Y Magazine #468, April 27, 2017

COMPETITION: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST LOTUS ELISE WALKS THE TORQUE News: NEW TOURISM 10 DEVELOPMENT FOR BARKA

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EVERY THURSDAY NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR

BEAUTY: For your eyes only HEALTH: Inner peace

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

APR 27 - MAY 03 2017 / ISSUE 468 • WEEKLY

SAILING FOR GOOD

PLUS!

SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT ONE WAVE AT A TIME

GREEK GETAWAY

36

GIRL POWER

38

COACHELLA CHIC

40

COMPETITION

EDITOR’S

NOTE

Are you a fan of Beauty and the Beast? Then you have to check out our new competition on Page 16!

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

SHORT-STAY VISAS Tourists visiting the Sultanate will now have to pay RO20 for visa regardless of how long they are here for, the Royal Oman Police announced this week.

Before, tourists could buy a 10-day visa for RO5.

GOING DOWN

OUT-OF-DATE MEDICINES According to media reports, the Public Authority for Consumer Protection has seized 90,000 packets of expired medicines from a company in Seeb, in what can only be good news for residents of Muscat.

THIS WEEK… Team Y had a great time taking a Maserati Quattroporte on a road trip to Sifah, enjoyed some down time with friends and family and are firmly back in the swing of the school routine after Spring break.

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

Fast forward

C

an you imagine sailing around the world with your family to raise awareness about marine ecology and climate change? Well, that’s exactly what one intrepid French family has embarked upon.

Veteran sailor Philippe Poupon, his actress wife Géraldine Danon and their three children have been circumnavigating the world’s oceans for the past eight years and this week arrived in Oman to highlight climate change and protecting the seas.

Officially welcomed by the Ministry of Tourism in Salalah last week, the family is now in Muscat and has joined forces with the Ministry to spread their message. It’s an inspirational story and a truly remarkable journey, in which they’ve travelled more than 120,000km in their polar expedition sailboat, Fleur Australe.

Elsewhere, we head to Sifah in Destination, road test the Lotus Elise in First Drive, check out a new Indian restaurant in Al Hail South and launch a new Beauty and the Beast movie competition.

Have a wonderful week!

editor@y-oman.com

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi MANAGING EDITOR Felicity Glover SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR Nishad Padiyarath

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APR 27 - MAY 03 / ISSUE 468

03

contents

APR 27 - MAY 03 2017

Your Oman

This Week

06 Coffee With Y

DJ Rosh

16 Competition

Enter our Beauty and

the Beast contest

08 Voice Of Oman

Emily Shotter 10 News

Tourism development

announced 11 Gallery

Warriors’ Challenge 12 Gallery

MINI Countryman

10

18 This Week

Beirut Nights 21 Movies

The Zookeeper’s Wife

Features 22 Cover story

Intrepid explorers arrive

in Oman 28 Y’s Got Talent

The auditions continue

22

13 News

New fines come into effect

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Al Khiran

Health and Beauty

34 First Drive

Lotus Elise 36 Postcard From

Nafplion, Greece 38 Y-Fi

Girl power

21 40 Fashion

Funky town 42 Beauty

The eyes have it

Food and Drink 44 Food Feature

Mexican fiesta 46 Taste Test

Grand Malabar Palace

44

43 Health

Inner peace

38 40

NEXT ISSUE...

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

osh

DJ R

One of the world’s top DJs ris ks missing his plane home to sit down with Y’s Alvin Thomas, ahea d of a key gig in Oman t’s not every day an international out

I

that he came up with the idea of disc jockey is seen in Oman, in Amsterdam” has already signed the “One Night in Amsterdam” fest and anyone who has lived here ival their biggest contract to ente r the in 2007, when he was in his final long enough will vouch for that in days Chinese entertainment indu a stry. in coll ege . heartbeat.

“Entering China has been our “In my early days, my parents So having got a hint from one of bigg est challenge yet. It is a difficult saw it as a hobby and didn’t bother my friends that Rosh – the popular mar ket to capture. Last year, when we DJ much about it. They were just happy were on with our show from the “One Night in Amsterdam in Ibiza, we ” I was off the streets,” laughs Rosh, festival – has the Sultanate in his met the CEO of a huge entertainm sights before going on to imitate ent his parents’ group in China, whi as a location for an upcoming bea ch owns more than ch “shocked” reaction to his decision event, I push the boat out to get an to 300 clubs. take up DJ-ing full time. interview.

“It took us a year to gain their But Rosh’s early days were not And the young DJ accepts and not trust and in Asia, business is all abo alw ays blissful. “Most aspiring DJs of ut only sets aside some time for our gaining trust. chat my time were considered loners – and but also risks missing his flight bac This June, Rosh will headline “On k to I was one among those too. e We weren’t Night in Amsterdam Amsterdam. ” in Shanghai and considered cool then.

Nevertheless, we meet at a coffee Beijing, and other cities in that cou “Everyone in the Netherlands ntry outlet in Oman Avenues Mall, and afte rwards wanted to become a football play DJ Rosh is waiting for me, having er “The possibilities are endless in then.” dressed like he would be for one of Asia,” he says. his But then the tables turned quickly performances.

“The number of people in Asia who for him after the sudden boom in In some ways, his attire even are coming to terms with the whole the music industry, which led to an resembles that of R&B superstar idea of electronic and dance music is and increasing demand for tale nted DJs. current Billboard chart-topping arti staggering. st, “This made me quite the desirab The Weeknd. le “It is unbelievable how they guy,” he says, as he holds on to his But before I can even introduce ove rshadow the western crowds now leather collar in a very amusing way ,” myself, he calls out to me in a very . he says, comparing the Asian crow Ros ds h’s to dec isio n to become a DJ friendly tone, saying: “Yo, Alvin. crowds from Europe. pan ned out , tho ugh .

As of today, he What’s up?”, thus breaking the ice.

“My recent analysis of music fest has collaborated with DJs like The ivals DJ Rosh, whose real name is Ros in the US and Holland is that the han Chainsmokers, Martin Gar rix and Binda, hails from The Hague in the number of people attending and Hardwell and Armin Van Burren the Netherlands, and is one of the few ; and corresponding revenues from thes sing e ers incl udin g Pha rrel l Williams, DJs that broke the music scene in events have gone down drastically.

Ma ckle mo re and Rya n Lew is.

Amsterdam “before DJ-ing became “Most of the people there are tire He’s also performed in more than d mainstream”. of the music. And unless we go forw 40 countries, including the likes of ard “I started DJ-ing when I was 15; to revolutionise ourselves, there’s and Canada, the UK, Croatia, Fra very nce, from my bedroom,” he says. little potential there,” he adds, poin Sweden, Norway and the UAE, to ting “I started with hip-hop and vinyl out that despite his beliefs, most of his name but a few. because I did not have the money shows are held across Europe and Tomorrow (April 28), “One Night the to buy digital equipment. And that US. , in Am ster dam ” will hav e its debut I believe, is what set the tone for me Our conversation then turns to how performance in Oman. But Rosh because if you can play hip-hop on mu ch Rosh loves Asia, and how you quickly steers the conversation tow ng vinyl, then you can play any type ard s tale nted DJs are emerging from the of his nex t goa l: taki ng over the Asian music anywhere. It really is that har region. d. market.

“It took a long time to get a hold And when I ask Rosh if he has any on “Asia is a booming market for DJs it. And I have to say that it has paid adv ice for young aspiring DJs, he says like us because this part of the wor : off because now I can simply hea ld “I just have one thing to say. Try and r the has only started with music festivals of produce your own mu beats and know how fast the music sic. And if it is such sorts. going. I don’t need to rely on digi clicks, you will be working with som tal “An e d I can tell you that in the next analysers and other gadgets for that of the best DJs and clubs in the .” five years’ time, Asia will be hosting Rosh is originally a Master’s world. some of the biggest music festival graduate in business from the Vrij s of e all time – ours included.

Have you got a unique story to tell? Cont Universiteit Amsterdam, and poin act us to ts Rosh and his brain child “One Nig have coffee with Y and be featu red in Y Mag ht Email: editor@y-oman.com

06

APR 27 - MAY 03 / ISSUE 468

azine.

This is not a Mall

IT’S AN EXPERIENCE # ShoppingDestinationOman

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THE VOICE OF OMAN EMILY SHOTTER ON WHAT TO FEED YOUR CAT

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Should health and safety regulations be toughened to protect workers in Oman?

ROE GONZALES

W

e humans adore our feline friends but taking care of them isn’t always as easy as it seems. Whether you have your own fur-family or just feed strays, you should be careful about what you are giving them.

Milk is probably the number one offender when it comes to “helping out the kitty that was starving”. Most cats become lactose-intolerant after a few weeks old. So it’s important not to feed them cow’s milk. Stick to good, old plain water and a little cat food or meat, or get kitten milk from the vets.

When it comes to food, supermarket brands are fine for feeding those who would otherwise be starving. But I feed both strays and my own cats a better choice of food to keep them healthy. Top of the brands are those such as Orijen, Applaws, Taste of the Wild and other high-protein, lowgrain varieties. However, Royal Canin is good enough for most.

Cats are carnivores so they need lots of protein. We love to treat our cats but remember that carbs are not good for them. So it is fine to give them chicken and beef but if you’re feeding them that exclusively, be sure to include taurine and other elements essential for their well-being. Most good brands have taurine and other vitamins and minerals included so the hard part is taken care of for you.

One final warning: beware of humangrade tuna. It can cause long-term health issues and, in the short-term, cause upset kitty tummies. So as an occasional treat, it’s fine but for mine, I avoid it altogether.

