Avenue T Volume 2 Issue 8

Dhaka Tribune | Saturday, June 28, 2014 | Volume 2, Issue 8

They came They saw, they lived

12

A session with Bibi

Contents

AvenueT inside...

Editor’s note Knitting for beginners

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Editor

Zafar Sobhan

Executive Editor

Shahriar Karim

Managing Editor

Jahangir Hyder

Magazine Editor

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

5

A ride with a pulse

Asst. Magazine Editor

16

Trails on tracks

Mahmood Hossain

Avenue T team

Khan N Moushumi N Anita Amreen Sabah Rahman Tausif Sanzum Sabiha Akond Rupa

Contributors

Agony Aunt Adila Hoque

Photography

Syed Latif Hossain Sabiha Akond Rupa

Graphics

Alamgir Hossain Md Mahbub Alam

Colour specialist

Shekhar Mondal Kazi Syras Al Mahmood

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Advertising

Shahidan Khurshed

Circulation

We pay homage to the generations that came before us. The joy and struggles shared through family and friends have been etched into our minds. From the everlasting fashion sense to the relaxing voyages, there are plenty of ways to connect with our elders. This week has taken us back to the basics, giving importance and appreciation towards those who have taught and natured us into adulthood.

Mahmood Hossain Assistant Editor, Avenue T

Pizza! Pizza!

2 Tuned Old is old

12 Trending Bibi’s session

3 Try Out Knitting for dummies

13 Tailored For your eyes only

4 Tech Old school gamers

14 Tempt Ageless beauty

5 Tires 135LS from Bajaj

15 Ticket Draped in velvet

Cling-on 8 Tucked In Safety first 9 Take Care Moments in memories 10 TrIAL Room Close to home

16 TRAVELOGUE

7 Tell

Taking trains 19 Tantalise Westin Ramadan 20 News

Production

Masum Billah

Dear Readers,

Taking care of our own

10

Wahid Murad

Contact us

avenuet@dhakatribune.com www.dhakatribune.com

This week Bibi Russell’s unique and authentic style graces our cover. Her timeless signature inspires generations to come.

Courtesy: Bibi Productions Ltd. Model: Bibi Russell

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2 | Tuned in celeb buzz

Old School Glamour

Age is just a number | Abdur Rafi Khondaker

Fauja Singh

Irving Kahn

Current age: 103

Current age: 108

The lustrous on the runway! | Natasha Rahman

An American businessman and value investor, Irvin Kahn is the oldest active investment professional on Wall Street.

Kahn started his career in 1928 and now he is the chairman of Kahn Brothers Group, Inc. which owns 43 stocks, including BlackBerry and BP PLC, with a total value of $687 million.

M. H. Abrams Current age: 101

At the age of 89, Fauja Singh returned to his childhood passion of running, becoming one of most celebrated centenarian marathon runners. He holds the record at the London Marathon in his age group.

In an interview, Singh says, “It’s not easy to run a marathon, I know it will be painful but when I start it, I know I’m going to finish it.”

Manol de Oliveira Current age: 105

M. H. Abrams, also known as Mike Abrams, is an American literary critic famous for his works on romanticism. This Harvard graduate’s most popular writings include “The Norton Anthology of English Literature” and “The Mirror and the Lamp.” Getting elected as Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1963 he made it to Class of 1916 Professor of English Emeritus there.

A favourite film director among the Portuguese, Manol de Oliveira started his film-making career at the age of 33. Besides being the oldest film-maker in activity since 2001, he is also known for his best pieces “To each of his own cinema,” “I’m going home” and “A Divina Comedia.” His latest work, “O Velho do Restelo,” is still being filmed and is scheduled to be released by the end of year.

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Luise Rainer Current age: 104 This German-born Austrian and American film actress who lives in London from the early 1930s, is the first actress to win binary Academy Awards and also the first actress to win them consecutively. Her famous works include “The Great Ziegfeld,” “The Good Earth,” “The Great Waltz.”

Courtesy of Studio Lorenzo “Soha Ali khan wearing Libasse with the organisers of Infinity Management Ali Faiyaz Shoumo and Karishma Khan who is flaunting a designer gown

by Joconde”

Pond’s Presents The Lustrous Runway took off on a breathtaking note on June 19, in The Grand Ballroom, at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel. Infinity Management organisers Karishma Rahman and Ali Faiyaz Shoumo did it yet again bringing the best of the fashion world in one platform. The exquisite line up started with Joconde’s couture masterpiece collection of evening wear, and ended with Tootli Rahman’s saris and bridal wear in splendour! Soha Ali Khan stunned the audience as she subtly whirled and twirled in between her gracious walk to “O laal meri” in the gorgeous Libasse gown and Gitanjali diamond necklace perfectly complimenting her ensemble.

Paera, Libasse and Anokhi also showcased their breathtaking designer pieces completing the show’s magnificence.

“I think the colours, the silhouettes were beautiful.

There is a lot of wonderful local talent here and I would like to wish them all the very best,” commented the Pataudi princess!

Title sponsor Ponds, cosponsors Gitanjali, Master Card, Jet Airways, BMW, The Olives, Oriental Real Estate Limited. Photography partner Studio Lorenzo, makeover partner Prive, security partner Elite Force.

Try Out |

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diy

Knitting 101 | Khan N Moushumi

Give it a shot and knit something for your loved one today If you’ve been longing for getting your kids or your grandkids a handmade muffler/wrap, here’s how to get started.

Checklist

wrap. Every time you slip your needle through a loop, slightly pull the yarn ends to tighten the stitch.

Once the shaft of your needle is filled and has no more room for any more stitch, your first row is done there.

A pair of knitting needles (preferably size 9) A ball of yarn A pair of scissors

Directions

Okay so there are a number of ways to knit but we’ll just go with the easiest one for beginners. Knitting might sound difficult at first but it’s actually pretty easy peasy once you get the hang of it.

Step 1

Grab a pair of knitting needles and a yarn of wool of your desired colour. Now you need to find a way to attach the yarn to your needles and that method is called casting on. You can cast on simply by holding one of the needles and the loose end/tail of your yarn in your left hand while making a loop around the needle and moving your yarn to your right. That’s your first stitch there. The idea is to build these loops row after row and create the fabric.

Step 3

You still have another needle unused. At this point, what you have to do is transfer the first row of stitches from your first needle to the second one in a manner that adds another level of stitches to the first one. Take the second needle, which is going to be your working needle now, and slip it through the first stitch that you have created on the first needle.

Then grab the working yarn (the loose piece of yarn attached to the yarn ball) and wrap it around the working needle and tugging it in between the two needles. Then, pull the working needle through the first loop on the main needle, picking the working yarn through that loop and pulling it off the main needle. Repeat the sequence all the way across until the first row from the main needle is transferred to the working needle.

Step 4

Step 2 Repeat the sequence of creating stitches one after another, by slipping your knitting needle through several similar loops, interlocking subsequent loops together, to make a row of stitches on your needle which will act as the foundation of your muffler or

Once you’re done transferring several numbers of rows of stitches from one needle to another and created your muffler, it’s time to cast off aka bind the stitches. To do that you need to slip your working needle through the first stitch on the main needle and take it off by lifting it from behind the second stitch. Repeat the sequence until all the stitches have been cast off leaving your muffler a nice, well-knit edge.

