Y Magazine #415, April 7, 2016 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

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COMPETITION

EDITOR’S

NOTE

We’ve got two fun competitions for you to enter this week, both of them involving restaurants. To enter, turn to P14 and P29. Good luck!

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

PROPERTY Despite the critically low oil price, high-quality property developments continue to thrive in the Sultanate, according to the latest research report from Cluttons.

GOING DOWN

MONEY LAUNDERING At least that’s the plan after the Majlis Al Shura this week approved the Anti Money Laundering and Finance of Terrorism Draft Law, which is aimed at stamping out this criminal activity.

THIS WEEK…

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

Fast forward L

ove it or hate it, paid parking is here to stay. As Muscat Municipality finalises a new paid-parking scheme around Seeb Souq, Team Y has discovered that there are plans to introduce it throughout the city. In our cover story this week, we find there are mixed reactions to the hi-tech parking scheme, which will stretch from Ruwi to Azaiba, Ghubra, Bausher and Seeb. While some shopkeepers have welcomed the initiative, saying it will help customers find parking easily and stop illegal parking, other’s say it will be a “menace” – especially if it is introduced in residential areas. However, with the critically low oil price, it is essential for the Sultanate to find other ways to raise revenue, whether it be the looming introduction of value-added tax, an end to the petrol subsidy or even expanding paid-parking schemes around the capital. Not only is it a good move, it will also put an end to the parking chaos that many residents face daily. Elsewhere, we try out stand-up paddling in Outdoors, put Lincoln’s new MKX through its paces in Car of the Week and explore the rocky wonders of Mazare in Destination. Have a great week!

Team Y enjoyed another weekend of exploring, this time stumbling upon a gorgeous secluded beach that is the perfect place to watch the sun go down, took in a little retail therapy and aced our first babysitting job (congratulations, Cia!).

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. APR 06 - 13 / ISSUE 415

contents

APRIL 06 - 13 2016

Your Oman 06 Coffee With Y Suji N.Velayuthan

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman Heather Duncan

16 Movies My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2

10 News VAT In Oman By 2017

18 This Week Nemr Live

Features 20 Meter Made Paid For Parking Spreads Across Muscat 26 Wadi Car Washers Photo Feature

11 Gallery Maserati Levante/The Sultan’s School Charity Art

12 Faces of Oman

15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Amal Thani Al Sinani

Cars and Adventures

Food and Drink 28 Food Feature Marvellous Milk 30 Taste Test Casper & Gambini’s

38 Destination Mazare 40 Outdoors Stand-Up Paddle

Health and Beauty

42 Postcard From Santander, Spain

32 Fashion On The Beach

44 Y-Fi Tot Tech

46 Car Of The Week 34 Beauty Lincoln MKX Great Wave 35 Health Glaucoma

NEXT ISSUE... FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / FOOD / DESTINATION / TRAVEL/ FASHION / OUTDOORS

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Suji Narikal Velayuthan is a multi-talented artist and a dedicated art teacher. Behind his smiling face and generous heart is a story waiting to be told. Alvin Thomas delves deeper

aiting for Suji at the entrance of his school, I was preparing for a brisk interview. I knew I had to grab him during his break because he had already alerted me that he wouldn’t be available for long. He was going to be teaching his class all evening. A few minutes later, an enthusiastic Suji comes out of his class, grabs my hand and takes me inside. “We will be fine here,” he exclaims. “I need to keep an eye on my students today. We have a few newbies who will need me here.” To avoid being distracted by numerous paintings inside, I quickly settle down on one of the backbenches, and finally get set for our interview. One of his works, depicting a woman being attacked by eagles, catches my eye. I ask him to describe the story behind it. “A bit disturbing, isn’t it?” he asks. “This picture draws the emotions of a woman being chained down by our society.” He further explains how the eagle symbolises the various trials and tribulations faced by women on a daily basis. Digging into his past, I learn he inherited his awareness of women’s issues from his mother, Rajamma. Born in Perumbavoor, a municipality in the district of Ernakulam, Kerala, Suji says when he was six, the family was devastated by a medical error that paralysed his father’s legs. This meant his mother had to work odd hours through the night to support the family. When he was 15, Suji had to take on some responsibility for the needs of his parents. It meant putting aside his passion for arts and crafts to work as a metal worker, making idols for his temple, alongside his studies. In the following years, he

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joined Chitralaya, an institute of fine arts in Kerala, in 1992. He continued to support his family by acting and singing in dramas and musicals, joining local companies as an amateur and playing support characters to earn some money. Suji then went to Mumbai in 1996 to learn metal design. His expertise in metal work was put into practice when he was asked to inject some of his artistry into the Lion Capital of Ashoka (the official emblem of India) at the High Court of Kerala in Kochi. Suji had to lay the metal plate on fine sand and use trial-and-error methods with a hammer to create the statue because he couldn’t afford the appropriate tools. His passion to pursue teaching came to life when he joined Greets Public School, an American management school in Kerala, as an instructor. The drive and skill he showed there inspired many of his students to pursue art as a major in the coming years, he says. His enthusiasm as a teacher also led to him being invited by friends to teach students in Oman. Obliging, he made his way to Oman in 2008. Since then, he worked briefly at an Omani school in Ghala, before taking a full-time position as an art teacher at Kalamandalam, an art institute in Ghubra (it also has a branch in Ruwi). Currently, he has more than 100 students, from whom he says there is always something to learn. Suji, 38, teaches students everything from charcoal painting, coffee painting, solar-wood artistry and scalpel painting to more traditional art forms such as sketching and colouring. In addition, Suji creates chocolate models in malls across Oman, such as the camel pictured above left. Sponsored by Tiffany & Co, he creates structures using more than 200kg of chocolate.

Omani houses, the Burj Khalifa and other Islamic structures are some of the works that he has exhibited over the years. The artist has also put on more than five exhibitions in Oman featuring his students’ work. He says his most recent exhibition, entitled Magic Fingers, had around 50 participants and welcomed up to 500 visitors. He is now drawing up plans for an exhibition later this year. But before I can ask him anything about it, his work sidetracks him. The buzzing class needs him now so I decide to cut the interview short by asking him if he has anything to say about the recent shift in the interests of youngsters across the country. “Today’s youth is very talented,” he says. “The advent of smartphones and other electronics may have crippled the minds of youngsters but I believe creativity will always find a way to inspire the youth, be it through canvas, or the screen of a smartphone. You just have to find a way for it to take shape.” Have you got a unique story to tell or do you know someone who has? Contact us to have coffee with Y and be featured in Y Magazine. Email: editor@y-oman.com

THE VOICE OF OMAN THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE ARE OFTEN FREE, SAYS HEATHER DUNCAN

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

“Should there be harsher penalties for unsafe driving on Oman’s roads?”

ith only a few weeks of enjoyable outdoor weather remaining before summer descends and the city heats up, I’ve been trying to cram in every outdoor activity possible. While enjoying some of Oman’s best attractions, I’m struck by how many things there are to do and how they can be accomplished, even on a tight budget. Recently, I have swum in fresh wadi pools after the rainfall, scrambled rocky cliffs to explore ancient forts, spotted amazing marine life along the coast from a stand-up paddle board and flown kites on Shatti beach. Paying for fuel and making a picnic for the day duly done, I was good to go. Were you to attempt a family day out in Europe – at the Tower of London or the Palace of Versailles – you would most likely have an empty wallet and tears in your eyes at the eye-watering cost. If travelling alone, high ticket prices and eating on your tod at a vastly over-inflated sum can start to pall after a while. In Oman, you can do so many things; like visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Wadi Dayqah Dam, the Bimmah Sinkhole and numerous wadis without paying for the pleasure. The whole family can get involved in the fun due to the safe, clean environment in this country. So, with only a few weeks of bearable weather left, pack a picnic, get outdoors and appreciate what we have right in front of us without breaking the bank.

‪JAYASHREE KRISHNAN ‬‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪

Paying a fine doesn’t have much impact. I feel that the warning of a driving ban for a few months and then forcing drivers to reapply for their licences could be more effective.

‪SYED BOKHARI‬‬

Harsher penalties aren’t a solution to unsafe driving on Oman’s roads. It’s the ROP’s basic duty to look into this matter seriously. Harsher penalties and jailing offenders won’t make any difference unless an age limit can be introduced. Secondly, the reckless drivers tend to come from rich families who pay the fines and care little for the lives of others. It is high time institutions gave proper lessons and issued written tests to offending drivers before their licences are re-issued. The licenses of all very careless and dangerous drivers should be revoked.

‪‪MUSHTAQ H QAZI ‬‬ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‪‬‪

Absolutely. You never think that someone’s stupidity can change your life forever but it can. A suspended licence and a fine changes little for the driver. Oman needs to do more to deter others from ruining innocent people’s lives. Harsher punishments should reflect the suffering a driver has caused to his victim. More severe penalties may cause someone to think twice before they drive carelessly.

‪USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬

There should be more stringent measures interwoven with harsher penalties to deter unsafe driving on Oman roads. This is indisputable as we are talking about human

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lives, with Oman having a dubious record for road accidents, with the critical injuries and fatalities caused as a result. In fact, the penalties should not be just in monetary terms as some people are often unaware they have even been fined, having delegated making any payment to their staff. For a serious offence, the penalty should be imprisonment.

WAFAA EL ANANY ‬‬ ‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‬‪

Harsher penalties will not always work. You never think that someone’s stupidity could change your life forever. Drivers need to truly understand the implications of their decisions before driving recklessly. People sitting in the driver’s seat must always be aware that their loved ones are waiting for them to arrive at their destination safely. Moreover, the driver must realise that his or her carelessness and ignorance can have irrevocable consequences. Patience and a greater degree of concentration will keep us and others safe. Drivers must know that traffic rules are in place for a reason.