NEXT WEEK: ALVIN THOMAS 08

APR 27 - MAY 03 / ISSUE 468

Absolutely! Job-related injuries are something that responsible employers should avoid. Not only does this make good sense from a moral standpoint but it also makes sound financial sense. When a workplace is safe, workers feel more comfortable and confident when they are in that environment. Workers want to do their jobs in a safe environment so that they can concentrate on doing the best job possible.

AWAIS KHAN

Blue-collar workers are the unsung heroes in the development of infrastructure in Oman. Their health and safety should be prioritised and the government should also ensure that there is no cut in their wages in the name of health and safety.

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE

Definitely, yes. Health and safety is important because it protects the well-being of employees, visitors, and customers. The health and safety of each employee in any field and type of work; whether it is a blue-collar or white-collar job, should be a priority for any company or employer in Oman. A company’s most valuable asset should be protected and that is the people working for them. I am aware that some companies in Oman don’t have such clear-cut policies regarding health and safety and that is the reason behind high turnover and absenteeism. Companies in Oman that do not

WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN

give priority to health and safety regulations should be penalised by the authorities. Workplaces that neglect health and safety risk prosecution and may lose staff, increase costs and reduce profitability. A healthy and safe working environment produces happier employees and this results in higher productivity and greater job satisfaction.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

Without any doubt all kinds of safety regulations exist in Oman but somehow their implementation is not being strictly monitored by safety officers for reasons best known to them. The safety regulatory authorities must impose heavy penalties on defaulters. The strict safety regulations will boost workers’ confidence and their productivity as well.

ANTONY VETTIYAZHICKAL JOSEPH

Although safety wise, many construction companies, car repair garages and major companies follow governmental regulations, to some extent it is anyone’s guess as to how seriously these are observed. Having safety and health regulations beefed up is all very well but unless they are adhered to and stringent action is taken against the businesses that do not then these regulations will just gather dust.

PARUL JAIN

It is said that if you lose wealth, something is lost; if you lose health, everything is lost. So, health and safety regulations need to be toughened up. The Government of Oman has taken an excellent step by giving longer lunch breaks due to heat stroke.

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Many similar steps are now needed.

And these should not only be due to the fear of the government baton but also as a part of a company’s social responsibility for a safe and healthy work environment. Companies should have a welfare policy for saving costs by reducing absences and improving the performance of employees in the workplace. Increased productivity is the main benefit of an effective workplace safety programme. Regular medical check-ups, increased insurance cover and sickness leave should be granted.

The wearing of safety gadgets as a part of the uniform must be mandatory.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) indicates worldwide that there are 340 million occupational accidents and 160 million victims of work-related illness annually. This number could be reduced by tougher safety and health regulations. Workers in various fields risk their lives for our comfort. We need to take steps to ensure their safety.

Broken tools can be replaced but men cannot be.

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/YTABLOID

expatriates and their employers should treat them with more respect. Their lodgings should also be made more comfortable so that after a long and tiring day they should at least feel relaxed and come out fresh and alert for their work the next day. Moreover their working hours are relaxed as they are the unsung heroes who are always neglected.

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SNEHA PRAJEESH AND ROSHNA SURESH WERE SPOTTED WITH THEIR FAVOURITE Y MAGAZINE IN MUSCAT

MOHAN ANANDAN

Workers’ safety must be of paramount concern for any organisation. Organisations that play with the lives of hapless workers by evading safety norms must be given harsh penalties and forced to adhere to tougher safety regulations.

A safer work place is an unequivocal expression of respecting human dignity and labour.

USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI

Yes, there is every need to toughen health and safety regulations. I am sure there are many blue-collar SYED BOKHARI workers who are not getting the Definitely. Health and safety regulations required free medicare, and there must be toughened to protect and is not a lot they can do about it. safeguard Oman’s workers. Throughout It could be that major industrial the world there are strict rules and firms and big companies provide it, regulations for workers regarding but there does not appear to be an their health and safety that include effective monitoring system to ensure medical assistance. In Oman, where that they are. the workers have to work in the open in There needs to be continual vigilance, the sweltering heat, their health must checks and counter- checks by be a priority as well as a humanitarian vigilance teams to ensure that workers obligation too. The workers are mostly are not placed at a disadvantage.

THIS IS YOUR SPOT! Just send us your picture with Y Magazine or pose with our photographer and we will publish it on this page

Send it to: info@y-oman.com

New Debate:

According to the World Economic Forum, Oman is the fourth-safest country in the world. In your experience here, what has contributed to this global accolade?

Share your view with us on Facebook and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

APR 27 - MAY 03 / ISSUE 468

09

YOUR

OMAN

NEWS

RO250M RESORT AGREEMENT SIGNED

DRUG I PRICES MAY FALL IN OMAN

n a bid to boost tourism in Oman and make headway in the Sultanate’s ambitious tourism strategy for 2040, the Ministry of Tourism and the Palm Beach Company have signed an agreement for one of Oman’s most prolific projects – the Al Nakheel Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) development – in Barka.

The RO250 million development project will include a traditional souk, three hotels and numerous hotel apartments, 1,436 residential units, a shopping mall, an international school, other entertainment and service facilities, and to top it all off, a themed water park.

The development agreement was this week signed by the Minister of Tourism, Ahmed bin Nasser al Mahrizi, and Hussain Jawad, the chairman of the board of directors of the Palm Beach Company and the Alargan Towell Investment Company – the primary investor in the project. When completed, the Al Nakheel ITC project will span a total area of 500,000 square metres.

However, the standout feature of the project is expected to be a 51,000 square metre crystal lagoon and promenade overlooking the 830-metre beachfront.

In an interview with local media at the signing ceremony, al Mahrizi was quoted as saying that the agreement was intended to be a “direct translation of the role the private sector is playing in the

implementation of the Sultanate’s tourism strategy for 2040.

“Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed the signing of a number of agreements with various private sector companies to develop new ITCs, each of which will provide a variety of modern accommodation and tourism facilities for both tourists and locals.

“Today, we have signed yet another agreement, this time to develop the Nakheel project in the Wilayat of Barka, which is directly in line with our objective of having the private sector play a greater role in the implementation of the Sultanate’s tourism strategy of 2040,” the minister added.

The project will be developed in three phases over the course of 10 to 15 years, and construction for the first phase of development is expected to begin in 2018.

A

45 per cent profit cap on medicines introduced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) may bring down prices of medicines at local drugstores, the Times of Oman reported earlier this week.

According to a recent circular, the MOH said that the profit margins of medicines cannot cross 45 per cent.

“The price of selling medicine shall be based on the price of the port of entry [CIF] as approved by the technical committee, plus a profit margin of 45 per cent [19 per cent to the agent/ wholesaler/distributor and 26 per cent to the pharmacy/retailer],” the circular said. The circular was published in the official gazette last Sunday, which replaced Ministerial Decision number 74/2017.

The report also quoted Ministry officials as saying that some pharmacy agents and retailers charged more than a 45 per cent profit on medicines.

“When compared to some of our neighbours, drug prices were higher in Oman, and this new cap may help in bringing down prices of medicine. This is a GCC-wide initiative to standardise medicine prices,” the official added.

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ROAD ACCIDENTS IN OMAN DECLINE

O

man’s efforts to reduce road and trafficrelated accidents have started to see the light of day, with the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) revealing a drop of nearly 29 per cent in the number of recorded incidents in the first three months of this year.

The number of road accidents in the Sultanate during the first quarter of 2017 declined by 28.8 per cent to 895 incidents, from 1,257 during the same period in 2016.

Road accidents in January, February and March 2017 were reported to be 318, 287 and 290, respectively. Meanwhile, the number of injuries fell to 691, a drop of 16.3 per cent. Meanwhile, the number of deaths stood at 150, which is a decrease of 6.3 per cent compared with the same period last year.

“This drop in the number of accidents and deaths may be an achievement for the ROP. And to an extent, it is commendable. However, we need to aim for an accident-free country. We are such an advanced country and yet we force ourselves to make mistakes on the road,” Ali al Barwani,

the chief executive officer of Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA), told Y. In March, the Governorate of Muscat logged the highest number of road accidents with a share of 27.6 per cent of the total mishaps in the Sultanate, followed by the Governorate of South Al Batinah at 20.3 per cent. The governorates of A’Dhahirah and South A’Sharqyiah recorded 11.7 per cent of the total road accidents in Oman.

Another factor the NCSI noted was that 61 per cent of road accidents were recorded to have occurred during the day.

“Respect the rules of the road, and don’t underestimate the task that is at hand,” Ali al Barwani advised.

WARRIOR WINNERS

GALLERY

OMAN AVENUES MALL’S WARRIORS’ CHALLENGE CAME TO A CLOSE LAST WEEK, WITH THE ULTIMATE WINNERS OF THE GIANT OBSTACLE COURSE ANNOUNCED. MUNTASER SAIF AL KALBANI ENDED UP TAKING THE OVERALL WIN, COLLECTING A 24K GOLD MEDAL FOR HIS STERLING EFFORTS.

Let’s make every trip a #Journey2Remember Wherever you go, Shell Oman makes your journeys memorable.

For more than 50 years, Shell Oman has innovated to add value to every trip you make. With over 180 Shell Service Stations, Quality Fuels, Shell App, Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus technology, Shell Cards, deli CAFÉ and many more innovative products and services, Shell Oman gives you more reasons to be part of your journeys.

Let’s keep discovering.

Share your photos or videos of your trips in Oman on Facebook or Instagram. Use the hashtag #Journey2Remember. Post more and get more likes on each entry to increase your chances of being one of our 30 winners of RO 50 worth of Shell Fuel Cards each. Hurry!

Submit your entries by 18 May 2017. For details visit www.shelloman.com.om Winners must collect their prizes on or before 21 August 2017.