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4 | Tech troubleshooting

What to do when your kids don’t accept your Facebook friend request

| Khan N Moushumi

gadgets

Next gen | Mahmood Hossain She’ll hand you your tush in video games

Okay, so you finally signed up for a Facebook account; you had to check what everyone was so hyped up about, and the first thing you do is send your son a friend request. It’s been a week or two; in the meantime, you’ve become quite acquainted with a number of unknown people on Facebook and found all your old colleagues. You’ve also taught yourself how to message, poke and write on a friend’s wall.

You check back on your son’s profile and the “Friend request pending” makes you wonder if he has gotten a chance to log into his account and see your friend request. Much to your surprise, he has and declined it. Don’t go and make a fake account just yet; don’t be disheartened for there are ways to still receive updates from somebody you’re not friends with on Facebook.

• The site has recently introduced a “Subscribe” button. It means you can see Facebook updates of your kids that they have made public.

• You can try and be Facebook friends with one of his/her close pals. That way you might have some idea about their whereabouts together from all the check-ins and posts.

• Your last bet is to communicate with your son or daughter. Just tell them you’d respect their privacy but would like to be posted on their activity from time to time.

Once you’ve friended each other, don’t go on a stalking spree and comment on each and every photo on their timeline.

Don’t message your son’s crush asking her if she can cook. Happy Facebooking!

Share your troubleshooting problems, write to us at avenuet@dhakatribune.com

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, J U N E 28 , 2014

The percentage of gamers have grown over the past decade. With a more sophisticated audience, the ages of gamers have gotten older. Most of us grew up playing with video games, spanning over two to there decades. Now, imagine your grandparents playing at the level you’re playing at. For those who have been living under a rock, the growth of female gamers have made their presence known. It’s not just the younger generation though, a significant amount of seniors have been gaming for years.

Researchers from NC State University asked 140 older men and women, from 63 years old and up, how often they took part in video games. 61 percent of them said they play occasionally, while 35 of them played at least once a week. Growing up, our parents would yell at us if we spent too much time hammering away on our controllers. But at a certain age, in the latter stages of our lives, this will become a huge

positive towards our health. It’s no joke. The elders that we love and respect so much find their day-to-day to be easier when they have access to video games. The same research team reported that there was a high level of wellbeing of each participant.

Now, isn’t that the coolest thing? We don’t seek wisdom from our elders for no reason. And those older gamers could give us a run for our money. Go ahead and Google Barbara St. Hilaire. She’s a demon when it comes to video games. As she states, she becomes someone totally different when jacked up to a gaming console.

She is foul mouthed during frustrating levels, and a teenager in glee when passing one. Older adult gamers should be taken seriously. More so, there are other gadgets as well that keep some of our hip grandparents hooked to the latest tech.

Regardless the sex or age, there shouldn’t be real surprise as to why there are so many

older gamers. Video games, in popularity, have been around since the late 70s. Our generation has produced even more players in the digital world. Decades down the line, we’ll be the cool grandparents that hand out lessons to our kids and grandchildren when it comes to video games. It’ll be a long lasting production line of players who pass on the vital knowledge of staying emotionally healthy.

It’s not that they are trying to make up for lost time, it’s to acknowledge they will always be young at heart. It’s letting everyone know you are never too old to play video games. There is no shame in playing or hint of juvenile antics in gaming. It is simply a message to those who stress in a regular basis. Gaming is just pure joy, and ultimately, can help you obtain healthy emotions.

Stay healthy, stay happy, keep gaming.

Tires | wheels

2014 Bajaj Pulsar 135LS | Tahsin Momin The 135LS never feels like the underdog; it’s a mixture of pride and satisfaction but in a smaller package The Bajaj Pulsar 135LS is by far the best looking bike in the Bajaj line-up. Even though it borrows many similar design cues from its bigger siblings such as the Pulsar 150, 180 and even the 220, when put together in the same front, the 135LS clearly stands out of the lot. Ever since its release in 2013, the 135LS has become a pioneer in the four-valve, twin sparkplug technology. And it is the first bike in its class to ever be fitted with this revolutionary technology.

Design

From the first glance the bike gives off an aggressive glare; all blacked out engine, aerodynamic tank flaps and sporty mud flaps.

The headlamps are masked with flaring wolf-eyed styling. Add all the styling cues up and you end up with a bike that is sporty to look at and even more intimidating when you ride it. Other design cues include a light sensitive digital cockpit for a greater visibility during daytime, and the bulb free rear tail lamp means near zero maintenance.

Available at : Uttara Motors Ltd. 102, Shahid Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Tejgaon, Dhaka-1208 Phone- 8143715

Performance & handling

Thanks to its pioneering technologies the 135LS rewards its rider with superlative performance and superior handling. The legendary DTS-i technology on the other hand gives the bike an unmatched acceleration while being fuel efficient at the same time. The ExhausTEC (Torque expansion chamber) improves the torque at lower rpm and provides adequate power at any stage for effortless hauling on any road conditions. At the heart of the 135LS beats a 135cc engine that chucks out 13.66HP at 9000rpm and a torque of 11.4Nm at 7500rpm. All that power is delivered to the rear wheel using a five-speed transmission.

Road rage

Rage of all ages | Tausif Sanzum

The bike is built on a strong light-weight tube frame which offers a bigger wheelbase.

Speaking of which, the bike comes standard with light weight 17inch alloy wheels. This means there is more grip at your disposal.

Technology

With state of the art four-stroke twin sparkplug technology, digital CDI unit and the TRICS III ignition control, the 135LS is capable of providing an optimum ignition at any engine rpm resulting in improved throttle response and reduced emissions. While the

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power spread. With an upright riding position and profuse thigh support, the 135LS is a perfect solution for the city traffic and it can sometimes take a little self-control to avoid getting carried away.

Nitrox rear suspension gives the rider a five-step adjusting option to choose an optimum riding position according to the terrain.

The 135LS is one of the quickest bikes in its class with the engine putting out ample power and torque. This without a doubt is a solid mid-range bike with

AUTO CORRECT

How to maintain the drive chain on your motorcycle?

The motorcycle drive chain endures a lot of wear and tear over a period of time and it is recommended that you take good care of it. To make matters worse, the chain is left open to whatever the road throws at it. Although it takes a tough nut to crack it, the chain has a certain life span. To keep it healthy, it needs care at regular intervals.

Mount your bike on the pedal stand and make sure the rear wheel is clear off the ground. Slide the gear in to neutral so that the rear wheel can rotate freely.

Make certain that the engine is off at all times during this process. Slowly turn the wheel and give it a good wash using a chain cleaner or WD-40. Then using a hard paint brush remove any small particles attached to the chain. Once the cleaning is done, let it dry and then apply lubrication thoroughly over the chain. Do this on a monthly basis and your drive chain will keep on providing you with a superb service.

If Robert Frost was alive and lived in Dhaka, he would have never said, “I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” Since most roads are already unsafe to travel, only god knows what would happen to a person who takes the road less travelled. Amidst all the rash driving, traffic jams, unsafe rickshaw rides, potholes and other death traps, the security issue for elderly people rides high on the safety metre.

Noting the numerous number of potholes on the roads it can be assumed that some people might find the idea of leaving them unattended flattering. Somehow the senior citizens as well as any other citizen in their right mind do not share this fun idea.

The rickshaw pullers get carried away by mistaking their rickshaws for jet planes. They pull it as if they are riding an Arabian horse. In the midst of all the fun rides and the cool breeze blowing through their hair, it is only natural for them to not notice the elderly men/women clutching on to the rickshaw hood in fear for their lives.

