpets or worn brass anywhere to be seen. Things were looking good. The Omede Restaurant is on the lower ground floor and has a terrace area that is by the hotel’s pool. The lighting inside was a little harsh and as it was a pleasantly cool January evening, we decided to sit outside. Saturday night at the Omede is obviously a quiet one, as we were almost the only people there. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful, although on the opposite side of the pool to our table was the hotel gym, and watching people running on a treadmill as we sat down for an indulgent meal did make us feel rather guilty. I prefer to think I’m just dedicated to my work. 030

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WE HAD A LOVELY MEAL AND I WOULD CERTAINLY GO BACK, BUT AN OTHERWISE GOOD EXPERIENCE WAS TAINTED SLIGHTLY BY THE INFLATED DRINKS PRICES AND TAX RATE Menus were brought out, drinks were ordered and everything felt very refined thanks to the attentive, friendly and smartly dressed staff. Staff appearance can often be overlooked, but when they are poorly turned out, it makes you wonder where else the restaurant may be cutting corners. We debated whether it would be best to go for the buffet or choose something from the à la carte menu and after a quick scan of the options, we voted unanimously in favour of the menu. We shared a Caesar salad to start and opted for panfried salmon and fish and chips, while I asked for the Lebanese mixed grill. From the outset, the standard of food was impressive. The salad was delicious and I enjoyed my mixed grill. The salmon was not only an

extremely generous portion, but also perfectly cooked with a pleasingly crispy skin and served on a bed of creamy mashed potato. The fish and chips were also going down a treat. Again, the size of the portion was generous and the hamour fillet was coated in a light, crisp, golden batter that any English seaside restaurant would be proud of. The meat in my mixed grill was equally excellent, the chops being a particular highlight. My chips were some of the best I have had in Oman and the small salad and flatbread that came with it were a welcome addition. For pudding, I chose the refreshing mixed ice cream, while my friend had the warm walnut pudding, which was also enjoyed. The food, service and setting (with the exception of a few jets taking off over our heads), were all excellent at the Omede. However, it became apparent why it may have had so few customers when the bill came. Now when you eat in a hotel, you expect to pay hotel prices, but when a coke costs RO1.4 and tax is at 17 per cent, you begin to feel like you’re being overcharged. The Omede is still waiting for its drinkds licence to be approved, which was no problem, but it does seem somewhat unnecessary to be quite so overpriced. Overall, we had a lovely meal and I would certainly go back, but an otherwise good experience was tainted slightly by the inflated drinks prices and tax rate.

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

PLAY TIME

FASHION

There has never been a better time to shop for your kids. With great colours, fun designs and quality soft fabrics, children have never had it so good. However fussy your little cherubs are, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sure to be something for them to suit almost every occasion.

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TODDLER

This cotton jumper is a fun staple item that can be worn with almost anything and will be a sure favourite in your own little lion’s wardrobe. RO6.9 from H&M

CHIC

You’re never too young for style. Make sure your little ones get off to the right start, says Adam Hurrell

hildren’s fashion has been completely transformed since my days as a child and there are now some great items on the market that are both practical and smart. Prices have also fallen, making it possible to dress your children in quality, long-lasting clothes without remortgaging your home. With two new arrivals in my extended family, children’s clothing has become something I have been buying a lot of lately. Here are some of the favourites that I’ve come across recently.

Worn with or without a tie, this smart outfit from Marks & Spencer will still be snazzy. Made from a linen and cotton blend, it should also be cool during the warmer months. RO18

Every little girl needs a best dress, more so if it’s a bright and cheerful yellow one from Zara. It’s ideal for special occasions and BFF parties, while the colour also means your little princess should be easy to spot in a crowd. RO12.9

Teamed with a white cardigan, white socks and a cute pair of Mary Janes, this blue cotton dress is the perfect item for a smart family occasion. RO13.64 from GAP.com

This t-shirt from Zara is simple and elegant. It’s also made from organic cotton, so will be gentle on your little one’s skin. Zara does this design in a variety of colours, making it a great staple item. And it’s a bargain at RO3.5

