y magazine #381, august 6, 2015
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Your top guide to the best of Oman every week!TRANSCRIPT
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AUG 06 - 12 2015 / ISSUE 381 • WEEKLY
MEET OMAN’S HEROES
THE MARVELLOUS MILLINEREducate Your HealthWITH Y AND HORIZON
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EDITOR IN CHIEFSayyida Iman bint Hamad
bin Hamood Al Busaidi
MANAGING EDITORFelicity Glover
DEPUTY EDITOR
Kate Ginn
ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst
SUB-EDITOR Matt Blackwell
PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING
Feroz Khan
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Team Y has been to the movies – watching Ant-Man and Bajrangi
Bhaijaan – getting back into the swing of work after three weeks away and tucking into a Jordanian food feast.
THIS WEEK…
Splash out with our new contest, exclusive to Y
Magazine. We’ve got tickets to Oman’s
newest attraction, AQUA FUN, the country’s first inflatable
water park. Located at Al Sawadi Beach Resort and Spa near Barka, less than 30 minutes from Muscat, it will feature 11 water slides, soap football and pools. Up for grabs are two tickets for a family of four. Go to P11 for details.
GOING UPEXPATS
The number of expatriates in Oman is growing, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information
(NCSI). As of June 2015, there were 1,623,627 expat workers, an increase
of six per cent from May. The majority work in construction.
GOING DOWNTHE TEMPERATURE
Yes, we know that it still feels hot but that’s more down to the humidity of up to 45 per cent. The mercury is in
fact dropping from the 40s down to the 30s, with an average of 37 degrees this
week. Roll on winter!
COMPETITION
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THE BAROMETER
Fast forwardL
ook up the word “hero” in any dictionary and you’ll find many different definitions, but the one that struck us was: “A person who, in the opinion of others, is admired for great deeds or fine qualities and is regarded as a model or ideal.”
In our view, a hero is not always someone who performs great heroic acts or dramatic gestures. Some are anonymous heroes who don’t want or seek the limelight. Across the Sultanate are people like these; working
among us, quietly and without fanfare, going about their jobs ensuring that we are safe, society runs smoothly or we all have a future. That to us is a true hero. In this issue, Y meets five unsung heroes of Oman - a fireman, paramedic, doctor, road sweeper and eco-warrior - who tell their stories. It makes for heartwarming reading. We hope you will join us in saluting them and their selfless work.
Elsewhere, we take out hats off to the wonderful work of a milliner, head off to the village of Imti in Destination and go camping for Outdoors. We have also teamed up with Horizon Fitness in their latest campaign to get Oman healthy.
Enjoy!
Team Y
P.S. Our managing editor Felicity is taking a well-earned break.
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Yo u r O m a n06 Coffee With Deeba Nada Al Moosa
08 Voice Of Oman Heather Duncan
10 News Fuel Smugglers Foiled
15 #FYI 10 Highest Paid Female Athletes In The World
16 Gallery NHI Chef Competition
T h i s We e k
17 Movie Listings Ant-Man
18 This Week Summer Art School
H e a l t h a n d B e a u t y32 Fashion Lemon Aid
34 Beauty Battle Cellulite
35 Health Simple Fitness Tips
10
33
Fo o d a n d D r i n k28 Food Feature Fuel Your Metabolism
30 Taste Test Jashn- A Celebration Called India
28
Fe at u r e20 Unsung Heroes Saluting Muscat’s Finest
24 Majestic Millinery Meet The Hatmaker
26 Educate Your Health Free Health Tests
C a r s a n d A d v e n t u r e s38 Destination Imti
40 Outdoors Mountain Getaway
42 Postcard From Dubrovnik, Croatia
44 Y-Fi Very Smart
46 Photo Of The Week Be Amazed
45
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Nada al Moosa
Saiyed Ali Sibtain NaqviThis week, Deeba Hasan sits down with Nada al Moosa, an animal activist and founder of the animal rescue group Omani Paws. She is also the owner of the My Cupcake bakery shopsCradling the trembling kitten in her arms, Nada al Moosa knew she had made the right choice to rescue her. Less than two years later, Omani Paws has helped neuter, spay and rehome more than 120 injured or homeless animals, who otherwise would’ve faced a fight for survival. Although not yet a registered charity, the organisation Nada set up has earned more than 7,000 likes on its Facebook page as well as 700 followers on Instagram, both of which continue to raise awareness of animal welfare. Nada, 42, did have a pet cat called Romeo five years before starting Omani Paws, but she admits she has not always been an animal activist.
What really turned her head was when she heard of a dog being burned with acid two years ago. “I thought that was too much, and Omani Paws was a result of my frustration. I thought someone had to do something,” she says.Omani Paws now finds itself is facing a major hitch. They needs funds to run its activities and continue the work they do. “For a female dog to be neutered, it costs RO40 and it’s RO30 for a male,” Nada tells me. “The procedures are expensive and, as much as we need to be appreciated verbally, we also need funds to properly carry out our activities.
“We need more volunteers. There are several ways in which people can volunteer: they can foster, adopt, rescue, help with transport, raise
money, design posters or simply take photos of our dogs if they are good with that.”Those concerned with animal welfare need to take more responsibility, Nada says, and simply posting on the group won’t help, due to a lack of volunteer resources. “Before telling us about a specific case of animal abuse, people need to try and help the animal themselves. Yes, if the case is beyond their control, it’s good to notify us, but our members are not available all the time because of their everyday schedules with jobs or studies. However, we try our best,” she says.Although Nada agrees that the population of stray dogs is increasing by the day, she strongly disagrees with shooting dogs to control the numbers and thinks TNR (Trap, Neuter and Release) is the way to go. “Through TNR, animals are first rescued, neutered, provided with medical care and then released into their respective territories.” Nada says it’s difficult to find homes for all the rescued animals because it’s hard to find people willing to adopt. Today, Nada has seven foster dogs and three dogs of her own. She says it would have been difficult to manage were it not for her housemaid.Omani Paws is also doing all it can to create awareness about animal welfare among people, “We are trying to be part of more and more events, trying to promote the cause over social media and through interviews like this one. We also do school trips to educate children as well.”
Nada notes that, although people used to be less concerned about animal welfare, things are changing now. “We are getting calls from more people and especially Omanis now about injured dogs or cats, which is a start. Instead of walking by, they are stopping,” she says. Apart from her work with Omani Paws, Nada’s other venture is My Cupcake, which she started in 2011 with premises in Qurum. She has recently expanded to The Walk at The Wave, Muscat. According to Nada, the best ingredients and a touch of creativity are essential for baking irresistible cakes. Her favourite cupcake is the 99 Per Cent Angel and believes that the Red Velvet is her speciality.Splitting her attention between the two endeavours can be difficult and takes up nearly all of her time. “I wake up at 7am and leave the house at around 9am. I pass by the My Cupcake stores for any work that is required and after that, I spend the rest of my day doing things for Omani Paws,” she explains. Nada operates Omani Paws from a small office at her house in Amerat. If she gets any time off, she enjoys reading or just chilling out and watching TV. Besides this, she also Googles future travel destinations. To date, she has visited 19 countries.
To support Omani Paws, visit its Facebook page /Omani-Paws.
Have you got a unique story to tell or do you know someone who has? Contact us to have coffee with Deeba and be featured in Y Magazine. Email: [email protected]
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FOREVER FORGOTTEN
correspondenceTHE VOICE OF OMAN HEATHER DUNCAN ON HOLIDAYS AT HOME
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Living so far from my home country, like many of us settling in Oman, I only make the trip home once a year. I wish that it was
more frequent, but due to work, money and other commitments, it just isn’t possible.
This summer I was excited to head back to Scotland so that I could see my loved ones and spend some time together. The downside is always saying goodbye again.
In the short weeks that we are together we try to cram in as many happy, joyful memories to keep us going until the next time we meet, however long that may be.
For me, I like to photograph everything I can, from people and occasions to scenery and notable places, to keep my memories fresh and remind me of stories I might forget. Looking back on photos from previous trips makes me laugh.
Not being present at events throughout the year like weddings, parties and birthdays can be hard for us, but I feel so thankful for the leaps in technology like WhatsApp and email, which enable us to communicate with our loved ones quickly and easily, even though we can’t always be there in person. And when it comes to vacation time again and we see those faces eagerly awaiting us in the airport arrivals hall, the months spent apart are quickly forgotten.
The cycle will then repeat but that’s what being an expat is. We take the rough parts in search of a better life. One thing it will always teach us is who really still cares after all that time apart.
WE ASKED: “Should Oman follow in the footsteps of the UAE and align fuel prices to global oil and remove subsidies?”
DEBATE OF THE WEEK
I was brought into the home of a little boy,
As a birthday gift, he received me as a toy.
His favourite plaything, was none other than me,
In my company, he’d always be in glee.
He thought of me, as his true friend,
The bond was such, it could never end.
Sadly, one day, he abandoned me on the shelf,
All alone in obscurity, by myself.
It seems, he has found new cohorts,From toy cars to battery-operated robots.
Years of confinement, has left me frail and dusty,
Enclosed, I’m left sad and gloomy.
The pain, by no means is yet, perceived, I’m inanimate, is what is believed.
Nobody tries to identify with my feel,
For everyone, it’s not a big deal.
But, I too, have a human heart,Please come back, why keep me apart?Don’t leave this poor teddy forsaken,
I ask myself, “Am I, forever forgotten?”
By Alex Roy, Grade 10,Indian School Wadi Al Kabir
GIOVANNI D CANNAVO Under no circumstances should Oman increase fuel prices. An alternative, cheaper and more efficient mode of transportation needs to be put into place before upping fuel prices. The cost of living will also rise and every commodity will cost more, as everything depends on transport. It would be wiser for the government to explore other areas to increase income first. Increasing fuel prices will impact the local economy in a negative way, as the cost of living in Oman is already way too high when compared to earning power. I also think we would see a major increase in crime, starting with fuel theft.
SHANE KINBAR The price of petrol is so much higher in other places around the world and the people who live in those countries get by well enough, so I think that we could adapt to higher prices here in
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Muscat over time.
GERBY DE JESUS It’s a no-brainer, of course. Everyone says no.
ROSHINI NAIR I just feel that removing subsidies immediately is not a good idea because it can have an impact on the monthly budget of the common man and it might lead to unrest. If the subsidies are removed, public transport should improve so that people who can’t afford petrol have a second option as well. The UAE’s purchasing power is greater so they can afford to do so. It is something to be proud of that Oman is thinking about its people, and for their benefit, fuel prices have been subsidised.
