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Your top guide to the best of oman, everY week

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FEB 20 – 26 / ISSUE 308 • WEEKLY

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BEST OF BREED: Arabian Horses Showcase Desert DashOFFICE OUTING: Businesses Boost Staff Motivation

Three Become One: FREEZING OMANIS FAIL TO GET FUNDS10

FoodFashion Outdoors

YACHTIQUETTEBE PART OF THE BIG BOAT SET

HALWA HEAVEN / EXPLORING THE EMPTY QUARTER / COOL CREPES / MONUMENTS MEN / BAGGING A BOOK / Y EVENTS

Win! An LG G FlexSTAR OF NAWRAS FESTIVAL UP FOR GRABS

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Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing &

Advertising LLC /Y is a SABCO Media product.

We’d love to hear your news and views. For editorial

enquiries, please email info@y-oman.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome to the new look Y Magazine - your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has to offer.

EDITOR IN CHIEFSayyida Iman bint Hamad

bin Hamood Al Busaidi

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Eihab Abutaha

MANAGING EDITORPenny Fray

SECTIONS EDITORKate Ginn

CONTRIBUTORTom Robertson

PHOTOGRAPHER Jerzy Wierzbicki

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Feroz Khan

Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman.

@ytabloid facebook.com/ytabloid www.y-oman.comFO l l O w U S O N :

Online: Visit y-oman.com for even more inspiration.

Smart device: Catch up with Y on the go at y-oman.com/current-issue

ways to get your Y fix

Fast forwardoes owning a nice thing make you nicer? This was the debate that sparked the birth of this week’s cover feature. Despite my insistence that the correct answer would require Sheikhs to be deprived of their racehorses and Abramovich his

football club, my pal insisted that a yacht would make you better liked – especially if you threw great parties on board. As the businessman Ernst Klaus once exclaimed: “Wherever you go in a classic boat, you never provoke negative reactions.”

And it’s kind of true. When the modern oligarch or financial speculator float their giant steam irons across the waves, you can’t help but wonder what it would be like to be on board – or how far you’d go in order to cross the golden plank. Then reality hits and you question whether these super yachts are as ugly and secretive as the sins sometimes committed to afford them. Or are they simply party palaces for the powerful and pretty? Hmmm…

Elsewhere in this edition, we discover why health freaks are going crazy for coconuts and why three Freezing Omanis have now become one. Your weekend’s curation of news, views and entertainment, starts here – Enjoy!

Penny Fray MANAGING EDITOR

editor@y-oman.com

D

Team Y cooed over compatible couples at our Valentine’s Quiz in Markaz Al Bahja and cheered on SABCO Media’s karting

teams in the 24-hour endurance race. Alas! there were no podium places for our

drivers – better luck next time.

THIS wEEK…

TREND BAROMETER

GETTING HITCHED

GOING DOWNQUEUE JUMPERS

There’s a queue. It’s big. No one particularly wants to waste time

standing in it – but that’s life. So why do certain shoppers insist on sliding up to the cashier and sneakily try to get their purchase through without

standing in line? Yes, I’m talking to you, pushy person at R&B in

Muscat Grand Mall.

The pressure of bankrupting parents has just gone up a notch since TIME

Magazine introduced a new app that’s meant to predict your ideal marriage

date. Just connect through Facebook and it pings exactly how long you have left to

tie the knot. What a horrible thought!

GOING UPPUPPY LOVE

We’re such pushovers for cute pets that we couldn’t resist printing a

picture of this one. All together now – awwww! Keep the photos coming

animal lovers.

HIS’N’HER OUTFITSNo longer the subject of sniggering

since Angelina Jolie rocked her tailor-made Saint Laurent tux alongside

Brad’s monochrome number at this week’s BAFTA awards.

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contentsF E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 1 4

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Yo u r O m a n06 The Big Interview Brigadier Abdulrazak Alshawarzi

08 Your Oman Jane Jaffer

10 News Philip Seymour Hoffman

Fo o d a n d D r i n k28 Food Nuts About Nuts

30 Food Review Crêpe Café

T h i s w e e k14 Movie Listings The Monuments Men

16 This week Dance Delights

20 Oman in 43 Objects Omani Halwa

B u s i n e s s a n d C a r e e r26 Team Spirit

C a r s a n d I n d o o r37 Destination Ramlat al Gharbinayat

40 Indoors Reading Rooms

42 Postcard From Tampere

44 Y-Fi Affordable Tech

46 Car of the Week Renault KWID

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Fe at u r e s22 Yachtiquette

H e a l t h a n d B e a u t y32 Fashion Luscious Lemon

34 Beauty Brilliant Braids

DOLPhINS / PaINTBOx FaShION / ChILDReN WITh BIPOLaR / juICINg IT / FaShION / ReVIeWS

NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE...

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46

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How did the idea Gallops of Oman come about?Equestrian sports have enjoyed huge success across the Gulf region at an international level, including here. This concept, however, is a completely different proposition and a first for the Middle East. It’s different because essentially, it is a test of the partnership between horse and rider and also horsemanship. The fastest teams will not necessarily be crowned the winners. The ride requires team work as 110 riders from nine nationalities will be divided into 22 teams of five, with a nominated captain who will navigate their team into each camp via the use of a GPS.

We knew from the start, that the combination of the scenery of Oman, the rich heritage of our country and of course the warm Omani hospitality mixed with the challenge of riding 180kms

across the Sharqiyah Sands, would provide an adventure of a lifetime. It is a unique ride that certainly not many people would be able to say they have ever done before. At the same time, we are also seeking to capitalise on the opportunity to highlight Oman, through this unique and prestigious event. The riders will be making the crossing using Arabian horses. Why does Oman have such an affinity for this breed and what attributes make it suitable for this type of challenge?Oman has a deep attachment to the Arabian horse. It has long been a part of our heritage and traditions. For this reason His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has played an essential role in preserving the Arabian horse. The modern breed we see today in Oman is the result of a carefully planned breeding programme at Salalah Stud Farm.

Now, the Royal Cavalry is reaping the fruits of His Majesty’s passion for the Arabian horse, as our teams have become renowned on the international stage for their efforts in equestrian sports and also for the quality of horse emanating from Oman. With a delicate but muscular body, a brave heart and typically narrow, pointed ears, the Arabian horse is an image of beauty as well as being adapted perfectly to the desert terrain.Will the horses be safe? The welfare of the horses involved in this ride is paramount. The Royal Cavalry has set out official veterinary stages to monitor each horse carefully and ensure the fitness of every horse, as one would expect at international competitions.Alongside the Omani representatives, the majority of the riders are European. Can you describe the hurdles you think they will face when

YOUR OMAN

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HORSING AROUNDBrigadier aBdulrazak alshahwarzi, COMMANdER Of ThE ROYAl CAVAlRY ANd VICE-ChAIRMAN ANd CEO Of GAllOps Of OMAN

making the trip from North to South Sharqiyah Sands? Riding 180kms is no easy task, even for the most experienced riders. There is no doubt that the desert will be new terrain for many. Becoming accustomed to an unknown horse will present new challenges as the riders adapt to the style of the Arabian horse. But people do not usually choose to ride because it is an easy option. Coming from varied equestrian disciplines, such as endurance and racing, we know that these riders will relish the chance to experience the unknown, put their horsemanship skills to the test and feel a deep sense of achievement on completion. The other important factor to consider is how they work together as a team. Maintaining motivation and supporting their teammates along the route will be key.The ride involves five stages between camps in the desert, far from the reaches of civilization, Internet connection etc. How has the Royal Cavalry managed the logistics of this vast operation? Undoubtedly, there have been some logistical challenges involved in providing a moving camp to support 110 horses and riders through the desert over five days. The Royal Cavalry alongside Cheval Nature, a specialist in setting up rides in unusual locations, has been fortunate enough to have worked with some excellent partners who have assisted the setup to ensure that the welfare and comfort of both horses and riders is at the appropriate level and that safety remains a key priority during this exciting ride.We’ve heard there will be a series of local entertainment to introduce the different nationalities participating to the rich heritage of Oman. Can you tell us a little more about this?The overall aim of the trip is to provide the riders with an experience they will never forget. Alongside the beautiful terrain they will ride through and the chance to partner one of our Arabian horses, it is important that the riders also have a chance to connect with Omani culture and understand its distinctive identity. During the evening in camps along the route, there will be a programme of traditional Omani folklore entertainment.

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Keep Oman Tidy

correspondence

Just as the four tyres of a car need to be equally pumped up for a smooth ride, devoting time to the

four aspects of ourselves results in a balanced, happy life. We each have physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs. Looking after our bodies and keeping fit is vital. The obesity epidemic is causing grave concern as being overweight can lead to many health conditions. But if we obsess about our bodies and physical appearance we lose a healthy perspective on our lives. We need intellectual stimulation. In today’s fast changing world we have to become lifelong learners. People who study new subjects, develop new skills and explore their creative talents are more likely to have successful careers. But obsessing about career development can lead to stress, unhealthy lifestyles and relationship issues. No man is an island. When we neglect family and friends we suffer loneliness. Developing emotional intelligence, being empathetic, building relationships and interacting with others is vital for our emotional and mental health. But by no means least, is our need to develop a spiritual life. When we trust in some kind of higher power, find meaning in suffering, discover our life’s purpose and live in gratitude we develop peace of mind and find true happiness.

The Voice of oman Jane Jaffer talks about the importance of having the right foundations to a happier, more balanced life

Next week: Sayyida Mayya al Said

SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / @ytabloid / /ytabloid. Impress us and the winning correspondent will receive an InterContinental voucher. Guests may redeem gift vouchers from the hotel’s reception. For the rest of the terms and conditions see voucher.

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Dinner for twoat Tomato

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/InterContinentalMuscat

Dear Y

I’m really pleased that you featured Souks in the last edition of Y.

I love the vibrant life that you find in these little markets and all the amazing things that you can buy there, from treasure boxes through to the things we need for our everyday lives.

Here in Oman we see new shopping centres announced all the time. It seems that people now just want big faceless shopping malls with expensive shops. I think it would be really sad if these threatened the existence of souks and we lost sight of our traditional markets. I hope that we can find a way for both big shopping malls and small traditional souks to exist together as I believe they both have a part to play in our lives.

