Y Magazine #440, October 13, 2016 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

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EDITOR’S

HEALTH GUIDE ASK

THE

NOTE

EXPERT

UROLOGY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS I have history of kidney stones. How much water should I drink? People are often confused about the amount of liquids they should take specially stone patients. Intake varies from place to place and depends on climate so a single figure cannot be given. The amount should be such that the person produces two litres or more urine per day. Thus measurement of 24 hour urine volume can guide you for how much to drink. I had surgery for kidney stones two years back. Now, my ultrasound shows one stone in each kidney. Why have the stones formed again? About 90% stones form due to some metabolic defect that must be identified after surgery. A simple way is to test the stone fragments removed. Different types of stone need different treatment and preventive measures. Also follow up of small <4mm residual stones after first treatment is needed to prevent recurrence. Without specific treatment directed towards the cause, stones recur in 70% patients in next 5-10 years. What diet should I follow for preventing stones? As discussed previously, without screening for the metabolic defect and stone analysis, a generalized dietary restriction cannot be prescribed. However since majority of stones are calcium oxalate, a restriction on oxalate intake by avoiding oxalate rich foods like—dry fruits, spinach, raspberry, strawberry, rhubarb and excess beverages (tea, coffee, colas etc.), taking potassium and citrate rich foods and maintaining a urine output of at least two litres per day can help prevent new stone formation. It is important to maintain recommended daily intake of calcium to prevent imbalance in body though excess calcium should be avoided. I am a 26 year old football player. I noticed pain in my groin and testicles that becomes more when I play. It is mild and sometimes absent when I don’t play for days. Should I be worried? You need to see a Urologist, as the symptoms could be due to Varicocele, a condition due to dilation of testicular veins. It gets worse with exertion and improves with rest. Scrotal support can help reduce discomfort but surgery is needed for cure.

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

Fast forward

ow important is education to you? Would you risk your future in this day and age to launch yourself into the workforce without a high school diploma or college degree? With students dropping out of school and college at an alarming rate in the Sultanate, Y looks into the issue in our cover story this week and finds a bleak future for youth choosing not to continue on with their education. We sit down with former students, employers and teachers and learn that without the right qualifications and experience, the likelihood of finding a well-paying job is a tough order – even if, as one of the former students told us, “I believe in myself”. It’s all very well to believe in yourself, but with a struggling economy and tough competition, a reality check is needed. Meanwhile, we explore the beauty of Khadda Beach on a weekend camping trip in Destination, take the rugged Nissan Patrol for a spin in Car of the Week and sample the menu at Rossini, a new restaurant in Muscat, in Taste Test. Have a wonderful week!

Do you have Urologist in Muscat? Yes. Dr. Hemant Hardikar is the Urologist at Aster Al Raffah Hospital, Gubrah. Book your appointment today on 24618900.

editor@y-oman.com

DEPARTMENT OF UROLOGY Dr. Hemant Hardikar MS., MCH, Urologist ASTER AL RAFFAH HOSPITAL ASTER AL RAFFAH HOSPITAL Al Ghobra Roundabout, PO Box: 1262, PC : 133, Gubrah, Sultanate of Oman. Tel : +968 24618900/1/2/3/4 | Fax : +968 24497210 www.asteroman.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi MANAGING EDITOR Felicity Glover

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi REPORTER Alvin Thomas DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. OCT 13 - 19 / ISSUE 440

contents OCT

Your Oman 06 Coffee With Y Farhan al Othmani 08 Voice Of Oman Kevin McIndoe 10 News NOC to be scrapped

20 School’s out Student dropout rates cause alarm

2016

24 You are not alone Mental Health Week

This Week 16 This Week Party in pink

26 Big & brassy Making magic with music

18 #FYI 10 deadliest plants on earth

11 Gallery 19 Movies INAFair 2016 USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage 12 Review ROHM Women’s Day

Features

13 News Phase 1 of Exhibition Centre opens

14 Faces of Oman 15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Sumaiya al Harthy

Food and Drink 28 Food Feature Mango mania 30 Taste Test Rossini

Cars and Adventures

38 Destination Khadda Beach 40 Outdoors Trial by triathlon

Health and Beauty

42 Postcard From Wayanad, Kerala

32 Fashion Viva la velvet

44 Y-Fi Smart moves

46 Car Of The Week 34 Beauty Nissan Patrol V6 Think pink 35 Health Morning sickness

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

Armed with a pilot’s licence and a degree in business, Fa rhan Mohammed al Othmani aim s to bring new-age technolo gies to Oman, as Alvin Thomas finds out

