Y Magazine #459, February 23, 2017

CLINICA JOELLA TO OPEN IN MUSCAT THANKS, MUM! ENTER OUR MOTHER’S DAY CONTEST

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FEB 23 - MAR 01 2017 / ISSUE 459 • WEEKLY

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COMPETITION

EDITOR’S

NOTE

Have you got what it takes to enter Y’s Got Talent? If you are a college student with a hidden talent, we want to hear from you! Turn to page 16 for details.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

WINTER DIVING In more good news for Oman, the Sultanate has been ranked as one of the top six destinations for diving in the winter months, according to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).

Congratulations!

GOING DOWN

THE TEMPERATURE It’s been a chilly week in Muscat, with blustery conditions, cloud and lower temperatures causing many to reach for their sweaters.

THIS WEEK… Team Y had a great time exploring Shatti with a group of good friends, enjoyed a romantic dinner by the beach and had fun at the final of Y We Are Soulmates.

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

Fast forward

I

t has to be said that Muscat is home to some pretty amazing couples – or at least that’s our takeaway from the thrilling Grand Finale of Y’s We Are Soulmates competition, held last Friday night (February 17) at Markaz Al Bahja Mall.

Now in its fourth year, We Are Soulmates is Y’s annual celebration of Valentine’s Day, in which couples compete to prove their compatibility – or just how much they know about each other. Despite a few curveball questions, one couple impressed the crowd by answering every question correctly. Congratulations to Mary Jane Ledesma and her husband Mark, our first prize winners this year – we know you will have a happy future together!

Elsewhere, we are celebrating Mother’s Day next month, which means that Y has also launched our special competition for children to thank their mums for everything they do for them. Turn to page 28 for more details – and look out for our Mother’s Day card in next week’s issue.

Meanwhile, we head to Ain Al Zam in Destination, take the Audi S3 out for a spin in First Drive and sample the delights at Maurya’s, a new Indian restaurant in Azaiba.

Have a wonderful week!

editor@y-oman.com

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FEB 23 - MAR 01 / ISSUE 459

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contents

FEB 23 - MAR 01 2017

Your Oman

16 Competition

Y’s Got Talent

08 Voice Of Oman

Alvin Thomas 10 News

Emir of Kuwait visits

Oman 12 News

Clinica Joelle to open

in Muscat 14 Faces Of Oman

10

22 Y We Are Soulmates

Meet the winners of our

Valentine’s Day contest 26 Time to shine

Festival of Choirs

This Week

06 Coffee With Y

James Sharman

Features

18 This Week

Thai Festival 21 Movies

Manchester by the Sea

28 Say it with love

Enter our Mother’s Day competition

22

15 Hyundai – Driven To Success

Suad Said Abdullah

Aal Thani

Cars and Adventures

21

Food and Drink 3o Food Feature

Luscious desserts 33 Taste Test Maurya’s

30

40 Destination

Ain Al Zam 42 Postcard From

Lausanne, Switzerland

Health and Beauty

44 Y-Fi

Throwback tech

34 Fashion

Nautical but nice

46 First Drive

Audi S3

36 Beauty

After dark 37 Health

Breaking the habit

34

NEXT ISSUE...

FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE

44

DEVELOPED BY

James

an

Sharm

British chef James Sharman is on a unique culinary and cultural odyssey, but still finds time to share a coffee with Y’s Al vin Thomas pening 20 pop-up restaurants pay, before fina

O

lly “pestering” him to in 20 countries over a period of the base camp at Mount Everest! give him a full-time job.

The 20 months is the goal that my folk s are now here in Muscat – the sixt “M y job h ther e taug ht me endurance, destination interviewee has set for himself. And on their books. he, and learning your place with alongside his crew – that calls itsel in a kitchen. “All 20 restaur f the I also learnt how much ants were pre-selected, cooking is “One Star House Party” – is curren and it only took about two hours tly as much a social endeavour to as it is a in town to open a pop-up restaur come up with them. Our idea is to ant. culi nar y one learn .

And while his dream of conquering the techniques that have been dev “Th at cam elop e abo ed ut from my the world map with food may seem time in in various countries. We also have like the kitchen and understand an ing how a a tall order, star chef James Sharma elaborate internship programme n kitchen works,” he adds. “From Lon that has already proved that he is no ord don, we undertake to inary I moved on to Hong Kon allo w two loca l che fs to g for a year.” work chef but rather a man who is on with us. The amazing thing is that a And it was dur ing his tim e mission and one who invites awe. there we always end up learning more that he realised that he wanted to from Without a doubt then, James is a do them. By doing that, we can und great something “truly unique” erstand with his career. food choice for a session of Coffee Wit h Y. cultures.

“I was in my apartment in Hong Our meeting point is the Al Bustan “An d if you ask me why we chose Kon g when I had this idea to do a pop Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and - Muscat, I thin James up restaurant, so I called k it is because this is a up my friends – who is dressed in his chef ’s unif geo orm gra phic jour Kev ney around the world in [a che f] and Trish [a restaurant – is the first to arrive, along with and I think that Oman has a very Trisha manager] and persuaded them to fly out McCrae, the managing partner of interesting story to tell. the and come there.

One Star House Party.

“There are some really interesting “W e also didn’t have a lot of money No delays ensue, and we soon mak things to find and some even more e at this point so we literally just covered ourselves comfortable in the lobb y of the flights. We also flew in interesting people here. a few other hotel and get down to our intervie w.

“The idea behind this is that we get che fs from Aus tral ia and Den mark James spent his early days in the to learn so many things, and then get and init iated our plan, and all of us county of Leicestershire, in the UK to , sho wcase them in many other parts of wer e livin g in my apartment. It was an before he moved to London to bec ome apartment by night and the world. We also don’t force a men restaurant by a chef. u upo day n a country. We don’t even take our ,” Jam es laug hs.

“I’m from a very normal family and own cooking equipment anymore.

“There would be toothpaste and went to school in Leicester. I even This grew shower gel and things in way , we can blend with the community our apartment, up like a typical kid would, eating , the and the guests soon suspected that and adopt local ways of cooking.” sort of food that you would normal we ly were living there. We told them the When I ask him about one of his find in the UK. truth too – and it did a beautiful mo st memorable experiences, James “And it wasn’t until I was 16 that thing to I fell our restaurant: it killed all the pretence reminisces about his time at Vietnam, in love with cooking and restaurants . and all the rigidity in running such saying: “Vietnam was simply unr I just found myself to be incredib a eal. We ly rest aur ant. spen It t our week at sea. It was only four soo n bec ame a dinner passionate about blending things and party, with friends coming in, and or five days, and we were having intrigued by how you could create us food magic cooking a dinner for them like rice and fish sauce that the loca . It was just with just a few ingredients,” James l men awesome. And this became a key explains. to our would carry to sea. success,” he says.

James and his team are currently He started off his career at a little This, he tells, also led to the form wor king on documenting their epic restaurant called the Woodhouse, ation before of the name, One Star journey on video. He is also hoping House Party. finally leaving school at the age of 18 for “The house party bit was to write a book on how he was able obvious London to pursue his goal of bec oming but we named it one star to achieve his dream of travelling the , because our a chef. rest aur ants are so wor unr ld. atea ble.

You “When I moved to London, there was couldn’t just come in and But he reveals his biggest dream: give just three only one restaurant where I wanted to out of five stars or somethi “If everything goes well then we ng. It is far work: Tom Aikens,” says James. will more personal. We even serve all definitely begin a restaurant that “I wanted to work there because the it was food ourselves. incorporates everything that we hav rumoured to be the hardest restaur e ant to Currently, four member s comprise the learned from our journey across the work at. And if you work there, you can One Star House Party, and world.” their idea work under any other chef at any part is to visit 20 countries in 20 months, of the world, such is the pressure. setting pop-up restaurants. The team Hav you got a unique story to tell or do To land a job, James had to work you know has someeone for already marked cities such who has? Contact us to have coffee with as Beijing, Ho and be Y three months for Tom Aikens, with featu red in Y Magazine. no Chi Minh, Bangkok, Mu mbai, and even Email: editor@y-oman.com

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FEB 23 - MAR 01 / ISSUE 459

THE VOICE OF OMAN ALVIN THOMAS ON PEOPLE USING THEIR PHONES WHILE DRIVING

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f you are a keen follower of this section, you would know that I have been rambling on about road safety, driving – and above all – my car, in my last three Voices of Oman. And this one is going to be no different. Why, you ask?

Because I’ve learnt from my four months of driving here that there is nothing more frustrating than commuting in the early hours of the morning.

This is the time (6am to 10am) that a nice chunk of Muscat heads off to work or school. But this is the part that I cannot quite comprehend: why do you have to use your mobile phones while you’re driving?

I get the idea of multi-tasking, but why put the lives of many at risk?

Driving in my books is a sacred task; something that requires the utmost of attention and devotion; sort of like meditation, I suppose. And therefore, I concentrate only on my job at hand: taking control of the car.

Today, however, while I was on my way to work, there was one driver (in an ultra-luxurious German SUV) who was swerving all over the road. I presumed that he was in a fit of road rage, or probably just trying to get to his office quick. But, suddenly, he decides to slow down to about 80kph… in the fast lane!

So I, like all the other drivers behind me, were forced to slow down, or break the law and overtake him from the right lane.

Eventually, though, and after causing much trouble, he swerved away. That’s also when I learnt that he was typing on his phone and mucking about in his SUV. And this is the sort of behaviour that makes me hope that the ROP will install mobile-detection cameras on the roads soon. I understand that it is hard to catch people using their phones while driving, but they deserve to be tracked down.

And to the selfish young man who held us all up: you’ve wasted the time of many individuals on their way to work, not to mention putting our lives at risk.

NEXT WEEK: ALI AL RAHMA 08

FEB 23 - MAR 01 / ISSUE 459

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: In light of the increase in serious health issues caused by smoking, should cigarettes be banned from society?

DHANYA CHANDRAN

Smoking should be banned and not only cigarettes but also all nicotine products. It’s hazardous to passive as well as active smokers.