SYEDA FATIMA WARSI SAIKIA ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬

Use advertising on the roadside, on highways especially, depicting the results of an accident with a hard-hitting message like: “This may happen to you. Take care and drive safely.”

JANICE DCRUZ‬‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‬‪

No amount of harsher penalties can make driving safer. Rather, an awareness campaign should be created to show the dangers of ignoring traffic regulations. Every driver who speeds should realise that he is not only putting his life in danger but also the lives of others. Very often we see drivers switching lanes at high speeds without using their indicator lights. Many drivers do not have handsfree mobiles and use their devices in one hand and drive with the other. Some even drive through amber lights.

DR RAO SUDDAPALLI ‬‬‬‪‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‬‪

This vexatious menace of unsafe driving and higher penalties has been a contentious issue for far too long and particularly in this country. It remains to be seen whether or not more severe penalties, such as a jail sentence would be a deterrent. As far as Oman goes, I feel there are two classes of culprits.

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One is the habitual offender; the other is one who makes a driving error inadvertently or out of necessity. Either way, it is treated as a crime. Someone who has made a minor mistake should not be treated as harshly as someone who has offended repeatedly, putting other lives in danger. Despite the best efforts from the authorities with regard to infrastructure, enforcement and driver awareness, it simply isn’t enough. The next step should be a harsher penalty system in which imprisonment is a real possibility for offenders. The penalty system as it stands is insufficient for ensuring safety on Oman’s roads.

ANTONY VETTIYAZHICKAL JOSEPH ‬‬‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‬‪

Life should be made miserable for unsafe drivers in Oman by making penalties harsher. No more retraining, counselling or awareness; offenders should be jailed. There are some drivers for whom motoring is just for play, which results in mad, bad and dangerous driving. If necessary, they should be banned from driving for life.

STEVEN WILEMAN ‬ ‬‪‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‬‪

Bring in a points system, the fines are not much of a deterrent to the wealthy. The risk of losing one’s licence in a country where driving is almost a necessity will undoubtedly force people to improve.

BILAL MOIN ‬ ‬

Penalties wouldn’t be a suitable solution to control unsafe driving. Drivers need to be educated on safety rules and driving regulations. Pamphlets issued by the ROP are available at petrol stations and shopping malls. It’s a pity more people don’t pick them up and read them.

SALAH BINTE HALA

Punishment should fit the crime. It’s that simple. There should be more education and an age limit on eligibility for driving

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licences. Changes in the law should be made to give the public some faith in the justice system.

MONIKA KAUSHIK ‬ Ask about the importance of life from a family who has lost a loved one to a road accident. The victim might well have been the breadwinner with a large family to support. It’s a fundamental requirement of humanity to ensure safety on the roads. There should be harsher penalties for reckless driving on Oman’s highways, so those who do observe the rules of the road can drive with confidence without any fear of accidents.

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New Debate: “Oman is set to be the first GCC country to introduce a Value Added Tax. Is this a good idea and why?” Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

AMIT KUMAR was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine at home in Muscat

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE‬‬

The ROP should only issue a valid driver’s licence to those individuals who are 21 years of age and above, and who pass both the written and actual driving tests. I suggest a written driving test other than the barrels and slopes test and actual driving exam. Secondly, penalties should depend on how serious the driving offence is. If it is speeding, not wearing a seat belt and other relatively minor offences, a light penalty such as a fine of RO20 should be imposed and the licence confiscated for a week. If the offence consists of running a red light and driving without a licence, a fine of RO50, driver’s licence confiscated for a month and three days’ imprisonment. If it is an offence which caused a death, the penalty should be revocation and lifetime non-renewal of the licence, maximum five years’ imprisonment, and obligatory payment of damages to the family of the deceased. Road and traffic regulations should be implemented equally to both Omanis and expatriates.

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APR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 415

YOUR

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Gallery

Interview

OMAN SET TO INTRODUCE VAT IN 2017

O M

wasalat has reached a major milestone, announcing that it has carried 1.1 million passengers since it began operations on November 22 last year. The most popular route is Ruwi-Mabela, which saw 580,000 passengers use the public bus service. This was followed by the Ruwi-Wadi Kabir route with 390,000 passengers and Ruwi-Wadi Uddy with 127,000. Mwasalat says public demand for the bus service is higher than expected, with a majority of the passengers being expatriates representing a variety of nationalities. The company wants to encourage more people to switch to public transport in a bid to reduce the number of cars on the road to lower traffic congestion, noise and harmful emissions. The company, which is currently in an expansion phase, this week launched a new route from Ruwi-Al Amerat. Mwasalat added that it would launch routes from Ruwi-Muttrah-Muscat and Al Khoudh-Sultan Qaboos University-Burj Al Sahwa by the middle of this year.

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NEWS

man is set to become the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to implement Value Added Tax (VAT), as it draws up the final touches to the draft law. An unnamed official was quoted by local media as saying that VAT would be introduced by mid-2017. Key sectors such as health, education and social services may not be included in the new tax net. However, following its implementation, all consumers are expected to pay VAT, which may hit five per cent for certain sectors, such as tobacco, telecom, hotels and recreational vehicles.

“The decision is to exempt some foods, approximately 94 items. We have also agreed to apply zero rates on health care and education sectors,” the

AIRPORT TAXIS

FITTED WITH ELECTRONIC

METERS

n what can only be good news for passengers, Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) has introduced a new electronic payment system for all airport taxis. Speaking to local media, an unnamed official from OAMC was quoted as saying that the installation of new taxi meters was in line with the new strategy of the company. “The taxi meter system will not raise the usual taxi fees, but will help in regulating the taxis,

official told local media. It is estimated that VAT would add about RO300 million every year to state coffers. Earlier, Darwish bin Ismail bin Ali al Balushi, the Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs, was quoted as saying that GCC countries have reached an initial agreement to start applying VAT at five per cent by 2018. The minister said some amendments to the tax could be made before 2018, but the planned rate would remain unchanged. “Business communities feel VAT, although conceptually simple, is very complex in practice,” he said. In December last year, the Majlis Al Shura voted for a three per cent increase in corporate income tax, from 12 per cent to 15 per cent, after approval from the State Council in January. GCC-member countries have long been exempted from taxes and this comes as a huge step as many are forced to introduce austerity measures to decrease dependency on the petrodollar.

while enhancing the overall transparency in the system,” he added. Earlier, the head of transportation at OAMC confirmed the implementation of the new service in all taxis operating out of Muscat International Airport, which became operational last Friday. Fares will start from RO6 and increase at a rate of 200 baisa per kilometer. The new payment structure is in line with the previous pricing, but provides better transparency to passengers using the taxis and avoids any confusion as passengers now deal with the company, as opposed to the driver directly. In addition to metered taxis, OAMC will also offer dropoffs to destinations outside of Muscat. Prices for this service will be determined by a fixed-fee system that starts at RO15 for a trip to Barka, before topping out at RO250 for a ride all the way to Salalah. OAMC also offers taxi booking facilities and details of the new fare structures on its website at www.omanairports. co.om. Passengers can also call +968 24341297 or email taxi@omanairports.com for more information. Suleiman al Jardani, who represents Muscat’s orange and white taxi drivers, was quoted in local media this week as saying that they welcomed the move.

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ART WITH HEART

ITALIAN CAR COMPANY MASERATI INTRODUCED ITS GROUNDBREAKING LEVANTE, THE FIRST SUV OF THE BRAND, IN AN HISTORIC LAUNCH AT THE SHANGRILA BARR AL JISSAH RESORT AND SPA

WORKS OF ART FROM DIFFERENT MEDIUMS SELECTED FOR THE SULTAN’S SCHOOL CHARITY AUCTION TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER ARE ON DISPLAY AT THE STAL GALLERY IN MSQ UNTIL APRIL 14.

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011

aces of

Oman

Welcome to Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weekly photo series that profiles the diverse characters who call the Sultanate home Name: Khaderbakhsh Baluch Age: 58 From: Baluchistan Occupation: Has worked in the same car decoration shop since arriving in Oman in 1987

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Photo: Shaquel al Balushi

GALLERY

YOUR

CLEAN OMAN

OMAN

COMPETITION

VOLUNTEERS FROM BANK NIZWA AND ESO HAVE BEEN OUT AND ABOUT HELPING TIDY UP OMAN IN THE DAYMANIYAT ISLANDS AND AND ON AZAIBA BEACH

A festival celebrating all things relating to Sri Lankan food will be kicking off at the Al Falaj Hotel in Muscat next week. The Sri Lankan Food Products & Culinary Show will run from April 13-18 and is being held to mark the dawn of the Sri Lankan New Year, traditionally welcomed on April 14. Guests to the hotel in Ruwi will be entertained with a host of food and musical festivities, including a food market with live cooking stalls and a tea shop. There will also be a live band and Channa Upuli dancers

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performing on a stage. The show’s times are from 7pm10pm daily. Entrance is RO10 net per person (inclusive of buffet) and RO5 for children aged between five and 12 years. To join in the fun, Y has teamed up with the Al Falaj Hotel to offer you a chance to win a RO20 voucher to spend at the hotel. We’ve got two vouchers to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: “What is happening at Al Falaj Hotel from April 13-18”? Email your answers to editor@y-oman.com by Monday, April 11. Winners will be announced in the next issue.

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

DRIVEN TO

SUCCESS

After studying at Waljat College of Applied Sciences for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and HR, Amal Thani al Sinani took over as the head of training and development at the Port of Duqm. Five years later, she decided to expand her reach by training professionals all over the country. Today, she is the executive director of Al Nawras Training & Development, on a mission to help other people have successful careers

Q: What drives you to success? Success is not something I take for granted. I believe that by taking up new challenges and striving hard, I can achieve my goals. Moreover, my 17 years of service in the field of training and development has given me the confidence to take up that challenge and put it to practice. Q: Who or what has been your inspiration in your career? Believe it or not, it is the people who try hindering my growth as a professional that motivate me to strive forward. I know people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean to harm me, but the idea of becoming a stronger person by putting in extra effort to prove that I am a better individual is what inspires me to move upwards.