Speaking of public transportation in the city, particularly the buses, it might be the fodder for the next big horror film of any Hollywood movie maker. The way the drivers and bus conductors expect the passengers to climb onto as well as get down from these giant vehicles, it only erases the difference between man and superman. Only the divine power knows how an ageing person survives in this town.

Got a peeve to share about the state of the city’s roads and traffic? Sends it to us at avenuet@dhakatribune.com, or post it on our Facebook wall.

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6 | Tell tact

Dealing with the inevitable | Khan N Moushumi

Something’s been bothering you lately that you can’t quite put your finger on.

The man or woman who would carry you around the house as a child along with half a dozen hefty shopping bags like superman or woman is slightly slouching now. When you look closely, you trace deep wrinkles on that beautiful face, making it look really tired, and the salt and pepper hairdo is replaced with bald patches. They are taking short naps every two hours, because it’s difficult to stay up for too long at a stretch. Mom’s struggling to open the fridge door and dad needs help lifting a heavy box. And there it is, that sudden fear that your parents won’t be around forever crawling up your spine like a malefic worm that you never thought would find its way to you. You didn’t see it coming, I mean they are YOUR parents – how can they grow old? But it is happening and it’s real and there’s NOTHING you can do about it but to just stand there and watch it all happening. Don’t lose hope, here’s strategies that will help.

Do things together

Spend as much time as you can with your parents. Take them out for a walk, to the beach or a comedy club.

Keep medical issues in check

Make sure your parents get regular medical check-ups done, that way you can minimise the chance of an unexpected fender bender.

You know the rest of it will be a bumpy ride and their body may give up at one point but the heart will fight it and want to keep going if it finds a reason to.

Grin beans

You can’t turn back the clock but you can make them feel young at heart. They say the more you smile the younger and happier you feel so give them a reason to smile every day even if it means you have to put on that tacky sweater your mom knit for you.

Aries (MAR 21-APR 19) This week is a good time to spend with your family members - maybe even have a heart-to-heart with parents. However, this week is probably going to stir up old problems with close relatives.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) Memories from the past might become increasingly important to you, and it is likely that it will affect your future plans. You might feel an urge to meet up with old buddies for a cup of coffee.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 20) You’ll find that conditions at home or work have improved; maybe a hovering black cloud will dematerialise, or you’ll be rewarded with an increase in salary for your hard work.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22) This day is a good time for you to push yourself to new limits. An old dream might come true, and you’ll find out you know a great deal about yourself.

Horos

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) You’ll crave for some private talks, family conferences and any kind of unloading. Pent up questions will be brought up by you or other family members. Don’t feign away; answer every challenge with confidence.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) You’re likely to run into an old partner or find yourself stuck under old charms. Do not leave people hanging if you think they need you.

letters to Mars

Caged Q A

Photo: Big Stock

I have always been into my girlfriend’s best friend. I’ve met her long before I even met my girlfriend. The moment I wanted to ask her out, my girlfriend came into my life. My girlfriend and I have been seeing each other for four years, and all these days it has been pretty easy for us both - except a few bumps on our way. However, I can feel she’s growing more and more insecure every day. She’s becoming more controlling; she won’t even let me talk to my female friends anymore. I really want to see this relationship through but she just won’t listen to me. What am I to do now AA? What do you mean she won’t let you talk to your female friends? While you are in a group? Or phoning or “having coffee” with other ladies?

If you are one of those young men who need to see other women socially, think again. No man or woman can accept that from a partner, if your girlfriend is worried about you talking to a female friend at a restaurant, that is another matter. If so, talk to your friend and hold your girlfriend’s hand or constantly make eye contact with her, it should help. It is a way of saying “I am with you, just having a conversation with a friend.”

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, J U N E 28 , 2014

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars and see her clients Write us your problems and send them to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

Tell | Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22) Your physical well-being depends entirely on how balanced you feel on the inside. You’ll most likely be isolated and deprived - but don’t let that get in the way of your calm.

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) Your thoughts and feelings are in perfect accord with your week. The possibility of having to go through a difficult situation will be lessened if you listen to your inner voice.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) Today’s circumstances may help you understand things you’ve been trying to figure out for quite some time. Keep an eye out for incoming danger though.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) It is possible that your feelings will be hurt today, making you become more voluble than usual. Do not stop yourself from expressing whatever is on your mind otherwise you’re in big trouble!

scope

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 19) This is an excellent time for you to start any hobby that requires hard work and a great deal of imagination. Although you’ll come across some hidden errors in your work, do not let that get in the way of your colourful imagination.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) This weekend is a perfect time for you to spend some quality time with your family; you might even find it easier to talk to them about things that have been on your mind for quite some time.

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tact

How to deal with annoying colleagues (part II) | Sabah Rahman We’ve dealt with the drama queen and the perv in this column last week. Let’s talk about the mooch and the backstabber and how to nip their super annoying behaviour in the bud The mooch

This pain in the posterior is your resident bottomless pit. You dig into your private stash of candy, there they are with a pathetic look on their faces, nudging the charity bowl your way. You bring just enough lunch to get you through the day, and they insist on having a bite - the word “bite” being code for half your food. They’ll take your last cigarette and mooch rides home from you. Even if you happen to be the most giving person in the office, there should be a limit, right?

How to deal

This isn’t going to be pretty. Unless you want to continue giving handouts to this serial mooch, suck it up, and tell it like it is. Announce loudly that you don’t want to get dizzy due to a low blood sugar level, and won’t be sharing your food. Tell them that you won’t be going their way after work, so a ride is out of the question. You may feel like a giant meanie, but it needs to be done and your other colleagues will probably be relieved that they didn’t have to do the dirty work.

The backstabber

This cold hearted snake is the first person who will try to embrace you as a friend

Photo: Big Stock

when you are new to a company. They will laugh with you, confide in you and naturally you’ll feel like you can trust them. One fine day, however, you walk into work and everyone is quiet, trying to suppress their snickering selves. The backstabber went and did it! They shared all your personal stories and quirks with the rest.

How to deal

We’re not going to sympathise with you on this one. The office isn’t high school and you don’t go there to make BFFs. Why did you need to share all your dirty laundry with this person? There is not much you can do at this moment but keep your trap shut and let it pass. Learn a lesson, though and confide in your real friends next time.

letters to Venus

Suffocated Q

I’ve been dating a 32-year-old man for about two years now, but I want to get rid of him. He’s unreasonably clingy, extremely insecure. Often times I’ve had reason to believe that he has serious mental issues. Every time I tell him I want to break up with him, he threatens to commit suicide. The scary part is, I think he might actually go through with it.

What should I do?

A

Of course, the more you feel like getting rid of him, the more he feels it and the more he clings onto you. Tell him you need some space because of work/ study and you would appreciate it if he could help you in this: you could be doing an evening course online or possibly get an assignment out of town. Do not stop communication with him, slowly wean him off. When he complains about not seeing you or hearing from you enough, do not get upset or irritated with him. He will feel even more insecure as his belief will be: she does not understand how anxious I am, she needs to be made aware of what she is doing wrong.