Researchers have found that smoking can harm even the foetus inside a mother’s womb. But the government provides smoking zones in public areas, e.g.airports and this is still a matter of controversy. The government and nongovernmental organisations should work handin-hand to reverse this current scenario. While it may be difficult to ban it completely from society, providing awareness through campaigns in public places, schools, advertisements, social media and newspapers can mitigate this problem.

ANKAN KUMAR

Cigarettes shouldn’t be banned from society.

A significant number of the population do smoke on a daily basis and are addicts. A ban would result in addicts finding alternative ways to get their cigarettes. Hence, there would be an increase in the smuggling of cigarettes and tobacco products. Crime rates could potentially increase. An effective method would be to place higher import quotas and higher tariffs on cigarettes and tobacco products. This would effectively reduce the supply and demand of cigarettes in the market and therefore slowly and gradually lower the negative impact of cigarettes in society. A ban wouldn’t be that wise as addicts would look for other substitutes, and thus the use of other harmful stimulants would increase.

Thus, the ban may actually backfire.

GAUTAM GHOSH DASTIDAR

All smoking items, with cigarettes on top, should be banned from society as they are the biggest

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ever anti-social habit. As Oscar Wilde put it: “A cigarette is the perfect type of a perfect pleasure. It is exquisite, and it leaves one unsatisfied”. Why should we pursue such things that leave us unsatisfied?

And that is the ultimate truth behind the veil of all tobacco products, including cigarettes. Youngsters think smoking makes them look smart and intellectual. They do not know that smoking puts us nowhere but in a fool’s paradise. Nothing can make us intellectual if we do not own the intellect to realise that smoking doesn’t only ruin the smoker’s health but it slow-poisons nearby non-smokers. It also pollutes the planet that will accommodate our offspring in the future. Edward Norton not only does not smoke, he refuses to even pretend to smoke in his movie roles. The film star was quoted as saying: “I don’t smoke and I don’t want to smoke. I am not a fan of gratuitous smoking in films!”

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE

“Cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health.”

This is the warning that we see on every pack of cigarettes available in stores near you. But do we really care and fully understand its effects on our health and especially to smokers? Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, lung diseases, heart and artery diseases. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body. To totally ban the use and sale of cigarettes is impossible not just in Oman but also all over the world. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 1.1 billion people smoked tobacco in 2015. There are more males than females who are cigarette smokers. The governments of every country should impose higher taxes on tobacco manufacturing companies and on stores selling cigarettes or tobacco. They should also place higher tariffs and higher import quotas on cigarettes and other tobacco products. In this way, it would gradually decrease the effects of cigarette smoking in the society and the world. My uncle died in 2007 because of a lung collapse due to excessive cigarette smoking. My cousin struggled and almost gave up when he decided to quit smoking cigarettes in 2010 but nowadays no longer does so. I’m a nurse and I kept on reminding not only my uncle but also my patients about the effects of cigarette smoking on their health. It’s the personal choice of every smoker if he wants to quit, if he cares for his health and his family. At present, the total banning of cigarettes in our society is futile but what we can do is help our family members and friends who are addicted to smoking to quit before it’s too late. Let

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the governments of each country carry out their responsibities in smoking cessation until it is banned.

PARUL JAIN

Cigarettes should be banned. Everybody knows that smoking is injurious to health. People who smoke are not only harming their lives but also those of the people around them. A person who is sitting near a smoker inhales the smoke and its toxic matter, which is obviously very harmful. This unknowing inhalation makes him a passive smoker. Therefore, smokers not only put their lives at stake but also everyone who is around them. Cigarette smoking starts usually in school days. This means cigarettes are making the future of a country very dark indeed. Once a person starts it is really difficult to break the habit. The person can end up with lung cancer. No parent would ever give money to their child for buying such a thing. Children end up stealing and getting into several other bad habits. So this white, thin fold of paper with tobacco has actually blackened many lives.

Thus, it should be banned.

JASON FELIX NORONHA

Each side of a coin has a different story to tell and every debate has its own conclusion. This is a debate that ideally should have the most sensible conclusion. Two words: “SMOKING KILLS”; end of story. In a perfect world it would be so nice to have a smoke-free world and clean air to breathe. However reality ain’t so rosy. Companies manufacturing and selling the Angel of Death contribute a big chunk in taxes to ruling government coffers worldwide.

Ban smoking and all this moolah literally goes up in smoke. There are no two ways about it; smoking is a dangerous evil that affects each and every one of us. Increasing excise duty may deter a few but it’s a vast ocean as the cancer can spread in an irreversible manner.

We may not be able to put an end in its entirety nationwide but we can try, one person at a time.

We, as responsible citizens, will need to put our best foot forward to overcome this adversity hand-in-hand with all those affected by smoking and in need of our support.

WAFAA EL ANANY

I think smoking should not be banned completely. But besides from this, smoking is very hazardous to our health. The government should have to make rules against the use of cigarettes but it should not be banned suddenly, because it is a pleasure for smokers. If the government banned this then there may be the possibility that people would become drawn towards other, heavier drugs more harmful than cigarettes. The government should create awareness among people. In movies, the use of cigarette smoking should be prohibited. The government has many ways at their disposal to start banning cigarettes: 1. Impose higher taxes on companies and shops (retailer and wholesaler. 2. Restrictions. 3. Awareness of bad effects. 4. Advice and awareness campaigns.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

Who does not know that smoking kills? But

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even then producers make cigarettes and they are sold openly and consumed. Who is to blame? The consumers or the producers? I believe that neither the production of cigarettes will ever stop nor its sales will be banned in any country. So why just debate a subject about its hazards in society than simply ask for a ban, which looks virtually unlikely, at least in the near future.

SYED BOKHARI

Definitely. Cigarettes must be banned from society in the light of the increase in serious health issues and criminal activity. Also, merely printing warnings on cigarette cartons doesn’t make any sense unless the production of cigarettes is stopped. The manufacturing companies should at once be banned, strict laws should not only be made but also implemented and those breaking them should face severe penalties, such as huge fines and possible imprisonment. It’s not only injurious to physical health but it results in pollution and criminal activity too. It’s not too late to put a total ban on smoking.

JONITHA DCRUZ

Yes, definitely ban cigarettes from society. You find several people coughing away, ruining their health but still failing to kick the habit. It is believed that four of the Malboro Men succumbed to smokingrelated diseases. One of the models, Wayne McLaren died of lung cancer in 1992 at age 51 after 25 years of smoking. His modelling job was followed by an anti-smoking campaign that lasted until his death. Spending the last month of his life in an incubator with several tubes connected to his body, his last words were: “Tobacco will kill you, and I am living proof of it”.

@YTABLOID

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smokers can all go together and speed up their inevitable demise. I think health organisations need to reach out to smokers more to help them quit for good. Maybe smokers are just part of a mass depopulation plan. After all, they’re slowly killing everyone around them, in public and in their own homes. Maybe it will always be this way. I believe people that smoke have broken souls. They need therapy, never mind about kicking their smoking habit.

MOHAN ANANDAN

The worst thing about smoking is that it not only affects the smokers but also everyone around them through what is known as “passive smoking”. Authorities have been trying to restrain and educate smokers with statutory warnings on cigarettes packets – ranging from an earlier indirect warning that CIGARETTE SMOKING MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH to the recent, more direct SMOKING KILLS with very little results. It is therefore time to ban it altogether from society!

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KUMAR DAS

It absolutely infuriates me that myself and others, including pregnant women and innocent children, have to suffer the ill-effects of second-hand smoke when out in public. I work in a very congested place and it is very rare I can make it to and from work without having to breathe in someone’s cigarette smoke. I find my daily commute turns into a game of “dodge the smoker”. Sometimes I find myself on a narrow pedestrian walkway with two or three smokers in front of me. How do I get around that?

I take great pride in my health. I might as well be a smoker myself. They should ban smoking altogether.

They should be allowed to only smoke in the home or maybe a large green house can be constructed in every city where hundreds of

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FEB 23 - MAR 01 / ISSUE 459

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YOUR

OMAN H

NEWS

EMIR OF KUWAIT VISITS OMAN

is Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said received His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jabir Al Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, who was in the Sultanate on a three-day state visit this week.

An official welcome ceremony was held for the Emir, and His Majesty led the welcoming party, alongside several members of the royal family, as well as a number of Government ministers.

A motorcade, which passed two queues of military musicians, a group of horse riders and camel riders at the back accompanied the motorcade, then took His Majesty and the Emir to Al Alam Palace.

At Al Alam Palace, His Majesty accompanied the Emir to the Dais of Honour, where the national anthem of Kuwait was played while the military fired a 21-gun salute.

His Majesty and the Emir then reviewed the good bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as the fruitful cooperation in various spheres that serve the common interests of both the Omani and Kuwaiti people.

His Majesty also bestowed the Emir with one of Oman’s most elite honours – the Al Said Order – and also presented him with an Omani sword. In return, the Emir presented His Majesty a copy of the book, Biography of Omani Renowned Figures (Tuhfat Al Aayan in Seerat Ahal Oman).

The Emir of Kuwait left the Sultanate yesterday (February 22).

GDP PLUMMETS BY 9 PER CENT

R

ecord-low oil prices have caused a steep drop in Oman’s GDP, which plummeted by nine per cent in the first nine months of 2016, the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) said in a recent bulletin.

The decline was reflected primarily in the petroleum sector, which fell by 29.4 per cent.

Meanwhile, the non-petroleum sector recorded a marginal drop of 0.2 per cent.

The average annual inflation for 2016, however, remained at a moderate 1.1 per cent. The Sultanate has taken several austerity measures to ward off the impact of of low oil prices to reduce the fiscal gap.

The CBO said that while manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade were adversely affected, “value addition” showed positive growth in sectors such as construction, agriculture, fishing and real estate.

In a statement to the Oman News Agency (ONA), Hamoud Bin Sangour al Zadjali, the executive president of the CBO also confirmed that the strength and efficiency of the Omani rial was intact, and

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that “there is no change in its value”, dismissing any rumours about depreciation of the currency’s exchange rate in some Gulf countries.