hey say fortune comes such a legacy trail in their family but knocking on the doors “The airline company I wanted for me, early in my career, I wanted of those who seek it. to work with pulled out their to make my own dreams happen And that’s exactly the motto of .I scho larship programme and I was wan ted to become a pilot,” he says. Farhan Mohammed al Othmani, left to pay my own fees. Because I But owi ng to his mother’s request, the founder and CEO of Ibn al did Far not han want to waste any time, I left aba ndo ned his dreams of Othmani International Enterprise s. flying. for the Air Gold Coast pilot training And the meeting point for our “Be ing the inst only itut son e,” he in the says. fam interview was a coffee outlet at ily, I had to listen to the wishes of Now armed with a licence, Oman Avenues Mall, where Farhan my beloved mother although the Farhan headed back to the was already expecting me. passion for flying stayed with me. ” Sultanate, confident about getting Farhan, a dashing 31-year-old The young Omani soon took Omani entrepreneur is quite a job as a commercial pilot. To his a bac helor’s degree in business well-known around the well-to-do dism ay, it all went wrong. and management from the Majan communities in Oman, primarily Far han spent a year searching for College in Ruwi, and at his father’s because of his family name, al a job as a trainee pilot across the req uest , took up a position with a Othmani. GCC, and was left disappointed. British multi-national insurance Established in the mid-1970s, the company as a claims officer. “Not being able to become a Al Othmani group was one of the “Aft er I got pilo my t broke my heart. “Nobody was deg ree, I was left Sultanate’s largest gold sellers, bas ed sear chin g for a job for recr a uiting and I was left in a limbo. whi le. But in Muttrah Souq. because I had no experience in my “I decided to make a change.” He tells me: “We’ve had a fullytrade, I had to get a job quickly to fledged shop in Muttrah for the pas And in 2014, Farhan began his t beg in mastering it. I was placed 46 years but our roots go back eve new venture in business, creating n as a receptionist at my first job. further. thre e-di mensional flooring in In less than one month, however, “It started from our great-greatOm an for the very first time. The I was promoted into the claims grandfather who was a goldsmith technology has been used in major dep artm ent, ” says Far han . running his own workshop in projects such as The Dubai Mall During this time, he also married Muttrah. My grandfather soon took – his wife the , and world’s largest mall – and other settled down with his over the workshop, and when it was family. superstructures as well. time for my father to assume the Not long afte r, he quit “My business aims to employ his job role, he and his brother [Farhan’s and star ted look ing for oth er you ngsters who want to grow within uncle] set up a gold shop in the employment while also helping out souq.” their career and get much-needed in his father’s jewellery business. “The name Othmani Jewellers experience. Obviously, I pay them The n, Farhan took on a managerial rings a bell with most people who wel l too. This young generation is position for a reputable firm in have been in the country for a long what makes the foundation of our Om an. time. Customers used to come in country and if we don’t give them “My new job saw me dealing from around the world to purcha se an opportunity, who will?” with many high-profile clients. I was our jewellery,” Farhan reminisces. content with my job for the first tim “My next venture will be 3D But since then, the company has e in my life,” he exclaims. printing. I hope to purchase an expanded to other businesses such But as they say: every plot has a industrial 3D printer and put it to as property and construction, and twis t. use in our country. This way, I hop his company holds some of the mo e st Out of the blue, Farhan’s father premier land in the most soughtto reduce Oman’s reliance on oth er app roa che d him to ask if he still after locations. countries from the GCC as well as wanted to become a pilot. So there’s no denying that the Al mak ing time required for research So, on being given the golden Othmani group is indeed a force and dev to elopment for various opp ortu nity, he made preparations be reckoned with. projects.” for his family in Oman and headed However, when Farhan was given straight for the Australian Wings the power to take over the throne, Have you got a unique story to tell or do Aca demy in Queensland, in 2010. you he declined. know someone who has? Contact us to But he wasn’t as lucky as he had have “For many, it is a dream to have coffee with Y and be featured in Y Mag hoped. azine. Email: editor@y-oman.com

