Y Magazine #463, March 23, 2017 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

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ith cancer on the rise in Oman, education and awareness are crucial to understanding the disease. In fact, cancer is the third leading cause of death in the Sultanate, after car accidents and heart disease – so the chances of cancer touching our lives, through our loved ones or even ourselves, are higher than we had previously believed. In our cover story this week, Team Y sits down with a cancer survivor to talk about their life-changing, inspirational experience with the disease, while we also look at how doctors and health experts are working to help their patients. It’s an important issue and one that should be discussed publicly on a regular basis to help change cultural perceptions and our fears about the disease. Meanwhile, we explore the stunning Wadi Mayh in Destination, take the Infinity Q50 out for a spin in First Drive and reveal the winners of our Mother’s Day competition. In Fashion, we head to the gym for some cool exercise wear for guys, continue with our Road Safety Pledge campaign and meet classic car collector Sultan Saif Saud al Maawali for Coffee With Y. Have a great week!

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contents MAR

Your Oman 06 Coffee With Y Sultan Saif Saud al Maawali 08 Voice Of Oman Emily Shotter 10 News Alcohol and cigarette prices to rise

2017

This Week 16 Competition Y’s Got Talent 18 This Week Earth Hour 21 Movies Collide

Features 22 Cover story Cancer is on the rise in Oman 26 Say it with love Mother’s Day winners revealed 28 Take the pledge Join our road safety campaign

12 News Inflation rate hits a five-year high

14 Faces Of Oman

15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Hilal Salim al Zaidi

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Wadi Mayh 34 First Drive Infinity Q50 36 Postcard From Cordoba, Spain 38 Y-Fi Teen tech

21 Health and Beauty 40 Fashion Shape up 42 Beauty Red-carpet looks

Food and Drink 44 Food Feature After-school fuel 46 Taste Test Kwan Xi

43 Health Fresh breath

38 40

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Sultan

awali

al Ma

Alvin Thomas finds out how classic cars help fulfil Sulta n Saif Saud al Maawali’s pass ion for life and why his tips on work-life balance are invalu able for youngsters

here’s a saying that goes, before explaining how he fell in love “Don’t live your life, live after I saw some videos on YouTub with the cars in the first place. e. your dream”. While the I wasn’t even thinking about buying “W hen I was sma ll I used to walk one until I saw quote may seem redundant in the video,” he says. past the Pontiac showroom (now today’s fast-paced world, in which Talking to Sultan, however, I clos ed) her e in Oman. I remember people find themselves shackled realise that he regrets none of his looking inside the windows and by their daily routines, there’s one “ex pensive decisions”. ogli ng at the beautiful Trans Am man who believes that going back “I have three daughters and my to that was on display inside.” pursue your childhood dreams is family is quite big. But everyone the His dream to own the car was key to happiness and contentmen sup t. ports my love for classic cars, fuelled further when he started He is Sultan Saif Saud al and even they are proud of what we wat ching the Knight Rider series, Maawali, and he’s been creating hav e whi parked in our garage. ch was broadcast on television, waves with a wide range of her “W e hen I drive the Pontiac or the in Om an. audiences as his story not only Zim “So mer met , I feel on top of the world. hin g abo ut American inspires many youngsters to follow mu scle It’s an cars add real ictive feeling. People want ly gets me. Every their dreams, but also many others time I watch an American movie to take a pict ure of the car, and they who have cast aside their passion or s in TV series, I fall in love with want to have a selfie with you. If the car facing up to their responsibilities. in the movie. Bullitt has to be one How does he do it? Well, in of you ask me, I would say that this is my favo urit e mov the easiest way to become a local ies from the US. short, Sultan is an engineer as Despite that, however, K.I.T.T. celebrity in town,” he laughs. well as a classic car collector, who became the car of Sultan’s dreams While most people would do has become well-known in Oman . “I would dream about it day and everything they can to protect thei thanks to his beautiful cars – a rare r night,” he says. car from the elements, Sultan doe 1975 Pontiac Firebird and an eve s n “By the time I was a teenager, I not believe in keeping his car a more exclusive Zimmer Golden had made up my mind that I wou Spirit (possibly the only one in the ld secret either. He says: “If you own a buy the car one day. Everything I Sultanate), which he showcases car like this, it is your duty to sho w it did after that was for getting the car to across the Sultanate as well as oth the world. These are cars people er in my han ds,” he tells. parts of the GCC. have seen only in movies. They In pursuit of his goal, Sultan “Many people look at me and wou ld appreciate it if you showed got his first job with the General say: here’s someone who is fulfilling it to the whole world. And by Telecommunications Organisatio his dream,” says Sultan, before n doing that, you’re probably making (now Om antel). However, in 2003, explaining how the youngsters of someone’s day,” he says. he made a shift towards his curren today are attaching themselves to t Despite his work at Nimr, Sultan job at Halliburton, starting off as their work for long hours while find s time to spend time with his a supervisor before taking over a forgetting to live their lives like they fam ily, as well as tweak his cars in team of engineers in oil exploration have always wanted. his spare time. projects for his company across Sultan, who lives in Muscat, “Classic cars are like having Oman. currently serves as the service lead children. They need constant er “Th e first thin g I did afte r that for Halliburton’s oil exploration attention and you have to respect was save up for my Firebird,” he project at Nimr. that. This keeps me busy, and acti says. And in 2013, he bought his ve But he sees classic cars like a part first dream car – the 1975 Pontiac too. I currently work for two wee of his family. And throughout our ks straight and come back to Muscat conversation, I can sense his passion Firebird – directly from the US. His nex for t two weeks. And I make sure that pur cha se (in 201 6) was for his motors. the Zimmer Golden Spirit –which “I like classic cars, and I like is I use this time to spend time with one of the rarest coach-built cars my lovelies – my family and my anything to do with old cars. Wh in at the wor ld. cars .” appeals to me is the fact that they “Zi mm ers are very rare . The were not built solely by engineers Have you got a unique story to tell? Cont car is built in New York and only act but by designers who had a passion us to have coffee with Y and be featured upo n req uest form in Y specific buyers. I Magazin for crafting masterpieces,” he says e. , bought my car from an Emirati man Email: editor@y-oman.com

MAR 23 - 29 / ISSUE 463

THE VOICE OF OMAN EMILY SHOTTER ON WHY STREET CATS ARE WORTH ADOPTING AND HOW YOU CAN CARE FOR THEM

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: With the GCC’s Road Safety Week coming to a close, what improvements have you seen on Oman’s roads in terms of drivers following traffic laws – or has it become worse? PARUL JAIN

he issue of breed is a big one here in Oman. I hear so many people saying: “Oh, I’d love a cat but I don’t want a bin cat.” A cat is a cat. The so-called “bin cats” here are actually a globally recognised breed; the Arabian Mau, one that comes out in the top five breeds, according to experts. In the UK and US, people pay a lot of money for Arabian Maus. Whereas here, people pay a lot of money for UK and US “street cats”! It’s a sad irony in many ways. But if you’re convinced you want a long-haired cat, pure or mixed breed (bearing in mind that many “breeds” here are not pure-bred and do not come with certificates) then you should be aware of the work required to look after them. First, you have daily brushing. Yes, daily; sometimes twice a day! My two Persian cats get knotted very easily and if I don’t brush them every day, their knots become unmanageable and painful for them as they pull on a cat’s skin. Secondly, you will need to spend more on them. Most long-haired breeds are less hardy and healthy than the mixed breeds or short-haired local cats, so expect to pay more in vets bills and care. Then there are furballs. Even daily brushing doesn’t stop long-haired cats ingesting a lot of fur so you will need to give them solutions to help prevent problems. But don’t be mad if you have the odd regurgitated furball waiting for you in the morning! You have been warned.

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MAR 23 - 29 / ISSUE 463

“The one thing that unites all humans, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background is that, deep down inside, we all believe that we are above-average drivers.”- Dave Barry (US author and columnist). It is actually alarming because the minute you think you are better than others, you are destroyed. Programmes like those of Safety Week and Y magazine’s initiative of Children’s Pledge help in making people aware. Although children and young people may not know much about driving there are several things they need to learn about road safety. I came to Oman in 2010 and when I returned I was full of praise for the country and its people. But with each passing year, I have started seeing people loitering around, and have become aware of more accidents not only on main roads but also on side lanes too. Reckless driving is commonplace. The speed of some vehicles is so high that it can only lead to severe injuries and possibly fatalities. The Government is doing everything it can. You can spot ROP officers on nearly every roundabout and accident-ridden area and they are always ready and vigilant. Many cameras have been installed for our safety but unfortunately we get to know exactly where they are placed and we slyly limit our speed on approaching them. The fear of the ROP makes people sitting in the front wear seat belts but children are not always encouraged to belt up in the back. Traffic signs, speed limits and fines are being drawn up

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by the Government for our safety. But legislation alone cannot rectify the problem. Common sense, patience and respect for the other individual on the driver’s part are the factors needed, which the law cannot enforce. Children learn from adults. If we start modifying our behaviour today then hopefully our future generation will adopt some semblance of driving etiquette. You cannot expect the change in a day. More initiatives like the traffic safety week and Children’s Pledge need to be taken. Have it today and see it nurtured in the future.

IBRAHIM SHAIKH

Unfortunately, one can still see a great many drivers with their ears glued to mobile phones while they are driving. There are also too many accidents caused as a result of a speeding driver suddenly catching sight of the speed camera, thereby putting both himself and the drivers behind him at risk.