THE CAR IS A COMPLETE PACKAGE. IT IS GREAT IN TERMS OF HANDLING DYNAMICS, SO IT IS FUN TO DRIVE. IT ALSO HAS ALL THE LUXURY AND TECHNOLOGY THAT GOES INTO THE MAKING OF A PREMIUM VEHICLE Q: Career-wise, where do you plan to be in 10 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time? I am currently working to promote Al Nawras Training & Development to higher levels. I would like to see the institution grow into an international player, training individuals all over the GCC to become better professionals.

What do you like about the Centennial, the premium series of Hyundai Motor Company? The car is a complete package. It is great in terms of handling dynamics, so it is fun to drive. It also has all the luxury and technology that goes into the making What are your career goals? of a premium vehicle. My goal is to work with Omanis and train them However, the best aspect of the vehicle is its design. It to become competitive internationally. We have a has a road presence that is lot of capable individuals who are not given the opportunity to work to their full potential due to the unmistakable. It commands lack of training. Also, I would like to strive for a PhD attention, so when you drive in Managing Human Resources to achieve green this vehicle, you should get ready to be noticed! goals in the oil and gas sector. What is your biggest career success to date? Becoming the executive director of Al Nawras Training & Development has been one of my biggest career leaps. My position in the institution gives me the opportunity to impart my knowledge to some like-minded people.

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MOVIES MOVIES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.com Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641

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My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 If you’re old enough to remember the original My Big Fat Greek Wedding when it was released in 2002, you may well be excited at the thought of a sequel. The story of unmarried Greek thirtysomething Toula (Nia Vardolas) who, to her family’s horror, falls in love with the tall, handsome Ian, a non-Greek, was charming and bighearted. It was also romantic comedy gold, making US$369 million (RO142 million). Fourteen years later, Toula and Ian are back. Here’s the first problem. The fact it has taken 14 years for a sequel might be a clue that no one really wanted one. Anyway, Toula and Ian (John Corbett) are still together and have a rebellious teenage daughter, Paris (Elena Kampouris). They’re juggling the pressures of parenting with trying to keep the spark in their marriage. Then it emerges that Toula’s parents, Gus and Maria, owners of Dancing Zorba’s restaurant, aren’t actually married. A forgetful priest forgot to sign the marriage certificate 50 years before.

And this can mean only one thing: it’s time for another Big Fat Greek Wedding. Chaos ensues as the entire Portokalos clan comes together again for an almighty celebration. In the original, Vardolas was the star and writer at the centre of the plot. This time, Vardolas (who also wrote the sequel) is relegated to a supporting role and the result is a loss of focus, with no clear thread running through the film. The gags come thick and fast, but the nuanced humour of the original has gone. While it’s still a sweet movie, the freshness of the first film has gone stale. One of the subplots sees Paris, 17, fighting pressure to date a fellow Greek boy while struggling with her heritage and cultural identity. Sound familiar? There are some bright spots, notably Andrea Martin as Toula’s thoroughly un-PC Aunt Voula. But on this showing, it might be wise not to expect a My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 in another 14 years. Review by Kate Ginn

PREVI EW

THE JUNGLE BOOK 3D

Rudyard Kipling’s classic is brought to life in 3D in this live-action epic adventure from Disney. The visual effects, featuring talking CGI animals, are stunning and in the hands of director John Favreau, who helmed Iron Man and the huge family hit Elf, the story of an orphaned boy, Mowgli, raised in the jungle by a family of wolves since birth is beautifully told. More than a reboot of the 1967 animated original, this should delight old fans and open up the book to a whole new generation. Lending their voices to the animals are Ben Kingsley (Bagheera the panther); Bill Murray (Baloo the bear); Scarlett Johansson (Kaa, a slithery python) and Idris Elba (the fearsome tiger, Shere Khan).

IN W O T E C N CHA R U O Y B A R S G T E K C I T A INEM C Y T I C R U FO

Britain loves an underdog and no one would exemplify this more than Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards, who overcame hurdles the size of mountains to become an unlikely skijumping hero. How a milk-drinking plasterer managed to steal the show at the 1998 Calgary Winter Olympics was a triumph of sheer persistence. Based on his story, we follow Eddie (played by Taron Egerton from

With two heavyweights such as Al Pacino and Anthony Hopkins onboard, this should have been a treat. Sadly, both have had better days. In this forgettable thriller, an ambitious young lawyer, Ben (Josh Duhamel) gets in over his head when he takes on the powerful executive of a large pharmaceutical company (Hopkins), a billionaire accused of covering up hundreds of deaths caused by one of his products. Pacino, hamming up the melodrama, is the law firm’s head honcho. The plot – featuring kidnapping, betrayal and murder – is convoluted with too many twists and turns to mention.

KIA AND KA

Translated as “Hers and His”, this romantic comedy-drama about a young, married couple – written, produced and directed by R. Balki – has had mixed reviews. Its overall premise should resonate among today’s liberal, urban young Indians; concerning the gender roles placed upon men and women in Indian society. Kareena Kapoor is Kia, a career woman focused on climbing the corporate ladder at a marketing firm. Her husband Ka (Arjun Kapoor, taking on a role that not all male actors would) is content to be the house husband. This role reversal works well until Ka becomes something of a celebrity on social media and begins to develop ambitions of his own. Some of the writing could have been a bit tighter and critics have accused of it not being “sharp” or “deep” enough, but terrific performances from the two leads make it very watchable.

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN, just answer a question based on the week’s cinema reviews and send your answer to info@y-oman.com, along with your name and contact information.

Contact: Movie enquiries 24607360

MAR 24 - 30 / ISSUE 413

Misconduct

Muscat International Film Festival Choice

Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions, see voucher.

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Kingsman: The Secret Service) on his journey of discovery, aided by a fictional (an amalgamation of all Eddie’s 20 or so coaches) mentor (Hugh Jackman, in fine form) with something to prove. It’s a heartwarming, funny and inspirational movie that is well worth watching.

Brought to you by

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who voices the character of Baloo the bear in the new The Jungle Book movie? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Mohanan Anandan

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

COFFEE Arto Atako WITH WGO

APR 12

Fancy a cup of coffee? Why not meet new people in the process and make the most of it? Join the Women’s Guild in Oman at their decades-old tradition of keeping in touch with members over coffee at various hotspots around Muscat. This time, they’ll be gathering at Kargeen Caffe in Madinat Qaboos from 10am. Go to womensguildoman.com for more info.

Comex is back in town! Promising a wider range of gadgets and exhibits on display than last year, the 26th edition of the Information and Communications technology fair will open at 10am. Catch the latest in the world of technology and learn from local inventors and engineers showcasing their gadgets. The fourday event at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Seeb is worth a visit. For details, check out comex.om

WEEK

WHAT TO DO.

WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

Let loose the romantic in you this month as the fabulous Vienna State Opera presents Werther Opera by Jules Massenet, the story of a love triangle. Staged by the RomanianAmerican director Andrei Serban, you can catch the performance on three nights at the Royal Opera House Muscat. Curtain rises at 7.30pm. Ticket prices start at RO10. To book and find out more, go to rohmuscat.org.om

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APR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 415

Love Trio

THIS

Aprl 13

Power Up

If painting is your child’s thing, make sure you check out MuscArt’s Paint like… Frida and Diego workshop. It will explore the work of the late Mexican painters, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and their contributions to 20th-century Mexican art. The workshop will take place over four sessions at the MuscArt Centre in Ghubra and is aimed at youngsters aged six to nine. Prices start from RO80, which will cover the cost of equipment. Find out more at muscart.net

Apr 14 - 16

Movies

TROY

Chris Fisher sees a spectacular version of the legendary Greek tale at the Royal Opera House Muscat

ver since I was a little boy, I’ve been fascinated by the story of Troy and the tales of ancient battles between warring nations. My imagination would take me into the world of Paris, the most handsome young man in the world; his love of Helen of Troy and the towering Trojan horse. I was intrigued to see how the story would play out using the medium of dance. Fire of Anatolia is a Turkish group comprised of 120 dancers and several choreographers and technicians brought together by Mustafa Erdogan, the director/choreographer. The legend of Troy has been passed down through generations from more than 3,000 years ago; the story of Troy, Achilles and the Wooden Horse has become a legend. It wasn’t necessary to know the story of Troy beforehand as the performance featured vocal Arabic narration translated into English. What I hadn’t expected was how dynamic the dancing would be. I was blown away by the strength and athleticism of the male dancers who performed mesmerising moves, leaping into the air and landing on their knees. The choreography of the fight scenes, in particular, was amazing; you could see the sparks coming off the swords as the Trojans and Achaeans fought. It was fast, frenetic and utterly breathtaking. The staging was simple, letting the dance take centre stage, relying on projection to bring Ancient Greece to life. Skilful use of props portrayed the movement of the sea or a ship. Equally impressive were the costumes; elegant and regal, capturing the essence of the time. Of course, what the audience – including me – was really waiting for was the arrival of the Trojan Horse, the wooden equine statue built by the Greeks to trick their way into Troy. We had to wait until the final scene, but it didn’t disappoint. The horse was humungous and it filled the stage, giving a sense of the scale of the construction. And the moment when the subterfuge was revealed and the warriors burst forth from the horse was superbly done. The audience absolutely loved it. My only disappointment was that the story of how Achilles came to be killed after supposedly being immortal wasn’t explained properly. It turns out that when his mother, Thetis, gave him immortality by dipping him into the River Styx, she held him by the heel, thereby making it his one area of vulnerability, hence “the Achilles heel”. Legend has it that he died when Paris shot an arrow into his heel at the end of the Trojan War.