OCT 13 - 19 / ISSUE 440

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THE VOICE OF OMAN KEVIN MCINDOE ON YOUNGSTERS IN OMAN DISCOVERING VINYL AS THE LATEST MUST-HAVE

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

Debate of the Week: “Are internet services in Oman too expensive compared with the rest of the world?” NAZEER M THAHA

’ve seen them in Virgin Megastore at City Centre, Muscat and can only smile while they earnestly discuss how a retro-style turntable would look so cool on their bedroom shelves. Yet, for those of us who grew up in the era before mobile phones, internet, social media, YouTube, Spotify and the like, vinyl records illuminated our teenage years, and like photo albums (remember them?) captured our memories for all time. They prompted endless chats about our favourite singers and bolstered our confidence. They resonated in joyous moments while providing much-needed comfort when things didn’t always go our way. Members of today’s generation are realising what their parents have always known: the satisfaction gleaned from handling a gatefold sleeve and the bliss of gently lowering a stylus. Simply downloading digital track after track just can’t compare, can it? And the transient nature of doing so makes for a fleeting, short-term measure that will never be lodged in one’s memory. And what’s great is that classic albums are finding a new audience, with a treasure trove of work by the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen and others now on vinyl again. Years ago, we were told the CD would kill vinyl records, and it nearly did. Now it’s the CD that’s on the way out, and the vinyl record is back. Thanks for the memories, and may vinyl make some for those youngsters in Muscat’s Virgin Megastore.

NEXT WEEK: TINA SQUIRES

OCT 13 - 19 / ISSUE 440

Yes. It’s too expensive and too slow, no doubt about it. There was a time when having unlimited dial-up at home was a luxury, even at maximum speeds of just 54Kbps. All that has changed. The internet we use is imported from countries who own the satellites. All the pricing is mostly quoted in foreign currencies. Accessing the internet in Oman is determined by many factors: the geographical location, the high cost of operation expenses, equipment, the strength of the dollar and weak taxation policies. When all these are put together “fair” pricing is drawn so that the service provider may get a reward for its investment.

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE

In my opinion, internet services in Oman are more expensive and slower compared to the services available in other countries. I have tried using the internet in the USA, the Philippines, Thailand, South Korea, the UK and the UAE. I have found the fastest place in which to access the web and to download is in Seoul while the slowest is in the Philippines. Internet services depend on several factors and variables. Performance depends on your connection and the monthly plan you subscribe to and your bandwidth threshold. All these mean is that the amount of data you are alloted depends on what monthly package you have and whether or not your internet service provider offers unlimited, unmetered or extra internet access during off-peak or early-bird hours, equipment and installation, support and resources including technical support, and coverage. I think if there were another service provider in Oman offering a lower price and a faster internet connection,

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more people would transfer to the company that would provide it.

MOHAMED ABDOULMAGUID

Prices in the Sultanate are neither the cheapest in the GCC nor the most expensive. Rates are based on the border between low and medium when compared to other Gulf states. The rising prices of services in the Sultanate are comparable with some of these other states when using packages of high-speed or high-consumption (10 GB per month, for example). Studies have shown that the prices of services in the Sultanate is between low and medium. The cost paid by the beneficiary must be coupled with the quality of the service provided, and here the role of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority is very important in maintaining a balance of price versus quality provided.

USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI

There is not one iota of doubt that internet services in Oman are too expensive compared to those levied in much of the rest of the world. For the blue collar community the ever-increasing cost of living caused by the downturn in the economy is putting a dent in their ability to improve their lot through using the internet. Unlike in many other countries, the internet service providers in Oman number around five or six. That could be a factor in the control wielded by telecommunications services. So the authorities concerned need to take a liberal approach in allocating more profits to subsidise tariffs. This will encourage more and more people to access and use the net. As far as the issue of speed is concerned, there is always room for improvement.

ANTONY VETTIYAZHICKAL JOSEPH

Internet charges are on the high side in Oman in comparison to the charges levied in my home country of India, and countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal. They also compare unfavourably with other GCC countries and most of the rest of the world. With about 33-38% of Oman’s population of 4,379,105 being expatriate workers; tariffs of both broadband and WiFi are too expensive. With transactions going online, communication systems mostly centered around e-mails and the prevalence of WhatsApp; allocating the barest minimum of RO5 a month from a monthly wage of RO100 imposes a heavy burden on many workers. If one opts for the RO20 net package a month, one would

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need a minimum monthly salary of RO400. But on the other hand, year-on-year, the net profit earnings of operators show mostly an upward trend. This surely indicates that the service providers are charging more in comparison than those elsewhere.

