Y Magazine #534, September 5, 2018

Hitting the books

DOES OMAN NEED A NATIONAL READING CAMPAIGN? The backto-school issue

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SEP 06 - 12 2018 / ISSUE 534 • WEEKLY

PLUS!

AS SCHOOL GETS BACK IN SESSION, HOW PROTECTED ARE THE NATION’S CLASSROOMS? WITH INCIDENCES OF BULLYING ON THE RISE IN OMAN, Y INVESTIGATES FACTORS THAT LEAD TO THIS BEHAVIOUR, AND HOW IT TAKES A COMMUNITY TO ADDRESS IT

FIRST DRIVE: ROAD TO INFINITI NOVEMBER WITH THE QX80 01 24 / ISSUE 258

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YUMMY OMAN: BACK-TOSCHOOL LUNCH HACKS

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POSTCARD: JAIPUR, INDIA

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EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

A

t the risk of sounding clichéd – let’s just get the obvious out of the way.

We cannot believe September is here already. That said, we want to welcome you to our big back-to-school issue in which we’re bringing you everything academic to get you in the spirit for learning – both parents and kids alike.

Each week at Y we strive to bring you those stories that are hardhitting, that matter and, most of all, that make a difference. In this week’s cover feature investigation, we examine the dark underside of classrooms throughout the Sultanate as we explore the issue of bullying in schools.

As statistics point to more students falling victim to bullying behaviour in Oman, we shine the spotlight on why bullies behave the way they do, what can be done to prevent such incidences in schools, and meet the counsellors and social workers who are working towards a change.

Also, check out our top back-to-school looks in our fashion pages, earn top marks on school-day mornings with kid-friendly recipes courtesy of Yummy Oman, and find out if Oman needs a national reading campaign to instill a love of books and culture of reading among adults and youth.

As you flip through our pages we hope you enjoy what you’re reading and, most of all, we hope you learn something.

Until next week, happy reading!

The Y Team EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi ADMIN MANAGER Yousef Al Harrassi ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

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contents SEPT 06 - 12

Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman

Dr. Baby Sam Saamuel 10

News Teachers can’t give private tuitions: Indian School Board

12 News

40 domestic workers arrested

10

2018

This Week 18

Rooftop Party The Royal Opera House Muscat kicks off its new season with Placido Domingo in concert with ‘Gala Zarzuela’.

Features 20

26

19 Movies

Colin Firth sails the

high (hostile!) seas

in a ship of his own

creation in the

nail-biting drama,

‘The Mercy’.

The B-word Bullying is on the rise in classrooms throughout Oman.

As back-to-school looms large in the Sultanate, Y investigates what leads to bullying behaviour and what’s being done to stop it as the community rallies in support of victims Coffee with Y We sit down with local children’s author Farzeen Ashik to delve inside her début novel: Rainbow Dorm Diaries: The Yellow Dorm.

19

Food and Drink

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Fins Village and

Wildlife Reserve 34 First Drive

Infiniti QX80 38 Y-Fi

Back-to-school

gadgets

Health and Beauty 40 Fashion

Top-of-the-class style 42 Beauty

Caring for

coloured hair

44

Yummy Oman: Back-to-school lunch hacks Make mornings simple with these tasty recipes that will be a hit with the little ones!

46 Taste Test

Teatro Restaurant

38 40

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

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brity ch and the latest celeve got at w to ts tis ar e th e’ From e hits of the week, w gossip to your ultimat from the pulse of the music your superstar dose Radio Oman 100.9 FM world, with Virgin

Bradley goes Gaga

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper are currently starring in the third remake of the 1937 film ‘A Star Is Born’. While at the recent Venice Film Festival to promote the film, Bradley said that when he first clapped eyes on Lady Gaga he fell in love with her face and eyes, and they quickly bonded over their Italian roots.

Their connection was so instantaneous that within the first ten minutes of meeting, Gaga cooked Italian food for him and they created a bond that was vital for the movie.

Joaquin’s just jokin’ ‘Her’ and ‘Walk the Line’ star Joaquin Phoenix will star as the master of crime himself in the upcoming untitled Joker origin film set for release in October 2019. The film will explore how the Joker became the criminal mastermind that he is – so expect it to be dark. Robert De Niro and Marc Maron will co-star, with Alec Baldwin dropping out of the role of Thomas Wayne. Slated to be helmed by Martin Scorsese, the A-list director also pulled out, turning over the director’s chair to ‘Borat’ and ‘Old School’s Todd Phillips.

Every day he’s shufflin’ Kanye West went to 2 Chainz’s wedding wearing a mint-green Louis Vuitton suit with socks and too-small slide sandals. We know, total fashionplate! Since then he’s gotten a lot of backlash on social media with wife Kim Kardashian even 06

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roasting him too. Kanye’s since explained that he didn’t pick out the wrong size – he’s just wearing them Japanese ‘geta’style, where the heel should extend 1-2cm off the back of the sole. A marketing ploy for Yeezy we say!

French Montana’s music for charity French Montana has released a remix of ‘Famous’ with Adam Levine to raise money to rebuild the Suubi Hope Health Center in Uganda with all of French’s profits going to the charity. Adam Levine says: “I’m excited to be on this song with French and have the proceeds go to something so special and that’s really making a difference.”

The completion of the hospital will help give residents access to water and provide healthcare to 58 villages.

Gushing over Gosling Hollywood A-lister Emma Stone has starred in more than a few films with hunky Ryan Gosling – think ‘Crazy Stupid Love’ and ‘La La Land’. It’s no wonder that after working together so often they have an amazing bond.

At the recent Telluride Film Festival, she spoke about the impact Gosling’s had on her life, saying: “I can’t even imagine what my life would be without Ryan.

He’s such a great person to work with because he’s so collaborative and excited about the process. He’s taught me a lot about being really generous.”

Eminem drops surprise album!

Just eight months after the release of his last album ‘Revival’, Eminem surprised his fans with a new album last Friday.

‘Kamikaze’ has 13 songs with Eminem and Dr. Dre serving as the executive producers on the project. There was no announcement or build-up to this, Eminem just sent out a Tweet that read ‘Tried not to over-think this one…Enjoy…#Kamikaze out now’. This is the rapper’s 10th album.

Jason Derulo teams up with the hit squad The king of dance-hall anthems is back.

With major hits to get you on the dance-floor like ‘Swalla’, ‘Tip Toe’ and ‘Get Ugly’, Jason Derulo has teamed up with heavy-hitters David Guetta, Nicki Minaj, and Willy William on his new infectious song ‘Goodbye’. The song samples Andrea Bocelli’s ‘Time To Say Goodbye’ and fuses R&B with Caribbean and Latin beats.

Nicki Minaj pairs with BTS on ‘Idol’ remix Nicki Minaj has been busy promoting her new album ‘Queen’, but she managed to take a break from that to collaborate with K-Pop icons BTS on their latest single ‘Idol’. Minaj’s rap verse is on the remix of the already successful hit. The music video for the song, which doesn’t feature Minaj, now holds the record for most YouTube views in 24 hours, clocking in at over 56 million on the first day – breaking Taylor Swift’s record for ‘Look What You Made Me Do’.

Be sure to keep it locked to Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM, and don’t miss your Tea Time with Maya Noise, daily on Chad in the Morning.

THE VOICE OF OMAN DR. BABY SAM SAAMUEL, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF INDIAN SCHOOLS IN OMAN, TALKS ABOUT WHAT STEPS CAN BE TAKEN TO PREVENT BULLYING IN SCHOOLS

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Experts say cases of bullying are on the increase in classrooms and workplaces across Oman. How can these instances be addressed so that victims can come forward without fear of reprisals?

DR. TAMANNA DALWAI

W

e now know that bullying in schools can take many forms, even going beyond school premises to homes, cyberspace and social media etc. On this issue, Indian Schools in Oman has taken an active and vigilant stand to tackle this issue at various levels.

We have been undertaking many initiatives within our schooling system to create awareness among children, teachers, counsellors and parents; to monitor, prevent and report such instances; to encourage open communication with our counsellors and teachers if such instances are noted or reported; and to prevent repeated instances through counselling and other means.

Our focus is not just in preventing the act of bullying but also to prevent the actions that lead to bullying.

Some of the initiatives are at individual school level. One such example is the “We Care” initiative at Indian School Muscat which aims to resolve this through student engagement and open dialogues. Our recently-introduced tele-counselling service, on the other hand, is a service that works across Oman and offers all Indian School students the expertise and availability of counsellors to overcome their fears and concerns, including the psychological impact of bullying.

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Bullying can leave long-lasting issues related to a person’s emotional, social, psychological or physical well-being. It is important that these are addressed at the right forums in the most sensitive manner with complete confidentiality. Bullying issues in classrooms and the workplace need to be tackled separately. For educational institutions, whether schools or colleges, Oman should have a National Anti-Bullying Centre to create awareness, ensure provision of appropriate regulations and be a body for the redressal of escalated issues.

Similarly, all companies should have a policy on handling grievances that address bullying in the workplace. Oman’s Human Rights Commission can oversee availability and implementation of company policies. The Commission can also have an annexe to address bullying complaints directly to assure confidentiality. Campaigns such as ‘Stop Bullying’ or ‘Speak up on Bullying’ should be run month-long for people to come forward and report issues faced. Lastly, any forum, cell or campaign should be sourced with experienced leaders and psychologists to ensure that the purpose is met with success.

should be attentive towards their children and instill them with confidence. Parents should also keep themselves updated with the peer groups with whom their children interact. Schools should have both male and female counsellors on hand throughout the day to hear the grievances of students. School should also organise anti-bullying programmes to raise awareness about the impact of bullying. Everyone should be made aware that bullying is not acceptable in any sector and should be treated as a serious offence.