ALI SAIF AL RAHBI

Based on the fact that I drive daily on my way to work, I can see that there are few improvements in terms of drivers following traffic laws in Oman. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the number of road accidents fell by 32.8 per cent in 2016 as compared to 2015 but the issue of speeding still remains a concern. I had a near-death car accident in Salalah in 2013 but thanks to Allah and my seatbelt, my life was spared. That unforgettable incident changed my attitude and behaviour in following traffic laws and road regulations. Public awareness and campaigns

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regarding road safety must be continually undertaken and not only just during the GCC’s Road Safety Week. Parents and elders must inculcate in the minds of the younger generation the critical importance of driving safely, and respecting the lives of fellow drivers and pedestrians. However, if we really want change and improvement we must start that change within ourselves.

MOHAN ANANDAN

It’s all about attitude, which cannot be changed overnight. Driving safely, respecting safety norms and abiding by traffic rules are an expression of one’s mentality and attitude towards one’s own self and also to the people around us. Unless safety as a norm is embedded in our psyches, no miracles can be expected on the road! In this context, efforts made by Y Magazine in tune with GCC’s Road Safety week are laudable. Your campaign encouraging children to pledge for road safety, which is then affirmed by their parents, will go a long way in spreading road safety awareness in young minds. Others should emulate this and have similar periodical campaigns to educate and remind everyone to adopt better safety standards. There will then be a great deal of improvement in driving behaviour.

DR RAO SUDDAPALLI

Having been aware of numerous road accidents for the past 19 years in Oman, I can only feel some relief at the comparative decline in road accidents, and the impact caused by them. Hopefully, the GCC Road Safety Week might help to bring in some added awareness in the rules of the road. A colleague of mine told me last week his daughter had been badly shunted by a rash driver to the extent that she had to be rescued by the ROP. The same offender had hit another car that morning and had therefore caused a second accident within a few hours. Both incidents reveal a great deal about the carelessness of some drivers on whom the law and deterrence are having a neglible effect. Unfortunately, though, on any given day, one cannot fail to see instances of rash driving, tailgating, speeding and failing to adhere to traffic signals. Maybe the ROP needs to explore further means of deterrence by installing robots, which can record these offences more effectively.

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who have just learned to drive steer with one hand while holding a mobile phone in the other. Perhaps the recently beefed up penalty system in place will catch these offenders and hit them where it hurts – in the pocket.

RASU JOHN

Being a person who spends a lot of time on Oman’s roads, I believe road safety is of paramount importance. A commendable improvement has been seen in Oman’s road etiquette for which the ROP deserves all praise for their untiring efforts to monitor the situation and provide professional assistance beyond the call of duty. Things can’t be expected to change overnight. The attitude and mindset needs a transformation wherein the one driving should remember that at the end of the day, it is the family and loved ones who suffer the pain of recklessness and disregard for proper driving habits. Life never has a reset button, so Drive Safe.

New Debate: Consumer inflation hit 2.38 per cent in February – is your salary keeping pace with the rising cost of living in the Sultanate?

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USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI

Though it will be some time before we see a palpable change in the mindset of drivers on Oman’s roads, campaigns that help to bring awareness among users should help. In terms of traffic violations, more punitive punishments should be a deterrent. The lesson is that this continual process needs to be sustained to see a comprehensive change.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

Nothing much has changed. Speaking on the mobile phone while driving is still a common sight on the roads of Oman and tailgating still remains the joyful habit of many of the young drivers. Though the statistics published by ROP reveal that the number of accidents has reduced, there are still far too many instances of speeding and reckless driving. It will take time to discipline the indisciplined. The road safety awareness campaigns must go on.

ZAHID SAEED

Road safety rules should be introduced alongside the current programme for learner drivers. It’s alarming how many young people

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MAR 23 - 29 / ISSUE 463

YOUR

OMAN

re you a consumer of tobacco or alcohol products? If so, you could be shelling out twice as much money in order to purchase these products soon. Speaking to Arabic daily Al Shabiba, a source from the Ministry of Finance, said: “Cigarettes, alcohol and other ‘unhealthy products’ will soon see a tax increase in Oman.” Earlier this month, news that

NEWS

CIGARETTES AND ALCOHOL TO COST MORE SOON the price of cigarettes and alcohol had increased at airports in Oman surfaced after the Royal Oman Police (ROP) amended its customs provisions. However, prices will now be hiked across the country. “A ‘selective tax agreement’ has been signed by ministers at the Financial and Economic Cooperation Council of the GCC, which is expected to be applied during the current year in the Sultanate,” the source was quoted as saying. He added that the “selective tax” would only be applied on health deteriorating products, which cost the Sultanate “vast amounts in medical treatment”. The selective tax comes in the light of the county’s plans to diversify income and reduce state spending on health treatments, as well as the introduction of a VAT tax next year. This week, Y is highlighting the

effects of cancer in Oman, and we learnt that lung cancer – a disease in which 97 per cent of those diagnosed are smokers – is expected to become the most common cancer over the next five years. “Tobacco, alcohol, pork products, soft drinks and energy drinks” are all part of the ban as agreed by the GCC, and more products are due to join the list soon,” the source told Al Shabiba. More details on the price hike will be revealed soon by the Secretariat General for Taxation at the Ministry of Finance, but the tax rate has been set between 50 and 100 per cent, according to the current agreement. Marwan Mohammed, a Muscat-based resident, said: “You have to balance things. If you are increasing the price of one commodity, you have to increase our salaries, too. How do you think that we will survive if the Government keeps on increasing the load on our heads? “Imagine the plight of people who are earning minimum wage. They should keep in mind that people are getting frustrated by this. It’s becoming very hard to live in Oman,” he said.

HEAVY RAINS LASH OMAN, MORE EXPECTED

t has been a damp week so far, with heavy rains lashing parts of Oman, including the capital city of Muscat. The overcast conditions are also expected to continue, with the chance of heavy rains and thunderstorms also expected tomorrow (Friday, March 24). According to a report published by the National Multi Hazards and Early Warning Centre, the rains have been caused by a series of low-pressure troughs across the governorates of Buraimi, Al Dahirah, North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, Muscat, Al Dakhlia, North Al Sharqiyah and South Al Sharqiyah. The Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) has warned residents to stay away from lowlying areas and also to avoid driving through wadis as the rains will bring fresh downdraft winds and cause flash floods. Many residents

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reported that wadis had started filling up in the early hours of Tuesday morning (March 21), causing congestion and traffic on the roads. Aby Jacob, a resident of Wadi Al Kabir said: “Rains are always welcome in Oman. But the morning traffic was quite bad. It took me an extra 15 minutes to get to work today. “But that is OK. The rain has definitely brought down the temperatures. I thought we had hit summer already. And we are not ready for summer yet,” he said.

TAKE THE PLEDGE

GALLERY

CHILDREN FROM AROUND MUSCAT CONVERGED ON PANORAMA MALL LAST WEEKEND TO TAKE PART IN Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROAD SAFETY PLEDGE. SPONSORED BY PANORAMA MALL AND FAMILIA, OUR CAMPAIGN HAS GOTTEN OFF TO A GREAT START, WITH CHILDREN ACROSS THE CAPITAL TAKING THE PLEDGE WITH THE HELP OF THEIR PARENTS. HEAD TO PANORAMA MALL TOMORROW NIGHT (FRIDAY) AT 7PM FOR ANOTHER SESSION THAT ALLOWS CHILDREN TO ENTER OUR GREAT ROAD SAFETY COMPETITION. FOR DETAILS, GO TO P28.

MAR 23 - 29 / ISSUE 463

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YOUR

OMAN T

NEWS

OMAN’S INFLATION RATE SURGES TO FIVE-YEAR HIGH

he Sultanate recorded a sharp 2.38 per cent rise in the consumer inflation rate last month, the highest it’s been since since February 2012, according to a bulletin issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Inflation is defined as the general increase that is marked on the prices of various commodities and services, and the fall in the purchasing value of money. The reasons attributed to this sharp increase – from the relatively low 1.8 per cent inflation rate in January 2017 – was the 9.33 per cent hike in the inflation rate for the transport sub-sector and a 2.05 per cent increase in the housing, water, electricity and other fuel sub-sectors. During February, fuel prices in Oman stood at 186 baisas for M91, 196 baisas for M95 and 205 baisas for diesel. In contrast, the month of March saw a rise of 2 and 3 baisas, respectively, for M95 and diesel. Lata, an expatriate teacher residing in Oman, told Y: “People are definitely feeling the pinch. Instead of spending RO8 for fuel last year, I now spend RO11. That’s a steep increase. “I’m not sure how things are going to be in the near future, but if this is a sign of things to come, I may have to pack my bags and leave for my home country [India],” she added. Tobacco products also saw a sharp increase of 23.23 per cent, while the price of furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance went up by 1.86 per cent. The education sector saw a rise of 2.85 per cent, while restaurants and hotels witnessed an overall increase of just 0.30 per cent. Meanwhile, the inflation rate for foods and non-alcoholic beverages, and the footwear and clothing sub-segments showed a marginal decline of 0.10

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per cent and 0.37 per cent, respectively. The price of bread and cereals fell 1.58 per cent, while meat rose by 0.22 per cent, and fish and seafood prices by 7.09 per cent. Fruits and vegetables also recorded a fall in price by 2.88 per cent and 0.31 per cent, respectively, and health and communications sub-segments recorded a price fall of 0.13 per cent and 3.02 per cent.