“The latest data affirms the continuous appreciation of the US dollar against other currencies which, in turn, led to appreciation of the value of the Omani rial against such currencies, thus enhancing the purchase power of the Omani rial.”

BEAUTY QUEEN

GALLERY

RENOWNED TELEVISION STAR AND ENTREPRENEUR JOELLE MARDINIAN SET THE BALL ROLLING FOR HER CLINICA JOELLE COSMETIC SURGERY CLINIC IN OMAN AT AN EXCLUSIVE SIGNING CEREMONY AT THE CHEDI MUSCAT, ON MONDAY. THE SUPERSTAR HAS PARTNERED WITH SABCO GROUP FOR HER NEW VENTURE. THE EVENT WAS ATTENDED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF SABCO GROUP, SAYYID KHALID BIN HAMAD BIN HAMOUD AL BUSAIDI, A HOST OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS AND VIP GUESTS.

FEB 23 - MAR 01 / ISSUE 459

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YOUR

OMAN

NEWS

CLINICA JOELLE TO OPEN DOORS IN MUSCAT

RISE IN TOURISTS

Oman has recorded a yearly increase of 15 per cent in tourism numbers, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). During the first 10 months of 2016, 2.5 million tourists visited the Sultanate, while total investment in the sector will reach US$1.17 billion by 2016.

NEW FREEZONE

A new freezone is being planned by Sohar Port in cooperation with the Port of Rotterdam, according to local media reports. The new zone will focus on innovation and will be located within Sohar Port and Freezone, chief executive Mark Geilenkirchen confirmed this week.

be located in Shatti Al Qurum and will open in July.

Its services will include plastic surgery, cosmetic dentistry, dermatology, dermal fillers, and various spa treatments, and will also have a dedicated team of doctors, nurses and support staff.

In an exclusive interview with Y, Joelle said: “I have a lot of fans and clients from Oman who came to me in Dubai to get services done. I have also received a lot of fans writing to me through social media asking me to open in Oman, and it really is the right decision. I will work hard to make this a success. hinking of having a tummy tuck or a facelift?

“It [Clinica Joelle] will be as the same here Well, you won’t have to travel to the United [Oman] as we have in Dubai. What we will have is Arab Emirates or other neighbouring the best team of doctors. Because of the name, it countries for your beauty needs, as you will soon be will also attract good talents and good doctors, and able to receive world-class cosmetic services under we will choose the best of the best. one house when Clinica Joelle opens its doors to “We have a large group of doctors who usually clients in the Sultanate. will be working hand-in-hand. So, doctors from With branches already in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Oman will visit our branches in the UAE, and they Clinica Joelle has become one of the most elite will visit Oman as well.” clinics in the Middle East over the past few years.

In its first year of operations, Clinica Joelle was Clinica Joelle has partnered with Perfect Medical crowned the Best Cosmetic Program at the 9th Center, a company owned by the SABCO Group, World Health Tourism Congress 2014. which hosted an official signing ceremony this week at The Chedi Muscat.

The event was attended by a host of VIP guests, including television star and founder of Clinica Joelle, Joelle Mardinian, and SABCO Group chairman Sayyid Khalid Bin Hamad Bin Hamoud Al Busaidi.

The brand, which was launched three-and-ahalf-years ago, also has plans to open branches in Riyadh and Kuwait. In Muscat, Clinica Joelle will

T

CCTVS SLATED FOR SOUQ T H R O U G H Y O U R E Y E S Muscat Municipality is considering introducing CCTV cameras and security guards in Muttrah Souq in a bid to prevent thefts from shops, local media reported this week. The new security measures come after a series of thefts at the souq, including a RO1.4 million heist last year.

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REPORT BEGGARS The Ministry of Social Development has appealed to the public to report beggars in an effort to help “reform” them,” according to local media.

The ministry made its plea on Twitter, saying: “Don’t encourage begging, be a reason to transform them.” More than 600 beggars were arrested in 2015.

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The beautiful lights of Al Khuwair spread a golden glow over the area, which was captured by Monalisa Mukherjee from the rooftop of the Mumtaz Mahal restaurant with her Nikon D3200.

Send your photo to editor@y-oman.com to be featured in our new section, Through Your Eyes. Include where it was taken, your name and a few details about your photograph, such as the camera used.

PHOTO: Monalisa Mukherjee

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ENGAGE INSPIRE INNOVATE EDUCATE

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We are proud of our pupil’s high academic standards, and encourage them to achieve their best in all aspects of the curriculum. Academics are supported by a strong expressive arts specialist programme which is further fostered by our extensive extracurricular ac�vi�es, encouraging pupils to expand and explore their talents.

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Welcome to Y’s weekly photo series that profiles the diverse characters who call the Sultanate home Name: Shaker Mouhammed Age: 23 From: Pakistan Occupation: Blacksmith Passion: Singing

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DRIVEN TO

SUCCESS

After graduating as a nutritionist from Sultan Qaboos University, Suad Said Abdullah Aal Thani began her career at Nestle. Today, she is head of the team that takes care of marketing the company’s products in the Sultanate, and is also drawing up a plan to launch an all-organic, natural cosmetic line in Oman Q: What drives you to success?

There are currently two factors that drive me to attaining a successful future. Firstly, it is my hope that I have a future with my company. At Nestle, we have performance evaluations as well as biennial evaluations –and that is what makes me want to set goals for myself. I always tell myself where I have to be in one year’s time and will work hard to attain that position. Secondly, my twin girls (10 months old) motivate me to work harder than ever before. I work for them as I want them to grow up to see a mother who has accomplished her dreams and has secured a life for them.

Q: Who or what has been your inspiration in your career?

For everything I do, I have a role model.

In some cases, it is my managers who I have worked with. Each and every one has their own behaviour and work pattern, from which I can garner inspiration from. But on a more personal level, I take a lot of inspiration from my mother.

I want to become like her. Growing up, I saw her work incredibly hard and still make time for all of us. Currently, she also takes care of my young ones when I am at work. So, if there is anyone I would like to become like, it is my mother.

Q: What is your biggest career success to date?

I can successfully vouch that I have become

Q: What are your career goals?

My goal would be to make NATURAVISTA one of the leading cosmetic brands within Oman.

I have always been an individual who admires exclusive and elegant products – and now I want to give the same to the people in Oman.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

In 10 years’ time, I would like to see my company grow past Oman, and enter the international market. Of course, I would focus on the Middle East first. But, as soon as we do that, I would like to introduce other handmade and naturally crafted bags, shoes and other lifestyle items.

a very different lady since I began working at Nestle. And that has also led me to believe that I can achieve a lot if I work hard. So, in the coming months, I will be opening up my own cosmetics line, NATURAVISTA, which will provide customers in Oman with exclusive handmade organic cosmetics. The products will come from Portugal, and we will be the sole sellers of the products. I have already drawn up everything, and I believe that everything up until now has been nothing short of a success story.

Q: What do you like about the Genesis?

I love the Genesis because it is extremely stable on the fast-paced roads of Oman. It also does have a lot of features that I have not seen on many luxury cars of late. I particularly fancy the radarguided cruise control and the 360-degree camera.

It really does make driving an easier affair. In all, I cherished my moments behind the wheel of this car, and I can see myself driving this on a daily basis.

Everything from the exterior, to the interiors and the mechanics are in tandem with the goal to provide a luxury driving experience.

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Y IS ON THE HUNT FOR THE KING AND QUEEN OF COOL OF MUSCAT’S COLLEGE CAMPUSES. IMPRESS OUR JUDGES AND BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING A SHARE OF RO4,500 IN PRIZES

A

re you a college student with a hidden talent up your sleeve? Then we are looking for you to enter Y’s Got Talent competition!

Whether you are a singer, a dancer, a musician, a poet, a juggler or even a freestyle footballer, you could find yourself appearing in our college campus auditions and heading to the Grand Finale in April.

Presented by Nestle, powered by Renault and in association with VLCC, The Sultan Centre and Pizza Muscat, Y’s Got Talent aims to find the most talented university students the city has to offer and reward them with exciting prizes.

“This is a fantastic competition for college students,” says Felicity Glover, the managing

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editor of Y Magazine. “It’s a chance for them to get up on stage and impress our judges with their talents, as well as be in with a chance of winning great prizes.

“This year’s event is promising to be even better than last year, more so as we are inviting first, second and third-year students to enter via their participating colleges.”

In the audition phase, which will be held during March, our talent-hunting MC and panel of judges will scour each of the participating colleges to assess applicants, based on their two minutes in the spotlight.

Once the votes are in, one boy and one girl from each college will go forward to the Grand Finale and compete against winners from the other colleges taking part.

Whoever is named Mr Talented and Ms Talented from each college audition will receive each RO150 worth of vouchers for their efforts, as well as the chance to win even more in the Grand Finale.

The winners of each college audition will then face off against each other for the glory of being crowned Mr and Ms Talented, as well as the opportunity to lay their hands on a cash prize of RO250 each plus RO200 worth of vouchers!

Registration for Y’s Got Talent opens later this month – and Y Magazine will be keeping you up to date with the participating colleges as well as informing you when you can start registering via our website or on campus. Good luck!

PART ICIPA T

• Wal I NG C jat Co OLLE llege o • Mid GES f A d le E a pplied st Col Scienc • Cale lege es donia n Coll • Om ege an Tou r i s • Scie m Col ntific lege C ollege • Inte of Des rnatio ig nal Co Mana llege o n gemen f Engi t • Nat neerin ional g and H ospita • Col li lege o f Bank ty Institute • Mod ing an ern C d Fina ollege • Om ncial S of Bus an Co tudies i n l e l ege of ss and Techn Mana o gemen Finance • GUT logy t and ech • Bay an Co llege

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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

SOMETHING’S COMING

INSPIRED BY ART UNTIL

MAR

FEB

24

It’s one of the world’s best-known musicals – and it’s coming to the Royal Opera House Muscat! Set in New York City in the late 1950s, West Side Story is based loosely on the feuding theme in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – only this time it’s about the warring Sharks and the Jets as Tony and Maria fall in love. Curtain up: 7pm and for bookings, go to www.rohmuscat.org.om.