MOHAMMED OSAMA RAWAT

These cases of bullying can only be solved by improving one’s self-confidence and patience to ignore nonsense. We must be vigilant of instances and do all we can to prevent them. However, public awareness seminars are needed to create awareness, which could nip this evil in the bud.

CHAKRABORTY PINKY

Every day thousands of teens wake up afraid to go to school. Bullying is a problem that affects millions of students, and it has everyone worried, not just the kids on its receiving end. Yet because parents, teachers and other adults don’t always see it, they may not understand how extreme bullying can get.

Two of the main reasons people are bullied are SHILPA BS because of appearance and social status. Bullies pick Bullying is a serious problem, but most of the on the people they think don’t fit in, maybe because people take it very lightly until disaster strikes. of how they look, how they act (for example, kids Bullying can happen in a crowded playground who are shy and withdrawn), or in an empty class room. It can also happen via mobile phones or through online computers. Preventing and stopping bullying involves a commitment to creating a safe environment where Bullying threatens a student’s physical and children can thrive, socially and academically, emotional safety at school and can negatively affect their ability to learn. People who are bullied without being afraid. are often fearful, stressed, sad and lonely; which PARUL JAIN leads to a decline in academic achievements and Every child is born with some talent and some social participation’s. First and foremost, parents

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shortcomings. None of us can judge a person by any of his personal traits. Bullying results when people start making a person feel inferior by talking rubbish or by nagging or sometimes by even physically handling the individual. This is not permissible at all. It leaves a person devastated not only physically but emotional too. The latest type of bullying is Cyber Bullying. All other bullying can be confined to school or the workplace but does not come to light until someone takes action.

Families play a key role in bringing the person out of such a trauma. Parents must talk to children and must listen to kids seriously. Visiting the school and taking feedback from teachers can help them identify the problem at an early stage. An informal talk with children will help them to open up and only then will they be able to share their problem.

ALI SAIF AL RAHBI

The following are ways to address bullying in schools and other areas: first, recognise that there is a problem. It’s easier to identify the more traditional forms of bullying,

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which include assault, intimidation and taunting. Second, identify who can be a bully. With traditional bullying, the common perpetrator is usually stronger, physically larger or more psychologically intimidating.

Third, encourage witnesses to report harassment. Anonymous phone, text or online tip lines can encourage reporting by alleviating witness fears of retaliation and loss of social status.

Fourth, encourage victims to report abuse. Only about 15 per cent of bullying victims tell an adult they are being harassed. Often, they keep quiet because they are embarrassed.

Parents have to find ways to open lines of communication so that the channel is a safe environment rather than a threatening one. Fifth, provide adequate monitoring and supervision in bully-prone areas, such as hallways, locker rooms, bathrooms, etc. Sixth, collect evidence, particularly in cyber bullying cases. It is critical that threatening texts and social media posts be saved as evidence.

This enables the parents to show the evidence to school administrators.

Seventh, always act on reports and keep records. Once a school

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official is aware that a student is being bullied, he or she must quickly act on that information. Lastly, as an adult, be a good role model to kids on how to treat others with kindness and respect.

FAREEHA

A successful school or workplace community not only addresses bullying behaviour but also implements multiple intervention and preventative strategies such as improving the climate and the ethos of the school, improve relationships among staff, children, young people and parents. Supporting the emotional health and learning potential of children across all levels of the community makes it easier for them to come forward.

Awareness and training is the first key into making the environment more pleasant by providing classroom activities or other workplace discussions related to bullying.

These would create an anti-bullying environment so that the victim can come forward and seek immediate help from an adult on whom they can depend.

Taking immediate action when bullying occurs is sending out a message that noone will be mistreated, and no bullying will be tolerated.

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09

YOUR

OMAN

T

eachers who give private tuition outside school have been warned they are breaking the law.

The Board of Directors issued the directive to the principals of Indian Schools, Oman.

Omani law prohibits private tuition from teachers outside their schools, according to the BoD. MP Vinoba, BoD’s Educational Advisor, said that teachers who didn’t comply would face severe disciplinary action.

He said: “Private tuition by law is banned in Oman. Any violation of the law by the teachers of Indian schools will not only affect the reputation of the school system but also put the administration in an embarrassing situation in front of the authorities.”

Parents often use tutors to improve their child’s prospects in a particular subject.

However, many are teachers moonlighting outside the

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TEACHERS CAN’T GIVE PRIVATE

TUITIONS: INDIAN SCHOOL BOARD school system.

Mr Vinoba said the practice could disrupt the class environment.

He said: “Of late, there have been cases wherein teachers of Indian schools were observed to be involved in private tuition, even for their own school students, wherein favoritism was alleged against them by the parents.”

As per Rule 39 of the Central Board of Secondary Education, no teacher in schools affiliated to the CBSE should engage in private tuition.

Mr Vinoba added: “It is morally and ethically unbecoming of a teacher if that individual provides individual attention to his/her own school students through remuneration-based private tuition or private teaching activities.”

Principals of all Indian Schools will have to submit a compliance report to the BoD directive by September 10.

A CLASS ACT

GALLERY

THE OMAN CANCER ASSOCIATION HOSTED A SPECIAL CEREMONY UPON THE GRADUATION OF 360 PALLIATIVE CARE NURSES.

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YOUR

OMAN

MORE THAN 600,000 STUDENTS

BEGIN NEW ACADEMIC YEAR

M

ore than 600,000 school pupils in Oman started their new term last Sunday.

According to a report by the Oman News Agency (ONA), there was an increase of 16,428 pupils in 1,159 schools for the new academic year compared to last year.

Charity wing Dar Al Atta supplied school uniforms and bags to more than 6,000 needy students in 15 Wilayats.

Children of 52 schools in these areas have benefited from the scheme.

40 DOMESTIC WORKERS ARRESTED

MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE SOON

H

ealth insurance for all private sector workers in Oman will be made compulsory soon, a leading doctor has said.

Dr. Waleed al Zadjali, President of Oman Medical Association (OMA), said private companies would be required to provide cover for all staff.

He did not reveal a specific date for the move.

The Capital Market Authority (CMA) is currently drafting plans to introduce mandatory health insurance for both expats and Omanis.

“The CMA is close to completing the

F

orty domestic workers have been arrested for breaking Oman’s labour laws.

They were rounded up after a raid was organised by the Royal Oman Police and the Ministry of Manpower.

The Ministry warned employers that they can only hire and deploy staff under the licence granted to them.

A spokesman said: “They should not be allowed to work with others. This is against Oman Labour Law. “Strict action will be taken against those employers who do not respect the law.”

Last month, 55 illegal workers were deported while the ROP arrested 29 others.

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draft,” said Dr Zadjali.

“Various stakeholders including OMA, Ministry of Health, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, various private hospitals and insurance providers are involved in drafting this plan. However, we are hoping to implement this very soon.

“As you know treatment in the government health sector is completely free but not in the private sector.

“Only a few companies are giving insurance services to their employees, and this should not be the case.”

Meanwhile, 200 companies from 18 countries will take part in the Oman Health Exhibition and Conference, which will be held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, from September 24 to 26.

RAISIN’ THE ROOF

GALLERY

THE DANCEFLOOR LIT UP AT AXIS EVENTS’ ROOFTOP PARTY AT THE PARK INN HOTEL.

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YOUR

GENERATIONS

OMAN

EXPRESSIONS OF PAST AND PRESENT COLLIDE AS WE ZOOM IN ON SOME OF THE OMANI FACES THAT MAKE UP THE TAPESTRY OF OUR NATION.

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GALLERY

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YOUR

CATCH OF THE DAY

OMAN

SCENES FROM THE SEEB FISH MARKET HERALD ANTICIPATION AHEAD OF THE MORNING RUSH.

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GALLERY

Photography by: Shaquel al Balushi

Location: Jabal Al Akhdar

Style: Landscape

History is reclaimed by nature in the mountains of Jabal Al Akhdar where a remote village offers a glimpse into Oman’s rural past.

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SINGAPORE FOOD FESTIVAL Get your taste buds ready for Singaporean delicacies. Sheraton Oman Hotel in Ruwi will host a five-day Singapore Food Festival at its beautiful courtyard. The food festival offers a variety of exotic dishes to unravel and explore. Guests can sample Mod-Sin cuisine, Singaporean rojak, classic laksa, grilled seafood, traditional satay and stir-fried specialties. The festival will conclude on September 12.

To make a reservation, contact 2237-7777.

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THIS

WEEK

EDWARD MAYA IN TOWN

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

SEP

07

Romanian composer and singer Edward Maya will be performing live at La Vida Lounge & Restaurant located inside The Cave in Muscat. Maya’s ever-popular ‘Stereo Love’ has been played more than 300 million times on YouTube. The event is hosted by La Vida in association with Axis Events. For booking, contact 7119-0556.

NEW SEASON AT ROHM WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

SEPTEMBER Are you excited about the new season at Royal Opera House Muscat? The season opens on Thursday with the great Placido Domingo performing a musical play called ‘Gala Zarzuela’.

