Y Magazine #413, March 24, 2016 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

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MAR 24 - 30 2016 / ISSUE 413 • WEEKLY

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COMPETITION Don’t forget to enter Y’s very important Road Safety Pledge competition, which closes today (March 24). You can drop your card off at Al Ghad Al Mushriq School in Qurum, V-Kool in Al Khuwair, Jawharat Al Shatti Complex, Gulf International School in MSQ and the Oman Automobile Association. Good luck!

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

MOVIE TIME If you missed the Muscat International Film Festival this week, you’ll be happy to hear that the films, such as Half The Sky and Khanet Elyaly, will continue to play at VOX Cinema in City Centre Muscat until next week. Go to oman. voxcinemas.com for details.

GOING DOWN

THE WEATHER With thunderstorms and showers predicted for this week, we are hoping the weather will improve for the weekend!.

EDITOR’S

NOTE

Welcome to Y Magazine – your top guide to the best of Oman every week.

Fast forward

he World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) this week released its Status of the Global Climate report – and its take on last year’s weather events are alarming, to say the least. The UN body, usually known for its “conservative” stance on global weather events, is clearly worried. And, to be brutally honest, we should be, too. The release of the WMO report comes just a few days after Earth Hour, which was marked by 700 cities, including Muscat, last Saturday night, when millions of people united to turn off their lights en masse for the sake of the environment. The WMO warns that the rate of climate change is “alarming” and “unprecedented”, listing a raft of record-breaking weather events last year, from devastating droughts to super cyclones, extreme rainfall and searing temperatures. Closer to home in Oman, the Government is working hard to ensure that the country’s environment is protected, while it has joined initiatives to combat global warming, such as the Kyoto Protocol and the landmark Paris accord. In our cover story this week, we find that without the support and help from the Sultanate’s residents, we are at serious risk of putting this stunning country of ours in a precarious environmental position. Ignorance and disinterest are no longer acceptable excuses. You can’t find a garbage bin? Then take your rubbish with you rather than dumping it in a delicate ecosystem such as a wadi. Turn off the light when you leave a room, use energy-efficient light bulbs. Teach your children to recycle, use jute bags rather than plastic ones. There’s a lot we can do at the grassroots level – and the sooner we realise this, the sooner we can start making a difference. After all, our future generations – and our planet – are relying on us. Have a great week – and remember: green is good!

THIS WEEK… Team Y has been recovering from a nasty flu virus, is preparing for a visit by an old friend from Abu Dhabi and had fun at Matt Blackwell’s farewell dinner.

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contents

Features 20

MARCH 24 - 30 2016

Your Oman

26 16 #FYI World’s Coolest Restaurants

This Week

06 Coffee With Y Alex Bennett 08 Voice Of Oman Karima Farid 10 News Flydubai Crash Investigations Begin 11 Gallery OGWA 2016

Amazing Mums Winners Of Our Mother’s Day Card Competition Revealed

17 Movies Kung Fun Panda 3 18 This Week Trojan Tale

14 Gallery Go-Karting & Dancing

Global Warning Climate Change Biggest Environmental Threat To Oman

15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Taha Al Raisi

Cars and Adventures

Food and Drink 28 Food Feature Pop The Corn 30 Taste Test Amazing Chicken Grill And BBQ

38 Destination Sharqiya Sands 40 Outdoors Mini Messis

Health and Beauty

42 Postcard From Swansea, Australia

32 Fashion Beach Chic

44 Y-Fi Green Gadgets

46 Car Of The Week 34 Beauty Haval H6 Stunning Skin 35 Health Cryotherapy

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Felicity Glov e FRiENDi mo r sits down with Alex Be nnett, the ch b ie set the Britis ile, and discovers that a year-long su f executive of h expat on th rfing trip he e road to suc lped to cess he alarm bells

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MAR 24 - 30 / ISSUE 413

MOH No: 157/2016

THE VOICE OF OMAN KARIMA FARID ON THE JOYS OF MOTHERHOOD

correspondence DRIVER EDUCATION Dear Editor,

might have already said it on this platform, but I’ll say it again: motherhood is a rollercoaster with a surprise at every turn. For me, March for the past three years has been special simply because that’s when I had my Maryam, born two days after Mother’s Day and my eternal gift. It’s also the month I discovered a new kind of love, one that is still overwhelming and hard to comprehend. I can now confess that I believe pregnancy is the easiest part of having a baby because once they are out, they are out and if you’re doing it right then a part of you is with them at all times, even while you sleep. Mums out there: if you haven’t had a rest on the day dedicated to you, then how about you take a break this weekend? A massage, a haircut, a shopping spree for you, maybe a movie night with the girls or that date night you’ve been postponing? Do something for you and please do it in style. To all you super mummies, I would like to thank you and tell you that you deserve to take a break and feel appreciated. My heartfelt congratulations to all the new mums, and here’s a welcome to a never-ending rollercoaster. For those who have lost their mums, let’s take a moment and pray that their souls are resting in peace. Finally, happy Mother’s Day to my Mama; I want you to know that the minute I had my daughter was the minute I fell in love with you all over again.

NEXT WEEK:

FAHMY AL MA’AWALI

MAR 24 - 30 / ISSUE 413

It’s fantastic that you are calling for safer driving in Oman. It is so sad to learn about so many people dying in bus crashes across Oman, especially children. While I totally agree with you calling for safer bus driving, can I also ask for safer truck driving, too, with rigorous training and testing? I notice that out of the 14 bus accidents you mention [Issue 412], three have involved a truck. What training do truck drivers receive? What licence do they have to hold and how much experience do they need before they are allowed at the wheel of a 20-tonne potential lethal weapon? In November last year, while on holiday, my husband, son, daughter and I were driving up Jebal Akhdar when a tipper truck came speeding down the mountain, crossed over onto our side of the road and hit us. Fortunately, my husband had been able to take preventative action to get us almost out of the way. Had he not; had the truck hit the front of our car rather than the back or had we been in a lesser vehicle, I wouldn’t be writing to you today. Our vehicle would have been crushed and we would have been killed. After the crash, we were extremely thankful that people stopped to help us, knowledgably tending to my daughter and me, calling the

emergency services and staying with us until they arrived. The emergency services attended quickly and did an excellent job, and the doctors and nurses at Nizwa hospital looked after us extremely well. As it was, my daughter and I were lucky just to have minor injuries, but the Pajero was a total write-off and it ended our holiday. What was meant to be 10 days of exploring Oman turned into seven days recovering from the accident. The truck driver said the brakes had failed. Obviously, they hadn’t because skid marks were clearly visible. What he meant was that the brakes had failed to stop him. What he didn’t know was that no amount of braking would have stopped that size of lorry coming down such a steep gradient at speed. This clearly demonstrated that he was not trained in driving trucks on roads with extreme gradients where control needs to be through the gears and not the brakes! I love Oman. It is a beautiful country with wonderful people and I’m sure it has a great future as a top tourist destination. However, its roads need to be driven safely and this can only be achieved through rigorous training to protect people. Good luck with your campaign. Regards, Sally Booley

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WE ASKED:

“Is science a threat to humanity?” ‪‪SYED BOKHARI‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪

Science was once considered to be a great boon in the overall advancement, progress and prosperity for humanity and played an awesome role for humanity. However, with the passage of time, instead of being beneficial for human life it has become a great threat for the survival of humanity. Superpowers have misused it by manufacturing sophisticated weapons that can wipe out humanity in seconds and no one seems to care about the value and existence of real life. So, definitely, nowadays it is a great threat to humanity.

‪‪ARZOO BARIANA‬‬‪ ‬‬ ‪

Yes, I do believe science can become a threat to humanity. While science is developing fresh ways to conserve our society it is also building destructive weapons that are often misused. Medical science is developing and along with it new drugs that are harmful and addictive are also being produced. Research and development requires the use of scientific methods to bring in solutions but not everything being produced is to our benefit. The solution of the problem lies in our hands. We need to prevent ourselves from being exposed to the consequences of these new scientific developments. Humanity has to be preserved at all costs.

‪USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI ‬‬‪ ‬‬‬‪

No, not all, science is not a threat to humanity but, being inhumane, some people abuse and misuse science for a host of destructive purposes, with a mired agenda compelling or forcing science to be a threat to mankind. Every scientific innovation has a welfare objective, with the best examples being electric power to nuclear energy. Electric power gives light but it can be abused to kill, too. Likewise, nuclear energy has a wide spectrum of uses but Hiroshima and Nagasaki are grim reminders of its threat to the human race, other living beings and even nature. However, it is not a proper use of science but it is the sheer abuse of it that leads to the threat.

‪‪RASU JOHN ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪‬‪

Humanity is the threat to humanity so why blame science? The problem is that the threat is caused by humans and not scientific advancements or discoveries. Some may say that we use science to kill millions. Yes, they are right. However, note that it is human beings that are using science to kill beyond any ethics. Science by itself is harmless; it is

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the manner in which we choose to apply it that can become harmful. As for science facilitating our lives to a point of laziness, it is again our decision to do nothing, not that of science. I believe that science is human curiosity put to work, pushing the boundaries of what we understand. I find it inexplicably exciting and unmatched in terms of advancement. If we allow it, science will help us build the future and do the impossible.

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‪IRWIN SERSO RIO ‬‪ ‬‬‬‪

We, human beings, created science so therefore we must be responsible for its effects. I cannot see it posing a threat to human beings if we use it properly and for the benefit of the human race. Look around us, everything is the product of human intellect. There are some developments that are considered to be an unfortunate consequence of scientific advancement but many are deemed beneficial to the way we live today. Remember, human beings created science. Thus, we are more powerful than any of it.

MATTHEW TIPTON

Simply put, science is humanity’s only hope for a future. We face threats from our own mismanagement of the natural world that science, and only science, can help us overcome. Without the science behind the retrieval and creation of clean water, wars will be fought over that most precious of resources. Without science exploring and discovering viable alternatives to antibiotics, millions will succumb to illnesses and infections that we could prevent. Without science, we wouldn’t be able to modify the crops that will be needed to feed the additional billions of fellow humans that will inhabit this planet in the coming decades. Nature has genetically modified our food sources for millions of years, farmers for thousands, but only scientists can do so with the pace now required. Scientists can grow you a new liver, build you new limbs and give sight to the blind and sound to the deaf. If humanity ever makes it to the stars it will be because of the imagination, innovation and ingenuity of scientists. Scientists should be the celebrated persons of our society, not the vacuous vacant egomaniacs that we see grabbing every pointless second they can on our television screens and magazine covers by any means possible. Science rules!