JAYASHREE KRISHNAN

Yes. When compared to charges levied in other countries we may feel justified in saying that prices are too high in Oman. But again it depends, to a certain extent, on its usage and importance. For anyone who needs to have internet for business, it may not seem that expensive. For others who use the internet to access social media, there are many plans and options available from our telephone or network operators. So one can choose an internet package that is economical for them and one that can also reduce the expense by restricting the usage.

MONIKA KAUSHIK

In Oman, internet services are expensive and slow. Customers are losing out, especially in instances when it is desperately required and ends up not working. Other countries provide the facility at reasonable prices and with better service to what we are currently experiencing in Oman.

ANTHONY CARLTON

Internet charges in a country depend on a variety of factors including living standards and average disposable incomes etc. However, for the quality and speed we get here, prices are surely too high. It will help individuals, SMEs and the economy if telecom companies make services affordable to all. The future is moving towards free WiFi, which will help harness the potential of young entrepreneurs and society in general.

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that are much costlier in other parts of the world than in Oman so we should be mindful of that. We should be more concerned over speed and performance than cost.

MOHAN ANANDAN

It must be appreciated that the pricing of any product depends on many factors. In this case, it depends on the size of the market, the composition of users, the extent of infrastructure, competition and regulatory controls etc. Each domain has its own unique characteristics that determine its pricing policy. Therefore, comparing Oman to the rest of the world is not fair. Not long ago, people used to shell out a big chunk of their earnings for making international calls at very exorbitant rates. Today, despite a reduction in the cost of such calls and regulatory controls on use of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), users still find a way to break open those sites by using free proxy sites and thus hardly having to pay anything extra for doing so! Why then complain about “expensive services”?

MAHMOOD HSA

The prices being charged for the services being offered are expensive and also unavailable in many areas. The service is also too slow.

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and Ethiopia, Oman’s tariffs are much cheaper. But when compared to Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, India, UK, US, Japan, Kuwait etc, for sure Oman tariffs are too high. Oman’s rates are also expensive when compared to those of other GCC nations. At the end of the day, Oman is 14th in a list of 120 countries and 43rd in another list of 169 of the highest internet tariffs in general. The conclusion is coming over loud and clear.

OMAR ALI

Yes. The prices charged are the most expensive in the Gulf.

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DR RAO SUDDAPALLI

Though internet services in Oman are too expensive, when I view the living standards and affordability of the majority that belong to the working classes compared to other GCC nations, I do not think that it is so when compared to the rest of the world. If one looks at the latest data of 2016, about 71.1 per cent Oman’s population of 4,654,471 are internet users, with about a 4.1 per cent rise over the previous year. Denmark leads the world with 96.3% of users. But when it comes to tariffs, when compared to countries like Cuba, Nigeria, Afghanistan

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SYED BOKHARI

Definitely. Internet services in Oman are not only expensive compared to those in the rest of the world but are also sub-standard too. In other countries, the service is fast and efficient but perhaps Oman cannot be compared to more developed countries in which the facility is above-standard. Besides being too expensive, the quality of service on offer needs to be addressed because in some areas the service is so slow it makes video-calling and downloading more cumbersome than it should be. Many websites are also blocked unnecessarily. Therefore, a great deal of improvement is needed.

BENSON CRUZ

A lot of people will say “YES!” because of slow speeds, questionable efficiency and poor customer (especially after-sales) service. If they were to fix these problems then what they are charging now would be acceptable.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

There is no doubt that the prices of internet provision in Oman are higher than in many other parts of the world. It is also pretty slow here as well. However, we must realise that making comparisons can apply to everything else too. There are many products and services

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OCT 13 - 19 / ISSUE 440

NEWS

YOUR

OMAN EXTRA HOURS Medical staff working in clinics, hospitals and other health institutions have had their working hours increased to eight hours a day and 56 hours a week, after the Minister of Health, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Saeedi, this week issued a ministerial decision.

xpatriates working in Oman may soon be breathing a sigh of relief after a senior official at the Ministry of Manpower confirmed that the No Objection Certificate (NOC) requirement could soon be scrapped. In an interview with the Times of Oman this week, Said bin Nasser al Saadi, the adviser to the Minister of Manpower, was quoted as saying: “We will remove the NOC option. It will be removed.