MULTICULTURAL GATHERING

GALLERY

THE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSCAT (TAISM) RECENTLY CELEBRATED INTERNATIONAL DAY, WITH HUNDREDS OF PARENTS, CHILDREN AND GUESTS GATHERING FOR AN AFTERNOON OF COLOURFUL PERFORMANCES AND A DELICIOUS CHOICE OF CUISINES FROM AROUND THE WORLD,

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aces of

Oman

Welcome to Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weekly photo series that profiles the diverse characters who call the Sultanate home Name: Prem Singh Kotwal Age: 42 From: India Occupation: Banquet sous chef Passion: Cooking

Photo: Shaquel al Balushi

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

DRIVEN TO

SUCCESS

After obtaining a degree in journalism and media from Sultan Qaboos University in 2001, Hilal Salim al Zaidi, 39, joined the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. In 2013, however, he left for a job with the Oman Tourism College, and then moved on to the Public Authority for Social Insurance. Q: What drives you to success? Success is the cornerstone in one’s social life that stems from being his or her contribution to mankind. A word in itself, it is the driving force to fulfil ambitions and to acquire knowledge and skills in various fields. Consequently, the social environment is the area where media persons have to grid up their lions to achieve success. In addition, seeking knowledge and exposure to the latest development in the field is the driving force behind my ongoing search to find success, and how it can best contribute to the betterment of my family and work.

to find a proper scope of freedom for creativity. This is in addition to my aspiration of holding leading positions in an organisation might allow me to make changes, which go along with the institution’s vision. Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? Amid the numerous variables and uncertainties that engulfs different sectors today (such as reduced financial allocations), it is difficult to predict what will happen here in the next 10 years. But I am very optimistic, God willing, that I am going to hold a leading position through which I can express my love and gratitude to my country and to put forward my experiences and spread love and peace at work.

Q: Who or what has been your inspiration in your career? Co-operation, team work, respect to others and appreciation of their achievements are all fundamental pillars to achieving excellence in performance. Moreover, moral boost is another sought-after incentive for various organisations. On a personal level, the women in my life (mother, a wife and sister) motivate me to the greatest. They inspire me to keep on writing creatively, as well as boosting my career in the field. As a writer, I can say that nature and its attractions – namely beaches, mountains, deserts and buildings – inspire me when I write. Tranquility is indeed another inspirational and supportive aspect of my creative writing.

has been one of my greatest accomplishments to date. In addition to good career planning, which, in fact, was multi-dimensional and did not depend on just one area. Over the past 13 years, I was able to acquaint myself with three main sections in my scope of responsibilities at work. I would urge anybody reading to stress the importance of career changes and rotation in broadening your experiences and exposure, which undoubtedly leads to financial settlement as far as settling down is concerned.

Q: What is your biggest career success to date? Being closer to people and understanding them

Q: What are your career goals? There are many objectives that I want to accomplish in my work. My first goal would be

Q: What do you like about the Genesis? I really like the Genesis. It has all the features that you can expect to find in ultra-luxurious cars of today. My favourite features by far are those that maintain my safety; I feel extremely safe in here. Everything from the blind-spot monitoring to the heads up display make sure that my eyes are always pointed towards the road at all times. The Genesis is also a very spacious and comfortable car – making it perfect for long journeys. The Genesis is a great car, and I confess that it is one of the best cars I have ever driven. MAR 23 - 29 / ISSUE 463

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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

ave you been practising your routine as we approach the auditions for our exciting Y’s Got Talent competition? Y Magazine has been inundated with college students registering to enter our talent contest – from singers to dancers, musicians and poets – as we gear up for the college campus auditions to choose the winners to go onto the Grand Finale! 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 in Muscat and reward them with

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exciting prizes. And even better, we’ve extended our online registration deadline to April 2! “It’s not long to go before we start heading to campuses around Muscat to find the city’s most talented students,” says Felicity Glover, the managing editor of Y Magazine. “Y’s Got Talent has been expanded to include first, second and thirdyear students, so we are expecting an even bigger turnout this year.” In the audition phase, which will be held throughout April, 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 overall 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!

PART I

IPATI • Walja NG C OLLE t Coll e GES ge of A • Middl pplied e East Scienc Colleg • Caled es e onian Colleg • Oman e • Scient Tourism Colle • Intern ific College of ge D a

tional e Colleg sign Mana e of En gineer • Nationgement ing an al Hos d • Colleg pitalit y Inst e of B itute ankin • Mode g and rn Co Finan llege o • Oman cial St f Busi udies Colleg n e ss and e of M Techn Finan anage ce ment • GUTe ology and ch • Bayan Colleg e

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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE MAR

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MAR

24-25

Jebel Sifah is the place to be this weekend, thanks to Sandsation by Laval. Chill out and welcome the summer in style with a host of top international DJs, live performances and fun water activities on the beach at Jebel Sifah. DJs include David Craig, Miss PM, Madjam and Dub Bass. The fun kicks off from 2pm. For more information, call 9697 2027. Special rates also apply if you want to stay the weekend at Sifawy Boutique Hotel. For reservations, call 2474 9111.

Are you ready for the Legendary Battle 2017? Get your dance gear on, because this year’s event is promising to be epic! Oman’s biggest dance competition will be held at Oman Avenues Mall from 5pm. DJ Sinbad will be spinning the decks, while Mc Bass is on the mic. But be quick if you want to compete: registration closes today (Thursday, March 23). For details and registration, call 9206 1883, 9926 8133, or 9120 2926.

MAR

THIS

WEEK

WHAT TO DO.

WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

Join millions of people around the world in spirit, and celebrate Earth Hour at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, to help raise awareness of sustainability and the environment. Originally founded by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Earth Hour is marked by switching off lights, whether in the home, in offices or other places. Al Bustan Palace will be hosting a range of activities for children, including lantern making, yoga by candlelight and dining in a dimmed ambience, while it will also be switching off non-essential lights from 8.30pm. For details and bookings, call 2479 9666.

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Lights out

cities for quality of living

Top

❶ Vienna, Austria

❸ Auckland,

New Zealand

❹ Munich, Germany 020

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❷ Zurich, Switzerland

Muscat: overall ranked 97, and third in the GCC, after Dubai and Abu Dhabi

❺ Vancouver, Canada Source: Mercer Quality of Living Index 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

Life

Collide It’s always a treat to see actors of the calibre of Anthony Hopkins and Ben Kingsley revelling in rip-roaring turns as villains. However, with this, you wonder if these two Oscar-winning knights of the British realm really should have read the script a bit better. They presumably didn’t need the money. In this, backpacker Casey Stein (Nicholas Hoult) has to pay for emergency medical treatment for his girlfriend Juliette (Felicity Jones). It’s a case of needs-must so he decides to go back to his old job of petty crime and gets roped into pulling off a drug heist for his former boss, Geran (Kingsley), a sinister crime lord. Of course, it all goes pear-shaped (was there ever any doubt?) when Nicholas makes a mess of hijacking a truck belonging to an evil drug baron called

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 Katie in Midnight Sun? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Avril Saldanha

Hagen (Hopkins). Pretty soon, he finds himself on the run in Europe in a race against time to save his girlfriend’s life from Hagen (the horrible?) The ingredients are all there: actionpacked sequences, well-meaning but flawed hero; damsel in distress; evil villain etc but the plot has more holes in it than a Dutch cheese. The strange thing is, it’s all rather enjoyable. There’s a fair bit of tasty driving on Germany’s autobahns and enough adrenalin-filled action to keep you interested. And while not as terrifying as Hannibal Lecter, Hopkins’ Hagen just exudes menace. But it’s Kingsley who ever-soslightly steals it, with a performance as a slithery, sinister villain that is about as far from his Oscar-winning turn as Gandhi as you could possibly get. 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

That eternal question of whether or not there is life on Mars is going to continue to pervade popular culture. In this, six astronauts study a sample taken from the red planet’s earth that suggests to them that there is, and believe it to be a large, single-celled organism. However, things are never

what they seem and as their research continues, the mysterious life form turns out to be troublesome. Will it be as horrible as the one who ate its way out of John Hurt’s chest in Alien? Go and see this sci-fi thriller to find out. It stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Ryan Reynolds.

Midnight Sun Katie is a 17-year-old who spends all day indoors in a house that never lets in any daylight. But she is not a younger version of Charles Dickens’ Miss Havisham in Great Expectations. Katie (Bella Thorne) suffers from a rare condition that renders even the smallest amount of sunlight deadly. But despite her misery, there is some light at the end of the tunnel when she meets Charlie (Patrick Schwarzenegger), who aims to help her bring some purpose and pleasure into her life. Based on the Japanese film of the same name, this romance/drama is well worth a look and deserves praise for neither pandering to nor patronising the chick-flick audience.

Long View FAST&FURIOUS 8 Groan. Not another one. How many sequels does one franchise need? I understand there is a ninth or a tenth on the way and this is the first of that final trilogy (hurray!) Still, you can’t argue with its success. It seems the world clearly can’t get enough of Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his gang. This time, a mysterious woman seduces Dom into a world of crime, causing his crew some considerable consternation in the process. While we expect Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to be getting stuck in, this also has Charlize Theron letting down her hair too. Enjoy. Meantime, I’ll be tiling the bathroom. Release date: April 13

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021

THE BIG

Cancer is on the rise in Oman, and fighting the disease is a hurdle most of us donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t consider until it happens to us or a loved one. Alvin Thomas meets one formidable survivor, and finds out how doctors and health experts are working to help patients deal with the deadly disease

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hristopher Reeve, the late actor who portrayed Superman and who was later paralysed in a horse-riding accident, once said: “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” When it comes to facing overwhelming obstacles, however, Felix Meza, a 35-year-old Venezuelan living and working in Oman, has a story of endurance and perseverance to share with us. “It all started with an allergy,” says Felix. “I was having an itching sensation in my body, and I was having night sweats and fever. It then graduated to a very bad cough. I didn’t take it very seriously then.