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars and see her clients Write us your problems and send them to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

Photo: Big Stock

AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, J U N E 28, 20 1 4

8 | Tucked in Digs & Finds Small folder organiser in four different colours Photographer : Sabiha Akond Rupa Shop: Cuteness Er Dibba Address: Road # 72, House # 3/A, Gulshan-2, 1212 Dhaka, Bangladesh

decor

Twilight Cometh When comparing cultures, the one complaint Bangalees love to make about the West above all others is their “lack of family values”. Apparently we’re more serious about taking care of our elderly than more individualist cultures. One long, hard, honest look at our homes and our cities should be enough to show how hollow that argument is.

This week, we look at ways to do right by our senior citizens.

| Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

10 things an elder-friendly home needs

1

Easy to get to -The older the body grows, the more punishing a set of stairs can become. A ground-level home or flat with easy access to the driveway is ideal, but if not possible, a flat with access to a good, working elevator is a must.

A building that has a ramp is an added bonus - as long as the slope isn’t too steep.

2 3

Twist and turn - Levered door handles are easier on aging wrists than yale locks.

All the better to see you with - There should be at least one light switch on the wall close to the door in all the rooms, so Naniamma can easily reach it as she enters the room. In general, lighting in the house should be bright, with no glare.

4

Always close -When picking a room for Gramps, it is important that he gets one with an attached bathroom that is easy to get to.

5

The ground beneath her feet - Should be a firm, no-slip surface. While this is necessary

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, J U N E 28 , 2014

for all the flooring in the house, it’s especially vital for the bathroom, which is where most accidents occur.

6

Get a grip - Shower stalls and bathing areas need to be fitted with a hand-rail that the senior can hold on to, and which can bear the weight if s/he slips and makes a desperate grab for it. Whether or not you have a showerhead, hand-showers are preferable.

7

Kitchen conundrum - The kitchen poses many a difficulty even for the able-bodied person, but more so for the elderly.

Roll-out drawers, and storage placements that require less bending and stretching go a long way to mitigate this.

8

Taking a breather - The older one gets, the more frequently one tires. Strong sturdy chairs, at a little over knee height, with firm armrests, a huge boon.

9

Bed time blues - Another frequent source of accidents is the bedroom. Beds must be at seat height. Any higher increases the risk of serious injury from a fall, and any lower poses trouble to the back and knees when getting into bed.

10

Carpet commitment Carpets and rugs may soften the blow from a fall, but also pose the risk of a slip and trip. They should either be affixed to the floor, or removed altogether.

Take care |

9

health

5 simple tricks

to enhance your memory | Adila Haque You’ve met him before. Several times. You’ve seen her at work; she works on your floor.

Wait, what was her name again?

Does this happen to you a lot?

Maybe you’re just getting older.

Surprisingly, it is this attitude that makes your memory blunter every day. If you’re patient, these five simple tips will prevent your memory from dissipating into ashes sooner than it should.

1

Take on new challenges.

Studies have shown that partaking in new challenges that push one’s abilities to the farthest limits improves their calibre to learn new things and recall new behaviour.

2

Stay fit. At one point, this advice does get a bit cliche to many of you, but it is actually essential if you are to maintain a healthy memory. You need rest - physically as well as mentally;

indulge yourself in some alone time after a long day at work. Also, always remember that when you exercise the body, you exercise the brain. Improve your memory by sleeping on it and exercising regularly.

3

Remain mentally active. Never let your brain wander off while you are awake. Try your hand at solving crossword puzzles, read a section of the newspaper you usually skip, learn to play a new instrument, etc.

4

5

Socialise regularly.

Interacting with new people helps get rid of depression and stress - both of which are major contributors to memory loss.

Do not miss an opportunity to get together with your loved ones, even if it’s for just one meal.

Photo: Big Stock

Organise. You’re more likely to forget items if they’re in a mess. Jot down tasks, appointments and other to-do items on your diary and make it a point to go through the diary every few hours. Limit distraction and don’t do too many things at a time.

diet

A moment in time | Adila Haque

You’re getting old. After a certain point in our lives, this worry consumes us all. Am I getting too OLD? Wrinkles, blurred vision, dry skin, fading memory are only but a few of the telltale signs of ageing.

However, just because your hair is starting to grey and your teeth can’t withstand the chill of a popsicle anymore does not mean you’ve lost the right to feel young and fit. Here are a few tips for you to follow if you don’t want to give up your youth just yet.

1

Move more, slouch less. When you exercise, blood flows more quickly through your vessels, making it less likely for cholesterol and other fatty tissue clogging up those loose arteries. Bear in mind that with age your arteries start losing their elasticity.

2

Smoothies. It may be a little hard to swallow but as you grow older you should increase your intake of

juices and smoothies as much as you can - preferably before every meal. This will help make you feel more fresh and healthy; it should also get rid of any “sticky” feeling you might have, thereby alleviating your spirits.

following kinds of oils from your pantry: palm kernel, safflower, sunflower, soybean, corn and cottonseed. Research has shown that less processed oils lead to a healthier and longer life.

3

5

Get rid of all kinds of junk food items from your diet. Remember, junk food equals junk health. Try to avoid the following words as much as possible: high fructose, hydrogenated, artificial sweeteners and chemical preservatives. In addition, try to include more of the following in your daily diet: seafood, dairy, spinach, nuts, olive oil, broccoli, oatmeal, flaxseed meal, avocados, pomegranate juice, tomatoes, tofu, yoghurt, red onions, garlic, beans and lentils.

4

It’s time for an oil change. Try to eat more of the following types of oils: fish oil, flax oil, olive oil and nut oil. Also, throw out the

Eat more fish-veg and less meat.

Also, try to indulge yourself in as much seafood as possible as seafood is rumoured to have the ability to remove “sticky” substances from our body; it also creates an ideal balance between LDL and HDL in the blood which in turn keeps cardiovascular diseases at bay.

Photo: Big Stock

AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, J U N E 28, 20 1 4

10 | Trial room

Through thick and thin | Adila Haque and Naveed Choudhury

Monon Haque, loving son and grandson, tells us about the hardships and occasional rewards that come with caring for a grandmother suffering from final stage of Parkinson’s She has been going through Parkinson’s for a good many years now - her condition worsening with every passing month. You can read the sadness in her watery eyes, the hidden mischief in that special grin of hers whenever her children are around. Even though she has lost most of her lucidity, you can still feel her struggle vehemently to communicate effectively. It breaks his heart to see his Nani go through so much every day, and it breaks his heart to see his mother go through that overwhelming pain every single minute.

I know exactly what my parents mean when they tell me family comes above all else.

Not everyone gives importance to that particular lesson, but I’ve seen firsthand how difficult a commitment really is.

Nani isn’t well. She needs a wheelchair to go about the house.

She needs to be fed most meals;

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, J U N E 28 , 2014

she has to be bathed and given her medicines on time. Although two maids have been appointed to take care of her, they’re not as dedicated as family, so Mother and the others need to make sure everything is done right. Since they stay in the country for less than one-fifth of the year, they try to make sure that they make up for not being there for Nani the rest of the year - which, if you ask me, makes it all the more devastating.

Even though Monon has been well aware of his grandmother’s condition ever since he was a little child, it hadn’t taken full effect until during her later years. It started with Nani becoming tired too often too easy. Gradually, he noticed she was forgetting the smallest things - misplacing a bunch of keys, missing her medicine doses, among many others. She started developing tremors in her arms and legs when the condition was starting to take full effect.

Nani remembers most of her older grandchildren, including Monon; she hasn’t been able to succeed so much with the little ones though. Her movements are becoming less and less fluid every day, but they want her to be able to move around without the wheelchair as much as possible.