08

Head to the Crowne Plaza Muscat for a breath-taking exhibition, Inspired By Oman, which features a stunning range of works by Omani artists such as Noora Younis, Ali al Balushi, Bushra Said Khamis al Zuhaimi and Khalid Ali Marhoon al Roshdi.

Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, the exhibition is being held in the hotel’s lobby.

FEB

23-24

THIS

WEEK

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

F E B R U A R Y The magic of Thailand is coming to the InterContinental Muscat this weekend. The Thai Festival, to be held in the hotel’s Palm Garden, will feature delicious Thai cuisine, a thrilling Thai boxing show, as well as traditional dancers. Get in quickly as seats are filling fast! It costs RO20 (inclusive of dinner and selected beverages) or RO15 (dinner and soft beverages). For more information, call 9137 3243 or email fb.icm@ihg.com.

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True Thai

THE OPERA!

A new co-production by ROHM and Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía Valencia

“The Opera!” is the first musical in the world entirely dedicated to the history of opera. Young singers from the Centre de Perfeccionament Placido Domingo will sing celebrated arias through the times, places and characters created by famous librettists, using music by the greatest composers, and relating it through the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.

16, 18, 19 March 2017 - 7:30 pm BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY Points of sale: Royal Opera House Muscat Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Grand Hyatt Hotel Muscat, InterContinental Hotel Muscat, Chedi Hotel Muscat City Seasons Hotel Muscat, Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

- THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY -

SEASON 2016/ 2017

www.rohmuscat.org.om

Top

of the richest people in the world

❶ Bill Gates

Co-founder of Microsoft Worth:

US$78.3 billion

Amancio Ortega ❷ Founder and former chairman of Inditex fashion group

Worth:

US$76.6 billion

Jeff Bezos ❸

Founder and chief executive of Amazon.com Worth

US$66.7 billion

Warren Buffett ❹ Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc Worth:

US$65.9 billion

Mark Zuckerberg ❺

Chairman, chief executive officer, and co-founder of Facebook Worth: 020

JAN 23 FEB 05 - MAR 11 / ISSUE 01 / ISSUE 452 459

US$53.9 billion

Source: www.topxbestlist.com / January 2017

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

Trespass Against Us

Manchester by the Sea Just when you thought all excellent US drama was to be found only on television these days, one film has come along to prove that US cinema for adults is not yet dead.

While French and Italian filmmakers might be more adept at dealing with the warts-and-all aspects of the human condition, this is a US drama that actually delivers a solid plot and careful characterisation.

When Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) faces up to the death of his brother Joe (Kyle Chandler) he is left with the responsibility of taking care of his 16-year-old nephew Patrick (Lucas Hedges).

The huge change in his life means he is faced with moving back to the Massachusetts fishing village of his childhood, and revisiting some memories he has tried hard to forget.

As a downtrodden odd-job man in an apartment building full of rude and

WIN CHANCE TO R U O Y B A R G TS EMA TICKE IN C Y IT C R FOU

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Who plays Lee Chandler in Manchester By The Sea? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Sanjay Madhavdas

ungrateful residents, his lot is not a happy one, to say the least.

Wondering where he went wrong in life is one thing, but Lee is going to have to get it together, and fast.

For one thing, his tell-it-like-it-is manner is not going to cut it with a stroppy teenager who has just lost his dad, and a fair bit of (occasionally comic) bickering ensues.

It takes a skilled director (Kenneth Lonergan) who can weld a family drama without making it mawkish or self-indulgent. He guides the film at a measured pace, which makes it all the more real as it explores trauma, guilt, grief, love and family ties.

With brilliant performances (also stars Michelle Williams) and stunning cinematography, this is real treat.

Affleck is also odds-on for this year’s Oscar for Best Actor.

Review by Kevin McIndoe

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 2460 7360

Chad Cutler (Michael Fassbender) is a career criminal at a crossroads. He wants a better life for himself and his son. However, his grizzled, grouchy father Colby (Brendan Gleeson) has other ideas and is head of the “family firm”, with Colby being the brains; and Chad, the brawn. As Chad is illiterate, his career options are going to be somewhat limited. But at least he is

making sure his son gets the education he never had. Two great leads such as these bouncing off one another in scene after scene makes for a great film, and with a premise and themes that everyone looking for a better gig can relate to.

A Dog’s Purpose Dog movies can often be a bit of a mixed bag. Think Marley & Me, Greyfriars Bobby or numerous life lessons with Lassie. Thankfully, here’s one canine caper that actually has something to say about a dog’s love for humans, and how some dogs are actually treated. Bailey is trying to get to grips with why he exists, and is reincarnated three times into several breeds before finally working it all out.

Unfortunately, this movie has run into trouble with some silly animal rights activists who should get a life, and check their facts (no dogs were harmed on set).

This is a family film, with our loveable lead voiced by Josh Gad. Dennis Quaid co-stars.

Long View POWER RANGERS A group of high-school kids with unique powers are on a mission to save the world. Rita Repulsa, a former Green Ranger who has gone rogue and has a project of her own: to strip the Power Rangers of their powers. This is the third film in the Power Rangers franchise, and promises much. It also cost US$120m (RO46m) to make so it will need to open pretty big in its first weekend. However, it does have Breaking Bad maestro Bryan Cranston in it so here’s hoping it will live up to the hype. At any rate, there should be a few free plastic toys appearing in your kids’ cereal anytime soon.

Oman Release Date: March 23

FEB 23 - MAR 01 / ISSUE 459

021

Soli

rock 022

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id as a

k

d te vo de t os m ’s an Om of e m so w sa t en ev es at m ul So Ou r Y W e Ar e th wi n io ct fe af d an ve lo g rin du en e ev hi ac to w co up le s de m on st ra te ho a lit tle de di ca tio n

T

here’s a saying that goes: “Couples who are meant to be are the ones who go through everything that is meant to tear them apart, and come out even stronger.”

And as we entered the closing stages of our very own “Y We Are Soulmates” contest, our final couples battled through the previous rounds by showing that the spark of romance still burns as brightly as ever.

Taking centre stage were eight couples, for whom the sands of time supposedly haven’t tainted their love.

To get to this point, all the couples had to do was to send us an email describing – in 50 words or fewer – the love of their life.

But now their challenge is to answer a set of questions compiled by our managing editor, Felicity Glover, all aimed at exploring the aspects of each other’s likes, dislikes and habits.

The setting for the much-anticipated grand finale to our Valentine’s Day contest is Markaz Al Bahja Mall, and the chosen couples have all been gearing up for a tough night of questioning.

The atmosphere, though, is nothing short of romantic. Most of the couples have come in their favourite colours, with some wearing white, black and the unmistakeable colour of love: red.

The MC for the evening is Merge 104.8’s rock star presenter, Chris Fisher. And after a few minutes of salutations (in Chris’s books, that’s crowd engagement, jokes and handing over some beautiful red roses to those in the crowd), we are ready to set the ball rolling.

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The first task that the couples face is simple: we ask them to point out a few of the qualities they admire in their spouses. And without hesitation, each pours his or her heart out about their other half.

The standout of them all, however, is Sunil Seth, who says: “I love my wife because even after all these years she is still a hopeless romantic.” The two even have matching red shirts that sport loveheart saying, “He is my love” and “She is my love”, which have been sewn on by Sunil’s beautiful wife, Vineeta Seth.

Sunil and Vineeta have spent the past 28 years together, and their love story dates back to the early 1980s when the two were teenagers.

“We met each other when we were very young,” says Sunil, before his wife jumps in to complete the story.

“Our first meeting happened when I was on a visit to my aunt. And Sunil was in college then. And my aunt and Sunil’s mother (now her mother-in-law) were best friends. We soon met each other, and got to know each other. But there was no spark between us then.

“But as destiny would have it, we were meant to be together. Our marriage was through pre-arranged means, where our families approached each other. In 1988, we tied the knot and ever since then, we’ve been together,” she says.

Today, the couple have two children.

“Y We Are Soulmates”, which marks its fourth year of bringing couples like Sunil and Vineeta into the spotlight, is presented by Mitsubishi Motors in association with Markaz Al Bahja Mall and Golden Tulip Seeb Hotel.

After our much-anticipated first round, next comes the nerveracking question-and-answer session. Proclaiming your love for someone is quite an easy task but proving it by answering questions in front of a crowd of judges and spectators – both young and old – who have gathered around the stage, is a different ball-game altogether.

After all, this is a game to find out whose love can withstand the barrage of questions we throw at the couples.

This round includes brain-teasers such as: what the spouse would grab in the event of a fire, when their mother-in-law’s birthday is, and where the couple had their first date.

In total, we lined up a total of 10 questions for the couples to answer.

And after an hour of answering questions (on a notepad), the couples are good to go.

Chris is back on the stage with each of the eight couples, comparing answers as the judges note down and tally up the points. Soon, however, things are coming to a conclusion and the winners of this year’s “Y We Are Soulmates” are decided. Newlyweds Mary Jane Ledesma and her husband Mark sweep all before them without even a

single error (scoring a total of 20 points).

“This is our first time in a competition like this,” says Mary Jane. “We have been married only for a little over one year but we met when we were classmates at Philippine Normal University.

And Mary Jane points out: “I had a crush on him on the first day of class.”

Responding to Mary Jane, Mark laughs: “I didn’t notice her at first. But she made sure I did when she started sending me emails. But as they say, the rest is history. And today, we are together.

“One more thing is that we believe in destiny. I came to Oman, on the 5th of July in 2013, and she came here on the 5th of July in 2014,” says Mark, as Mary Jane laughs and says: “I followed him here.”

Today, they are both teachers at the Philippine School Sultanate of Oman, and have recently become proud parents after the birth of their baby, Marcia Antonette. “We are best friends. And we are soulmates,” the couple tells Y. They won prizes worth a total of RO715, which includes a one-year gym membership for the couple, a V-Kool Ultramaster paint protection voucher worth RO240 and Markaz al Bahja vouchers worth RO75.