Specially fashioned for ROHM, Domingo’s play features the dance that everyone loves – flamenco! As the leading star in the programme, Domingo will sing romanzas as well as duets and trios with Grammy-Awardwinning soprano, Ana Maria Martinez, and tenor Arturo Chacón Cruz. To book your tickets, log on to www.rohmuscat.org.om.

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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 2479-1641

A Little Something For Your Birthday Cast: : Sharon Stone, Tony Goldwyn, Ellen Burstyn

The Mercy The Nun

Cast: Colin Firth, Rachel Weisz, David Thewlis So many movies have been premised on the notion that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.

When devoted husband and Dadof-two Donald Crowhurst (Firth) decides to build a boat with the idea of possibly sailing around the world, his wife Clare (Weisz) is happy to indulge what she sees as a flight of fancy.

But when Donald gets serious and enters the Sunday Times Golden

Globe Race, both husband-and-wife know that the path of their lives may never be the same again.

As he sets off on his voyage of discovery, he finds that the realities of solo yachtsmanship in hostile seas are a long way from the comforts of home.

As he says: “Life must be lived so what can we do to give it meaning?”

But has he weighed up the costs?

Peppermint

When Riley North (Garner) wakes up from a coma after an attack on her family and her, she is given the unimaginable news that both her husband and daughter are dead.

But to make matters worse, her family’s killers manage to escape justice due to dirty cops, bent lawyers, and corrupt judges.

So there’s only one way that she’s going to bring the killers to justice and that is to do it herself.

And that means re-inventing herself from respectable wife and mother to urban guerrilla.

She’s the wanted woman loved by the public; the social media sensation whom the police and the Feds simply can’t catch.

Garner is super in this, and Riley is one lady you wouldn’t want to meet on a dark night.

Cast: Jennifer Garner, John Gallagher Jr., John Ortiz

Senna (Stone) is a 46-year-old seamstress with a good handle on life despite never having stitched up a soulmate.

Despite coping with an overbearing mother, she manages to express herself; both as a liberated woman and as a fledgling fashion designer, with the encouragement of her best friend.

But when she meets Adam (Goldwyn) again on her birthday, a year after their first brief encounter, she realises that while being in the moment is one thing; lasting love is going to take a bit of effort as her mother Celia (Burstyn) constantly reminds her.

It’s a feel-good comedy centring round an older, single woman. But Stone oozes such classic star quality, charisma, and talent, no movie-goer can resist this.

So girls, take your men and enjoy.

!

Cast: Demian Bechir, Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet

Novice nun Irene (Farmiga) certainly hasn’t been given an easy ride into the sisterhood.

In 1950s Romania, when the Vatican hears of the mysterious ‘suicide’ of a nun, Irene must accompany Catholic priest Father Burke (Bechir) to a sinister abbey to investigate.

As troubled Father Burke and novitiate Irene uncover the order’s unholy secret, they find themselves in a battleground between the living and the damned.

The pair must battle not only to save their own souls but also to curb a malevolent force.

On the brink of her final vows, Irene will have to show considerable courage to keep the faith, and stay alive.

Definitely one for horror fans; it’s good edge-of-seat stuff.

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Which country is ‘The Nun’ set in?

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The B-word 020

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“

It’s the problem every parent or teacher dreads: when a child admits he or she is being bullied.

But what can be done to deal with a problem that’s a serious health issue, and why do so many adults turn a blind eye to children in distress? Team Y investigates

If bullies are weak, then why is it that I end up in tears and alone?” This is a concern raised by Margaret*, a former student at one of the foreign schools in the Sultanate, and a victim of bullying.

Sad, dejected, and, as Margaret puts it, “broken from within”; that’s what bullying does to an individual.

But, if her past experience is anything to go by, it can also lead to feelings of suicide.

Margaret’s battles with bullies began when she was just 12.

Coming from an all-girls’ school in her hometown in India to a mixed school here in the country, she found it hard to settle in.

Years went by but her situation didn’t change.

She could never find any friends, and even if she did, they’d be quacks looking for cheap laughs at the expense of hurting her.

Her only achievement from her schooling here, she says, is overcoming the trauma she endured.

Of course, today, Margaret speaks to Y about the perils she faced – but she points out that there was a day in her life when she decided to end it all. A day she can never forget.

“Pills, and lots of them,” the 18-year-old says, in a broken tone. “That’s what I swallowed.

“I remember not being able to face my parents, siblings or my classmates – and for all I knew, I couldn’t bear to look at myself anymore. I was staring at the face of death – and it was ready to take me in.”

The incident took place on a winter evening in 2017 – but thankfully, her parents found her on time and rushed her to hospital to have her stomach pumped.

Sitting on the hospital bed at the time, she told her parents everything.

That was also the first time they heard about her ordeal in school, thereby marking an end to her five-year stint as a silent victim.

But, it would also be the last time she would have to face the bullies alone. As with Margaret, strict action was taken against the bullies – with two even being suspended from classes.

Thankfully, earlier this year, she graduated from school with flying colours, and is looking forward not back.

Margaret’s fight with bullies may have had a happy ending but others aren’t so lucky, having endured the trauma of bullying during their formative years and adolescence.

While there aren’t any solid statistics backed by the Ministry of Health on how many students and other individuals in Oman undergo bullying, some experts believe that the numbers are on the rise – and they all concur that it’s time to put a stop to it all.

Granted, to put the brakes on bullying, we must first define it. And as per bullying resource

website ‘Stop Bullying’, it can be described as unwanted, aggressive behaviour among schoolaged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.

The behaviour is often repeated or may have the potential to be repeated. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.

A quick Google search will reveal several clinics across Oman working together to help the mental health of children and adults alike.

But as the founder of the Whispers of Serenity Clinic, Sayyida Basma al Said, says: “Help still isn’t reaching all parts of the country and it’s time to change that.

One such campaign that has gained much publicity across Oman is the ‘Not Alone’ by her clinic. Their motto? To educate the residents – both citizens and expats alike – about bullying, mental health, and ways to overcome such unfortunate situations in “energetic, creative, and different ways”.

This has taken her team from Muscat to Salalah.

In an interview with Y, Sayyida Basma explains: “To understand the mental health of school-going children, we need to factor in several notions: can they cope with the syllabus?

Are they comfortable with their teachers? And most important of all, the types of bullies that they are exposed to.

“Not every bully in a school is, say, another student,” she adds.

This brings us to the story of Deepali Kumar, an alumnus of an Indian school in Oman; a tag she says she’s ashamed to even speak of.

The reason? She was victimised by bullies that included her friends and teachers.

She says: “As a little child, I loved school. I absolutely loved participating and engaging in various activities.

“But, when I realised I wasn’t cut out for academia, I found that my teachers weren’t supportive. They often shamed me for not being the brightest, mostly in the presence of over 40 other kids in class.

“In hindsight, I believe that my peers picked up on this – and they then began teasing and mocking me for being ‘slow’. Many of my friends didn’t want to be my friends anymore too.

“I blame my teachers for that,” she says.

But, things didn’t get any better for Deepali as she entered high school, either.

“In my teenage years, I was incredibly outspoken, and I seldom cared of what anyone thought of me. I called people out on the way they behaved or treated me. So, I believe that’s how bullying in high school began.

“The sad truth is that many parents don’t teach their children the valuable lesson of

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Bullying, as per ‘Stop Bullying’ is classified into four types:

1

Verbal bullying: This consists of acts such as teasing, name-calling, inappropriate remarks, and threatening to cause harm.

2

Social bullying: This is also known as relational bullying.

It involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. It includes: leaving someone out on purpose,telling other children not to be friends with someone, spreading rumours about someone, and embarrassing someone in public.

3

Physical bullying: This involves hurting a person’s body or possessions. Physical bullying includes hitting, kicking, pinching, spitting or even making rude hand gestures.

being kind to one another. Parents teach their children that ‘an eye for an eye’ is the only solution to survival.

“I broke away from this only when I left school for university. I realised that college was where I could be myself and excel,” she then adds.

Today, Deepali may have become a successful Yogic philosophic teacher herself but she strongly supports impressing the youth of today of the strong values of love. She also believes the trauma she experienced changed the course of her life.

She can now talk about her sufferings, but bear in mind that there are others in Oman who bottle up their feelings for fear of being shamed.

In an earlier interview with Y, Dr. Amira al Raaidan, the Director for Health Education and Awareness Programs, and Head of the Mental Health Department in the Ministry of Health, shed light on the effects of bullying on children.

She says: “Bullying can cause a lot of negative mental and, at times, also physical health issues in children. Especially if they don’t receive professional aid.

“These kids can develop an aversion towards their schools and peers, which stems from their

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Just last week, I sat down with a child – a smart six-year-old boy – who was brought in by his domestic help for bullying his peers in class adverse experiences. This can in turn lead to feelings of sadness and loneliness, depression, anxiety, and even loss in interest of activities they once enjoyed.

“When this happens, it’s important to seek professional help. Else, this can really alter the mental health of the child as they grow up, and it can persist into adulthood,” she adds.

We narrate Deepali’s story to Dr. Aisha al Barwani, a life-coach who specialises in working with the youth of Oman.

She explains: “There are several aspects we need to talk about when we look at bullying.

Today, we see a lot of people beginning to shed light on it, and also take a stand against it. But the greatest question always is this: why do children turn into bullies?

“The answer to that is incredibly complex,” says the doctor. “But, if you were to underline the greatest reason for a kid to begin bullying, it’s to solve their social problems and cover up a distinct lack of problem-solving skills.

According to Aisha, this is a cognitive function that some fail to develop during their formative years.