“She remembers most of us and can say our names. However, there are times when even that is not possible. She just makes

noises and we know she needs something. Even though we cannot understand her sometimes, she understands everything we tell her. One day we were talking about something funny and I witnessed the widest grin on her face.

Sometimes I think she pretends not to understand us because it’s more convenient for her!”

On finding out about the abrupt decline of her condition, the whole family had broken into a mess for a few days. Some members handled it well - others, not so much. Mejo Khala, the most sensitive one in the clan, suffered the most. Word is, she’d stopped all contact with everyone for a week straight after the news broke. Things are quite stable with Nani now, but it hasn’t always been. There were two instances when it was thought that everything was slipping through the fingers - and they have left deep scars in all their minds.

The first time, Nani’s vitals collapsed due to the coupling of her high sugar deficiency with her dire condition. All of her children braced themselves to face the worst, but with the grace of The Almighty, she survived - and she survived well. Only God knows how relieved Mother and her sisters must have felt when she was finally discharged.

The second time, though, Parkinson’s was nowhere to be blamed. Owing solely to one very slippery washroom floor, Nani

stumbled over and broke her thigh and hip one day. It was a very minor injury, but due to her age and condition she was and still is in severe shock. She has recovered completely, but the emotional trauma still plagues her heart.

Maybe one day she’ll find it in her to let go of this completely.

One specific memory with Nani that Monon holds close to his heart is when Nani came to visit him in Saudi Arabia. He was 14 at the time. Nani still had good control over herself back then. She read his palm and told him that one day Monon would grow up and travel many countries, which would help him develop into a bigger and brighter human being.

This memory would sometimes crawl out through hidden crevices inside his mind, and a smile would materialise on his solemn face even in his darkest hours.

“I know exactly what my parents mean when they tell me family comes above all else. Not everyone gives importance to that particular lesson, but I’ve seen firsthand how difficult a commitment really is,” says Monon Haque.

11

Trial room|

When I started to take care of my Grandfather, it was nice. I felt good about myself, that I’m taking care of a person I feel for, and it’ll all get better and he will once again return to full health and life would sort itself out. Things get a lot worse before they get any better though Photo: Rezowana Chowdhury Xenia

My name is Ozymandias, king of kings! Look on my works ye mighty, and despair You never contemplate your mortality during the teenage years. You’re the king of the world, the man with no equal, an immortal, if you will. Nothing will prepare you for the humbling experience in life that is watching your close family grow old and frail. For me it was my grandfather, the man that was once like a King, regal and poised, now succumbing to the grips of time.

Watching this change can be excruciating. It’s not gradual, like most people will have you believe. There are very discrete steps as to how this happens.

My grandmother had some food poisoning from some shady food, and my grandfather misplaced the chair by a few inches, and slipped as he was sitting down. She has been on five different medications cycled every six hours, and he is all but blind. The point is, you’ll never see it coming, and you can

never prepare for it.

What you can maybe prepare for, are sleepless nights and needless panic. That “heart in throat” feeling as you hear a thumping heartbeat when the blood pressure machine’s needle is slowly breezing past the 180 mark. At that moment, the usual reaction is to furrow your brows, and live in a state of denial for the next 30 seconds as you scramble to recheck the pressure, hoping that it was a fluke, which it is, nine times out of ten.

When I started to take care of my Grandfather, it was nice. I felt good about myself, that I’m taking care of a person I feel for, and it’ll all get better and he will once again return to full health and life would sort itself out.

Things get a lot worse before they get any better, though. Somebody screaming your name in the middle of the night once or twice a month, having to cancel some

much anticipated plans because there’s some menial chore that can’t be done by others, having to wake up at 6am to make sure the medication is properly administered. It’s all a great feeling, until it’s not.

It’s tough on the entire family, but worst of all, it’s tough on your conscience. Personally, while it was easy to adjust to life with him at first, it became increasingly difficult as the portion of the family that felt responsible for him dwindle. Suddenly one too many plans had been cancelled, one too many sleepless nights, and one too many panic attacks from a faulty blood sugar monitor.

You begin to wish that this “burden” would end, that you had done nothing to deserve this and that you ought to live a more normal life which you so clearly deserve. But you don’t, your conscious becomes heavier but your workload does not.

You begin to resent the person, find faults and become passive aggressive.

Is there a silver lining to all of these? Yes, I’d like to think so.

Maybe someday when I grow old and frail, I’ll have somebody to take care of me. Or maybe it’s all just wishful thinking, since it doesn’t really matter. Morally bankrupt old men have people taking care of them, while some golden souls do not. If you are assuming responsibility of a sick person, there’s not much help that generic advice can provide. If you take away something from this small rant it should be this: Life is short and (sometimes, maybe) sweet, and the sick deserves your care and patience. It is okay to lose the patience, because we’re only human and we’ll one day need similar care from a person who may or may not be as giving as you are capable of.

AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, J U N E 28, 20 1 4

12 | Trending style session with Bibi Russell

fashion

How not to dress your age | Sabah Rahman

Q

Resorting to wearing oversized kaftans and sneakers just because other people your age are doing it is a major don’t. While it is very important for us women to dress gracefully as we age, it doesn’t mean we need to compromise our own unique sense of style

A

Don’t let others dictate

Bold, beautiful and timeless you have always been a style icon for the masses. Over the years, how has your style evolved?

Regardless of time and age, I’ve always been a firm believer of keeping things natural. Having said that, I also believe that one must adhere to and respect the traditions of their country. Since I live in Bangladesh now and am mostly travelling around villages, nowadays I usually wear my own kind of salwar kamiz that is very different from the typical salwar kamizes. Mine consists of a short tunic or kamiz, a different form of the salwar and of course, a dupatta. Also, as Dhaka’s climate can get extremely hot, I always opt for natural materials.

From accessories to my clothes, everything I wear is handmade.

Every fashion expert knows that a person who follows the crowd won’t ever be perceived as a truly stylish lady. Just because your co-workers or friends feel like they can’t pull off a pair of jeans any longer, doesn’t mean you’re in the same boat. Steer clear of “mom jeans.” Think deep, dark denim tailored for your body type.

Looser fits in trouser cuts paired with a whimsical printed blouse or sharp shirt can result in a super classy look.

Q

We at Avenue T believe that style is timeless. What do you think is the best way for a woman to embrace and love herself for who she is, regardless of her age?

A

I believe that dressing up is absolutely a personal choice.

A person’s style, no matter what their age, should reflect their own personality. Someone who looks at you and how you dress should be able to see who you are and what your personality is like. I think when it comes to styling yourself there is no limit, and age certainly isn’t one.

But one thing we should consider when dressing up is the weather. It’s extremely hot in Bangladesh right now. It would be a silly idea to put on a glaring red outfit or a miniskirt in this weather. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t wear what you like – as long as you are dressing for the occasion and keeping in mind the weather while also donning an outfit that you believe you can carry off, that is completely fine. If you have the confidence and believe that your personality allows you to carry off an outfit, then it truly does and that should be the only criteria your style should meet. Maybe one day you’d like to put on a miniskirt; you have to remember that to do so you must have nice legs – and this applies to a 15-year-old and as well as a 50-yearold. Growing up is about maturing and it’s also about enjoying yourself.

For me, every day is a new day. I think all of us should appreciate growing up and not feel limited or upset by our age or our status. We should truly enjoy life one day at a time.