It will be very soon.” The Global Competitive Report 2016-17 stated that restrictive labour regulations, inefficient government bureaucracy, an inadequately educated workforce, and poor work ethics in the workforce were major issues for companies wanting to invest in Oman. Meanwhile, Robbin, a former expatriate manager in Oman who had to leave the country

The plan is being considered seriously.” Currently, expatriate workers who wish to change jobs or re-enter the country on another visa are required to have an NOC from his or her respective employer. Without this official document, the law prevents expatriates from returning to Oman for two years from the date of termination of his or her visa. Enforced in July 2014, the law has been criticised for allowing employers to exploit employees. It has also been blamed for the Sultanate’s drop in points – from 70 to 66 – in the Global Competitiveness Index 2016-17, which is a yearly report published by the World Economic Forum that assesses the ability of countries to provide high levels of prosperity to their citizens and residents. “We are updating and modifying our rules. Our new labour law will be more flexible and easier for the labour market to help attract investment,” al Saadi was also quoted as saying. “We are in the final stages of the new labour law.

after an altercation with his company over salary payment issues, said: “I was really upset when I had to depart from Oman, leaving my wife behind to feed my family.” “But I was given no choice. I couldn’t even return on a visit visa to meet her because my company

UK DIRECT

For the first time in 43 years of flying to Muscat, British Airways will no longer have a stopover in Abu Dhabi. In what is good news for travellers, the flying time will be reduced from nine hours and 45 minutes to seven hours and 15 minutes. The new service begins on October 31.

SCAM ALERT The National Cert Information Technology Authority (Oman Cert) has launched an awareness campaign across the Sultanate for residents to beware of cyber scams and to report blackmailing cases via its hotline on 2416 6828 or to email ocert999@ita.gov.om.

PETROL RISE

New figures released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) reveal that there has been an 88 per cent rise in the sale of regular fuel since petrol subsidies were abolished earlier this year. 010

OCT 13 - 19 / ISSUE 440

wouldn’t issue me an NOC. “In some ways, I can understand why the NOC rule is enforced, especially in the wake of Omanisation. “But a lot of companies here are misusing it, taking large sums of money in exchange for the certificate, or sometimes even blocking a person from entering Oman just because they can; and that’s exploitation,” he added. A report carried by gulfbusiness.com on Tuesday said: “Recent changes allowing expatriate workers more freedom in the UAE and the upcoming overhaul of the kafala system in Qatar reportedly prompted the plans by Oman to scrap the NOC requirement.”

CULTURE FEST

GALLERY

INDONESIA CELEBRATED ITS ANNUAL INAFAIR 2016 IN MUSCAT RECENTLY, WHICH FEATURED A GAMELAN PERFORMANCE BY BSM STUDENTS, TRADITIONAL DANCING, DELICIOUS FOOD AND FAMOUS PRODUCTS, SUCH AS BATIK.

OCT 13 - 19 / ISSUE 440

011

GALLERY

YOUR

OMAN

WE ARE WOMEN, HEAR US ROAR

Georgina Benison enjoys the Omani Women’s Day Celebration concert at the Royal Opera House, Muscat

ith 2016 turning out to be a good year for the female leader (Theresa May, UK; and quite possibly, Hillary Clinton, USA), the Omani Women’s Day Celebration offered a performance any political rally would aspire to; one riven with revelry and some quite superb showmanship. Eclectic with a capital E, the show lasted for a concise two hours but at no point did the standard drop for a minute. The first half of the programme was almost exclusively BY women. The latter was definitely FOR women; to indulge and enjoy: the guest appearance (though not a surprise) was Mohammed Assaf, the young, lithe and charming Palestinian singer and winner of Arab Idol 2013. He had ladies swooning in their seats, and singing and clapping along with his rich, engaging tones. He appeared at his own concert last Saturday night, and was accompanied by the Los Angelesbased Multi Ethnic Star Orchestra (MESTO) under the baton of Nabil S. Azzam – and his three songs here were just a teaser!