“So, in order to solve the problem, the child makes use of aggression. This, in turn, leads to the child bullying others until they submit to their demands. In many ways, it’s an easy way out.

“But as Deepali pointed out, children mimic what they see – and in the case of most Asian kids, they learn from their parents. This means

4

Cyber bullying: This can be overt or covert bullying behaviour using digital technology, including hardware such as computers and smartphones, and software such as social media, instant messaging, texts, websites and other online platforms.

that if they’re exposed to spouses who abuse or mistreat each other, they are likely to grow up with similar traits too.

“You’re effectively telling the child that it’s normal to be abusive.

“While that sits on one corner of the chart, another reason kids act out is because of the lack of attention they receive at home or the abuse they’re exposed to by their parents. Every human being has an outlet valve that will blow over steam if you go beyond a certain limit – and such is the case in children too.

“Just last week, I sat down with a child – a smart six-year-old boy – who was brought in by his domestic help for bullying his peers in class. It didn’t take long for me to realise how his parent’s lack of attention (due to their work schedules) resulted in him seeking out attention by emotionally bullying his classmates – thereby forming a clan of students who look up to him.

“In Hollywood terms, he’s the popular kid in class,” Aisha says, before adding that all efforts to bring the child’s parents together were futile.

“But this is becoming a popular phenomenon here in Oman – especially in Government schools. I do see a lot of Omani children being dragged into counselling sessions more so than ever before.”

And she has a point. As per statistics revealed by a study – The Magnitude and Impact of Bullying among School Pupils in Muscat, Oman: A Cross-Sectional Study, published in 2014, a whopping 76.5 per cent of students of all ages from the study group confessed to being

bullied at some point in their school life.

Of the 1,299 students that were interviewed, 940 claimed that they were bullied, of which 422 (constituting 76.1 per cent) were men and 518 (constituting 76.7 per cent) were women. These victims were thought to have been bullied on the basis of their physical appearance, academic performance (like in the case of Deepali), followed by the victim’s style of speech.

These are worrying stats too, as developed countries are now boasting far lower rates of bullying in schools. As per the data revealed by ‘Stop Bullying’, 28 per cent of students from grades 6 – 12 experienced bullying, while the numbers dropped to 20 per cent in the grades 9 – 12.

This was one of the aims of the Whispers of Serenity during their ‘Not Alone’ campaigns that were held earlier this year.

Sayyida Basma says: “We chose a few schools around Muscat, and we visited and educated them about bullying and mental health. And we were quite happy to see that a lot of these schools welcomed us.

From that, we did real stories of bullying – and a short clip was created with survivors talking about their experiences and how they overcame it.

For 2018, the ‘Not Alone’ awareness campaign will also focus on bullying as its main theme. As part of the events, Sayyida Basma and her team are visiting private and public schools in Muscat Governorate to talk to students and teachers about bullying; how it happens, its signs and symptoms, and how one can seek help.

“We can help people by creating awareness campaigns, and to be honest, that’s what we were lacking here. But even with that, a lot of youth don’t reach out because it’s a very secret part of your body and soul that you don’t want anybody to touch.

“There’s always the shame of weakness. But that’s the mindset we need to change. Talking about being bullied isn’t particularly showing your weakness, but rather that of the bully,” she adds.

Anyone in need of professional help today can reach out to the team at the Whispers of Serenity, or other clinics across the Sultanate.

That said, steps also need to be taken from the grass root levels – in homes and, more so, at schools – to avert bullying.

In an interview with Y, a teacher from an Indian school who wishes to remain anonymous, says: “Schools today profess loyalty to their students – but really, it’s slowly becoming all about the money.

“Yes, they talk about bringing in laws in classes that will clamp down on bullies, and more counsellors to help victims, but in the last two decades of my teaching here, I haven’t seen much change.

“I see a lot of students being taunted, called names, physically hurt, and so on, daily – and I make it a point to take action against them.

“But these kids are only in our sight for a few hours every day. After that, they’re out in the world.

“And if someone is considered vulnerable in school – which is believed to be a safe space – then how can they feel comfortable in the outside world,” he asks.

“Schools are hardwired to be houses that cram information into the heads. There’s no real-world application out there anymore, so these children will suffer as time goes on.

“This means the bullying will continue to their work and family life, and even their social circles.

“Even teachers are involved in this now. If a student underperforms, they’ll publicly shame them. This won’t help the child grow; it’s killing their desire to learn and live.

In a bid to help such students, most schools across the country now have counsellors to deal with bullied students. But the teacher thinks that a rocky road still lies ahead.

He says that he rarely sees children visiting them in the fear of being judged. Moreover, he also reports that teachers deny children from attending counselling sessions during school hours.

“In India there’s a saying that goes: ‘Matha, Pitha, Guru, Deva’, which means, a child should give reverence in the order of ‘Mother, Father, Teacher, and God’.

“But how can a child who’s bullied by everyone, starting from their friends to teachers come out of such deep psychological scars to live life normally (?) Take a long and hard think about it.”

I see a lot of students being taunted, called names, physically hurt, and so on, daily – and I make it a point to take action against them. But these kids are only in our sight for a few hours every day. After that, they’re out in the world

• Some of the names in this article have been changed.

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Reading

for life

Fostering a culture of reading begins at an early age. As Oman seeks to bolster its worldwide English literacy rankings, we look at factors that lie behind a reluctant approach to reading in the Sultanate and how a book in hand can open a window on the world

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T

hat moment you open a book for the first time – it’s magical. The anticipation of a good read is overpowered by a whiff of fresh air, coupled with the untainted scent of new paper, and a book cover smoother than Jay-Z’s rap game. It’s a feeling unlike any other – but sadly, it’s something much of the youth of today will never experience.

While much of that can be attributed to digital media, smartphones, and e-books and e-readers, our real concern lies in the fact that less of today’s youth spend time reading for pleasure anymore.

The matter only becomes more alarming when you realise that Omani kids spend less time in a year reading than they spend playing games or sports.

In fact, a report published in 2016 titled, ‘Establishing a Reading Culture in Arabic and English in Oman’, reports that Arab children only read books (not counting school and religious materials) for around six minutes a year.

In comparison, the average Western child reads 12,000 minutes a year.

Case in point: when we interview with Y, Saeed al Mahrooqi, an Omani student in grade 8, he tells us: “I do (read) online. I think social media is good enough for me to gain the necessary knowledge.

“Why should I spend hours reading books when I can simply go to the Internet,” he asks.

“Besides, I already have to read so many books at school. I don’t want [any] more [books].”

Such aversion to books, as per Samira al Zadjali, a teacher in a private school in Oman, comes from an attitude that stems from children observing their elders.

“We have parent-teacher conferences here at school, and it’s surprising how some parents – mostly the fathers – actually tease the teacher when they ask the child to read,” the teacher says.

“I had one colleague come to me and tell me how she was completely insulted when the father laughed at the son’s report card and said that it was ‘OK’ that he was performing badly in English Literature.

“Some think it’s cool to not be involved in a part of the reading culture,” she adds.

Though, the stats from the report take a turn for the better as they grow older – on average only one in 80 Arabs read a book in one year.

All of this means that Omanis struggle when it comes to proficiency in English. As per a report compiled following an online language test conducted by International Education Company, Education First, Omanis were only able to rank 58 out of 70 worldwide in English proficiency.

In an earlier interview with Y, Abdulaziz al Jahdhami, a published Omani writer, told us: “Reading is a way to empower your mind.

“There are so many ways by which you can expand your thinking – but the best way is to simply grab a book and begin to read it. That will motivate you to open up your mind to what others have to say.

“And only then can you reach newer goals.”

Though, Abdulaziz is a renowned writer in Oman, he is also an avid reader. And it is from there that he has gained his grasp of the English language.

But things are slowly changing, today. As a part of Dar Al Atta’a’s ‘Let’s Read’ campaign – which is intended to develop reading among the youth – Maktabati, Oman’s first mobile library was launched.

Moreover, libraries such as ‘My Book and Me’, ‘The Public Knowledge Library’, ‘House of Prose’, and ‘Rawazin Bookshop’ all push for spreading the “reading culture” within the youth of the Sultanate.

In recent news, we also learned that Oman Avenues Mall and Dar Al Atta’a joined hands to establish one of the nation’s largest free-to-public children’s libraries and charity bookshops in Oman.

At the heart of the project is a “strategic vision to inculcate reading habits in the children and youth of Oman, by offering them an experience that indulges them in the joy and love of books and reading in a playful environment”.

Aisha al Barwani, a life-coach specialising on the youth of Oman says: “Omani kids are lucky.

“It’s one of the few GCC countries that actually provides everyone with the opportunity to get their hands on the best books that are currently out there.

“The only reason person holding you back is you. At the end of the day, really, it’s just your call whether you want to spend your time reading or watching a movie.

“But one thing is for sure, visual education is the best way to improve your knowledge, and reading books can open up new worlds to the reader. It gives the individual the gift of imagination, which they

BY READING – ESPECIALLY can use to improve their NOVELS, YOU ALSO NOT mental skills.

ONLY MORPH YOUR MIND “By reading – especially INTO THINKING LIKE THE novels, you also not only morph your mind into thinking CHARACTER IN THE BOOK, BUT ALSO DEVELOP TRAITS SUCH AS EMPATHY. like the character in the book, THIS ENABLES YOU TO UNDERSTAND but also develop traits such YOURSELF BETTER – as empathy.