Happy Thursday

Gallery

Enter your weekend on a high with Nemr. Well known for his stand-up comedy routine and for being featured on the cover of Rolling Stone (Middle East edition) for his television show, Stand-Up Comedy Revolution, Nemr has become a sensation. Brought to you by Alive Entertainment, the Lebanese/American funnyman is on his Middle East StandUp Comedy Tour. Catch him live at the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel. An 18+ only event. Tickets are available at Mackenzie’s Café and Deli in Madinat Qaboos. Tickets RO20-RO40.

For details of forthcoming performances at the Royal Opera House Muscat, visit rohmuscat.org.om

APR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 415

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A New Era Begins AS MUSCAT MUNICIPALITY INTRODUCES A PAID-PARKING SCHEME ACROSS THE CAPITAL, ALVIN THOMAS FINDS THERE ARE MIXED REACTIONS TO THE PLAN

icture this: you head out to buy your favourite weekly treat from the popular Omani Halwa shop in Ghubra. Of course, you take your car. And in an almost miraculous turn of events, you find a parking spot immediately and head inside the shop. You pay the shopkeeper for your halwa and head back to your car, happy that your errand hasn’t taken as long this time. But as you approach your car, you notice something on the windshield. You groan – it’s a parking ticket. If you’ve been to Ruwi, you’d know that this is an everyday scenario. However, making their way to Azaiba, Ghubra, and Seeb this year are paid-parking meters – and they are impossible to miss. Wrapped in cardboard and plastic, these are boxes you will be spending time and money on. “For the past few months, I have been seeing workers installing grey meters across Azaiba and Ghubra,” says Nasser, a shopkeeper from Azaiba. “They have been wiring the machines down

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and covering them with cardboard boxes for some sort of a grand unveiling,” he says. In truth, it is a lack of awareness about the project that is causing a lot of confusion among residents of the capital. What Nasser and many others have spotted are the new parking meters that are due to begin operations soon. Currently being installed in parts of Azaiba, Ghubra and around Seeb Souq, this initiative is expected to help counter the effects of low oil prices that have made a dent in government coffers. But in the wake of the oil crisis, many are asking if purchasing and operating these expensive machines is the answer to bridging the budget deficit. Or is there another reason behind these parking meters? For starters, the blue parking meters that have for years served areas such as Ruwi, the Muttrah Business District (MBD), CBD and Wadi Kabir will be pushed aside by the newer machines that are more advanced and flexible in terms of payment options and user-friendliness. Residents will be treated to newer technologies such as touch-enabled screens and faster processing of tickets. Also, payments can now be made by coins, bank notes or even contactless

bankcards, such as PayPass and Visa, and Near Field Communication (NFC) for Apple Pay. This move, however, has seen fairly mixed views from the public on the feasibility of pay-and-park services in residential areas. “Parking meters are a menace,” says Taariq, a student from Ghubra. “If these parking meters are going to be placed in front of my building, then I will have to search for some other parking spot away from these meters.” He adds: “I cannot afford to pay one rial daily for a month when my pocket money is less than 50 rials.” Students such as Taariq are not the only ones who have developed an aversion towards the new parking meters. Ayub Mohammed, the owner of a bookshop in Ghubra,

says he is furious about the new parking meters. “I am not happy to pay for parking in any part of Oman,” Ayub says. “This is my country and I should not be made to pay for using the services I am promised as a Omani.” Ayub adds that the implementation of paid-parking services at times of financial instability caused by increasing taxes and fuel prices are going to hurt him and that it is an “unacceptable waste of money”. Ameen al Balushi owns a coffee shop in Azaiba. Pointing towards the not yet active parking meter adjacent to his shop, he says that asking his customers to pay for parking near his business is an appalling move from the authorities. “The majority of my business comes from people stopping for coffees or sodas,” he says. “My customers are not going to come to my store if I ask them to pay for parking.”

PAID PARKING IN THE GCC ● Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) charges as much as AED2 (200 baisa) for 30 minutes of parking, while zone-seasonal parking tickets can range from AED1,400 (RO140) to AED8,000 (RO800) annually. ● Abu Dhabi’s Mawaqif service runs 24 hours a day, year-round. The parking service was introduced in the UAE’s capital in 2010. ● Saudi Arabia’s Mawgif service extends to onstreet parking, car parks and airport parking. Prices for availing paid-parking services in Dammam and Alkhobar costs SAR2 (200 baisa) per hour. ● Countries such as Kuwait and Bahrain incorporate long- and short-term parking schemes in airports.

APR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 415

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Speaking to local media recently, an official from Muscat Municipality said it was looking to increase parking fines from RO3 to RO5, adding that some motorists pay for 30 minutes or an hour but keep the car parked all day. “For such a violation, the fine has been proposed at RO5,” he was quoted as saying. “It has been proposed that fines for non-payment of parking fees will be raised from RO3 to RO10.” Y contacted Muscat Municipality to ask about the launch of the paid-parking scheme, but had not received a reply at the time of going to press. While the real reason behind the new parking meters is to stratify parking within the governorates, people are also raising questions about the RO3 fine imposed on wrongdoers. “Is three rials a deterrent to the parking situation in the country?” asks Abraham, a part-time student in the UK who now works in Baushar. “In countries like the UK and Germany, the fines for a Harish, a store manager at a shopping centre in Azaiba, is also against parking incident can be close to 40 euros [RO18].” the move, asking the authorities to step up and execute a plan that Aside from the heavier fines, Abraham says that the towing and prohibits charging people when availing services from small businesses. clamping of vehicles are methods of penalising parking offenders in “Asking small grocery stores and coffee shops to pay for the customer’s the UK. He recalls an instance when he had to retrieve his vehicle parking would be unfair,” he says. “The municipality should come up from the police after it was towed away because his relative had parked with a plan that would exclude small businesses and target bigger and in a spot for the disabled. established companies around Oman.” However, some are already hailing the service as a “hit” because it Currently, Muscat Municipality offers could potentially encourage more people to use the passes starting from RO5 for monthly parking. public bus system, which would mean fewer cars on Additionally, residents can also opt for a RO10 pack the roads. that allows them to park in two locations, or for Saji Mathew, a former resident of Dubai who RO10, avail hassle-free parking across the Sultanate now lives in Muscat, says the paid-parking system for one month. is one of the best ways to get people to use public Meanwhile, residents of Ghubra and Ruwi say transport. that officials frequently conduct checks on vehicles “I believe Oman’s attempts at introducing parked in pay-and-park zones, in which offenders Mwasalat and now paid-parking systems roughly are hit with a RO3 fine if they haven’t paid for their at the same time as a move by the Municipality to parking. get people to use the public transport system more While the new parking meters have garnered I BELIEVE OMAN’S often,” Saji says. some criticism, others are also supportive of the Many residents are also happy about the scheme, ATTEMPTS AT scheme. Welcoming the new parking system, INTRODUCING MWASALAT saying it will help improve the parking structure in Mohammed Ehab, a computer engineer who lives AND NOW PAID-PARKING congestion-prone residential areas. in Ghubra, says it is a good idea. Issa Said, a former government employee, says SYSTEMS ROUGHLY AT THE “Coming back home after a 10-hour shift only to SAME TIME AS A MOVE BY the implementation of parking fees in areas such find no parking near my building is really irritating,” THE MUNICIPALITY TO GET as Seeb and Azaiba could be a move to clean up says Mohammed. “Once these meters start billing, PEOPLE TO USE THE PUBLIC parking lots from illegal second-hand car dealers I think people will be a little more considerate and and private owners parking their heavy vehicles. TRANSPORT SYSTEM park elsewhere.” Hunain, the owner of a used-car showroom in MORE OFTEN Deepu Pillai, a manager at Al Maha International Azaiba, says he sees the parking meters as a good Hotel in Ghubra, agrees and says his company is ready to welcome the move by the Municipality to crackdown on illegal car dealers who paid-parking service in the areas surrounding his hotel. don’t pay taxes or showroom rent. “In areas such as Seeb and Ruwi, “Some drivers park their cars and vans in our parking for days at a you can see a lot of unregistered dealers selling vehicles to the public,” stretch,” Deepu tells Y. “The introduction of parking meters in this region he says. will surely get rid of these people.” Oman is not the first country in the GCC to implement mandatory He adds that his company will be happy to pay the monthly parking paid parking. Countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia adopted fee of RO5. “Yes, the parking fees will cost a few hundred more rials, paid-parking services years ago; while hi-tech paid parking is currently but having our vehicles close to our hotel means we don’t need to park being expanded across Qatar. However, as Oman enters a new era of elsewhere,” he says. paid parking, it is still too soon to judge if the service will be a success. A walk around Seeb Souq also reveals happy shopkeepers, who tell Y But love it or hate it, it is safe to say that paid parking is here to stay. that the parking meters will rid the area of owners of cars who park for long hours adjacent to shops. “For years, we have been asking the Municipality to fix the parking problem in the souq,” says Haider, who owns a watch shop. “These parking meters will surely solve our problem as people will not leave their cars for long without thinking twice.” Suresh, another shop owner in the souq, says he wants to see the Municipality tighten the fines imposed on parking offenders. “I don’t mind if the authorities increase the fines from RO3 to RO10,” he says. Earlier last month, Muscat Municipality released a proposal to hike parking rates across all areas of all governorates from 50 baisa to 100 baisa for 30 minutes. It also planned an increase in fees for drivers using SMS parking services from 60 baisa to 100 baisa for 30 minutes.