Jonny Goff Muscat

marKeT mania

Dear Y

I think most of us would agree when I say that Muscat is generally clean. But that isn’t because people don’t litter – it is because the street cleaners do their tasks arduously and on a regular basis. Without them, Muscat would pile up with mess. I haven’t seen a sign declaring that ‘littering is punishable by law’. I have also noticed that there is still a shortage of garbage bins around the city. So for those who don’t have time to search for one, or who don’t have a bag to put their trash in, they simply drop their rubbish somewhere on a street corner hoping that no one will notice. We cannot rely just on ‘social responsibility’, which is sadly lacking for some people. I say this based on personal experience. When I’ve tried to correct

someone who I’ve caught littering in the past, they just look at me oddly, thinking, ‘mind your own business.’ People are aware that speeding is punishable by

law. Similarly, if we were made aware that littering is against the law – which it is - people would have to think twice before dropping their garbage. And if adequate and easily recognisable bins were available in strategic places, then people would have one less excuse to litter.

Best regards,

Andrew Aludino, Muscat

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We asked: The Winter Olympics are well underway with 12 new events this time, including Women’s ski Jumping. What event would you like to see included?

aMy PalMer 

Ice volleyball. There’s already beach volleyball and regular volleyball in the summer Olympics, so how about volleyball on skates? Haha, now that would be crazy.

raj SheNoy  It would be great fun to have a snowball fight event included in the Winter Olympics where players try to defend their own snowman while trying to destroy the opponents snowman with snowballs. It would actually be a cool game!

SrikaNth ayyagari  In my opinion ice rugby would give a new look to the Winter Olympics.

MariaNNa woodS Pereira  Snowball fights between two teams.

roNak Bhatt Swimming races in ice-cold water.

joMari SoMoNtiNa Sagal Popsicle making. Who ever makes the most unusual and the tastiest wins.

Vedette de NieSe Hurdles on snow.

heetraj ChaVda  I just want to see ice football in the Wnter Olympics.

rodNey woodS  Gymnastics on fresh snow.

tiM dewhurSt An ice cream eating competition, just like a normal food eating competition but with ice cream. This would be extra tough in a cold environment.

debaTe Of The WeeK

L E T T E R S E - M A I L S F A C E B O O K T W I T T E RYOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US

CeliNe duBoiS Pole vault and then landing in a big pile of fresh snow instead of on a mat. Now that would be fun.

aNtoN kielMaNN Natural track luge. It’s already a winter sport at the moment but it should be included in the Olympics. It’s amazing.

Sally taylor Synchronised swimming in a cold lake. Now that’s endurance.

iSaBel Pereira Synchronised ice skating.

Carrie Calder Cross country running through the snowy forests, beautiful and tough.

I'm a reader

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photographer and we will publish it

on this page

Send it to:info@y-oman.com

This Week’s debate:Despite the recent floods, the

weather is getting hotter by the day. What activities do you still want to do before the soaring temperatures

send us scurrying indoors?

WINNer! reply of

the Week

rubeena IbrahIm took a photo of her trIplets on the beach with their favourite Y Magazine

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Sponsorship problems have derailed an attempt by three young Omanis to take part in

an expedition to the Antarctic. What was supposed to be a three strong team has now been whittled down to just one, Rumaitha al Busaidi, who will single handedly represent the Omani contingent on the expedition this March, thanks to sponsorship by her employer, SABCO Media.

The team was set to take part in the adventure with renowned explorer and record-breaking polar veteran Robert Swan on the two week trip to learn about environmentally sustainable initiatives. The trip would have seen the three actively involved in workshops with world experts on sustainable development and environmental protection.

The ‘Freezing Omanis’, as the team was known, had hoped to learn from the experience of experts in order to import that valuable knowledge back to Oman, and apply best practices to local environmental projects.

But a sponsorship wrangle has left sales engineer Nasser al Kanjari, and Maha al Balushi, a professional photographer, without the necessary RO11000 sponsorship that was necessary for each individual to undertake the trip.

It’s a major blow for the two participants who had already undertaken significant training in order to be ready for the grueling task. Preparations had included long periods spent at -30 degrees in an industrial freezer in an effort to become accustomed to the harsh Antarctic environment. Their exercise regime was managed by

RevGX, who provided expertise on how to stay fit for the coming physical challenge.

On top of this were the advanced logistical arrangements necessary for the adventurous undertaking, including arranging visas, flights and purchasing specialist cold-weather clothing, something that’s not easy to come by in Oman.

Despite having paid the initial deposit, and the rapidly approaching departure date in March, the two are now left without the funds that would have seen them bound for Antarctica on March 1.

With the expedition’s focus on environmental sustainability, it’s a development that will see Oman underrepresented in this crucial area.

Speaking to Y, al Khanjary expressed his sadness: “I’m filled with disappointment at the prospect of no longer being able to meet with world experts that are going to be there. I run Sea Legends, a marine conservation

project in Oman and had hoped to learn from the experiences of others attending the trip, but I won’t be able to do so now. It seems that at the moment, there’s a lack of understanding from corporations on the necessity to get involved with, and sponsor, environmental initiatives. ”

His teammate, al Balushi, echoed the sentiments of not being able to convince corporations of the need for such initiatives: ‘It was a struggle trying to convince our potential sponsors of our true intentions for environmental conservation.”

The only remaining adventurer, al Busaidi, expressed her frustration with the way the team’s sponsorship requests were dealt with by some companies: “People are reluctant to deliver bad news here. Instead of just saying ‘sorry, we can’t help you’, we were given the run around with ‘yes, or maybe’, when actually there’s been no intention to help at all. It’s been incredibly frustrating. We’d rather that potential sponsors had just given us a firm ‘sorry, no’ so that we could focus on finding alternative sources of funding rather than chasing those who were never going to deliver.”

Despite the crushing disappointment, both Maha and Nasser have reaffirmed their commitment to carrying on with environment protection initiatives in Oman and also expressed their gratitude to those who supported them.

“We’d like to thank our sponsors Enhance, who secured our places with sponsorship, and RevGX who kept my team mates and I in shape,” said al Balushi. “Personally, I’m grateful that I got to be part of the Freezing Omanis who were, and will remain, a family to me”.

N E W SYOUR OMAN

G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w

Pedal Power

Three Become one

The Tour of Oman takes place from February 18 -23 with teams

vying to take top honours in the 940Km race. Teams of up to eight cyclists from the 144-strong field will be competing for the red winners Jersey and a share of the RO56,000 prize money.

Chris Froome, defending champion of both the Tour of Oman and the Tour de France has confirmed that he will be among those competing over the race’s six stages.

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G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w N E W SYOUR OMAN

What are they?Small and Medium Enterprises, according to the World Bank, United Nations and the World Trade Organisation.What’s so special about them?Depending on where they’re based, they fall within certain parameters such as having below a certain number of employees, or annual turnover.Why do we need them?They’re a valuable part of the economy. In some countries they can account for up top 50 per cent of GDP, are a vital employer of the labour force and can be exciting sources of innovation, if they get the right support.Is Oman supporting SMEs?There’s a heavy focus on growing SMEs in the Sultanate these days after some observers say that it’s got one of the smallest SME sectors in the GCC. There’s been moves recently by the The Export Credit Guarantee Agency (ECGA) to help SMEs to obtain credit insurance and guarantee services from the agency.What else is happening to raise awareness of SMEs?February 17th marked the first day of the sixth SME Conference and Exhibition.Why would I want to work for one?They’re less bureaucratic and are better forums in which to be creative and have your voice heard. You could also find yourself with much more responsibility much earlier on in your career.Anything else?It’s more likely that you’ll get greater control over your project and will be able to see it through from conception to finish.They sound great. How can I work for an SME?Well if you’re lucky enough to work as a civil service employee, a resolution that took affect from the beginning of this year means that personnel can leave to set up an SME without forefitting pension rights and also be entitles to some wages even after they’ve left.Sounds amazing! How many have applied?None, according to the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises.Oh. Maybe there’s a catch?To work in an SME you have to be hard working, innovative and proactive.Do say: I have an ideaDon’t say: Sounds too much like hard work.

A W E E K I N P I C T U R E S

A driver braves the floods in Al Khuwair as heavy rains caused chaos in Muscat.

HEADLINING STORIES FROM OMAN AND BEYOND

Former superpower rivals, the U.S, beat Russia in the Men’s Ice Hockey after the controversial decision to disallow a Russian goal.

A bus blast in the Sinai peninsula, Egypt kills three tourists destabilising the area yet further.

Unkranian protesters vacate city hall in Kiev in return for the release of arrested protesters

B i t e S i z e dOUR NEW WEEKlY SlOT TAKES A lIGhThEARTEd

lOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE Of ThE WEEK.

SMES

Despite strong representation by Omani racing drivers, it was a team from Bahrain,

Batelco Racing, that finished first in this year’s 24 hour Karting Endurance that ended on Saturday 16 February. In second place came Dubai 5, from the Emirates, while Oman’s Protech

took the last spot on the podium. The Y magazine team came a respectable 8th, having incurred an unforeseen penalty for weighing in slightly under the regulated weight. Y’s sister Radio station, Merge 104.8 was narrowly beaten to finish fourth overall.

It was an action packed twenty fours hours of racing that pushed the

drivers to their physical limits as the teams clocked up well over a 1000 laps each. The winning team Batelco wracked up a massive 1457 laps of the Oman Automobile Association’s Karting track in the 24 hour period, two ahead of its nearest rival.

Speaking on behalf of Merge Radio’s team Laila al Sinani said “My team mates drove brilliantly but I was a little disappointed with the way that I personally performed. I think that was largely down to a lack of practice with the new karts that we used for the event.

“But this was another incredible experience, that was made possible thanks to our sponsors and all those involved in the event. I can’t wait to get back in the kart for the next race.”

Trophy KarTed off To Bahrain

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Monuments Men

Lots of us want to be entrepreneurs – and for all the right reasons. Dreaming

of making millions one day is fine, but it’s also a chance to unearth talent and create something special on the business scene. That’s why this year’s Entrepreneur Conclave is all about up and coming young entrepreneurs from Oman. While most hold fancy MBAs and business degrees from top rated universities, 10 young entrepreneurs will get the chance of a lifetime to learn and network with the who’s who of the Sultanate’s business world. The seniors include the brand ambassadors for the event: Etab Al Zadjali, Hassan Mohd Juma Sultan and Qaiz Al Khonji.

The event’s organisers have teamed up with Oman Sail to provide a very unique platform for the young entrepreneurs. The top ten young talent

selected by the jury will get to learn from senior successful entrepreneurs by solving a unique case study and a challenging sailing activity.