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The orchestra started with Nabil’s own composition, Yasmin, a delightful concerto for Qanoon played brilliantly by a soloist member of MESTO, Lilit Khojayan. But I have rather got ahead of myself; the evening kicked off with five of the finest female string players from the ROSO, in a piano quintet. Their ensemble was sublime in three film score arrangements that concluded with the tricky theme from Schindler’s List by John Williams. Pianist Gokha Al Naabi’s playing was especially exquisite. Now, take a deep breath and hang on to your seats because the Palestinian Folklore dancers Funoniyat – 16 men and women – can sweep you off your feet. They swirled, leapt, spun and kicked for half-an-hour non-stop. I was exhausted just watching them! I also couldn’t help wondering where they got their energy from. And the costumes were a sight to behold too; with bedouin dresses over trousers and sequined scarves for the women, and Cossack boots for the men under loose, black pantaloons.

The show was highly dramatic – a wedding tableaux in Dabka dance tradition with CD backing – and could only be followed by an intermission. The second half opened with the Kaliveh Ensemble, from all corners of Iran. Seven instrumentalists and two singers under the direction of Daf (drum) virtuoso Sara Ahmadi, they were as colourful to watch as their folksongs from Kurdistan, Gilan and Khurasan were to listen to.I am not sure that many in the audience, which included a fair number of men, understood a word of Farsi or the other Persian dialects. But this didn’t matter a jot. They were having a whale of a time. The santur (dulcimer) played by Hasti Khoraminzadeh was especially fascinating to witness as some little hammers flew through the air. The instruments are native to Persiaso and most were unfamiliar to us except the oud. However, I wish we could see more of this extraordinary women’s troupe. For the finale, all the dancers and musicians flooded back on to the stage and joined with Mohammed Assaf in his final Arabic song. Thunderous and well-deserved applause all round, and a theatre that reverberated with energy and joy.

NEWS

NEW OMAN CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE OPENS DOORS

The first phase of the new Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) opened its doors to the public on Monday, with the opening of the sixth edition of Infra Oman, as well as a jewellery exhibition. Speaking at the exhibition, HE Ahmed Bin Mohammed bin Salim al Futaisi, the Minister of Transport and Communications, said the centre

was a new addition to the list of achievements under the “Blessed Renaissance”, and also a strong support for tourism and business in the country. “It is to be promoted for attracting more international exhibitions and conferences. The large participation in the exhibition of the construction sector reflects the continued confidence in the Sultanate’s economy,” he added. Developed by Oman’s leading tourism developer Omran, the exhibition-cum-convention centre is located near Muscat International Airport and is a part of the Madinat Al Irfan Urban Development. The convention centre itself can accommodate more than 10,000 people at any given time and has two-tiered auditoriums with a total seating capacity of more than 3,600. The exhibition halls spread over 22,000sqm of column-free space, and can also be divided into five separate halls. A multi-storey parking facility is being designed to accommodate 4,000 vehicles. Meanwhile, construction for phase II is also making progress. When finished, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre will include a business park, retail shopping mall, hospitality suites, five-, fourand three-star hotels and apartments. A convention auditorium and two hotels by Crowne Plaza and JW Marriott are also expected to open next year.

OCT 13 - 19 / ISSUE 440

013

aces of

Oman

Welcome to Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weekly photo series that profiles the diverse characters who call the Sultanate home Name: Thanea Roukaya Pachiyannaki Age: 29 From: Greek-Omani Occupation: Manager of Eruodite/Classic Music and Arts/ Play Tuneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Institute Passion: Music

Photo: Shaquel al Balushi

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

DRIVEN TO

SUCCESS

After graduating from Gulf College with a bachelors degree in business management in Oman, Sumaiya Ali Ahmed al Harthy then headed over to the UAE to attain a diploma in fashion design in a bid to fulfil her goal of starting her own clothing label in the Sultanate. Today, Sumaiya is one of the leading fashion designers in the country and is working hard to break down barriers by managing her own fashion store and also training more local students to help them also to achieve their goals

to my growth. Of course, I have received immense support from my family, too. They are the reason I am here now, but I feel that they were a little against my ideas of setting up my own shop as they wanted me to run the business within the comforts of my home. But as you can now see, I did not let that hinder my growth.