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, J U N E 28 , 2014

Ditch the dowdy duds

Throw out your old, ill-fitted, drab clothing. You’ll do yourself no favour drowning in excess, shapeless fabric.

Why not treat yourself to new clothes?

How about some long tunics worn over leggings? Yes. You can still wear leggings. Here’s where we come back to mumus (kaftans). Wearing trendy kimono shaped tops are just fine.

Tell that nagging voice in the back of your head to shut up if it tells you to conform to how society thinks how you should dress. How you look is no one’s business but your own.

Do not, however, step outside your house in a batik printed baggy maxi with a mismatching dupatta as an accessory. It piles up the years and is just plain blah. Wearing a simple salwar kameez is a much better and more flattering idea. It won’t kill you to make an effort.

Don’t overcompensate

While we don’t want to turn into plain fuddy duddies just yet, let’s not rummage through our pre-teen niece’s wardrobe either. We don’t want to channel a plaid skirt and knee sock wearing school girl.

Stay true to yourself

Never forget the unique bits that make you you. You can be 70 plus and still rock an amazing pair of oversized shades, loud jewellery, funky bags and interesting shoes.

Don’t give up just because it’s what the majority tends to do.

13

Tailored| in fashion

style session

The looking glass

with mahmood Hossain

Q

The other day a friend of mine was having an argument between a satchel and a briefcase. He says, to stay with the times, I must sport a satchel because a briefcase is out of date. Is he right, am I risking being too old fashioned carrying a satchel?

A

| Mahmood Hossain Your picture perfect frames Recently on a couple of lifestyle websites, there have been posts on celebs who look good or better with glasses on. Not sunglasses, but those so called geek-chic frames for better vision. You could opt for contacts, but why take away that extra unique feature to your look? Contrary to popular belief, eyeglasses aren’t going to make you look older; it only enhances your appearance, making you look distinguished if anything.

Nowadays, you’ll see plenty of

quality frames to choose from. It’s recommended you avoid designer names and stick to brands that are known for their optical expertise like Warby Parker. Design and durability are what count but the shape is equally important.

Square frames, both thin and thick, are favoured over round ones.

However, the edges of the frames can be curved to your liking. No matter how old you are, there’s a perfect frame for you.

The fact that you two were discussing bags is a step forward. But don’t be deterred by the preference of your friend or where men’s fashion is at the moment. It all depends on what you are carrying or want to carry. Depends on your job or day-to-day commute. It would be ideal if you kept more than one bag – different styles mean more flexibility. Keep things simple and practical. Both a satchel and a briefcase have their advantages.

A briefcase has a harder shell, which means better protection for tablets and laptops. With modern day quality, even briefcases have taken a modern and attractive twist. The only thing that could really turn heads is if you got yourself a Ninja Turtles backpack with a matching lunch box.

his style

Photo: Big Stock

Ageing with grace | Mahmood Hossain

Dressing your age doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the fun There is a difference between dressing like an old man desperately clinging onto his youth and a man who knows how old he is, and isn’t worried about it.

From the way a man behaves to what’s in his wardrobe, here are a few tips on dressing in the correct manner, no matter what the age may be.

Fit

Like your date of birth, there is no compromise when it comes to fitted clothing. Whatever you may say about your dad or granddad’s jacket, most likely it was tailor-made. Those vintage pieces may not be in style (or so you think), but the details cannot be overlooked. It should be mandatory that you practice and follow the process of getting your clothes tailored when you can. You can keep the loosefitting or “comfortable” wear at home, behind closed doors.

Face

Not all of us are blessed with amazing

ageing genes so those wrinkles will creep in pretty fast. Embrace this, gentlemen. That salt and pepper look is an attractive one with the ladies.

Skip the contact lenses and stick with a pair of chic frames for your glasses.

All of these additions to your age make you look more distinguished. But always keep the facial hair and the hair on your head neat and trimmed, no matter the length.

Flavour

The colours you put on can always remain the same. There is no discrimination when it comes to colours in certain prints and patterns.

This is the department that will stick with you throughout. There is no age to colour, it all depends on your mood and what you feel like wearing for a given occasion. However, you must always keep your skin tone in mind. Just because you’ve aged like a fine bottle of wine doesn’t mean you get a free pass on certain shades.

Photo: Big Stock

Q

I’ve been trying to convince my father to ditch his grandpa jeans and go for the more modern look. How can I get him to switch from ill-fitted clothes to more stylish outfits?

A

There’s a rule in style that shouldn’t be overlooked.

No matter the person, attractive or not, you can never force fashion onto them. If the person is willing to change his or her look, then it’s fair game. What you need to do is find a common ground for your dad. Straight-leg fitted jeans is a step into the right path. He won’t have to sacrifice the comfort, and won’t look out of sorts.

Send in your style inquiries to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, J U N E 28, 20 1 4

14 | Tempt Beauty session

with sabah rahman

Q A

No matter what brand of blush I buy, it fades within an hour or two. Any solutions?

Since you mentioned you tried different brands, let’s assume you’ve already tried a long lasting formula. The perfect solution for you would be to double up. After you’ve laid down the base on your face, start with a cream blush on your cheeks. After blending, go over it with a few swipes of a powdered blush. Blend again.

Don’t worry too much about having the exact same two shades. As long as you stay in the same colour family, you’re good to go.

Beautiful through every decade | Sabah Rahman

If 40s are the new 20s, 50s should definitely be the new 30s and so on. We’re going to start sprouting greys, complain about wrinkles and want to just stay under the radar. Don’t go there! Don’t let something as small as a number keep you from looking your best.

50s

Photo: Big Stock

Q A

I have a stye on my eye and want to know how I can make it less visible by using some make-up.

A stye is an infection that occurs when an oil gland on the eye lid gets blocked.

Although some styes can heal on their own, some need special care from your doctor. Since there is no way to know which one you have, making an appointment with your eye doctor would be highly advisable. It’s best to avoid any kind of make-up at this time, as it could further irritate your eye and worsen the infection.

Attention!

The gorgeous Vanessa Williams is 50.

Have you seen her?

Enough said! If you’ve taken good care of your skin in the last few decades, this is the time it will really show. Don’t fret if you didn’t. There are plenty of non-invasive treatments like Microdermabrasion that you can undergo to try and reverse some damage. First thing’s first, if your greys make you uncomfortable, dye away. Switch to an extra rich moisturiser, formulated to smooth lines and use it religiously. If your eyebrows have lightened, brush them in with a medium brown shade. Do not use a pencil to avoid harsh lines.

60s

This isn’t the time to lose hope. Take a look at the fabulous Helen Mirren and Diane Keaton for inspiration. As you step into this decade, keeping your skin hydrated is vital. Use creamy make-up formulas as the powder versions can highlight lines. The tone of your skin may fade and lighten up a little, so if you’re going to dye your hair, look for a colour a few shades lighter than your natural hue. You can also opt to embrace your salt and pepper hair. It’s bold and sexy if worn the right way. Chopping off all your locks isn’t necessary, but if you’ve got super long hair, a shoulder length cut could take years off your overall appearance.

A few other things

70s

If not sooner, by now you’ll know just who you are and be comfortable in your skin. Wear your age loud and proud, you earned it. Guess who else is 70 plus? Tina Turner. This is no time to give up. The main thing you need to do is keep moving. Walk, dance, join a yoga class - just keep all that blood circulating.