Hodgkin Lymphoma, the cancer,” he says. Felix, who was then only 24, was working for an oil company in Oman, and was also a part-time student at the Caledonian College of Engineering. He says: “I was shocked by the news. I wasn’t expecting to hear those words from the doctor.” Hodgkin Lymphoma is a type of lymphoma (a cancer) that affects a part of the immune system called the lymph system. The disease can spread to nearby lymph nodes and spread to the lungs, liver and even the bone marrow. Felix started treatment at the Royal Hospital in Muscat. He had to undergo 26 chemotherapy cycles and 16 radiations over an 11-month period, which saw him lose weight, his hair and become tired regularly.

especially my father and mother. “We were living in the same house, her room was by my room but we would still only communicate through emails and text messages. “After 11 months of treatment, I was declared free of cancer,” he says. For Felix, however, this was only the start of a long, painful ordeal. “Three months after my treatment, the disease came back,” he says. This time, things were very different, too. His doctors told him that he needed a bone marrow transplant, and that it would be better if he headed back to his hometown for further treatment.

Things soon got more severe and I started coughing blood. I did several tests for seven months but no one could find any problems or give me an answer. I started seeing that the glands in my neck were swelling up. And in the X-Ray, they found something abnormal in my chest. So they did a biopsy on my neck tissue. And that’s when they found out that I had Hodgkin Lymphoma, the cancer “Things soon got more severe and I started coughing blood. I did several tests for seven months but no one could find any problems or give me an answer. I started seeing that the glands in my neck were swelling up. And in the X-ray, they found something abnormal in my chest. So they did a biopsy on my neck tissue. “And that’s when they found out that I had

“It was a difficult period,” he says. “After the chemo, I could not eat anything for a week. I survived by drinking fluids. Then I had one week when I could eat normally and try to compensate for the weight loss, before I had to go back for the next cycle. With a heavy broken tone, he adds: “This period was particularly painful for my family and MAR 23 - 29 / ISSUE 463

023

“As instructed, my mother and I headed back home. The treatment took longer than expected. It took almost a year. “Chemotherapy sessions followed. But this time around, I contracted an infection in my teeth, throat, tongue, stomach and kidneys. I lost 10kg in 10 days,” he recollects. Felix’s own stem cells were removed and frozen for transplant. Over the course of the week, he had to undergo frequent chemotherapy sessions to help the bone marrow make healthy cells again. The transplant was successful but Felix was placed in isolation for 40 days – he had been experiencing convulsions following the transplant. “Six months after the transplant, I was afraid to go out,” Felix tells. “I didn’t want to talk to people, I didn’t want to eat anything outside, I was in my room. I closed myself down from the outside world even though I was OK.” But destiny had other plans for Felix. Two months later, during an evaluation, doctors discovered that his Hodgkin Lymphoma had come back. “I needed another bone marrow transplant but from a donor. “The only one compatible was my younger sister, who was only 12. I had booked myself a room in an institute in Italy for this transplant. But, as instructed, I had to travel to India for a test,” he says, almost inaudibly. “My mother took the news very badly. She couldn’t accept whatever happened and what was continuing to happen to me,” says Felix. “And on the day before I went to India, I looked at my mother and told

Since then, I have been healthy. I believe it was divine intervention her, ‘It’s time for you to let me go’. She replied: ‘If it is the will of God; if he wants you near him, then who am I to say anything’,” he recollects. What happened next, however, was a shock to everyone. Felix travelled to India and took the tests. To everyone’s surprise, his tests revealed that he had no trace of the disease in his body. “The doctors could not explain it,” says Felix. “Since then, I have been healthy. I believe it was divine intervention.” Today, he continues to work with the oil company and has been healthy for more than eight years now. Felix’s story inspires us, and is one of the stories with a happy ending that sheds light on the solemn topic that is 024

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cancer. According to Dr Bassim al Bahrani, the director of Oncology and the head of Medical Oncology at the Royal Hospital, there are more than 600 cancer patients for one million people in Oman (in 2016). He asserts that in such a scenario (adjusting for population growth), the number could rise to as much as 3,500 cases of cancer every year. Meanwhile, the latest statistics from the National Oncology Centre have shown that the number of visits to outpatient clinics reached 19,103 in 2015 – a sharp increase of 10 per cent from 2014 – and the number of cancer cases detected in Oman stood at 1,314 (1,212 Omanis and 102 expatriates), according to data released by the National Registry of Tumours. The statistics also pointed out that the median age of diagnosis was 53. According to an oncologist (who wishes to remain anonymous) who is treating patients in Oman, age is only considered when “factoring in the type of cancer”. The doctor says that Hodgkin Lymphoma (the cancer Felix was diagnosed with) is mostly found in people aged between 21 and 30. Meanwhile, he also says that children under the age of 14 could be prone to leukemia and tumours (cancerous and non-cancerous) in the brain, bone and spinal cord, neuroblastoma and cancer of the kidney. In 2015, 87 cases of cancer were reported among children aged 14 and below, accounting for 7.3 per cent of the total number of patients that had been diagnosed with cancer. However, more recent statistics revealed by Dr Ibrahim al Ghaithi, head of Paediatric Oncology at the National Oncology Centre, the Royal Hospital, says the number could be anywhere between 180 and 200 as of 2017. The Sultanate has been ranked fourth among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations in terms of registered cases of cancer. As a matter of fact, cancer has been deemed the third-leading cause of death in the country, after car accidents and heart diseases. In Oman, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among females, followed by thyroid and colon cancer. Meanwhile, men are most prone to prostate and colon cancer. However, Dr al Bahrani revealed recently that lung cancer – a disease in which 97 per cent of those diagnosed are smokers – is expected to become the most common cancer in Oman over the next five years, but he also says that breast and colorectal cancer (also known as colon or rectal cancer) are currently the most common forms of the disease in Oman. In an interview with Atheer.om – an Oman-based website – Dr al Bahrani says that cases of colon cancer have risen significantly since 2010. Studies have revealed that the areas where fast food is readily available – such as

Salalah and Muscat – are generally seeing a higher rate of colon cancer. Colon cancer begins in the colon or the rectum and is commonly found in people older than 50. However, it has been known to affect younger people too, especially those with a family history of the disease and smokers. Colon cancers are characterised by the growth of a polyp in the inner lining of the colon or rectum called a polyp (all polyps are not cancerous). The month of March is observed as “Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month”. Statistics published by the Health Grove website show that the annual mortality rate per 100,000 people from colon and rectum cancer in Oman has increased by a factor of 17.2 per cent since 1990, reflecting an average increase of 0.7 per cent every year. Cancer also accounted for 53.1 deaths per 100,000 men in 2013, with a peak mortality rate that was higher in men than women (42.1 deaths per

of breast cancer. The services and diagnosis are completely free. Apart from that, the association also runs the Dar Al Hanan initiative, which is an outreach programme dedicated to serving the needs of children with cancer who live outside Muscat. The Dar Al Hanan initiative currently can host 16 families in the city. As for treatment in Oman, the Royal Hospital has a dedicated oncology centre for radiotherapy, chemotherapy, nuclear medicine and surgery, with specialised doctors and nurses for children and adults. It is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. Another doctor from a private hospital, who wishes to remain anonymous, also points out that pancreatic, stomach and kidney cancers are on the rise. “These cancers are also some of the most painful ones to endure. Pancreatic cancer for one can be attributed to increased alcohol and cigarette intake – something that has risen in Oman since 1990.” Aaron Mathew, a life coach for international marine cadets, who also assists in counselling cancer patients, says: “Cancer is an illness that can alter the life of an individual and his or her family. “I have seen many patients who have been fighting cancer. It isn’t an easy ride, but you would be surprised by the sheer strength that some of these patients have. “Some of the patients don’t exhibit their strength merely to survive. Some of them just want to beat cancer and prove that their body and mind are stronger than the illness that haunts them. “Of course, that is not the case with everyone, though.” A recent study carried out by the psycho-oncology team at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and in collaboration with the Royal Hospital in Muscat, found that about 28 per cent of people with cancer had anxiety and 21 per cent had depression. “Most patients undergo a period of denial in the beginning. This could lead to the patient detaching or isolating himself or herself from peers. This would be the time you and I must step up and let the patient know that they are not alone in their journey. “Respect their privacy but don’t let them retract completely, as that can do more harm than good. If a person completely shuts down or is showing signs of depression for more than two weeks, immediately seek help from the patient’s doctor, as it could cause ramifications in the medical procedures. “Coping with cancer is hard but it can be done. “But if I were to give one advice, it would be that everyone should get themselves diagnosed on a yearly basis. After all, prevention is better than cure.”