Q: What drives you to success? It is my ambitions and dreams that drive me to success. I believe that I can still be one of the most successful ladies in the country, but I have worked incredibly hard to reach the position where I am at right now.

Q: What are your career goals? One of my main goals is to let the people know that Omani women can achieve even the hardest of tasks, because when I was just starting out, I had a lot of people who were incredibly sceptical about my business plan. With my business, I want to make a statement that us Omani women are not only strong, but also ambitious and success driven.

Q: Who or what has been your inspiration? I think believing in myself has been crucial

Q: What is your biggest career success to date? Initially, I did not have any money to set up a show, but I did not give up at that moment. So I decided to begin work for another company and became an internal and external auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where I worked long hours and travelled around the country to save up. During those days, I would save every single rial in my pocket to set up my shop. And at the age of 22, without even one rial in loans, I began my business. That is my biggest career success till date.

IT IS LUXURIOUS, SAFE AND ALSO QUITE THE LOOKER. MOREOVER, IT HANDLES REALLY WELL, AND COMPARED TO OTHER CARS IN ITS CATEGORY, THIS HAS MANY ADVANTAGES Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time? I cannot say anything about that, because when I started my business, I did not draw a line. I believe that every day poses new chances and challenges, and I would like to take it all in my stride. I am currently in the process of conducting fashion workshops for over 300 students, so that I can impart my experience and my knowledge to them. Of course, that does not mean that I stopped learning. I still learn every day, and would like to become more successful while doing so; maybe expand internationally. Q: What do you like about the Genesis, the premium series of Hyundai Motor Company? I have been a luxury car customer for a few years and driving the Genesis has been a very exciting experience for me. It is luxurious, safe and also quite the looker. Moreover, it handles really well, and compared to other cars in its category, this has many advantages. All in all, the Genesis is a great buy for those looking at true luxury on wheels. OCT 13 - 19 / ISSUE 440

015

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

OCT

Get on down

Groove to the sultry, sophisticated sounds of official HedKandi DJ Phoebe D’Abo, who’ll be working her magic on the decks at On The Rocks Muscat with a range of house, funk, soul, disco and a host of other influences in between. The music kicks off at 10pm but make sure you get there early as this is promising to be a sell-out night. For more information, call 9789 3333 or 9444 7775.

THIS

WEEK

Art Therapy OCT 15

Find your inner artist at the next Gailani Art Retreat at the Hormuz Grand Hotel. No experience is required as it’s about self-expression and a desire to paint and to be inspired by music. Experts will be on hand to help guide you at the day-long event. It costs RO20 to join in (the cost of art supplies or materials is not included). The retreat starts at 8.30am and ends at 5.30pm. Call 9760 9925 for more information.

WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

O C T O B E R Get into the Halloween spirit at the annual Muscat Rugby Football Club’s (MRFC) Halloween Party, at Copacabana, at the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel. A Halloween costume is compulsory while MRFC members have free entry and non-members pay RO10. Doors open at 8pm. Email events@muscatrugby.net for details and bookings.

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Ghosts ‘n Ghouls 28

OCT

Gallery

Movies

If you’ve ever wanted to learn the basics of applying make-up, then this is a seminar for you! It costs RO20 and for that you’ll learn basic make-up skills, receive free makeup products and earn a certificate. It’s being held at Vantage International in the Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan Complex in Ruwi and you can choose either a 9am or a 1pm start. For more information, call 2479 5476.

OCT 14

Beauty Time PARTY IN PINK OCT OCT 14

FOOTY FEVER Gaelic football teams from around the GCC have converged on the capital for the Clann na hOman Gaelic Football Tournament, which kicks off tomorrow at the Sultan School in Seeb. With teams representing Oman, the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi and Bahrain, this year’s tournament is promising to be an action-packed day. Entry is free and the first match starts at 9am, while the finals will be held at 3.30pm. Afterwards, teams and supporters will be heading to the Radisson Blu Hotel to celebrate and all are welcome. For more details, contact Kevin Corrigan on 9384 5987 or email him at thekevincorrigan@gmail.com.

MELODY MASTERY

Dance your way to a great cause and help to raise money for cancer research at Zumbathon Oman. It will be held at Muscat College from 10am to 1pm, and it has been organised by the fantastic instructors at Zumba. The Zumbathon is a ladies-only event and tickets are RO5, which can be bought at the door. For more information, call Mila Owen on 9963 3675.