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HOW TO PAY FOR YOUR PARKING: ● Blue Meters: The blue meters only accept 25 and 50 baisa coins as ● Xxxxxx: txxxxxxxxxxxx payment. Step 1: Select language on the button next to screen. Step 2: Put coins (25 or 50 baisa). Step 3: Select desired time: press the Blue button for every 30 minutes you want to add to your parking ticket. Step 4: Press the Green button to receive ticket. Step 5: Place ticket carefully on the top of the car’s dashboard to avoid confusion, which could result in a fine. ● Grey Meters: The grey meters accept coins, bank notes, cards and NFC payment. They are due to begin service soon. Step 1: Select language on touch screen. Step 2: Use bank note, coins, contactless banking card or Apple Pay for payment. Step 3: Select desired time for parking from screen. Step 4: Press the Green button to receive ticket. Step 5: Place ticket carefully on the top of the car’s dashboard to avoid confusion, which could result in a fine.

● Mobile Parking Service: Step 1: Enter your Car Number and Car Code (registration number) followed by duration required in minutes (in multiples of 30 to a maximum of 300) as the following e.g. 1234 AB 30. Step 2: Send the message to 90091, following which you will receive a confirmation message including the time that has been reserved for your car parking. Step 3: For inquiries about the remaining time, send “TIME” to 90091. Cost: The cost of every SMS parking is 60 baisa per 30 minutes. ● For help about how to use mobile parking service, send “HELP” to 90091. ● Five minutes before your parking-ticket expires, you will receive a reminder message. ● iMuscat Service (Apple iPhone users only): In addition to the SMS services, Apple iPhone users can download the iMuscat application to pay for parking. Users will have to register a free account with the Muscat Municipality before using the services of the application. Step 1: Select the time required in hours and minutes using the graphical interface. Step 2: Click send. This will send a message to Muscat Municipality’s SMS gateway. You may have to confirm any additional dialogues that appear on your screen. Step 3: You will receive a message of confirmation and a message five minutes prior to expiration. The iMuscat Service allows users to find their cars using the “Where I Parked” feature.

APR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 415

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WADI WASHERS It’s free, fun and social. Shaquel al Balushi joins the weekend washers who have found a unique way to clean their own cars 026

APR 07 – 13 / ISSUE 415

ake your way to a wadi at the weekend and you’ll find the usual mix of families enjoying picnics, urban dwellers taking a break from the city in their 4x4s and trekkers exploring the area. You’ll also find another distinctive group of people; the ones that I’ve dubbed “The Wadi Car Washers”. These men – they all tend to be men – have taken advantage of what nature has given them, in the form of fresh water running through the wadi, and turned it into a natural car wash. You can find them working at the wadi car wash on most of their days off work. These impromptu gatherings can always be found in Wadi Amerat, near my home, at the weekends. Ever since Tropical Cyclone Gonu hit Oman in 2007 and swept through this wadi, water has flowed along the floor of the valley, even when it’s dry and hasn’t rained for a long time. We think a spring opened up somewhere in the ground following the damage caused by Gonu, but no one can find the source. When the weather is pleasant, the car washers arrive. They set up camp before getting down to business. Sometimes, they drive the vehicle into the shallow water, such as the white minibus that I captured recently, and then wade in and use buckets to scoop up the pure water and clean off the week’s dust and dirt from the bodywork. Other times, they will park the car by the side of the water and pour the water over. You can hear them laughing and joking, shouting out to each other and playfully flicking water around. It’s all about being together and having fun. Meanwhile, one of the group will be getting the fire going, boiling up Omani kahwa (coffee) and preparing a simple lunch or early dinner of rice and meat. After the washing is done, the boys settle back, chill out and enjoy some well-earned food and a cup of rich, dark kahwa while their car or vehicle, now scrubbed clean and gleaming, dries off in the sun. Next time you’re passing a wadi, stop and see if you can catch the wadi car washers at work and play. APR 07 – 13 / ISSUE 415

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FOOD AND DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

DRINK UP

The white stuff, milk, is a perfect way to make sure you and your kids are boosting your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vitamin D. 028

APR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 415

MILK IT

It’s essential to get enough vitamin D in your diet and milk, rich in the nutrient, is a great way to get your share

any people know that sunlight is one of the best sources of vitamin D, and living in sunshine-rich Oman should mean most of us are getting more than the recommended levels. In fact, there’s a prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among residents in the Sultanate, particularly among Omanis. That’s because, particularly in the sweltering summer months, we often don’t spend enough time outdoors. And while sunscreen is important to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, it prevents the body from making vitamin D. So it’s no surprise that, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (an annual US-government booklet aimed at promoting health and well-being), many Americans are falling short of getting the recommended amount of vitamin D. Getting insufficient amounts of the vitamin can be linked to health concerns. A study by Sultan Qaboos University also found that women are more likely to be vitamin-D deficient than men. Consuming foods high in vitamin D, such as milk, is an easy way to boost intake levels, regardless of how much time is spent in the sun. Why is vitamin D important? Vitamin D works with calcium to help build and maintain strong bones. Plus, vitamin D helps protect children from rickets and older adults from osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps muscles move, while nerves need it to carry messages between the brain and every other part of the body. In addition, a growing body of research supports other potential benefits of vitamin D. According to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report, it may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Why milk is a good choice Unfortunately, there aren’t many natural food sources of vitamin D, but milk is fortified and is therefore an excellent source. In fact, milk is the top food source of vitamin D in many diets. Each 220ml glass contains 30 per cent of the daily value of vitamin D plus eight other essential nutrients, such as eight grams of high-quality protein. So if you drink the recommended three cups of milk each day, you can get 90 per cent of your daily vitamin D requirement from milk alone. Want an easy way to add vitamin D to your day? Try pairing a glass of milk with your breakfast or morning snack, such as falafel-avocado toast. For more recipe ideas, visit milklife.com. * Family Features

What is Bella Rossini?

Falafel-Avocado Toast Servings: 4 (2 pieces of toast each) Ingredients: § 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and coarsely chopped § 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed § 2 tbsp lemon juice § 1/2 tsp ground cumin § 1/4 tsp garlic powder § Tabasco sauce, to taste (optional) § 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper § 1/4 cup sliced scallions § 8 slices wholegrain bread, toasted § 16 slices thinly sliced ripe tomato (about 3 small tomatoes), divided § 24 slices thinly sliced cucumber (about 1/2 an English cucumber), divided § 8 tbsp fat-free plain Greek yogurt, divided Method: § In a medium-sized bowl, mash the avocado and chickpeas together with lemon juice, cumin, garlic powder and Tabasco using a fork. Alternatively, pulse in food processor to coarsely mash. § Fold in bell pepper and scallions then divide among the toasted bread. Top with tomato and cucumber slices and one tablespoon of yogurt. Pair each serving with a 220ml glass of milk. Nutritional information per serving: 430 calories; 12 g fat; 2 g saturated fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 25 g protein; 59 g carbohydrates; 13 g fibre; 460 mg sodium; 440 mg calcium (45% of daily value); 120 IU vitamin D (30% of daily value). Nutrition figures based on using fatfree milk and include a 220ml glass of milk.

CompetitionTime! Rossini has introduced Spring FineDining 2016! We would like to invite all to participate & win RO 20 Gift Voucher. Send us the answer to this question to info@yoman.com by 11th April 2016

+968 24651066 / 98879220 APR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 415

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FOOD AND DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

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Midket r Ma

CASPER & GAMBINI’S

Ground Floor, Oman Avenues Mall, Sultan Qaboos Street, Ghubra, Muscat Opening Hours: 9am-12am Mon-Sun Tel: 2206 0085 Website: casperandgambinis.com Dinner for one: RO20.63 (inc taxes)

FRESH FEAST

Verdict : 6 / 10 Service 7.5 / 10 Food 7 / 10 Ambience Stylish food let down by poor customer service Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TASTE AT CASPER & GAMBINI’S AND IT DELIVERS, FINDS KATE GINN. JUST DON’T EXPECT THE SERVICE TO MATCH

ou know what it’s like. A busy morning turns into a hectic afternoon and then it hits early evening and you realise you haven’t eaten anything since a light

breakfast. This was me, along with a grumbling stomach demanding food, last Saturday evening. With a ticket booked to see a movie, I wanted something relatively easy as I didn’t have the time or inclination for a long, drawn-out meal, but a cut above fast food. Nipping into Oman Avenues Mall, I remembered an eaterie that I’d made a retail pit stop at for a coffee a few months before and managed to find my way back to Casper & Gambini’s. Located on the ground floor, open to the mall, it looks sleek and modern, like those trendy eateries that are so commonplace in Dubai. With my regular Taste Test companions either out of the country or unavailable, I was a “Billy No Mates”, which seemed to disappoint the waiter. “Are you expecting anyone else?” he asked hopefully. His face fell when I said no, it was just little old me. Table for one, please! I didn’t know anything about C&G (as it likes to be called). A quick internet search revealed that it began life in a 40sqm kitchen in Ashrafieh, Lebanon, in 1996, offering a unique all-day restaurant/café concept. It’s now an internationally franchised chain with regional headquarters in Beirut, serving up good taste in 12 countries, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Qatar. A well-chosen menu offers dishes ranging from breakfast, sandwiches and light snacks to homemade pasta, handcrafted pizza, burgers and even sushi. The emphasis is on healthy and natural ingredients. My fresh carrot juice was excellent. A small bread basket with hot sesame and poppy seed rolls, bread sticks and crisps, with a sundried tomato and cheese sort of pate, was scrumptious. Starter was Fig & Chavignol Crostini, a 030