Hassan Mohd Juma Sultan of the Mohammed Juma Sultan Co. LLC says he finds this unique idea of networking very interesting, “Sailing is an activity that requires a lot of team work and leadership. Five hours of sailing will definitely give them an opportunity to bond and learn team work.”

Prospective participants have to be between the ages 18 and 30 as of January1st 2014 and have an operational business for a minimum of 18 months to a maximum of 5 years with an annual revenue of RO 30,000 to RO 50,000. The participant should also be the owner or the manager of

his/her business.Even though only three will

be chosen as winners from the conclave session, participants will get to take back a treasure trove of knowledge from their interaction with the senior stars. They will also get an opportunity to flaunt their company credentials to potential investors at the gala dinner hosted by the Conclave.

Nevertheless, only one of the three deserving winners will have the opportunity to be nominated as the ‘Entrepreneur’s Conclave 2015’ brand ambassador.

G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w N E W SYOUR OMAN

AND THEY’RE OFF… Gallops of Oman, the Sultanate’s first ever horsemanship challenge took place this week, following an opening ceremony with His Excellency Ahmed bin Nasser al Mehrzi, Minister of Tourism at Al Rakah Camp, near the village of El Mintrib.

MENTORING MANIAEntrepreneur’s Conclave 2014 gives young business brains a boost up the success ladder, says Shishira Sreenivas

WIN!A LG G FLEX FROM NAWRASMeet the cult phone that leaves sliced bread in the dark and gadget fiends drooling.

Interested candidates can register at www.experiment-events.com/e-conclave before March 18th by 2 pm.

You may have a Spiderman costume but that doesn’t mean you have superhero powers. We can’t help

there. But we can offer you the next best thing – an LG G Flex smartphone.

Thanks to those very kind people at Nawras, a member of the Ooredoo Group, we have one of these amazing gadgets up for grabs.

If you haven’t heard, it does all sorts of amazing things. Its curved shape molds to the contours of your face and hand, meaning that the person at the other end can hear you 3dB louder. An OLED display offers bright, vivid images while helping to minimise reflective glare. Plus, the back has a nanotechnology coating that self heals. How cool is that? Retailing at RO310, the innovative kit is exclusively available from Nawras and is one of the current stars of its Smartphone Festival.

Get a chance to win one by sending us a photo or video illustrating one of your super powers to @ytabloid on Twitter, facebook.com/ytabloid or info@y-oman.com with the hash tag #NAWRAS by Feb 28, 2014

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AnchormAn 2: The Legend conTinues Ladies and gentlemen, sit back and get ready to witness the force that is Ron Burgundy. The ludicrous anchorman is back with a sequel produced by Judd Apatow and directed by Adam McKay, the same guys who took the first Anchorman film to the box office back in 2004. This time, funny man Will Ferrel comes equipped with an army of laughter-inducing actors; Steve Carell as the dopey Brick Tamland, Paul Rudd as the dashing Brian Fantana and David Koechner as the goofball. Together with his team of equally frivolous buddies, Rob sets off to New York to work at the world’s first 24-hour news channel. A must watch movie for some easy laughs and to see whether the legend actually continues.

Y’s Choice

THIS WEEK’S MOVIES

P R E V I E W

For more information and times, go to:

City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net

Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net

Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641

Two Mothers

‘Two Mothers’ is hardly a movie about mothering in the traditional sense - in fact, think twice if you go with your family, as there may be more than a few uncomfortable moments awaiting you.

Starring two of Hollywood’s most beautiful blondes, Robin Wright and Naomi Watts, Two Mothers is the story of long-running friends Lil and Roz who live on a picturesque beach with their adult sons. During the summer, emotions start to spiral out of control when both mothers start unconventional relationships with each other’s sons, each to find unexpected

Monuments Men

MOVIES MOVIESWEEKTHIS

bliss in their atypical romances. An interesting new look at love and its boundaries, but one to perhaps not watch with your parents.

Vikingdom

Loosely based on Viking legends, this fantasy-action adventure focuses on a forgotten king who is tasked with defeating Thor, the god of Thunder. The mythic deity is on a mission to gather ancient relics before the Blood Eclipse, which happens once every 800 years, failing which, the pagan Viking Gods will never be able to rule and conquer mankind ever again. Only one man can stop him – Eirick. Erm, what can I say except expect a lot of steel on steel action.

A CASE OF YOu It’s possible that this movie would have been a more suitable one to see during Valentine’s Day - but as it stands this romantic comedy starring Justin Long and Evan Rachel Wood sheds light on an increasingly popular trend - learning about the

person you like through their Facebook profile. In the film, Long plays Sam, a young writer seeking inspiration when he meets the adorable and quirky barista, Birdie, played by Wood. In order to win her affection, Sam uses the knowledge he gains from her Facebook profile to become the man of her dreams. What he doesn’t realise is how difficult it is to continue when things start getting serious. While moderately unoriginal, ‘A Case of You’ provides a few chuckles and yet another scenario in which social media is changing the face of modern relationships.

The latest war movie, The Monuments Men, both written and directed by the ever handsome and increasingly talented George Clooney, is based on a true story.

An adaptation of the book by Robert M. Edsel, it follows the journey of an unusual allied squad consisting of several museum directors, curators and art historians, on a hunt to find and save culturally important pieces before Hitler destroys them.

The film boasts an all-star cast that includes Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Jean Dujardin, John Goodman and the ethereal Cate Blanchett.

Introductory scenes show Nazis stealing the precious treasure from galleries and museums throughout France, before they are covertly transported to mining towns in Germany, for concealment. Lt. Frank Stones (Clooney) explains to his team, the Monuments Men, that they would be fighting for their culture and way of life by retrieving these artifacts.

If you love historic films, then you’ll definitely enjoy this one with its interesting storyline and amazing performances by some of Hollywood’s greats.

Reviewed by Noor Hyder

The

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BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS

HOT TO TROT

Are you a young entrepreneur? Are you looking for new business ideas or just eager to network? Attend AIESEC Oman Youth to Business (Y2B) forum for young leaders. 2014’s forum is titled, ‘Youth Building Oman 2040’ and focuses on generating new ideas that will shape Oman’s future. The forum will be a day-long event held at Bait Al Zubair for a fee of RO5. To register, visit bit.ly/omany2b.

Due to popular demand, Oman Salsa and Zouk Group are bringing back the International Salsa and Dance Festival to the Sultanate. Professional dancers and instructors from around the world will attend this super salsa festival. Learn different dance styles over three days at the Al Nahda Resort and Spa. For registration and details, visit www.oiszf.com.

THIS WEEK

WHaT TO dO.

WHaT TO SEE.

WHaT TO HEaR.

F E B R U a R Y

March

01

With LoveFrom Syria

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The Enana Dance theatre derives its name from Enana, the Syrian Goddess of love,

culture, art, literature and the moon. The theatre company will enthrall audiences at

the Royal Opera House Muscat with dazzling costumes and drama as they perform a

production inspired by the grand history and vibrant diversity of Arab culture.

The show starts at 7:30 pm and is priced from RO5 - RO48. For details and tickets, visit

www.rohmuscat.org.om

MINI MUSICIaNS

Need to stock up your bookshelf ? Visit the Muscat International Book Fair at the Oman International Exhibition Centre for an array of global novels and reference books. The fair will be open to the public from 10am to 10pm (and on Fridays from 4pm to 10pm.) For more information visit www.omanexhibitions.com

Bait Muzna Gallery in association with German University of Technology of Oman presents ‘Passage of Time – Oman’ by German

Artist Prof Gazmend Kalemi. The gallery timings are from Saturday-Thursday 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. For details, visit www.baitmuznagallery.com.

Royal Opera House Muscat presents ‘Music By & For Children, celebrating the diverse and powerful experiences that composition has on the lives of young people around the world. The evening will be filled with solo performances and dance routines narrated by Omani actor, Issam Al Zadjali. The show starts from 6 pm and is priced from RO 3 – RO 35. For tickets and details, visit, www.rohmuscat.org.om.

ENTER THE DRAGON

Calling All Bookworms

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St David’s Day is just around the corner and to celebrate the patron saint of Wales, the Welsh Society in Oman are throwing a decadent dinner at the Grand Hyatt’s Afrah Ballroom from 7.30pm. Even if you’re not a cool Celt and can’t pronounce Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobw llllantysiliogogogoch (it’s a village, in case you were wondering) you’re welcome to dress up in your finery, network and join in the fun. Tickets for the three-course meal and entertainment cost RO30. To book contact the organiser Gay Clifford at welshsocietymuscat@gmail.com

GOOd TIMING

Feb20 to 21

Feb25 to 26

28February

28until

February

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D R I V I N G F O R G L O R Y 24-Hour EndurancE racE at tHE oman automobilE association

YOUR OMAN

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G A L L e R Y I n t e r v i e w N e w s

A F I N e R O M A N C e couplEs tEst tHEir compatibility at tHE ‘y’ ValEntinE Quiz in markaz al baHja

T U R K I S H D e L I G H T a fEstiVal of turkisH farE at mokHa café

‘The winning couple, Chiara and Sadi Dada’.

18-19 Y ISSUE 308_gallery TR1.indd 19 2/19/14 2:17 AM

F E B 2 0 – 2 6 / I S S U E 3 0 80 2 0 F E B 0 2 0

OMAN IN 43 OBJECTS

SABCO Media is a unique cross-platform of media channels in Radio, Outdoor and Publishing, with aggres-sive growth initiatives to ensure we offer strategic and cost effective media choices to all our partners. Our portfo-lio of products today includes Al Wisal 96.5, Merge 104.8, Outdoor Media, Y, Koooora Wa Bas, and Mediate.

SABCO Media is growing.

Enjoy generous compensation, strong benefits, and the excitement that comes with achieving professional success. If you are looking for a career move with no ceiling above you and lots of support around you, then look no further. We are looking for:

GET SET.READY. GO!

Think you’re the right person for the job? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your resume to hireme@sabcomedia.com, with the code mentioned in the subject column, by February 27th, 2014. All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Asst. Advertising Managers (CODE - AAM)

Description:With a professional mind and the right attitude to deliver results - utilising strong communication skills and a strategic understanding of media vehicles, you will be required to enhance business levels.

Requirements: 4 to 6 years of relevant work experience in the media sales industry, highly motivated and able to set priorities, lead and motivate in a highly competitive environment.