We try to create a lot of awareness with events across Oman. Last October, we held three conferences, as well as an art exhibition with regards to the ‘Pink Month’ – the month dedicated to breast cancer awareness worldwide 100,000 women). Factors that contribute to colon cancer include improper diet, low physical activity, high Body Mass Index (BMI) and increased alcohol, drug and tobacco use. These factors were known to have caused at least 52.9 per cent of the total deaths caused by colon and rectum cancer in Oman in 2013. In a surprising turn, stomach cancer – which contributed to the mortality rate due to cancer in Oman – has shown a decrease of 19 per cent since 1990. Meanwhile, breast cancer still accounts for 32 per cent of all cancers in females in Oman, and the average age of those fighting breast cancer (in advanced stages) is under the age of 50. A family history of breast cancer, early menarche, late menopause, radiation exposure to the chest before 30 years of age, null parity and nonbreast feeding are some of the factors that contribute to breast cancer. Screening involves clinical examination by a surgeon, mammography and self-examination of the breasts. Again, early detection has been deemed the best cure for breast cancer. In an interview with Y, Dr Wahid al Kharusi, the president of the Oman Cancer Association (OCA), says: “Early detection is key, and that is what we are striving to achieve. Our Mobile Mammography Unit has been adopted well in Oman, and I urge everyone to avail themselves of our services at the earliest. “We try to create a lot of awareness with events across Oman. Last October, we held three conferences, as well as an art exhibition with regards to the ‘Pink Month’ – the month dedicated to breast cancer awareness worldwide,” says Dr Wahid. “There is a saying that prevention is better than cure. But today, we live in a world where so many factors are affecting our health. And in such cases, the only thing we can do is detect the cancer early. “The message that the OCA has been putting in since its inception is that you have to go through regular repeated examinations and evaluation of your body so that you can receive an early prognosis. “Cancer can be cured,” he asserts. “We should not be afraid of it. We just have to stand up to it,” he adds. The Oman Cancer Association currently operates the Mobile Mammography Unit and the Ultrasound unit for early detection

WINNERS

r u o f o s r e n n i w e h t o t s n o i t Congratula

! n o i t i t e p m o c y a D s ’ r e Moth

e know that our mums are extra special and just how much they mean to us, but how often do we tell them how much we love them and appreciate all that they do for us? Thanks to Puck, our competition sponsor, the children of Oman were able to do just that to celebrate Mother’s Day in Oman, which was marked on Tuesday (March 21). And this week, we can reveal the winners of our competition. Y Magazine was inundated with entries and it was a very difficult choice for our judges. From beautifully decorated cards to heartfelt poems, we have learned that mothers in Oman are truly celebrated, loved and appreciated! “Congratulations to the winners of our Mother’s Day competition,” says Felicity Glover, Y’s managing editor. “And I’d like to also thank Puck, our sponsor, for making this competition possible for children to pay tribute to their mums. “It’s a very special time of the year, but I also think that we should be celebrating our mums – and dads – every day of the year! Thanks so much to everybody who entered and I am sorry that there can only be three winners!” Thanks to Puck, we had some great prizes on offer with cash and goodie bags for the top three cards, including RO200 cash for first prize, RO100 for second prize and RO50 for third prize. The winning entries have also been framed to give to the participants to present to their mums as a keepsake at a special ceremony to honour them later today (Thursday, March 23). 026

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First Prize: Suha, age 15 loved your heartfelt words Congratulations, Suha! We puns telling us how much to your mum and amusing . You win RO200 cash! you love and appreciate her

e5 Third prize: Hannah, ag h, and we loved your cute A ver y touching card, Hanna m baking cakes together! painting of you and your mu Enjoy your RO50 cash prize!

e 11 Second prize: Hanan, ag redible 3D pull-out design Well done, Hanan! Your inc r mum with your RO100 you is ver y impressive! Treat winnings.

MAR 23 - 29 / ISSUE 463

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COMPETITION

e g d e l P e h T e k a T Help improve safety on Oman’s roads and win a share of cash prizes worth a total of RO150

here’s still time to take the pledge! To mark the GCC’s recent Road Safety Week, Y Magazine launched a very special competition to help children across the Sultanate understand the importance of road safety. And you and your children can play a part in making Oman’s roads safer for all of us. Presented by Panorama Mall and in association with Familia, our Road Safety Pledge is aimed at educating parents and children about the importance of safety on our roads, as well as wearing seatbelts. With road fatalities in the GCC considered to be some of the highest in the world, this is an important initiative that we hope will help to save

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more lives on the Sultanate’s roads. In the March 9 issue, you would have found a special card inside Y Magazine, which will enable children to make their pledges about road safety – and enter the competition. These could include promising to wear a seatbelt at all times, not jumping around the car unrestrained or even asking mum or dad to put down their mobile phones and stop speeding. There are lots of ways you can make a difference. This is YOUR pledge so be creative and think about what you would like to change. And when you have filled out the card, all you have to do is to get your mum or dad to sign it so we know you will be making a huge effort to help you and your family to stay safe while driving.

To help you with your entries, head to the food court at Panorama Mall tomorrow (Friday, March 24) at 7pm, where children can decorate their cards and make their pledge. We’ve extended the competition deadline by two days, giving you an extra weekend to get your cards ready! When you are finished, simply take the card to one of the dropboxes located around Muscat. The best three pledges – don’t forget, you can also add your own drawings or other designs to the card – will share in a total cash prize of RO150. The closing date for entries is March 26. Good luck and we look forward to receiving all your entries – and in the meantime, stay safe on the roads!

PRIZES: ● THE BEST THREE PLEDGES WILL WIN A CASH REWARD OF RO75 (FIRST

PLACE), RO50 (SECOND PLACE) AND RO25 (THIRD PLACE). THE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY ON MARCH 30.

DROPBOX LOCATIONS: ① SPAR Darsait ② SPAR MBD ③ SPAR Madinat Sultan Qaboos ④ SPAR Al Hail

7 Tips To Keep Your Child Safe On the Road Besides teaching about road safety rules for kids, parents should also keep in mind the following tips to ensure that their children stay safe on the road:

1. Buckle up and ensure that your child always wears the seat belt or is secured in a car seat. 2. Use the child lock feature to prevent your kids from opening car doors by themselves. 3. Teach them about the rules practically – take them for walks and cycling, and teach them how to do it correctly. 4. Show patience when driving and set an example for your kids to be calm and to refrain from rushing out on to the road. 5. Be punctual and disciplined to avoid speeding and rash driving. 6. Do not use mobile phones or other gadgets when driving. 7. Never leave your kids alone in the car. Source: www.momjunction.com

COMPETITION RULES: ● The competition is open to children aged 16 and under ● Cards must be completed by children only and then signed by a parent or guardian. Entries will be disqualified if there is evidence of parental involvement. ● Entries received after the closing date of March 26 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. MAR 23 - 29 / ISSUE 463

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The impressive La Mezquita Cathedral in Cordoba, Spain, is popular with visitors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; P36.

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WADI MAYH SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI GOES SOLO THIS WEEK AND ENJOYS SOME ME-TIME, BAR A FEW PESKY BEES

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was a herculean task, indeed. I gathered myself to capture a few photos of the landscape. As you can see from the pictures, the location is absolutely staggering. It could not only serve as a nice location for photoshoots and videoshoots but also as a place for one to unwind. It didn’t take long for the detoxing to happen. I felt the stresses leave my body as I continued forging my path forwards. Wadi Mayh is one of those areas that really hasn’t been touched by civilisation, and that means that the area is almost litter-free and full of life. Minus the bees, this would have been the perfect soul-searching trip for me in a long time (really!). Of course, I go by the theory that if I don’t disturb the bees, they won’t disturb me either. I would advise you to travel to such areas with long trousers and and a long-sleeved shirt. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself swatting bees off. Don’t let the bees put you off though. Wadi Mayh is a stunning location, especially if you are going there with your friends. It would be best to go with only a few select people though, as it remains one of the few wadis that is still untouched by human hands. And before I forget: if you are heading there, please clear out your trash. Beautiful areas such as this deserve to remain litter free.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

fter last week’s overnight camping trip to the beautiful Wadi Bani Khalid with a few of my friends, some of whom had come from the United States, it was now time to head out for some exploring on my own. I even decided to keep my best friend Imran out of my trip this week, all for the sake of having some me-time with nature and the best Oman has to offer after a long hectic week. I had been itching to head to the beautiful Wadi Mayh, as it had been almost two years since my last trip to the location. I always thought I couldn’t do justice to the story then too, as I only focused on the parts of Wadi Mayh that had been hit by Cyclone Gonu. This time, however, I wanted to do things a little differently. I started my journey in the usual manner: I set off from my home at 5.30am to soak up the beauty of the morning sky. The sun had just risen from the mountainous backdrop of Al Amerat (my hometown), and started shining its rays on the road. I couldn’t spend much time looking at the sky, however, as I wanted to reach the Wadi Mayh before the Blue Hour (a period of twilight early in the dawn or late in the dusk). Thankfully, the traffic was light so I was able to reach the location in under an hour. It’s a fairly easy journey: you take the Al Amerat Heights road, and you break off to the exit towards Quriyat. On the way, you will find a sign board that points towards the Al Hajar mountains, and in a few metres, you will find a brown signboard that says: “Wadi Mayh”. The terrain is rough, so it would be wise if you came in an SUV. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself scraping the bottom of your car on the rough rocks or even get stuck! A 15-minute drive was all it took for me to reach the heart of the wadi. From there, you will find that the wadi splits into two: to the left and right. If you remember my Destination article in 2015, you would know that I headed left, only to find the area in tatters. Much to my surprise, it is still the same. But, as I promised myself, I headed right. So I parked my car in one corner, grabbed my camera gear and headed straight into the wadi. And boy, I was not disappointed. A quick walk (five minutes or so) revealed an area covered in beautiful plants. I also saw a very interesting shrub, which was bearing fruit. The fruit was only the size of a tennis ball, and resembled a sweet melon. I didn’t try it out though, fearing that it would be poisonous. I kept walking forwards, only to realise that the entire area was surrounded by honey bees. But, I put that down to the small flowers, which were growing around the vicinity. Mind you: I am incredibly terrified of bees so carrying forward

From Muscat, take road 17 through Amerat towards Al Hajar. Take the exit for Al Hajar and go left at the first roundabout and straight over the next two. This will bring you directly to the point where the road gives way to a dirt track.