‪MICHAEL RAMIN‬‬‬‪

/YMAGAZINE

threat to humanity unless it is misused. It is humanity that is a threat to itself. Let not science be a scapegoat of what humanity has done for itself.

‪GVK DURGA RAVI ‬‪

Science has paved the way for overall advancement since the beginning of time. It is only certain eccentric minds who exploit and misuse it for destructive purposes. It is only due to these miscreants who make us question such an amazing phenomenon like science. Undoubtedly, science has proven to be a boon rather than a bane. It has taken us from rocks to rockets.

‪SYEDA KABIR ‬‪

Science has been enhancing our lives through the ages. We, the humans, are gifted with the brains that could still be utilised to derive benefits from science while restraining it. Thus, whether science is a threat to humanity definitely depends upon us.

LIBA KHAN ‬‪

Science brought humans from the Stone Age to this civilised and modern age. If the people misuse the power of science thus they should be blamed for their act not the science.

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Science does not pose a

MAR 24 - 30 / ISSUE 413

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Gallery

crashed as it attempted a second landing at the regional airport in bad weather, exploding and disintegrating on impact. All 55 passengers, including four children, and seven crew were killed. The majority of the passengers were Russian, but included an Indian couple who were returning from a 50-day holiday. Stories have emerged of three potential passengers who narrowly escaped death after missing the ill-fated flight or cancelling their trip to Dubai. One Elvira Isaeva, who had been on holiday in the UAE, was celebrating her friend’s birthday the night before the flight and overslept, missing her airport transfer. “I don’t know how it happened. It was sheer luck. I just overslept,” she told Russia’s LifeNews. “When I woke up and turned on the news, I was horrified. I do not know, is it my luck, a guardian angel watching over me, or my mother’s prayers. “I’m hurt and terrified by what happened there. There were people who came here with me, who I spent time with.” Another unnamed Russian passenger missed the Dubai trip after losing his passport just days

OCA FOUNDER STEPS DOWN he founder and president of the Oman Cancer Association (OCA), Yuthar al Rawahy, announced this week that she was stepping down after 16 years at the helm. Mrs al Rawahy, a four-time cancer survivor, told a special reception that she would not stand for re-election when the association held its general election on March 30. Her decision marks the end of an incredible journey, which began when she was first diagnosed with cancer of the thyroid in 1998 while working in the Dean’s office at the College of Medicine at Sultan Qaboos University. Six months later, she was found to have breast cancer and during treatment, cancer cells were discovered in her uterus. At the time, there was very little information or support available for cancer sufferers. In those days, there was also limited oncology care in Oman and Mrs al Rawahy had to be sent abroad for treatment. But Mrs al Rawahy, a mother of five, set about changing that on her return to Oman. After setting up an informal meeting group with other cancer survivors, she battled for two years to gain formal recognition and finally, in 2004, the National Association for Cancer Awareness (now the OCA) was established. In October of the same year, the first of what would become an annual event – the Walkathon – was held in Muscat with just 270 participants. Last year’s Walkathon in October was attended by more than 7,300 people. The association changed its name to the Oman Cancer Association in 2012, on the 10th anniversary of its foundation. Mrs al Rawahy, who was diagnosed with cancer for a fourth time in October 2013, has been instrumental in changing attitudes, particularly towards breast cancer, a disease still considered a taboo topic. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in Oman, accounting for 17.7 per cent of all diagnoses of the disease. Late detection is a huge problem in the Sultanate, with many women reluctant to see a doctor or self-examine. The OCA’s mobile mammography unit, which offers screening services around the country to women aged over 40, has to date offered more than 17,540 free mammograms. Other accomplishments include setting up the Dar Al Hanan centre as a home-away010

MAR 24 - 30 / ISSUE 413

NEWS

FLYDUBAI CRASH INVESTIGATIONS START

ata recovered from a black box of the Flydubai plane, which crashed while attempting to land at a Russian airport killing all 62 people on board, may help investigators unlock the cause of the tragedy. The two flight recorders have been taken from Rostov-on-Don airport in southern Russia to the capital, Moscow. Russian investigators said on Monday (March 21) that they had retrieved data from the damaged cockpit voice recorder. The flight data recorder also survived largely intact. This could be key to answering what went wrong. Flight FZ981 left Dubai International Airport early Saturday morning bound for the Russian port city 4,280km away. The Boeing 737-800

Interview

before, but was left a widower after his wife decided to fly without him. Flydubai has announced an initial US$20,000 (RO7,701) payment to the next-ofkin of victims. More compensation will be paid after the investigations, said Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO of the low-cost airline, which operates out of Terminal 2 at Dubai International Airport. “We have been discussing two key priorities ... care for families and support for [the] investigation,” he said. “We have our specialists on the ground now, both in Moscow and Dubai.” Al Ghaith added that the government-owned company wanted to “avoid speculations”. “Please give the investigators time to do their job and come out with results.” Initial reports indicate that the investigation will focus on the stormy weather that morning. The plane had aborted its first landing in gusting winds and circled for two hours above the airport before trying a second time. Recordings have circulated of the pilot of the doomed plane asking air traffic control during the four-hour and 35 minute flight whether the weather had improved. Emergency workers have now finished clearing the debris-laden runway at Rostovon-Don and the airport has reopened. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has ordered a review of his country’s flight safety regulations. Flydubai resumed it twice-weekly flights to Rostov-on-Don three days after the crash with a new flight code. Tickets for the first of the new flights on Tuesday (March 22) were fully booked.

from-home for young cancer sufferers and their families outside the Muscat region to stay in while receiving treatment, a palliative care programme and a children’s recreational room in the Pediatric Oncology Ward at the city’s Royal Hospital. Over the years, the OCA has been honoured many times, including a United Nations Public Service Award Mrs al Rawahy’s openness about her own fight with cancer has been an inspiration to many. Her motivation is simple: “I want my grandchildren to grow up, Inshallah, in a world where cancer is no longer a death sentence,” she once said. Mrs al Rawahy announced her decision at a reception at the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel attended by her family, past and present association board members, sponsors, volunteers and individuals who have supported the OCA over the years.

OIL & GAS EXPO

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THE 10TH OIL & GAS WEST ASIA (OGWA 2016) EVENT HELD AT THE OMAN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE THIS WEEK IS THE BIGGEST IN THE REGION

MAR 24 - 30 / ISSUE 413

011

YOUR

OMAN

n case you didn’t know already, Oman’s national football team is facing a crunch match tonight (March 24) in their quest to go progress further in FIFA World Cup qualification race. With the nation’s expectations riding on their shoulders, the boys face Guam in a must-win game at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. Beating the tiny US island territory in the northwestern Pacific Ocean is not a forgone conclusion, which is why the Red Warriors need your support more than ever. Y Magazine has helped boost numbers in the stands after offering pairs of tickets as prizes in our competition with the Oman Football Association. All we asked is that you send in your best football-related selfie and we had some great entries as everyone got into the spirit with some fun, creative pictures. Our five lucky winners are: ● Haroon Qazi ● Adeeba Fatima ● Fairy Beautiful ● Maryam Rahman ● Ali Barbar Pictured are their winning entries. Congratulations to all of you! You win a pair of tickets each to cheer on Ali al Habsi and the boys in their bid for glory. Enjoy the game!

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MAR 24 - 30 / ISSUE 413

YOUR

GALLERY

THRILLS & SPILLS

OMAN

LET’S DANCE

THE 24-HOUR ENDURANCE RACE AT THE OAA’S MUSCAT SPEEDWAY WAS A HARD-FOUGHT CONTEST, WITH THE MERGE 104.8 TEAM JUST MISSING OUT ON A PODIUM PLACE. BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME!

200 BRITISH SCHOOL MUSCAT STUDENTS TRIP THE LIGHT FANTASTIC IN “DANCING DECADES”

Photos: Ed Price and Lama Belal

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MAR 24 - 30 / ISSUE 413

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

DRIVEN TO

SUCCESS

After graduating with a BSc degree in Electronics from Madras University in India, Taha al Raisi then studied for his MBA part-time from Bedfordshire University. He started his career with Omantel as a project engineer and then moved to Ooredoo Oman, where he is currently the director of service assurance and optimisation. He has participated in handball for 18 years and has been a member of the Oman national team. In 2010, he won one of the prestigious NTI BizPro awards, which recognises Omani professionals working in the private sector.

Q: What drives you to success? Values, and the confidence that we can accomplish a lot for society. Doing something beyond more than just living a normal life. Q: Who or what has been your inspiration in your career? The biggest inspiration has always been the joy and happiness of achieving more in life. When you taste success in your early years, it drives you to achieve more every time. Q: What is your biggest career success to date? I was instrumental in launching the 3G commercial network in Oman for Ooredoo. I was the only man working on the technical side and travelled extensively to choose the best equipment and develop an understanding of the best practices in the world. I was the one responsible for Initiation-PlanningImplementation-Monitoring and Control. Q: What are your career goals? Professionally, to build a strong team in my organisation in order to fulfill shareholder values and to meet the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objectives. On a personal front, I want to move towards entering handball association management, to serve my country in this sport and help it grow in Oman. I want to see Oman compete among the top five teams in Asia in the handball sport.

IT IS LUXURIOUS IN TERMS OF FIT AND FINISH WHILE RETAINING THE BEAUTY AND ELEGANCE OF DESIGN AND ERGONOMICS. IT OFFERS A COMFORTABLE DRIVE AND I LOVED ITS POWERFUL YET REFINED ENGINE Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time? I want to own my own business. This business would be related to sports and aimed at educating youth about sports. It would explore how health plays an important part and how one can motivate oneself to achieve more. Q: What do you think of the Genesis, the premium series of Hyundai Motor Company? The Genesis is beautiful in its design, and I really like its looks. From the inside too, it is luxurious in terms of fit and finish while retaining the beauty and elegance of design and ergonomics. It offers a comfortable drive and I loved its powerful yet refined engine. Amazing indeed. MAR 24 - 30 / ISSUE 413

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Some of the coolest restaurants in the world to eat at High Dining Enjoy a romantic high-altitude three-course meal while admiring a stunning view of Singapore from a cable car with the Dining on Cloud 9 experience. While you tuck in, the cabin traverses a route between Mount Faber and Sentosa cable car station.