Taking second place in the contest is Amogh Karvekar and his wife Cheryl, who have been married for six years, and a couple for more than eight years.

“We met in 2008 as colleagues working for a multinational company, in Mumbai. But soon, we became friends and then a couple,” says Cheryl.

“Understanding and patience holds us together. I believe that we are very compatible, and can say that we are best friends,” Amogh adds. They are taking home RO440 worth of prizes.

Meanwhile, Sunil Seth and his wife Vineeta bag third place in the contest after a tough tie-breaker round against two other couples.

Giving tips to youngsters, the couple of 28 years say: “Even after spending so many years together, sometimes one tends to take the other person for granted.

But you have to stick through it and work hard to make your marriage a success.

“We keep going for holidays maybe once or twice a year and that’s been crucial for us. Back then and now, it is the same feeling. The bonding between us has always been constant.”

Amogh adds: “Listening to each other is also key if you want to stay married. You will have fights but make sure you love each other and that you make your significant half the centre of your life.”

Y also awarded finalist Winkle Banga and her husband the prize for “best-dressed couple”, winning a RO50 dinner voucher to dine at the Golden Tulip Seeb Hotel.

“Congratulations to the winners and finalists of Y’s We Are Soulmates competition,” says Y managing editor Felicity Glover. “We had a fun Grand Finale and it’s very clear that there are many devoted couples in Oman. While we threw in some curve-ball questions to test their compatibility, many handled them very well and surprised even their partners!

“And we look forward to another great We Are Soulmates competition next year – thanks to all who entered!”

And if you didn’t make the final this time, don’t worry.

There’s always next year...

q THE QUESTIONS • What would your husband/wife grab in a fire? (apart from you!)

• What time of day is your husband/wife at his/her best?

• If your husband/wife could be anyone famous, who would they be?

• If your husband/wife could eat one thing right now, what would it be?

• When is your mother-in-law’s birthday?

• Where did you go on your first date?

• Who was your husband/wife’s best friend growing up?

• What year did you meet your husband/wife?

• What is your husband/wife’s favourite flavour of ice cream?

• Is your husband/wife a tidy person?

LONGEST CELEBRITY MARRIAGES

Despite the high divorce rate among celebrities, there are some couples that continue to defy this trend. Here’s our top five:

Meryl Streep and Don Gummer Married: 1978

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson Married: 1988

Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan Married: 1973

Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Married: 1991

TIE-BREAKER QUESTIONS • What shoe size does your husband/wife wear?

• What’s the first thing your husband/wife does in the morning?

• What is your husband/wife’s favourite piece of clothing?

• What’s your husband/wife’s favourite movie?

• Do you have pet names for each other? If so, what are they?

• What is your husband/wife’s favourite song?

• What is the first movie you saw together?

• Where did you go on your first date?

• What was your husband/wife’s favourite subject at school?

• Who gets the last word in arguments?

Hugh Jackman and Deborra Lee-Furness Married: 1996

It was a time to shine for the students performing at this year’s Festival of Choirs

I

t was an intense weekend of rehearsals for a large group of talented students, who had converged on the capital for the Festival of Choirs – a yearly event hosted by The American International School of Muscat (TAISM).

And with renowned American conductor and choral educator Dr Jeffrey Redding also flying in to work with the students, it was an opportunity for the young singers to shine, which was also the theme of this year’s festival.

Now in its 14th year,

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the Festival of Choirs has played host to thousands of students from many parts of the world over the years. And with more than 160 students from 12 international schools participating in this year’s festival, expectations were high that this would be the best performance yet.

After many hours of practice and rehearsals, the students were prepped and ready to take to the stage in TAISM’s Bosch Center for the Performing Arts last Saturday night (February 18). And the verdict? The audience was enthralled by the talented young performers, led by Dr Redding – and it really was their moment to shine.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

TAISM American British Academy Muscat American Community School of Abu Dhabi American School of Doha American School of Kuwait American International School of Vienna International Schools Group Dhahran International School of Islamabad Saudi Aramco Expatriate Schools Abqaiq Saudi Aramco Expatriate Schools Dhahran Saudi Aramco Expatriate Schools Ras Tanura Saudi Aramco Expatriate Schools Udhailiyah FEB 23 - MAR 01 / ISSUE 459

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COMPETITION

s i h t e v o l h t i w t i Say y a D s ’ r e h Mot

They are the superheroes of our lives – our mothers, that is. And to celebrate all that they do for us, Y Magazine has teamed up with Puck for a great competition

I

t’s high time that mothers get the credit they deserve. And that is why Y Magazine has teamed up with Puck to show the mums of Oman just how much they are loved by their children, in a special competition to coincide with Mother’s Day in the GCC, which is celebrated on March 21.

This is the third edition of the competition and last year saw our boxes inundated with hundreds of entries as children across the capital put their feelings down on paper, proving why, in their opinion, their mum was the best in the world.

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It’s not just the title of Oman’s Best Mum that is on the line.

Thanks to Puck, there will be goodie bags and cash prizes for the top three entries, with RO200 going to first place, RO100 for second and RO50 for third. If this isn’t motivation enough to show your love, then we don’t know what is – just think of all the treats you could buy your mum as a thank you to all that she does for you.

“As a mum, I know just how important mothers are in our fast-moving, 21st century lives. Y’s competition is a wonderful opportunity for children to thank their mums for all the wonderful things they do for them,” says Felicity Glover, the managing editor of Y Magazine.

To enter, you’ll need to be 16 or under. Just pick up a special card, available in next week’s issue of Y Magazine, and fill it with a heartfelt message of love for your mum.

Remember, our judges will be selecting the winners based on content and display so don’t be afraid to get creative. Last year, we received poems, drawings, touching words and simple displays of gratitude, so getting creative is a must.

Look out for the A5 card in next week’s issue of Y. Complete your entry and be as creative as you like with words and pictures – good luck and remember to say it with love!

AND FINALLY: The top three entries will also be framed and given back to the participants for them to present to their mothers as a keepsake.

The competition closes on March 19 and our winners will be awarded their prizes with their mum at a special ceremony.

COMPETITION RULES: ● The competition is open to children aged 16 and under. ● Cards must be decorated and written by children only. Entries will be disqualified if there is evidence of parental involvement. ● Entries received after the closing date, March 19, will not go forward to the judging stage. ● Children of employees of SABCO Media or associated companies are excluded from taking part. ● The editor’s decision is final. ● Winners will be notified by email or telephone. ● Winners and their mums must be able to attend the prize ceremony in Muscat on a date to be confirmed.

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FOOD AND DRINK

SWEET TREATS

Keep it light and simple with easy-tomake desserts that feature delectable, fruity flavours.

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New Restaurant

Reviews

SWEET INSPIRATION With spring on the way, it’s time to sample some delectable desserts so lush your loved ones won’t be in a hurry to leave the table

W

hen the scent of fresh blooms begins to fill the air, it’s a sure sign that spring has sprung. It’s the perfect time of year to gather loved ones for a leisurely meal then linger over dessert as you enjoy the coming season.

No dessert menu is complete without an array of treats, and these creamy, homemade Blueberry Key Lime Cheesecake Bars are the perfect way to put a sweet finishing touch to your celebrations. Or go for a crowd- pleaser with this Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert, which smacks of a smooth, velvety texture and plump, juicy cherries.

Blueberry Key Lime Cheesecake Bars Recipe courtesy of Inside BruCrew Life blog Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes Servings: 24

the key lime juice, zest and flour, and beat until mixed thoroughly. Add eggs – one at a time – and beat gently after each one. Add green food colouring to the cheesecake mixture, if desired.

Ingredients: §

Spread the cheesecake batter § Nonstick cooking spray evenly over the crust in the pan. § 30 vanilla cream-filled cookies Add one cup of blueberry pie filling § 1/4 cup butter, melted over the top of the cheesecake. Use § 3 packages (225g each) cream a butter knife to gently swirl the cheese, softened pie filling into the cheesecake. Do § 3/4 cup sugar not let the knife go through to the § 3/4 cup sour cream crust. § 1/3 cup key lime juice §

Place the pan on the oven rack § 1 tbsp key lime zest above the tray of water. Bake for 45 § 1/4 cup flour minutes. Remove immediately and § 3 eggs place on a wire rack for one hour § green gel food colouring (optional) then place in the refrigerator until § 1 can (600g) Lucky Leaf Blueberry completely chilled.

Pie Filling, divided (or other pie § Cut into 24 squares and serve with filling) whipped topping, the remaining § 1 container (225g) whipped pie filling and the key lime wedges. topping, thawed § key lime slices (optional)

The secret ingredient in each of these desserts is Lucky Leaf Fruit Fillings, which are GMO-free and contain plenty of fruit – and no high-fructose corn syrup – for exceptional tasting desserts every time.

With popular flavours like apple, blueberry, cherry and strawberry, you have plenty of convenient, versatile ways to dress up your desserts.

Find more tasty treats for all your spring entertaining at luckyleaf. com. * Family Features

Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert Recipe courtesy of Lemon Tree Dwelling blog Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 12

Method: § In a medium mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, finelychopped pecans and the butter. § Press into a 22-by-33cm baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.

Ingredients: Remove from the oven and cool. § 1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs § In a separate mixing bowl, combine § 1 cup finely chopped pecans the cream cheese, powdered sugar § 1 cup butter, melted and 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping. § 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Mix until smooth and spread § 1 cup powdered sugar evenly over the cooled crust. § 454g whipped topping, divided § 2 small boxes cheesecake-flavored § Combine the cheesecake pudding mix, milk and 1 1/2 cups of whipped pudding topping, and mix until smooth. § 3 cups milk Spread evenly over the cream § 1 can (454g) Lucky Leaf Cherry Pie cheese layer in the pan.

Filling (or other pie filling) § Top with the pie filling, remaining § 1/2 cup chopped pecans whipped topping and chopped Heat the oven to 175 C. pecans.