C.R. No.1/57123/0

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Location: Dhalkut, Dhofar

APR 27 - MAY 03 / ISSUE 468

011

YOUR

COOL COUNTRYMAN

OMAN

MINI RECENTLY LAUNCHED ITS ALL-NEW COUNTRYMAN AT AN EXCLUSIVE EVENT AT AL MOUJ, WHICH WAS ATTENDED

BY MINI OWNERS, ENTHUSIASTS AND THE MEDIA, THE HATCHBACK WILL SIT ALONGSIDE THE COOPER AND CLUBMAN, BUT IS EXPECTED TO PACK A NEW AND POWERFUL TURBOCHARGED ENGINE. ACHINT CHAUDHARY, BUSINESS HEAD OF AL JENAIBI INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOBILES, ADDRESSED THE EVENT AND UNVEILED THE CAR TO THE PUBLIC.

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NEWS

GALLERY

HEFTY FINES FOR LITTERING IN OMAN H eavy fines for littering, food poisoning and various other offences came into effect from Tuesday (April 25), according to a report in the Times of Oman.

According to sources at Muscat Municipality, littering will cost you

RO1,000, and restaurants that give customers food poisoning will face fixed fines of RO2,000 and possible closure.

Owners of multi-storey buildings not complying with cleaning, pest control and proper disposal of waste are also subject to a fine of RO300, the sources said.

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YOUR

EXCLUSIVE LADIES’ DAY

OMAN

THE WINNERS OF Y’S LADIES’ DAY OUT COMPETITION GATHERED AT MARKAZ AL BAHJA MALL LAST WEEKEND FOR A RELAXING AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES, AND ENJOYING SPECIAL SERVICES, SUCH AS HENNA SESSIONS, TALKS ON HEALTH AND WEIGHT LOSS, AS WELL AS A SPOT OF RETAIL THERAPY. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!

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NEWS

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I

t is one of the world’s most enduring fairy tales, capturing the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Written by French author Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and first published in 1740, the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast is back on the big screen for contemporary audiences.

The live-action movie, based on Disney’s animated version, stars Emma Watson as Belle, a beautiful, independent woman who is taken prisoner by the Beast (Dan Watson) in his castle.

But as Belle befriends his enchanted staff, she soon learns that what lies beneath is what really counts and that inside the Beast is actually the kind heart and soul of a Prince.

Audiences and critics alike have praised the movie for staying true to the story and the music, making it one of the must-see films of 2017.

Best of all, Y Magazine has a special competition for our readers to enter! Our first prize winner will win a pair of tickets to see Beauty and the Beast, as well as an exclusive branded jewellery box and tote bag. Four runners-up will win a pair of movies tickets to watch the film.

To enter, all you have to do with answer the following question:

Who stars as Belle in Beauty and the Beast?

Email your entries to

editor@y-oman.com

no later than the close of business on Monday, May 1, 2017. The winners will be announced in our May 4 issue.

Good luck!

• First Prize: one pair of movie tickets

to see Beauty and the Beast + an exclusive branded Beauty and the Beast jewellery box and tote bag

• Four runners-up: one pair of movie

tickets each to watch Beauty and the Beast APR 27 - MAY 03 / ISSUE 468

017

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

SEE YOU ON COURT!

SNAP TO IT

APR

28

It’s a shaping up to be a big weekend for volleyball players in the capital, with the 7th annual Ladies Volleyball Tournament kicking off tomorrow at Bustan Club Wadi Kabir. With 22 teams participating, the tournament is promising to be a thrilling day for both players and spectators alike. Catch all the action from 9am to 4pm and don’t forget to cheer on your favourite team!

THIS

WEEK

MAY

1 to 30

Photo : Mathias Cramer

A new photography competition has been launched

by MTCCramer Marine Conservation (MTCMC), but you’ll have to get your costume on and head beneath the beautiful blue waters of Oman. Participation is free and there is a variety of prizes to be won for the top three photos. The competition has three subdivisions: marine flora and coral photography; marine fauna (excluding coral) photography; and grayscale photography. For more details and to enter, email mtcramermarineconservation@gmail.com or search for MTCramer Marine Conservation on Facebook.

Y Magazine and the Grand Hyatt Muscat have joined forces to offer our readers a chance to win dinner for two at Beirut Nights. We have five dinner-for-two vouchers (dinner and soft drinks only) to give away and to enter, all you have to do is answer the following question: What is the name of the Lebanese executive sous chef who is heading the Grand Hyatt Muscat’s Beirut Nights?

Email your answer to editor@y-oman.com no later than close of business on Monday, May 1, 2017. Good luck!

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

A P R I L- M AY Celebrate the soul of Lebanon at Beirut Nights, the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel’s themed evening, which is held every Thursday from 7pm to 10.30pm in Mokha Cafe. With Lebanese executive sous chef Mohamed Najdi and Lebanese resident DJ Rudii, Beirut Nights is a fun evening filled with Lebanese culture, food and music. With a selection of delicious cold and hot mezze, followed by mouth-watering Lebanese grilled kebabs and locallysourced seafood, it’s an authentic experience. The Lebanese evening is priced from RO15 per person. For details and bookings, call 2464 1234 or email muscat.dining@hyatt.com.

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APR 27 - MAY 03 / ISSUE 468

Beirut Nights

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Top

of the World’s Safest Countries

❶ Finland

❷ ❸

❹

Iceland

Oman

UAE

❺

❻

Hong Kong

Singapore

❼ Norway

❽ ❾ Rwanda

Switzerland

❿ Qatar

Source: World Economic Forum 2017

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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

Free Fire

The Zookeeper’s Wife Jessica Chastain appears to be Hollywood’s go-to actress when you want a woman for the job, not a girl.

In short, if you want anything said, get Jennifer Lawrence; if you want anything done, get Jessica Chastain.

So for her latest outing, she has turned to an ignoble part of history, and it’s a part Chastain is tailor-made for.

In a true story, she plays Antonina Zebinski, a Warsaw working mum who becomes a heroine to hundreds of people fleeing the Germans during World War II. When Poland is invaded by the Germans, Antonina and her zookeeper husband Jan (Johan Heldenbergh) find themselves having to report to the Nazis’ chief zoologist Lutz Heck (Daniel Bruhl).

With hundreds of innocent people being hunted down in Poland, the two must work with the Resistance to provide shelter and help those who would otherwise be forced into captivity.

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 Antonina Zebinski in The Zookeeper's Wife ?

After coming up with a plan to transform the zoo into a farm, Antonina ventures out into the city, ostensibly to pick up trash from the ghetto. Except that she is picking up people to hide and eventually transport to safety.

Working under Heck’s beady eye is a challenge and particularly as he begins to take a shine to her.

Who says never to work with children or animals? Chastain is terrific, with a nuanced, endearing performance packed with courage, compassion and fear.

Bruhl is also excellent as the complex Lutz.

It’s a difficult film to watch at times (obviously) and animal lovers might find it hard-going. But none were harmed during filming, as you’d expect.

It’s a stunning movie, and if you can cope with the subject matter, it’s a mustsee.

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.

LAST WEEK'S WINNER Nicole Galera

Contact: Movie enquiries 2460 7360

When Justine (Brie Larson) accompanies Chris (Cillian Murphy) and Frank (Michael Smiley) to an illegal gun deal in a desolate warehouse, it doesn’t go according to plan. Pretty soon, the bullets are flying around and don’t stop through most of the movie.

From then on, it’s a matter of taking cover, and finding out who you can

trust. The film is set in 1978, although the only clues appear to be the suit lapels and shirt collars and the fairly obvious inference that the buyers of the weapons are the IRA. It’s a hugely enjoyable crime thriller, with a nod to Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs and anything by Scorsese (who gets an executive producer credit here).

The Promise In the last days of the Ottoman Empire, this one follows a love triangle between Michael, a medical student; the beautiful Ana, and Chris, an American journalist based in Paris. A big screen romance set against historical events? It’s the type of film that is going to fly, or flop. And I think it’s definitely the former despite some controversy. Some ghastly internet trolls have tried to diss the movie (how they could have seen it already I don’t know) because they disagree with its historical perspective. Set in 1915, the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians remains controversial.

However, it makes for a weighty yet highly accessible film. Oscar Isaac stars.

Long View WONDER WOMAN Well, it was inevitable that this superhero would get a reboot sooner or later. For those of you old enough to remember Lynda Carter in the TV version of the 1970s, this feels like a grittier, earthier version. Instead of being a secretary who twirls, and transforms herself into a lean, mean fighting machine, this time Diana (Gal Gadot) is a warrior who has grown up on a sheltered island paradise. When an American pilot crashes on it, and tells of a massive conflict going on in the outside world that needs leadership, there is only woman for the job.

Stars Gal Gadot, with Chris Pine and Robin Wright.

Oman Release Date: June 22

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A SEA

CHANGE An intrepid French family with a taste for maritime life and a dedication to preserve marine ecosystems was welcomed to Oman this week by the Ministry of Tourism. Alvin Thomas reports

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here’s a beautiful saying that was coined by the writer Augustus Hare, which avows: “Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail and mankind the vessel.”

While the saying can be extended into a metaphorical school of thought – and one that Augustus made as a reference to life itself – one French family has taken those words to heart, setting the ball rolling for the formation of an extraordinary tale.

It’s the story of a French family whose members have taken matters into their own hands in the hope of bringing a change; and one that they hope will alter the way we think about Mother Earth. And to accomplish their motto, they have taken up the treacherous yet compelling task of circumventing the globe.

Yes, folks. We aren’t holding back on the details any further. We are indeed talking about the adventures of sailor Philippe Poupon, the actress and director Géraldine Danon and their three children, who, for the first time ever, have set foot in Oman in their efforts to spread awareness on climate change and, above all, protecting the seas.

“The only effective way we could see to make a change in millions of people was by approaching them personally, and letting them know some of the environmental issues we currently face,” says Philippe, in an exclusive interview with Y Magazine.