GPS coordinates: N23°24’25” E58°’31’19”

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

Photos: Shaquel al Balushi

Nissan’s upmarket arm has its German rivals in its sights with this sports sedan, but does it deliver? Y’s Alvin Thomas finds out

rmed with practical sports sedans such as the BMW 440i M Sport, Mercedes-AMG C43 and the Audi S4, the Germans have been ruling over the sports-sedan market for decades now. As a matter of fact, these cars are so good that their nearest, and possibly only, rival hails from the UK in the form of the Jaguar XE R Sport – and even that struggles to match the finesse and precision of, let’s say, the “Beemer”. But a few months back, Infiniti created waves when it announced its all-new Q50S Red Sport (previously known as the G37) – a 400hp car that could be pitched against this formidable German line-up. The Q50S quickly became the defining face of the company’s short line-up of cars and became one of the standalone sedans from the “land of the rising sun” to rival the Deutschland trio. However, as with most sports cars of today, there’s a toned-down version of the Q50S Red Sport – complete with a retuned engine and suspension, and comfort seats – and that’s the variant (Q50 3.0T) I’m given the keys to this week. But from where I’m standing, I find it hard to tell the difference between the two cars – and I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing for Infiniti. Don’t get me wrong: the Infiniti Q50, looks great from every angle, even without the “S” bumpers and large wheels as seen on the Red Sport or the regular Q50S. But the real problem lies in the fact that the only difference with each variant is if you look closely for a red “S” badge at the rear boot-lid of the car – otherwise they look similar. Still, the design language is unmistakeably Japanese; it’s overly aggressive and perfectly proportioned. It’s hard not to be impressed by the sheer angles and

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curves on the body of the car. The headlights sit low and wide on the body, and are complemented by the spindle-shaped grille and 46cm 10-spoke alloys. The almost ornamental hood – which is chiselled and well-shaped – sort of reminds me of actor Matthew McConaughey’s jawline. In a nutshell, then, the Q50 is incredibly handsome; it’s almost flawless in styling. The interior is typical Infiniti: there’s a tinge of Nissan in certain areas (buttons, knobs and so on) but it still manages to mask that and remain unique with plenty of stitched leather and soft-touch padding all around the cabin. That’s something even the Germans don’t do nowadays. The seats are moderately bolstered, with abundant cushioning and adequate lateral support during cornering, while the rear seats can comfortably seat up to three adults effortlessly (if you are OK with seating a third passenger right in front of the AC vents). The centre console houses Infiniti’s finicky dual-screen Infotainment system, which, again, is distinctive. Is it purposeful? Perhaps. The second screen acts as a control panel for the car, displaying information such as driving statistics, fuel economy and so on. This allows you to use the car’s infotainment system without affecting the navigation screen on top. Truth be told: the dual-screens will take time to get used to but it’s still easier to use than other systems I have used in rival Asian cars. Now, let’s move on to the the drive. As defined by its name, the Infiniti Q50 3.0T comes with a stalwart

3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, producing 300hp and a stout 400Nm of torque. The engine is mated to Infiniti’s seven-speed automatic gearbox, which sends all the power to the rear wheels. The results? Well, the car effortlessly (almost a tad too effortlessly) hauls itself from a standstill, hitting the 100kph mark in 6.2 seconds. I’m sure that the car will launch itself off the mark even quicker if it were not for the hot midday heat (heat does affect the overall efficiency of the engine). There’s not much of a tone to the engine either but it is far from what I would call boring (it is a V6 after all). But like most turbocharged cars, the Infiniti Q50 suffers from turbo-lag, as the boost only builds up past the 2,500rpm mark. This means that you will have to predetermine your revolutions if you’re shifting gears manually, as a huge chunk of the torque is served up in one go (from 2,500rpm to 5,000rpm) before the engine hits the rev limiter. Honestly, it’s wiser to leave the gear shifts to the automatic gearbox, as it is designed to make the most of the torque available in lower rpms. The gearbox fuses very smoothly with this engine too, offering snappy shifts

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with very little jerkiness during normal driving. Shift the Drive Mode Selector switch to “Sport”, however, and you’ll be treated to a snappier gearbox, heavier steering and quicker throttle response. The electric steering is incredibly precise, if lacking in any real feedback. But all the Germans have adopted the same technology too, so I’m not complaining here. What I can say, though, is that the handling is excellent. The chassis acts very neutrally during normal driving and comes alive during more spirited driving. Even the suspension setup (even in this tame Q50) is very well-tuned. The car turns corners effortlessly, with a hint of body roll and understeer that only crept in when I took sharp turns quickly. Leaving the ESP on keeps things in check, but I found that it is possible to have a lot more fun when the electronic nannies were turned off. Upon doing that, I was able to slide the car into the corners, and let the rear wheels go haywire. The car loves to oversteer, even with the slightest of throttle inputs. But, again, you would have to nail your timing with the throttle, otherwise you will just end up with no power mid-corner. When things go right, however, everything is blissful. And thanks to the confidence-inspiring steering wheel, it is also incredibly easy to hold the line of the car. At no point does it feel like a handful to handle: you’re always in control of the car. By the end of my drive, I realised that Infiniti’s take on an otherwise German-infested market may not have only spawned the arrival of one of the best sports-sedans from Japan, but also one that will soon become a benchmark for other manufacturers to try to beat. Don’t believe me? Just remember this: even this Q50 3.0T – even without the thrills and frills of the “Red Sport” package – is still almost as quick as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or the Subaru WRX STI, and possesses much more space inside. Infiniti has really struck all the right chords, here. So, have their efforts worked? Only time will tell. Infiniti Q50 3.0T Specifications: Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 Transmission: Seven-speed automatic Horsepower: 300hp Torque: 400Nm Top speed: 250kph Rear-wheel drive InTouch System w/dual display screens LED headlights and taillights 46cms alloy wheels Sunroof 16-speaker Bose audio system Traction Control Dual-zone climate control Leatherette finished seats 8-way power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support ABS and EBD

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CARS ADVENTURES

1. Be impressed by the magnificence of La Mezquita 2. Take a stroll along the Caesar-built Roman Bridge 3. Wander around the Church of the Christian Monarchs 4. Enjoy the gardens of the Aristocratic Palace and Museum 5. Gaze at the Spanish paintings in the Museum of Fine Art

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OLD WORLD

Cordoba in Spain has a rich tapestry of old world charm.

Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Gemma Harrison recommends

CORDOBA, SPAIN

hen I was growing up in the 1980s, Spain’s tourist board used to regularly air a TV commercial with the slogan, “If you think you know Spain, think again”, which came along with shots of imposing old castles, scenic sierras and architecture as impressive as any in the world. The country’s tourism chiefs obviously wanted to sell their nation beyond the tired old stereotypes of paella, flamenco and bullfighting as well as the unflattering images of badly-behaved tourists in coastal resorts such as Benidorm, Torremolinos and Salou. And Cordoba is the perfect place to sample what Spain is really all about. It’s much less well-known than Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or Seville and that’s another reason to go. The Andalusian city was actually one of the grandest and most prosperous in the Europe of the Middle Ages, and boasted Europe’s first university. Strolling along some of its winding, cobblestoned streets is one thing but Cordoba can offer a stylish modern centre bursting with shops and some wonderful places to eat and drink. There are also plenty of parks and open spaces to visit when the kids start getting a bit fractious . Cordoba also offers some gastronomic gems all of its own. Make sure you have time to sample local dishes such as salmorejo (tomato gazpacho), oxtail stew, aubergines and honey, and cod with olive oil and oranges. The tapas is also excellent, as you would expect.

My favourite place La Mezquita. This awe-inspiring Unesco-listed masterpiece is Moorish architecture at its best, and is one of the finest mosques in Europe. In the 10th century, it represented the centre of Western Islam, and was a cultural magnet that rivalled Constantinople. Imposing gates (the Puerta del Pardon) lead you into a courtyard (Patio de los Naranjos) lined with fountains and orange trees. From here, you will enter the venerable prayer hall, and the imposing array of lofty arches (in white and rose-coloured stone) and columns pack a considerable aesthetic and spiritual punch. The Mihrab Nuevo, which displays the Koran, is a quite magnificent piece of work, having been built with a single slab of marble that was then engraved with ornate patterns and verses from the Koran. The mosque was converted into a cathedral in the 16th century, which accounts for its idiosyncratic appearance. Still, it reflects Cordoba’s multi-faceted cultural and religious heritage.

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Highlights

They like their flowers in Cordoba. Every year, there is a flower festival that awards prizes to the resident with the most beautiful patio. As a result, the owners of these don’t waste any time getting ready for it, and so many wonderful whitewashed homes are festooned with vibrant blossoms, blooms and bougainvillea all year round, with their doorways peppered with potted geraniums. The Gardens of the Royal Fortress are among the most picturesque in the city and offer a quite wonderful display of horticultural treasures. Another escape, in the centre of the city, is the Botanical Garden of Cordoba, which is full of resplendent squares lush with vegetation. You can stroll around the garden where you will find an array of verdant plants, shrubs, patches of aromatic herbs and fruit trees; all while enjoying the spray of the fountains.

Lowlights None, but everything seems to be closed on Mondays. Souvenirs You will find plenty of shops near La Mezquita hoping to catch your eye with their wares: Moorish jewellery,

precious stones and objets d’art. However, you are likely to find many similar items (at much more reasonable prices) if you venture farther afield, including the inevitable flamenco hats, dolls, pashminas etc. I’d avoid the guitars though; most look as if they have been made from plywood. For a more conventional shopping trip (clothes, shoes, handbags etc), head to the Plaza de las Tendillas in the Old Town.