ADEEBA FATIMA A big “no” for me, as everything is already aligned. This idea needs a lot of thought before it is implemented.
RICHARD STUBBS I think that something needs to be done if the government wants to keep the economy stable, with the current price of oil being as low as it is. The UAE has been brave and removed its subsidies and while yes, the prices will rise as a result, the government will also be saving a lot of money. It will be an unpopular move over here but I think it would benefit the country in the long run.
VINNIE PATEL It would be incredibly unfair if the price of petrol went up. Yes, it would save the government some money but at the same time, lots of people, particularly those who are on relatively low incomes, would be priced out of owning or renting a car. As we all know, it is very nearly impossible to get around in Muscat if you do not have a car.
DARSHNA KOTEK It may be a good idea because of the falling oil prices but it may create a bit of havoc at later stages. The low oil prices have already created a slightly negative impact on the functioning of some government companies in terms of their budget but something definitely needs to be done and the sooner the better.
MONIKA SHUKLA No way, Oman is a cool country with genuine and sincere policies that are beneficial for the country as well as its people. Raising fuel prices is dependent on the policies that concern business. Oman as a country is capable of growth and does not need any prices to rise that could in some way lead to the suffering of locals and other residents. I’m proud to be part of such lovely country, one that has its own peaceful pace of growth.
SYED BOKHARI In my view, Oman should not follow in the footsteps of the UAE and align fuel prices to global oil and remove subsidies, because it will naturally increase the call for a better transportation system. People will opt for ways to save their hard-earned money and sufficient infrastructure needs to be in place as an alternative before it hits people’s pockets. To raise fuel prices and keep Oman’s economy healthy we need minibuses and a metro, both of which would certainly be more convenient than taxis. People’s hardships should be taken into account before fuel subsidies are removed like in the UAE, where
transportation is less of a problem than here.
HENRY MATTHEWSI think they shouldn’t align the prices because it would affect the economy in terms of car sales. Professional expatriates may think twice about coming to work in Oman, which would in turn hinder the growth and development of the nation as a whole.
EDMUND KOHN Oil prices are low so what do you do to counter this? You remove one of the big government subsidies on petrol and allow the prices to come into line with the rest of the world, saving millions in the process. To me, this would be the most obvious and logical choice.
DIEGO KARUMALDUMAL It’s definitely a big no for me, but in the end it is the decision of the Ministry that counts.
New Debate:“We’ve highlighted our choices in this week’s cover story, but who are the unsung heroes that you
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N E W SYOUR OMAN
G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w
Lawmakers in Oman are pushing
for tougher penalties to stop petrol being smuggled across the border to the UAE after the Emirates announced it was raising petrol prices, it has been reported.
More than 20 attempts to take petrol and diesel illegally through border posts were foiled in the last week, according to a report in Gulf News.
The UAE announced it was cutting its fuel subsidy from August 1, to align with global oil prices, the first GCC member to do so. Others member states, including Oman, are expected to follow suit.
Experts said the move could save the UAE billions of dollars.
With petrol now cheaper in Oman – DH1.14 per litre for Super (RO0.12) compared to Dh2.25 (RO0.24) in the UAE – the lure to cash in on lucrative profits could see more smuggler attempts.
Humaid al Nasri, a member of the elected Shura Council, told Gulf News that petrol and diesel smuggling could increase following the UAE price rises.
“Petrol and diesel smugglers, particularly
Warnings have been issued to swimmers and beach goers to be careful after several potentially lethal Box Jellyfish were spotted in waters around tourist hotspots in Muscat.
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) circulated an alert following the sighting of the jellyfish in the sea around Crowne Plaza Beach in Qurum up to the popular public Marjan Beach. A couple of the sea creatures were also seen on PDO’s beach at its private Ras Al Hamra Recreation Centre (RAHRC).
Some types of Box Jellyfish produce potent venom, which can be fatal to humans if not treated.
The species is recognisable from other jellyfish from its appearance. Instead of looking like a dome, they tend to resemble an umbrella with long tentacles hanging down.
Because they are almost transparent, they cannot be easily seen in the water.
“The Box Jellyfish has been given the nickname of the ‘Sucker Punch Jellyfish’. This is due to the fact that you won’t see them coming. You won’t know that they are upon you until it is too late,” said a notice from PDO sent out this week.
PDO said it was warning its club members to keep out of the water until the jellyfish all clear is given.
“We would like to caution our members to keep an eye on the Jellyfish flag (yellow flag) and not to venture into the waters,” it said.
Other hotels in the area are also being vigilant for any potential problems in the sea.
Although it has been called “the world’s most venomous creature”, only a few species of the Box Jellyfish are known to have caused human deaths. The larger class of the species is said to be the most lethal. Although painful, stings from smaller varieties are not life threatening.
“The instant pain from the sting is gong to be too much for you to ignore,” said the PDO warning.
“Getting someone out of the water quickly that has been stung by one is very important. People can suffer shock and fear and are not able to get out on their own.”
The notice went on to warn about the potential side effects of being stung by one.“A sting from this type of jellyfish usually results in breathlessness, fainting and a
coma if medical assistance is delayed.”Stings from Box Jellyfish should be treated with warm water and not vinegar or cold
water, advised the PDO notice.Most victims who are stung do make a full recovery, but in August last year, a five-
year-old French boy died from a Box Jellyfish sting in Thailand.
JELLY ALERT
trailer drivers, will make a huge profit from smuggling petrol on a daily
basis,” Al Nasri said.One expert estimated that smugglers could net as
much as RO300 a day.To combat
smuggling, petrol stations near the Omani-UAE border should be strictly regulated, said Gulf News. Harsher penalties for culprits are also being
suggested.Another idea to
curb smugglers would be to raise the price of
petrol and diesel sold at garages near the border.Filling stations in Oman
across the border from Al Ain, in Buraimi and other places, have
reporting a rise in vehicles from the UAE since the petrol price rises.
Indications are that Oman is likely to start cutting fuel subsidies later this year as the slump in oil prices continues.
Oman’s budget deficit for 2015 is estimated to be RO3.6 billion.
Reports in Omani newspapers this week also claimed that both private and public sectors in the Sultanate are seeing a hiring freeze and job cuts due to plummeting oil prices. With the international price of a barrel of oil at $51 this week, the slump is starting to be felt. Oman’s civil service has already frozen employment since January this year, hiring in essential areas such as health and education only. One private sector manager told the Times of Oman that his IT company had shelved expansion plans due to the government freezing big projects.
FERRY RESCUEThis is the dramatic moment a
ferry off Masirah starts to sink with 50 passengers and crew on board.
Tilting over to one side, the stricken boat got into trouble half an hour into its journey from Shannah Island to Masirah Island on Tuesday morning. Incredibly, all 40 passengers, including ferry staff, were rescued unharmed by the Royal Oman Police, with no reports of any injuries.
Another ferry was used to pick up the saved passengers and transport them to safety.
The ferry was said to be carrying nine trucks and seven cars. There are suggestions it may have been overloaded.
Ferries on the daily route between the two islands have got into problems before. In 2014, two ferries sank with no casualties.
There have also been reports of collisions between ageing ferries over the past three years.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications has banned all ferries transporting passengers to and from Masirah Island until an investigation has been completed.
company behind the project.“We had the space at Sawadi Beach Resort and
wanted to give people coming to the resort and Oman a new attraction. We hope it appeals to visitors to the country and residents. It is going to be lots of fun.”
AQUA FUN will also be open at night to allow for something different when the sun goes down. It can accommodate up to 800 people at a time and will have trained staff on duty.
“We are expecting up to 350 walk-ins a day,” Mr Khan said about the park, which is less than 30 minutes from Muscat.
Suitable for children aged over three, he added that younger children would be admitted with parental supervision.
Charges for entry have not been announced, but will be reasonably priced. Visitors will also be able to hire selfie sticks and have their photos taken with GoPro cameras to capture their water capers. AQUA FUN will have its own YouTube channel and social media platforms, where photos and videos can be uploaded.
Opening hours are planned to be 4pm-10pm on weekdays and 10am-12am or beyond at weekends and holidays.
Al Tatawur Development LLC is also behind
plans for Majarat Oman, the country’s first indoor water theme park, and Tamara’s World, a unique family entertainment concept in the new Panorama Mall, which is scheduled to open early next month, with the latest in trampolines and soft play areas.
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N E W SG a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w
It’s time to take the plunge.Oman’s first inflatable water park
is due to be ready for business next weekend, in what promises to be one of the most highly anticipated openings in the Sultanate for some time.
AQUA FUN park at Al Sawadi Beach Resort and Spa near Barka, features 11 inflatable water slides and games, two soap football pools and four gigantic water pools.
There is also an inflatable water obstacle course, along with a food court, eating area, lockers and showers on site.
Best of all, it’s for big kid as well as little ones.
It is set to open for customers next Friday (August 14).
The Sultanate has not had a water park since the last one in Muscat, Aqua Park, closed down some years ago. So the news that a new one is about to open will be greeted with huge relief – by parents trying to keep the youngsters amused during the long summer holidays and everyone trying to get some respite from the heat.
“It will be Oman’s first inflatable water park and we’re very excited about it,” says Daanish N Khan, who handles marketing and events for Al Tatawur Development LLC, the Oman-based hospitality
IS HERE
Y Magazine has teamed up with Al Sawadi Beach Resort and Spa to offer two lucky families the chance to be among the first to try out the new AQUA FUN water park. We have tickets for two families of four.
To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:
“What is the name of the spa at Al Sawadi Beach Resort and Spa?”
Email your answer to [email protected] by Sunday, August 9. Winning entries will be revealed in next week’s issue.
C O M P E T I T I O N
Survivors of a bus crash in which nine people from the Sultanate were killed while travelling on Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia have returned to Oman.
Two aircraft from the Royal Air Force of Oman brought home the injured at the weekend, including young children, and bodies of the victims who died in the accident.
One of the air force crew was seen carrying a young survivor, a baby, in his arms across the tarmac after the planes landed in Muscat.
Three days earlier, a bus carrying 54 passengers on an Omani Umrah pilgrimage collided with a truck around 120km from Al-Ahsa, an oasis region in eastern Saudi Arabia.
Nine people were killed and 41 hurt, with injuries ranging from minor to serious.
In an interview with a Saudi television channel, one of the injured said most passengers
were asleep when the accident happened as the pilgrims returned from Mecca.