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speciality of the house and a lovely marriage of tangy goat cheese sitting atop a caramelised apple. Beautifully presented, it was resting on a verdant bed of greens with pine nuts and walnuts. It tasted good but the caramelised apple was just too sweet, with even the goat’s cheese not strong enough to counteract it, and it certainly didn’t need even more sweetness from the figs. The greens were also drenched in too much balsamic vinegar. Still, it was a promising start. A word here, too, that the portions are big so this could easily do as a main. The plate was cleared away without any word from the waiter or enquiry as to the food. A polite bit of pleasant chit-chat wouldn’t have gone amiss. By this time, a few other diners had turned up but even so, the five or so waiters were hardly rushed off their feet. I quite liked the idea of the homemade, creamy mushroom or tomato basil soup, and “The Famous C And G Club Sandwich” loaded up with chicken or beef, fried egg, mozzarella and smoked turkey, to name but a few ingredients,

sounded good. I was swayed by the Lemon Quinoa salad, which came with a lemon and extra virgin olive oil dressing on the side. I added extra grilled shrimps (you can also opt for chicken or salmon). Full marks again for presentation and portion size. It looked wonderful, with vibrant colours. A big bite filled the mouth with diverse tastes, with the lemony quinoa, mint, cucumbers and tomatoes jockeying for position on your tongue with the meaty shrimps. The shrimps were superb, well-cooked if a little salty, and I wanted more; four was just not enough. The dressing was a bit overpowering again, too. Defeated by the size, I asked for a doggy bag. Lunch sorted for the next day! I still hadn’t been approached by any of the waiters and was wondering whether it was me, when finally one came up and solemnly asked if the salad had been ok. Despite being stuffed to the gills, I had to try dessert (for research purposes you understand). I so wanted the “famous” Bernadette’s chocolate cake with a secret choccy sauce, but knew it was madness to try given that my stomach was already groaning with food. A small helping seemed sensible and I ordered the cheesecake from the mini section. The dessert was the star of the show; creamy cheese offset by a tart berry compote. My cappuccino was good, too, strong and nutty, and I would recommend trying one of the speciality coffees. When I paid the bill, a new waiter handed me a tablet to give my customer feedback electronically. He never came back for it so I left it on the table. No one said goodbye or even looked at me when I departed either. There’s no doubting the quality of the food at C&G. It’s a shame that the customer service isn’t up to the same standard. Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BEACH BOYS

Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are almost upon us, but in Oman that means now is the time to head to the beach before it gets too hot. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some cool beach gear for guys popping up in the malls, such as this look from M&Co.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

k o o L e h

licity e F , reet t s igh ok h e to th t the lo d n e gh eou to g i h the lps y m o r F ver he Glo

T t Ge

Cool and summery, chino shorts are a hot look for guys this season, such as this mustardcoloured pair from Monsoon. From RO6.5

For the coolest look on the beach, wear this fun Monsoon shirt unbuttoned over your favourite T-shirt. From RO7.6

This striped print T-shirt in soft jersey from H&M is sure to get the â&#x20AC;&#x153;good vibesâ&#x20AC;? going at the beach. From RO4.9

The most important item for the beach has to be your swimmers, such this bright red pair from M&S. From RO7.5

A pair of Wayfarerstyle sunnies complete your new-look beach style, such as these mirror-tinted ones from H&M. From RO2.9

A pair of flip flops, such as these ones from H&M, are essential at the beach, especially if you want to avoid burning your feet on the sizzling sand! From RO4.5

Look cool and keep cool with a brightly coloured baseball cap from H&M to keep the sun out of your eyes and protect your skin. From RO4.5

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BEAUTY

Health Fashion

3Velcro Rollers

Achieve that tousled, beach-hair look with these easy-to-follow tips for top tresses

hether you are prepping for an event or simply want lustrous locks this spring, celebrity stylist Asgar Saboo, who has worked with superstars such as Eva Longoria, Cindy Crawford and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, is here to share his top tips for perfect, natural waves. With minimal effort but maximum impact, your tresses will be tousled and glowing at the drop of a hat.

1Do The Twist

For beachy waves rather than voluminous curls, this is a quick but formidable method. For a messy, bed-head vibe, let hair fall naturally then take a small section of it. Split the section into two then wrap the two strands around each other to form a twist. Hold tight, then clamp the straighteners up and down the twist for around 30 seconds, ensuring you heat the full length. Unwrap the twist by shaking loosely to reveal cool, beachy waves then spray to hold. For extra texture, spritz in a salt spray then scrunch the curls with your hair to set. Quick, simple, yet effective.

2Curl It

For glamorous, retro curls, this more traditional method is a winner. Make sure your freshly-washed hair is brushed thoroughly as this will ensure the curls are smooth and slick. Separate your hair into an upper and lower section for ease then secure the upper section with a hair clip to avoid kinks. Take a 2.5cm-4cm section of hair (depending on how thick it is) and twist slightly then wrap the twisted strand around the curling iron. Hold for 10-15 sections and release from the curling iron, allowing the curl to hang loose before spraying thoroughly. When done, lightly shake through the curls with your hands instead of running your fingers through them, as this will deconstruct the curls. Spray to hold and spritz on a shine spray for extra sheen.

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Make sure your hair is dry and freshly washed as this will keep it light and easy to manage. If you want to curl all of your locks, separate your hair into three horizontal sections using a comb. Take individual 5cm sections of hair (small enough to comfortably fit around the roller) and pull straight, holding the roller at the ends of your hair. Gently roll up and under your hair towards the scalp, ensuring no hair falls loose at the sides of the roller. Secure the roller by fastening a grip to your hair and the lower part of the roller. Once you have secured all of your hair, spray with hairspray and warm, using the lowest setting on your hair dryer, to set the curls. Leave for as long as possible before shaking out and spraying to reveal beautiful, loose curls. For volume, use rollers on just the top of your hair to lift the roots.

To 4Straighten Curl

This method is perfect for creating soft, loose waves rather than definite curls. Ensure hair is brushed thoroughly then split your hair into two sides, pulling each side forward over the shoulder. Starting from the front, select a 2.5cm-5cm section of hair and clamp the straighteners at the top, being careful to avoid creating kinks from their edges. Hold the straighteners vertically and pull them along the length of the hair while twisting them away from your face to create open curls. Release to reveal a soft, beautiful wave then spray to hold.

5Wrap It

For a quick fix that you can get while lazing around the house, separate your hair into rough sections. The more sections you have, the more waves you will create. Take each section and twist the hair until it wraps around to form a tight bun. Tie the twist with a hair band and spray to hold. Leave for a few hours and untie to reveal beachy waves that took seconds to create. For looser, longer waves, wrap your whole hair into one twist to add some volume.

SIGHT

It’s the second leading cause of blindness in the world but often goes undiagnosed. A leading expert gives the lowdown on glaucoma

t’s known as “the silent thief of sight” because symptoms often don’t appear until it’s too late and irreversible damage to the eyes has been done. Glaucoma affects the eye’s optic nerve – the nerve that sends visual information from the retina to the brain – and gets worse over time. Here, Dr Saida Yasmeen, a specialist ophthalmologist at Aster Al Raffah Hospital in Ghubra, Muscat, gives an insight into the disease and the treatments currently available. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. This is not because of a lack of effective methods for diagnosis and treatment. It is due to insufficient information available to the public and a low awareness of the implications of the disease. The disease is asymptomatic in its early stages while the patient’s vision suffers irreversible and cumulative damage. Visual disturbances are noted by the patient at the later stages on the way to blindness. Timely diagnosis and therapy could have prevented this deterioration.

Who is at risk for Glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma. Some risk factors include: ● Everyone over the age of 40 ● People with a family history of glaucoma ● Diabetics ● People with short sightedness (myopia) for open angle type and far sightedness( hyperopia) for close angle type ● Hypertension ● Migraine ● Previous trauma to the eye

What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?

The open angle type of glaucoma is usually asymptomatic until a very late stage at which time the patient notices a loss of vision. By then it has

usually progressed to a stage whereupon treatment of any form will not restore the vision. At an early stage, this type of glaucoma is usually detected by chance when the patient visits an eye doctor for some other eye complaint. A patient with the closed angle type complains of eye pain, headache, seeing coloured haloes, decreased vision and redness.

How is Glaucoma diagnosed?

Your eye doctor will do the following tests to arrive at a diagnosis of glaucoma: ● Measure eye pressure with Applanation Tonometre (an instrument with a slip lamp equipped with forehead and chin supports and a tiny, flat-tipped cone that gently comes into contact with your cornea) ● Fundoscopy to evaluate the optic nerve ● Visual field test ● Gonioscopy to distinguish a closed angle from an open angle type of glaucoma ● Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to evaluate retinal nerve fibre loss ● Pachymetry to measure your central corneal thickness

How is Glaucoma treated?