AND THAT’S WHAT “This enables you to READING IS ALL understand yourself better – and ABOUT. IT’S ABOUT that’s what reading is all about.

It’s about improving yourself.” IMPROVING YOURSELF

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025

The

Storyteller

Muscat-based author Farzeen Ashik talks to Y Magazine about her debut novel, Rainbow Dorm Diaries: The Yellow Dorm, and her journey as a writer 026

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A

ward-winning author Farzeen Ashik has been on a high ever since her debut novel ‘Rainbow Dorm Diaries: The Yellow Dorm’ was published earlier this year in Muscat.

Farzeen has a huge following and receives scores of messages and phone calls from readers every day.

Influenced by her own life, the book takes readers on an exciting ride down memory lane.

The novel is about teenagers from different walks of life in a prestigious boarding school in Ooty, India.

“During my time as a school student at the Nazareth Convent, Ooty, one of India’s oldest schools, I came across students from totally different backgrounds. All of us had our own stories to tell.

“We helped each other for several years.

Many of us are still in touch via phone and Skype. I have so many memories from my school days and ‘Rainbow Dorm Diaries: The Yellow Dorm’ is a memoir of those wonderful days,” she says.

The novel addresses friendships, peerstudent relationships, and the challenges and struggles of school life.

“The first draft of my book took almost a year to complete,” says Farzeen.

“However, when I read it, I found it far from appealing but I knew I was on to something interesting. The second draft took me less than four months to finish.”

This, her first novel, won the prestigious Montegrappa Writing Award 2017 at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, held in Dubai in March.

A mother of two daughters, Farzeen works as a hospital manager at Aster Al Raffah Hospital in Al Ghubrah.

“My eldest daughter Aaliya is a high

WHEN I DECIDED TO MAKE ‘RAINBOW DORM DIARIES’ A REALITY, I TOLD MY FAMILY, AND THEIR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE WAS: ‘GO FOR IT’

school student at British School Muscat while the youngest one Rania is a preschool student at the same school.

My husband Dr Ashik Sainu works in my hospital as Senior ConsultantGastroenterologist and Medical Director.”

So, how did she find time to write a book?

“When I decided to make ‘Rainbow Dorm Diaries’ a reality, I told my family, and their immediate response was: ‘go for it’. That was my first motivation. When I told my colleagues, they were more than encouraging. With proper planning, I could balance my time between work and home and complete my book.

“I used to write for an hour every day. I used to spend much time writing at the Boat Club at Petroleum Development Oman.”

Farzeen is now planning to write a sequel.

“Although the majority of my readers are teens, there is a good part of adult fans too.

They bought the book for their kids but ended up reading it themselves. “Moreover, their response was overwhelming. Most of these people have asked me to write a sequel, and I am now working on it.”

• ‘Rainbow Dorm Diaries: The Yellow Dorm’ is available at various bookstores including Borders, WH Smith and Amazon Books for RO3.26.

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027

COMPETITION

Presents

e m i t e f i L A f O e g d Ple Children will write it and parents will sign it – let’s take the pledge together towards safer roads. Y calls out for families to join the ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ and stand a chance to win a top prize

R

oad safety awareness plays a significant role in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of children and young people – guaranteeing they become responsible drivers, passengers and pedestrians in the future. To teach children from a young age to be aware of the traffic rules and regulations, the Y magazine is once again conducting the ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ competition.

To participate in the competition children will write a ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ on behalf of their parents in a custom-made card distributed along with this edition of Y. The ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ card has a space wherein children can pen the pledge on behalf of their parents.

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The Road Safety Pledge has to be counter-signed by their parents as the purpose is also to promote the message of road safety to parents through their children.

The best three pledges will win gift vouchers valued at RO100 (first place), RO50 (second place) and RO25 (third place).

Once the Road Safety Pledge is written on the supplied card, parents are requested to drop the card at designated drop boxes coming soon across Muscat.

Participants can also look forward to an on-ground activation event where children will colour the cards and take the Road Safety Pledge, with the winners being announced at a special upcoming ceremony where they’ll receive their prizes.

In Association With

Exclusive Medical Partner

■ Check yourself first: If you’ve been injured in the accident, first check yourself for any injuries. Try to assess how well you can move your limbs, and if you experience symptoms such as dizziness etc. Remember you need to be fit enough to help others.

■ Check the other person(s) for injuries: If other people are injured, first assess the extent of his/ her injuries. For e.g. is he bleeding from the head, neck, arms legs, abdomen back etc? Treat the quietest person first, they are usually more seriously injured or cannot breathe. People who can talk or scream, on the other hand, can breathe and therefore can be treated a little later. Ask for the patient’s name. If he responds, it means he can understand the situation and has most likely not suffered a severe head injury.

■ Look for signs of breathing: Next, check if the person is breathing and if he has a pulse.

■ Call for help: Immediately call for an ambulance or rush the person to a hospital. Once you know more about the patient’s condition you will in a better position to tell the doctors about his/ her condition.

■ Check for obstructions in the person’s mouth and throat: If you do not hear any breath sounds, check his/her mouth for any obstructions. If there is something obstructing the airway, use your index and middle finger to clear the airway.

■ Perform life saving techniques: If there is no pulse, start CPR or EAR. Keep the person’s neck straight to start EAR (External Air Resuscitation) or CPR (Cardio pulmonary resuscitation).

There are 3 types of EAR; Mouth-to-mouth, Mouth-to-Nose, Mouth-to-Mask. You could read more about how to perform EAR and CPR here.

■ Ways to help him/her in grave situations: If there is bleeding from the mouth or the patient is vomiting, turn the person to his/her side. This will avoid any chances of the person choking. Place the person’s arm that is under him straight out and the arm closest to you across his chest.

■ Deal with open wounds: If there are extensive wounds, try to control the bleeding using pressure to the area using a cloth. Press down with your palms rather than your fingertips. You can also read about first aid measure for fracture.

■ Always suspect spinal injuries: If the person’s neck is in an awkward position (not normally placed) or the person is unconscious, do not move the patient. Get help immediately.

This could mean that the person’s neck is broken and moving him/her in such a situation can cause more harm than good.

■ Keep the person warm: Usually accident victims feel excessively cold due to shock.

Therefore, keeping them warm is essential for survival. You can use whatever you have to do this, such as a T-shirt, jacket, etc.

■ Avoid feeding the person: Do not give the person any water, food or other fluids through the mouth, it could lead to the patient choking.

COMPETITION RULES:

● The competition is open to children aged 16 and under. ● Cards must be completed by children only and then signed by a parent or guardian. Entries will be disqualified if there is evidence of parental involvement. ● Children of employees of SABCO Media or associated companies are excluded from taking part. ● The editor’s decision is final. ● Winners will be notified by email or telephone.

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029

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

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Adventures

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES WAITING FOR THE TIDE

The beach at dawn beckons to a lone Omani fisherman at Fins Village. – P32

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&

CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E S T I N AT I O N CP ao rsst c a r d Ps ofsrtocma r d s Fr Y-oF mi

I Yn dFoio r s G a m i n g

Destination

FINS VILLAGE AND WILDLIFE RESERVE Y takes a walk on the wild side this week to snap images of Oman’s most nomadic inhabitants, after exploring the time-tested village of Fins 032

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helps to radiate a sense of oneness among the community.

Leaving behind my trusty vehicle, I headed into the far ends of the village, when I came across vast barren land. Out of sheer curiosity, I headed right in, which, isn’t a wise choice if you don’t know the area well.

The area surrounding the village is protected by the government.

You see, there may be no sign boards governing entry into the locale but the area behind the Fins Village is actually off-limits to the public as it’s a wildlife reserve.

I only realised this when I stumbled upon a few gazelles, among several other animals when I was prowling for flora to photograph.

These animals have quick feet, so capturing them was quite a challenge. Nevertheless, I’ve added a few snaps here for your viewing pleasure.

But, just as I made the decision to head farther in, you know, to find more fauna, I was stopped by a park ranger.

Dressed in a dishdasha, he didn’t seem like the typical wildlife guardian. However, his tone was.

He asked me: “Who are you and why are you here,” to which, I responded by showing him my press documents and a copy of Y Magazine.

Surprisingly, after that he calmed down, and eventually, after much

talk, revealed how the area was offlimits to the public for photography.

The reason for that, as it turns out, is that poachers come in from neighbouring countries to hunt for these animals.

So, the only legal way in would be to seek permission from the Diwan in Al Khuwair.

Out of courtesy, the ranger didn’t ask me to delete the pictures but he and his colleagues can confiscate your belongings and give you a warning if they find you loitering around without permission.

I’ve since checked online to find out more details of the wildlife reserve but to no avail. The nearest reserve is the Ras al Jinz, which is only famed for its turtles. This makes me wonder if the reserve is covertly a part of the Ras al Shajar reserve, which lies a few kilometres away from my point of entry.

I’m waiting for an answer to that one but I’m still hoping to organise a tour of the reserve over the coming weeks.

The Fins village may be one of the busiest villages I’ve come across recently – but it’s funny how a short walk will take you to a spot that not many know is home to some of the most exotic animals you’ll ever see in your life.

How strange it is that my trip to a humble village would end up with me invading a wildlife reserve?

Truly, this must be the most interesting job on the planet.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

Y

ou’ve seen it here before: Fins beach, the pebbleshielded sands on the coastline and the famous Bimmah Sinkhole. But not many people know that a simple fiveminute journey from the Bimmah Sinkhole and the underlying beach will take you to a unique village in Oman.