Getting there

The nearest airport to Cordoba is Seville, which is a 40-minute train ride away. Emirates and Etihad both offer flights to Madrid (Spain’s capital), from which you can catch a connecting flight to Seville.

Where to stay For hotel options, check out Trivago, Expedia, Kayak, Hotels.com, Booking.com and the others. However, for a real treat, check out the Hospes Palacio del Bailio, a 16th-century palace that is now a hotel. There are plenty of reasonably priced boutique options, many of which offer balconies and delightful courtyards.

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-FI

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

TEEN TECH

THE TECH IN YOU

Alvin Thomas checks out some of the hottest devices on the market for tech-savvy teens SNAP AWAY Snapchat may not be the hottest and trending social media app anymore (since Instagram shamelessly incorporated live stories into their app) but that does not mean it’s out of the running. These Spectacles, which anyone can purchase, lets the user “snap” videos for up to 10 seconds. The on-board camera uses a 115-degree-angle lens – which supposedly resembles the human eye’s natural field of view – to give the viewers an almost natural viewing experience on Snapchat. These spectacles can be hooked on to Snapchat via Bluetooth or WiFi and transfers videos directly. It’s every Snapchatter’s dream. Yours for RO71.3 from Jadopado.com

GAME ON RE-KINDLE Not every teenager wants to vlog and be on Instagram or Facebook all the time (if you do, you need help). Some like reading too, and the Amazon Kindle is the best way to carry thousands of books on-the-go. It does take the fun away from holding a real book but it still has its own set of perks. The Kindle (which you can have in white or black) now comes with 4GB of in-built storage, and lets you listen to audio books via a Bluetooth speaker. Amazon’s book store is ever-growing too, meaning, you can now have all your favourite titles at the touch of a button. Apart from that, you also get four weeks (!) of battery life. Yours for RO30 from amazon.com

VLOG IT

LET’S FACE IT: YOUTUBE IS CURRENTLY FILLED WITH TEENAGERS FILMING STORIES ABOUT THEIR DAILY LIVES. IT’S CALLED VLOGGING (VIDEO BLOGGING), AND WE PERSONALLY THINK THAT SOME OF THEM ARE GOOD AT IT. BUT, IF YOU ARE NEW TO THE SCENE AND LOOKING TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL VLOGGER YOURSELF, THEN YOU BETTER GET READY TO PRODUCE SOME HIGH-QUALITY VIDEOS. AND THAT’S WHERE THE DJI OSMO MOBILE COMES INTO PLAY. THE DEVICE ESSENTIALLY ALLOWS YOU TO SHOOT SILKY-SMOOTH VIDEO FOOTAGE USING YOUR PHONE, THANKS TO USING A GIMBAL STABILISER. IT ALSO HAS CONTROLS THAT WILL LET YOU PAN AND START RECORDING VIDEOS OR SHOOTING PICTURES. OTHER PERKS INCLUDE SMART TRACKING, WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO TRACK A SUBJECT (USING THE DJI GO APP), AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO CAPTURE SOME STUNNING MOTION TIME-LAPSE FOOTAGE. THIS IS THE CHEAPEST WAY TO GET STARTED WITHOUT A PROFESSIONAL RIG. YOURS FOR RO115 FROM AMAZON.COM

EDITOR’S PICK 038

At first glance the Asus Strix GL502 seems to be the ugly duckling of an otherwise visually stunning range of laptops. But don’t let looks fool you because this laptop is one of the best budget gaming laptops out there today. Underneath the uninspiring design lays a quad-core Intel Core i7-6700HQ processor clocked at 2.6GHz; 16GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070, with 8GB of RAM; and a 1TB hard drive coupled with a 256GB SSD drive. All of this means you will be able to crank up all your graphic-intensive games, and still with consistent frame-rates. Yours for a mere RO500 from amazon.com

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THE SIMS 4

ave you ever aspired to live the life of a rich businessman or an A-list celebrity? Their daily routines – houses, the money and the attention they receive – can be very enticing, right? Don’t worry, kids. You can now do that, and more, in Sims 4. While what I just wrote will make sense to the millions of youngsters (teens, pre-teens and the whole lot) who love and adore the game, it can be perceived as a tad worrying by anyone who doesn’t fall into that age category, or despises games such as these. But let’s not get bogged down by specifics and get to reviewing one of the best-selling games of all time. Sims 4 may have been released three years ago, but it recently received a new “Vampires” pack – which adds vampires, gothic elements, new aspirations and new skills to the already pre-existing mix. It adds a bit more glee to the already interesting game, if you ask me. The standalone game is fun. And if you’ve played Sims (Sims, Sims 2, Sims 3) before, however, you will feel right at home. The game carries over most of the features from previous iterations that made this game unique. You can still choose your avatar – alter his or her looks as per your own wish – and proceed into the simulated world. And what do you exactly do in this world? Well, you exist alongside hundreds of other Sims. The world is quite large, and there are a lot of things to see (and things you wish you didn’t see, thanks to Sims trying to copy real-world habits). However, as with most Sims games, you’ll find yourself roaming around the towns frequently making friends and learning new skills that can help you make some money. If I have one complaint, it would have to be that the world can get monotonous after a few days of gaming. Still, the revamped interactions, graphics and the streamlined user interface makes for a very fun experience. Some big changes from the previous versions include the inclusion of layered actions, which lets your Sim function like a normal human being – chatting over a spot of dinner with your friends or enjoying music while having a conversation. Hardcore fans of the series will be pleased with the game, and the game’s new updates. However, if you’re new to the series, you will find yourself needing quite a bit of practice before you can hop into the game. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself clueless – sort of like me – in the real world.

App of the Week

APPLE MUSIC Teens love music. Actually, everyone loves listening to music. Sadly, however, the best music streaming apps such as Spotify and Pandora aren’t available in Oman yet (legally, at least). So if you’re looking for an app that streams music, you’re stuck (yes, stuck) with Apple Music. It doesn’t have the best music library, but you can still find all the latest in music here. There is a subscription fee if you want to access the music libraries, but you can download the app for free from iTunes and Google Play.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

SHAPE UP Summer is almost here, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to hit the gym. For those who missed their workouts during the mild winter, here are our suggestions to get back to a workout regime in style and comfort, such as with this ensemble from JCPenney.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

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

Track your workout with this ultra-chic Lightweight FitBit Alta fitness wristband. Witness your progress and level up your regime, and buy this at Sun & Sand Sports, from RO13

Most fitness trainers recommend wearing comfortable clothes that encourage you to work out. This dipdye active-wear T-shirt from Marks & Spencer is what you need for a perfect workout. From RO7

Muscat has some amazing places to run, and these cool running tights from H&M will make the experience even better. From RO13

Keep yourself hydrated as well as motivated with this infuser water bottle from New Look. From RO3

For those of you who want to show off your sculpted biceps and triceps, why not buy this fast-drying, breathable mesh running vest from H&M? From RO7

Heading straight to the gym after work? Just pack your gear in this large-size, stylish black Gymshark duffle bag. Available at Sun & Sand Sports, from RO19

Just like your outfit, comfortable shoes are a necessity. Make sure they fit correctly and give your toes room to wriggle. Try these chic, black-and-grey mesh trainers for size, at Next. From RO13

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BEAUTY

GLAM IT UP W

hether you’re looking to enhance your daily beauty routine or for tips to add glam to your style for an upcoming special occasion, Hollywood’s red carpet is the best source for trends and inspiration.

1. Get glowing with toner

Celebrities always seem to have a special “glow” on the red carpet, with dewy, fresh skin. This effect is intentional and it all starts with proper hydration. To achieve luminous skin, Matin starts by spraying the face with a toner or rose water to balance the skin. He likes to pair this glowing look with dramatic eyes and a soft pink lip.

2. Apply foundation

Get flawless skin thanks to perfectly blended foundation. For better application, Matin's quick tip is to always warm the foundation first. “To get a sheer wash of foundation, I warm the foundation up in my hands before evenly distributing it on the brush and then I wipe the excess off the back of my hand,” he says. “This helps it blend seamlessly into the skin.”

3. Prime the lips

Simple tips for recreating red carpet looks at home Fortunately, many of today’s hottest looks are easy to create at home. Celebrity make-up artist Matin Maulawizada has tips to help you recreate your favourite red carpet looks in less time than you’d think.

4. Swap lip liner for concealer

Matin recommends shaping the lip line with concealer rather than a lip liner to add definition. Contouring around the lip creates a natural-looking full pout. The bonus is that it prevents any colour from bleeding, just as a liner would.

5. Bring out your natural beauty

Tinted lip balms are great for a beautiful, subtle lip. Matin’s go-to is ChapStick Total Hydration Moisture + Tint because it adds a hint of colour to enhance the lips’ natural colour, while providing moisturising benefits the lips need. It’s currently available in three shades ( Rose Petal, Merlot and Coral Blush) so there is a tint for any occasion. “Tinted lip balms are perfect for creating a naturally beautiful lip look,” says Matin. “Not only do they provide alluring colour to the lips but it is also easy to maintain throughout the night.”

Whether you’re going for a nude lip or a bold hue, sometimes all eyes are on the perfect pout. Before applying any product to the lips, it’s important to ensure they are prepped and smooth. Matin starts with ChapStick Total Hydration Conditioning Lip Scrub to gently exfoliate the lips and remove any dead skin cells. “I love this scrub because it is made from naturally-sourced ingredients, including sugar crystals, maracuja and coconut oils, shea butter and vitamin E,” he says. “It leaves the lips soft and smooth and turns them into a perfect canvas for any other products I will apply.”