Once a diagnosis of glaucoma has been established, your eye doctor will prescribe you eye drops (either single or a combination of two drops) to control your eye pressure. Eye pressure not controlled with eye drops can be treated with laser surgery. The treatment is aimed at reducing pressure on the eye to prevent your optic nerve from becoming damaged further. Treatment of any form will not restore the vision lost due to glaucoma. Patients with closed angle type need to undergo a laser iridotomy to reduce the eye pressure and to prevent subsequent attacks of glaucoma. APR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 415

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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Capital Region Azaiba • Amara Dermatology Clinic • Audi showroom • Bentley showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol Station • Mazda showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital (Emergency and Outpatients) • Oman Medical College CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney Restaurant • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Darsait • Indian Social Club • Khimji’s Mart

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KIMS Oman Hospital • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell Petrol Station Al Falaj/Rex Road • Al Falaj Hotel • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Golden Oryx Restaurant • Kamat Restaurant • Toshiba Showroom Ghala • National Mineral Water Ghubra • Al Hayat International Hospital • Al Maya Hypermarket • Bank of Beirut • Costa Coffee • Crêpe Café • GMC Showroom • LuLu Hypermarket • Moka & More • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Park Inn • Porsche Showroom • Al Raffah Hospital • Stationery Hut • The Chedi Muscat Al Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College of Engineering • Markaz Al Bahja Mall • McDonald’s • Omantel • Starcare Hospital Al Khoudh • Al Fair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Pizza Hut Al Khuwair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Bait Al Reem Mall • Caffè Vergnano • Centrepoint (Splash) • Diplomatic Club • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Harley-Davidson Showroom • HSBC • KFC • Khimji’s Mart • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Landmark Group

• • •

McDonald’s Muscat Bakery Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Oman United Insurance • Omran • Pizza Hut • Radisson Blu • Shell Petrol Station • TGI Friday’s • The Great Kabab Factory • The Tikka Place • Zahara Travel • Zakher Mall Mabela • Gulf College Oman Mawalah • Chili’s Restaurant • Costa Coffee • Al Makan Café • The Noodle House • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Khimji’s Mart • NBO • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell Petrol Station MGM • Caribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • Just Falafel • Ooredoo • Paul • Tim Hortons Al Mina • Bait Al Baranda • Bait Al Zubair MQ • Al Fair • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • Hana’s Slimming & Skincare Centre • Kargeen Caffe • KFC • MacKenzies Café & Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Papa John’s Pizza

• •

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

•

Knowledge Oasis Muscat -4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of Economics and

Political Science Students Banking Area • Reception/ Canteen Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality Institute • Pizza Hut • Shell Petrol Station Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best cars • BLS International Services • Chevorlet/GM showroom • Ford Showroom • Hatat House • Honda Showroom • Hyundai showroom • Kia Showroom • Lexus Showroom • National Travel & Tourism • Passage To India Restaurant • Shell Petrol Station • Subaru showroom • Suzuki Showroom • Toyota Showroom The Wave • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • The Wave Head Office •

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

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Postcards from

CARS AND ADVENTURES

Outdoors

Y- F i

Cars

ROCK STAR

Stunning and unusual geological formations, some shaped like stone trees, are waiting to be discovered in Mazare.

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E S T I N AT I O N P o s t c a r d s f r o m

Y- F i

Outdoors

Destination

MAZARE

A MEANDERING JOURNEY LEADS SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI TO THE DISCOVERY OF A LIFETIME AT ROCKY MAZARE

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Cars

TRAVEL GUIDE

HOW TO GET THERE

’ve undertaken many destinations for Y Magazine, but I have never seen anything quite like Mazare. It’s not an exaggeration to say that this was one of the most amazing places I’ve discovered in Oman in the 30-plus years I’ve lived here. It all started innocently enough. Upon reaching the junction with two blue signs where you turn left to Wadi Arbaeen, we went to the right, just to see if there was anything worth exploring. We were trundling along the track with little or no expectations and as we crested a hill, we were rewarded with a fantastic overview of the valley below and the wonders it contained. Spread out before us were some incredible rock formations, the likes of which I’d never witnessed before. They were literally like stone trees and I assume the whole area was underwater at one time for the rocks to have been worn down the way they were. It felt like I’d hit the photography jackpot. As we drew closer, we noticed several paths showing that people walk around this area regularly, but we decided to put our car through its paces and left the dirt track to do some proper off-roading. It wasn’t too challenging and taking turns behind the wheel, my friend and I

From Muscat, travel on Route 17 for 120km and then exit right. Follow the road until it turns to a dirt track. When you reach a T-junction, take a right turn, following the sign to Mazare. You won’t be able to miss the rock formations when you arrive.

GPS location: N23° 4’ 51.334” E58° 55’ 32.005”

had a great time. However, you could just as easily park the car at the side of the track and explore on foot. The texture of the rocks is completely different to that on the other side of the mountains and Wadi Arbaeen. I had to repeatedly ask myself if I was in the same area. These fascinating rocks are just a few minutes’ drive away from the wadi, but the two places could not be more different. One is full of water and greenery, while the other is a stark, sandy contrast; almost like a desert. Loose rock chips covered the floor and I’m guessing it would have been a geologist’s paradise. Overhead, it was just as dramatic, with wisps of white cloud streaked across the bright-blue sky. Sometimes, when there is too much white in the sky it can make the photos feel a bit flat but on this particular day, the conditions were perfect. I am 110 per cent positive that I will return to Mazare and choreograph one of my fashion shoots there because I’m always on the lookout for unusual places, and this fits the bill perfectly. I’d never heard of this place beforehand but I’m so glad that we took the time (10 minutes from Wadi Arbaeen, at most) to visit it. I can’t recommend a trip here highly enough. If you are visiting the wadi, it would be a shame to miss out.

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

LY T C RFE SURE E P T IS R PLEA R O SP DOO NCAN G IN OUT U D W O R S -GR MAN’ EATHE T S A FAED TO OSAYS H , SUIT SPOTS 040

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Postcards from PHOTOS: KATE OSOWSKA

ny sport that offers a full body workout, the opportunity to socialise in the open air and a chance to unplug and connect with the open ocean is all right with me. Stand-up paddle boarding (SUPing) ticks all the boxes. Quite simply, what’s not to like? It’s the fastest-growing outdoor sport for first-time participants in the United States, according to a report. The tranquil, crystal-clear waters around our coastline and hidden wadi lakes ensure that Oman can also fit the bill. Unlike surfing, in which a rider is sitting on a board until a wave comes, “SUPers” stand on their boards and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water. Choosing wetsuits or whatever you want to wear depends on the water and weather conditions. Avid readers of Y may remember that I tried my hand, and balance, at the sport three years ago. I was slowly gaining confidence when I had to stop during pregnancy. Recently, I sought out the sport again to keep active during the sweltering months ahead. As I don’t yet own my own board, I rented one along with a paddle from Watersport Oman and joined its enthusiastic supporters on one of their many SUP excursions, at the bay of the stunning Bandar Khayran. Everyone was friendly and happy to hit the water. It had been a couple of years since I had last had a go so my confidence levels weren’t that high. Keen to make a good impression, I laid my board in the water and climbed on. At first, getting confident with the movement of the board takes a bit of getting used to. I was off to a slightly wobbly start so I kept it safe and stayed kneeling on the 3.5m long board until I was used to its rhythm. I saw the other SUPers throw in their board and hop on and onto their feet straightaway; no drama. That spurred me on to do likewise. Success! I was up on my feet and feeling pretty good, surprisingly. “Don’t look at your feet. Just look straight ahead,” a fellow paddler advised me, and it turned out to be a good tip. With the amazing views of Bandar Khayran around me, it was much easier to paddle somewhat gracefully, taking in the surroundings rather than staring nervously at my feet. What was endearing about this group was that no one was pushy. Some were better than others; some were faster but it didn’t matter. They were all just there to have a good time, enjoy the day and enthuse about a sport they all clearly love. Florian Baker, the founder of Watersport Oman has a taste for sometimes extreme sports, which started when he became a champion rollerblader as young boy. “It wasn’t until I visited the Caribbean and held my first kiteboard at the age of 17 that I realised this was the kind of sport that did it for me,” he says. And his first impressions proved too enduring to ignore. Florian moved to the Maldives a couple of years later to turn his new pastime into a business. “I opened my first water sports school to basically pass on my passion and love of sports to others,” he says. Now living in Oman,

Y- F i

Florian has huge plans to expand the company’s activities from SUP boards and kiteboarding to other pursuits such as sandboarding and water-skiing. Another huge plus to SUPing is that you engage your core muscles to balance on the board. You get all the fitness benefits but without spending hours slogging at the gym. It really doesn’t feel like exercise. I was so mesmerised by the array of colourful fish swimming below that I was surprised to see how far, and how quickly, we had travelled. As we paddled around the bay of Bandar Khayran I was falling in love with the sport. I was getting my daily exercise, meeting some interesting people, exploring the amazing location and really having fun. And for me, I was delighted that I didn’t take an unintentional dip in the water. I remained dry and unscathed until back on dry land. The sport is relatively easy to take up as all you need is a board and a paddle. It is the cost that may put you off; with boards starting from RO300 for an inexpensive model to higher-end ones reaching RO1,000. If the price tag puts you off, then you can rent one as I did. For me, the benefit of hiring a board was being able to try the sport again, to see if it was definitely for me and finding out what style of board would suit my needs before buying one. There are plenty of public beaches and waterways here in Oman to make the sport accessible. Close to the city you can choose locations such as Shatti Al Qurum close to the Crowne Plaza Muscat hotel or the calm waters near Al Mouj. If you fancy taking a SUP day trip, you could experience the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve or, as we did, Bandar Khayran. After this, I’m hooked but can take my time over deciding whether to continue hiring a board or taking the plunge (not literally) of buying my own.

You can find out more at www.watersport-oman.com, search on “Watersport Oman” or join the community group “What SUP Oman”

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CARS AND ADVENTURES LIFEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A BEACH

If lazing on a beach or frolicking in the sea is your thing, then head to the golden sands that are found around the Spanish city of Santander.

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1. Visit Magdalena Palace. Public transport is excellent, easy to use and cheap. 2. Take a train to nearby Bilbao and explore the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, the building of which was designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry. 3. Rent a car and drive into the Picos de Europa but perhaps only in spring or summer rather than in winter. 4. Visit the Cabarceno Nature Park. A car is necessary. 5. For beach-lovers, visit any of the fine, sandy beaches that are a short bus ride from the city centre.