Maximum Security Fortezza Medicea restaurant near Pisa, Italy, doubles as a high-security prison. The cooks and waiters are all doing sentences of not less than seven years for various crimes. Despite the inconveniences of dining – customers must pass a background check, several checkpoints and use plastic cutlery – tables are booked up weeks in advance.

Dinner in the Sky Originating in Belgium, this airborne dinner party can be taken anywhere in the world. Diners are strapped around a table that is suspended in the air by cranes and served by a small staff that goes along for the ride.

Sound of Silence Enjoy an unrivalled view of Ayers Rock at this roofless dining experience, eating under the stars in the middle of the Australian Outback. Just watch out for the creepy crawlies.

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Ninja Nights Modelled after an ancient Japanese castle, Ninja New York is part maze and part restaurant, with waiters who dazzle guests with acrobatics and the dark arts of the Ninja.

Hot Stuff If you like your food hot, this is the one for you. Located on an island off the coast of Spain, El Diablo restaurant is situated atop an active volcano. It’s the volcano’s heat that cooks your food!

Dinner Dive Situated five metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant in the Maldives is the world’s first all-glass underwater restaurant, giving customers a 180-degree panoramic view of the surrounding coral reef and marine life. You don’t need to get wet to eat there – it’s accessed via a tunnel.

Shaky Experience At the Disaster Café in Lloret de Mar, Spain, people can experience what a 7.8 magnitude earthquake feels like, all the while enjoying a meal. Diners have to try to keep their balance and not spill anything as a simulated quake can strike at any time.

* Source: list25.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

Solace

Kung Fu Panda 3 One of the most successful animated franchises has finally returned to the box office. The third high-kicking instalment from the DreamWorks studio has already chopped down the screen opposition, beating the latest in The Divergent Series and big action release, London Has Fallen, in takings, raking in US$327.3 million (RO126 million) since its January release. Po, the unlikeliest of martial arts experts, is back, and this time the loveable panda has got some growing up to do when he finds himself having to lead from the front. When Po – voiced wonderfully again by Jack Black – reunites with his longlost father Li, the pair travel to a secret panda paradise where they meet a host of new panda characters. Menacingly on the horizon is a new villain, Kai, a warlord yak, who has stolen power from lots of kung fu masters and needs cutting down to size.

Step forward Po, who must do the seemingly impossible and train the clumsy rag-tag bunch of panda bears to become mean, lean fighting machines. Lessons in life, as Po must go from student to master and confront his past along the way, might not be the most subtle and the message of good overcoming evil is nothing new, but it’s terrifically entertaining. Superstars Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Kate Hudson and Jackie Chan all lend their voices to bring the animals to life, elevating the movie beyond mere animation. It’s perhaps the most dramatically visual of the three so far, so well worth seeing in 3D and the set pieces are excellent. Kids will be charmed and adults will enjoy the return of the cuddly warrior hero as much as their little ones. Review by Kate Ginn

P RE VI EW

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE The wait is almost over as the highly anticipated battle between two superheroes is about to hit the screens in Oman. City Cinema Oman had a special screening of the movie on Wednesday, but the full release is set for this weekend. Fearing that Superman (Henry Cavill) has got a bit out of hand, Batman (a beefed-up Ben Affleck) takes on the man of steel, while arch-enemy Lex Luthor cooks up a plan to end the world. Can Superman and Batman put their differences aside and, with the help of Wonder Woman, save the world?

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 INE C Y T I C R U FO

Anthony Hopkins starring in a film about the FBI hunting a serial killer with the help of a clever but damaged psychiatrist? Sound familiar? This time, however, Hopkins is on the side of the goodies, playing retired forensic psychiatrist John Clancy, who is drawn into the hunt for a killer. The twist is that both the hunter and the hunted are clairvoyant. Colin Farrell takes on the role of the murderer, with

Abbie Cornish playing the ingenue FBI officer (a poor woman’s Clarice Starling). Silence of the Lambs it isn’t and our advice is to avoid this movie.

The Dressmaker Set in 1950s Australia, Kate Winslet (with a passable Aussie accent) is the eponymous dressmaker, Tilly Dunnage, who returns to the dusty backwater that used to be her hometown, armed with her trusty Singer sewing machine and a wish to make amends for past wrongs. Along the way, she sets her sights on a transformative fashion makeover for the town. It has echoes of Mary Poppins and Chocolat but lacks the guile and charm of those classics. Liam Hemsworth is the rugby-playing love interest.

Muscat International Film Festival Choice

CAIRO TIME

Part of the 10th edition of the Muscat International Film Festival (MIFF), which runs until March 28, this 2014 Egyptian film weaves together three stories taking place over the course of a single day in Cairo. There’s Lila, a retired actress who is searching for her last co-star, while Salma is facing a marriage break-up and Hazem, a young drug dealer on the run from Alexandria, picks up an old man with Alzheimer’s. The six disparate characters are brought together by destiny. The film brings out pitch-perfect performances by some of Egypt’s leading actors, including Ayten Amer and the late Nour El-Sherif, with the best of Cairo as the backdrop.

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. Contact: Movie enquiries 24607360

Brought to you by

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who voices the character of Po in Kung Fu Panda 3? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Ivy Artieda

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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

BIG BOSSES

THINK BIG

MAR

28 - 31

If you like to be constructive, then head to The Big Show Oman, an annual event catering to the building and construction industry in Oman, the Middle East and global markets. As well as showcasing building materials, construction equipment and interior design and furnishings, it’s a great chance to find out about key projects and developments in the Sultanate. Venue is the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Seeb, Muscat. Starts 11am on March 28. Go to thebigshow-oman.com for details.

MAR 27

BOOK BUDDIES If you like reading, why not try the Women’s Guild in Oman (WGO) Book Club? The next meeting is at Gloria Jean’s Coffees in The Walk, Al Mouj Muscat, where the group will be discussing Me BeforeYou, a heartbreakingly romantic novel by JoJo Moyes. Share coffee and your comments. Please email Ayshe on aysheismail@gmail.com to register. For more information about the WGO, check out womensguildoman.com

WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

The classic legend of the war of the Greeks against the Trojans, famously described in Homer’s Iliad, comes alive on stage at the Royal Opera House Muscat in this sensational dance performance by Fire of Anatolia. Tickets are priced from RO5. Curtain goes up at 7.30pm on all three days. For booking details, go to rohmuscat.org.om or email boxoffice@rohmuscat.org. om. Alternatively, telephone 2440 3332/3333/3334.

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Mar 31 -Apr 02

WEEK

WHAT TO DO.

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Deadline

Trojan Tale

THIS A

Have you got what it takes to be a world class Omani leader in the future? The hunt is on to find men and women who have got what it takes to make it to the top. Under the patronage of the Diwan of Royal Court, the National CEO programme was launched by the Public Private Partnership Taskforce (Sharaka). It is the first scheme of its kind in the Sultanate and its goal is to develop the next generation of private sector Omani leaders and executives. Applications are now open for Omani nationals to apply for the second intake. Closing date is March 27. To find out more and apply, go to ceo.om

APRIL

Eat, Drink & Laugh

Gallery MAR 30

Enjoy a comedy night with some great food at Buffalo Wings & Rings, Oman. In partnership with Oman Comedy Central and Titan Events & Management, the restaurant in Al Saruj Street, Muscat, is holding a comedy night on the last Wednesday of every month. Great deals with a main course plus soft drink for RO9 or two main courses, one appetiser and two soft drinks for RO20 for two. The fun starts at 7pm.

Movies

BUNNY BRUNCH

Mar

Book your place at the table for an Easter Brunch with family and friends at Olivos Restaurant & Terrace at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat. Tuck into a lavish spread from 1pm-4pm (nonsoft drinks served from 2pm-4.30pm) and enjoy free access to the swimming pool during these hours. Traditional Easter egg hunt for children. Discount of 50 per cent for children aged between five and 12, while under-fives dine free. Cost per person is RO25 inclusive of soft beverages or RO30 for nonsoft drink option, inclusive of tax and service. For reservations, call 2448 7777 or email reservations.muscat@radissonblu.com

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GLOBAL

WARNING Climate change is the biggest challenge facing mankind – and now’s the time for the residents of Oman to stand up and take responsibility for the environment before it’s too late. Team Y reports

t is 2100 and the reality of global warming has hit catastrophic levels, with the average temperature of the Earth rising by more than 6° Celsius. However, in other regions, such as the water-stressed Middle East, the relentless, searing heat has reached record highs, killing off endangered species, damaging delicate ecosystems beyond repair and forcing humans to seek refuge indoors for months on end. Sea levels have risen by one metre and are warmer, leading to sea life dying off or shrinking massively in size, hitting fishing industries hard. Agriculture has come to a standstill and crops are unable to survive the extreme conditions. Food and water have become highly expensive commodities and the global economy has come to a standstill. Mankind is struggling to survive. Meanwhile, in Oman, the intensity and regularity of tropical storms have reached an alltime high, causing widespread, devastating damage. Camels, once the ships of the desert, are now fleeing inland to reach drier ground as low lying areas are flooded by rising sea levels. While this dystopian future may seem like a Hollywood movie, it’s not as far removed from reality as we’d like. Rewind to the present day and, once again, 7,000 cities across 25 time zones, including Muscat, united last weekend for Earth Hour, an annual event in which lights are turned off en masse around the world. The aim of Earth Hour is to keep global climate change in the spotlight in a desperate bid to save our planet