Media Sales Executives (CODE - MSE)

Description:As a self-motivated and confident team player, with a genuine interest in media, you will manage and maintain accounts, and generate new sales leads and opportunities. You will identify and prioritise a list of prospective clients, promote our products and ensure weekly and monthly targets are met. Handling logistics and meeting deadlines is a part of the job.

Requirements: 3 to 4 years of sales experience, multi-tasking, making sales calls, setting and meeting goals, time management, negotiating, problem solving and decision-making.

Advertising Manager (CODE - AM)

Description:You will lead your team by example, ensuring that aggressive targets of each individual in your team are consistently achieved. You will be responsible for business development, determine client marketing strategies, budget cycles and meet key decision makers. Plan and service the communication needs of clients, client business development and retention.

Requirements: 3+ years of demonstrated management or team leadership skills.6+ years of direct selling and prospecting experience in media sales.Well developed administrative skills: time management and sales reporting

Comprising basic ingredients of egg, sugar, cornflower and fat, this beautifully sweet Omani

treat is served on special occasions, such as Eid feasts or even during Muscat festival.

Added to the basic ingredients are a number of optional extras that can include, among others, rosewater, cardamom, dates and saffron, with each Halwa maker fiercely protecting their own secret recipe. Nuts are often sprinkled on top of this calorie-laden dessert to provide some crunch in contrast to the soft gloopy consistency of the Halwa.

OmanI Halwa

15.

20-21 Y ISSUE 308_43 object_ad TR2 w font.indd 20 2/19/14 5:01 AM

OMAN IN 43 OBJECTS

SABCO Media is a unique cross-platform of media channels in Radio, Outdoor and Publishing, with aggres-sive growth initiatives to ensure we offer strategic and cost effective media choices to all our partners. Our portfo-lio of products today includes Al Wisal 96.5, Merge 104.8, Outdoor Media, Y, Koooora Wa Bas, and Mediate.

SABCO Media is growing.

Enjoy generous compensation, strong benefits, and the excitement that comes with achieving professional success. If you are looking for a career move with no ceiling above you and lots of support around you, then look no further. We are looking for:

GET SET.READY. GO!

Think you’re the right person for the job? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your resume to hireme@sabcomedia.com, with the code mentioned in the subject column, by February 27th, 2014. All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Asst. Advertising Managers (CODE - AAM)

Description:With a professional mind and the right attitude to deliver results - utilising strong communication skills and a strategic understanding of media vehicles, you will be required to enhance business levels.

Requirements: 4 to 6 years of relevant work experience in the media sales industry, highly motivated and able to set priorities, lead and motivate in a highly competitive environment.

Media Sales Executives (CODE - MSE)

Description:As a self-motivated and confident team player, with a genuine interest in media, you will manage and maintain accounts, and generate new sales leads and opportunities. You will identify and prioritise a list of prospective clients, promote our products and ensure weekly and monthly targets are met. Handling logistics and meeting deadlines is a part of the job.

Requirements: 3 to 4 years of sales experience, multi-tasking, making sales calls, setting and meeting goals, time management, negotiating, problem solving and decision-making.

Advertising Manager (CODE - AM)

Description:You will lead your team by example, ensuring that aggressive targets of each individual in your team are consistently achieved. You will be responsible for business development, determine client marketing strategies, budget cycles and meet key decision makers. Plan and service the communication needs of clients, client business development and retention.

Requirements: 3+ years of demonstrated management or team leadership skills.6+ years of direct selling and prospecting experience in media sales.Well developed administrative skills: time management and sales reporting

20-21 Y ISSUE 308_43 object_ad TR2 w font.indd 21 2/19/14 5:01 AM

F E B 2 0 – 2 6 / I S S U E 3 0 80 2 2

As the A-list And megA rich pArty

on their floAting pAlAces, penny frAy

And tom robertson discover the rules of

sociAl survivAl At seA in the sultAnAte

Yachtiquette

f e b 2 0 – 2 6 / i s s u e 3 0 80 2 2

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On a luxury yacht, floating a discreet distance from the Omani coastline, a glossy looking brunette in a

white kaftan is playing hostess to a crowd of over-sunned Westerners. It may not be in the same league as some of the sailing mansions that A-list celebrities and oligarchs get ‘papped’ in by the media, but it still takes some decent social connections to break through the barrier of the yacht set – unless of course you have other assets to recommend you (if you get my meaning).

Forget about dune bashing or picnicking on Shatti beach, the ultimate way to spend the weekend is on board a boat, barefoot with bubbly in hand.

Yachts, whatever their size, afford the privileged (and their guests) the freedom of the seas now that budget airlines are clogging up airspace. You can hop from St Trop to Turkey with maximum glamour.

Of course, you have to be minted to afford the Princess liner, bedecked in Fendi, currently tied up at the Wave’s marina. Boats such as Sunseeker, Princess, Wally and Sensation are all premium brands that carry a premium tag.

The rule of thumb when buying a luxury liner is around RO500,000 per meter – and that’s before even considering the cost of a captain, crew, fuel and maintenance. There’s the mooring fees in your home marina, that can vary according to the size of berth used and its location. On top of that, there’s the cost of mooring fees at the marinas you’re planning to visit around the

world – if you can get a spot – plus you won’t want your crew hanging around while you entertain your guests so they’ll have to be put ashore in hotels. Yes, it’s a huge operation and when you factor in the costs of specialist personnel such as engineers, it becomes a fully fledged logistics operation requiring a small management team, never mind a personal assistant.

The extravagance makes it a blatant case of the ‘have nots’ and the ‘have-yachts’. Most of us fall into the former category, so how do we cross the golden gangplank?

A friend who’s done her fair share of yacht hopping says it’s a matter of who and what you know.

“The bigger the boat, the more ruthless the casting call,” she laughs. “I’ve yet to get on to Abramovich’s super-yacht. But I have managed to get on a couple of smaller numbers in Dubai, thanks to a well connected chum and the fact that I’m reasonably well mannered.”

In other words, she’s not going to spill vintage red on the Persil white sofas, talk about the crassness of capitalism or ruin the deck with her Jimmy Choo shoes.

And that’s just for starters. When discussing the etiquette of boating with Wayne Shepherd, General Manager of Mourjan Marinas in Muscat, the mind boggles. It may seem like a cliché but people actually do say: ‘Permission to come aboard, captain?’

“Even though in many cases this is just a formality, always observe the courtesy,” explains Shepherd. “It is a small thing, but it marks you as cognizant of the proper thing to do.”

What else? “Always wear the right footwear

aboard,” he continues, “Hard-soled shoes can scratch or scuff a deck and are very slippery when wet. Bare feet are the most treacherous of all on dampened fiberglass. If a skipper thinks you care about the deck, the more likely you are to be invited back. Talking of which, remember, the captain’s word is law. They are the master of the ship and are responsible for the actions of the crew and the safety of the passengers. This applies to all vessels. Captains are responsible for people and the damage caused by their vessel’s wake.”

The list of do’s and do not’s become even more draconian when docked in a marina.

Yachtiquette “If you must use the head (yachty speak for ‘toilet’) ensure that it goes into your holding tank,” says Shepherd without a glimpse of mockery. “Never discharge your waste in the marina. Also, don’t leave food or garbage out on the dock. This will attract rodents and insects. Finally, even though boating is social, respect your neighbours and keep the noise down. Remember, noise travels easily across water.”

learning the ropesIt’s not only on mega

yachts that there’s a certain amount of etiquette required -

Tom Robertson talks about what’s expected

when crewing on a competitive boat.

I first started sailing yachts following an invite back in 1998. With just a one-week

sailing course on small dinghies under my landlubber belt, I was understandably apprehensive. It had been a cold and blusterous week that had left me bruised, battered, half drowned and vowing that I wouldn’t be heading out in a boat again for some time.

One evening, many years later, a friend extended an invitation to race his yacht with him the next day. So there I stood on deck the following morning, a relative newbie, anxiously waiting to cast off and get started. My brother’s seven-year-old weathered Sebago shoes brought me instant boat-cred from the old seadogs scuttling around the pontoons and berths – until they caught sight of my ski jacket. I was not entirely from their world, it seemed.

I spent most of that first race rain-lashed, clinging to the railing or jumping to the other side of the boat in a clumsy attempt to provide ballast and keep the yacht as level as possible.

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How did you first get started in the industry? I helped a family friend build a Tradewind 44 (sailing boat) when I was just 14 and loved the whole experience. So I then did a two week internship for Sunseeker in the UK which inspired me to study Yacht Design and Manufacturing at university. Where have you worked in the yacht industry? I’ve worked for Sentation Yachts in New Zealand, DK Yachts in Malaysia, and Wally Yachts in

Italy, as well as working with the Mascalzone Latino America’s Cup team in Valencia, Spain. What’s the biggest and most expensive yacht you’re been involved with? The largest yacht I’ve been involved with was a 50 metre carbon fibre sailing yacht built by Wally in 2006-2007. As for the cost, let’s just say that you wouldn’t get much change from RO10.5 million. They’re no ordinary sailing boats. The mast on this one alone was 60 metres high and everything was fully automated, including all the rigging and sails. How long does it take to build a yacht? It depends on a number of factors such as whether it’s a one off, the overall size, whether it’s motor or sail and the performance level required - but it on average we would produce a 50 metre yacht in about 30-36 months. What are the clients’ priorities when placing an order? The history of the boat yard, to see whether the company has

competently produced some high quality yachts, and also cost. Some clients may have exceptionally large budgets, but they all care about whether they’re getting value for money. What’s the most bizarre thing you’ve seen commissioned on a yacht? Carbon fibre baths and toilets - now that’s dedication to yachting performance!

I’ve been on some amazing boats and the stories I could tell – but won’t.

I remember yacht hopping in Cannes during the Warner Brother’s 50th birthday party and it was incredible – a real eye opener. I was 22, a little girl from Melbourne Australia, wearing high street clothes and surrounded by these glamorous creatures in designer outfits, dripping in jewels.

Getting access to a big yacht is about knowing the right someone – it’s called low friends in high places. Once you find them, you then have to meet all their friends. If you’re charming, young and attractive enough, you’ll be invited on board because women are candy on boats.