“A truck parked on the shoulder of the road took the bus driver by surprise, and he lost control of the vehicle, which rammed the truck,” said the unnamed passenger.
“Some Saudis rushed to the spot and broke the bus windscreen to pull out some passengers who were unable to get out.”
Other passengers managed to escape when the bus driver opened the front door.
Another casualty described how he fell asleep on the bus and woke up in hospital.Nine Omanis died in hospitals in Saudi
Arabia. On the orders of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos
Bin Said Al Said, two Royal Air Force of Oman aircraft with doctors and medical staff onboard were sent to retrieve the injured and collect the bodies of the dead.
Survivors, who were met by medical teams on the ground in Oman, are receiving treatment in local hospitals. When news of the crash broke, a rush of people came forward offering to donate blood for the injured.
UMRAH CRASH VICTIMS HOME
Artist’s impression of similar park
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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 MIDDLE EAST UNDER HEAT DOME
If you think it’s too hot outside at the moment, spare a thought for those in Middle Eastern countries like Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, who have had to battle through in temperatures that feel like 70 degrees Celsius and upwards,
thanks to humidity. Soaring temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius and above have
disrupted normal work routines in Iraq, with officials declaring an impromptu four-day public holiday to minimise the effect of the unprecedented temperature highs on the population. The heat wave has also disrupted electricity and water supply in some parts, worsening conditions to an unbearable extent.
Experts call this a “heat dome”, a type of pressure ridge, which appears to have hit parts of the Middle East.
In Bandar Mahshahr, an ancient city in the southwest of Iran, the concept of “hot” has been taken to another level, with the city’s heat index close to record-breaking levels, only falling short by a few degrees. The index was recorded by experts who predict the country could be suffering from some of the hottest urban temperatures ever endured by mankind. The highest recorded heat index was 81 degrees Celsius, recorded in Saudi Arabia in 2003.
Residents in Iraq have been advised to stay away from the sun as much as possible and to drink lots of water.
“That was one of the most incredible temperature observations I have ever seen and it is one of the most extreme readings ever in the world,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Anthony Saglia.
Oman has also experienced some sweltering heat over the past couple of weeks, but things appear to be cooling off, with temperatures ranging from 35 to 40 degrees Celsius predicted for the rest of the week.
Don’t you mean change of heart?Kind of, but because this is about a painting we thought we’d have a little fun with this age-old saying.What’s it about then?Basically, a clueless owner of a masterpiece worth about US$2 million (RO770,000) was using it as their kitchen noticeboard, pinning (yes, pinning!) bills, postcards and other reminders on it.Ouch. You could say that. But thanks to the keen eye of a Bonhams art expert, who had been invited to the London home for a routine valuation of other artworks, the masterpiece was spotted.So what’s the story behind the painting?The painting, Arab in Black, by the South African artist Irma Stern, apparently has an intriguing political history. It is believed that Stern sold the painting to an art collector to help fund the late Nelson Mandela’s legal defence three years before he was sentenced to life in prison.Great story. But why didn’t the current owner know how important it was?It seems the art collector who had bought the painting in the sixties moved to the UK and bequeathed it to the current owner, who then decided to use it as a pinboard in his kitchen. We can only assume they had no idea just how much the painting was worth, let alone its importance.So what’s next?The current owner has realised the error of his ways and has decided to auction off the painting in September, where it is expected to fetch between US$1.3 million to US$2 million (RO500,000-RO770,000).Don’t say: Just pin the bill to the noticeboard in the kitchen, honey. Do say: Whoa, that’s a masterpiece worth preserving!
B i t e S i z e dOUR WEEKLY SLOT TAKES A LIGHTHEARTED
LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK.
CHANGE OF ART
Amid rising temperatures, parts of Oman
including some in the Ad Dhakhiliyah
region have experienced light to heavy
showers, bringing welcome respite to
people living in these areas.
“Al Hamra has been witnessing rain for the last
10 days, and the temperature has fallen to nearly 15
degrees Celsius,” one resident was quoted as saying.
More rains have been predicted in the coming
days according to weather forecast modules given to
the Directorate General of Meteorology and Civil
Aviation. Motorists have been asked to take care
when driving, especially when crossing overflowing
P.S. It’s been raining in
Oman... but not in Muscat
wadis, which may result in accidents.
According to the forecast, cloudy skies are
expected along the coastal areas of Dhofar
and in the adjoining mountains.
However, it is very unlikely that rains will
touch Muscat, meaning residents will have to
endure the heat a little longer. “It is possible,
but North and South Al Batinah may expect
more rain than Muscat. However, there is
a very low chance of rain in Muscat,” an
official at the Directorate General of
Meteorology and Civil Aviation told a
local newspaper.
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G A L L E R YYOUR OMAN
A W E E K I N P I C T U R E S
Tests are being carried out on a two-metre long object and a possible aeroplane window that washed up on the French Indian Ocean island of La Réunion amid reports they could be part of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared with 239 people on board in March 2014
HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND
Oman has retained its place as the world’s third-best country in terms of preventing cyber attacks, the latest Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) has revealed.
The index, which ranks 191-member countries, saw the United States come out at number one again, followed by Canada. Oman ranked third with Malaysia and Australia, followed by New Zealand and Norway in fourth place.
The Global Cybersecurity Index, prepared by the United Nation’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and ABI Research, measures each member country’s level of commitment towards cybersecurity development.
In his opening remarks in the report, Brahima Sanou, the director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, said: “The ultimate goal [of the GCI] is to help foster a global culture of cybersecurity and its integration at the core of information and communication technologies.
“Technology is ever-evolving and new cyber threats continue to be devised. In embracing technology progress, cybersecurity must form an integral and indivisible part of the process.
“Unfortunately, cybersecurity is not yet at the core of many
national and industrial technology strategies. Countries need to be aware of their current capability level in cybersecurity and at the same time identify areas where cybersecurity needs to be enhanced.”
In December last year, the Oman Observer reported that the Sultanate had thwarted more than 2,000 cybersecurity threats since 2011.
The Oman National Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT), which was set up in 2010 under the umbrella of the Information Technology Authority, also “addressed more than 80,000 attempts to have illegal access to websites in Sultanate and more than 8,000 attempts to plant malware”, the Oman Observer reported.
Osama bin Laden’s sister and stepmother are killed in a plane crash during a family holiday to Britain when their private jet smashes into a car auction site while trying to land at a small airport
Cecil the lion becomes a global symbol of the fight against illegal hunting in Africa. The big cat, a favourite with visitors to Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, was hunted and killed by a wealthy American, sparking an international outcry
US Secretary of State, John Kerry, tells a meeting of GCC foreign ministers in Qatar that the nuclear deal with Iran will make the Gulf region more stable
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These payment totals include their prize money, licensing fees, salaries, endorsements and appearances in last year.Source: forbes.com
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G A L L E R YYOUR OMAN
MAST
ER C
HEFS
THE OMAN CHEF
COMPETITION, ORGANISED
BY THE NHI, BROUGHT
TOGETHER EMPLOYEES
FROM LOCAL HOTELS
AND RESTAURANTS WHO
BATTLED IT OUT IN THE
HOPE OF BEING CROWNED
THE CHAMPION
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ALIEN UPRISING
Some British friends emerge bleary-eyed after a night of partying to find that the power around the country is down. Shortly after, a huge spaceship appears in the sky, followed by hundreds more. This marks the start of humanity’s fight for survival as they attempt to counter the deadly threat from a mysterious alien race.
Bollywatch
Ted 2
The foul-mouthed teddy bear is back again but if the newlywed wants to have a child with his wife, Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth) he is going to have to prove he is a person and not property in a court of law. The premise is so wacky it’s actually good, although in an effort to distance itself from merely regurgitating the
Ant-Man
MOVIES MOVIESfirst film, Ted 2 is imbued with a dash too much sincerity as it dissects the particulars of civil rights. That said, with Seth MacFarlane from Family Guy at the helm, there are still more than enough laughs to go around.
How to Make Love Like an Englishman
After one of his students (Jessica Alba) reveals she is pregnant, Cambridge poetry professor and, until now, England’s ultimate bachelor, Richard Haig, (Pierce Brosnan) is forced to re-evaluate his priorities and whole outlook on life. Thankfully, the sister of his student (Salma Hayek) is on hand to aid the transition. Apart from flirting with modern topics such as age in relationships, How to Make Love Like an Englishman is very much in the traditional, romantic comedy mould. The film brings together an experienced cast that can strike the perfect balance between emotion and humour.
BANGISTAN This satire tells the story of two unlikely terrorists, Hafeez Bin Ali Ishwarchand Sharma (Riteish Deshmukh) and Allah Rakha Khan Praveen Chaturvedi (Pulkit Samrat), who hail from the fictional country of Bangistan and set out to change the world according to their lofty ideals. Despite lacking in talent, the pair are brainwashed by rival organisations into staging an attack at a peace summit but ultimately realise that theirs is a futile exercise.
Fresh out of jail, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is on a mission to prove that he is fit to be a father. His efforts put him in league with Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), the creator of a prototype suit that gives its wearer the ability to shrink to the size of an ant. Pym convinces Lang to take on the titular role and recover a copy of the technology before it falls into dangerous hands.
Following in the same vein as last year’s fantastic Guardians of the Galaxy, Ant-Man is laugh-out loud funny, and leading man Rudd’s performance and comic timing is excellent.
After the city-shattering exploits of The Avengers and galaxy-spanning
adventures of Guardians, Ant-Man is refreshingly different in that Scott Lang is just so human, learning his craft in his mentor’s back home and fighting an epic duel with villain Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) on a children’s train track.
Ever since 2008’s Iron Man, new Marvel releases have come with a certain amount of hype. The announcement that their most diminutive superhero was to be immortalised in film took nearly all but the most hardcore fans by surprise, however, the resulting movie just goes to prove that good things really do come in small packages.
Review by Matt Blackwell
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SOLO ART EXHIBITIONT H E W H AT ’ S O N G U I D E
THIS WEEKA U G U S T
WHAT TO DO.
WHAT TO SEE.
WHAT TO HEAR.
Art lovers are welcome to attend a solo exhibition by 13-year-old Avigyan Bhattacharya at Al Masa Hall in Ruwi, from 5pm to 10pm. Thirty-five art works of oil painting, acrylics, charcoal and much more will be on display. Entry is free. For details, contact +968 9587 5901.