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from the environmental impact of mankind. According to Suaad al Harthi, the programme director at the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), an environmental NGO founded in 2004, climate change is the greatest challenge facing mankind and poses a “grave threat to future generations in every part of the world”. “The environmental challenges faced in the Sultanate are quite similar to those faced in other parts of the world and include pollution of air, water and soil, coastal construction and urban sprawl, waste management and overconsumption of non-reusable materials,” she says. “Climate change places us at increased vulnerability and risk of powerful storms such as Gonu, Phet and Ashooba. “Climate change will affect Oman in several ways, such as impacting human health and the spread of infectious diseases. There will be an impact on food supply, both as a result of changing crop yields with altered weather patterns, as well as fish stocks as marine ecosystems shift and marine productivity changes. The intensity and frequency of extreme weather events could also lead to more frequency of flash floods.” Indeed, extreme weather conditions are already being witnessed around the world, including in the GCC. Who could forget June 5, 2007, the day that super Cyclone Gonu slammed into Oman, bringing with it 900 millimetres of rain and gale force winds reaching speeds of 130kmh? Fifty people lost their lives on this fateful day, while the financial damage was estimated at a staggering US$4.2 billion (RO16.1bn). Just three years later, on June 4, 2010, Cyclone Phet hit the northeastern region of Oman, dumping 450mm of rain, killing 24 people and causing about US$800 million worth of damage. Then in May last year, a heat wave engulfed the city of Nawabshah, in Pakistan, where the mercury hit 49°C four days running. As its burning tentacles spread to India, more than 2,500 people there died from the heat and roads began to melt in New Delhi. At the time, India’s National Disaster Management Authority said it was the fifth-deadliest heat wave to hit the country, while it confirmed that it was experiencing record-high temperatures because of global climate change. The punishing heat wave then pushed into the Arabian Sea, entering Oman, the UAE and other parts of the GCC, producing the highest daytime temperature in the world at Sweihan, in Abu

ABOVE Beaches in Oman are strewn with rubbish. BELOW Dead turtles are often found on the beaches of Oman.

Dhabi, with 50.5°C. Doha also saw a high of 46.1°C at the beginning of June, while Oman’s temperature had soared into the mid-40s, making it one very long, hot summer. In fact, just this week, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), which comes under the United Nations umbrella, warned in its Status of the Global Climate report that the rate of climate change was “alarming” and “unprecedented”. The report details the frightening climate and weather records that were broken last year, such as record-high temperatures, extreme rainfall, cyclones, heatwaves and droughts. “The year 2015 will stand out in the historical record of the global climate in many ways,” WMO secretary-general Petteri Taalas said in the report. “The future is happening now. The alarming rate of change we are now witnessing in our climate as a result of greenhouse gas emission is unprecedented in modern records.” There’s no doubt that Oman is vulnerable to climate change, which was confirmed by H.E. Mohammed Bin Salim Bin Said Al Tobi, the Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs, in a 2013 report titled Initial National Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). “During the last few years, the country has witnessed two severe tropical cyclones. The intensity of tropical cyclones and severity of their impact may increase in a future warmer climate,” the Minister wrote in the report. “Climate change is predicted to have numerous impacts on the

Sultanate of Oman. These include, but are not limited to the following: livestock and fish resources losses, severe water scarcity due to droughts and increased temperatures, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. “Along the coastal areas, sea level rise will affect the coastal infrastructures and fragile ecosystems.” Oman is taking steps to protect the country from the devastating effects that climate change will bring. And while we have already witnessed a rise in the temperature of the sea and extreme weather conditions, there are a range of Royal decrees in place to ensure environmental protection. The country is also committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of the landmark Paris climate accord signed in December last year by nearly 200 nations, while it joined the Kyoto Protocol, which aims to combat global warming, in 2005. But it is the grassroots level that is proving to be the most frustrating when it comes to taking responsibility and protecting our precious environment. With tonnes of rubbish clogging wadis and scattered along the coastline and deserts, the carbon footprint of the residents of Oman is plain to see. The ESO’s Suaad al Harthy says it’s important for people to

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respect the environment. “As a society, we need to understand that we are part of an ecosystem that we need to treat with respect in order to get the best ecosystem services and health benefits given back to us,” she says. “It’s important for individuals to work at minimising their individual carbon footprint by reducing their energy and water consumption on a daily basis through small changes, such as switching off lights when not using them, using energyefficient light bulbs and walking or carpooling. “It’s also important for us to minimise our waste as much as possible through the use of reusable materials, such as replacing plastic bags with jute bags.” The ESO has a range of programmes in place to educate communities around Oman about the importance of protecting the environment, as well as an initiative

targeting schoolchildren. “We host an Eco-Summer programme for children during the summer months, which includes a series of workshops with environmental themes, including gardening, composting, environmental photography and recycling. “ESO also engages with colleges and universities by encouraging the development of EcoCollege Chapters and participation in the InterCollege Public speaking Competition.” But the sooner we realise just how precarious the world’s climate situation is, the quicker we can start making a difference. “It is an important reminder that every act we make, no matter how big or small, can play a pivotal role in saving our planet. It is time we take better care of this world; after all, it is the only one we have,” says Ms al Harthy.

As a society, we need to understand that we are part of an ecosystem that we need to treat with respect in order to get the best ecosystem services and health benefits given back to us

hether you take shorter showers, reduce food waste or make ecominded choices at the grocery store, adopting one simple habit can make a difference in protecting the Earth’s natural resources. These simple, renewable lifestyle changes may even affect your personal mindset. According to findings from a scientific study and survey commissioned by Tetra Pak, adopting simple renewable lifestyle habits can help people go from feeling glum to good. According to the survey, most people (70 per cent) feel happier when they make choices that help preserve natural resources. This study comes on the heels of the world’s first social experiment in renewability, carried out by three estimable academic experts in habit and behavioural science, which uncovered how renewable lifestyle choices – habits that help preserve natural resources – influence levels of happiness. “We believe that even simple lifestyle behaviours have the power to make a big impact, on both a personal and global scale,” says Elisabeth Comere, director of environment and government affairs for Tetra Pak. “The combined benefit of the small actions we take, from taking shorter showers to choosing products in renewable packaging – made of natural resources that can be replenished over time – can benefit the world around us while making us happier.” Adopting one of these simple renewable habits can help preserve the planet’s resources while fast-tracking levels of happiness:

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① Conserve resources, including water. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that cutting your shower by just one minute will save 9.4 litres of water. Over time, those savings add up: 341 litres per month and nearly 4,546 litres over the course of a year. ② Choose products in renewable packaging. Selecting food and beverage products in renewable packaging is a natural extension of environmentally friendly habits, such as recycling or composting. From milk and soup to water and juice, you can find food products packaged in cartons – primarily made from paper, a renewable resource from growing forests. ③ Buy only what you can consume. At the grocery store, it’s easy to over-shop, especially if you’re hungry. Buy only what you need to reduce waste, and seek groceries that are considered renewable, such as fruit and vegetables, and carton-packed food and beverages in packages made from renewable materials. Carton-packed foods last longer, are easy to store and have a relatively low environmental footprint. ④ Use re-usable containers. These days, hectic lifestyles are the norm and that often means meals and beverages on the go. When possible, rely on re-usable drink and food containers instead of disposable ones.

⑤ When you can, walk instead of driving. According to data compiled by National Geographic, it takes nearly 60 litres of water to produce each half-litre of petrol. Using other modes of transportation and combining errands, carpooling and help cut water and energy demands. – Family Features To learn more about how making simple, renewable lifestyle changes can help boost happiness or to take the Habits of Happiness quiz to assess your personal happiness level, visit tetrapak.com/us/renewable-living.

Plastic bags are not biodegradable and can take up to 1,000 years or more to break down, posing a serious danger to marine mammals that often mistake them for food. ● 12 million plastic bags are provided freely to consumers in Muscat each month ● In 2014, Sultanate’s consumers bought, on a daily basis, over 400,000 containers of water, juice, soft drinks and milk in various sizes ● On average, a plastic bag is used for just 20 minutes before being thrown away. Most end up in a landfill or as litter on land. ● A plastic bottle or takeaway coffee lid that has 20 minutes’ use can spend years killing countless turtles. An animal killed by swallowing plastic will decompose long before the plastic does, leaving the plastic free to kill over and over again ● Every person in Oman produces on average 1.5kg of municipal solid waste per day, according to the Department of Biology at Sultan Qaboos University ● An average of three per cent of plastic bags in the world end up in the sea ● Up to 100,000 marine mammals and turtles die each year globally due to plastic litter ● 1.7 per metre is the average quantity of debris items on the Oman shoreline ● Every day, two tonnes of plastic containers are dumped into landfills in Oman ● Royal Oman Police and Municipality employees can issue on-the-spot fines starting at RO10 to anyone littering, including throwing cigarette ends out of car windows (* Various sources including Clean Up Oman, Save Our Seas Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund)

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25 UP TO 45OFF

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SALE STARTS FROM March 25, 2016 at 1:30 PM

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it with They said e can now w love , and winners reveal the her’s Day t of our Mo etition p c a rd c o m

First R unner-u p: Sara Well do al Sham ne , Sara s i , age 8 ! Y o u r ½ picture message a n c Treat yo aptured our d simple atte ur winning mum with your ntion. s. RO100

e9 1st Prize: Amita Sen, ag rtfelt s, Amita! We loved your hea

Congratulation scribe how she words to your mum that deps with your homework prepares you nice food, hel u win RO200 cash and a and always cheers you up. Yo goodie bag from Puck.

e all know that they are extra special, but sometimes we don’t always let our mums know just how much

they mean to us. Given the chance to do just that with our Mother’s Day competition with Puck, the children of Oman responded in style. We were inundated with messages expressing love and appreciation for mums written on our printed cards. We’ve heard how much your mum means to you, what wonderful things she does for you and your family and how, in your eyes, she’s the best mum ever. “Congratulations to the winners of our Mother’s Day competition. We received hundreds of wonderful entries, all of them a touching dedication to many 026

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mums in Oman,” says Y’s managing editor, Felicity Glover. “While Mother’s Day is a very special time of the year to celebrate and thank our mums for everything they do for us, I believe that we should celebrate our mums – and dads – every day of the year.” With the help of our sponsor, Puck, we had some great prizes on offer with cash and goodie bags for the top three cards, including RO200 cash for the main winner. The winning entries were also framed and given back to the participants to present to their mums as a keepsake at a special ceremony to honour them at Markaz Bahja Mall yesterday. Thank you to everyone who entered. Here are our three winners:

Second Runner-up: Fionulla Precious G. Payuyo, age 14

Great effort, Fionulla! We liked your use of hashtags. Your Super Mum sounds amazing! Have a mum and daughter day out with your RO50 cash prize.