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Health Fashion

6. Use soft shades for a dramatic eye

One of Matin’s favourite trends seen on this year’s red carpets is the pairing of a sheer lip and strong eye. This classic look is ideal for any age because it lets your true beauty shine while drawing the focus to the eyes. Matin recommends using a lighter pencil to get started and then smudging with a brush. You can use a powder shadow to fill in space and add definition. “For a dramatic eye, start with softer shades until you get the hang of it,” he says. “Use beige, taupe or grey to get a smoky effect that adds depth and drama.” With these simple tips, anyone can recreate popular trends and add some glam to their daily look. You may not be walking down a red carpet but you will be sure to get noticed and feel beautiful. For more information on Matin’s favourite lip products, visit www. chapstick.com. * BPT

Beauty

Fashion

HEALTH

BREATH CONTROL

5 tips for maintaining fresh breath all day

e all know the feeling. Starting off the day with fresh breath from a minty brush gives you the confidence to tackle your day. But that feeling starts to dissipate after our first meal, and the fresh feeling from brushing is slowly replaced with the fear of bad breath. So, how can you maintain that deep clean feeling in your mouth throughout the day? GSK Consumer Healthcare medical expert and dentist Dr Jim DiMarino shares a few handy tips:

Get chewing

Bad breath is often caused by food particles and debris that get stuck in and around your teeth. Dr DiMarino says: “I recommend that my patients chew sugar-free gum after meals to promote saliva production and free bits of trapped food. Look for gum that contains xylitol, an ingredient that inhibits the growth of oral bacteria.

Tame your tummy

In some cases, bad breath can also arise from excess stomach acid. A good way to fight this is to start your

morning off with an alkaline-rich green juice, made with ingredients like kale and spinach, which can ease a sour stomach. Follow up with a glass of water to balance the pH of your mouth to keep your teeth strong.

Floss on the go

“We all know about the importance of flossing,” says Dr DiMarino. “When food and debris aren’t removed, they promote bacteria growth, causing the release of volatile sulphur compounds that lead to bad breath. Flossing doesn’t only have to happen at home; store single-use flossers at your desk at work or in your car for use on the go.”

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

A dry mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. Drinking water helps to prevent bad breath by assisting to clear out unwanted debris and bacteria. It is important to try to drink water with every meal to ensure you get at least oneand-a half litres per day.

Brush your teeth

Choose a toothpaste that will give you a deep clean. “I remind my patients of the importance of using the right toothpaste, especially if you have sensitive teeth,” says Dr DiMarino. “Get the multiple benefits of new Sensodyne Deep Clean toothpaste. Its formula provides advanced cleaning, lasting freshness and sensitivity relief.” Conquer your day by brushing with Sensodyne Deep Clean, which features foam boost technology and delivers a full, minty flavour. When enamel is worn away or gums recede, the dentin underneath becomes exposed, which can lead to sensitivity and pain. With twice daily brushing, Sensodyne Deep Clean works inside the tooth to help calm the nerves for 24-hour sensitivity protection. Dentists have recommended Sensodyne toothpaste for sensitivity relief for more than 20 years. Learn more at https://us.sensodyne.com/. * BPT MAR 23 - 29 / ISSUE 463

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FOOD DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

SHAKE IT UP

Nutritious after-school snacks that include dairy and fruit will go a long way in keeping children healthy and happy.

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TOP BANANA Let kids refuel by giving them their favourite snacks with healthy ingredients they won’t even notice

fter a long day at school, kids need a chance to unwind. Often that down time involves physical activity, and a nutritious snack is the perfect way to make sure kids are ready to take on their free time with gusto then recharge to keep going until bedtime. A busy schedule may make the temptation for unhealthy convenience snacks strong but it’s actually easier than you think to refuel with good-for-you foods on the go. One simple trick: use kids’ favourite ingredients in unexpected ways. For example, these Chocolate Banana Muffins show that a glass isn’t the only way to enjoy chocolate milk. When you use a nutrient-rich option like TruMoo Chocolate Milk, you can feel great about serving up these muffins to your whole family. It’s a nutritious and delicious treat for adults and kids alike, whether you enjoy it on its own – served cold or hot – or as an addition to recipes. It’s made with fresh, white milk sourced from local dairies, pure cocoa and just enough natural sugar to make it taste great. It’s a nutritious and delicious treat for adults and kids alike. What’s more, there’s no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial growth hormones and no GMO ingredients. “The protein, vitamins, minerals and great taste in TruMoo Chocolate Milk can help kids meet their nutritional score in every pour,” says American dietitian Leslie Bonci . “The protein and carbohydrates included is the perfect ratio to help replace electrolytes lost after engaging in after-school sports.” Find more delicious after-school and after-sports snack ideas at TruMoo.com. * Family Features

Chocolate Banana Muffins Recipe courtesy of the Mommy Hates Cooking blog on behalf of TruMoo Makes: 18 muffins Ingredients: § 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour § 1/2 cup sugar § 2 tsp baking powder § 1 tsp baking soda § 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg § 1/4 cup baking cocoa § 1 1/2 cups TruMoo Chocolate Milk/or other brand § 4 tbsp butter, melted § 1 tsp vanilla extract § 4 large eggs § 3 medium bananas § old-fashioned rolled oats Heat oven to 190 C Method: § Mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and cocoa. Add in the milk, butter, vanilla and eggs. Continue mixing until a batter is formed. § Mix in the bananas. Add a spoonful of batter to greased muffin tins; fill to about halfway full then sprinkle batter with rolled oats. § Bake 25 minutes, or until golden on top.

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FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

get d u B ndly frie

REVIEWS

Info Box KWAN XI

Location: Building 1532, Al Khuwair (Near Ibis Muscat) For Reservations: 2429 9998, 2429 9997 Buffet lunch for two: RO16

MUCH ADO ABOUT SOMETHING

Verdict : 5/10 SERVICE 5/10 FOOD 8/10 AMBIENCE Chinese buffet-style restaurant that has a stylish decor Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

CHRISTINE KARAN HEADS TO KWAN XI FOR A TASTE OF THE EAST BUT FINDS A FEW TEETHING PROBLEMS AT THE RECENTLY OPENED CHINESE RESTAURANT

hen it comes to Chinese cuisine outside of China there is always a debate about its authenticity. I had first tasted real Chinese cuisine during my first trip to Shanghai years ago; it was instant love at first taste! The aroma of finely roasted, steaming-hot Peking duck and dumplings in hot soup were beyond my expectations and broke all my presumptions about the cuisine. When Kwan Xi opened its doors in Muscat last week (I am not sure if it has any connection with the region of Guangxi in southern China), memories of my Shanghai trip came alive and my mouth drooled with the still-lingering tastes of dumplings and duck. My parents and I decided to visit the restaurant for a Friday lunch. My mother, who is a vegetarian, was a little hesitant but she is aware that most Chinese restaurants in Muscat do have vegetarian options. All set and excited as we stepped in, we were greeted by friendly staff, who escorted us to our table. At first glance, the restaurant looked absolutely beautiful and was adorned with Chinese paintings in soft pastel colours and a brightly lit dining area. It was also nice to see

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came in various forms. But there still weren’t any vegetarian options available. Now to my favourite part; the dessert. There THE HOT DUMPLINGS WERE THE were a few Arabic sweets, cream cake, a unique ABSOLUTE BEST. THEY WERE corn cake, a chocolate fountain with fruits set on AUTHENTIC, TASTY AND FLUFFY the side to dip them in and finally a variety of AND CAME IN VARIOUS FORMS ice creams. The sweets were unfortunately dry as they were kept openly on the tray. I liked the unique corn cake. It was soft with a mild sweetness a few Chinese staff greeting us as it lent the to it, with bits of corn in it which gave it a lovely establishment a more authentic feel. Once seated, we asked for a menu and we were crunch. Finishing our meal, and as we paid out the told that they served only buffet and no a la carte. bill we saw a handwritten notice in English and The fact that we were not given a choice made us hesitate. However, we decided to take a look at Arabic, saying, “for every 100 grammess of wasted food, RO2 will be charged”. While I understand the buffet spread. As we considered the options and respect that we shouldn’t waste food, I feel the we could see lots of seafood and beef lined up. statement was a bit rude. Not much of a beef or seafood lover, I asked for Would we visit the restaurant again? Well, chicken options and the waitress nonchalantly told me that only a dumpling stuffed with chicken was maybe, if they have a drastic menu change and offer a la carte too. For the locals and expats like available. Left with no other choice and a bit disappointed, me, only seafood and beef options may not really I asked for vegetarian options and the girl guided work. However, for meat and seafood lovers this us to “Chinese Fried Rice” – mixed with shrimps! could be the place for you. We also discovered the salad had a few shrimps tossed in for good measure. It looks like the word Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see “vegetarian” has a different meaning here. Pity my reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com mother had to opt out of lunch. Feeling a little deflated, my dad and I decided to try the options on offer in the buffet. I tried the fried rice, noodles, fish balls in soy sauce, pickled cucumbers and some glass noodles. All the dishes had an over powering seafood aroma. The fried rice lacked any flavour – just plain boiled rice with some veggies and shrimps tossed in. The glass noodles on the other hand had a wonderful texture. Except for the overpowering “fishiness” in it, I liked it very much. My dad got excited when he spotted slices of “spiced duck” (as the name read), beautifully placed near the salad bar. He served himself a piece and brought me a small slice, too. The duck tasted great except that it was cold and we are not cold meat eaters. With all this being said, my dad and I have to concur; the hot dumplings were the absolute best. They were authentic, tasty and fluffy and

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