22Aug
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Summer Art SchoolIf your child wants to learn some new drawing and sculpture skills you can enrol him or her in Bait Al Zubair’s summer art school, which runs from August 16-20. Group one includes children between 7- 9 years and will run from 10am to 1pm. Group two includes youngsters from 10 to 14 and will run from 2pm to 5pm. Cost is RO5 for all workshop materials. For details and registration, call +968 2208 4700, email [email protected] or visit their Facebook page: /bait.alzubair
Calling all party animals, are you ready for a full night of R&B? Then get down to On the Rocks at The Golden Tulip Seeb Hotel for a party featuring DJ Fawaz alongside MC Mo. Book your ticket and get 30 per cent off your purchases with your reservation. It all kicks off at 10pm, ticket prices are RO10 for guys and ladies are free. For more details, call +968 9798 3333 / 9470 5671.
See what’s cooking up at the seafood night at the National Hospitality Institute (NHI) in Muscat. Whether grilled, baked, pan-fried or roasted, the new healthy seafood menus are sure to tickle your taste buds and leave you asking for more. Venue is the Class Room restaurant at NHI in Wadi Kabir. To book your tables for Wednesday, August 12, contact +968 2481 6313. Price per person is RO8.
SEAFOOD NIGHTS AT NHI
12AUG
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*One chance per person per day *Not valid at any other branch of Subway*Not valid on any other offer *Valid only at Subway CCC outlet
* Doctor's Associate Inc.SUBWAY is a registered trademark of Doctor's Associates Inc.
FREEDRINK
FREE
SALAD FREE 6” MEAL
BU
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Qurum : 24560327
Al Khoud : 24545069
Al Khuwair : 24486788
Azaibah 18th Nov. St : 24491589
MUSCAT FAMILY FESTIVAL 2015
Axis Events is back with yet another family shopping fiesta on the last Friday of this month. With plenty of retail options, lucky draws, mascots, henna and lots more, there is something for everyone. The festival will be at Al Bahja Hall, Jungle restaurant in Qurum and entry is free. For details and booking of stalls, contact +968 9880 5071 or visit their Facebook page: /axisgroupevents
This workshop provides an excellent opportunity to learn about clay tile making. Exploring Omani patterns and colours, participants will create their own air-dried decorative clay tile. The workshop will be conducted in English at the MuscArt gallery in Ghubra, and is open to youngsters between 10 and 14. Minimum size of groups will be five; maximum, 12. Price per person is RO80 and the cost of all materials is included. Timings are from 3pm to 5pm. For details, log on to muscart.net or call MuscArt on +968 2449 3912.
CLAY TILES WORKSHOP
28AUG
9 - 13AUG
TIM
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Full of intrigue, love, fight scenes and social satire, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas is probably the best book on revenge ever written. It was also included on a recent Redditt thread where users of the entertainment, social media and news site were asked to cite a book that people needed to read at least once in their lifetimes. This classic made it onto the list, with some other great works such as Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. The The Count of Monte Cristo has also been taken to the big screen three times, the latest venture starring Jim Caviezel in the lead role. This one’s definitely worth a read.
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eroeshUnsung
Y seeks out those individuals who make a positive change to Muscat every day, but live life far from the limelightINTERVIEWS: MATT BLACKWELL AND DEEBA HASAN
We’ve all seen them. It’s most likely that we’ve passed by in the street without even noticing one another, yet without them, society would all but crumble.
There are groups of people around Oman who are in the trenches day in, day out, providing services that keep the community ticking over smoothly. Medical workers, firefighters, conservationists and road sweepers, nearly all of them live a life under the radar, invisible for 99 per cent of the time, but immediately on hand in your hour of need.
They go about their daily business asking for no recognition or reward, yet their work is easily as important as anything done by any sports star or celebrity, if not more so.
Y has sought out some of these anonymous angels to get their stories first hand and find out what it’s like living life on the front line of Muscat’s emergency services or preserving the country’s delicate ecosystem.
It’s time to meet Muscat’s unsung heroes.
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Unsung You have to be a strong person to be a paramedic,” Yousuf tells Y
when we sit down together.“The thing that affects me the most is
when children are involved. These calls are always more emotional, especially if they are in a bad way. It’s tough but I must be professional; people’s lives depend on it.”
Despite the fact that Yousuf has no idea what the day has in store for him when he wakes up, each morning at work begins the same way.
The first duty is always to check over the life-saving equipment to ensure everything is fully operational. After this, it can often become a waiting game.
“While we are waiting for a call, we will discuss different medical topics,” says Yousuf. “This helps to constantly reinforce our knowledge and keeps our brains sharp because a call could come in at any time.”
Some of the most common calls in Muscat concern cardiac arrests, medical overdoses and road accidents. Calls involving car collisions are even more common in the Interior according to Yousuf.
Naturally, being first on the scene of an emergency can be an emotional ordeal and Yousuf has witnessed some harrowing scenes over the course of his career, particularly with regards to car accidents, which Yousuf agrees Muscat has too many of.
“Sometimes it is normal to see people in pieces, particularly in accidents that involve cars,” he says.
“Sadly, we see a lot of children in car accidents. The main factor in these cases is often the speed the car was travelling at and the fact that its occupants weren’t wearing seatbelts.”
No matter where in Muscat the incident has taken place, the paramedic team will be expected on scene in no more than 10 minutes. If they are any later, they must
During his 11 years as a paramedic, Yousuf Abdullah Mohammed al Mashari, 35, has been stationed all around Oman, as far afield as Salalah
write a report explaining why.Essential information regarding the call will be radioed
through to the paramedics while they are on route to the scene and the first concern is always safety, Yousuf tells Y.
“The spinal cord is checked first, then the airways and circulation. Once the situation has been controlled, patients will be taken to hospital if necessary, where we will write a handover report.”
If the situation involves unstable patients, paramedics are expected to spend no longer than 15 minutes on the scene before transporting the patient to hospital.
“Even before I became a paramedic I loved to help people. It gave me great satisfaction,” says Yousuf.
“I am grateful that the knowledge I have acquired through my job has helped me to educate my family about things that we can sometimes neglect. I even taught my young son to control his nosebleeds when he was younger,” the paramedic says with a smile.
"
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r Siham has been a doctor for 17 years now and
currently works at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH). As a child, she always got good grades at school and had a strong desire to help the community from the beginning, and hence decided to become a doctor. Although some of her family members questioned her abilities, this only strengthened her resolve.
“I always wanted to do something different, I thought it was fun and challenging and when people told me that I might not be able to accomplish my goals, I decided to
prove them wrong.”Seven years of studying medicine
saw her take up a position as a physician at SQUH, where she has since become a member of the paediatric department.
Dr Siham believes that her job is a lot of fun and very rewarding, especially when she sees her patients recovering from their illnesses.
Although in her department, survival rates of the patients is high, she gets understandably upset on the rare occasions they lose a child on her ward. “I am attached to my patients because they are mostly children and when they smile, you
smile with them,” she says.To save both the money and
efforts of the hospital, Dr Siham was responsible for introducing a method where children who were given parenteral nutrition were sent home with all the pumps and equipment, providing their parents were taught to help them with administering the necessary nutrition.
“I had observed that some children were staying in hospital for years only to get the parenteral nutrition, because of which their families had to suffer quite a bit and their lives surrounded the hospital,” she says. “This is why I thought it
would be good to send the child home and educate their parents so that they are able to do the job themselves, with help from us when required of course.”
Being a working wife and mother is not always an easy task, but Dr Siham’s family is fully supportive of her job and they understand her choice. “My husband works for the Armed Forces Hospital and I have three young children. If it wasn’t for their support and encouragement, I wouldn’t have been able to do much. I want to thank the fathers, brothers and husbands who allow women to pursue their goals.”
Primarily a doctor at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital’s paediatric department, Dr Siham Salim al Sinani also juggles several other roles, including being a daughter, wife and mother
efore he came to Oman 11 years
ago, Vivek’s primary work was in agriculture. “It was completely different, I was a rice farmer in Hyderabad, India,” he tells Y. “But I decided to move here a little over a decade ago for a better life.”
He was brought over on a recruitment drive and soon found himself working as a cleaner for Muscat Municipality. Having swapped his rice crops for a sweeping brush, Vivek is now in charge of a strip of road along the seafront, close to Y’s office in Seeb. It’s his job to keep the area looking spick and span, whatever the weather, and it’s clear that he takes great pride in his work.
“I clean and sweep the road and make sure there is no rubbish around. Because I work close to the beach, sand
is also a problem blowing in off the beach,” he says.
“The work is tough at times, especially in the heat of summer, but despite this I still enjoy my job. It’s difficult being here alone without my wife and son, but at the same time it is reassuring knowing that I am able to support them through the work I do here.”
Of his RO150 monthly salary, Vivek sometimes sends as much as RO120 home to his loved ones in India, leaving himself RO30 to survive on each month.
He works eight hours a day, like many other jobs, but the difference with Vivek’s work is that it is incredibly labour intensive and his duty starts at 4am each morning.
“We will have a half an hour break for breakfast and then work through until 12pm,” he says. “Starting at
4am is good because it means you don’t see too much of the sun and work is finished by the hottest part of the day.”
As 12pm comes and Vivek clocks off for a well earned break, he heads back to the Municipality camp which he calls home and the room he shares with six of his colleagues, all fellow cleaners and road sweepers.
“We don’t do much during the week so there is not too much of a community spirit in the camps,” he tells Y. “The most exciting time is when we prepare and eat our evening meal, but after this many people go to their bed and rest because we have to be awake very early the following morning, when it all begins again.
“It is the thought of my family that keeps me going each day, I am doing it all for them.”
Day after day, rain or shine, you can find Vivek, 34, clad in his fluorescent uniform with a brush in hand, cleaning up the streets of Seeb
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etween her full time job at the US embassy and her family life, Batool has been an active
volunteer with Clean Up Oman for the last three years. Volunteering has always been her passion and before Clean Up Oman she worked with disabled children and also offered her services to the Oman Charitable Association during cyclone Gonu in 2007.
As Batool was growing up, witnessing many gratuitous acts of littering around the Sultanate served as an inspiration for her to bring about change in Omani society. “When I was younger, I saw people littering everywhere; on picnics, on the roads and in many other public places and thought something definitely had to be done about the issue. This is why I became an environmental activist,” she says.
Batool has been part of over 25 campaigns organised by Clean Up Oman and definitely wants to be involved with more. “I was recently part of a cleaning campaign organised by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs in the Daymaniyat Islands. Our next big campaign will be in Musandam, where we are also planning to work with school children.”