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Destination

Outdoors

Y-Fi

Cars

Andrew Barrow recommends

SANTANDER, SPAIN

POSTCARDS FROM

MAGD

ALENA

oogling the word Santander instantly throws up dozens of references to the reputable high street bank. Happily, if you persevere, you will find some p r o f i l e s o f o n e o f S p a i n ’ s m o s t d e l i g h t fu l c i t i e s , f r o m which the multinational Banco Santander took its name and based its headquarters. Fo u n d e d i n R o m a n t i m e s , t h e p o r t c i t y o f Santander is the capital of the historical region of Cantabria a n d c a n b e fo u n d o n t h e n o r t h c o a s t o f S p a i n . L o c a t e d e a s t o f Gijon and west of Bilbao, the city has a population of 178,465. Santander is now a major port and operates regular ferries t o t h e U K a n d Fr a n c e . T h i s r e g i o n o f S p a i n i s v e r y v e r d a n t and rather cooler than anywhere else in the country - Spain contains Europe’s only true desert, Almeria - and an exquisite mountain range, the Picos de Europa, acts as a backdrop to any vista south of the city.

GUGGENHE

PALAC

M B IL B A O IM M U S E U

My favourite place The Corniche. From here you can view the port’s many machinations and bask in the splendour of the Picos de Europa, which were still snow-covered in late February when my wife and I visited. Highlights

Devastated by fire in 1941, the city was rebuilt and today offers some of the most handsome and majestic urban buildings you can see in Europe.

Lowlights

The climate is less sunny, and the climate is much more humid than in many other regions of Spain. However, this didn’t stop the Spanish royal family from building a summer residence here, Magdalena Palace, and they first took the keys in 1912. They sold the palace to the City of Santander in 1977 and it is now its most visited attraction.

Souvenirs

Local nougat – turron – is very tasty and good at stripping out old fillings!

Where to stay

We stayed at the Bahia Hotel, which was well-equipped and very convenient for the highlights of central Santander and the ferry port. This hotel features underground parking, with the car park entry and exit by a lift. Sadly, my car fell victim to a support pillar in this car park and my ineptitude at parking. Any booking website can offer a huge range of hotels from budget to regal, and AirBnB can be used, too.

CABA

RCENO

NATUR

E PAR K

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Outdoors

D e s t i n at i o n

Y-FI

TECH FOR TOTS

With a change in the way kids play, it's easy to get your little ones tech savvy from a young age. Matthew Herbst reviews what's out there CREATIVE VISION With virtual reality really taking off, introduce your tot to a Mattel ViewMaster Virtual Reality Starter Pack. This is the first one aimed at kids and works with various smartphones, just like Google Cardboard. Mattel has also included reels that trigger different augmented-reality experiences. You can buy various RO5 reel packs covering topics like space and wildlife. At amazon.co.uk from RO51

SMART LEARNER

EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PICK

If you are looking for educational tech for your tot, the Comfy Easy PC System from RO26 is just what you want. It is ideal for ages one to five. Toddlers play and interact with the lovable Comfy characters, while increasing their motor and cognitive skills. Consists of the Easy PC keyboard, designed with different shapes, vibrant colours and fun keys that play music or teach about the weather. At amazon.co.uk

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SWITCHED ON The Vtech V-motion Active Learning System is ideal for ages three to seven. This educational video game system is similar to the popular Nintendo Wii but for little ones. A wireless controller is used to move around on screen making it safe from dangerous cords. The games are toddler-friendly and teach concepts such as numbers, letters, shapes, science and vocabulary for older tots. At www.vtechkids.com from RO26

IN VIEW THIS KID TOUGH DIGITAL CAMERA FOR AGES 3 AND UP IS THE REAL DEAL FOR ASPIRING SHUTTERBUGS. THIS CHUNKY, KID-TOUGH MODEL WILL KEEP CLICKING EVEN AFTER TAKING A BEATING OR BEING CONSTANTLY DROPPED. IT HAS DUAL HANDGRIPS AND BIG BUTTONS, A BUILT-IN FLASH, AND EVEN A 1.6-INCH PREVIEW SCREEN. AND JUST LIKE MUM AND DAD'S CAMERA, IT TRANSFERS IMAGES TO A COMPUTER VIA A USB CABLE. AT WWW.FISHER-PRICE.COM FROM RO19 JULY APR 0703 - - 1309/ /ISSUE ISSUE415 327

FURRY FRIENDS

Furreal Friends is a fun, lifelike pet for the animal lover in the family. Ideal for ages four and over. Kids can choose their favourite from dogs, cats, birds and even a kid-sized pony, which moves and interacts with your child. The best part is that they don't have to be fed or cleaned up after. Accessories are available for added fun. At www.hasbro. com/furreal from RO7 RO115

App of the Week

GIGGLES COMPUTER FUNTIME FOR BABY Not just an app but a series of interactive educational software titles that introduce little ones (ages six months to two years) to letters, numbers, colours, animals and other learning essentials. Navigation is easy peasy for tots because all they have to do is tap a key or keys, and something happens on screen; shapes change and critters appear. You run the programs on your home computer, but youngsters can't exit the program to mess with your files. At www.giggles.net from RO7

NEW MY REAL DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA Ideal for ages four and up, My Real Digital Video Camera is a brilliant way to allow your kids to record and edit videos as well as pictures. This sturdy video camera, made especially for tough use with little ones, has 1.3 pixel resolution, 64MB of memory and an SD expansion slot to add more memory. It's also waterproof. At www.littletikes.com from RO38

ONE CLICK Clickstart My first Computer is ideal for wannabe Steve Jobs, enabling preschoolers to learn about computers. This colourful kid's PC includes a wireless keyboard, child-sized mouse and a console that connects to your TV. The four games teach basic computer literacy and educational skills. At www.leapfrog. com/clickstart from RO19 JULY APR0307 - - 0913 / ISSUE 327 415

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

Destination

Postcards from

Outdoors

Y- F i C A R S

2016 Lincoln MKX Reserve Specifications: Engine: 3.7-litre, V6 Horsepower: 340 Transmission: 6-speed SelectShift automatic Price: RO29,500

The Lincoln MKX is a smooth, luxurious ride that adds a touch of class to a day out exploring, Felicity Glover finds

’ve long been a fan of the Lincoln brand, having first experienced its luxury on a visit to New York City, when I was picked up at the airport by a chauffeur driving that Big Apple classic: the Town Car. That was quite a few years ago now and, as we know, the Town Car ceased production in September 2011. But fast-forward to today and I had a second opportunity to take a Lincoln out for a spin (my first was the Navigator last year) – this time, the newly released 2016 Lincoln MKX. My first look at the MKX revealed a sleek, elegant-looking car sporting clean lines that lead your eye towards the front of the car, where you’ll find Lincoln’s renowned split-wing front grill. Described as a luxury crossover all-wheel drive vehicle, Lincoln says the latest model has been given a comprehensive overhaul – 36 updates, to be precise, when compared with its 2015 counterpart. Sliding into the driver’s seat for a quick lesson on the car’s features by Lincoln’s very helpful senior sales executive, Salil Kumar, I was surrounded by the luxe aroma of leather and wood and metal trim, and found there was plenty of legroom. I was struck immediately by the fact that there wasn’t a gear stick in the middle of the console. Instead, this was now to the right of the steering wheel, allowing me to change gears at the simple push of a button. The lesson over, I adjusted the mirrors and seat and moved to put the car into reverse but struck dead air instead. It was going to take me a little while to get used to that new transmission push-button system! I headed onto 046

APR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 415

the highway for the trip home, where I was picking up a friend visiting from Abu Dhabi and my daughter. Our plan was to explore the mountains but after learning the MKX was an all-wheel drive, I was very reluctant to take any risks, especially with a car that wasn’t my own. Instead, we opted to head back down Sultan Qaboos highway and explore the area around Qantab and Yiti, where I thought the steep hills and winding curves would be a fun place to put the MKX through its paces. Jumping in the back, my daughter was excited to see that she could watch a DVD and raced back into the house to get her favourite One Direction movie. The thought of hearing screaming tweens and teens chasing the British boy band around the world during our drive was a little too much, even for me, so I was very happy to see that her DVD was from the wrong region and couldn’t be played. Music it was then, and the sound from the 19-speaker Revel system was an all- encompassing revelation, making me feel as though the music was coming from all directions. At one stage, I even found myself looking behind me to see if somebody was whispering in my ear. Which brings me to the engine. Whisper-quiet, there were times when I wondered if the engine was actually on thanks to the sound absorption panels that have been built into the trim, as well as the use of “active noise control” that cancels unwelcome noise via the speakers. The central console is dominated by an eight-inch colour LCD screen, which offers a Navigation system and a media hub with two USB ports and an SD

card reader. Syncing my smartphone with MyLincoln Touch was easy enough and allowed me hands-free, voice-activated access to my phone during the journey if needed. Back on the highway, the V6 engine gave me enough power to get out of a tight situation, while I was a big fan of “BLIS”, or the Blind Spot Information System, which gave me a head’s up whenever a car was approaching from either side via the rear-vision mirrors. But it was the curves and steep inclines that saw the MKX really come into its own when we reached Qantab and Yiti. Effortless steering ensured the car hugged the corners perfectly, while there was no loss of power heading up those huge hills. Back on flat ground and exploring the picturesque fishing villages, we were doing quite a bit of stopping and starting as we got in and out of the car for photo ops and walkabouts. Parking wasn’t a problem thanks to the 360-degree camera and split-view display, which gives you a 180-degree view from either the front or rear camera. Perhaps the only issue was the air conditioning – not for the front-seat passengers but for my daughter sitting in the back. It wasn’t quite as powerful as it should have been and what little cool air was coming through the vent in the centre at leg level was missing her. Perhaps a rethink on this would be useful, with an air vent added on either side of the ceiling for back-seat passengers sitting next to the windows. All in all, it was a great day out, made even better by the effortless, comfortable driving experience that the MKX offered.

They say: “Power and agility” We say: “A luxurious, elegant drive”

Intelligent all-wheel drive Lincoln logo welcome mat Remote start system Dual headrest DVDs Vista sunroof with power sunshade Adaptive LED headlamps Reverse sensing system Power disc brakes with ABS Active park assist 360-degree camera

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL : (00968) 2451 0047

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