Kids clothing tips:

Little boys – and girls! – love dinosaurs and what better way to sport them than with a hoodie. Fun, cosy and perfect for keeping warm on a chilly evening. RO9.9 from H&M 1. The old days of blue for boys and pink for girls are long gone. Avoid establishing gender stereotypes in your children by dressing them in a variety of colours. 2. Children’s skin is notoriously sensitive. Try and make sure their clothes are soft to the touch and as natural in composition as possible. 3. Kids grow fast. If you find a piece that your child really likes and will want to wear beyond the period of time specified on the label, buy the size up as well, so that when one becomes too small they can wear the bigger one.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BEAUTY

Health

Fashion

Struggling to make your perfume last the day? Try Y’s top tips to give your scent that extra oomph

e all have our favourite perfume and the ways in which we apply it. There’s an art to applying perfume and knowing exactly where to put it – too little won’t last, but too much can blow away your friends and colleagues, not to mention garner odd looks in the office lift. If you feel your perfume is fading away to almost nothing by the end of the day, then perhaps you need to try these tips and tricks:

1SPRAY, DON’T RUB

According to beautyandtips.com, it’s best to spray your perfume onto your body rather than rubbing it in, as this apparently “crushes down” the molecules in your favourite scent. It does sound rather scientific, but then again the art of making perfume is a lengthy process that takes a great deal of skill, as some of the world’s best perfumers will attest.

DARE TO BE BARE

Okay, so we’re not saying to bare everything to the world here, but always ensure that you spray your perfume on before getting dressed. Why? Well, some perfumes can stain clothes – and who wants to ruin their favourite LBD? But the main reason behind this is that the “natural heat” of our skin activates perfumes. This will ensure a longer-lasting scent as we go about our busy day-to-day lives.

3HAIR TODAY

This is a great little secret and we have to confess that we saw our mums doing it when we were growing up! Simply spray a little perfume onto your hairbrush and then brush your hair. Every time you move, you’ll give off a lovely waft of your scent.

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4OILS AIN’T OILS

We know, we know: oily skin can be a pain, but did you know that perfume loves oil? Well, moisturiser to be exact. Apparently, this tip is scientifically proven, so if you have dry skin, slather yourself with a fragrance-free moisturiser before applying your perfume. Better still, use the branded moisturiser that goes with your perfume, which will create a deeper layer of scent.

CHANEL NO. 5

A timeless classic, it’s hard to resist the notes of ylang-ylang, May rose and jasmine.

5FINGER ON THE PULSE

Finally, it’s important to know your pulse points, which will help to optimise your scent. The two most common pulse points (basically where you can feel your heart rate) are the inside of your wrists and the base of your throat. But did you know that the inside of your elbows and behind your knees are also must-spray pulse points? No? Neither did we, but we do now!

MISS DIOR CHÉRIE

For the young and the young at heart, this fragrance is fresh and fruity, and is highlighted by citrus and floral notes.

OPIUM BY YSL

A bold classic that has stood the test of time, Opium is famed for its mandarin and bergamot notes that are enhanced by vanilla, patchouli and amber.

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

Catnapping They’re popular with young children, but experts say napping is actually the best way for adults to freshen up during the day, writes a sleepy Deeba Hasan