Method: § Place a baking tray on the bottom rack of your oven. Fill it halfway with water. Heat the oven to 165C. Line a 22-by-33cm frying pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray. § Using a food processor, pulse the cookies until crumbly. Stir together the crumbs and butter. Press evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. § Beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add sugar and sour cream, and beat again until smooth. Add

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Opposite Oman Oil, 18th November Street Tel: 2449 1694 Opening Hours: 7am to 12am Dinner for two: RO22.3

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Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 9/10 AMBIENCE Good food, friendly service in an attractive setting.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

ALVIN THOMAS HEADS TO A NEW RESTAURANT AND FINDS THAT IT HITS THE SPOT WITH A RANGE OF DELICIOUS DISHES AND FRIENDLY, KNOWLEDGEABLE WAITERS

O

ne of the joys of being an Indian expatriate in Oman is getting the chance to meet fellow expats who have been in this country long enough to tell a story, spend some time chatting with them – have a mini-reunion of sorts – and maybe make a new friend or contact by the end of the conversation. Call me crazy, but in many ways that’s what I would call time well spent.

But of late, work has taken centre stage, and the only time I meet people are during my Coffee With Y interviews. However, I decided that it was time to change that. So I headed to an Indian restaurant in the hope of meeting some friendly faces.

The restaurant, Maurya’s, only opened a week ago so I presumed that I would be in for a half-baked menu but luckily that was not to be.

Surprisingly, when I walked into the restaurant at 9.30pm, it was packed with people – mostly Omanis – whom I presumed were looking for an authentic Indian meal.

The name “Maurya” originally dates to 322BC. Today, however, the name is used as a status symbol, mostly by those who reside in north India.

Maurya’s restaurant has a pleasant vibe: the lighting has a gentle, golden hue to it, and while it’s quite dim inside, it is still an attractive dining space. The seats are what you would normally find in a cosy American restaurants and the interior is a mix of modern and traditional design. For instance, there are small stained glass chandeliers as well as simple circular ones lighting up the area.

As with most Indian restaurants, there’s music in the background but here, the tunes are all from classic Bollywood movies – and that certainly adds to the appeal of the place. Overall, it is very different from any other Indian restaurant I have ever been in.

The waiters – who seemed to be plenty in number – were polite and attentive.

crusting on it. This was also just enough to expose the paneer within the kulcha.

This, alongside the succulent kadai murg THE TIKKAS WERE TANTALISING masala, made for a very appetising serving. The TO SAY THE LEAST. EVEN THE mango juice, however, was a tad too acerbic for AROMA FROM THE CHICKEN WAS my taste although that could be because it isn’t the DELECTABLE mango season here yet.

My non-veg platter was the next to arrive, and My waiter was professional and explained all the the moment I laid my eyes on it, I knew I couldn’t finish it. So, I decided to have a few servings of the dishes perfectly, even though the menu was still chicken and the prawn tikka, and leave the rest for only a few days old. another day.

He suggested that I have the prawn vepudu The tikkas were tantalising to say the least. Even (“vepudu” means “fry”) for my starter. I was a tad the aroma from the chicken was delectable. circumspect about the “chillie” logo on the dish Following this, I was approached by the general but decided to start with it anyway. I also ordered a mango mausam ka ras (seasonal nectars) to wash manager of the hotel (not knowing that I was from Y), who enquired if I was happy with the dishes, down the spices, as well as kadai murgh masala, and if I wanted anything else. I quickly ordered a paneer kulcha (Indian bread stuffed with cottage cheese) and a non-vegetarian platter to go with it. couple of biriyanis for my parents, and settled into my seat, for the grand finale – the kulfi pudding.

By now, all the commotion in the restaurant The kulfi, as the manager pointed out, had been had died down, and my waiter approached me bought from a shop, as they have yet to procure to make some small talk. I learned that the West Bengal native had just landed in Muscat two weeks their own nitrogen-powered kulfi machine. The pudding was still excellent. ago and was still only settling into his job.

Following that, I quickly got into a conversation Before I could get to know more, he ran inside with the general manager and learned that he the kitchen to grab my starters. had been a resident of Tamil Nadu some time First up was a complimentary papad (a thin crispy delicacy) along with a side of mint chutney, ago, and that we had probably been neighbours at some point during my college days. At the and then my prawn vepudu. end of the evening I had nothing but praise for The papad and chutney were really great together, although a tad too spicy for me. But I put the restaurant and its friendly staff. In all, it was a good end to an otherwise hectic day. I will that down to my intolerance towards spices and definitely be visiting Maurya’s again. not on the chef.

The prawns were scrumptious. Again, they were Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see spicy (as stated in the menu) but they didn’t ring reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com my taste buds that much. Apart from that, the prawns also tasted very fresh, and not like they had been pre-prepared or frozen. They were in a tomato-based sauce that also featured cashews, onions and chilli, which gave it a very ambrosial flavour.

Next to arrive was my mango mausam ka ras, kulcha and kadai murgh masala. With its generous stuffing of panner, it was the kulcha that stole the show. It was also very well-prepared, as the top layer had just the right amount of ghee-doused FEB 23 - MAR 01 / ISSUE 459

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

FASHION

NAUTICAL BUT NICE The sun is out, the wind is up, the sky is clear and spring is almost here! It’s time to take to the water and get your nautical look on, such as this outfit from Betty Barclay.

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k o o L e h

aran K e tin hris C , t ry tree esto s o h h g s e hi rmy h a t e o t H end e look. ram h g g hi th the to get n Insta m Fro s you tine o is help w Chr o Foll

T t Ge

Easy, breezy and classy is what this pale, blue-striped crop-top is all about.

It’s a great little number for a day out with friends on the ocean waves. Buy it from New Look from RO12.

Fashion is about you so let your style do the talking. These black jersey leggings from H&M are not only comfortable but also tell everyone you mean business. From RO5.

If you’re looking for something that will keep you warm and comfortable on deck, this black, padded gilet is just what you need.

Buy it from F&F from RO22.

If you get a chance to sail, and to bellow “anchors aweigh!” then this funky sweater from Next is just the ticket for your away day on the high seas.

From RO9.5.

Resembling the double sail knot, this chic, golden bangle from H&M is a fashion accessory that will complete your nautical outfit. Simple and sweet, this is a must-have. From RO4.5.

These levelled-up black bluchers from ZARA are bold, beautiful and emblazoned with colourful badges. From RO26.

You’ve got the hats, caps and berets so why not try this timeless fedora from Next? It will add some edginess to your ensemble. From RO10.5.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BEAUTY

Health Fashion

SLEEPING BEAUTY Skincare doesn’t just stop when you turn in so here are some handy tips for some extra TLC before bedtime

I

n the morning, you might cleanse, tone and moisturise. But your night-time skincare routine requires more than just a quick swipe with a facecloth. In fact, your skin needs additional TLC before bedtime.

During the day, environmental factors battle against our skin and break down the structural components that keep our skin tight and firm.

Elastin, which is one of these components, is mostly composed of cross-linked fibres that form a durable, resilient web.

In facial skin, this elastin web helps to keep skin flexible but tight. It also provides a bounce-back reaction to its normal shape as it stretches to accommodate normal activities like talking.

As skin ages, the natural cross-linking of elastin fibres is reduced. At night, while you sleep, the skin works to repair and restore its structural components, and actually “opens up” to allow 036

FEB 23 - MAR 01 / ISSUE 459

creams and serums to absorb more readily.

You can get the most bang for your buck, then, by applying products with powerful anti-ageing ingredients before bedtime.

“It's important to establish a night-time skincare regimen to restore skin’s defences and replenish essential moisture,” says US nutritionist Cynthia Sass.

She adds that the skin can lose moisture during sleep, making hydrating ingredients especially important.

To help skin restore itself at night, women should adopt a night-time skincare routine that includes an exfoliating cleanser, a serum and a moisturising cream created for evening use.

Sass recommends applying a night-time serum containing beneficial and robust ingredients such as DDF Restoring Night Serum (www. ddfskincare.com).

This night-time serum contains an exclusive turmeric ingredient that strengthens the moisture barrier and drenches the skin with essential hydration to allow the natural cross linking of elastin.

This helps to repair the look of deep wrinkles for visible results in just two weeks. Women who used DDF Restoring Night Serum saw noticeable improvements. After four weeks’ use, the skin’s surface structure doubled in strength, significantly minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

“The secret to radiant, firm and more youthfullooking skin is a skincare diet rich in robust ingredients,” says Sass.

For more information, visit www.ddfskincare. com. * NewsUSA

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

UP IN SMOKE Breaking your cigarette addiction can be difficult but with the right approach you can stub this habit out forever

T

he harmful effects of smoking are well known. But knowing the risks of smoking and the benefits of stopping doesn’t make it any easier to stop.

Stopping smoking is a serious commitment that requires devotion and support from friends and family. The process must be centred around your lifestyle and daily routines to ensure the addiction is kicked for good.

Don’t be ashamed to acknowledge the difficulty of this task or ask for help. Before you begin the journey to stop smoking, educate yourself on what to expect and a few strategies for getting through challenges. Here are a few tips to help you get started: • Smoking is an addiction. Don’t underestimate the power of cigarettes. Each stick is a highly efficient nicotine-delivery mechanism.

Smoking alters the structure and function of your brain so it constantly craves the alertness and calm produced by nicotine.

• Your addiction takes many forms. Cigarettes generate two types of addiction, physical and psychological. Your body is physically dependent on nicotine but smoking has also become a comforting habit. Cigarettes are associated with specific people, places, activities and even emotions. Physical cravings are magnified by these mental urges.

• Ease your reliance by using products like Nicorette gum. Nicorette gradually weans you off tobacco by providing a controlled amount of nicotine to your system without the harmful toxins, tar, carcinogens or carbon monoxide found in cigarettes. Discount retailer Dollar General makes Nicorette available at an attractive price.

• Address your psychological dependence. The brain has already linked certain routines with smoking. You must realise these daily triggers and change your response. Instead of reaching for a cigarette on a morning break, take a nice

walk around the building. Replace after-meal cigarettes with a glass of water or favourite dessert.