Unfortunately, not everyone can be a winner, but hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a gallery of the entries that we felt also deserved a mention.

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FOOD AND DRINK

PARTY POPPERS

Dress up plain popcorn with some exciting new flavour combinations and wow your friends with these delicious treats.

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Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

PERFECT POPS

No matter what kinds of events you have on your calendar, you can pop up delicious treats that are sure to be a hit.

hether hosting a get-together for the guys or having a night in with the girls, freshly popped popcorn can please every palate. What’s more, it is naturally low in fat and calories and is non-GMO and gluten-free. Sweet, spicy, salty or served in more non-traditional ways, the possibilities are endless. Popcorn is perfect for everything from a family film night to a kid’s party. And since it’s healthy and wholegrain, popcorn is a satisfying snack suitable for every occasion that you can feel good about serving. Find more versatile, nutritious recipes for your next event at popcorn.org * Family Features

Cookies ’N Cream Popcorn Makes 12 servings Ingredients: § 12 cups popped popcorn § 1 pack (11oz) white chocolate chips § 2 tsp coconut oil § 15 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped Method: § Place popcorn in large bowl and set aside. § In a medium saucepan on low heat, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil. Stir until blended. § Pour melted chocolate over popcorn, stirring until wellcoated. Stir in chopped Oreos. § Spread mixture onto a baking tray and chill until chocolate has set. Break into pieces to serve.

Toasted Coconut and Chocolate Popcorn Makes 10 servings Ingredients: § 10 cups popped popcorn § 2 tbsp butter or margarine § 2 tbsp light brown sugar § 1/2 tsp coconut extract (optional) § 1 cup chocolate chips § 1 tsp vegetable oil § 1 bag (7oz) shredded coconut, toasted Method: § Place popcorn into a large bowl. Set aside. § In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar and coconut extract. Stir until melted and combined. § Pour over popcorn, coating well. Spread popcorn onto large baking tray. § In glass measuring cup, melt chocolate chips and vegetable oil in microwave on a low heat until smooth. Drizzle over popcorn. Immediately sprinkle coconut over popcorn mixture; cool. § Break into pieces and serve.

Popcorn Party Pizza Makes 8 slices Ingredients: § 3 tbsp butter § 1 bag (10.5oz) mini marshmallows § 2 quarts popped popcorn § 1 tube (0.68oz) red piping gel § 1 package red raspberry fruit roll-ups § Green jelly babies § coconut § Sweet-coated chocolate pieces Method: § Spray a 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray. Set aside. § In a large saucepan over a medium heat, heat the butter. § Stir in marshmallows until melted. § Stir in popcorn until well coated. § Spread the mixture evenly onto a prepared pizza pan. § Drizzle red piping gel over “pizza” to make “sauce”. § Cut small circles (about 1 1/4 inches in diameter) from fruit roll-up and place on the pizza for “pepperoni” slices. § Decorate as desired with jelly babies, coconut and sweets. Allow to cool completely before cutting into wedges to serve.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

al u s Ca ning Di

REVIEWS

Info Box

AMAZING CHICKEN GRILL AND BBQ

AMAZING FLAVOURS

Ghubra Tel: 2207 5558 Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 10.30am-3pm; 16.30pm-11.30pm Friday 2pm-11.30pm Dinner and drinks for two: RO16.50 Verdict : 8 / 10 Service 7 / 10 Food 8 / 10 Ambience Sweet and simple décor, but offers something new and very different

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT, THEN TAKE YOUR TASTE BUDS ON A KOREAN CULINARY JOURNEY, WRITES MATTHEW HERBST

ith grumbling tummies, my Taste Test partner Chris Fisher and I were keen to get to Amazing Chicken Grill and BBQ as fast as possible. But to be honest, I didn’t know what to expect as this was the first time I would be trying Korean food. What I did expect, though, was to find something perhaps a little more Asianinspired from the outside of the restaurant. When we turned into a dark parking lot at the back end of a bunch of apartment blocks, Chris pointed towards a place that could easily be mistaken for a fast-food chicken outlet thanks to its plain décor, which was definitely not Asian. But I wasn’t going to let the outside sway me and I walked in with hope as I’d heard nothing but good things about this restaurant and was all for giving it a shot. Upon opening the door, we were greeted by a waiter with large smile and ushered to our table. The inside was far nicer than the outside, with a simple, clean décor, a few tables and it wasn’t overcrowded. The dining space was adorned with good luck charms, sleek bookshelves covered in ornaments, a pinboard with colourful messages and Korean flags. We sat down and perused the menus that came in both Korean and English and were decorated with beautiful artwork on the pages. The text was easy to read and you were not overwhelmed with too many choices. Chris suggested the set menu, which would allow us to sample a little of everything on offer, and I agreed. To drink, I decided on the Korean green tea. I was somewhat

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surprised with the first sip, which had a slight bitterness to it, but the more I drank, the more delicious it became. And then our first round of the set menu arrived. Three plates came first: one was a simplelooking chicken salad that had a subtle sweetness to it. However, there wasn’t enough shredded chicken in the dish. The second was a plate of jeon, or Korean-style pancakes. Small and round, these were delicious and had just the right amount of spice – I was almost tempted to order another plate of them. The third dish was piled high with glass noodles, peppers and what looked like bok choy, an Asian leaf vegetable. I wasn’t so keen on the japchae noodles even though they looked delicious. I found them a little difficult to chew and with my phobia of choking, I decided not to continue with this dish. Chris, on the other hand, enjoyed the noodles and slurped them down like a pro. Feeling quite satisfied already with our spread of new Korean flavours, the second part of our set menu arrived on a little trolley that reminded me of a hospital dinner service. The waiter laid out seven well-presented side dishes. These included a pickled red cabbage, a serving of Korea’s famed kimchi, sliced baby marrow, an egg roll, broccolli perched on a sweet plum sauce and two fish dishes. As we tucked into the second chapter of our Korean culinary journey, we were also served soup and our main of jjim dak chicken, as well as small bowls of steamed rice. The jjim dak chicken was drenched in an interesting-looking sauce and was sitting on a bed of noodles and vegetables.

We greedily tucked in, tasting each of the side dishes, some of which we couldn’t quite place the taste or texture. But I have to say that the egg roll was the standout here. We then moved on to the miso-style soup. The broth was clear and clean-tasting, with a hint of the sea thanks to the small pieces of seaweed floating around the bowl. But it was the jjim dak chicken that was the star of the show. Consisting of large chunks of chicken cooked on the bone to maximise the flavour, the sauce was moreish and delicious. Needless to say, we wolfed this down as the chicken was so tender and tasty, while the sauce could be described as being similar to a type of black-bean tangy taste. Mid-bite, I said to Chris that I could easily have ordered a bowl of the sauce on its own. Yes, it really was that good. As I enjoyed the last of my green tea, I wondered what could be in store for us in terms of dessert. Unfortunately, the restaurant didn’t have any desserts on its menu – initially much to my disappointment. But this turned out to be a blessing in disguise as both Chris and I are on a health kick at the moment and eating dessert would only reignite that sweet-tooth flame within us both. That said, we left feeling satisfied and probably didn’t have enough room for it anyway. Amazing Chicken BBQ and Grill is, in its own words, quite amazing – and definitely worth a visit if you’re prepared to try something new. Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com

HEALTH& BEAUTY

SUMMER FUN

With the weather warming up, it’s time to get the summer gear out and head to the beach or hang out by the pool. Just make sure you keep your cool in these chic accessories, such as this summery tunic by La Redoute. And don’t forget the sunscreen and a hat! 032

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

k o o L e h

licity e F , reet t s igh ok h e This simple yet elegant white beach to th t the lo shirt from Matalan would look great d n e e g teamed with a skinny belt around the h o ig ou t h waist. From RO5.5 e y th lps m Fro ver he Glo

T t Ge

Effortlessly chic, this multi-toned kaftan from the Autograph collection at M&S is a nod to the classic 1970s tie-dye look. From RO49.5

Join the jet set in this sleek and stylish black and pink butterfly embroidered kaftan from Debenhams. From RO21.1

No beach outfit is complete without the obligatory floppy braid hat, such as this one from Accessorize. From RO12.2

Oversized sunglasses a la Jackie O are a must during the summer in Oman and this “Susie Square” pair from Accessorize fits the bill. From RO8.3

You’ll need a big tote to pack everything you need for a day at the beach, like this fun straw bag from New Look. From RO13.9

Add a touch of sparkle to your feet in these “Jennifer Bling” seagrass flip-flops from Accessorize. From RO8.3

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BEAUTY

Health Fashion

BEAUTY QUEEN’S

SECRETS TO

STUNNING

Miss European Tourism 2015, Lenka Josefiova, gives her guide to a first-class complexion

he unpredictable hot and cold, and hot again weather may not be good for your skin. Studies show that excessive sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and uneven skin tone on our faces. Worse, it could also be the cause of skin cancer. Lenka Josefiova is the reigning Miss European Tourism 2015. The model, actress and TV presenter reveals her top secrets, not only on how to protect your skin from sun damage but also on how to achieve and maintain a delectable derma all year round. She says: “Our skin is the largest part of our body and we need to take care of it, from morning to evening. Aside from the fact that it gives us confidence and self-esteem to have a beautiful skin, I believe that keeping it healthy can also prevent the early signs of ageing and some skin diseases.” Here are eight tips from the Dubai-based beauty:

1Drink a lot of water SCAN OUR QR CODES WITH ANY QR READER APP

Being hydrated is often underrated and ignored. No matter how busy your day is, you should always try to drink 8-10 glasses of water and actually, the more the better. It cleanses your body naturally, and everything that is natural and organic is always best. This is why I always carry a small bottle of water wherever I go.