any people start work early in the morning and don’t return home until late in the evening. The time we spend between, focused on computer screens or in meetings, can drain us of energy, but taking a short mid-day nap is a fantastic way to rejuvenate yourself. According to Roma Fernandes, clinical psychologist at the Whispers of Serenity Clinic in Muscat, naps are specifically important for those with highpressured jobs. “Not everyone requires a nap, but it’s good if they can find time for one; especially people who develop mental stress during the day,” she says. Naps or siestas are known to help restore alertness, prevent burnouts and reduce the risk of heart disease among other benefits. “Naps reset your body and give you the energy to help you throughout the rest of the day,” according to Fernandes. The US-based National Sleep Foundation recommends a short nap of 20 to 30 minutes “for improved alertness and performance, without leaving you feeling groggy or interfering with nighttime sleep”. Naps are also known to increase productivity. “The best time for naps is between midday and 2pm because if a nap is taken in this time, it will not affect the nighttime sleep cycle,” says Fernandes. “Children also require about two hours of sleep during the day. Again, parents should try and make it early in the afternoon hours so that it doesn’t affect their sleep cycle.” Based on factors like height, weight and working hours, adults can benefit from a nap between 15 minutes and one hour in length. This helps to freshen them up, keeps the mind alert and allows them to continue working in a productive and focused

fashion. “When we sleep, our body cells regenerate and the body goes through a healing process, which is why when we wake up from only half sleep, we are tired. On the other hand, when we have complete sleep, we wake up with a lot of energy,” says Fernandes. Ideally, Fernandes says a nap should be taken before eating lunch, otherwise the digestion process will be slowed down. There are also other factors that need to be kept in mind; naps should be taken every day and need to be kept fairly short to avoid any sleeping troubles during the night. If possible, naps should be taken in places that are comfortable and where you will be left in peace. Just remember to clear it with management before you try to sneak in a quick kip at the office.

NAPPING THROUGHOUT HISTORY: ❖ Leonardo da Vinci took multiple naps a day and slept less at night. ❖ The French Emperor Napoleon was not shy about taking naps. He indulged daily. ❖ Though Thomas Edison, inventor of the lightbulb, was embarrassed about his napping habit, he also practiced his ritual daily. ❖ US President John F Kennedy ate his lunch in bed and then settled in for a nap every day. ❖ Oil industrialist and philanthropist John D Rockefeller napped every afternoon in his office. ❖ British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s afternoon nap was non-negotiable. He believed it helped him get twice as much done each day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

AND THEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE OFF

A colourful assortment of runners from all over the world descended on Muscat recently to take part in the Muscat Marathon 2015.

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

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

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Destination

AL MUSALHA

SOMETIMES TAKING A WRONG TURN CAN LEAD TO THE BEST ADVENTURES, AS SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI FOUND WHEN HE STUMBLED ACROSS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF OMANI HISTORY AND HERITAGE AT AL MUSALHA 038

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Cars

fter visiting several beaches over recent weeks, I was in search of something a bit different and decided to stick to dry land this time. Trying to think of a good destination to venture to, I remembered a time nearly 10 years ago when I was driving close to Nizwa and stumbled across a great place with some fantastic photo opportunities and my initial thought was to return there. However, fate intervened and I don’t know if I took a wrong turn somewhere, but I found a sign directing me to Qala’at al Musalha. It was one of the brown road signs that denote a place of interest and as I’d never been to this one before, I thought I might as well have a look. It was about 9am on a weekday when I arrived and I passed some local villagers working on their farms as I drove through. One of the first things that caught my attention was a man in his 50s who was tending his crop of dates by clearing away some dead branches. I asked him if I could take his picture and he agreed on the condition that I sampled some of his hospitality. After I’d got the shots I needed, he came to greet me properly and we took a small walk to his farm where he offered me dates and coffee. Once I’d had my fill and thanked my new friend several times, I moved on to the ruins of the fort and the old settlement. What I absolutely loved about this place was the contrasting colours. The blue of the sky contrasted with the green of the trees, which in turn contrasted with the dusty yellow of the ancient mud walls. The sky in itself was a photographer’s dream. It was such a clean blue and so clear that it didn’t even require the slightest bit of editing. Walking around the ruins of this historical settlement

TRAVEL GUIDE

I found the intricate details of the workmanship fascinating. The attention to detail on the doors was incredible and the different colours used to stain the wood had retained their vibrancy, even after all this time. What I found most impressive was that despite all the weathering over the years, these structures were still standing as proud as ever. The only thing that upset me about my visit was the piles of rubbish I found strewn about the ruins. This is our heritage and we need to preserve the beauty of places such as this. I climbed a hill to get an overview of the settlement and from this vantage point, I was able to see the old buildings mixing in with some of the newer developments that had sprung up as the village grew. Old and new had merged in perfect harmony. I lost track of time and before I knew it I had been wondering around for a number of hours. Although I had never heard of this place before and I stumbled across it by accident, it was, in my opinion, a beautiful accident and I may well return in the future to use the setting as a backdrop for another one of my shoots.