Trust us, it will make you feel great and show through. Keep up the moisturising routine and switch to a sheer foundation for some added coverage if desired.

Don’t stop wearing make-up just because your peers have. Do what makes you happy.

If you think getting a bit of work done on your face is what you want, go for it. Make sure you do your research about the pros and cons beforehand. It’s your face and your choice.

Remember, blush is the best youth boosting tool in your make-up bag.

Just use it sparingly. Confidence is key at every age.

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, J U N E 28 , 2014

15

Ticket|

Go Velvety Red | Sabiha Akond Rupa

Red Velvet brings you their scintillating latest collection for Eid-ul-Fitr. They are taking orders for their beautiful salwar kamizes. Blended with sophistication, bright colours, studded pearls, embroidery, stonework on chiffon and other fabrics will add that extra oomph to your wardrobe this season. They come within a reasonable price range and you can choose from salwars, pants and palazzos for an extra Tk500.

To order, visit:

www.facebook.com/redvelvetstore

AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, J U N E 28, 20 1 4

16 | TRAVELOGUE

Train tracker | Raisa Zaman

Feel like travelling but don’t want to get tired and bored? Then there’s nothing better than riding a train. Nowadays a train ride can be synonymous with the most laid-back and amusing way of travelling, beating planes, ships and even automobiles. A train trip will not only save you time by moving from one place to another but will also show you beautiful panoramic notions in process. Here are five amazingly scenic train trips from around the world which are sure to beguile you with their unexampled exclusivity

Pride of Africa, Tanzania

One who has been to Africa will never forget the land’s own enigma of beauty and neither will someone who had been in one of the Rovos Rails’ “Edwardian Pride Of Africa” trains, setting out on a journey from Tanzania through Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and reaching South Africa. Now how can anyone possibly forget Africa after travelling through half of the continent in one elegant train? It is arguably world’s most opulent train offering equally exquisite lodging facilities which include finest wines and five-star catering of African delicacies, topped with extravagant cabins which are equipped with double-beds, an en suite bathroom notably powered with Victorian bathtubs and modern facilities like hairdryers which have no comparison to its old self of the 1920s. This one epic journey is rather a glamourous affair for the 72 passengers it is designed for.

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, J U N E 28 , 2014

17

TRAVELOGUE|

Tokaido Shinkansen Bullet Train,

Japan The wheels of this particular train screams “speed” that is admired by the world for its technology. Sometimes you would want to travel without wasting your time but not be willing to give up your comfort and in such cases, this is your best answer, a “bullet train.” It is delightful to travel at a blitzkrieg speed of 343mph, covering Japan’s largest metropolises, Tokyo and Osaka in less than two hours. Although you will be running as fast as Flash, you will still catch glimpses of Mount Fuji and Kyoto. This would be your fastest ride in a while, guaranteed.

Andean Explorer, Peru

Getting on this will be a treat for the eyes as it will go past the cloud covered, high Peruvian Andes stretching across the lands, lush greenery around it and silent streams of cold, clear water.

It’s like an endless landscape encased in a splendid train. It’s a typical Pullman styled train of the 20s, boasting an excellent car-bar observatory and a well managed dining car. Spectacular view, indulgent facilities and mouth-watering food, the 10 hour trip from Cuzco to Lake Titicaca is worth it all. This ride is not something you will get hang of that soon.

The Canadian, Canada

Maharajas Express,

India If you want to cover the best features of North India in a royal fashion at one go then this is your best bet. Yes, you will start in Mumbai and finish off at Delhi but in between you will have seen it all: The ancient caves of Ajanta, the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra, vivid sunset in the heart of Rajasthani deserts; in addition you will also be relishing on delicious city foods on stopovers. It doesn’t end there - it is a royal affair with great celebration of the imperial Rajputani grandeur. You will be treated as a royal with all the celebrated Indian dishes. This recreation of the Rajput royalty’s transportation is enriched with majestic and historic architecture but that does not let it fall back from providing a television or much-needed Wi-fi internet connection in all parts of the carriages. The week long train journey is sure to leave a special mark in your heart.

This is a decent ride covering the Rocky Mountains, down onto the prairies and into the water sodden lake districts over four adventurous days. “The Canadian” offers vistas of wild landscapes and local wildlife.

The double glazed windows are witness to plenty of bears and beavers. Both the economy and the sleeper cabins have sharing shower facilities. This is probably the most pensive option for you to enjoy a wholesome wildlife spotting while you set out on your well-heeled train ride across the Canadian mountains.

AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, J U N E 28, 20 1 4

18 | Tantalise review

Pizzas are “Inn” this season | Tausif Sanzum and Tanzeel Abdullah Very few food items have been able to transcend cultural boundaries such as pizzas. Naturally, Dhakaites are always on the lookout for the next great pizza parlour. This led to the gradual boom of local food joints selling authentic pizzas (as opposed to the nostalgic Bangladeshi “pijjas”) and then international chains.

One such international chain is Pizza Inn. While visiting the Pizza Inn in Gulshan, the first thing that catches your attention is the ample dimensions of the location.

While you are expecting a loud youthful decor, the reality is quite the opposite with well spaced out arrangements, beautifully encapsulated cubicles to sit with your friends and some roomy tables to accommodate large groups.

The spaciousness ensures that your personal space will not be intruded on.

The overall decor is pleasing to the eye with a combination of enlarged photos of pizzas and subdued lighting. There’s also space for a kid’s zone (not fully functional yet) which is likely to keep

Picks of the day Chicken Tandoori Pizza

This one is for the Indian food lovers and if you happen to be one of those snobbish Italian food addicts, stay away. With a large dose of tandoori style chicken, onions and a bit of coriander all smothered in gooey cheese, this is as Indian as pizzas can get. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t taste like a pizza. It’s like a journey from the streets of Rome to the alleys of Mumbai within one bite.

The meat is tender and wellmarinated, the coriander adds the additional Indian kick and the cheese and tomato mix well with the chicken to make it all the more scrumptious.

bite. It’s also generous in quantity, adequate for two with a side.

Drinks and more

Pasta

Strawberry Jelli Frappe

Be warned, this is not pasta for those who love the baked “pasta” baked from local joints.

With a generous mix of chicken, creamolatta white sauce all topped and baked with cheese, this one might be a bit “bland” for spice lovers, but perfectly moist and flavourful for others. The pasta and the lasagna make a wonderful 1-2 combination.

Gulliver’s Pizza

There’s also a coffee bar providing coffee lovers with a good range of selection. If you have a sweet tooth then Strawberry Jelli Frappe should be your pick. With it’s perfect thickness and flavours very much alike yoghurt, the taste lingers in your mouth for hours.

Lasagna

Chocolate Chip Frappe

the young ones entertained.

The next thing that draws your attention is the creative pizza shaped menu.

The menu is also very enriched with a mixture of different types of Italian food starting from pizzas to pastas and lasagnas to drinks and desserts. The menu isn’t very different structurally from other pizza parlours but there is a variety of food offered, including a tandoori pizza for desi food lovers.

There’s also different sizes in offer from large to single sized pizzas and most importantly the Gulliver pizza which is a mammoth sized 20-inch pizza. The Gulliver pizza is a sight to behold and is the largest pizza in offering in Dhaka.

Enough for a full family, the pizza also lets customers have an opportunity to have four different types of toppings on the same pizza, effectively turning it into four pizzas in one.