2Berries give you bliss

Any kind of berry is good for you. My favourites are blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and cranberries. Berries are powerful antioxidants that eradicate toxins in the body and they can also help you lose weight.

3Avoid fried food

Fried food such as doughnuts and French fries should be avoided. I know it’s hard but you have to give up something to get something. Oily foods can trigger acne and breakouts, too. If you are really craving them, have an alternative such as mashed potato or brown bread topped with dark chocolate.

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use moisturiser and 4Always sunblock

Your skin can also get thirsty, mostly when it is hot or humid or even inside an air-conditioned room. When we are thirsty, we have to drink water so it’s also the same for our skin. Always apply lotion after taking a shower as it replenishes the moisture that we lose naturally after taking a bath. Bring a small bottle of moisturiser that you can use for your face, hands and skin all the time. This also applies to sunblock; you should apply it 30 minutes before you go into the sun or even before you face your computer as some contain UV radiation. Nowadays, there are many moisturisers that act as sunblocks too.

5Never sleep with make-up on

At night, this is a super ‘must’. You must remove your make-up before going to sleep, no matter how tired you are. Even the most expensive make-up contains chemicals that will irritate your skin overnight. You should also help your skin to breathe after putting make-up on for more than seven hours during the day.

6Smile and be happy

Contentment is also good for our skin. When our body releases upbeat hormones such as serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin we tend to glow naturally, perhaps by hanging out with friends and loved ones, exercising and even spending some me-time listening to music.

7Visit your skin doctor every month It is important to visit your doctor every month. My favourite practice is Montage Skin Science as they have all the treatments that I need to make my skin healthy and radiant.

8Aim for inner beauty

Last but definitely not least, the best way to be beautiful is to think happy and kind thoughts not only for yourself but also for others. Count your blessings and don’t complain. Physical beauty is important but inner beauty is vital. As Cinderella would say, I believe you need to be kind and brave all the time.

Beauty

Matt Blackwell tries out the coldest craze to sweep Muscat – cryotherapy

he Sultanate is in the grip of a cold snap. But it’s got nothing to do with the weather. Although it’s been popular in sporting circles as a method of treating professional athletes for several years, cryotherapy has now come to Muscat and is available to everyone at The Wellness Centre in The Walk at Al Mouj Muscat. “Cryo” comes from a Greek word that translates as “icy cold” and the treatment lives up to its frosty name, plunging the body into temperatures well below zero, achieved through the use of liquid nitrogen. Claiming benefits ranging from weight loss to muscle recovery, it’s fair to say my interest was piqued, and it turns out many of Muscat’s residents share my curiosity. “The response has been really positive,” says Charly Spurrell, cryotherapy manager at The Wellness Centre. “It is the only place in Oman where you can have the treatment so there’s been a lot of interest. People have a lot of questions because for many, it is something they haven’t seen before. “A huge amount of our members are now using cryotherapy regularly as part of their training programmes.” Looking at the whole body chamber with no idea what lay in store, I couldn’t help feeling a few pre-treatment nerves as I changed into the dressing gown, gloves, socks and soft boots provided. Charly, who was sent to the US for her cryotherapy training, soon puts me at ease and we get things under way. As a first-timer, we started with the basics at level one, at which the chamber is cooled to minus 110°C for the three-minute treatment. At level three, the temperature inside the chamber goes down to minus 150°C. To begin with, it’s cold but bearable. Charly stays throughout the entire process, ensuring my safety and answering any questions, and

HEALTH

Fashion

by the second minute, it feels as if I’ve been playing in the snow back home in the UK for half an hour. The third minute was a struggle as a slight tingling sensation entered my limbs but then it was all over. A quick check of my skin surface temperature and the thermometer reads minus 18, probably the coldest I’ve ever been in my life. However, far from freezing and miserable, I feel on top of the world. A huge feeling of well-being pulses throughout my body and my energy levels are sky-high. After the treatment, Charly recommends that I take to the exercise bike to help with getting the blood flowing again and it feels as if I could compete in a stage of the Tour of Oman. If only I wasn’t a month too late. “The whole body treatment works from the inside out. It’s a systemic response and a good way to deal with pain management,” Charly says. “It also has an anti-inflammatory effect that is naturally caused by the shock of the treatment and speeds up recovery. It gives you a metabolic boost, improved energy levels and also helps with weight loss.” Next up is a local cryo treatment on my shoulder, used to target specific areas of pain or tension and to help with mobility, and a cryo facial. The sensation as the liquid nitrogen vapour passes over my face is a strange one, but as the muscles tighten I’m left with a rosy-cheeked glow. Additional benefits include stimulating collagen production, which in turn improves circulation around the body, reducing the appearance of blemishes and fighting cellulite. The result of my cryotherapy experience is the best wake-up call I’ve had for a Friday morning and with bags of energy, I’m ready to tackle the day, whatever life throws at me.

● Cryotherapy treatments at The Wellness Centre start at RO20 for a single treatment. ● The best selling option is the Combo Package, which includes a whole body treatment with either a cryo facial or local cryo for RO30. ● The Wellness Centre has recently launched the Cryo Party package. For RO25 each, four people or more can book the Cryo Lounge for two hours and experience two treatments of their choice each. ● For more information and to book, go to wave-wellness.com

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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Capital Region Azaiba • Amara Dermatology Clinic • Audi showroom • Bentley showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol Station • Mazda showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital (Emergency and Outpatients) • Oman Medical College CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney Restaurant • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Darsait • Indian Social Club • Khimji’s Mart

•

KIMS Oman Hospital • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell Petrol Station Al Falaj/Rex Road • Al Falaj Hotel • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Golden Oryx Restaurant • Kamat Restaurant • Toshiba Showroom Ghala • National Mineral Water Ghubra • Al Hayat International Hospital • Al Maya Hypermarket • Bank of Beirut • Costa Coffee • Crêpe Café • GMC Showroom • LuLu Hypermarket • Moka & More • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Park Inn • Porsche Showroom • Al Raffah Hospital • Stationery Hut • The Chedi Muscat Al Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College of Engineering • Markaz Al Bahja Mall • McDonald’s • Omantel • Starcare Hospital Al Khoudh • Al Fair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Pizza Hut Al Khuwair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Bait Al Reem Mall • Caffè Vergnano • Centrepoint (Splash) • Diplomatic Club • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Harley-Davidson Showroom • HSBC • KFC • Khimji’s Mart • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Landmark Group

• • •

McDonald’s Muscat Bakery Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Oman United Insurance • Omran • Pizza Hut • Radisson Blu • Shell Petrol Station • TGI Friday’s • The Great Kabab Factory • The Tikka Place • Zahara Travel • Zakher Mall Mabela • Gulf College Oman Mawalah • Chili’s Restaurant • Costa Coffee • Al Makan Café • The Noodle House • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Khimji’s Mart • NBO • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell Petrol Station MGM • Caribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • Just Falafel • Ooredoo • Paul • Tim Hortons Al Mina • Bait Al Baranda • Bait Al Zubair MQ • Al Fair • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • Hana’s Slimming & Skincare Centre • Kargeen Caffe • KFC • MacKenzies Café & Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Papa John’s Pizza

• •

Pizza Hut Saharz Beauty Salon • Starbucks Al Murtafa’a • Bank Muscat • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club Muscat International Airport • Caribou Coffee • Majan Lounge • Plaza Premium Lounge Mussanah • Millennium Resort Muttrah • Shell Petrol Station Qantab • Al Bustan Palace • Marina Bandar Al Rowdha • Oman Dive Center • Shangri-La Qurum • Al Araimi Complex • Balance Health & Fitness • Bank Nizwa • BMW showroom • Burger King • Chili’s Restaurant • Crowne Plaza • Finland Eye Center • Fun Zone • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • The Jungle Restaurant • Left Bank • McDonald’s • Mercedes-Benz Showroom • Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant • Nandos • Nissan Showroom • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Qurum Commercial Complex • Ras Al Hamra Club • SABCO Centre • Second Cup • Starbucks • The Sultan Center • Tche Tche Café Rusayl • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -1 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -2 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -3

•

Knowledge Oasis Muscat -4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of Economics and

Political Science Students Banking Area • Reception/ Canteen Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality Institute • Pizza Hut • Shell Petrol Station Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best cars • BLS International Services • Chevorlet/GM showroom • Ford Showroom • Hatat House • Honda Showroom • Hyundai showroom • Kia Showroom • Lexus Showroom • National Travel & Tourism • Passage To India Restaurant • Shell Petrol Station • Subaru showroom • Suzuki Showroom • Toyota Showroom The Wave • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • The Wave Head Office •

Other Regions Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • LuLu Hypermarket Nizwa • University of Nizwa Sohar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Markets • Ooredoo • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port and Freezone • Sohar University

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Postcards from

Indoors

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Cars

CARS AND ADVENTURES

SANDS OF TIME

The majestic, but simple beauty of the Sharqiya desert is a stunning reminder of Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bedoin heritage.