HOW TO GET THERE From Muscat, take road 15 to Nizwa. Once you get to Nizwa airport, change to road 31 briefly before joining road 21. Drive through Nizwa towards the Al Hoota Cave. A few kilometres

after the turning for the cave, there will be a signposted left turn to Qala’at al Musalha.

GPS location:

N 23° 04’ 57” E 57° 17’ 51”

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

RUNNING

MAN

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The Muscat Marathon was back for a fourth year last weekend and Matt Blackwell was in the thick of the action, competing in the 10k

t’s shortly after 8am, but already the temperature is in the early 20s; the sun is beating down, my legs are heavy and I’ve still got five kilometres to go before I can stop. This is how I spent my Friday morning last weekend. Running the 10K race organised by Muscat Road Runners as part of the Muscat Marathon 2015 seemed a good idea at the time. Halfway through and I wasn’t so sure. Earlier, as I made my final preparations, I glanced around the gardens at the InterContinental Hotel Muscat – where the race started and finished – to see it crammed with people wearing running shorts, vests and carrying water bottles as 475 runners lined up to take their place in either the full marathon, half marathon or 10K, all of which were running concurrently after staggered starts. The Muscat Marathon is now in its fourth year and according to event director Fiona Vaughn, it continues to grow yearly, with this year’s installment selling out well in advance of race day. “Last year, 440 people raced, but this year we had to cap registration numbers at 550. Even then, approximately 50 people had to be turned away,” she says. Securing my position in the race nine days before the event itself meant that I was only able to fit in three runs prior to the big day. Although I have completed the Great North Run – a renowned half marathon in the UK – in the past, this was in 2009 and it’s fair to say that while I don’t consider myself unfit, I’m nowhere near the level of fitness I was back then. This would be no easy feat. Still, come Friday (Jan 30) I took my place on the starting line alongside 177 of my fellow competitors from dozens of different nations (the oldest was 78 years old and the youngest aged 11) and awaited the countdown. I couldn’t help but feel the flutter of butterflies in my stomach and I don’t think I was the only one. There was an air of excited anticipation in the garden as people limbered up and stretched out ahead of the race and then, as the clock ticked over to 8am, the tape was lowered and we were off. Running under an arch and immediately bearing right, I soon found myself along Al Shatti Street heading towards the Crowne Plaza Muscat hotel. The sun was out and with the beach and sea on my left I was struck by the feeling that this was a great

way to start the day. It was still too early to call, but I was feeling good about life. Despite the time, there were already a few spectators and bystanders populating the streets and their cheers and claps really were incredibly heartening. As we circled the roundabout and headed back down the road we entered the third kilometre and the effects of the 9km training run I had completed two days prior were making themselves known in the weight of my legs. It was then that the encouragement from the spectators really lifted me and I settled into something of a rhythm. Having a slight competitive streak in me, it was difficult not to go chasing after people when they overtook me, but thankfully common sense prevailed and I paced myself relatively well. Reaching the roundabout at the opposite end of the road, we veered left and headed towards Qurum Natural Park. As it happened, it was the first time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d actually entered the park and I was rewarded with the sight of two people exploring the grounds on horseback. After circling the lake in the centre one-and-a- half times, I left the park and although there was still a good 2km to go, as far as I was concerned it was the home straight; we were now running back towards the hotel. Just as I found when running my first half marathon back in 2009, pure adrenaline propelled me over the last few hundred metres. The crowds grew in size either side of me and I even found I had enough left in the tank to put in a kick over the last half kilometre. Although I was a fair way off Kavin Maharaj, the Australian who was the first to finish the 10K, registering a blistering time of 39 minutes and 47 seconds, I burst over the finish line a little over 10 minutes later, finishing in 51 minutes and 20 seconds, which put me in a respectable 28th place. I may not have broken any records, but it certainly gives me a starting point and a time to beat next year. It was also a great way to see the capital â&#x20AC;&#x201C; although next time, I might go sightseeing at a slightly gentler pace.