Apart from cleaning up the litter at each of their destinations, the members of the group will also speak to the locals about the issue in an attempt to create awareness. “We try to involve local populations, especially children, because I think children need to be taught about the issue and they are the ones who can
An eco-warrior and volunteer at Clean Up Oman, Batool Mohsen Baqer loves anything to do with nature and is willing to go above and beyond to save the environment
talk to their parents and siblings about it. When they grow older they will be able to teach the future generations as well,” says Batool.
In order to curb the damaging effect of litter on the environment, Batool believes that perpetrators must be fined on the spot. “If you ask people to pay five or 10 rials for littering, they will definitely think twice before doing it again,” she says. “I have seen people throwing their rubbish at such scenic places as Jebel Akhdar and Salalah
and it’s very sad because it spoils the beauty of our country.”
This eco warrior’s message to people is to volunteer as much as possible, especially when it’s something to do with the environment. She wants people to clean up after they leave beaches, parks and any other public places. By keeping the environment clean and green, Batool says that people living in this generation and all the future ones to come will be able to breathe fresh air and live healthily.
fter six months of training, a bright-eyed 22-year-old
Ayman Ibrahim Khamis al Hasani became a fully-fledged firefighter, ready to tackle blazes around his home city.
“I first chose this job because I love helping people, it is in my nature,” he tells Y. “I also love to challenge myself and felt that becoming a firefighter would be the perfect way to combine them both. I could serve the country and its people while pushing myself at the same time.”
There is no doubt that the working schedule of a fireman is a gruelling one. A typical shift is a full 24 hours long, followed by 24 hours off. After another day on, they receive two days off, followed by 24 hours on, then off and then on again, rounded off by a four-day break.
“The first thing we do is hand over the shift,” he says. “We have to check the equipment and ensure that everything is in good working order. The last thing you want is to respond to a fire and find that your equipment isn’t working.”
It is only after everything has been signed off that the previous shift is released from their duty, after which comes daily training sessions.
“Late afternoon is the busiest time, but some days there can be a lot of waiting. We have accommodation on site so that we can take it in turns to
rest and ensure we all stay alert over the 24-hour period,” says Ayman.
There are often more fires in the summer due to the heat and dryness and the worst fire he ever faced took place 18 months ago in an industrial area in Ghala.
“There was a warehouse storing food that caught fire. It took us 48 hours to extinguish in total working shifts. It was very mentally challenging. Thankfully, no one was hurt.”
While tackling a towering inferno may sound terrifying to most, for Ayman it is literally just another day at the office and he admits that personally, he only gets scared when there are people in danger trapped within a building.
Married but currently with no children, Ayman’s family has always supported his chosen career. “I know my family have worried about my safety in the past, but they are very careful not to show it to me because they don’t want to demotivate me. They always put on a brave face so that I can do my job properly.”
Now 30, Ayman has progressed up the ladder and is currently based at the headquarters for the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance in Seeb, where he is responsible for coordinating between fire stations around the country, ensuring they are up-to-date with the latest training.
Ayman Ibrahim Khamis al Hasani, 30, has been putting out Muscat’s fires for the past eight years
Mill
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Fransiska Langelo is a master of the unique art of hatmaking. She shares her passion and shows some of her creations to Deeba Hasan
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F iddling with a half-finished hat, Fransiska Langelo, 47, is just a few steps away from creating yet another gem of a headdress. Something that
had started purely as a hobby has turned out to be a successful business venture for the Muscat-based Fransiska.
Historically, milliners were female shopkeepers who produced garments for men, women and children. These included shirts, hats, and cloaks that were sold in their shops. However, today, the concept has been revolutionised and a milliner is someone who designs and creates hats primarily for female clients.
Some of her flamboyant designs, which are extremely creative and unlike anything seen in Oman before.
“Much of my inspiration for these hats and for making hats in general comes from the antique designs in the 1800s,” Fransiska admits.
She combines her inspiration with imagination to create some superlative designs. She says, “I use my creativity to make hats that
fit tastefully into our modern world. I really enjoy the elegance of antique fashions and believe they have a place in today’s world.”
As Fransiska’s hats are customised and handcrafted, one can take about 16 hours to complete, depending on how intricate the design is. As a result, the hats cost slightly more than the bulk-made hats you would find in the malls of Muscat.
“Depending upon the design and materials, the price of fascinators begins at approximately RO15 and the price of hats goes up to around RO200.” she says.
Some of the materials she uses to make her hats are sourced locally and others come from the UK or online. However, money doesn’t seem to be her main motive.
One of the main reasons for selling her creations was because she was making too
many hats and she had insufficient space to store them all.
Despite not having a physical shop here in Oman, Fransiska has managed to sell her hats at various exhibitions and also takes orders online through social media. She also has her own store in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Today, Fransiska’s signature hats are the pride of many women around the world who wear them to weddings, formal parties, sporting events or just whenever they like.
“My hats can be worn anytime to add charm and grace and I have customers from Europe, Australia and North America, as well as my native Indonesia,” she says proudly.
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When was the last time you had your cholesterol tested? How about a diabetes screening? Health education is the focus of Horizon Fitness’s latest campaign, and Y Magazine is helping to get the word out there
One of the most renowned civil rights campaigners once said, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” And Mahatma Gandhi was pretty
much on the money there (excuse the pun), as without the magical “H” word, all the cash in the world is surplus to requirements. After all, our bodies are the only place we have to live.
Yet despite this, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus regularly top the list of the top 10 causes of death in Oman, killing 1,400 people and 1,000 people respectively in 2012 alone.
What’s more, the World Health Organization has recently said that the amount of coronary heart disease cases throughout the world has become a modern epidemic that knows no geographic, gender or socio-economic boundaries.
In light of this, Horizon Fitness, Oman’s largest health and fitness club, has decided enough is enough. It is teaming up with Y Magazine to do something about it and aims to help both Omanis and expatriates to make
positive lifestyle changes.“Diabetes, obesity and heart disease
are on the increase globally and Oman is no different,” says Steven Wileman, chief operating officer of Horizon Fitness. “Sedentary jobs, poor diet, lack of exercise and poor lifestyle choices are all contributing factors to the increase in these potentially deadly diseases.
“The issue is, most people do not realise how easy it is to prevent them. This is what ʻEducate Your Health’ is all about; the solution lies within educating people about the small changes they can make in their daily routines that can help them live longer, look healthier and feel amazing. That’s what Horizon and all our partners have come together to do.”
The campaign will run until December this year and feature a number of activities over the coming months. However, for now, it’s all about spreading and increasing awareness. To mark the beginning of the campaign, all Horizon locations will be open to members and non-members between August 10-12 and residents will have the chance to learn more about the state of their own health completely free of charge.
Throughout the month and into September, doctors and nurses from Starcare
Hosptial will be stationed at various Horizon locations around the city (see timetable opposite). They will be offering diabetes screening, blood pressure and cholesterol tests, as well as Horizon’s own InBody Tests, which measure BMI, fat percentage and other detailed statistics that allow you to identify areas for improvement and fine tune your action plan accordingly.
Although cardiovascular diseases and diabetes may be among the biggest killers in Oman, they needn’t be. Both can be avoided by simple yet effective lifestyle changes. For example, regular exercise greatly lowers the risk of someone contracting heart disease, while eliminating sugar-sweetened drinks and ensuring your diet includes balanced amounts of fruit, vegetables, lean meat and whole grains can reduce your chances of contracting diabetes.
It’s not just individuals that are at risk either; companies also stand to lose from poor employee health. “It’s our corporate responsibility; health related issues are not only a problem to the individual and their personal well-being, many corporations fail to realise the burden of an unhealthy workforce, focusing on profits and revenue before staff health,” Wileman tells Y. “Missing the bigger picture can be costly to
EDUCATEyourHealth
Main Photo: M
inistry of Tourism O
man
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the ill-informed employer, with ever-increasing health insurance premiums, more sick days among employees, low productivity and poor morale, all of which result in financial loss.”
Providing you are armed with the facts concerning your health, you are in the perfect position to do something about it. So what are you waiting for? Your health is your priority so get down to one of Horizon’s locations and get tested today.
“This campaign is all about communication,” says Wileman. “We want the Omani nation to be a healthy one, with the public making educated decisions on their lifestyle choices.
“Over the next six months, Horizon Fitness and its corporate partners will be focusing on educating the population about these issues through leaflets, amazing events and even adventure challenges.
“Our aim is to make it not only informative, but also fun and something for all the family. After all, it’s the youth of today that will become the parents of tomorrow, and it is only by investing time now that we can truly make a difference and Educate Your Health.”
● Globally, the average percentage of population that
joins a health club is between
10 and 12 per cent.
● There are an estimated 40,000 members between Horizon and all other fitness centres in Oman. That amounts to less than 1 per cent of the population.
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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
NATURAL BOOSTOats, berries and eggs
are all great ways to get your metabolism working at its best as
your pursue your dream weight goal.
OatsThe complex carbohydrates in oats fuel your brain and your body. Without them,
your metabolism will suffer because you’ll have very little energy to be active and burn calories. Oats are also fibre-filled, which helps extend energy levels.Berries
Berries, such as blackberries and strawberries, taste great and contain the phytochemical known as cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G). Research shows C3G helps in the production of both adiponectin, which enhances fat metabolism, and leptin, which suppresses appetite.
Find plenty of nutritious recipes that will help fire up your metabolism at egglandsbest.com or pinterest.com/egglandsbest
* BPT
A U G 0 6 - 1 2 / I S S U E 3 8 1 0 2 9
N e w sT R E N D N e w R e s t a u r a n t
Power up your day with savvy combos of carbs and protein
Our Chatime competition has now closed. All the winning
suggestions from the past 12 weeks will be passed on to Chatime, who will select
their favourite and award the lucky reader the Grand Prize. Keep an eye out in next week’s Y Magazine for the overall
winner.
SPONSORED BY
This week’s winner
Trella Bajaj
Winning flavour: “Citrus Circus” with oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits
When it comes to a fast metabolism, some people seem to have hit the genetic jackpot. Luckily, your metabolism doesn’t solely depend on factors out of your control such
as genetics, age or gender. Modifying your exercise habits and making wiser food choices are among the options for anyone seeking a faster metabolism and a smaller waistline.
Increased physical activity affects the metabolism more than anything else, but before you opt to take the stairs over the lift make sure you are fuelling your body with the energy it needs. A great first step is to examine your diet and understand which foods will give you long-lasting energy to burn more calories and help you move more during the day.
Registered dietitians Lyssie Lakatos and Tammy Lakatos Shames aka “The Nutrition Twins” favour an energy-revving complex carbohydrate with a nutrient-rich protein.