They have crossed continents to spread awareness, and at the same time have also analysed water bodies and worked out remedies with local governments and environmental protection agencies.

Philippe, 62, the captain, is a veteran sailor who has participated in events including the Vendee Globe, the OSTAR, and Route du Rhum – all highly challenging yacht races. His wife Géraldine, 48, is a film actress in France, as well as a theatre director, actress and producer.

But before we delve further into their work, let us bring into perspective the extent of their journey. Initially setting sail from the coast of Alaska in 2009, the family has traversed more than

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Philippe Poupon

The captain/skipper and navigator Age: 62

120,000km of rough seas, treacherous waves and hostile winds in their polar expedition sailboat, Fleur Australe.

The Fleur Australe is a 20-metre polar expedition sailboat, designed by Poupon himself, and able to withstand freezing temperatures.

Since they set off, the family has visited Greenland (Arctic Circle), the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Australia and even Antarctica. However, this year, the family started their journey in January from Turkey (Istanbul),

the Ministry of Tourism. The family and the Ministry are joining forces to bring awareness on the effects of climate change and to provide realtime observations on the state of the oceans.

HE Ahmed bin Nasser al Mahrizi, the Minister of Tourism, said: “The Ministry of Tourism and its office in France are very proud to have organised the expedition of the French sailing ship Fleur Australe to Oman.

“We warmly welcome the French family; Poupon, Géraldine and their children to our

THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND ITS OFFICE IN FRANCE ARE VERY PROUD TO HAVE ORGANISED THE EXPEDITION OF THE FRENCH SAILING SHIP FLEUR AUSTRALE TO OMAN. “WE WARMLY WELCOME THE FRENCH FAMILY; POUPON, GÉRALDINE AND THEIR CHILDREN TO OUR COUNTRY, TO EXPERIENCE OUR SEAS AND OUR LANDS, OUR CULTURE AND OUR VALUES. AND AS THEY SAY IN FRANCE, ‘BON VENT’. – HE AHMED BIN NASSER AL MAHRIZI, THE MINISTER OF TOURISM then Lebanon (Beirut), Israel and Egypt, after which they entered the Suez Canal and then headed towards Djibouti and Salalah, Oman.

This week, however, they set foot on the shores of Muscat, where they were received by Photos courtesy of Ministry of Tourism

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country, to experience our seas and our lands, our culture and our values. And as they say in France, ‘Bon Vent’.”

“Oman is a wonderful country,” says Philippe.

“Very rarely do you find countries that take

Philippe Poupon is an experienced sailor nicknamed “Philou” by his fans. He was a member of Eric Tabarly’s crew in the 1977-78 Whitbread round-the-world race, and went on to build a reputation as a solo sailing star in the Vendee Globe, Route du Rhum, and the Solitaire du Figaro, which he won three times. He currently handles the Fleur Australe’s navigation and takes care of the yacht’s mechanics.

“Zero risk does not exist. I have a heavy responsibility on my shoulders but we put every chance on our side with careful preparation. I cannot dream of a better adventure than the one we now share with our family,” he says.

very good care of their heritage and culture. And from my time here, I have learned that Omanis are very hospitable people. My wife and I and our kids are all very happy to be here.

“But we are all here on a mission: to share the message of protection of nature and the seas. And our aim is to first reach out to the children, who are the future of the country.”

In the process, the family made an appearance at the Lycée Français de Mascate school, at Airport Heights in Muscat to give the students an idea about how they can do their part in marine conservation, and also offered tips to share with their friends

and family on the “importance of protecting Mother Nature”.

“We just spent one hour to talk and share our stories and our message with the kids today.

“They asked a lot of questions and also shared a lot of their concerns with us. We do this in every country, and we even screen the movie we have shot from our time sailing, and show them what we have to talk about.

“But at the same time, we try to inculcate the dream of setting sail in their minds by sharing our experience of being a family at sea.”

The sailor goes on to explain how hard it has been for his kids at sea,

More accustomed to working in front of the camera or treading the boards, Geraldine went to the other side of the lens to bring back movies and books of the family’s adventures while assisting the Gèraldine Danon Assistant skipper and actress/director captain and ensuring that life on Age: 48 board for her family is safe. She is also in charge of the ship’s daily logs and communicating with the outside world to let it know of their mission. She says: “I like this exciting and intense sea life. I love the adrenaline that it entails; entering the sea, deep diving, confronting elements or wild animals is my life.”

since they do not get to interact with other children when they are sailing.

But he adds that they spend a lot of time with children when go ashore tand visit schools.

“They love it, though,” Philippe says.

The films that are showcased to the students are all directed and produced

by Gèraldine. She is also instrumental in keeping daily log reports on their voyage to spread their valuable message.

However, before we can delve further into the family’s stay in Oman, Philippe raises the issue of littering and degradation of marine life.

“Our sailboat is equipped with probes that allow temperature readings, salinity measurements and daily water sampling to complement these measurements. There’s also a submerged camera that can capture images at a depth of up to 30cm to allow us to identify floating waste in the areas.”

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Loup embarked on the sailing expedition of his life at the age of nine. He braves all the storms when sailing, despite being seasick. But, being a curious youth, he is also the first one to observe Loup Lamazou Danon whales and sharks when they Age: 17 pass by.

He then points out how Oman has work to do if it is to replenish its marine ecosystem.

“When we were docking our boat, we saw a lot of garbage and plastics floating around the whereabouts of the shore. A lot of people in Oman rely on fishing as a source of income, and I think we have to educate the fishermen firstly not to dump the plastics at sea.

“These plastics can then harm the fish, turtles and other marine life. The fishes or turtles could get tangled in the plastic and then die of exhaustion and lack of food, or even worse, they could eat the small pieces of plastic.”

Philippe, however, goes on to praise the Omani Government and the Ministry of Tourism for taking a stand to implement laws governing littering at sea. But says that the problem of littering is much more than what he has witnessed in other countries.

“It is time to stand up. If we do not, then it will be too late to protect our reefs and other marine life. Moreover, this can affect us humans too.

Because when you are going out for swimming, if you get tangled in big plastics or abandoned fishing nets, you could lose your life.

“We are not scientists, though,” he says.

However, Philippe points out that the readings that are taken from the sailboat are sent to Météo France, the weather forecast agency, as well as to various conferences and studies in France.

Much of what Philippe says is echoed by Christopher Clarke, an environmental manager

at AlSafa Environmental & Technical Services in a recent interview with Y. He says: “Studies have shown that there is an imbalance and degradation of marine life in Oman.

“And one of the causes in this is abandoned fishing nets.

And we have found animals that have swallowed these plastics or bits of these nets. Some animals also have been entrapped by the plastic waste and finally smothered to death.

The Poupon family, however, are all set to spread their message. “We have a packed schedule ahead of us,” Philippe says.

“We have planned to do a beach clean-up and environment awareness festival at Masirah Island.

The activities are organised by the Environmental Society of Oman. The family will also give a presentation to Oman Sail’s promising sailing stars from the Omantel Youth Sailing Programme – who have now claimed the throne as “the most successful youth squad in the GCC”.

Also on the itinerary are visits to the Wadi Shab Turtle Reserve, Al Baleed Archaeological Park, the Museum of the Frankincense Land, Misfat Al Abreen, Al Khaluf Sugar Dunes, the National Museum and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, among other destinations.

Following their short stay in Oman, the family will then head back to

Like her brother and sister, Laura attends CNED classes (distant education classes) every morning.

Laura Poupon She loves baking Age: 11 and also prepares good cakes while they are at sea. She is also responsible for keeping a lookout for icebergs and other dangerous obstacles. When the yacht is stuck in ice, Laura is also handed over the task of spotting nearby polar bears.

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sea, and continue their voyage. “We will soon be heading to Mumbai, where we will carry on our works,” says Philippe.

“I have heard that the lakes and surrounding water bodies are in a very bad state – much worse than in any other city we have seen. So we are prepared to be taking part in clean-up drives and other initiatives.

Marion was only six months old when she embarked on her journey with her family. She Marion Poupon even took her Age: 9 first steps when she was in the Amundsen Gulf. She is a very keen bird-watcher, and loves to spot albatrosses. She also knows the name of many the birds.

Philippe Poupon and Michel Joubert.

Beti The 20m boat was built using thick The pet dog that aluminium. It has a lifting keel, completes the family.

Beti has accompanied divided rig and a powerful long-range the Poupons on their engine. epic adventure, apart The yacht also has a helm station and from their trip to Antarctica. an observation deck to keep an eye out at the sea day and night.

“At the end of the day we only have one goal: to protect and serve Mother Eight sailors can be on board at any Nature.”

The Fleur Australe expedition is supported by the French Ministry of given time. To ensure safety, there are Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and the Sea, and the family received official certification to contribute to scientific and educational two rescue boats on-board, survival maritime expeditions, which helps to improve knowledge of the world’s seas and oceans. suits, and two distress beacons.

Meanwhile, the bulkheads are Fleur Australe is a watertight and almost everything is polar expedition in doubles on the boat: there are two yacht that has been annexes, two engines and two radars. specially devised The yacht is also equipped with for all weathers at probes that allow temperature high latitudes. It readings, salt water measurements, Fleur Australe was designed by and can also take water samples.

– the yacht

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Y’S SEARCH FOR THE KING AND QUEEN OF COOL OF MUSCAT’S COLLEGE CAMPUSES CONTINUES. IMPRESS OUR JUDGES AND YOU COULD WIN A SHARE OF RO4,500 IN PRIZES

W

ith just seven more auditions to be held and 14 spots to fill for the Grand Finale of Y’s Got Talent, our search for the overall Mr and Ms Cool of Muscat’s colleges is certainly heating up!

With 10 finalists already making it through to the Grand Finale with impressive performances, we’ve nearly reached the halfway mark of the competition.