The Muscat Marathon may be over for another year, but you can keep up to date with future events held by Muscat Road Runners by logging on to www.muscatroadrunners.com

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

PARADISE FOUND

Discover picture-perfect beaches warmed by the Caribbean sun in the Dominican Republic, where it’s all about rewarding yourself with a bit of chill time.

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1. Visit the capital, Santo Domingo 2. Spend a day in Los Haitises National Park 3. Whale watching in Samaná 4. Take in a baseball game, the most popular sport in the Dominican Republic 5. Put on the suntan lotion and head to Bávaro beach, the best in the country

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Kate Ginn recommends

THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

n j o y i n g p r e tt y m u c h y e a r - r o u n d s u n s h i n e - a p a r t f r o m the odd hurricane or tropical storm - the Dominican R e p u b l i c i s a n i d e a l d e s t i n a t i o n fo r a g e t a w a y b r e a k at any time. A temperate climate, which rarely rises above 32º Celsius helps to warm the Atlantic Ocean lapping its north shores and the Caribbean Sea on the south side. As the second-largest Caribbean nation (after Cuba), the Dominican Republic has had a tempestuous past ever since Christopher Columbus landed there in 1492. R u l e d b y t h e S p a n i s h , Fr e n c h a n d H a i t i a n s a t o n e t i m e , i t finally broke away and became independent in 1821. Today, the Dominican Republic still shares its island with Haiti (which occupies three eighths of the western end), but maintains a d i s t i n c t l y d i ff e r e n t f e e l f r o m i t s n e i g h b o u r o v e r t h e b o r d e r . A laid-back vibe, great climate, friendly locals and diverse, stunning scenery keep visitors coming back year after year making it the most visited destination in the Caribbean.

LOS HA IT IS E

S N A T IO N

AL PAR K

My favourite place

The Dominican Republic is known as an affordable beach haven brimming with package resorts and all-inclusive deals. With 1,288km of coastline, there’s certainly plenty of sea, sun and sand. However, my top spot is actually the country’s capital, Santo Domingo, which teems with rich history and culture. Here, you can discover the Zona Colonial (Colonial City), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at exquisite Spanish architecture, ornate designs and baroque structure, the most significant of which is the First Cathedral of America – the oldest existing cathedral in the Americas. A tour of this wonderful city should also include the Columbus Palace, Ozama Fort and the National Botanical Garden.

AL GO C A TH ED R S A NT O D OM IN

Highlights The beaches are perfect for spending lazy days doing nothing but people watching. But if you can drag yourself away, there’s plenty more to see and do. Punta Cana, on the eastern tip, has world-class golf courses and the nearby quaint fishing village of El Macao is a nice contrast. Hill walk, kayak through mangroves or explore caverns in Los Haitises National Park and the amazing Salto El Limon waterfall close by. A trip to see the humpback whales in Samaná was one of the most memorable moments of my life (a big male breached right in front of our boat) – January to March is the best time. If you’re in the mood for a change of scenery, you can book a tour trip to head to Haiti. The Dominicans also love a party and you can’t leave without trying the merengue, a lively type of fast-paced dance music. You’ll soon get the hang of it. Lowlights Crime can be an issue – credit-card fraud, in particular, is a problem. Some of the less touristry areas on the island, where poverty is endemic, should be avoided for your own safety. Souvenirs

Jewellery is a good bet. Larimar, an exquisite blue stone only found on the island, and Dominican amber, both set in silver are especially fine and well priced. You can also find jewellery made from local materials such as coconut and shells. Items made out of local marble and mahogany also make excellent presents. A word of warning: don’t buy any souvenirs from beach vendors. These are drastically overpriced and you’ll be royally ripped off.