“For example, we recommend pairing oatmeal with a healthy protein like eggs,” say the twins.
Eggs pack a protein punch and some brands contain as little as 60 calories, which aids in fat loss. They also contain nutrients vitamin B12, which assists in producing energy to power metabolism.
Here are some foods The Nutrition Twins recommend to help boost your metabolism:
Eggs The blood sugar stabilising protein found in eggs
helps keep you full and extends the power boost from carbohydrates like oats. Eggs provide high levels and vitamin B12, a nutrient that assists the body in creating energy, as well as Omega-3s, which stimulate leptin, a hormone that increases the feeling of fullness, meaning you’ll be reaching for the snack jar less often.
FOODS TO FIRE UP YOUR METABOLISM
Wake-up Sunnyside Pineapple Berry OatmealServes: 2 Ingredients:§ 2 eggs§ 2 cup water§ 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats§ 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk (optional)§ 1/2 cup sliced strawberries§ 1/2 cup blackberries§ 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, cut in chunks
Method:§ Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. § Add oats and reduce heat. Stir. Simmer for about five minutes or until
oats are tender.§ While oats are simmering, spritz a small pan with oil in a spray container. Heat over medium heat and add eggs. Cook for about three minutes, until white is set and yolk is still soft (not cooked through).§ When oatmeal is tender, add almond milk (if using) and stir.§ Divide oatmeal evenly amongst two serving bowls and mix in fruit. § When eggs are ready, remove from pan.§ Top each bowl of oatmeal and berries with an egg. Enjoy!
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I had been keeping a close eye on Jashn ever since it opened its doors a few months ago and some of its positive reviews obliged me to take a closer look.
“Jashn” in Hindi means “celebration”. I can see what the owners have tried to do with the food and the overall ambience; everything comes with a twist, which is not necessarily favourable all the time.
I was quite keen to sample the celebratory Indian cuisine and atmosphere, which I understand Jashn is known for. As my companion and I went in, a couple of waiters greeted us and one escorted us to a table. Although the interior looked delightful, only two other tables were occupied at the time.
After sitting down, we perused the menus. Most dishes were tweaked a bit and you probably wouldn’t find them in other restaurants in Muscat.
After careful scrutiny, we settled for naanza (a sort of naan bread pizza) for starters; chicken seekh jalfrezi and smoked butter paneer with tandoori bread for mains and shahi tukda (a pudding made using bread and milk) and motichoor kheer for dessert.
After ordering, the waiter brought over some complimentary fruit pani puris for us. A nice gesture, and they had a unique, delectable flavour.
Between this and the arrival of the appetisers, my friend and I sat back, both enjoying listening to the soothing instrumental music that was playing in the background.
When they came, the appetisers didn’t resemble what I was anticipating. They looked like six pieces of long, fried strips topped with
cheese, jalapenos and tomato and cheese. They tasted somewhat like a mix between a fried egg and a pizza, and were quite scrumptious.
For the mains, the chicken seekh jalfrezi was an absolute melt-in-the mouth creation. The sauce was thick and lush, while the seekh was moist and tender. I finished my portion quickly alongside the various accompanying chutneys and moved to the smoked butter paneer. This was also yummy, if not quite as much as the jalfrezi, but it did have a mellow, well-seasoned flavour. I did think the tandoori breads were rather tiny and not particularly enticing.
As for dessert, I particularly enjoyed the motichoor kheer; it oozed creaminess and was topped with sliced dried nuts, which was
a treat for the taste buds. The shahi tukdas were passable. The only thing is, I don’t remember the menu mentioning the use of Nutella anywhere. They were slightly harder than they are nomrally, but I simply took this as one of the many twists on offer at Jashn.
As we prepared to pay the bill, the waiters offered us some pan-flavoured cotton candy. It was mounted on a petite vase giving the impression of edible flowers. This too was complimentary and a really nice gesture.
Although my experience was quite positive, I think the waiters were over-attentive, which made us feel slightly uncomfortable. This may have been because there were only two other tables occupied, but is perhaps something that could be avoided.
Given how few diners were in, it is strange our food took as long as it did to arrive. I also felt the restaurant was a little overpriced. If not everything, the breads definitely were. I might end up going there again, after all I did enjoy some of their quirky twists.
Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at [email protected]
T r e n d N e w R e s t a u r a n tFOOD
DRINKAND R E V I E W S
DELHI DELIGHTS
Info BoxJASHN - A CELEBRATION
CALLED INDIA Al Khuwair, opposite Safeer
International HotelTel: 24488521/ 24488524Opening hours: Monday-
Sunday 11am to 4pm and 7pm to 12am
Price: Dinner for two (including taxes) – RO24.150
Verdict :7 / 10 Service
7 / 10 Food 8 / 10 Ambience
Average food but a nice ambience. Service needs
some improvementY Magazine reviews anonymously
and pays for its meals
“JASHN” IN HINDI MEANS “CELEBRATION”. I CAN SEE WHAT
THE OWNERS HAVE TRIED TO DO WITH THE FOOD AND THE
OVERALL AMBIENCE; EVERYTHING COMES WITH A TWIST, WHICH IS NOT NECESSARILY FAVOURABLE
ALL THE TIME
MID
MARKET
EXCITED TO BE SAMPLING SOME EXQUISITE INDIAN FARE, DEEBA HASAN MULLS OVER A MOUTHWATERING MENU AT JASHN
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HEALTH&BEAUTY
H e a l t h B e a u t y FA S H I O N
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ZEST IN SHOWTake a cue from American
designers like Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren by sporting a vibrant, duck-
yellow coat. Wear a simple, neutral outfit underneath
and voila – instant sophistication.
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LEMON AIDAdd a splash of yellow to your summer wardrobe to channel Oman’s sunny weather, says Penny Fray
1. Scared of yellow? If you’re itching to wear a shade that might not complement your complexion, just keep it away from your face. 2. Keep your silhouette minimal and if you’re really nervous, add a neutral like grey or navy. 3. Play with pattern. Jazz up your regular Breton top with yellow stripes. Better still, try gingham for retro cool. YELLOW PERIL
Women fall into two fashion camps: the colourful and the classic. I am most definitely pro-bright. I’m drawn to citric shades like a bee to the proverbial honey
pot. My current collection contains several rainbow-coloured coats and a lemon bag. I’ve even named my Welsh language magazine Melyn after the happy colour. So, why am I always reverting to layers of navy and grey for work, rather than sunshine shades and a bare leg? Well, as lovely as yellow is, it’s not subtle. It stands out and screams “look at me” in a sea of neutrals. On the other hand, it’s your ultimate PR weapon. It gives the impression of cheerfulness. Someone miserable couldn’t possibly wear yellow. And as an extra bonus, it’s currently in vogue. On the catwalk, everyone from Michael Kors and Burberry to Ashish and Ralph Lauren shouted out the extrovert shade. But if you prefer something a little less loud but equally optimistic, try pretty pastels like buttercup or maize. They look so cute on fit and flare dresses.
Moda in Pelle’s cute clutch is painted with colourful flowers for some artistic va-va-voom. From RO36
Who says you need precious metal to
shine? This unusual Orsay chain necklace is guaranteed to make a statement. From RO7
This Mango scarf will add a little colour to simpler staples. From RO8 on sale
This super-sweet gingham dress from MSGM is finished with fringed trims and sheer organza
inserts for extra style points. Currently on sale for RO130 at Net-a-Porter
Okay, so they’re an investment piece but these saffron sandals from Álvaro work with myriad of looks, from ankle-grazing skirts and dresses to denim cut-offs. From RO360, but you can get bargain versions in Splash and some Omani supermarkets
Penny’s tips on navigating one of the brightest colours
in the rainbow:
S C A N O U R Q R C O D E S
W I T H A N Y Q R R E A D E R A P P
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HEALTH&BEAUTY
It’s unsightly and most women dread its appearance. But there are ways to fight back when it strikes
B E A U T Y H e a l t h F a s h i o n
Fighting the bumpy, lumpy appearance of cellulite is a discouraging battle facing many women. After all, although it may successfully sculpt and tone the muscle
below, no amount of time in the gym is likely to erase the tell-tale dimples of cellulite.
Cellulite is the result of a push-and-pull between fibrous bands that connect skin, muscle and fatty tissue. Fat cells push against the skin while the fibrous bands pull away towards the muscle. The result is the uneven skin surface that resembles an orange peel or cottage cheese. It’s most common in the thighs but can also occur on the stomach and buttocks.
Men can also suffer from cellulite, although it is often less noticeable as it usually appears around the waist and abdomen.
Risk factorsTo some extent, the presence of cellulite is influenced by genetics, and although weight gain can emphasise the dimples, some lean people also have cellulite. Older individuals, whose skin is less elastic, as well as those with inactive lifestyles, are more prone to cellulite. Treatment options
While there is no medical concern associated with cellulite, it can hamper self-esteem.
For the most part, there are a few options to treat, reduce or eliminate the appearance of cellulite. A doctor, dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help you explore appropriate treatment options, which, according to experts at the US-based Mayo Clinic, may include some combination of weight-loss, laser or radio-frequency systems or liposuction.
However, a new minimally invasive procedure was recently cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration agency (FDA), the body that controls the safety of food and drugs in the United States. It gave the green light to improve the appearance of cellulite for at least a year – longer than any other FDA-cleared treatment for cellulite.
Performed by a qualified physician in an office setting, the Cellfina™ System uses innovative, proprietary technology to treat the primary structural cause of cellulite. By releasing the fibrous bands under the dimpled areas, Cellfina provides a long-term solution to cellulite in just one treatment session. The result is a smoother look that gives
patients more confidence in their own bodies.
Dr Michael Kaminer, a dermatologist, a managing partner at Skin Care Physicians and an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale Medical School, says: “I’ve been practicing liposuction for 20 years so I’ve been dealing with women and body issues and what they see when they look in the mirror for a long time. It’s a really neat thing to have the technology now that allows me to say: ‘I can help you’.”
For now, cellulite sufferers in Oman and the Middle East will have to wait to see if it works, as Cellfina is not yet available in the region. However, there are alternatives.
Cellulaze, a laser treatment, is on offer in the UAE. Under local anesthesia, a small
incision is made in the area to be treated and a thin tube is inserted to liquefy and
reduce fat before the laser does its work heating the tissue and stimulating production of collagen, which smoothes and tightens the surface of the skin. Sessions last between 15 and 30 minutes. Results vary but can be as high as an 80-85 per cent improvement in the appearance. Practitioners say it is pain-free, if done properly, and works best on more severe cases.