Getting invited is back is simple - don’t block their heads, don’t be a bore and don’t wear stiletto heels. That’s pretty much it.

sailing with starsFashion guru Barbra

Young, from the Wave, talks about her yacht hopping days in

the South of France

the yacht builderHenry Robertson,

former builder of super yachts, talks to Y about

creating some of the most beautiful and cutting edge private yachts gracing the

oceans today.

f e b 2 0 – 2 6 / i s s u e 3 0 80 24

Given that it was a racing environment, things were a little tense on board at times. Orders were barked, nerves became frayed, there were costly crashes as boats clashed going round the course markers and ice cold seawater was continually pouring down my neck. But it was in that race and on subsequent occasions that not only did I start to get familiar with the boat but also learnt what’s expected of new crew members.

1) Give everything a go to the best of your ability, no matter how daunting it may seem at first. It’s often an exhausting sport so just make sure that you put every ounce of effort and strength into it. You can rest when you get home.

2) If you don’t know how to do anything, tell another crew member. If you claim you know how to do something, but don’t, you immediately go from being a help to a potentially dangerous liability.

3) You’ll probably find that your team mates are helpful. But once you’ve been told how to do things, whether it’s tying knots or stowing sails, try to commit the method to memory immediately. None of the crew want to have to repeat instructions time and time again.

4) Don’t head home early. Once the race or trip is over, that’s not the end of the story. It may not be your yacht but no boat owner wants a crew member who’s going to slip away early, not having helped with stowing vital bits of equipment properly, cleaning the galley and washing saltwater from the decks and rigging.

5) Be consistent. You don’t have to be a world class yachtsman to be invited back on board for another trip. Certainly for racing, commitment counts for a lot. If the skipper is confident in the knowledge that he can rely on you to show up week in, week out, you’ll soon earn a spot on the regular crew.

6) When crew are cold, tired or hungry, whipping out some drinks and snacks cannot fail to ingratiate you to the team.

4

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BUSINESS

CAREER&

TEAMS WHO PLAY TOGETHER, STAY TOGETHER

Getting the team together to go ten-pin bowling or kart racing is

team building - but team building by chance. An outing with a

specific purpose or outcome will better benefit individuals, the

team and the company.

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WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS:

AN AWAY DAY BUILDS BETTER BONDING

“If you go to the gym and work out the same way all the time, your body won’t change and improve – it’s the same with motivation and the spirit of your team.“Any activities work great, it’s how you use the activity to fit the mentality, culture or energy of the team that matters.” —Fahmi al Maawali of Eventus LLC

With its painful paintball battles and gruesome group hugs, there can be few phrases that chill a worker’s soul quite like team building exercises. But times are a-changing, discovers Penny Fray

T r e n d N e t w o r k i n g M i n u t e M e n t o r i n g

OUTINGS

I don’t relax well. I walk to the local supermarket only because my worrywart staff tell me that I must move from my desk – besides, they all need a 3pm sugar hit. That’s pretty

much it when it comes to non-work related stuff. So when a round robin email landed in my inbox a couple of weeks ago warning of an imminent away day, I sighed. The idea of being splattered by paint or walking on red-hot coals is not my idea of fun. I’ve done them before and, at best, found out everyone’s star sign and at worst, ended up lost on a Welsh mountain risking pneumonia and a murder charge.

Thankfully in today’s more sophisticated working environment things have moved on.

For one, employees are no longer put in danger with daredevil schemes dreamed up by psychopathic CEOs. And secondly, companies usually want to reward their staff for all their hard work by giving them a good time. (Our particular outing involved lots of sport, food and prizes).

But while having a team that is productive, happy and pulling in the same direction remains the holy grail of many employers, there are surely better things to spend rials on than discovering they also have a talent for building rafts out of oil drums?

Well, yes and no. Employers do, it seems, still rate team-building days and are prepared to spend good money on getting people to bond. What has changed, is how they are spending that money, the sort of activities they set up and what they aim to achieve as a result.

There’s less frivolity and more focus on achieving specific goals, according to Jon Baker, a 5 to 50 coach who helps firms to grow their operations.

“Most professionals within a team want to improve the communication and encourage different thinking,” he says. “The trouble is that most team away days are badly structured and not really about generating alternative things – so they fail.”

Planning for an effective away day goes much deeper than organising an activity. Managers should start by asking themselves what the objectives for the day are, how they want the teams to develop and what is currently preventing them from achieving the company goals.

Here are eight ways to ensure your outing is effective:HAVE A GOAL. Be absolutely clear what the objectives are in terms of a measurable business outcome and tell people what they are.IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT HAVING A GREAT TIME. Link any fun activities to the work sections.GET BUY IN. If a team thinks they won’t be given the go ahead for their ideas, they won’t bother creating them. If there are decision makers around, get them involved and to at least signal their buy in.DESIGN. If you have people that have ‘done it all before’, they will need something fresh or more interesting. They will also appreciate it being efficient in terms of achieving the objectives in the shortest time possible.CONGRUENCE. To get the team to come up with new ways of working, being closer as a team, behaving differently etc, try ‘walking the talk’ before the event (and afterwards). At least ensure they can’t think you are being hypocritical when you ask something of them.PRE-WORK. Plan how you can get people thinking and bonding before the event.FACILITATORS. Choose the people that will manage discussions and activities. Credibility and skills are important, but also how well they fit in the group.FOLLOW UP. Show the team what the output of the event was, and when it’ll be implemented. Demonstrate the progress in the following weeks or months.

BUSINESS BUYFrom creative meetings to client lunches, Comme des Garcons’ sleek leather iPad case is the stylish way to tote your tablet. The vibrant green hue is

an upbeat addition to a sharp suit, so slip it under your arm for a bold burst of colour, whether

you’re in or out of the office. From RO180

OFFICE

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food

drinkand

T r e n d n e w r e s t a u r a n t r e v i e w s

COCOLOCOIt promises handy hydration, lustrous locks, clear skin and can even help you slim down. Add to that its health-boosting superfood credentials and it’s no wonder that we’ve gone

totally nuts for coconuts.

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It was once the preserve of exotic holidays but now coconut water is the hippest new health drink to hit

the market. Promising everything from weight

loss to lower blood pressure, the electrolyte-laden liquid is currently dominating Muscat’s gyms, bars and supermarket shelves.

Of course, it helps to have the crème de la crème of celebrity endorsements, with everyone from Madonna and Sienna Miller to Elle Macpherson and Claudia Schiffer sending the natural drink’s profile soaring. Even Rihanna has lent her name, body and face to the cool coconut water brand Vita Coco. And with the buzz becoming even bigger, more and more people are trying the natural hydrator to find out what all the fuss is about.

According to research company Mintel, the number of products associated with coconuts has more than quintupled in the past five years as demand continually outstrips supply.

So what sets it apart from other drinks? Apparently, it is an unadulterated source of electrolytes — which are essential for health — including sodium, potassium and magnesium. And although it’s mostly water, the added sprinkling of plant hormones, enzymes and vitamins makes all the difference, with advocates claiming that the mix can prevent heart disease, strengthen the immune system and burn fat.

Different to coconut milk, the water that comes from young

coconuts, is clear rather than creamy, and was even used for emergency plasma transfusions during the Second World War.

It’s not a new discovery. Indians and some people from the Dhofar region have called it a miracle water for decades. But now the marketing machine has sprung into life and there’s a whole heap of tests indicating that coconut water contains more potassium than a banana, has naturally occurring ions which can replace those we lose through sweat when exercising, and has no fat or cholesterol.

But is the craze all it’s cracked up to be?

While one recent study found that coconut water did in fact help athletes rehydrate after exercise. Sports nutritionist Liz Applegate says that coconut water has fewer carbohydrates and sodium compared to some commercial sports drinks and may not be sufficient to refuel muscles after workouts that last more than an hour. After all, when you sweat, you lose sodium.

The furry nuts may well be enjoying their day in the sun but more and more experts are warning people not to expect miracles.

T r e n d s

COCONUT CRAZEThey’re small, hairyand grow in salalah.BuT coconuTs aren’TjusT fun To crack – They’re also packed full of goodness and are riding high as the latest F&B Fad,says penny fray

Pina COLada SmOOthie

Drink to your health with this virgin

cocktail-meets-coconut smoothie recipe.

Ingredients 115 - 170g of unsweetened

vanilla almond milk1 pineapple, preferably frozen

and cut into pieces ¼ of a small avocado

1 tbsp of shredded unsweetened coconut

1 tbsp of coconut oil 2 - 4 ice cubes

115 - 170g of water

Methodcombine all ingredients

in a blender.Blend until smooth and

creamy, then serve in an attractive glass

Coconut oil may be the preferred dairy substitute for vegans but it contains almost 90 per cent saturated fat.

Experts are divided as to its health effectiveness but research suggests coconut oil can improve cholesterol numbers by revving up enzymes in the body that break down fat.

“The saturated fat in coconut oil is mostly lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fatty acid that appears to have a more neutral effect on heart health when compared to longer-chain saturated fats found in meats and dairy products,” says Wendy Bazilian, R.D., author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet.

She adds that medium-chain fats are metabolised more easily into energy in the liver, meaning they may be less likely to be stored as extra padding on your thighs if you keep your overall calories in check.

“A couple of tablespoons of coconut oil a day, depending on individual calorie needs, can be a healthy and tasty addition to your diet when replacing other less-healthy calories,” she concludes. “But don’t believe the hype that simply adding coconut oil to your diet can help you shed a bunch of body fat.”

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Weekday breakfasts aren’t usually much to get excited about. It’s either a piece of

fruit eaten at a desk while trawling through the first emails of the day, or a sad-looking slice of toast whilst trying to get through the rush hour traffic. That’s why I love the idea of a leisurely weekend brunch.

Loads of people had recommended the Crêpe Café to me, so when I decided to drag my dad along to the Aussie franchise at Oasis by the Sea, I had high expectations. Of course, I retained a little scepticism. After all, I’ve had one too many crêpes in my life, sweet and savory, to know that there are a million ways to screw up this most delicate of dishes. It can be too soggy or brittle, spewing out its contents in a most uncivilised manner. Eww!

Anyway, the first hurdle to my

crêpe brunch was trying to find a parking space at this popular beachside spot. Then, a friendly waitress informed us that there were no al fresco tables available to enjoy the stunning vista. The place was already packed so our only option was to order and wait inside until a seat turned up.

Inside, the ambience was quite bright as the walls are painted yellow and covered with blown up posters of food. If you aren’t hungry by the time you enter, the yummy looking pictures are guaranteed to kick start your appetite. The open kitchen, with cooks busy whipping up pancakes and waffles, add to the lively atmosphere.