Smoking cigarettes damages your body but it is reversible. Before giving in to a craving, remember that your heart and lungs are already healthier. * NewsUSA

Top Tips to stop smoking 1. Think positive 2. Make a plan to quit 3. Consider your diet 4. Change your drink 5. Identify when you crave cigarettes 6. Get some stop-smoking support 7. Get moving, and exercise 8. Make non-smoking friends 9. Keep your hands and mouth busy 10. Make a list of reasons to quit to help you stay on track Source: www.nhs.uk

If you want to stop smoking, you can make small changes to your lifestyle that may help you resist the temptation to light up.

Think positive: You might have tried to quit smoking before and not managed it, but don't let that put you off. Look back at the things your experience has taught you and think about how you're really going to do it this time. Make a plan to quit smoking: Make a promise, set a date and stick to it. Sticking to the 'not a drag' rule can really help. Think ahead to times where it might be difficult - a party for instance - and plan your actions and escape routes in advance. Consider your diet: Is your after-dinner cigarette your favourite? A study has revealed that some foods, including meat, make cigarettes more satisfying. Others, including cheese, fruit and vegetables, make cigarettes taste terrible. So swap your usual steak or burger for a veggie pizza instead. You may also want to change your routine at or after mealtimes. Getting up and doing the dishes straight away, or settling down in a room where you don't smoke may help. Change your drink: The same study looked at drinks. Fizzy drinks, alcohol, cola, tea and coffee all make cigarettes taste better. So when you're out, drink more water and juice.

DR. ZAHIR RABIE, General Practitioner, Burjeel Hospital, Al Khuwair has more than 4 years’ of experience in his field. He is experienced in diagnosis and treatment of general medical problems especially in ER and Orthopedics.

FEB 23 - MAR 01 / ISSUE 459

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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

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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

CARS AND ADVENTURES

Outdoors

Y- F i

NATURE’S WAY

Ain Al Zam is a calm retreat, offering cooling waters and a lush green landscape.

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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

AIN AL ZAM Shaquel al Balushi heads into the unknown, to a stunning wadi where he finds crystal-clear waters and a pristine landscape 040

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I

have to say that I’d never heard of Ain Al Zam until recently spotting a beautiful picture of it on Instagram – the water was incredibly blue and the rocky landscape looked like a great challenge for my Destination feature this week.

So I rounded up my buddy Imran, who was also keen to explore Ain Al Zam, to join me for the trip and we set off at 6am from Al Khoud.

Of course, we underestimated the amount of time our journey would take. Thinking it would only take about 90 minutes, we ended up driving for nearly four hours, along with asking people directions on the way, before we reached Ain Al Zam. But that was mostly because we took the longer route to get there.

Not long before we reached our destination, we found a wadi that I think was part of the Sumut Natural Park, and about a kilometre from Ain Al Zam. The wadi was very calm and the water was like a mirror, reflecting in sharp detail its surroundings, such as the sky and rocky outcrops. Birds were singing quite loudly but they seemed to be hiding as we couldn’t spot them anywhere.

After a little exploring, we headed back on the road and finally discovered a sign for Ain Al Zam, which was just half a kilometre away.

As it was the first time we had been here, deciding to turn left or right became our topic of discussion. As usual, I wanted to head right while Imran wanted to go left. I gave Imran his way and of course we met a village woman who told us to turn back and take the left turn. Victory again!

We continued on in Imran’s Pajero and noticed that the scenery was beginning to change. It was becoming greener and then suddenly, we came upon a small waterway that was surrounded by many date palm trees. It was a beautiful sight and also happens to be my most favourite photograph of this trip. We drove on for another 30 minutes or so until we could go no farther, then set out on foot.

We didn’t notice a pathway to follow so set off into the date palms and long grass. Soon, it began to

feel as though we were in the middle of a jungle and couldn’t get our bearings. But after coming to a small hill, we climbed it and found that we were close to a small village. And it was clear that we were surrounded by farmland but we still couldn’t see the source of the water at Ain Al Zam, such as the picture I saw on Instagram.

We were determined not to give up and headed for the village, where we were hoping to ask for directions. Thankfully, we found somebody to help us and it seems there was a much easier path to take rather than our “jungle” trek.

We headed back to the SUV and finally took off in the direction of the wadi, which we found.

But be warned – the rocky walls going in are not very wide and the Pajero just barely fitted.

And also be careful of the frogs!

There were hundreds of them everywhere, which means you have to be careful where you walk.

We didn’t reach the main water source but what we saw was amazing and we both agreed that the whole experience and the struggle to find it were worth it.

Ain Al Zam is what I would call the full package – it suits many different people. It is quiet, the water is crystal-clear and the reflections are like mirrors. It’s a wonderful place to chill out and the running water is almost musical. For anybody looking to have a calm day and a nice walk and picnic with their family, this is a perfect spot.

Deeper into the wadi, the pools become deeper, allowing visitors to swim and have barbecues. Go farther and you will find more vegetation and some great hiking trails. But keep in mind that it’s a long way to drive. What also

TRAVEL GUIDE

impressed me was the fact that Ain Al Zam is one of the most pristine places I have visited on my travels around Oman – and yes, that means

that there was barely any rubbish left behind by visitors, which is very positive and I hope it remains this way.

HOW TO GET THERE

There are two directions to Ain al Zam. We took route 23 from Rustaq and continued through to Bidbid. From Bidbid, look out for a new bridge that is being built and take the left turn here to route 25. Continue on for another 30 minutes or so and look out for the signs to Ain Al Zam.

GPS coordinates: N22°58’12.0” E58°33’47.3” FEB 23 - MAR 01 / ISSUE 459

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

CITY OF LEGENDS

Head for the hills surrounding Lausanne, a stunning city on the shores of Lake Geneva.

1) Chill out along the lakefront at Ouchy 2) Wander around the Old Town area 3) Indulge in some fondue, crepes or hot chocolate 4) Visit at least one museum 5) Jog though Sauvabelin Forest

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Destination

Outdoors

Y-Fi

Cars

POSTCARDS FROM

Chris Stauvermann recommends

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND W

hat better way to work off all that Swiss chocolate than to come to a city built on three hills? You’ll get a good workout here without resorting to the nearby ski slopes, which is quite apt considering this is home to the International Olympic Committee. A 45-minute train ride from Geneva, Lausanne is a compact city that is home to around 135,000 people. And it’s not the poor relation of its larger, more well-known neighbour, either. It has plenty going on to make it well worth visiting in its own right. By the way, Switzerland is not dull. It’s just that it has a slight sense of restraint that is palpable and is no less worthy for it. Mind you, legends such as Charlie Chaplin, Josephine Baker and Lord Byron all spent time there, and none could be accused of being conventional. Lausanne is surrounded by vineyard-covered slopes, and cascades downhill from the medieval Cite area to the wondrous Lake Geneva (the largest freshwater lake in Europe). Ouchy, the delightful lakefront area, is the perfect place for a stroll, skateboard or swim or simply to enjoy the marina and those magnificent views of the Savoy Alps. Here, you will find a promenade peppered with floral displays that connect the old and new ports, and a number of Belle Epoque-era hotels for luxury stays and fine dining.

While Lausanne’s Old Town is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, delightful squares and 17th-century buildings, the happening Flon district is awash with cafes, shops, galleries and restaurants all housed in buildings that are most definitely 21st century. And when the walking becomes a bit much, fear not. The city has a network of bridges, escalators and steps to lighten the load on your legs.

OLYMP IC P A R K AND MUSEU M B U IL D IN G

My favourite place

The Olympic Museum. With three expansive floors that wind around like a stadium track, you can relive some of the greatest sporting moments of all time. It’s all here: the medals, the costumes, the equipment and film footage. It also lies in resplendent gardens about five minutes’ walk from the quay at Ouchy, where you can admire some striking sculptures depicting the Olympic spirit and also find your inner Usain Bolt on a 100m track.

The history of the games from its origins in Ancient Greece is skilfully portrayed on interactive displays, too. There’s a gift store and a café but with a park as pretty as this, you’ll want to sit outside in the (very) fresh air.

Highlights

The city’s fathers wisely made the Place de la Palud for pedestrians only. The winding, cobbled streets are a good place to start your inevitable trip to the venerable Cathedral of Notre Dame. But don’t hurry through it, sit on the steps opposite the town’s oldest fountain, the Fontaine de la Justice, and wait for the square’s clock bells to toll. And this being Switzerland, you can reset your watch by them.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, market stalls sell local farm produce, and some of the cheeses are hard to resist.

Presiding over the square is the Hotel de Ville, a 15th-century town hall that is festooned with gargoyles in the shape of dragons and some rather stunning stained glass.

If you’re on the way from the square to the Gothic cathedral (to witness its 6000 organ pipes, for one) you can’t miss the Escaliers du Marche, a winding and covered flight of medieval cobbled steps. As you climb up, you can gaze at an array of terraced houses that date from the 16th century.

If it’s raining, there are 22 museums and art galleries to choose from, including the quirky (not qwerty!) Typewriter Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Lausanne-Vidy Roman Museum.

For a trip out, visit the vineyards of Lavaux, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Firstly, take the train to Lutry, walk down to the pier and hop on the delightful Lavaux Express, which is basically a tractor dressed as a train that pulls little train cars up the road and through some quaint, picturesque villages with a couple of stops on the way. The views are quite magnificent.

ASTLE CHY AND C Q U A Y D `O U KE ENEVA LA OU C H Y OF G

Lowlights Lausanne is not cheap but you’d expect that in Switzerland. You can pay around 10 Euros (RO4) for a pretty average pizza and four Euros for a coffee that’s just OK. Souvenirs For objets d’art, visit some of the renovated warehouses in the Flon district. For local crafts, try some of the markets on Wednesdays or Saturdays. And of course, there’s chocolate; even the cheaper options are five times better than you will find at home.

Getting there

train ride.