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

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students in Muscat and reward them with exciting prizes.

“We’ are nearly at the halfway point,” says Felicity Glover, the managing editor of Y Magazine. “And this means that there are only 14 more spots available. We are expecting the quality to be even more intense from now on.”

In the audition phase, which will continue in May, 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!

THE FINALISTS SO FAR DANISH SHUJA – Dancer /

Middle East College NOREEN HASSAN – Singer / Middle East College KEVIN JACOB THOMAS – Pianist / Waljat College of Applied Sciences AISHWARYA VINAYA SEKHAR – Dancer / Waljat College of Applied Sciences PRIYANKA BOBBY – Dancer / Scientific College of Design YOUSEF AL KITANI – Dancer / Scientific College of Design AMUR MOHAMED AL WAHAIBI – Actor / GUTech AMJAAD AL SHUKAILI – Singer / GUTech MOHAMMED SALIM KHAMIS AL ADHALI – Singer / Oman Tourism College RUQAIYA AL BADI – Poet / Oman Tourism College

PARTICIPATING COLLEGES

• Waljat College of Applied Sciences • Middle East College • Caledonian College • Oman Tourism College • Scientific College of Design • International College of Engineering and

Management • National Hospitality Institute • College of Banking and Financial Studies • Modern College for Business and Science • Oman College of Management and Technology • GUTech • Bayan College APR 27 - MAY 03 / ISSUE 468

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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Capital Region Azaiba • Amara

Dermatology Clinic • Audi Showroom • Bentley Showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol Station • Mazda Showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen Showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking

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Skincare Centre • Kargeen Caffe • KFC • MacKenzies Café

& Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Papa John’s Pizza • Pizza Hut

• Saharz Beauty Salon • Starbucks Al Murtafa’a • Bank Muscat • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf &

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

Muscat-4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of

Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega

Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental

Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of

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

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Adventures

Fa s h i o n

Health

Fo o d

LIFE STYLE

FIESTA TIME

It’s all about the spice in Food this week, where we create Mexican inspired snacks – P44.

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E S T I N AT I O N C a r s

P o s t c a r d s Fr o m

Y- F i

Gaming

Destination

IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT ROAD Photos: Alvin Thomas

ALVIN THOMAS AND HIS BROTHERS HEAD OUT OF THE CITY IN A MASERATI IN SEARCH OF A HEAVENLY HIGHWAY

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snaking far into the horizon. The biggest fear of driving on this stretch of road is the sheer drops to the sides. One mistake could see you tumbling down the rocks. So you have to be extra careful to stick to the speed limit here.

The greenery is scarce but it is just enough to break up the sepia of the mountains. It really is a beautiful sight, and it would be the perfect setting for a movie shoot if the temperature conditions were right.

However, as we delved deeper we saw a huge mountain rising over the surface. This incidentally is also the entrance towards Yiti road. But, we weren’t planning on exploring Yiti, and therefore stuck to our plan of finding the best driving road in Oman.

And boy, were we in for a treat or what?

The entrance to the road is marked by a tall mountain that rises over to obstruct your view of the sky. From here, we were completely in the shade so the temperature was perfect. We put down our windows to let some fresh air into our car.

A few metres into the drive, we came face-toface with what we were searching for: the twists and turns. So we set our car in “Sport” mode and gave it a boot full of throttle; all within the legal limits, though. The sound of the wailing Italian engine set the mountains alive: it was like nature and man becoming one to create a symphony.

And what a symphony we made. We even caught a few tourists filming our drive, and showing us the thumbs up as we drove along.

There are no sheer drops to worry about here, as the path takes you deep through the bowels of the rocks. But, I couldn’t help but think of the blood, sweat and tears the workers must have shed during the making of this road.

We ate up miles without knowing it, reaching the apex of the famous road to Al Khiran in just a few minutes. And it was here, where we hit an epiphany: to the left is the beautiful lake that is fed by the Arabian Sea, and to the right, the mountains.

And cruising along in a Maserati, we couldn’t help but cue Matt Monro’s song On Days Like These from the movie The Italian Job. For the duration of the song, the three of us kept quiet, only concentrating on the twisty road that stretched ahead while soaking up the beauty of the mountains that seemed to be painted across the horizon – sort of like a landscape painting.

So, at 11.30am, we marked our memorable journey by coming to a halt on the side of the road to discuss the highlights and lowlights of the Yiti-Sifah road.

And for the first time ever, we came to a mutual conclusion – and one that we never thought we would come to: we had just scaled one of the best driving roads not just in Oman but also one of the best in the world.

And as the golden-voiced Mr Monro sings, it really is on days like these that I remember singing songs and drinking… Coca-Cola.

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HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

umour has it that Oman has some of the best driving roads in the world.

It’s a bold statement that should have many car enthusiasts up in arms.

However, in a recent episode of the BBC’s Top Gear, presenters Matt Le Blanc and Chris Harris took a road trip from Dubai to Jebel Akhdar, during which they ascended the mountain roads that led up to the Anantara al Jabal al Akhdar resort.

It was striking but I reckoned we could go one better; you know, because we know the place better and all. Thus the idea grew: why not try to find the perfect driving road in Oman – and one that anyone can head to in their sedan or sports car?

After all, the roads of Jebel Akhdar can only be accessed by SUVs. The platform for our search was set this week when we took the keys to a Maserati Quattroporte – an Italian super-sedan – and our point of interest was the road that connects Yiti and Sifah, through Al Khiran.

People around the area clam up when anyone asks about this road as they want it to be as untainted by traffic as it can be.

But we have known about it for a while and therefore decided to head there to take some pictures and possibly to find out if it is as good a highway as several people we know claim it is.

My two brothers (Allen and Jijin) and I started early in the day, for no apparent reason since traffic isn’t something to worry about here. We headed onto Al Bustan road from Ruwi. From there, we took the turn-off towards Qantab.

Up until then, the roads were pretty straightforward with only light traffic.

However, we quickly found that the road to Qantab is truly one to behold. It is a series of ups and downs (with no twists and turns) and is the perfect location for testing your car’s capabilities, as it stresses the engine while going uphill.

But we knew that this was only the start. So, we continued on our way into the whereabouts of Wadi Mayh and the Yiti, which is past Al Jissah Street that overlooks the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa. And this, for me, is where the real driving road that we were looking for kicked off.

From here on, both sides of the road are occasionally surrounded by tall mountains, with the road

From Muscat, take the exit towards the Qantab road. Keep straight and then take the first exit from the Yiti roundabout.

You have reached the Yiti-Sifah road. There are a series of bends and climbs that you will have to take to reach Al Khiran.

GPS coordinates: N23°32’28.8” E58°’38’48.7”

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

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Photos: Alvin Thomas

Y’s motoring expert Alvin Thomas tests a sports car from a classic marque, and finds out that it really is the best of British

he automotive world is a funny place to be in: you have a multitude of large “Sports Utility Vehicles” (SUVs) lumbering along the roads, hauling passengers around and not doing anything particularly sporty.

Then we have sedans, which offer mediocre space and superfluous amounts of power; and pseudosports cars, which are nothing more than pretenders wearing vapid badges to mark their spots in the performance end of the segment.

And the car we are reviewing this week; well, it is the exact opposite. It is as bare-bones (size zero) and committed as Victoria Beckham in a performance with the Spice Girls yet as hardcore as David Beckham on a football pitch. In other words: it is a thoroughbred performance car.

It is the Lotus Elise, and it has been touted as the epitome of British car engineering, or how Jeremy Clarkson (from The Grand Tour) would put it: a quintessentially British roadster.

Unveiled in 1996 as a performance roadster solely for enthusiasts, the Elise is still one of the very few cars that still manages to offer near-supercar looks, near-supercar performance and all for a fraction of the price of its rivals.

It’s little wonder then that the boffins from Lotus are not swimming in a pool of money. As a matter of fact, Lotus Cars is also currently owned by Malaysian car manufacturer Proton.

But don’t smirk even for a second because teeming along with Lotus is Formula One, 24 Hour Le Mans and an IndyCar racing pedigree – all high accolades in the industry. And my word, does it show off its blue-blood heritage or what?

You don’t look at the Lotus like you look at a normal car – figuratively and literally.

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Why literally? It is because it sits way down on the road and you’re inclined to think that it is – in essence – kissing the road surface. Why figuratively?

It is because you would have to be a phenomenal carenthusiast to actually buy this car.

The Elise is no normal roadster by any means.

Trust me when I say this: I’ve seen it sit next to a Lamborghini Aventador; and in comparison to the Elise, the Lambo looks like a sizeable sedan.

Finished in tangerine-orange, this Lotus doesn’t fail to impress in looks. It still looks like a hornet with its sharp LED-accentuated eyes, smiling grille and swooping air-intakes. The hood also comes with dual-reverse scoops, which are finished in a metallic mesh. The rear looks rather plain as well: there’s a large spoiler that runs the length of the car, round quad-LED tail lights, a large diffuser, and a mono exhaust in the middle.

The design-language isn’t groundbreaking or revolutionary, but it is extremely functional. Every scoop and intake you see serves a purpose. The intakes are designed to funnel air into the engine that sits in the middle, and the scoops dissipate heat efficiently from the radiator. The diffuser is designed to assist in the aerodynamics of the car and keep it planted at high speeds.

The interior on the other hand… well… there isn’t much of an interior. It is quite functional; you get two bucket seats that hug you in tight, a small thickrimmed steering wheel, indicator and wiper stokes, an air-conditioner unit (with a bunch of vents in the front and behind the seats), a Pioneer audio system, electric power window switches and an “Engine Start” button. Much of the interior is finished in lightweight tinny-sounding plastics but the seats are finished in leather.