Where to stay

Five-star resorts in places such as Puerto Plata and Playa Dorada are ideal bases from which to explore or simply chill. Most of the resorts are all-inclusive, meaning you don’t need to worry about paying for anything except sightseeing trips. If you don’t like the idea of being with too many other tourists, go off the beaten track and stay in the Paraiso Cano Hondo, a secluded small hotel in Los Haitises.

HUMPB

ACK W HALE IN SAM A

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

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POCKET POWER Gadgets are great, but practicality is key. Matthew Herbst explores the world of pocket gizmos and finds that size does matter

CONNECTED If you’re constantly battling tangled charger wires or frequently lose pens in the depths of your bag, then you’ll benefit from this multifunctional gadget that provides solutions to both problems. Twist off the end of this ballpoint pen and you’ll find a micro USB and eight-pin charging adapter concealed inside. When extended, the Connector Pen will provide 21cm of cable, allowing you to charge your Apple or Android smartphone from any USB port. RO8.69 from firebox.com

POCKET ROCKET There are many moments in life that benefit from music and this pocket rocket provides a quality of audio that defies its size. Play your music through Bluetooth, plug in your TF/micro SD card or play right from the source via the included aux cable. Measuring just under 8cm wide, the Mifa Bluetooth Speaker is ideal for days out and proves that good things really do come in small packages. RO11.56 from mifalife.net

SMALL WORDS The beauty of the Jorno Folding Bluetooth Keyboard is that after three quick folds you can pop it in your pocket and away you go, no cables required. Big fingers struggling on small touch screens will soon be a problem of the past. Prices from RO30.41, available from March 2015 at jornostore.com

EDITOR’S PICK

SNAP ME UP

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GROUP PHOTOS CAN BE A TRICKY AFFAIR. IF YOUR ARMS AREN’T LONG ENOUGH FOR AN OSCARS-STYLE SELFIE, THEN THE CHANCES ARE YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO SACRIFICE SOMEONE FROM THE SHOT AND PUT THEM ON PHOTOGRAPHY DUTY. THIS IS WHERE SNAP REMOTE BECOMES THE HERO. THIS LITTLE POCKET DEVICE WORKS WITH A FREE APP THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH ALL IOS AND ANDROID DEVICES AND ALLOWS YOU TO TAKE GROUP PHOTOS THAT FIT THE ENTIRE FAMILY IN. IT ALSO COMES WITH A HANDY PHONE STAND, SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THAT EITHER! RO4.05 FROM AMAZON.CO.UK

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FIND OUT WHAT’S HIP & HAPPENING IN GADGETS

App of the Week

MINI BLASTER Not only does this nifty gadget charge your devices, but it also plays your music. Sporting a mega 2W speaker and a 3500mAh battery, which is enough to charge most smartphones at least twice, the Pebble Aria comes with a USB charging port and a 3.5mm jack, so you can charge and play at the same time. RO23.16 from veho-world.com

NEW

BLADEFISH ACTION VIDEO CAMERA WITH UNDERWATER CASE

We don't always have time to stop and pose for photographs in our hectic lives, but with this one-touch compact video camera you don't have to. Attach it to almost anything using an array of different clips and effortlessly create your own action video diary. The lithium-ion battery allows for up to two hours of continuous recording and it also has room for a micro SD card. The fantastic Bladefish action camera enables you to capture your memories digitally and hold onto them forever and you can even use it underwater with the case provided. Affordably priced at RO23.19 from amazon.com

IN YOUR POCKET

With so much to see on the web, it’s easy to forget what you’ve bookmarked. The great thing about Pocket is that you can save articles, social media posts, videos or pretty much anything into one central place directly from your browser and go through it later at your leisure. Best of all, you won’t even need an internet connection. Free at getpocket.com