On the morning of my visit – from the outside – it all looked vaguely reminiscent of any other village in the Sultanate. It had it all: little kids helping their parents do chores, beaten-up pickup trucks lurking around the roads with goods for the shops, women washing clothes at the water sources as they indulged in friendly gossip, and the elder folks gathering at the majlis for their share of news around the town.

In short, it fitted in with the active day I was seeking.

Armed with the camera gear, I began my tour of the village, exploring every nook and cranny of the streets, before the midday sun began to wear me down.

What struck me most, more than just the architecture of the village, which is predominantly from the mid-20th century, was the way the houses were positioned.

The homes were all lined up together and lay only a few metres away from each other. This means, the residents of the village stay close to each other, which possibly also

Fins Village is a mere one-and-ahalf-hour drive away. To get there, you’ll need to take the Sultan Qaboos Highway and take the turn towards the Route 17 road that leads to Al Amerat. Follow the road until you reach Bimmah. Once there, you’ll see signboards that will take you to Fins.

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

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INFINITI QX80

The bigger, the better: that seems to be the mantra that drives the QX80. An all-new refresh now puts this Japanese player in contention for the top spot among other luxury SUVs

t’s a wonderful time to be alive if you’re a car enthusiast: the automotive industry is now a diverse cosmos, jam-packed with cars of all scopes that can just about fulfill the needs of everyone… save for those tree-huggers from Greenpeace, perhaps. Though, today, even they’ve got plenty of options to choose from.

What they won’t be cross-shopping anytime soon, however, is the Infiniti QX80 – and for very good reason too. You see, there are full-sized cars, large cars, gargantuan cars, and then you have the QX80.

A gas-guzzler by nature, the all-new Infiniti comes with a redesigned fascia, a host of new features, and above all, bragging rights as to who drives the bigger car.

This is one of those times that size really does matter.

That aside, no body panel is disguised to hide the

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dimensions of the car. Even the newly-designed headlamps seem to have lost a few millimetres and moved up a notch or two to complement the sheer size of this thing. Then you’ve got the threedimensional spindle grille, redesigned air intakes, and flared bumpers to add a touch of aggression.

The side profile remains largely the same although the chrome ornaments on either side of the car are new. Also, a first for the QX80 are the redone LED tail lamps and a one-piece strip that breaks up the bulky rear end. Still, we’re not completely sold on the turn signals being placed on the bottom portion of the bumper. This will inevitably raise repair costs, should you meet with a simple fender bender.

The redesign is completed by 20- and 22-inch wheel options – of which, our QX80 tester came fitted with the latter. Finished in a posh “liquidmetal” finish, the larger alloys fit the overall dimensions of the SUV. Climbing into the vehicle is quite a task but, then again, so is hopping on board a luxury yacht yet you don’t see those party animals complaining. Either way, the interior is as spacious as it gets in an SUV, with ample room for eight full-size adults.

The interior sees minimal changes – and much of it is still swaddled in premium leather. And, boy, it looks and feels good. The seats also have contrast stitching and are diamond-quilted and perforated for a bit more cushioning. Wood veneer takes over much of the panels on the dashboard and the center console, and for most parts, it feels plush.

Rather surprisingly, the QX80 comes with the same 8-inch touchscreen from yesteryear but the animations are still smooth and quick, and don’t leave much to be desired. But if you do, you’ve got the Infiniti Controller for use with vehicle

information systems, comfort and convenience features, and a crisp and clear 13-speaker Bose audio system just for good measure.

Rear seat passengers, meanwhile, will be treated to abundant leg and head room, and two individually controllable LCD television screens. Granted, the latter will see more Dora the Explorer and Teletubbies played on it than anything else, but hey, we’re just nitpicking.

Teens can feel at home too; there are three USB ports in the rear cabin, an HDMI auxiliary port, and McDonald’ssize cup holders for all, including the third-row seats. There’s copious boot space too – enough even to fit

Destination

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Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

INFINITI QX80 Specifications: • Engine: 5.6-litre V8 • Transmission: Seven-speed automatic • Power: 500hp • Torque: 560Nms Four-wheel-drive 13-speaker Bose audio system Radar-guided cruise control 8-inch infotainment system Infiniti Controller Lane-departure warning 22-inch alloy wheels Leather upholstery Selectable drive modes Parking sensors 360-degree backup camera Hydraulic Body Motion Control Heated and cooled front seats Dual rear DVD entertainment system

THE INFINITI QX80 EXCEEDS ALL EXPECTATIONS YOU’VE HAD ABOUT INFINITI AS A BRAND AND THE QX80 AS ITS FLAGSHIP VEHICLE. a small dirt bike, if you fold the seats flat.

To haul all of this is a task, and assigned the duty of pulling this 2.7 tonnes of metal and leather is an equally colossal 5.6-litre naturally-aspirated V8. The engine pumps out a meaty 400 horses and 560Nms of twist, which is then divided among all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic tranny.

The results are, frankly, staggering. Slamming the throttle awakens the reassuring muscle-car-like V8 burble that we’ve known and loved for years now, which then revs its way to about 6,000rpm. Zero to 100kph is achieved in about 7.3

seconds, though you’ll find rarely find yourself needing more torque.

What’s available on tap is enough to send all passengers flinging into the far corner of their seat at full blast.

Even on highway speeds, the SUV’s gearbox steps down and channels just enough torque to the wheels for quick overtakes, despite an initial hesitation.

Ride comfort is at par – if not better – than some of the best SUVs in the business. The soft and floaty ride can be put down to the brilliant independent rear suspension, but it doesn’t hinder cornering by invoking much body roll.

In fact, it remains composed for most parts… if you don’t give it the beans unnecessarily.

The steering is light – feather-light almost – which makes driving in the city a breeze. We expected this setup to unsettle the car at high speeds but really, it manages its bulk on the

road like how Charlie Sheen (now) manages his on-screen interviews i.e. calm and composed.

As for the braking; well, as you’d expect, there are four ventilated disc brakes – and they do a darn good job stopping all the 2.7 tonnes. It’s some of the strongest brakes in the industry, but we’re not sure how it’ll age. Brake feel fluctuates between the stiff and soft, coming on at full blast after you tip in about 60 per cent of the pedal. But, at no point during our test did it require engine braking.

We’ve driven everything from Range Rover Vogues to X5s, and G-Wagens – all vehicles our tester vies against.

And while there are several traits in the QX80 that we find appealing, what bowled us over was the overall robustness and solidity of the SUV. Every thingamabob is fit to last, be it while prowling around the Sultan Qaboos highway or camping at a beach outside Muscat.

The Infiniti QX80 exceeds all expectations you’ve had about Infiniti as a brand and the QX80 as its flagship vehicle. Sure, its mid-life refresh may just constitute a nip and tuck, but the final product sticks out among the lot with just the right amount of elegance and extravagance.

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Standing sentinel in the foothills of Jaipur, the Jaigarh Fort has reigned through the centuries as an iconic landmark.

1. Visit Elefantastic, a sanctuary that makes rescuing elephants its mission.

2. Walk up to the famous Galtaji Temple which is also known as Monkey Temple.

3. Watch a movie at Raj Mandir Cinema for just RO1 per person.

4. Take a hot air balloon safari to see some of the attractions of the city.

5. Camp at Sambhar Lake and spend a wonderful night with your family.

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POSTCARDS FROM

Stephen James recommends

JAIPUR

When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable�.

Clifton Fadiman wrote this and he is so right.

I visited Rajasthan recently and was shocked to see the place dusty with bullock carts vying with cars for road space and taxi drivers honking continually (Indians love honking horns).

With no room to breathe, I felt absolutely lost.

However, people in this part of the world are not in the least bothered by this kind of commotion.

Life is very colourful here in Jaipur, the Pink City of India. Located in the north-western corner of this huge country, Jaipur is famous for opulent palaces and historical forts. I was visiting Rajasthan to attend the famous T Y P IC A L C U IS Jaipur Literature Festival at the Diggi Palace Hotel. However, Jaipur IN E F R O M J A IP U R has a lot more to offer besides the annual literature festival. There is heritage and beauty around every corner of this vibrant city. Tripolia Bazaar is the busiest street in Jaipur, with shops selling handicrafts and sweets. Johari Bazaar is another busy marketplace where you can stock your bag with jewellery and textiles. If you have a wedding coming up in your family, this is the place to shop. From exquisite jewellery to clothing, everything is available here.

Jaipur also has three significant historical sites to visit: Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal. All three can be found within the Pink City. The 18th century City Palace is also another building worth visiting in Jaipur. Built in 1792 by Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber; every element of this palace oozes elegance. Chandra Mahal, which is inside the City Palace, is the home of the present royals of Jaipur.

By paying RO13, you can access this building and check out the carriage museum. The famous Galtaji Temple, also known as Monkey Temple, is located U M IN ALL MUSE 10km away from the city of Jaipur. The temple is beautifully constructed ALBERT H J A IP U R in pink sandstone and appears more like a palace. This pre-historic Hindu pilgrimage site has the presence of many tribes of monkeys in the region. If you want to know more about the Hindu traditions and prayer ceremonies, this is a temple to visit. The most amazing thing to do in Jaipur is to take a hot air balloon safari for just RO16 per person. The ride takes you around various beautiful attractions.

My favourite place Jantar Mantar, located near the City Palace, is the largest stone astronomical observatory in the world. The primary objective of this building was to learn about space. Built in 1733, Jantar Mantar is on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.