Getting into the car is quite a feat, and one that will not fail to attract an audience. There’s only one dignified way to get in the car: you start with your right leg, then squeeze your body into the seat and finally follow up with your left leg. Getting out, however, isn’t dignified at all, and I suggest you park somewhere relatively remote to avoid being an internet meme.

But once you are settled behind the wheel of the Elise, things take a turn for the better. Because you sit low down in the car, there are acres of head and leg room, and adequate space to breathe.

Things only get better from here. Behind the seat – and in the middle of the car – lies a tiny little 1.8-litre Toyota-sourced four-cylinder engine, with a supercharger bolted onto it for extra oomph. The result is an overwhelming 217hp and 212Nm of torque. I say overwhelming because the car tips the scales at a mere 870kg (before I get in), and pumping 217hp in the car that weighs (figuratively) as much as a shoe, is quite frightening.

The result is a 0-100kph time of only five seconds but I reckon it will do a pre-five second run if the conditions are right.

Also, because the car is fitted with a six-speed gearbox, the chances of hitting that mark are even grimmer unless your name starts with Lewis and ends with Hamilton.

The gearbox in my test car is also quite crunchy – possibly because of a worn synchromesh system.

But when I did get things right, the experience was beyond words.

Much of the engine’s torque lies on the upper band, meaning I found myself revving the engine hard. This also unleased the brute whine from the mechanical supercharger, which you do not get to

Destination

P o s t c a r d s Fr o m

hear much these days. But, because the car comes with a supercharger, there’s also no lag from the engine.

For the most part, the Elise handles likes a go-kart, taking corners at insanely high speeds, and remaining poised in each and every corner. But feed in the throttle at high speeds and the back will step out vigorously. Still, there’s traction control and a torque-sensing limited slip differential to keep the power in check.

Oversteer is just one of the fun aspects of the car. Slap on some sticky rubber and you will be taking corners at post-100kph speeds (of course, I didn’t dare do that).

However, I did come across a hint of understeer. But I figured that it would be the work of traction control, trying hard to keep the power to the wheels in check.

The steering is well-weighted at high speeds, and it easily provides the most amount of feedback I have received from a car in a long time. You can feel each and every crevice on the road and adjust your turn-in depending on the corner. Where things start to get a bit sketchy is when you drive at low speeds. Since there is no power-steering, you will find yourself wrestling the steering in order to turn the wheel.

The only thing heavier than the hefty steering system is the clutch.

Driving this in stop-start traffic is a pain; and pain that will be visible to everyone outside the car – because, frankly, they will all be looking at you.

Keeping in tone with the idea of maintaining “driving feel” is the

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

suspension, which soaks up the bumps and translates to the driver and passenger inside. There’s also a fair bit of wind noise, tyre noise and panel grinding noise on entering the cabin.

But all of these faults are trivial once you get behind the wheel because the Lotus Elise is what driving was always meant to be. It is all about achieving harmony between man and machine, and for what it is worth, the Elise is, by far, the best sports car that I have ever driven.

And mind you, while its competitors such as the Honda S2000 and the 370Z may offer more in terms of practicality, it isn’t even close to the Lotus in terms of driving feel. And at the end of the day, I would not just term the Elise a super-lightweight roadster but rather a supercar killer, with looks to match and an oomph that is just scary.

Car courtesy of Dr. Nithin Raveendran Nair, Director of Axis Group, Oman Lotus Elise SC Specifications: Engine: 1.8-litre supercharged fourcylinder Transmission: Six-speed manual Horsepower: 217hp Torque: 212Nm Top speed: 233kph Power windows Pioneer audio system Keyless entry Limited-slip differential Removable hard top Traction control Anti-Lock Braking System Leather steering-wheel Bilstein sports dampers Ultra-leightweight forged alloy wheels Driver and passenger airbags Aluminium chassis ProBax bucket seats

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CARS ADVENTURES

1) Climb up to the Palamaidi Fortress 2) Stroll around Syntagma Square 3) Walk along the winding harbour path 4) Hop on a bus trip to Epidavros 5) Relax on the beach at Karathona

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GREEK GETAWAY

The town of Nafplion is a great weekend escape from busy Athens.

Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Chris Stauvermann recommends

NAFPLION, GREECE

G

reece began to rival Spain as a tourist hotspot in the late 1970s, and the Germans and the British then found another dozen or so Mediterranean resorts where they could fight over towels placed on sun loungers around hotel pools. But as Corfu, Crete, Santorini and Mykonos (all islands), and Athens pulled in the visitors, there was one gem that got left out, and thank the stars it did.

Built on a small peninsula on the east coast of the Peloponnese region, Nafplion is a beautiful town packed with Palladian mansion-style hotels, elegant town squares adorned with marble, a spectacular waterfront, and a labyrinth of winding streets lined with shops and cafes to suit every taste and pocket.

This coastal town was once the country’s capital before Athens took over in 1834. Now, Athenians like to come here on weekends to enjoy the pine-scented sea air while strutting around or loafing in the town’s resplendent squares wearing expensive sunglasses. It’s always a good thing to follow the locals.

PALAM

ID I F O R TRESS ON THE H IL L

My favourite place

Palamaidi Fortress is an 18th-century citadel, the lofty presence of which oversees the town and offers commanding views of Nafplion and the Argolic Gulf (off the Aegean Sea). It was actually built by the Venetians between 1711 and 1714. To see it will require a bit of effort, as there are around 1,400 steps (from the bus station) to take you right up to the edifice, which sits atop a rocky outcrop. Of course, you can take a taxi for about 12 Euros (RO5) if it’s too much for the kids, who will love gingerly exploring the old prison cells. Don’t shut the heavy, creaky doors on them though; you might not be able to open them again!

Highlights Nafplion reeks of the multi-cultural influences that have shaped its existence. At the centre of the old town

is the Italianate Syntagma Square, which is lined with historical Venetian and Turkish buildings. The atmosphere here is cultured and sophisticated, but laid back. No wonder Athenians love it. From the harbour, the coastal path is just a wonder, which you can stroll, or cycle with the gorgeous peacock-blue vista of the Arcadian mountain range constantly in view across the Argolic Gulf (with its island castle, the Bourtzi). Even if you don’t make the 2km from the harbour to the delightful beach at Karathona, you will come across a few pontoons on the way, from which you can jump into some azure (and very clean) water. It’s hot here, and even as late as October you can dive in. In the highly unlikely event that it rains, there’s the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation, which showcases fashion and décor over the past three centuries; the Archaeological Museum, the National Gallery and the War Museum. And what better way to enjoy a traditional Greek taverna than in a town as enchanting as this, even if all you wanted was a sweet Greek coffee and a pastry? It’s not just all Greek salad or fish and calamari here (magnificent though they are).

Try mezedopolio (tapas), or gemista (stuffed peppers and tomatoes) or a succulent lamb roast with potatoes, mustard, oregano and olive oil. For pudding, it has to be an almond tort or Ekmek Kataifi (custard and whipped cream pastry with syrup).

OS YNTAGMAT P L A T E IA S RE) T IO N S Q U A (C ON S T IT U

Lowlights

Traffic. It can be a little congested on the outskirts (if you are driving in) as vehicles are banned from the Old Town.

Souvenirs It’s not hard to find shops selling items made of olive wood, red coral, ivory and natural amber wood, as well as worry beads Getting there Nafplion is about 135km by road from Athens. Seven leading airlines operate flights from Muscat to Athens, with at least one stop on the way.

Where to stay

Look on the usual websites for options, such as Trivago, Kayak.com, Expedia and Booking.com.

You’d be silly not to choose one of the traditional, 18th-century Venetian-style options, though.

THE PA TH TO N A F P L IO N C IT Y BEACH

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

GIRL POWER Look good and feel great with a few devices to give your life a much-needed boost, says Alvin Thomas GLAM UP When it comes to designing beautiful accessories that even Jinx (from the James Bond flick Die Another Day) would proudly don, there’s only one name in the business that cuts the mustard: Kate Spade. That said, the Scallop Trim Tracker may not be the most sophisticated gadget out there today but it still comes with a builtin GPS and an activity tracker that can track your steps, sleep and water intake. If that isn’t enough, the jewelgadget can also control your phone to take selfies, play music and alert you with notifications. Yours for RO50 from katespade.com

SIZE ZERO TRAVEL PARTNER

Let’s face it: there are thousands of options for you to choose from when you’re shopping for a tablet. However, if you’re looking for the most stylish and functional, you should consider the Apple iPad Mini 4. At 6.1mm and 0.29kgs the device is seriously thin and ridiculously light, and despite that it still packs a 20cm Retina display and a robust A8 chipset. The latter means you will be able to play all your favourite games, watch and edit HD videos and even multitask. Apart from that, there’s also 128gigs of storage and an 8MP shooter out of the box. Get this for RO155 from all leading electronic outlets.

If you’re a woman who likes to travel frequently, you might want to consider the Raden A22 Carry travel bag. Setting aside the rather uninspiring name, you’re actually left with a very handy product: firstly, the travel bag is made up of high strength Makrolon® polycarbonates that will make sure your bag survives even the most careless baggage handlers.

Moreover, it also comes with proximity sensors for tracking, a weighing scale and also a 7,800mAh battery for your charging needs, which should make your life easier on the go. All of this is yours for a RO115 from raden.com

PRIME CONTENDER

EDITOR’S PICK

HEADPHONES ARE CONSIDERED MORE THAN JUST INSTRUMENTS OF MUSICAL REPRODUCTION, TODAY: WE HAVE COME TO A POINT WHERE THEY ARE MORE STYLE STATEMENTS THAN ANYTHING ELSE (THINK BEATS). BUT IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THE PRYMA HEADPHONES. WRAPPED IN ITALIAN-CRAFTED LEATHER AND CAST IN AN ALUMINIUM, COPPER, AND A STAINLESS STEEL CHASSIS, YOU WILL SURELY STAND OUT. YOU CAN EVEN HAVE THEM IN THE COLOURS OF YOUR CHOICE, PERHAPS TO MATCH THEM WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE. ALL THE INTERNALS ARE PUT TOGETHER BY SONUS FABER, SO YOU WILL HAVE PHENOMENAL ACOUSTICS TO COMPLEMENT THOSE LOOKS. YOURS FOR RO192 FROM PRYMA.COM

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MINECRAFT

App of the Week

M

inecraft is the best game I have ever played, period. Released back in 2011, no other game has invoked this amount of creativity in me, and I’m sure the many millions who have adopted this game will say the same.