Waterproof to 10 metres One-button control Frame rate: 30fps Clips and attachments included

BEARD BANISHER Having to look your best for the day’s meetings can be a huge task, but with the iShave it’s no problem whatsoever. Featuring a high-gloss case and ultra-thin net foil with floating blades for a close, comfortable shave, it’s styled to look like an iPhone and can be recharged via a USB port. Perfect for guys on the go. RO5.21 from amazon.com JULY FEB 0305 - - 0911 / ISSUE 356 327

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

Destination

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2015 Honda CR-V Specifications: Engine: 2.4L petrol in-line 4 cylinder i-VTEC Horsepower: 185 Torque: 245 CVT transmission

After a 2015 makeover, is the Honda CR-V still the forward-looking car it was when it launched 20 years ago? Adam Hurrell investigates

he Honda CR-V was first launched back in 1995 and has proved to be a continuing success for the brand. It was by no means the first compact SUV, but what it did do was provide a recipe that offered less on-road compromises than its competitors. The CR-V rose to prominence at a time when the main car market was generally dominated by hatchbacks and saloons and 20 years later, the model continues to be a global top-seller. Now in its fourth generation, the CR-V has received another facelift to ensure the legacy continues. The most obvious change for 2015 is the redesigned front end, with rather snazzy-looking swooping headlights – although the chrome surround is a little garish for my tastes. Halogen headlights are fitted as standard, but HID set-ups are available on the EX and EX-Leather models. The daytime running lights are LED, as are the rear taillights. Although passengers lose an inch of headroom in the 2015 model, the interior looks remarkably roomy and, unlike many of its direct competitors, it’s still possible to seat three adults on the rear bench comfortably. The 60/40 folding rear seats certainly add to this sense of spaciousness and with the seats down, the load capacity 046

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is quite impressive. Where the CR-V does fall down slightly is interior design. Dominated by drab, grey plastic, it’s not exactly the most aesthetically pleasing of cabins you’re going to come across. Slotted into the central dash is the main display screen and it is here that the very clever optional extra, Honda LaneWatch, shows a wideangled view of the passenger side of the car. This is a smart piece of technology that will surely help to reduce the number of blind-spot near misses on Muscat’s roads. In terms of power, the DOHC i-VTEC 2.4L four-cylinder petrol engine makes a reappearance for 2015, but a few tweaks have been made to improve performance. Horsepower remains the same at 185, but there has been a 10 per cent improvement on torque output. Available in two or four-wheel drive, the CR-V makes an interesting family purchase in so much as it has a broader market appeal than its SUV looks would suggest. If you’re hunting for a slightly taller family hatchback, then you will struggle to do better. And for those who need that little extra bit of traction when things get rough, the four-wheel drive CR-V has proven itself to be more than capable at basic off-roading on numerous occasions in the past. A common problem for cars

like this is that they are built for crossover appeal, which leads to inherent compromises. In terms of handling, they don’t excel on or off road; rather they are adequate at both. But the CR-V is different in that it is a decent drive on the tarmac. Body roll and flex have been improved over previous incarnations and the new weighted electronic power steering, which is now standard across the range, offers plenty of feedback. I have to admit that I have a natural aversion to a CVT transmission, but the CR-V could persuade me otherwise. Changes are slick and quick and come without any noticeable or uncomfortable jerking. But having said that, I don’t see this as an achievement. Buyers should expect transmission changes to be seamless and smooth as standard, rather than as a surprise. When it was new, the CR-V was an exciting car offering a package never seen before. Now, however, you have to ask whether the CR-V is still a groundbreaking and exciting option. To be honest, the answer is probably not. It’s very good, but with top-end versions priced very close to the BMW X3 and with the likes of the excellent Kia Sportage in the ring, Honda needs to up its game a little to remain competitive.

They say: “The most efficient CR-V yet” We say: “No longer the market leader”

Dual zone climate control Honda LaneWatch Push button start Cruise control Parking sensors Multi-angle rearview camera Daytime running lights