In the meantime, another friendly waiter handed us our menus. Being vegetarians, my dad and I had a fairly limited choice. Even so, there were options and I decided to go with a

Florentine Crêpe, a savory little number, while my dad went for the veggie wrap. We also ordered coffees to wash them down with and grabbed some newspapers to distract us from the hunger that was by now gripping our tummies.

Within two minutes, the waitress brought in two plates and I picked up my fork to dig in only to realise I had someone else’s order. The headwaiter

T r e n d N e w R e s t a u r a n t R e v i e w s

Flat FoodIf ever there was an excuse to eat somethingsweet before lunchtime, Crêpe Café’s brunchmenu is it, says Shishira Sreenivas

food

dRiNkaNd

quickly corrected her and apologised but that just made the deprivation feel worse. We were not only done with the papers but we were running out of patience too. Then, just when we were getting ready to remind them of our waiting time, we were told a table had cleared up outside. Soon after we sat down to soak up the mid-morning sun, our coffees and crêpes rolled in one after the other.

Even though the delay had started to gnaw at my patience, the crêpes were plated to perfection. My Florentine crêpe with spinach, onions, corn and béchamel sauce was grilled just right and the dollop of salted feta cheese added flavour to each heavenly bite. Although my dad claimed his veggie crêpe was out of this world, he kept dipping his fork into my plate for small helpings.

We devoured the first half of the crêpe in silence, only to stop and take in sips of the hot coffee. Only after I satiated my hunger and thirst was I able to appreciate the breathtaking view. The area was buzzing with families and friends. The sea lapped the beach at a

constant rhythm and I welcomed the sunlight on my face. Bliss.

The crêpes were quite large and so were the coffee cups. We debated on whether to order more but I feared that if we ate another morsel my dad would opt for a siesta while driving us back home. Our plates were taken away but the bill was a no-show. My dad decided to remind one of the waiters and we were quickly handed the cheque. We paid and headed for the car only to be followed by the waiter waving the credit card my father had conveniently forgotten.

Despite the tardy service, the staff are friendly and welcoming enough. The ambience and surrounding reminds you how beautiful Muscat is and the crêpes are so good that I would even have them for dinner.

Info BoxThe Crepe CaféOasis by the Sea,

Shati Al Qurum Beach, Muscat

Tel: 2452 2569Hours: 8.30aM - 12 Midnight

Brunch for Two: rO 8.850 including

beverages

VERDICT:

Popular place that lives up to

the hype but service needs to

speed up.

7 10

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COLOUR ME HAPPYDownpours, a distinct lack of

Valentine’s Day cards and skin so pale you could be mistaken for a corpse. You’ve got a clear case of

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). But there’s hope. Surpass February’s

blues with a pop of yellow. The happy hue is everywhere at the

moment. And no wonder, it works well on any skin tone and acts as a fabulous foil to the little black dress.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to start walking on sunshine.

HEALTH&BEAUTY

H e a l t h B e a u t y fA s H i o n

Colour your world with this bijou number

from Ralph Lauren. The bright canary

shade works well with a simple

shift shape.

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MELLOW YELLOW Spring’s sunny pastel paletteis the perfect herald of spring,says Penny Fray

Valentino’s crystal-encrusted necklace is hung from a silver-

tone chain and backed in smooth satin so it won’t snag your favourite sweaters. Don’t save this statement piece for evening - wear it during the

day over a simple top. RO285 from Net-a-Porter – but you

can find similar pieces for less in places like Fancy World and

Imitation Jewellery.

Dolce & Gabbana’s pretty yellow sling backs are crafted from delicate lace and mesh. The kitten heel offers height without compromising on comfort. RO465

Want to embrace this season’s crop top without the wobble? This sweet sweater from Next just shows a slither of flesh above this spring’s midi skirt. From RO19

This simple shift dress from very.com creates a clean, structured silhouette for a sensible price. From RO22

Leather, pastel and mid-length – this M&S skirt ticks all the trend boxes. From RO96 Jo Malone’s

Lemon Tart cologne is the perfect accompaniment to this season’s obsession with yellow – RO25

sUnnY siDE UP1. Avoid any talk of Tweety Pie by keeping the silhouette simple and the accessories neutral. 2. Pair a yellow dress with a slash of red lipstick. Remember Michelle Williams in the 2006 Oscars? Enough said. 3. Make like the celebrities and go for a mellow yellow biker jacket - it looks super cute when thrown over a paint-printed dress.on how to wear this happy hue:

Penny’s tips

I love the simplicity of this leather clutch from GAP. From RO15.50

Macaron shades of pistachio, rose, lavender and lemon were rescued from mother-of-the-

bride territory to become spring’s hottest hues.

By mixing a confection of textures and tones from top to toe, saccharine pieces felt more modern than in previous seasons.

I particularly loved the revival of buttercup-yellow – and when paired with a more vivid shade of canary, it added a much needed edge to a look.

Alternatively, try breaking a sunflower yellow dress with a pop of powder pink as seen at Burberry, or tame bright neons with either grey or taupe à la Roksanda Ilincic. The idea is to create a sense of equilibrium, not make a ‘look at me’ statement.

If this season’s ladylike frocks or pleated skirts are not for you, try layering butter soft leather separates with jersey basics for effortless cool.

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HEALTH&BEAUTY

Braids are making a comeback. And we don’t mean Heidi style plaits. We’re taking about the chic, intricately woven braids that

celebrities have been parading down the red carpet this award’s season.

Amy Adams (right) rocked an imaginative chignon made of several small braids at the Golden Globes this year, while Jessica Chastain and Brooklyn Decker opted for simple but sophisticated braided upsweeps.

But it isn’t all about avant-garde looks. The catwalks were also full of pretty, peasant plaits and Frida Kahlo inspired crowns. At both Nicole Miller and Naeem Khan, stylists preferred to pull braids up and away from the face.

Braiding is the most versatile hairstyling technique that you can learn and is a straightforward solution to a bad hair day caused by Oman’s frizz inducing humidity. Dressier than a monotonous ponytail, but more casual than a sculpted chignon, braided bonnets manage to strike the right balance between pretty and polished. The fishbone braid is a seemingly complex variation of the standard three-piece style but looks far more intricate when worn as a headband or woven across the crown.

Alternatively, try a simple twisted braid decorated with flowers – as spotted at Dolce & Gabbana’s recent show - it’s perfect for almost every occasion, from a daytime beach wedding to a summer barbeque.

The braided trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and thankfully, with the multitude of methods on how to do it available on the Internet, anyone can have their ticket to trendy. Check out tutorials on YouTube or simply Google “braided updos” for easy step-by-step instructions. With a bit of practice, you’ll be twisting your hair into a beautiful updo in no time.

Penny Fray and noorHyder discoverwhat’s hot in hairtHis season

BraiDYBUnCh

THE EDGY PAGEBOYI remember having a bowl shaped cut for school nearly thirty years ago. Now the look has been updated with bangs and a choppier edge à la Chanel. The boyish style was also spotted at Fendi, Marc Jacobs and L’Wren Scott (photographed). Emulate the look by taking a pair of scissors to your hair.

THE GOLDEN TOUCH Give tresses the Midas touch this month with metallic accessories. Gold leaves were placed in partings at the Dries Van Noten show, while Elie Saab wove glittering headbands into slicked down hair. We particularly love Ana Khouri’s hairpins, which have been exquisitely handcrafted from responsibly sourced 18-karat gold (photograph).

Other looks to watch out for…

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H e a l t h B e a u t y FA s H i o n

STREET STYLEnerrY toleDo

spotted at: the noodle House, Muscat city centre

wearing: topshop leggings with a leather panelled jumper from the Philippnes and wedged boots from river island

style: Fast fashion that’s a bit edgy

STYLE COUNSEL

Barbra Young, a former designer and retailer

BARBRA YOUNG ANSWERS YOUR FASHION QUESTIONS

Firstly, don’t buy anything for a new born. Mums and grandparents usually have all those needs covered.

As this is her first baby, it opens all kinds of present possibilities. Hopefully, your friend will be blessed with more little ones in the future, so your gift could be passed on. A silver baby spoon is great, I gave one to a friend years ago and she used it everyday. Now, that baby is a grown man and saving the spoon for his own children.

Alternatively, consider a handmade patchwork quilt. You’ll get something bespoke without breaking the bank at one of Muscat’s many craft fairs. Watch Y’s What’s On pages for details. The best baby gift I was given though, was a velour navy blue two-piece with a white trim. It washed beautifully, was soft and stretched when the baby grew - it was used by both my boys and is now being worn by my grandson. For quality, chic pieces, I love Petite Bateau online but The Little White Company in Muscat City Centre has some lovely stuff too. (See above).

If you have any fashion questions for Barbra, email

info@y-oman.com or tweet #style @

ytabloid

My closest friend is having a baby next month and I want to buy something

meaningful for her first child. I don’t have a huge budget to splurge on fancy designer goods because I’m on a teacher’s salary. Besides, don’t they grow out of things quickly? What would you recommend? Jane, Muscat

Q.

Regular Y readers will know how much we adore oversized jewellery. But why spend RO2317 on this enameled sterling silver piece by Bottega Veneta (left) when you could get a similar number from accessoryo.com (right) for just RO13?

A.

CATWALKTO

CLOSET

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Indexing the media landscape

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P o s t c a r d s f r o m C a r s Y - F i I n d o o r s

CARS ANDINDOORS

Sandy SeaS Yellow waves

lap at the horizon in an

isolated corner of the Empty

Quarter

Indexing the media landscape

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CARS ANDOUTDOORS

P o s t c a r d s f r o m C a r s Y - F i I n d o o r sCARS ANDINDOORS

Destination

Ramlat al GharbaniyatMake a trip to the west of Oman for achallenging but unforgettable foray intothe the biggest sand desert in the world,says Jerzy WierzbickiWords and Images: Jerzy Wierzbicki

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At the end of last year, I made a trip to a place that left a huge impression on me, far greater

than all the other places I visited in 2013: Ramlat al Gharbaniyat. This was the first time I had been to this particular part of the Empty Quarter. You’re always guaranteed an unforgettable experience there and no visit is ever the same. But it never fails to surprise me just how unpredictable and dangerous desert environments can be. So all my trips to the Empty Quarter are preceded by thorough preparation.

There’s the checking of the routes I’m going to take, using Google Earth or any local knowledge of tracks, as well as stocking up on water, fuel, food and other bits and pieces.

Despite the effort that goes in to such journeys, it’s always worth it: the nature found there is incredible and the trips always worthwhile.