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, J U N E 28 , 2014

Finally the Gulliver Pizza, the show stopper. More generously topped than other pizzas, this one, at Tk2,499, is definitely a must have for large 6-8 people gatherings.

You can choose up to four different flavours of pizzas within one. As such it serves to satisfy the palate of the different people in a group.

Lasagna is one of those dishes that you either get right or you don’t.

The slightest bit of difference in cooking and ingredients can make the dish either gooey, dry or perfectly right. This one is definitely perfectly right. While not as cheesy as authentic lasagna, this one is meant for the meat lovers. With large generous layers of properly cooked minced meat in tomato sauce, this one is spicy without overpowering the whole dish and leaves you craving for the next

Pizza Inn is a great addition to all other pizza parlours in Dhaka.

The food is good, the ambience is pleasing, the pricing is reasonable; however, the service could be a bit quicker.

Photos: Tanzeel Abdullah

In case you are craving for something less sugary, then opt for their Chocolate Chip Frappe. Although the drink as a whole is satisfying, the chocolate chips leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

19

Tantalise |

A Journey to the

review

Middle East via Westin | Tausif Sanzum

Photos: Tanzeel Abdullah

Ramadan is coming and so are the endless options for iftar. At Tk4,800, Westin is definitely not the most inexpensive one, but with a large range of signature international dishes, it will definitely be worth the price. The food will take you on a journey from the Middle East to Pakistan, through India winding up in Bangladesh. This range of culinary influences makes the menu one of its kind.

The menu is broadly divided over a juice corner, a cold section, a hot area and a pastry corner. The juice corner has a large variety of options from tge traditional iftar drink Rooh Aafza to lassi, and fresh juices such as orange and mango. For the health conscious, The Westin also offers tomato and yoghurt shooters. All of them are equally refreshing and perfect to quench the thirst during Ramadan.

The cold section also has some new and exciting items. Starting with natural items, many different kinds of fruits will be available along with plain and fruit yoghurt. One of the most exciting dishes on the menu is the poached prunes which are a must try. Poached apricots are also available along with dates.

Different kinds of salads and chaats will also be available. Mediterranean

influences can be traced in the form of Wrake Enab (stuffed vine leaves), Hummus and Motabel.

The hot section also has many signature dishes. What’s iftar without haleem and Westin brings two different types of haleems, mutton and chicken.

Meat lovers can rejoice at the sight of the delicious paya which is a small piece of mutton leg gently stewed in gravy.

Different types of kebabs including the delicious Chicken Tangdi kebab are also available. There are many vegetarian options to balance the meal including vegetable pakoras, tempura, falafel and reshmi paneer kebab.

However, the most inspired section is the pastry corner. Many unique dishes are on offer this year including the delicious Bakhlavas (layers of thin dough with chopped nuts and honey in between), Mahalabia (a Middle Eastern dessert, slightly sweetened and flavoured with milk) and Om Ali. Several other traditional dessert items are also present including Reshmi Jilabi, rice pudding and yoghurt.

So come Ramadan, if you want to try something new and adventure out to the Middle East for an evening, head to Westin.

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20 | news Executive Motors’ BMW showroom On June 22, Executive Motors Ltd. inaugurated their new showroom in Tejgaon Industrial Area. Occupying approximately 4,000sqft of floor space, the new BMW showroom can display up to six BMW cars and has a dedicated BMW lifestyle corner.

On the same day, Executive Motors Ltd. also launched the third generation BMW X5 at their new showroom in Tejgaon.

As the official importer of BMW vehicles in Bangladesh since 2002, Executive Motors Ltd. is part of Meghna Group – a leading business conglomerate in Bangladesh in the area of technology, automobiles, electronic and consumer goods, and more.

Iftar Special at

Pan Pacific Sonargaon This Ramadan, discover the true culinary traditions of iftar at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka. The all day dining restaurant of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka “Café Bazar” is offering delicious iftar buffet from the first day of Ramadan with a wide selection of nourishing dishes. For Tk2,200 per person you can enjoy a variety gourmet of Middle Eastern themes. The iftar buffet at Café Bazar includes a wide selection of sherbets and lassi, fruit cocktail, plain and fruit yoghurt alongside fresh juices of mango, papaya and pineapple, as well as Halim and Jilapi. Other kitchen delicacies include Beef Croquette, Chicken Wings with BBQ sauce, Mutton Kebab, Chicken Shashlic, etc. For more information or to make a reservation please call 8140401.

Ramadan at Dhaka Regency

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and worship, where Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.

There is more to savour during Ramadan as to indulge in a lavish Iftar Buffet cum Dinner and take the advantage of the biggest and special iftar promotions at Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort, a new generation business class hotel ideally located at the commercial area of Nikunja-2, Dhaka.

To mark this special occasion and made to look like an authentic Arabic place, the hotel and its restaurant is going to feature dazzling decoration portraying the essence of Ramadan within the premises and gorgeous seating areas at its Grandiose Restaurant (level 6), perfect for experiencing a extraordinary Iftar Buffet cum Dinner along with the

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unique indoor ambiance.

The professional chefs of the restaurant will gear up for the occasion with a selection of delicious as well as traditional Ramadan Arabic dishes from the Far East and the Mediterranean cuisine with pure Arabic twist, including mouthwatering desserts like Kunafah, Katayef, Basbousa, Golab Jamon, Shwarmas, Sambuseks, Hummus, Mandi, Kabsa, among many other. In addition, there will be platters of Bangladeshi items such as Chola, Piaju, Beguni, Aloo and Dim Chop and Shahi Haleem followed by its widespread dinner buffet.

Dhaka Regency is also offering special discounts and arrangements for the booking on Banquet Iftar events for private, corporate or larger family gatherings at its different types of banquet halls. Please call 01713332623 for the reservation.

2nd Bangladesh Fashion Carnival 2014 Freelancerz in Association with Redcarpet Ltd organizes, An International Exhibition on Branded Clothing & Fashion Products, named as 2nd Bangladesh Fashion Carnival 2014, held from 25 ~ 29 June 2014 at Emmanuelle’s Banquet Hall, Gulshan 1, Dhaka – Bangladesh.

This exhibition is targeted to huge Eid Ul Fitr shopping & carrying a slogan as “Do your EID Shopping with us”.

Profile of Exhibits are Children’s Wear, Clothing [Men/Women],

Fashion wear, Fotuas, Home textile, Knitwear, Kurtas, Lawns, Men’s & Women’s Wear, Premium Clothing, Salwar kameez,3pcs, Shawals, Sherwanis & Wedding Dress, Beauty Aids, Beauty Products & Equipment, Fashion House, Gift & Novelty Items, Hijab, Stylish Borkha etc.

This Expo will be open for General & Trade Visitors from 25 to 29 June 2014 [10.00am to 9.30pm] https://www.facebook.com/ BdFashionCarnival

IGLOO Festival in Sylhet

IGLOO, a concern of Abdul Monem Limited is organising a three day long ice cream festival in Sylhet from June 25 to 27. To beat the scorching heat of summer, the valued clientele of Igloo can consume unlimited ice cream by purchasing an entry ticket at Tk500. On the occasion, a press meet was held where M A Bayes, head of sales of IGLOO said, “Every year we give this opportunity to have unlimited IGLOO ice cream for the consumer of Dhaka city. This year we are giving this grand opportunity to the consumers of Sylhet.” Shamim Ahamed, sr manager and Shah Mostaque Ahamed Sohail, manager of Abdul Monem Limited were present at the press conference.

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