If treatment is not for you, try exercises targeting problem areas to firm legs and thighs. Even just walking can help.
Or try some natural remedies. These include
dry brushing or massaging affected areas with juniper oil, taking seaweed baths and drinking more water, which is the best
way to remove toxins from the body.
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B e a u t y H E A LT H F a s h i o n
POWER UP YOUR SUMMER WITH SIMPLE FITNESS TIPS
Busy people know that being active means more than just picking up a few healthy habits; it requires daily dedication. But sometimes, despite your best-laid plans, real life gets in the way. You miss that gym visit, or sleep through that aerobics
class. Make the most of your summer days with these tips that are not only fun, but will also get you moving on your busiest days.
Establish a summer schedule. With the kids out of school, it can be easy to fall into a more laid-back routine. Fight the urge to turn on the television despite the heat outdoors, and create an active schedule with your children. After dinner, when it’s a bit cooler, take a family walk around the neighbourhood or plan for weekend outings.
Schedule a walking meeting at work. If sitting in an office is part of your daily routine, make a point to be active. Need to go over some items with a colleague? Avoid booking the conference room, and plan a walking meeting outside or around the building. Getting your heartbeat up and taking in some fresh air may be just what you need
With temperatures perpetually high, it's fair to say summer is here and it's going nowhere fast. Here's how to look and feel your best at all times throughout Oman's hottest period
for successful brainstorming on the job.Find motivation in all forms. Seek the help of like-minded
individuals who also want to establish healthy routines. Look online for health and fitness blogs from other people who can share their own journeys towards better health. Or, invest in a wearable fitness device that offers a personalised experience, such as a Mira Fitness tracker, that understands your fitness level and offers tips and inspirational boosts relevant to you. For more information and to check out their blog visit mymirafit.com.
Plan for an active vacation. Don’t let travel plans justify inactivity. Use your holiday as an opportunity to get moving, and create healthy experiences. Visiting a historical town or city? Check out a walking group tour to sightsee. Hitting the beach? Try volleyball, swimming, or stroll beside the water every night. No matter where your travels take you, you can always find a way to be active.
Find ways to beat the heat. Don’t let the summer sun be your excuse to stay indoors on those extra hot days Oman is famed for. Set your alarm early to get your morning run or hike in before those afternoon temperatures rise. Seek a refreshing workout, such as water aerobics or paddle boarding when the temperatures soar.
Let the inviting rays lure you outside and get moving. You may discover your next favourite workout, and other life hacks for a healthier you.
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(Splash)• Khimji’s Mart• NBO• Oman Oil Petrol
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Coffees• Just Falafel • Ooredoo• Paul • Tim HortonsAl Mina• Bait Al Baranda • Bait Al Zubair MQ• Al Fair• Arab Open
University• British Council • Costa Coffee• D’Arcy’s Kitchen• Hana’s Slimming &
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Restaurant• Left Bank• McDonald’s• Mercedes-Benz
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Station• Pizza Hut• Qurum
Commercial Complex
• Ras Al Hamra Club• SABCO Centre• Second Cup• Starbucks• The Sultan Center• Tche Tche Café Rusayl• Knowledge Oasis
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• College of Economics and Political Science
• Students Banking Area
• Reception/CanteenWadi Kabir• Al Maya
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A U G 0 6 - 1 2 / I S S U E 3 8 1 0 3 7
P o s t c a r d s f r o m O u t d o o r s Y - F i
CARS ANDADVENTURES
GHOSTLY RUINSExploring the village of
Imti as the sun comes up is an eerie yet rewarding
experience.
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CARS ANDOUTDOORS
D E S T I N A T I O N P o s t c a r d s f r o m Y - F i O u t d o o r s CARS ANDADVENTURES
IMTIEXPLORED BEFORE SUNRISE, THE VILLAGE OF IMTI IS A PLACE OF DESOLATE
BEAUTY. IN THE WARMTH OF THE AFTERNOON, IT WAS AN ALTOGETHER DIFFERENT PLACE, FINDS SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI
Destination
Approaching Imti, the mountains suddenly appeared ahead of us as if in soft focus, with the edges blurred by the mist of a morning that was still in
the process of beginning. I was keen to capture this moment, the layers of the dark, jagged shapes offering a sense of depth, if not quite as sharp as I had hoped.
As we moved onwards, the sky began to slowly lighten as the new day started to assert itself. To be honest, my companion and I were filled with a sense of foreboding as we approached the village of Imti, which can be found on the way to Nizwa. We had set off from Muscat before sunrise, around 3am, and expected it to be daylight by the time we arrived at our final destination. It wasn’t.
As we turned off the main road and trundled across a wadi and then through a narrow alleyway towards the village, there was still no sign of the sun and it was with some trepidation that we continued. It would be easy to miss the turning to Imti. Indeed, I imagine that most people speed past it on their way to Nizwa and beyond.
It’s a shame because, as we discovered, the village has an allure all of its own to those with a sense of adventure.
The sign on a wall that greeted us said, rather incongruously, “Imti Sport Village” and we never really discovered what the “sport” part was. Passing farms and greenery, we stopped randomly. Parking the car, I ventured out on foot, with ruins of old stone houses looming over me in the stillness. There was no sign of anyone else – it was still too early for anyone to be up – and hardly a sound could be heard. The silence was a little unsettling.
Some stone archways with a path underneath near ruined houses caught
my attention and made a nice picture. While parts of the village are abandoned and slowly disintegrating, other homes, while old-fashioned, are still very much inhabited with visible signs of life.
I had a sudden feeling that I was being watched and turned to see a herd of inquisitive goats staring impassively at me from a slight distance. The goats displayed a bit of attitude, striking a pose to be photographed, and were seemingly enjoying the attention.
Further on, I found some old traditional, mud-brick houses, long since abandoned and left to return to the soil as they crumbled away. It was sad to see that these seem to have turned into some sort of unofficial rubbish dump, with piles of trash strewn around inside the rooms where families once lived and children played.
As I climbed up a rocky outcrop, it was still
only 5am, and the view below showed that the village was still mostly asleep; only the figure of an old man could be spotted from afar. It felt cold and deserted.
Part of me was enjoying the cooler feel and wind, making
a refreshing change from the oppressive heat and humidity in
Muscat.Back down in the village, I got some
nice shots of old Omani doors; one bright green in colour. Looking up, I was drawn by
three windows high up on the wall, two green and one brown, of unsymmetrical shapes and placed quite haphazardly, it seemed, from the ground. One window, a green one, was separated from the other two and looked a bit lonely. The image was my favourite photograph of the day.
When the morning finally broke and the sun’s rays poured down, my friend and I sat for a while enjoying the way they seemed to transform the village, bathing Imti in a warm glow that made it seem much friendlier than before.
Next time you’re on the way to or from Nizwa, I urge you to take a small detour and discover Imti for yourself.
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HOW TO GET THERETake the main road, route 15, from Muscat to Nizwa. Before Izki, the village of Imti will be signposted. Take the turning and when you reach a roundabout head straight over. Continue straight, crossing a wadi, and follow the road, which will take you to the village.TR
AVEL
GUI
DE
CARS ANDOUTDOORSCARS ANDADVENTURES
The faint tinkling of a bell drags me from reverie to reality and when I poke my still sleepy head out of the tent, I see that a wandering herd of goats is
slowly migrating through our camp, all at their own leisurely pace, bleating softly as they go.
It’s bang-on 6am, around four hours earlier than I normally like to be awake on a Saturday but I don’t care. With the early morning sun bathing its warm glow over the rocky surroundings and a gentle, cooling wind blowing through my hair, there really is no better wake-up call.
Getting to this place of supreme serenity wasn’t all sunshine and roses though, and after striking out southwest from Muscat, we passed through Fanja and Bidbid before veering left and entering the mountains roughly at the point where Ash Sharqiyah North, Ad Dakhiliyah and Muscat governorates intersect.
There were five in the party and we travelled in a convoy of three vehicles; a formidable F150 blazed the trail at the head, followed by a versatile
Wrangler, with me bringing up the rear in a faithful X-Trail.
The drive through Wadi Khabbah was difficult to begin with as we picked out a path between the boulders but eased up as we made our way onto a well-travelled dirt track.
People may scoff at the off-roading credentials of an X-Trail, but in fairness to the vehicle, it thundered on neither unfazed by rocky terrain nor running water and kept pace with its widely used 4x4 cousins.
Heading in the direction of Tool, we took a steep path up into the mountains, which made for some hair-raising switchback turns but the views more than made up for it. Clouds filled the sky, which gave the jagged mountains rising around us a hazy outline, as well as creating dramatic places where the sun’s rays broke through, showering the area in celestial-looking shafts of light.
We made camp on a wide plateau, setting up tents and a barbecue, all the while attended by a lone, inquisitive goat. As the sun set in the
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GETAWAYIf you’re looking to escape the oppressive summer heat, head up, says Matt Blackwell, who recently enjoyed a weekend camping in the mountains
MOUNTAIN
Essential Checklist✔ 4x4 vehicle ✔ Tent✔ Sleeping bag✔ Food✔ Wood to create a campfire or a barbecue✔ Water (a six-pack of two litre bottles should suffice, depending on the size of your group)✔ Small knife (they always come in handy)✔ Spare petrol✔ Hand sanitiser spray/gel✔ Change of clothes✔ Suitable footwear (if heading into the mountains)✔ Tow rope✔ Spirit of adventure
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wilderness, casting a warm orange light around us, we dined on succulent marinated steaks, beef koftas, burgers, hummus and bread. The food of barbecue kings.
Muscat is currently sizzling with temperatures regularly reaching up into the 40s, but way above sea level in the mountains we were treated to a refreshing climate that was close to half of what we were used to in the city.
After the goat alarm clock came, a wandering family of camels watched us with critical eyes as we packed everything away, as if they were ensuring that we took all our litter with us and left the area exactly the way we found it.
We climbed ever-higher amid a dusty, yellow landscape, spotted with clumps of greenery, and passed through tiny far-flung villages as we went. The locals were always on hand with a wave and an encouraging smile. It was like they were both happy and proud that tourists and expats could explore their country in such a way.
Phone service was down and we were well beyond the roads marked on the maps and so we found ourselves at the mercy of the twisting and turning track, which eventually wound downwards and led us out to a main road, just north of Bimmah.
Travelling yet further away from Muscat, a couple of hours spent lounging on white sands in front and bluer-than-blue water around Fins was the perfect way to round off a weekend trip, before making the long drive back up to the capital.