This autumn, encouraged by my previous adventures, I decided to explore a different part of the Empty Quarter located near Hayma. So I was thrilled to receive an invitation from a small group of European off-roaders who were heading to some sand dunes there in a place called Ramlat al Gharbaniyat. I readily accepted and found myself setting off one Friday in November.

From Muscat we set off at around midday, slowly and without any rush as we moved south as a small group of three Land Cruisers.

After a six-hour drive, we spent the first night on the edge of the Empty Quarter. It was cold and most of us had to use warmer winter clothing, with the temperature in the evening dipping to around 16°C. A quick coffee was prepared to warm us up and after some brief conversation we decided to call it a night and retreat into our tents and cars to sleep.

The next day, we woke up a few minutes after the first rays of sunlight reflected off the cold yellow sand around us. We were excited about the coming day but I knew that there was a long way ahead of us because we wanted to avoid the

main tracks and explore the desert, unhindered by the previous routes of others.

The path led us between the long sand dunes and flat terrain that is typical in many parts of the Empty Quarter. The first few hours we moved onwards slowly, occasionally making a few stops to take photographs and admire the pure and unspoiled beauty of the ‘Arabian Ocean of Sands’.

The cars performed well and I drove at the head of the convoy, looking out for routes good enough for the standard rental cars behind, equipped with smaller tires. Everything had gone incredibly well that morning. We had made steady progress, so we pulled over at noon and rested under the two small solitary trees that we found between the sand dunes.

We were tired from the exploration and, when you’re feeling like that, lunch always tastes good. The conditions weren’t ideal though, with the higher temperatures, and the wind perceptibly stronger. But the only sound we heard was the breeze brushing sand over the dunes.

After lunch I checked the route on my GPS and set us on a more westward course. This decision ended up making our trip a little more exciting as the new route took us right into a concentration of small dunes with extremely soft sand. Our cars became bogged down often, so we deflated our tyres even further. On my Land Cruiser 76, I took the pressure right down to 7psi in each, (compared to the standard 32psi) and at such low tyre pressures,

the cars felt sluggish. Despite the precaution, we still became stuck and resorted to digging out our cars with a shovel, and using tow lines and sand ladders to claw our way out of the sandy ambushes.

I always keep these essential pieces of desert driving equipment in my car but this was one of the few times that I needed to put them all to use.

After around three hours of struggling with these harsh desert conditions I realised that we had only covered a pitiful 4 km, but the point where we had hoped to establish camp that night still lay a daunting 30kms ahead of us.

Thankfully, the soft sand eventually started to give way to firmer ground and was far easier to drive on. We had been given a tough reminder of how challenging desert driving conditions could be so we picked our route more carefully.

If we were lucky, and didn’t become stuck in soft sand again, I estimated that we would need another two hours to reach the last point. Thankfully, this turned out to be the case and the last stage of the trip passed without any drama. As we approached a series of long, high dunes that towered over us, the sun started to sink towards the horizon and bathed us in a warm, soft light.

Estimating that I still had an hour until sunset, I unpacked my camera and, with my little dog by my side, set out for the top of the dune on foot. The effort that we had put in over the course of the day to get to that point was rewarded with the scene before me.

On top of sandy crest, I was gifted with one of the most spectacular

views I have seen so far in Oman. Huge, long sand dunes spread out before me towards the horizon creating a sea of mountainous sand waves. The fading light only served to enhance the effect, which I was keen to capture on film.

So I attached a large telephoto lens to my camera and set about capturing the moment. Through the camera, the landscape was one of sharp peaks clashing against each other and so artistic was the scene, that it was hard to believe that nature alone had created such a picture. I took around 50 photographs and was sure that I had taken some good shots.

The sun was nearing the horizon so I called down to my friends to manoeuvre their cars behind a large dune where I had spotted a small plateau. With dried shrubs nearby that we could use for a fire, it was the perfect place for us to camp.

For a few minutes after sunset I stayed on the dune with my dog, Trop, and admired the disappearing beauty as it was enveloped by darkness. The silence was incredible.

That evening, it was chilly again but rather than head for our sleeping bags, we sat together around the warmth of the fire, chatting long into the night. The following morning we tucked into a big breakfast as we prepared to move off, but this time we stuck to established tracks making the return journey much quicker. By noon we were already back on the main road, having made over 250 kms on the tracks. It was my most unforgettable trip of 2013.

HOW TO GET THERERamlat al Gharbaniyat is located in the western part of the Al Wusta region.

The easiest route there is on the track from Ghaba to Barik. Before Barik turn onto a track to Haima. The sand dunes

will appear after around 20 km.

You should be well prepared for desert driving. It is extremely ill-advised to venture into such wilderness with just one vehicle, especially in the Empty

Quarter. Highly capable 4x4

cars are essential, as are adequate supplies of fuel, water, food and reliable means of communication between the vehicles and the outside world.

The GPS location of the starting point is: 20°52’29.34”N 56° 5’46.30”EtR

avel

Gui

de

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weekendPull on yourcomfy clothes and peruse mysteries, memoirs and moments of melancholy. Shishira Sreenivas finds out where Oman’s bookworms hang out

CARS ANDOUTDOORSCARS ANDINDOORS

We all lead pretty hectic lives, be it chasing our dream careers, being a parent or, in my case, stressing about weekly deadlines. However,

when we do get that rare moment to unwind, we reach for one of our many screened gadgets to flit through Twitter or Facebook and fill our brains with tit bits of useless information.

Whatever happened to the good old habit of reading books? You know, the paper kind. In my opinion, most of us can definitely use some non-digital downtime to distract our over worked brains with someone else’s fictitious problem. Instead of using the weekend to further exert our bodies through adrenaline filled activity, try giving your mind a work out instead by slumping on the couch with a good read.

While most people assume that there is limited access to books in Oman, nothing could be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, there is a plethora of options if you want to get your hands on a traditional hardback novel. Try some of the commercial stores like Borders at Qurum City Centre or MGM, WHSmith at Jawarahat Al Shatti or the Family Bookshop located in Madinat Qaboos – it’s been serving Muscat’s book-loving community for many years.

A novel

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Love vintage books? Try Prose, a used bookshop located in Al Wadi Commercial Centre in Qurum.

Of course, the problem with a lot of these bookstores is that they’re relatively small - compared to the emporiums you find elsewhere – and the choice is limited. It’s a drag when you’ve just read an amazing review online and want to buy the book without resorting to Internet orders and costly shipping.

The solution is right here in Muscat. Maggie Jeans, along with her husband Bill, own a book importing company called Al Manahil.

“If readers want to purchase a book directly from Amazon but don’t want to pay the high shipping costs, they can enter our UK shipper as the address and collect the books from our office for a nominal fee,” she explains.

While buying books obviously comes with a price tag, lending a book is not only free but will also save much needed shelf space. While there is a woeful lack of lending libraries in the Sultanate, there are ways around the problem.

“All ministries have libraries where you can find books for research or leisure,” reveals Maggie.

According to the woman in the know, Hisn Al Shomoukh Library, located near the palace, is also a great place for all kinds of printed and electronic material. “But if you’re looking for a quiet corner, I find the library at the Grand Mosque to be the ideal bookish environment,” says the British book veteran.

If you want less silence and more social cool, try one of the book corners at one of the city’s many bustling bistros and coffee shops. My favourites include Gloria Jean’s at MGM, Café G, Costa at the Wave and More in the Opera Galleria. There you can chill out with a borrowed book whilst sipping your favourite latte. Perfect!

“All ministries

hAve librAries

where you cAn find

books for reseArch

or leisure,”

01

WOLF HALL By Hilary Mantel A historic tome set in tudor england may not scream beach read but you’ll be surprised how the past can sometimes be sexier than fiction. mantel tells the story of henry viiis pursuit of Anne boleyn with a pacy, contemporary tone, which makes the pages fly. Genuinely gripping and beautifully written, it is a man booker winner worth buying, rather than borrowing.

Sample extract: “A man’s power is in the half light, in the half seen movements of his hand and the unguessed at expression of his face. it is the absence of facts that frightens people: the gap you open into which they pour their fears, fantasies, desires.” thomas cromwell.

02

PERSUASION By Jane Austen Persuasion is widely appreciated as a moving story despite its simple plot of enduring love. Austen wrote it in a hurry, during the onset of the illness from which she eventually died; as a result, the novel is arguably shorter and less polished than the ever-popular Pride & Prejudice. nevertheless, i think it has more heart and maturity than her other novels.

Sample extract: “All the privilege i claim for my own sex (it is not a very enviable one: you need not covet it), is that of loving longest, when existence or when hope is gone!”

03

THE END OF THE AFFAIRBy Graham Greenei’m not sure why this novel resonates with me so deeply but it’s a fine examination of obsession, jealousy and faith. set in london during (and just after) the second world war, it tells of the complex relationship between writer maurice bendrix, sarah miles and her husband, civil servant henry miles. Gripping stuff.

Sample extract: “the sense of unhappiness is so much easier to convey than that of happiness. in misery we seem aware of our own existence, even though it may be in the form of a monstrous egotism: this pain of mine is individual, this nerve that winces belongs to me and to no other. but happiness annihilates us: we lose our identity.”

EDITOR’S TOP READSwith the endless reading choices available in the literary universe, selecting the next book to read can be overwhelming. Penny fray shares her favourite three classics:

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Top 5 places To VisiT:1. The Näsinneula Tower at the Särkänniemi Amusement Park2. Captain Hook Restaurant for mouth watering chicken wings 3. The Pispala-Pyynikki ridge and Observation Tower4. Kauppahalli Indoor Market5. Boat ride to Viikinsaari Island

Fabulous FinlandFinland is known as ‘the

land of a thousand lakes and midnight sun’. Tampere is nestled between two of the largest lakes in the country. A birds-eye view shows a

spectacular palette of sparkling blue waters and endless

greenery in the summer.

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Our favourite place Tampere’s families all go to the Särkänniemi Amusement Park (Pronounced Sar-can-nee-emi), which is located close to the town centre, and on the edge of Lake Näsijärvi. Another breath-taking feature is the Pispala-Pyynikki, which is the world’s largest gravel ridge and home of the best doughnuts in Europe.

Highlights During the summer, the sun shines for up to 24 hours, with just a few minutes of dimly-lit skies. While relaxing at the cottage with my family, I recall the serene sunshine illuminating the gentle blue of the lake and the vibrant green of the land. It was an incredible sight.

Lowlights Tampere is an amazing adventure for anyone who visits during the summer. The winter, however, is a whole other story. It provides little sunlight and plummeting temperatures.