Highlights

Head to Nahargarh Fort to get some breathtaking views of the city. This is the Fort where the Bollywood movie Rang De Basanti, starring Aamir Khan, was shot.

Lowlights

The city of Jaipur is always dusty. If you are visiting the markets or travelling by taxi or tuk tuk, use a mask before you hit the road.

Souvenirs Jaipur is one of my favourite shopping destinations. I picked up a small gold statue of Ganesh (the elephant God) for RO7 and Polki Jewellery for RO15. Make sure to taste Ghevar, the traditional Rajasthan sweet made for the festival of Teej that comes at the onset of the monsoon season.

JAL M AHAL

Getting there Oman Air flies directly to Jaipur daily. A roundtrip flight to Jaipur starts at RO120.

Where to stay The Raj Palace Hotel is my favourite. A double deluxe room for one night will cost RO84 that also includes complimentary breakfast.

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

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Y-FI

GO-TO GEAR FOR THE NEW TERM

As the summer holidays end and young people gear up for school and college, the Y Geek Squad picks some of the coolest equipment every student should have SCHOOL BACKPACK

AMAZON KINDLE PAPERWHITE Most students face the risk of backache, thanks to the load of books in their bags. Now, Amazon has found a way.

Instead of carrying all your text books in your bag, buy a Kindle Paperwhite, which can store all the books you will need for the academic year. With a 330ppi screen, the Kindle Paperwhite gives you a crystal-clear display.

It also has highlighting and notetaking features. Buy Amazon Kindle Paperwhite for RO47.

If you’re a high school student, you need a backpack that can comfortably store all your supplies. The North Face Recon is the one we recommend. It is nifty, flexible and stylish. The bag features a redesigned suspension system, a 35cm laptop sleeve, a tablet sleeve, two water bottle pockets and a space to keep your sports equipment. The bag comes in more than 20 different colours and is perfect for school and college students. Buy from Amazon for RO44.

LOCKBOOK Are you in the habit of writing a diary? If you are looking for a notebook that can be secured, then buy Lockbook, the world’s first fingerprint-protected notebook. The main feature of the notebook is its biometric fingerprint sensor, which ensures only you can access the contents of the book. It also has multiple pockets that can hold your documents, pictures and pens.

You can buy this cool notebook from Indiegogo.com for RO27.

EDITOR’S PICK

LINE DOCK

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DO YOU CARRY A LAPTOP TO SCHOOL? IF YOU’RE SPENDING HOURS IN THE CLASSROOM WITH YOUR LAPTOP, THEN LINE DOCK POWER BANK IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR YOU. LINE DOCK COMES IN A 9MM SLEEK DESIGN AND CAN CHARGE FOUR DEVICES WIRELESSLY. IT ALSO OFFERS BATTERY POWER FOR UP TO 15 HOURS. MADE OF AIRCRAFT GRADE ALUMINIUM, THE LINE DOCK IS IDEALLY SUITED FOR MACBOOKS AND ULTRABOOKS. BUY FROM INDIEGOGO.COM FOR RO68.

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Top 5 Educational Games The Y Geek Squad rounds up the top games that’ll have you immersed in an evening of fun and learning QUIZUP There’s no way we were going to gloss over the largest trivial game in the world in a countdown to the top five educational games out there.

QuizUp, as its name sugggests, is a game to test your IQ. The mobile application is designed to hook you up to players from across the world in a fun-styled quizzing platform.

What’s more? There are 1,200 topics to choose from, and fresh questions are voluntarily submitted by content creators.

Each match consists of six normal rounds and one bonus round, and players are awarded for their accuracy and speed of answer; keeping in mind that you only get 10 seconds to answer a question.

Platform: Android, Windows Phone, iOS

MATH WORKOUT This is the holy grail of all mathematics games out there – and we must confess – we couldn’t work our way around it. Though, that simply means it’s a great game for… shall we say… maths enthusiasts? The game comes with a variety of puzzles and mental maths exercises that should have you worked up and ready for a test at school in no time. If you’re feeling like a daredevil, you can also challenge other players from around the globe, though we must warn you, they’re no amateurs.

The only contender we vied against had the IQ of all the Kardashians combined. Yes, we lost.

Platform: Android, iOS

WORLD MAP QUIZ We’ve all seen them: viral videos of people on the Internet failing to name countries on the map. It’s embarrassing, if also a bit sad that a 55-year-old American resident doesn’t know where the United States lies.

If you’re among them, then it’s best you get your hands on the World Map Quiz game on your smartphone before some pesky YouTuber or vlogger has you fumbling for countries on his 25buck camera in front of millions of viewers. The game is simple: it asks you to tap on the countries that it lists out, and marks out the right ones if you’re not aware of the answer. Again, as is the trend, you can go head-to-head against some geek halfway around the world, if you’re up for it.

Platform: Android, iOS

FACTORIO

Who says that educational games must be boring? Factorio isn’t about mathematics or science but, rather, about real-time ELEVATE survival. The game follows the path of a man who crash-landed on an alien planet and must gather resources for his survival.

Back in the day, While all that sounds easy enough, keep in mind that you’re all the only reason alone. So, you’ll need to begin by building knives and hammers you’d get your brain before mustering up the resources to build your own factories. performance tested The aim is to build your own rocket ship to fly back to Earth. was if you had tiger But because this parents and your is an open-world neighbour scored game, the end of higher than you in their tests. Now, you can see how you stack the storyline (with up against people all over the globe with just a mobile app. you reaching Earth) The game is also designed to improve one’s attention, speaking needn’t necessarily skills, processing speed, memory, math skills, and more. No mean the end of two training programmes are the same – so this is the way to go the game. if you’re looking to revitalise those impoverished brain cells of yours. It’s a little less fun and little more science and math so Platform: Microsoft be prepared.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL

Be top of the class this academic year with these looks for little ones from H&M, Marks & Spencer, and more, that will earn you top marks.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

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k o o L e h

Stand out in class with this statement hoodie from H&M that puts your positivity out there for everyone to see!

Pair it with a vibrant skirt or colourblocked leggings, and people won’t have to read your shirt to know you’re awesome! Snag it for RO8.5.

t, tree s h g e hi ok. h t n to t the lo o i h ge fas igh ps you h l From Y he m Tea

Fall is all about the lumberjack look for the fellas! Show off this colourful plaid flannel buttonup at the bus-stop and the cafeteria, starting at just RO10.9 from H&M.

A place for everything and everything in its place. Keep your books and kit in order with this shiny-happy totebag from Zara Kids that will practically make you beg to get on that school-bus!

Price: RO10.9.

Hit the court and the classroom with these ultra-hip pair of suede leather sneakers from Zara Kids that go the distance. Comfort meets style as you can pair these kicks with just about any colour pant or jeans. Walk away with them for RO19.9.

These tip-top trousers will have you saying, ‘Later skater!’ as the bell rings. The darkwash black denim with adjustable waistband will match just about any colourful pair of kicks in your closet.

Grab them for RO15.9.

A must for all homeroom superheroes, this Marvel messenger bag with shoulder-strap will help carry the weight of all those schoolbooks – freeing up young imaginations to soar. Get it for RO9.9 from Marks & Spencer.

Make like a majorette in this rainbow-sequinned skirt that pairs perfectly with a muted-tone T-shirt and a pair of pink or yellow sneakers. You won’t have to worry about blending in! Make it yours from H&M for RO9.99.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

Home

Family

COLOUR,

CORRECTED What to do when considering a new hue for your do? Here are our top tips to keep in mind when getting your tresses treated

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o say all hair is created equal is a thin thread – no pun intended. And while some of us might be slaves to the foil every few months – or, venturing into uncharted treatment territory for the first time, there are a few things to keep in mind when going to town on your tresses.

The following might be worth chatting about with your stylist: Home maintenance: The number one question to ask yourself before colour-committing is – is it manageable? Are you going from jet black to bleach-blonde? Do you have the time, budget, and access to products to maintain your colour and care for chemically-treated hair? Easy home maintenance can help you minimise brassiness if you’ve gone blonde, and to help your hair from becoming too dry.

Lifestyle: We don’t realise the wear-and-tear we put our hair through each and every day – most of it owing to the kind of lifestyle we lead. We blow-dry, curl, and straighten it daily, exposing it to continual heat damage – or the chemical harshness of chlorine every time we take a dip in the pool. All of these can change the colour of your hair dye and affect how often you need to visit the salon for a touch-up.

In-salon treatments: For those chronic colourists or those who’ve simply gone a little overboard with the product overload, considering a keratin treatment leading up to your colour correction or touch-up is worthwhile. Not only are these proteinbased hair treatments a great way to boost 042

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the condition of your hair, they’re also a fabulous way to get in some pampering ‘me’-time with a toe-curling scalp massage at the salon!

Get a strand test: This is where your stylist will remove small strands of hair from different areas of your head and put them through some rigorous colour tests to see how your tresses hold up to chemical processing. Poor results lead to hair breakage, in which case further colour treatments would not be recommended.

For the DIY-ers: Something to keep in mind when grabbing that box of L’Oréal off the shelf – the shade you see on the front of the box will only turn out that way on hair that’s never been dyed before and is a shade lighter than what’s already shown. It’s no wonder then that we hear about so many at-home horror stories. Your best bet (and best friend!) is always your stylist.