Do’s and Don’ts❶ Try to disturb the environment around you as little as possible, including the indigenous plant and animal life
❷ Make sure you take all your litter with you when you leave
❸ When travelling off-road, traffic will be a lot less than in the city, but it’s best not to exceed 70kph
❹ If venturing off the grid, ensure you take enough water to keep you hydrated and spare petrol in jerry cans in case you hit empty
❺ Ensure you have the tools and skills to change a tyre and perform basic mechanical repairs
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TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO:1. Bike through the olive trees in the local countryside 2. Sea kayak around the city walls for some stunning views3. Take a walking tour of the Old Town 4. Swim in the turquoise waters of the Dalmatian Coast5. Visit the island of Lokrum
WALLED WONDERDubrovnik’s Old Town is encircled by large stone
walls that were completed in the 16th century. Dotted with
orange tiled rooves, there are a number of galleries, palaces and churches just waiting to be discovered.
CARS ANDADVENTURES
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P O S T C A R D S F R O MD e s t i n a t i o n O u t d o o r s Y - F i
My favourite place Dubrovnik’s history is vast and complex: it is believed to have been founded in the seventh century on Laus, a rocky island that provided shelter for refugees from the nearby city of Epidaurum. Throughout the Middle Ages and beyond, it developed as a centre of trade between Europe and Asia but suffered a major economic crisis in shipping, and a catastrophic earthquake in 1667. So whether or not history is your forte, it’s difficult to avoid in this tremendous city, which has maintained its integrity in spite of these hardships. Many guides recommend perusing the medieval limestone city walls that really bring the city’s story to life. Standing at a metre thick and with four fortifications and 14 towers, they really are an impressive sight and also offer a stunning panorama of the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the city. Being the budding little adventurer that I am, I chose a more active method of exploring and hired a sea kayak to take in Dubrovnik’s awesome defence system. Not only could I appreciate the magnificence of this Croatian structure from the ocean, I could also keep cool in the Adriatic’s azure waters. We even paddled to Lokrum island – just 600m away from Dubrovnik’s coast – for a much-needed ice cream. The island is uninhabited although it is visited daily by tourists exploring the ruins of the monastery. You can also enjoy wandering among the peacocks in the botanical gardens and diping your feet in the waters. Our guide was not only an avid kayaker but was very knowledgeable on all the laws of the land (as well as being clued up on where to go and what to do from a local’s point of view).
Highlights Not only does Dubrovnik offer its own beauty, but as a coastal port there are lots of opportunities to explore other parts of Croatia: the luscious, green national park on the island of Mljet, the pleasant harbour at Cavtat, the beaches of the Elaphiti Islands and the beautiful town of Ploʻe are all easily accessible on day trips. These can be organised through ticket offices just outside the walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town at reasonable prices, thanks to the fact that Croatia has not adopted the euro and still uses its kuna currency. There is also the option to travel slightly farther afield to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Lowlights Dubrovnik is probably more popular with older tourists but the city appears to be embracing a wider demographic. Yet while the destination is still undergoing developments as a must-see holiday destination, lively, younger crowds may find it less to their liking than other Mediterranean hotspots. Souvenirs Many of Dubrovnik’s treats are made by local craftsmen. You’ll find leather workers crafting sandals and handbags, goldsmiths fashioning original jewellery for ladies and buttonholes for gents; the Dubrovnik goldsmiths Vierda, Kraljevic and Jurišic can all be recommended as they still make valuable jewellery using traditional methods.
Where to stay As with many destinations, Dubrovnik offers an array of hotels from one to five stars. For myself and the six other women I was holidaying with, Hotel Lero was ideal. This midrange hotel was about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town. It had an extensive breakfast buffet and a swimming pool. For those who want a bit more luxury, Hotel Excelsior (five-star) and the Grand Villa Argentina (four-star) are among the most famous. Most accommodation is located outside of the city walls and you’ll find the small handful that are inside the Old Town more expensive.
DUBROVNIK, CROATIANichola Holgate-Smith recommends
F o r d e c a d e s n o w , S p a i n ’ s C o s t a D e l S o l , t h e I t a l i a n R i v i e r a a n d t h e Fr e n c h R i v i e r a w e r e f a v o u r i t e s o f t o u r i s t s s e e k i n g a b e a c h h a v e n t o s p e n d t h e i r s u m m e r d a y s . B u t i n r e c e n t y e a r s t h e y h a v e
b e e n j o i n e d b y a n o t h e r c o n t e n d e r ; a r e a l g e m h i d d e n a m o n g t h e s h o r e s o f t h e A d r i a t i c O c e a n . C r o a t i a c a p t u r e s t h e e s s e n c e o f b o t h t h e E a s t e r n a n d W e s t e r n s u b c o n t i n e n t s o f E u r o p e . W h i l e t h e c i t y o f D u b r o v n i k ( t h e ‘ P e a r l o f t h e A d r i a t i c ’ ) m a y n o t b e t h e c o u n t r y ’ s c a p i t a l , i t d e f i n i t e l y r a d i a t e s c u l t u r e a n d c h a r m . I t s h i s t o r i c a l b e a u t y h a s b e e n p r e s e r v e d , w i t h m e d i e v a l fo r t s a n d c o m m a n d i n g c i t y w a l l s s t i l l s t a n d i n g . S u r r o u n d e d b y t h e t u r q u o i s e w a t e r s o f t h e D a l m a t i a n C o a s t , D u b r o v n i k ’ s O l d T o w n i s a U N E S C O W o r l d H e r i t a g e s i t e i n a c i t y t h a t p r o v i d e s a p e r f e c t b r e a k fo r s i g h t s e e r s , s h o p p e r s a n d s u n - s e e k e r s a l i k e .
A CABLE CAR CONNECTS THE TOWN OF PLOCE AND MOUNT SRDJ
HOTEL VIEWS
ISLAND OF MLJET, NATIONAL PARK OF CROATIA
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VERY SMART
EDITO
R’S PI
CK THE ONE THE HTC ONE M8 LOOKS LIKE A GREAT PHONE, WITH HTC’S MAIN AIM BEING TO IMPROVE ON THE M7 VERSION. THE HTC ONE M8 IS BOTH TALLER AND WIDER THAN ITS PREDECESSOR, YET DOESN’T FEEL HEAVIER OR TOO LARGE IN YOUR HAND. IT ALSO COMES WITH A MICROSD CARD EXPANSION SLOT, UNLIKE THE M7. THERE'S SUPPORT FOR 4G LTE NETWORKS AND, INSTEAD OF A MICRO-SIM CARD, THE M8 WILL TAKE A NANO-SIM. THE BACK OF THE HTC ONE M8 IS HOME TO TWO CAMERA LENSES, WHICH HTC CALLS THE DUO CAMERA AND IS ONE OF THE MAIN FEATURES OF THIS NEW SMARTPHONE. AVAILABLE AT HTC.COM FROM RO210.50.
I’VE YOTAPHONEIf you’re looking for a dual-screen smartphone, then this is the one for you. The YotaPhone 2 is the first dual-screen mobile in the world that combines the features of a premium Android smartphone with the benefits of an Electronic Paper Display. The concept works well, and battery life is said to be impressive. It features the fully customisable always-on screen and sports hands-free messaging and notifications. You can enjoy the e-reader for up to 100 hours on a single charge and full Android functionality on both screens. Check the future of smartphones out at yotaphone.com from RO264.50.
I DESIREThe HTC Desire EYE is the latest in a growing craze of super-selfie smartphones, offering twin 13-megapixel cameras, both with dual-LED flashes. With high-megapixel front-facing cameras, the current big buzz in smart tech, the Desire EYE is likely to tick all your boxes. The Desire is not much of a looker, but its round-edge, soft-touch plastic is very easy on the eye for a mid-range smartphone. SIM and microSD slots are found on the device's left edge and it is waterproof up to one metre. Available at htc.com from RO240.50.
SMART SLIMIf you’re on the lookout for a phone that boasts similar functions to the more popular brands then you need to seriously consider the Fly Blade. Not only is it the slimmest phone on the market, it really is as good as some of the so-called quality brands. Powered by an octa-core processor with Android 4.4 KitKat OS and 16GB internal storage, it also includes a five-megapixel front-facing wide-angled camera and an eight-megapixel rear autofocus camera. It's beautifully designed and proud of its scratch-resistant glass. Available in black or white at fly-phone.com from RO90.
Sample some of the best new smartphones around, with styles and budgets to suit all, says Matthew Herbst
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App of the Week
SHUFFLE MY LIFEIf you've ever found yourself sitting around desperately trying to think of something new to do, ‘Shuffle My Life’ is the app you need. Shuffle My Life simply suggests new things to do to get a little variation in your day. There's nothing terribly complex about it but then that's the beauty of it. You don't need to think and you don't need to do too much. You simply choose to act on the suggestion or not. Free for Android users.
BIGGER IS BETTER The Nexus 6 is Google's first attempt at a phablet (a device between the size of a smartphone and a tablet), and is the most premium Nexus to date. If you’re all about large screens then this one will suit you down to the ground. The Nexus 6 features a powerful next-gen Snapdragon processor, improved camera, a new version of Android and a premium design. With a Quad HD screen and loud front-facing stereo speakers, watching movies and videos on the N6 is a treat. Snap one up at google.com/nexus/6 from RO281.50.
NEW LG G4Meet the new LG G4 beast. With several marked improvements from last year’s LG G3, it now sports a fantastic 5.5-inch Quad HD display and has a camera to match that of the Samsung Galaxy S6. Despite not being as slim as the S6, the leather-backed options are still attractive. If leather is not your thing, then opt for the metallic gray, ceramic white or shiny gold options. The G4 boasts a removable 3,000 mAh battery, so you can carry a spare for emergencies or replace it further down the line. It also has a microSD slot, so you're not stuck with limiting 32GB of stock storage allocation. Check it out at lg.com, prices from RO300.50 (add an extra RO15 for the leather-backed version).
YOUR HONOURThe Honor 6 is a new smartphone with the backing of Huawei that has the specs to rival Apple and Samsung at a price that suits your wallet. The device is 7.5mm thick and weighs a mere 130g. The Honor has a 5-inch IPS LCD display with a Full HD resolution and sports a Kirin920 processor with an octa-core chip. Storage options are 16GB or 32GB and there's a microSD card for adding your own memory cards. What’s more, it also has dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. Not bad at all. Available at amazon.co.uk from RO144.50.
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