Souvenirs Stock up on lifelong towels and linens from Finlayson, Tampere’s cult cotton company.

Where to stay Tampere’s most iconic hotel is the Tamere, conveniently located overlooking the Tammerkoski rapid. For the more adventurous, you can rent out a picturesque cottage along either one of the lakes and enjoy hiking through the voluptuous forests.

p O S t C A R D S f R O mC a r s Y - f i I n d o o r s

tAmpeRe, fINLANDMost people wouldn’t spend two consecutive summers in the same small town

- but I was happy returning to Tampere to visit my sister-in-law’s family. As someone from Karachi, growing up in Muscat and living in London, the verdant surroundings and the crisp, unpolluted air were overwhelming.

In case you don’t know, Tampere is part of the Pirkanmaa region, located in south-west Finland. Nestled between two incredible lakes, Näsijärvi (pronounced Nasi-yer-vee) and Pyhäjärvi (Poo-ha-yer-vee), it is a small but spectacular place boasting an enticing mix of nature and adventure. Since the lakes differ in level by about 18 metres, there is a rapid linking them called the Tammerkoski. The Finns, a wise and environmentally clever bunch, use it as a source of power, most recently to generate electricity.

Like most Nordic countries, Finland enjoys cold winters, where the temperature stays beneath 0•C from November to March, reaching bone-chilling lows of -25 •C. Fortunately, the summers are mild, with pleasant highs of 22•C and lows of 11•C. The good-natured residents of Tampere make the most of both seasons, enthusiastically participating in outdoor jazz festivals and flower markets in the summer, and bundling up for months of sledding and skating on frozen lakes in the winter.

Getting to Tampere is fairly easy from Helsinki by a one and half hour-long train ride or by a two-hour car ride. Tampere itself possesses a respectably efficient public transport system, which includes private car hires, taxis, and buses. My family and I were in London before our trip to Tampere, so we simply took a crowded Ryanair flight out of Stansted to Tampere’s own quaint little airport.

During our week long trip we indulged in all the marvellous things Tampere has to offer. We spent lazy summer evenings at the family cottage enjoying the traditional lakeside saunas, after which we filled ourselves with a delicious al fresco dinner of fresh smoked salmon, scrumptious new potatoes and home grown greens.

bRIDGe vIeW IN TAMPeRe

NIGHT vIeW AT TAMPeRe

TAMMeRKoSKI RAPIDS

Noor Hyder recommends

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-FIT H E T E C H I N Y O U

EDITO

R’S P

ICK

Y Spend More?You don’t need a bulging bank account to get your hands on the latest gadgets and gizmos, says Tom Robertson, as Y-Fi goes sub RO15

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Scream for ice cream Summer’s approaching and that means we’re going to be needing plenty of ice cream to cool us down through the swelteringly hot months. With artisanal ice-cream on the up, there’s no better time to try knocking our your own batch of Haagen-daz conquering dairy delight. The andrew James ice cream maker features a handy digital timer to count down the brief 20-30 minutes in which it takes to produce the ice-cream of your choice. Sure to be a great budget investment over the summer. ro13 amazon.com

U-Safe-Bi As hackers step up

their attacks in an ever more connected world, Corsair have come

forward with a great solution for protecting all those important digital files on the go. The corsair

flash Padlock 2 features a keypad that requires a pincode to unlock the files contained within the tough rubber housing. Protection from the elements as well

as prying eyes. ro12 amazon.com

Big SoUnd, no wireS While Bluetooth may have been a good idea in reducing unsightly wires, there’s always a timely pairing process. NearField Audio is taking the audio accessory world by storm as a far more efficient alternative. Simply place any smartphone next to the ifrogz Boost and it will automatically pick up those tunes and propel them with more oomph than any tinny smartphone speaker is capable of mustering. ro11.5 from thinkgeek.com

refUel yoUr Phone We see petrol cans adorning the roofs of every other 4x4 that passes us on the roads of Oman, so why not apply the same principle to refueling our phones? Only there’s no need to put this reserve on the roof. Because at just 3.3cm x 2.3cm x1.3cm the fUel is the world’s smallest portable phone charger. Providing 20 to 30 minutes of essential additional talktime for your phone, this die-cast aluminium jerry can is essential for any hardened traveller. ro15 from firebox.com

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Small money, Big SoUndEarphonEs thEsE days arE an EssEntial part of modErn living yEt fEw of us arE willing or ablE to splash out on high-fidElity cans such as bosE QuiEt comfort 15s. but thE simplE fact rEmains that if you invEst in a dEcEnt pair of Earbuds you’ll nEvEr look back as you ExpEriEncE incrEdiblE sound that you nEvEr thought would comE from your littlE mp3 playEr. thE QuEstion is how to achiEvE such audio pErfEction without brEaking thE bank. with grEat noisE isolation and a rich bass, thEsE SennheiSer CX300 ii EarphonEs arE widEly rEgardEd within thE audiophilE community as thE bEst EarphonEs that a fEw rial can buy. don’t just takE my word for it. rO14 amazon.com

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new! lUminaid inflataBle light Bag

Features an integrated solar panel and dual power settings which will deliver up to an impressive 14 to 16 hours of light on one full charge.

Made from puncture resistant material that’s also PVC and phthalate free.

Folds down to a miniscule 7cm x 13cm x1cm but inflates to an impressive 20cm x 32cm x 10cm.

F I N D O U T W H A T ’ S H I P & H A P P E N I N G I N G A D G E T S

girly gadgetAny girl who sits on the couch or in bed with her ipad on her knees for long enough will understand the dreaded thumb ache as she wrestles with a tablet. Step forward the Kikkerland ibed lap desk. With a handy slot for a tablet and padded cushion underneath, it’s everything you need for when your man brings you breakfast in bed. Available in green, black, red and blue. RO8 amazon.com

VycloneHarnessing the power of social media, your videos need never look the same. Based on some uber-clever processing technology, users of the Vyclone app upload videos taken at an event which is then mixed with other Vyclone users at the same event. The tech produces one seamless movie, shot by different cameras. Brilliant in every way. Free for ios and android.

0 4 5

App of the week

Here in Oman we’re blessed with two great things: plenty of sunlight and spectacular wilderness areas in which to camp - which make the luminaid

inflatable light Bag an absolute must when venturing off into darkened wadis. The bargain bag is lightweight, waterproof and dustproof and, with its inflatable design, is the perfect lightweight tool for shedding light on your dessert campground. ro13.45 from firebox.com

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It’s fun, futuristic and comes with its own mini drone, which launches from the roof. Meet the très chic Renault KWID concept car, says Kate Ginn

car of the week

Renault KWID ConceptEngine: 1.2L petrol

turbochargedDual Clutch Transmission

Two-Wheel Drive

Check this out

Rear air conditioning Electric operated front bench

seat Electric opening doors LED Lighting Touch Gear Shift TFT touchscreen Roof-mounted Flying

Companion Centre-mounted open-ended

steering wheel LED display screen Integrated tablet computer

CARS ANDINDOORS

C A R SP o s t c a r d s f r o m Y - F i I n d o o r s

We decided to have a little fun with the car this week.

So I’m taking you on a trip into the (not so) distant future. Imagine, then, a time when cars look like a cross between full-scale toys and a moon buggy, and come equipped with their own remote-controlled mini helicopter.

You don’t have to picture it too hard, though. Renault has already designed it.

The KWID Concept car was recently unveiled at the New Delhi Auto Show to a lot of interest. Anything that features the world’s first built-in quadcopter (named for its four little dinky rotors), which can be launched from the car’s roof, is bound to attract attention.

Before you dismiss it as simply silly, take another look.

This car is not just a flight of fancy but designed to be a functioning vehicle.

Pitched for the young, urban professional (a growing market in India, where the car’s design was tailored for), it offers a tantalising look at the vehicles of tomorrow.

So what to make of the KWID?Well, it’s a car that certainly

doesn’t create ambivalence. You’ll either love it or loathe it.

Personally I love the design. It looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun to drive. With that playful and colourful two-tone exterior and oversized wheels and bumpers

it could almost be made out of LEGO. It seems to me like it’s going to be as hyperactive as a toddler.

The interior is just as off-the-wall. Inspired by a bird’s nest (yes, really), the car’s seats are suspended over a solid base of white to given an impression of lightness. And the open-ended steering wheel is like something out of the Thunderbirds television series.

Make no mistake, however, this is not just child’s play for Renault.

An international team of designers worked on the KWID – the French company’s first concept car to be shown outside Europe – and it certainly makes an impact.

It’s created to appear, on the outside at least, like an off-road car. In fact, it’s a two-wheel drive, all dressed up with robust features.

So, you ask, what is this quadcopter all about?

Well, there’s a Flying Companion (to use it’s official name) hidden beneath a pivoting rear roof section of the KWID.

Launched either automatically using a pre-programmed flying sequence and GPS location or controlled manually by passengers (not the driver, of course!), via an integrated tablet inside the car, it’s a world first. But this little gimmick has a serious side.

It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as scouting out traffic, checking road conditions, detecting obstacles ahead and

taking photographs from its bird’s eye view.

I don’t know about you but on Oman’s sometimes-chaotic roads, I would find being able to have my own personal little drone zoom ahead in the traffic to check how busy it is, very useful. I want one. Or two even.

Renault’s designers have really let their imagination run free with the KWID and it shows, with colour-coded touches everywhere, a bulbous look and a visor-like cabin.

It’s excessive but fun and aimed at connecting with young customers who, I’m sure, will like its funky vibe. The KWID scores highly with its cool factor. Not only that but it’s got green credentials too with low fuel consumption and the ability to be powered by electric batteries.

As you would expect, it’s fully plugged into all the uber trendy technology and connects to just about everything through its vertically mounted touchscreen display.

A real neat touch is the centrally positioned driver’s position, which means it can be used in left and right-hand drive countries without being reconfigured.

The big question is when (or will) we see the car go into production? No word yet from Monsieur Renault but I’m putting my name down now to reserve one just in case.

They say: ‘A new vision.’

We say: ‘Ooh la la! A glimpse

into the future.’

46-47 Y ISSUE 308_car of d week_ad TR2.indd 46 2/19/14 2:51 AM

They say: ‘A new vision.’

We say: ‘Ooh la la! A glimpse

into the future.’

46-47 Y ISSUE 308_car of d week_ad TR2.indd 47 2/19/14 2:51 AM

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