Beauty

I

HEALTH

NO BONES ABOUT IT

nes is important. The problem is that these days many children aren’t getting the daily recommended diet and exercise needed to do so. And, with technology use at an all-time high, children are spending less time playing outdoors, which increases the risk of obesity.

Today, approximately 32 percent of American children and adolescents aged two to 19 are considered overweight or obese.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) wants to help empower families to get up, get out, and get moving to ensure optimal bone growth and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and other diseases later in life.

“Building your child’s bone bank is like a college savings plan: the earlier you start investing, the better,” says AAOS spokesperson Dr. Jennifer Weiss, a paediatric/orthopaedic surgeon at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles.

“Parents should ensure that kids are getting adequate calcium to keep their bones strong as well as appropriate levels of vitamins D and C to allow the body to absorb the calcium.”

So, what’s a parent to do? The following tips will help get your kids (and you!) moving while building better, stronger bones: ❶ Move it. Make physical activity a part of a child’s schedule for at least 30 to 60 minutes per day. Make it fun. With fall weather coming in, walking around the block, kicking a football in the yard, or riding a bike is a perfect way to engage with your kids and still get in some exercise. Bonus?

Being outside gets you and the kids some much-needed vitamin D, which also helps build strong bones.

Fashion

Home

Family

Want to build healthier bones in your kids? Send them back to school stronger and ready to face recess with these top tips

❷ Watch what you eat. Life is busy.

This makes on-the-run snacks and meals an easy fix for harassed parents. Unfortunately, most of this kind of food lacks the nutrients to ensure good bone health. Adolescents should consume a healthy diet with calcium to maintain strong bones and lower the risk of excessive weight gain. ❸ Lift things up…and put them down. Studies show that strength-training is key to healthy bones. During resistance training, muscles have to work harder and, over time, become stronger.

Although resistance exercises focus on increasing muscle-mass, they also put stress on bones and have bone-building capacity. ❹ Set limits. It’s understandable that kids’ whims change with the seasons, as do the number of teams they want to play on. However, try to limit the number of teams a child plays on in one season to avoid overuse injuries. In addition, if your child tells you that something hurts, discourage him or her from playing through the pain.

Source: newsusa.com SEP 06 - 12 / ISSUE 534

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YUMMY

MAKING THE GRADE

Earn a gold star from the kids with these elevated school-day staples that will take lunchtime to a whole new level.

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L unches for school-day superheroes

Back-to-school is hectic enough, with more than a few daily challenges. Don’t make your mornings one of them, as Yummy Oman brings you our kitchen hacks that rank top-of-the-class for taste!

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he alarm didn’t go off, book-bags aren’t packed, the homework’s gone missing – was it ever done?! – and your daughter is refusing to get ready until she finds her favourite T-shirt with the stripes. Sound familiar? It must be back-to-school. And while parents across the Sultanate may be rejoicing at the prospect of glorious kid-free afternoons, there’s still those school-day mornings to contend with.

Help your little ones have a healthy head-start with these easy gold-star recipes that will help make your mornings a cinch.

Bento Box Lunch Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Servings: 4 ‘Sushi Roll’: § 4 slices 7-grain bread § 4 slices lunchmeat turkey breast § 1 teaspoon yellow mustard § ½ an avocado, sliced § 1 mini-cucumber, cut into 7.5cm-by-1/2cm sticks Quinoa Salad: § 1 cup organic quinoa, cooked § ¼ cup sliced almonds § 2 mandarin oranges, peeled and separated § ¼ cup dried cranberries § 3 bunches green onions, sliced § 1 teaspoon olive oil § Salt & pepper, to taste Broccoli Salad: § 1 large head broccoli, chopped § ¼ cup sliced almonds § ¼ cup dried cranberries § ¼ cup sunflower seeds, shelled § ¼ cup shallots,

finely-diced § ½ cup coleslaw salad dressing § Salt and pepper to taste Assemble all the ingredients and place in a bento box lunch carrier for an innovative take on lunch. Add the sliced apples dusted with cinnamon for a sweet finish.

Beef Bacon & Waffle Breakfast Sandwiches Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients: § 8 frozen prepared waffles, toasted § 225g beef bacon slices, cooked § 4 large eggs § 4 slices cheddar cheese § Maple syrup to taste (Optional) Method: § Prepare waffles according to package directions and keep warm. § In a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat, cook the beef bacon rashers until lightly browned on each side, and keep warm. In the same pan over a medium heat, fry the eggs until done as you would like. § Lay out four waffles and top each one with sliced cheese, beef bacon, and fried egg, topping with remaining waffles to finish. Serve warm with maple syrup, if desired.

Poblano Ranch Tacos Makes: 8 tacos Ingredients: § 8 packaged yellow corn taco shells § 2 tablespoons olive oil § 4 poblano peppers, sliced § 1 yellow onion, sliced § 6 radishes, sliced § 1 cup, cotija cheese § 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, optional § 1 cup corn § Drizzle of jarred ranch or jalapeno ranch dressing to finish Method: § Add olive oil to a frying pan on a medium heat.

Add sliced poblano peppers and yellow onion to the pan and sauté until cooked through. Add a squeeze of lime juice to the pepper and onion mix if desired. § Bake taco shells according to directions on the box. Add poblano and onion mixture to the base of the taco. Top with sliced radishes, corn, and cotija cheese. Finish with dressing.

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New Restaurant

REVIEWS

ge

Ran p o T

Info Box

TEATRO RESTAURANT

1st floor, Sundus Rotana Al Maardih St., Al Seeb Opening hours: Daily from 6:00 p.m.

Contact: (+968) 2451-1800 Dinner for three: RO91.962

TEATRO RESTAURANT

Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 9/10 FOOD 8/10 AMBIENCE Five-star multicultural cuisine in opulent surroundings.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

out carbs. Buttery slivers of marinated tuna and salmon sashimi are the stars against a wellbalanced backdrop of tossed greens in a puckery Japanese vinaigrette. red curtain, a velvet rope and an While one half of the table remains rooted elevator to the ethereal. In a dim-lit in flavours from the Asian continent, the other dining room, stars of the stage and half ventures over to Italy, with a round of pasta silver screen look down from the walls making an appearance. A douse of freshly-cracked over a theatre of another kind – the sizzle and black pepper and lashings of pungent Parmesan pop of the wok, the fragrant hiss of the grill, the are a toothsome twosome when paired with slap of the paddle in the wood-fired pizza oven, perfectly al dente penne Arabbiata.

SUNDUS ROTANA’S VERSION HERE IN MUSCAT, WHILE ON THE PRICIER SIDE, the clink of glasses. At the centre of this stage, a For our cotillion of sushi-lovers, (all two of SUSTAINS ITS REPUTATION IN A MARKET sushi chef presides over the live station, his deft us…), we order up an array of maki rolls that hits RIPE FOR FIVE-STAR FLAVOUR fingers working the bamboo mat that is the tool the spot – earning extra marks for presentation of his rolling trade. and creativity. Can’t decide between spicy tuna Sundus Rotana’s Teatro, the property’s or salmon? With their Kon-Bi-Ne-Shon Roll you signature upscale restaurant, is pulling out all the don’t have to – just don’t try pronouncing it ` stops to add a five-star feather in the cap to the out-loud. calibre of the business hotel’s culinary offerings.

We also opt for portions of the Ebi Tempura Come at golden hour for a pre-dinner sundowner and Rocky Mars Rolls – the former a no-fail on the terrace or luxuriate in the speak-easy vibe classic; the sweetness of the shrimp balanced by of their ruby-red lounge as you wait for its spicy condiment while the latter is a modern your table. imagining of salmon tossed with cream cheese On this night, we arrive for a late spot of and topped with crispy skin. For this writer I dinner, well after the evening rush has come and would have preferred to leave that one aside to be gone, and we have the dining room mostly to happily wolfed down by my colleague. ourselves. A hostess in a red dress leads us to the menu (think Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian, While Teatro is not a stand-alone restaurant in back of the room to a table tucked near Italian) and culinary performances that live up to the Rotana’s culinary arsenal – with numerous the window. its name, we’ve come with hefty appetites and high incarnations at properties across the GCC, Sundus The two staff looking after us throughout the expectations for Teatro to deliver. After perusing a Rotana’s version here in Muscat, while on the evening are both knowledgeable and initially plentiful menu that looks like a playbill, we settle on pricier side, sustains its reputation in a market ripe attentive – though somewhat absent towards the a starter of the crispy prawns with wasabi mayo for five-star flavour. end of the night as we end up flagging down the to share. sushi chef to chase our bill for us.

Expecting small, deep-fried morsels of shrimp, Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see Priding itself on an inspired multi-cuisine what we get instead is a full-sized helping of reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com tempura-battered tiger prawns; each morsel pipinghot and the ideal vehicle for the perfectly-balanced kick of the slightly sweet wasabi side. It’s a good start to the evening’s meal and a sign of things to come.

Next up is a portion of Szechuan-style hotand-sour soup that comes served in a cast-iron cauldron kept warm by the flame of a candle.

Spicy and warming it’s a hit, with ample spoonfuls of shredded chicken, plump prawns, and tofu on every dip. We also try a Sakura salad – ideal for those looking to maximize on flavour while cutting

WITH THE THEATRICS OF ITS OPEN-PLAN KITCHEN, THIS SULTRY EATERY AT THE SUNDUS ROTANA ADDS A TOUCH OF SPECTACLE TO EVERY COURSE, AS TEAM Y DISCOVERS

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SEP 06 - 12 / ISSUE 534

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