In essence, Minecraft is a multi-platform sandbox adventure game, which allows users to roam around the designed world with minimal limitations – and to their will. The virtual world also allows users to explore this universe without any limitations but theoretically, there is an end in sight. The graphics aren’t 21st century but then again, the developers have cashed in on simplicity over extravagance.

The motto of the game is to survive and explore. You can use the building blocks to customise nearly anything you can imagine. I have seen players create some amazing castles, forts, and in one case, the Statue of Liberty.

But, as with any game, there is a steep learning curve to scale.

You have to start by collecting blocks of wood and then crafting them into wooden planks (this is an automatic process). As you proceed onto the game, you will have to start crafting tools such as pickaxes and wooden swords, etc. Once accomplished, you can slowly start to procure more complex items such as stones, coal and even iron. Everything you do has a consequence: for instance, you need coal to set a fire. Fire is necessary to explore a cave, which will then be your source for the iron ore.

There are plenty of online forums, which will help you progress throughout and although Minecraft is a standalone game, its popularity has led to a variety of licensed (and unlicensed) products, downloadable content, and more.

The game also offers you online (Survival) and offline (Creative) modes.

The former is fun, as you can explore and snoop on what other players are up to. However, if you’re not into being attacked (or snooped on), you’re better to adopt “Creative Mode”. You’re invincible in this mode but you’ll find that there’s no one to share your achievement with. So, my suggestion would be to head to “Survival Mode”. After all, that’s what this game is about: surviving all the elements it throws at you. Just like real life, one might say.

PERSONAL TRAINER Not everyone gets to hit the gym every day. Sometimes, you just have to wing it at home (literally!). And that’s where the Nike+ Training Club app comes into play.

As its name suggests, the app helps you take control of your workout sessions with the help of some big names in the business, like Serena Williams and Skylar Diggins, among many others. The app also helps you design personal workout sessions and meal plans to aid your cause. Yours for free from Google Play and iTunes

Info Box

MINECRAFT Developer : MOJANG Platform (s) : MICROSOFT WINDOWS, OS X, LINUX, ANDROID, IOS, WINDOWS PHONE, XBOX (ALL), PLAYSTATION (ALL), RASPBERRY PI, WII U, NINTENDO SWITCH, APPLE TV Genre : SANDBOX, SURVIVAL, ADVENTURE Mode : SINGLE, MULTI-PLAYER OR ONLINE

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

FUNKY TOWN While many of us couldn’t attend the recent Coachella festival in California, we were there in spirit. The famous music festival radiates a unique fashion vibe, which has inspired us this week with this look from Penneys (Ireland).

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 These trousers just scream fun, e hi get th Instag h flexibility and comfort. Whether or not t o you are going to a festival, don these From s you t tine on s i sassy-looking trousers by Zara. p r l he w Ch From RO33 o l Fol

T t Ge

We know temperatures are rising but you can still sport this River Island Aztec denim jacket and wear it like a cape. From RO30

It’s not all about looking like a rock chick, and you can favour a floaty, ethereal look with this back dress from H&M. A perfect fit for the summer season or for a weekend with friends. Fromr RO21

If you want to feel the vibe but still look feminine, why not go chic and comfy in this embroidered black skirt from NEXT? Day or night, you can wear this colourful skirt anytime! Buy this for RO24.5

Perfect for the summer, this white embroidered Bardot neck top from New Look is something you can wear anytime, anywhere. From RO11

We love these two-tone plimsolls from Zara. They are simple but flashy; comfy and compact, and perfect for a day out with friends and family. From RO13

Filled with colours, sparkles, mirrors and chimes, this New Look choker is a statement piece guaranteed to level up your look.

From RO7

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

Our lids, lashes and brows are under attack in summer so make sure you’re up for the fight, says Christine Karan

I

t’s that time of year again when sun-parched skin can render our complexions as dry as the desert, and our eyes need more protection than a pair of Prada sunglasses.

In this weather, caring for your face beyond your usual routine is even more of a challenge, especially when trying to organise family days out, outdoor activities or even simply hitting the swimming pool.

And your eyecare regime needs to be up to the job.

When eyeing up today’s ocular product ranges, it’s essential you pick those that are durable and versatile.

Do they provide that flawless look all day long? Are they waterproof ? Will they counteract perspiration?

With the recent trend of sporting thick eyebrows and long lashes for that signature “Arabian” look, we need products to provide benefits that won’t fade away after a few minutes in the water.

The good news is that many brand manufacturers know this and are introducing products to meet all our needs in the scorching summer.

Let’s start with eyebrows, which define the entire face. NARS Oural Brow Gel is the latest addition to the NARS range that will perfectly groom and keep your eyebrows’ arch in place, giving them a volume and intensity that will last all day long.

If you prefer keeping things tidy, and keeping your tools together, then 042

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Chelsea Boutique offers its Semi Permanent Premium Eyebrow kit.

With a “long-lasting” formula in its eyebrow powder, the stencils will level up your eyebrow game, even in water. Contour and highlight your eyes and brow bones with a single pencil to achieve an enviable look all day long.

Going for a swim and yet want to have your smoky eyes smudge-free? The Makeup Forever Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye shadow is your best friend. Create perfect eyes and forget about them as you splash around. We are sure your eye makeup won’t smudge.

Fake lashes or falsies were once used only for parties or occasions. But now, they have become the norm. With a wide variety available; from light, long lashes to thick and intense options, and some even peppered with stones, you can now upgrade your lash game. Again, Chelsea Boutique is the place to go. Made with mink, these soft multi-layered lashes will give a “pop” to your eyes but ensure they retain their natural vitality. More importantly, these are water-resistant and will stay on all day. You can also spruce them up with a final touch by applying Chelsea Boutique’s 3D Lift & Volume Mascara, which will neither smear nor flake.

So don’t worry about the summer, ladies, and don’t hide behind those large shades. Show off your makeup artistry, go out in the sun and have fun.

Follow Christine on Instagram

Hearmyshoestory

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL Sadhguru Jaggu Vasudev, one of the world’s most famous gurus, has a handle on how to stay happy. Here, Y tunes in to his teachings

S

ome of the world’s most famous names have opined on happiness; how to find it, achieve it and sustain it.

The Dalai Lama, writer Elizabeth Wurtzel and US politician Mitt Romney are among the notables to offer their take on the condition.

And it was the legendary British war time leader Winston Churchill, for instance, who said: “The way to achieve happiness is to try for perfection that is impossible to achieve, and spend the rest of your life trying to achieve it.”

But is reaching a sense of inner well-being and continual contentment an art or an exact science?

Sadhguru Jaggu Vasudev, the Indian yogi, mystic, poet and author, is a man who might know the answer.

He says: “What is happiness? We can say happiness is this or that but in terms of life, your life energies are happening in a more exuberant way than it normally happens.”

Although children are naturally happy with things as simple as an empty box or a bucket of sand and some water, the cost of happiness increases in adulthood, Sadhguru explains.

Many adults find that their happiness depends on outside forces, such as relying on someone else, obtaining something else, or engaging in additional activities.

“Everybody has been happy but the problem is they’re not able to maintain it,” Sadhguru notes.

“All this effort of life, everything that you did – education, career, business,

family, whatever you did – was in pursuit of happiness. “Everything that humanity has done on this planet is in pursuit of happiness,” he observes.

“But these factors can be seen as externally, rather than internally, driven.”

By contrast, another way to achieve sustained, long-term happiness involves starting from the inside.

Sadhguru’s latest book, Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide To Joy offers guidance on how to achieve long-term happiness by focusing on yourself.

The role of an Isha yoga practice, as outlined by Sadhguru, is one element in the process of developing sustained happiness.

Isha yoga can help individuals develop happiness from within by building confidence and health.

According to a recent survey of 536 adults who practised Isha yoga, 98 per cent reported better mental clarity, 94 per cent achieved improved inner peace and 92 per cent attained higher levels of emotional balance.

In addition, Sadhguru says his Inner Engineering course “helps you put your life on self-start so you become in charge of your happiness, joy, and peace”.

The course, which is available online, includes guidance on how to manage all aspects of one’s being: mind, body, emotions, and “the fundamental life energy within”.

For more information about Sadhguru and Inner Engineering, visit www. innerengineering.com or for Oman contacts, dubai@ishafoundation.org.

– NewsUSA APR 27 - MAY 03 / ISSUE 468

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FOOD DRINK

SPICE IT UP

The weather is perfect for Mexican-style snacks that include cooling watermelon and spices.

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Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

SWEET MEETS SPICY Fresh ideas for a fun fiesta menu

T

hereโ s no better way to spice up a party than by using unexpected ingredients in fun, flavoursome dishes and drinks. For your next fiesta, celebrate a star of the party with sweet and juicy watermelon.

Not only does watermelon lend a unique taste to your menu, itโ s also a healthy ingredient that provides natural

hydration with 92 per cent water content, along with the antioxidant lycopene and the amino acid citrulline.

These recipes show how, with a little creative carving, you can use the whole melon, including flesh, juice and rind, for big value and zero waste.