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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

Y- F i

Outdoors

Destination

SHARQIYA SANDS THE REMOTE MAJESTY AND TOWERING DUNES OF SHARQIYA SANDS CAPTIVATE SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI 038

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Cars

to let some air out of your tyres and if you’re planning to go deep into the dunes, never go alone. The best way to get to Sharqiya Sands is through The first thing we did Bidiyah. From Muscat, take Route 15 and take the was to park the car and turning for Route 23 after Bidbid. Stay on this road climb to the top of a high all the way to Bidiyah, where you can enter the dune to get an overview desert at several points. of our surroundings. It made for a good photo GPS location of Bidiyah: opportunity, but it was N22° 27’ 7.078” E58° 48’ 39.657” incredibly tough to get there. Walking on sand often feels like you’re going nowhere fast despite putting in twice habitat as well as Bedouins going about the effort. I purposely kept our shadows in the their business in pickup trucks. Vegetation photo to give some perspective. is understandably sparse, but I managed to The dunes have a distinctive orange hue and capture a lone tree as well as the bleached stretch for kilometres. The feeling of isolation bones of an animal; I’m guessing an unlucky is one thing I love about the desert. Whenever camel or goat. I do pieces such as this one, I always feel free I see the desert as a symbol of who we are as from urban living and modern life. However, a country. It’s a strong part of our culture just this trip to Sharqiya Sands took this feeling of as the mountains are. When I go there I always freedom to another level. feel a sense of attachment and belonging. As the sun began to set, shadows came into My cousin often ventures into the desert on play, which brought the pictures alive as the his off-road bike. With my recent visit reigniting bumpy dunes took on a 3D effect. my passion for the sand, you can be sure that We saw camels ambling around their natural I’ll soon be accompanying him.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

rowing up in Amerat, the mountains were like my playground. I felt at home scrambling up and over the rocks, often coming home with cuts and scrapes but with a smile on my face. The desert is a different environment entirely, but I have always felt an affinity with the sand; I think it’s a strong part of who we are as Omanis. I have ventured into Sharqiya Sands several times in the past, but I thought it was high time I visited from a professional perspective for one of our Destination pieces. From a photographic viewpoint, I’ve always enjoyed the types of images you can capture in the desert. The sand and sky offer great contrasts. At night, when the stars come out to play, the view can be breathtaking especially when there are no clouds and there is a little moonlight. As my third destination of the day, following Mrkhah Park and Wadi Bani Khalid, my cousin and I didn’t arrive at the desert’s fringes until 4pm. This was probably a good thing because we had missed the hottest part of the day and the warm light made for some favourable photography conditions. The first rule of the desert is that you must have a four-wheel drive to enter. It’s also best

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MINI MESSIS

CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

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The Muscat Community Football League for kids ended the season with a one-day tournament at the weekend. Kate Ginn watched all the match action

nder way at shootout is u nerve of the ty al en p g in e it g th nail-b e pitch, testin usly one end of th e parents waiting anxio ear th b d ly d an ar nh players ines. Some ca on from the sidelbuilds while coaches lookend, e n o th si n In . te to look as the g to keep a sense of calm stoically tryinteam triumphs. same league the Borders ot have been in quite the a and intensity It might n orld Cup, but the dram Muscat e as the FIFA Wseason tournament for th) is just as real, fL -o F at the end Football League (MC n or eight Community . When you’re only seve and taking so ed n re if not mo e emotions are heighte t can be a little years old, th -or-lose penalty shootou part in a win g. s and overwhelmine plenty of tears, tantrummuch the same y er tt w There ons; pre goal celebrati extravagant ional footballers then. the MCFL offers as for profess back in the late 1990s, etitive football Established get involved in comp ities aged to al kids a chance to children of all nationl beginnings, it al en p o sm ’s m it ro ho and d 12 years. F companies, w between six an26 teams, sponsored by has grown toaturday. tournament play every S n culminated in a one-day huwair, K l This seaso the Oman Club in A re than o at m d n h it ke w an, last wee Ooredoo Om st fervent of sponsored by their parents – their mo 315 kids and in attendance. d bragging supporters – stake. Pride, trophies an tegories. A lot was at for grabs in three age ca ue – play ag p le u rights were rls – this is an inclusive ch. And there’s gi it d p e an m s e sa Boy hie, seven, side and on th the fledging er friend Sop rnational h on the same ible talent on show from essi, the swagger d an a, ay rM Inte some incred ith glimpses of a mini Me promise Her daughte class at The American team. e w e th m d m rs sa le sa an e al e o th tb d th o in al d fo are ristiano Ron ational team ball,” says at (TAISM) an of a young Cli al Habsi, the Oman n ys for Reading in School Muscecause I love kicking the years. Sophie A la of another d captain, who also p “I love it b been playing for two . aya, who has otball since kindergartena goalkeeper goalkeeper anremier League. M an Americ P fo e a h th to is is , in at gl n n n ve er E ee h se e b 0 ac th has s to his U1 Brace, a te itehead, aged e U8 League, Coach Paul y, shouts out instruction drilling Rebecca Wh team, Tracerco, win th r the season. il em o er d fo h British Aca red by a Muscat-based who helped ped the Coach’s Award the ball s d team, sponso TEC. ki and also scoo e it and I’m not scared if goes to the g of havin company, ID teacher so I’m a big fan ys Paul. “We “I really lik st,” says Rebecca, who e as the m fa E sa P ,” a rs o do “I’m comes at me School. “I can play the sa d enjoy the more than in t h lig F al move outsidee away from electronics an oy R Muscat. , referees need to mov oors, especially here in hools, local and boys.” e the coaches don’t have ar es o er h td sc g u t n o m beautiful e kids from all differen The unsu agers – some of who ve up d what the ague – who gi h man le ac e k “There ar h is important as well, an te in th d th in an I l . al er hic togeth ng footb expatriate, wone is to bring everyone children playiluntarily every weekend.ISM and has d as vo h e e m u is her at TA am since leag their ti so a gymnast, itski is a teac it’s fantastic.”keeper, Isabella, who is alsome impressive Dani Charn of Maya and Sophie’s te but has g, h Their goal in the match, making been the coac s new to football coachin ar e’ h S . er b o a standout st her team in the game. ing for the ct O rtunity for time player. saves to keepcan be just as nerve-wrack, kick and goal been a long- d it’s a really nice oppo ot too many le g ck n an in ere’s Watch every ta f “I love it e of ere, where th live through and ecstasy o , especially hthem to play sports outsid parents, who ines, sharing the agony em th r el fo d s si ie from the n. opportunit work, gement to his eration, teamays p o co their childre lawi calls out his encoura ys for PDO hool. ; it sc f o t t alw lot ou Hamed A son Abdullah, who pla “They get a inning and losing and no ld w -o f o ar s ye ic tas eigh the b likes football,” eth Owen, Pumas. eing on top.”league’s organisers is Gardoes some otball; Omane was a year old b fo g n yi la p d since h “I like him am. One of the volved since 2001 and s out. “He has playe e national te in says Hamed. nning for him to be in th ho has been His wife, Mila, also helpds, footballw la o. p to g, am n I ei d here for ki I would re an refere t as, take a mo will happen.” nothing really Inshallah, it ts, such as Shatha Abb er for the “There was and I knew at some poinem to have th en r th fo k g ac in b h Some paren She’s the team manag er daughter et wise, . h h. I wanted som hands-on role0s while also supporting Ooredoo U8s. ave kids and got involved,” says Garetgh and now h 1 I e u U y th ro h o r o th w d fo d ’s re ys at se o la O so th about three n has progres team]. seven, who p Maya, aged lved when my son playedd. We just love “My eldest soplaying [for the Bordersotball. The is fo “I got invo o and we were hooke my son Tom give the kids a game of faces.” ag to eir it th o n d o s e “I or four years out it,” says Shatha. ’v ile ey sm lose. Th ok at the yone is everything ablove coming even if they ool and kids love it; lo of the tournament, ever d that was h s d sc d an ki d – en n e d u “Th beyo By the rated and pro irit that goes ue. exhausted, exhilathe parents. ag got a team sp f le e th f o el and a taste o just nationalities. the whole community fe got a medal get back out d ki ry ve E ve “And I lo uldn’t wait to stic people.” glory and co and do it all over again. I’ve met fanta ch on the pit

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t Tournamen Winners: U8: i rillion Alaw Pool A: Ca Pumas O Pool B: PD U10: rders Pool A: Bo doo re o O Pool B: U12: na Hotels Pool A: Ata rgy ne Pool B: Sy

ague Football Le y it n u m m ys and cat Co ● The Mus nationalities and bo ll a and 12. is open to etween six October to March b d e g a ls m gir on runs fro ● The seas losed. layer c and is now ation on teams and p hoo.com a y rm ● For info email mcflmuscat@ ollow on , F n . o e registrati cat websit e mcflmus th to o g r o cat @McflMus MAR 24 - 30 / ISSUE 413

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CARS AND ADVENTURES CALM WATERS

Lake Macquarie offers a peaceful getaway from the bright lights of the city, a place to unwind and relax, go boating or even watch the passing parade of pelicans.

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1) Explore the caves at Caves Beach 2) Take in a whale-watching tour 3) Hire a bike and cycle around Lake Macquarie. 4) Check out the lighthouse at Nelson Bay 5) Spend a day in Newcastle

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Outdoors

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Felicity Glover recommends

SWANSEA, AUSTRALIA A

sleepy fishing village on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Swansea is known locally as the place where “the ocean meets the lake” - specifically, the Pacific Ocean and Lake Macquarie, the biggest salt-water l a k e i n t h e S o u t h e r n H e m i s p h e r e . N o t t o b e c o n fu s e d w i t h Swansea in Wales, where Hollywood star Catherine ZetaJones was born, Australia’s Swansea is a low key, but classic best-kept beach holiday secret, where lazy days at the beach are the norm.But it’s not just all about surfing, swimming or working on your suntan - Swansea and its surrounding areas o ff e r a w e a l t h o f a c t i v i t i e s f o r v i s i t o r s , f r o m a r t s a n d c u l t u r e to adventure sports, whale watching or even exploring historic nearby towns, such as Catherine Hill Bay. Just 130km from Sydney and 40km down the Pacific Highway from Newcastle, t h i s w a s t h e g o - t o h o l i d a y d e s t i n a t i o n fo r m y f a m i l y w h e n I was growing up thanks to my great aunt’s house perched on the sandy shore of the bay overlooking the breakwater. We could l i t e r a l l y j u m p o ff t h e f r o n t v e r a n d a h a n d l a n d o n t h e s o f t , golden yellow sand of the beach, while high tide would see gentle w a v e s l a p p i n g a g a i n s t t h e h o u s e . I t w a s t h e p e r f e c t p l a c e fo r children, where we’d spend long summer days out on the water, e i t h e r s w i m m i n g , f i s h i n g , k n o c k i n g a b o u t i n o u r l i tt l e b o a t , exploring inlets or hanging out with our holiday friends.

L IG H T H

OUSE A T NELS ON

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ACH CAVES BE CAVES AT

My favourite place

It would have to be the small beach in front of my great aunt’s house, where I once witnessed a very lost fairy penguin waddle across the sand. But that’s all about fond memories. That said, another family favourite was spending a day at Caves Beach, where, at low tide, you will find a network of caves and tidal pools ripe for exploring. You can also take a guided walk around the beach, which is a popular spot for surfers and campers, and the surrounding nature park.