You can fly from Muscat to Geneva with Etihad Airways. From Geneva Airport, it’s a 45-minute

LAKE

GENEV

A

Where to stay It’s a choice between the original palace hotels in the Ouchy area or quainter (and cheaper) options in the Old Town and everywhere in between. The Hotel Carlton is a four-star boutique establishment that offers easy accessibility to both parts of the city.

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Outdoors

D e s t i n at i o n

Y-FI

THROWBACK TECH Retro lovers can relive the 80s and 90s without compromising on speed or efficiency, says Alvin Thomas THE BRICKPHONE Do you remember the days when you could drop your phone and only worry about not dropping it on your feet and not if you’d break the phone?

If you do, and want to relive those days, then you probably would be interested to know that telephone company Binatone has introduced the Brick. Essentially, the Brick is a brick – it has minimal features and no fancy touchscreen. What it does have is immense drop resistance and a large antenna. As an added treat, the folks will also throw in Bluetooth, a built-in speaker and a torch. Oh, and before we forget: the Brick has a three-month battery life. Get it from meetthebrick.com for RO38.5

TYPE IT Ever wondered how awesome it would be to type out your text on a typewriter rather than a laptop? Well, we have to say: not so much.

It would be fun but because there’s no spell check, sentences are more likely to be riddled with errors (unless you’re a professional writer). But if you crave the pumping out of articles using a classic typewriter and rough tactile keys, then chances are that you will fancy this gadget: the USB Typewriter

by Underwood. As its name suggests, it plugs into your tablet, smartphone or even laptop and does its job of typing out sentences. You can even avail yourself of the spell check services on your system thanks to this. Think of this as a gadget that can capture the best of both worlds. Yours for RO500 from etsy.com

OH BOY There’s nothing quite like sitting down on your sofa and relaxing with your handheld gaming device. Wait! Your heavy and cumbersome PlayStation doesn’t let you do that? Ouch! Of course, the GameBoy Colour is by no means a technological marvel but in its day (1998) was the best hand-held gaming device. We wouldn’t be wrong in calling it the ultimate gaming device of its time. It is equipped with an 8-bit CPU and a small LCD screen that can display up to 56 colours simultaneously. There are hundreds of games to choose from. Our choice, however, would be Pokémon and Sonic the Hedgehog. For a hefty RO173 from amazon.com

NES

EDITOR’S PICK

BACK IN THE DAY, THE NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (NES) WAS A LIFELINE FOR MANY YOUNGSTERS ACROSS THE GLOBE. RELEASED BACK IN 1983, THIS QUICKLY BECAME THE HOT-SELLING GADGET OF ALL TIME. AS A MATTER OF FACT, IN 2009, IT WAS NAMED THE “SINGLE GREATEST VIDEO GAME CONSOLE IN HISTORY” BY IGN. AND BACKED BY POPULAR DEMAND, NINTENDO HAS STARTED CO-PRODUCING THIS GADGET (ALONGSIDE OTHER LICENSED DEVELOPERS) AGAIN. IN TERMS OF SPECIFICATIONS, HOWEVER, THERE’S NOT MUCH TO KNOW: THERE’S NO FANCY GRAPHIC CARD, NO ONLINE CAPABILITIES (DUH!) OR EVEN WIRELESS CONTROLLERS. BUT WHAT IT DOES HAVE IS THE CAPABILITY TO EMULATE GAMES LIKE SUPER MARIO BROS, DONKEY KONG, THE LEGEND OF ZELDA, PAC-MAN, DR. MARIO, MEGA MAN AND FINAL FANTASY! THIS IS EVERY GAMERS’ DREAM COME TRUE. GET THIS AT AMAZON.COM FOR RO60.4

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JULY FEB 2303- -MAR 09 /01ISSUE / ISSUE 327459

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SUPER MARIO BROS

t’s been little more than three decades since the first Super Mario Bros game hit the shops, and it’s even harder to believe that the game still creates waves today. When launched in 1985, the game, with its crummy graphics and ridiculously easy controls, stole the hearts of millions of young (and old!) gamers across the globe. In 2005, IGN also named the “pioneering” and “highly influential” title as the “greatest game of all time”.

But what set Super Mario Bros apart from other games of its time? Well, the answer is simple: it was its sheer complexity. Mind you, the game came at a time when designers were still perfecting two-dimensional gaming. Your obvious alternatives during those days would have been Pac-Man and Excitebike.

What truly set the game apart, however, was the 64-level extravaganza of hardcore gaming. And it wasn’t just a game where the character went rogue and took out villains either; it had a cute little storyline for itself too. The game pitted Mario up against Bowser, the king of the Koopas – a group of dreadful turtles who were out to invade the mushroom kingdom.

Of course, the rest was fairly simple: you ran about the “world”, stomping down on turtle-like creatures, crazy mushroom-like goombas, scary-looking bullet bills and buzzing bees, with your feet. This was particularly difficult when you had to use your skills handling the rather crude and stiff buttons on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) console.

Today, you can play the game on your smartphone, PC, GameBoy or even online using an emulator. However, if you’re looking for the real 1980s experience you can simply purchase an NES from Amazon, and click away.

What’s embarrassing, though, is that after all these years, I still haven’t completed the game.

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The app lets you take photos using your smartphone camera, but adds five sets of vintage filters (vignette, film scratch, black and white, cross processing) to your photograph. You can also share your pictures on social media directly from the app as a postcard. How cool is that?

Download from Google Play for free.

FEB JULY 23 - 03 MAR- 09 01 / ISSUE 459 327

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

Destination

FIRST DRIVE

Postcards from

Outdoors

Y- F i C A R S Audi S3 Specifications: Engine: 2-litre turbocharged fourcylinder Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic Horsepower: 290hp Torque: 380Nm Quattro All-Wheel Drive Bang & Olufsen sound system Diamond-quilted sports seats Sports-tuned suspension Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Traction Control Reverse camera Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes Brushed aluminium side mirrors

Y’s motoring expert Alvin Thomas finds a small but perfectly formed performance car that throws down the gauntlet to its mighty German rivals

control” by switching off traction-control, then depressing the uick! Do you know the difference rear, and a bunch of “S” badges to wrap up the S3’s brake pedal and hitting the gas at the same time to between an “A” and an “S”? Well, you otherwise menacing-looking stance. build up the revs before finally letting go. Upon doing and I will say that they are just two Much of this follows to the interior: everything is this, the car thrusts forward with almost no wheel letters of the alphabet with a space of 17 very well laid-out and clean, just as you would expect spin or drama, thanks to Audi’s legendary Quattro characters between them. If you’re quick-witted, you in an Audi. My tester, which was fully specced-out, system. also probably did a bit of phonetics to express your also received a set of beautifully crafted diamondThe gearshifts are mind-bogglingly quick; even linguistic prowess. quilted seats, a slick and easy-to-operate infotainment downshifts. However, the car will upshift for you But if you’re an engineer at Audi, “A” screen, Audi’s stunning virtual cockpit and a automatically if you’re slow to change up manually. and “S” are more than just letters; flat-bottom steering wheel like you get in the However, that only happens when you hit the revthey’re animals and they are Audi R8 supercar. You also get a brilliantlimiter. There also seems to be no hint of turbo-lag. planets – if not galaxies – sounding Bang & Olufsen stereo system. Power is accessible at tip-in, and progresses all the apart.

Space inside is relatively limited, way to the rev limiter without any drop in power like Think I’m pulling a fast as you would expect from a car in some of its cousins from the USA. one on you? I am not... at this segment. But all four seats are In the handling department, the S3 takes corners least not this time around, extremely supportive with the front like a hot-hatch, sticking to the corner without any and certainly not when I’ve seats receiving excellent levels of side form of theatre. The steering is very well weighted got the keys to Audi’s new bolstering. In all, the S3 is just a very and is easily the sharpest I have tried in a long time.

S3 – the faster and harder nice place to be – elegant and, again, There isn’t much feedback from the steering but it brother to the tamer A3. subtle. is still razor-sharp, and the car, even with its 1,500kg Now, I have to admit that I But as they say: looks can be deceptive. curb weight manages to take corners like a go-kart. haven’t been the kindest to Audis If you were to pull up next to this car and The car does have a tendancy to understeer (as is of late (even though the Audi RS7 is the car think you can take it on in a drag-race (although the case with most four-wheel drive cars), but the of my dreams). I always thought that Audis were we would never advise you to race on the roads) front-biased Quattro system masks it up to a point a tad too Deutschland – a touch too mechanical – at a set of lights then be prepared to let your ego that it doesn’t really exist anymore. And at no point when compared with their rivals from Stuttgart and take a blow. The S3 may only be powered by a did I have to tap the brakes to bring the car back to Munich.

2-litre four-cylinder pot-banger, but a high-pressure its original line.

But for the first time, I accept that I was wrong in turbocharger takes care of business by spooling up The tyres are also phenomenally grippy, and not pre-judging a car. to aid the engine to produce a whooping 290hp and once did I manage to get myself into trouble when I The Audi S3, with its signature headlights, 380Nm of torque. hit the twisty heights of Al Amerat. hexagonal grille and chiselled bumper may look The numbers are incredibly astonishing, and are I must also point out that the brakes on the S3 are akin to the A3 but that’s where the similarities end. proven in performance. The Audi S3, with the sixexcellent and very progressive.

Yes, in a bid to surprise the competition, the S3 does speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission is quick to By the end of my test drive, I was completely sold maintain a subtle finish overall but if you look closely get off the line. Audi claims that the S3 will hit the on the S3’s composure as a sports sedan. Very rarely you can catch some key differences.

100kph mark from a standstill in 4.9 seconds but do manufacturers get the recipe right, but with the For instance, the side mirrors are housed in brushed again, surprisingly, I was able to do the same in a S3, Audi has proved, yet again, that it knows how to aluminium, there are 51cm sports alloy wheels mere 4.3 seconds on a cool evening. That’s almost provide its customers with the right package. wrapped in Pirelli P Zeroes, a lip spoiler on the half a second faster than Audi’s claim.

And they’ve done it simply by putting back the fun trunk, a rear diffuser, a set of quad-exhausts in the Of course, to achieve that, I had to mimic “launch in driving.

Q

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