Find more fiesta-ready recipes at watermelon.org. โ Family Features

Cactus Carving

ยง Medium-large oval or oblong watermelon (seeded or seedless) ยง Cutting board ยง Paring knife ยง Dry erase marker ยง Kitchen knife ยง Scoop ยง Cactus cookie cutter ยง Small flower cookie cutters ยง Toothpicks ยง Fire and Ice Salsa (recipe below) Wash the watermelon under cool, running water and pat dry.

On a cutting board, place the watermelon on its side and cut off about 0.5cm from the stem end.

This will provide a sturdy base.

Reserve the end piece to make into a small cactus.

Stand the watermelon upright on the base. Use the dry erase marker to draw a simple outline of a cactus shape.

One-third up from the bottom of a watermelon, draw a straight line

around the back, taking care not to go through the cactus outline.

This will create a serving bowl for watermelon salsa.

Use a kitchen knife to cut around the outline, leaving just the bowl with the cactus attached. Scoop out the base to form a bowl.

From pieces of watermelon that were cut away, use cookie cutters to make cactus pieces and flower pieces to decorate with, and chop the rest of the watermelon to make watermelon salsa and watermelon margaritas, or juice.

Attach toothpicks randomly around the cactus to make thorns and decorate with watermelon flowers. Decorate the bottom rind scrap with toothpicks to resemble a short, round cactus.

Fill a bowl with Fire and Ice Salsa and serve with tortilla chips.

Nachos with Watermelon Avocado Salsa Makes: 8 servings Ingredients: ยง 1 avocado, peeled, seeded and chopped ยง 2 teaspoons lime juice ยง 1/4 cup chopped cilantro ยง 1 minced garlic clove ยง 1 can (113g) diced green chilies, drained ยง 2 tablespoons diced red onion ยง 1 1/2 cups diced watermelon ยง 450g fat-free refried beans ยง 300g corn tortilla chips ยง 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated ยง 1/3cup fat-free sour cream

and red onion and toss to thoroughly mix. Add watermelon and toss gently. Set aside. ยง Over a medium heat, heat the beans until hot. Mash if preferred. ยง Place the chips on a flat, oven-proof plate or baking tray and top with beans and cheese. Repeat layers as desired. Heat in the oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the chips are hot. ยง Top with the salsa mixture and sour cream.

Tip: Reserve some salsa to place in a bowl for dipping.

Method: Heat oven to 190C . ยง To make the salsa: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the avocado, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chilies

Fire and Ice Salsa Makes: 3 cups Ingredients: ยง 3 cups seeded and finely chopped watermelon ยง 1/2 cup finely diced green peppers

ยง 2 tablespoons lime juice ยง 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro ยง 1 tablespoon finely sliced green onion ยง 1-2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeno peppers Method: ยง Combine ingredients; mix well and cover.

Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

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Tr e n d

get d u B ndly Frie

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Info Box

MALABAR GRAND PALACE

First Floor, Mars Hypermarket, Al Hail South Opening hours: 9am-12am Tel: 2427 4992 Dinner for four: RO16.7

TASTE OF HOME

Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 6/10 FOOD 8/10 AMBIENCE Definitely worth trying if you are a fan of Kerala cuisine: “Thani naadan thanne” Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

MALABAR GRAND PALACE OFFERS ALLEN THOMAS AND HIS FAMILY A TASTE OF THEIR KERALAN ROOTS DESPITE A DEARTH OF DESSERT OPTIONS

T

here are few things better than spending some quality time with family.

And that’s what last weekend was about, when we decided to head somewhere to get away from the city.

But en route, and not far from our home, we found a new Mars Hypermarket on the slip road near Al Hail South.

Of course, we had to stop and check it out (yes, there goes our family time again).

As we strolled around the hypermarket, we discovered that a new Malabar Grand Palace restaurant had also opened on the first floor of the mall.

At the time, the place seemed to have a large crowd outside, which made us wonder what the ruckus was about. Just outside the restaurant was a traditional Kerala Chaiya Kadda, which was serving snacks such as bondas and samosas along with Kerala’s popular adichaya (a hot milky tea).

But what caught our attention was a notice, in Malayalam: “Do not talk politics and don’t ask for a loan.” This refers to the very Keralite way of talking politics with friends while having a nice cup of tea.

We decided to stop by for a cuppa after our dinner at the Malabar Grand Palace.

Aesthetically pleasing as it is welcoming, the Malabar Grand Palace gives you the vibe of a restaurant back home in Kerala. The amiable waiters took time to explain the menu and what specials were available. And most of the waiters, and the manager, were Malayalees.

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THE DISHES WERE CERTAINLY FILLING. TWO PAROTTAS DOWN AND I COULD SEE MYSELF PUSHING THROUGH THE THIRD

My brother declared that his choice was spicier than he was expecting (and had requested). Also, there was something about the beef that did seem quite “off ”. Although the curry was yummy the beef seemed to be tough, and my brother opined that it was perhaps a little undercooked. We then sampled the mutton, which tasted rather good.

The dishes were certainly filling. Two parottas down and I could see myself pushing through the third. My parents were quite satisfied with the puttu while my brother seemed to love the pathiri.

And being Keralites, we could appreciate cuisine from our home region.

When we were done, my brother and I were desperately in need of dessert, thanks to the spices that had come with our main courses.

To our chagrin (once again), a lot of the traditional desserts, such as fried ice cream, were unavailable. Therefore, my brother went for chocolate ice cream, my sister had vanilla and I had a falooda (a mix of nuts, fruits and ice cream).

Nothing exceptional on the dessert front perhaps, but the portions were generous and nicely topped with fruit.

Afterwards, we went and had a glass of adichaya, which was undeniably the star of the evening. With enough spices, the enriching taste of full fat milk just topped it off.

All in all, it was a fair dining experience if not exceptional, but fine for a family night out.

Another intriguing sight were the placemats on the tables: they were adorned with popular Malayalam movie quotes, most of which didn’t fail to raise a smile.

Moving on to the menu, the specials ranged from entrees made of beef to the most popular cuisine of Kerala, Tharavu Curry (duck curry).

But alas, they were out of duck at the time.

As we were about to place our orders, a waiter served us with a complimentary grape and pineapple juice in shot glasses called “Stalin”. And boy, it was the most refreshing glass of juice I’ve ever had.

Hence, we decided to go for some drinks as well and noticed the mango mint juice. So our order read: two glasses of mango mint, two glasses of Stalin, two dishes named hani nadan poth masala, which is spiced beef curry, and a mutton roast.

The dishes were served with traditional Kerala parotta (a layered, flaky flat bread) rice puttu (steamed rice flour with coconut) and rice pathiri Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see (a form of flat bread made out of rice flour). reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com My brother, Alvin, and I had the mango mint and, as usual, he went on to click a few pictures (such a spoilsport) while I dived right into mine.

The drink can’t be described as anything less than a swim through heaven. We were quite surprised as the beverage was of a distinctly green hue. This made us wonder if it had been made from unripe mangoes. But no! It was lusciously sweet and very refreshing.

Then came our main courses. My parents were quite animated about theirs, and dived into the puttu and the beef curry. On the other hand, my brother had the curries with rice pathiris, and I had the parottas.

INTRODUCING OUR FIRST HOTEL IN THE MIDDLE EAST CENTARA MUSCAT HOTEL OMAN OMAN OPENING MAY

Imagine your ideal accommodation in this historic city.

Imagine your ideal accommodation in this historic city.

A modern oasis in the bustling business and shopping district.

A modern oasis in the bustling business and shopping district.

Easy access to everything that makes Muscat special: the spectacular Easy access to everything that makes Muscat special: the spectacular Grand Mosque, Exhibition Centre and Royal Opera House, Grand Mosque, Exhibition Centre and Royal Opera House, historic forts and souk, and the brilliant azure waters of the Gulf. historic forts and souk, and the brilliant azure waters of the Gulf.

Your ideal is here. In the midst of Al-Ghala, Muscat’s booming Your idealdistrict, is here.the In the midst of Al-Ghala, business 4-star Centara MuscatMuscat’s Hotel is abooming perfect business district, the 4-star Centara Muscat Hotel isand a perfect retreat for business travellers, sightseeing couples families. retreat for business travellers, sightseeing couples and families.

You will find all the special Thai and international touches you You will find all the special Thai and international touches expect from us, in the graceful service, diverse food options,you expect us, in the and graceful service, diverse food options, relaxingfrom environment Centara’s renowned SPA Cenvaree. relaxing environment and Centara’s renowned SPA Cenvaree.

No other hotel offers such a combination of location, modernity, No hotel offers such ainto combination location, modernity, andother thoughtful integration an historicofdestination. and thoughtful integration into an historic destination.

DISCOVER MORE AT DISCOVER MORE AT centarahotelsresorts.com/cmo centarahotelsresorts.com/cmo cmo@chr.co.th cmo@chr.co.th +968 96602576 +968 96602576

THAILAND THAILAND

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MALDIVES MALDIVES

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OMAN OMAN

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QATAR QATAR

KEY FEATURES KEY FEATURES • Spacious accommodation • Spacious accommodation with comfortable living spaces with comfortable living spaces • Flexibly configurable • banquet Flexibly configurable & meeting facilities banquetswimming & meetingpool facilities • Rooftop with children’s • pool Rooftop swimming pool and fitness centre with children’s pool and club fitness centre • Premium lounge on the top floor • Premium club lounge on the top floor • Akdeniz Turkish restaurant; Tiptara • international Akdeniz Turkish restaurant; Tiptara cuisine; and The Roof for international cuisine;events and The Roof for barbeques or private barbeques or private events • Centara’s renowned SPA Cenvaree Centara’s SPA •• Minutes torenowned the airport or Cenvaree old city centre • Minutes to the airport or old city centre

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SRI LANKA SRI LANKA

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VIETNAM VIETNAM