Highlights There’s a range of watersports you can take part in on Lake Macquarie, while you can also arrange deep-sea fishing trips or whale and dolphin watching tours. You could check out the heritage-listed lighthouse at nearby Nelson Bay, which was operated by an ancestor of mine – William Glover, the original light keeper – back in 1875. There’s also the historical mining town of Catherine Hill Bay, where the original miners’ cottages still stand. Just a short walk from the beach, these have been renovated and are available to rent for weekend breaks or longer holidays.

Lowlights It’s no fun when it rains, but there’s still plenty to do and places to explore, such as Newcastle, where you will find some great cafes, museums and other fun activities to keep you amused while you wait for the wet weather to stop. Souvenirs

It’s a true-blue beach culture up this way, so anything related to the sun, sand and surf would be easy to find. Check local listings for weekend markets, where you will find unique keepsakes to remind you of your holiday, while Newcastle offers the usual high street malls and boutiques.

NOBBY ’S B E A CH AN L IG H T H D OUSE, NEWCA S

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Where to stay

From camping to caravan parks, motels, B&Bs and boutique hotels, there’s a wealth of choice for all budgets. What’s essential, though, is that you are staying as close to the water as possible. MAR 24 - 30 / ISSUE 413

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Outdoors

D e s t i n at i o n

Y-FI

ENVIRO TECH

We consume horrendous amounts of energy using and charging all our gadgets. Here, Matthew Herbst checks out the greener options available in the world of tech POWER PACKER Sunny is the first fully solarpowered case currently limited to the iPhone 6, but there has been speculation that other phone models could also be covered quite soon. No more power packs or plugs required. All you need is the glorious Omani sunshine and you’re good to go. Unfortunately, it is still under a crowdsourcing campaign but if you become a contributor you could be one of the first to get it. From www.indiegogo. Price TBC confirmed after release.

ECO DRIVE This intelligent USB Fabrik [re]Drive hard drive claims to be the world's greenest hard drive. The only proof being that the drive only turns on when your computer is powered up, using up to 90 percent less electricity than other hard drives. In addition to its footprint, the recycled aluminium enclosure dissipates heat from the Energy Starcompliant power supply, conserving energy. Thus, it obviates noisy and energy-consuming cooling fans. It's also made from a bamboo veneer, grown close to the manufacturing plant and is then steam-pressed without using harsh chemicals. At www.simpletech.com from RO539.00

WATER TIME This Bedol Water-Powered Clock runs on salt water. The clock's electrodes are corroded, which release electrons to provide power to the monochrome LCD. As green and efficient as this is, it doesn't do much more than just tell the time. On the plus side, it can go weeks without a refill. This clock is available in a handful of different funky colours and looks more ecochic than eco-geek. From www.bedolwhatsnext.com at RO45.82

EDITOR’S PICK

ECO TRAVELLER

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SOMETIMES YOU’RE GOING OFF THE GRID BUT WITH THE CONSTANT DEMAND OF TECHNOLOGY IN OUR EVERYDAY LIVES YOU’LL ALSO NEED TO TAKE THE GRID WITH YOU. IF YOU PLAN ON GOING HIKING, CAMPING OR DRIVING UP ONE OF THE JEBELS THEN THE GOAL ZERO NOMAD 13 TRAVEL SOLAR PANEL IS A GREAT TRAVEL PARTNER. IT IS A SOLAR PANEL TO CHARGE YOUR PHONE, LAPTOP, LIGHTS OR WHATEVER ELSE, AND USES 13 WATTS OR FEWER. IT’S SLIGHTLY BIGGER THAN AN IPAD FOLDED UP; IT HAS AN INTERNAL BATTERY AND YOU CAN BUY EXTERNAL GOAL ZERO BATTERIES TO CHARGE. IT HAS ENOUGH POWER TO CHARGE A LAPTOP, HAS A USB PLUG, A 12VOLT OUTPUT CABLE AND A CABLE FOR LINKING UP MULTIPLE PANELS. IT CAN ALSO CHARGE MULTIPLE DEVICES AT ONCE. AT WWW.GOALZERO.COM FROM RO61.22 JULY MAR 24 03 - 30 09 // ISSUE ISSUE 413 327

App of the Week

GREEN FINGERS This Click and Grow smartpot is ideal for the gardener who wasn’t blessed with a green thumb. Just add batteries, fill the water tank and step away. You can get on with life as you do and forget about tending to your plant. Just watch it grow. The device gives your plant the appropriate doses of water and fertiliser then recycles the remaining waste all on its own. Just remember to add a new plant cartridge if your old plant has seen better days. Don’t toss out the plastic container that your plant comes in either because you’ll need to keep the reusable potting container, thereby reducing your overall waste. You can get a starter kit with mini tomato, chilli pepper and basil, then get refills of 10 different plants. At www.clickandgrow.com from RO30.41

NEW DELL STUDIO HYBRID DESKTOP Dell's greenest Dell Studio Hybrid desktop doesn’t just look cool but also runs cool thanks to an energy-efficient power supply and an outer shell made of responsibly harvested bamboo. The ultra compact PC uses a fraction of the power of a typical tower, but has most of the bells and requirements you’d expect from a full-size model. You can add additional entertainment to watch high-def movies on your HDTV via the computer's HDMI output. You can also control it from the comfort of your sofa using the included wireless keyboard and mouse. The system comes with a recycling kit and its packaging is also almost recyclable. From www.dell.com at RO192.52

IVIRO The first step to becoming more envirofriendly is knowing when you're using too much energy. iViro is one efficient app that helps you to do just that. It performs a detailed analysis regarding your use of cooling, lighting, hot water and general energy consumption. The free iOS app gives you estimates of what you're paying annually for each of these, as well as CO2 emission updates. It will then suggest how to save money and strategies for how to save energy. Free at iTunes

ECO ENERGY Did you know that billions of alkaline batteries are dumped each year? And, as you know, these can’t be recycled so why add to the waste? Invest in USB Cell Rechargeable Batteries, which are AA batteries that operate and look just like normal AA ones. However, the positive end opens to reveal a USB plug that connects to any USB connection. Give it approximately five hours to charge them to 90 percent. At www.usbcell.com with an A two-pack, costing around RO6.93 JULY MAR 03 24 - 09 30 / ISSUE 327 413

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

Destination

Postcards from

Outdoors

Y- F i C A R S

Haval H6 Elite Specifications: Engine: 4.2L MIVEC, 4-cylinder Horsepower: 161 Transmission: 4-speed automatic Price: From RO8,700

China’s number one SUV manufacturer wants to break into Oman’s market. Kate Ginn sees if it’s up to the job

traight off, it’s fair to assume that you may not have heard of Haval or what it does. You may also come into this with, in some cases not unfounded, preconceptions about Chinese cars and their track record on the roads. First of all, Haval is actually a brand of Great Wall Motors (GWM), which was founded in 1984 and is China’s largest producer of SUVs and pickups, so it does have some pedigree. There are SUVs to meet every kind of budget – from a baby H1 to the big, eldest brother, the H9. I also came across an M2 on the company’s website, which has the vague look of a poor man’s Mercedes G-Class SUV. In Oman, we seem to have four SUVs on offer; the H2, H6, H8 and H9. I was handed the keys to a red H6 Elite, with a higher spec and trim. It looked very presentable, with smart alloy wheels, plenty of chrome and a “shark fin” roof radio antenna. It was quite muscular and also bigger than I expected. The Haval H6 is a larger compact SUV, first rolling off the production line in August 2011, and is said to be modelled on the third-generation Honda CRV. In 2013 and 2014, the H6 was the biggest-selling SUV in China, shifting 217,889 and 315,881 sales respectively. The bodywork colour, called “Chinese Red” gave it an air of sportiness and the brand name, Haval, shone in red on the ground when I

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opened the door at night.Inside, I liked the elevated driving position. Leather seats (mine were black with red stitching) were not buttery soft but of the tougher, hardwearing kind, inset into the doors. The three-spoke steering wheel was also “coated with cow hide” and had integrated audio, Bluetooth and cruise control. I did like the huge touchscreen, which dominated the centre console, and could access the music and communications system with ease. The interior was neither especially luxurious nor spartan. Leg space and headroom were fine, but there was little room to stretch your left leg next to the brake pedal. With a turn of the key, the engine rumbled into life like a little tank. Off we headed down the Sultan Qaboos highway, with the dual air-con and music merrily blasting away. The handling was a little on the heavy side, even with the power steering. It took a while for the 2.4 litres and four cylinders to really drive the car forward with power. You’d probably get a better performance from the 2.0 litre turbo H8 or H9. In this area, there has been concern about safety standards. As of 2014, no Great Wall vehicle had received the maximum ranking of five stars in the Australasian new Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). However, the car felt robust, thanks to a highstrength body structure. It also had

a Brake Assist System, tyre pressure monitoring and dual supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags, which enhanced the seatbelt system and would improve occupant protection in crashes. My version also came loaded up with some impressive gadgets that are paid-for extras in other models, such as a reverse-parking camera and sensors and sunroof. We trundled along quite happily at a slow but steady pace up the steep Bawshar-Amerat road, although I did switch to the manual gears for better control. One thing to note: the H6 is not a four-wheel drive. In other words, it’s not going to be able to cope with serious off-roading. When I took the car, the Haval salesman at the Azaiba showroom did advise that it was 2WD. Still, I gave it a go on some gentle track work. Getting out to take an offroad photo near the dam in Amerat, I trod in some deceptively deep mud and almost lost a shoe. My H6 survived without any such mishaps. So should you consider buying the H6 or any Haval SUV? Well, the price is certainly right, with the H2 1.5 litre turbo City version coming in at under RO8,000. The ride is firm and standard equipment is impressive, but it won’t blow you away with speed. What you will get is a solid car that could serve you well for quite a few years.

They say: “No1 SUV brand in China.” We say: “Worth a look”

Power steering Daytime running lights Bluetooth hands-free Rear child door lock Dual SRS airbag Power windows Touchscreen with CD, USB & AUX Reverse parking camera and sensors 18” alloy wheels Leather seats Two high and four low tone speakers ABS