OCT 13 - NOV 2

Head to Gallery Sarah at Bait Al Zubair for a stunning exhibition by the Omani artist Raya al Manji. The Melody of Beauty is Raya’s first solo show in the capital, and brings together a variety of her artwork over the past few years. A member of the Society of Fine Arts, Raya describes her style as realistic, with a focus on still lifes of Omani objects, landscapes and figurative painting. For details and opening hours, call 2208 4747.

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Top

deadliest plants on earth ❷ Dieffenbachia

A.K.A: Oleander Found in: Asia and Europe

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t n a ok

❶ Nerium Oleander ❸

A.K.A: Dumb Cane Found in: Argentina and the West Indies

❹ Ageratina Altissima

erooitca k a n te Sth Amer WhiN : r A . A.K nd in: of Europe o u Fo parts and

A.K.A: Bushman’s Poison Found in: South Africa

Menispermum

❻ Castor Oil Plant

❺ Canadense

A.K.A: Ricinus Communis Found in: East Africa and India

A.K.A: Common Moonseed Found in: North America, Canada

❽ Atropa Belladonna

❾ Cicuta Douglasii A.K.A: Western Water Hemlock Found in: North America

❿

a ic de Afr ha h ts rt gh No Ni e, ly op ad ur ia De : E As A: in t K. nd es A. u W Fo nd a

A Fo .K. an un A: d d A No in ng rt : N el’ h o s Af rt Tru ric h a m a nd pe So t ut h

Am er ic a

❼ Datura

Aconitum Napellus A.K.A : Fuzi, Monk’s Blood Found in: West And Central Europe Source: top-10-list.org

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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

Masterminds

USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage There’s a saying in Hollywood that goes: you cannot simply judge a Nicolas Cage film without understanding his Method acting techniques. Now I’m not sure if the same applies here but this is certainly a cut above his usual round of moderate action flicks. The storyline is based on the aftermath of America’s epic nuclear journey that ended World War II. No, not the part where they mercilessly snipped Japan with the Little Boy and Fat Man. Rather, it’s the tale of when the Portland-class cruiser USS Indianapolis, commanded by Captain Charles McVay (Nicolas Cage), was torpedoed and sunk by Japanese marines in 1945 while patrolling the Philippine Sea, taking 300 crewmen down with it. Meanwhile, those who managed to

WIN CHANCE TO R U O Y B A R G TS EMA TICKE IN C Y IT C R FOU

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who plays Mirzya Jatt in Mirzya? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Lijo John

escape the disaster were left stranded without food or water and at the mercy of the sharks (lots of them). Call me crazy, but there are hints that this could have been a prequel to the movie Jaws (1975). Still, only a few live to see another day, and in true tradition, the US Navy – looking for a scapegoat to cover up its negligence – now appears to be pointing the finger at Captain Charles. The story that follows is quite fascinating, and truly jaw-dropping, and director Mario Van Peebles should take credit for that. However, much credit also goes to Nicolas Cage for his performance here. This one is a fitting tribute to the many onboard the USS Indianapolis who lost their lives. Review by Alvin Thomas

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. Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions, see voucher. Contact: Movie enquiries 2460 7360

Nightwatchman David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) is an unhappy employee of a company that makes armoured cars. When his love interest, Kelly (Kristen Wiig), lures him into orchestrating one of the most ambitious bank heists the world has ever seen, David and his team of hare-brained bandits are able to land a bounty of US$17 million. However, when David is double-crossed by his team, he soon

sees himself in the line of fire of the authorities and also a hit man. Based on a true story, this action-comedy is worth every penny.

The Girl on the Train Rachel (Emily Blunt) is the infamous Girl on the Train from Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel. Devastated by her recent divorce, she spends her daily morning commute fantasising about an ostensibly perfect couple she sees in a house through the window from her train. However, one morning, she sees something shocking, and is soon muddled in the mystery that follows. Oh, book your tickets already!

Bollywatch MIRZYA Based on a timeless Indian folktale, this period actiondrama tells the gripping story of two star-crossed lovers, Mirzya Jatt (Harshvardhan Kapoor) and Saahiba (Saiyami Kher), who have to go against all the forces that seek to keep the two apart in both the real world, as well as the afterlife. The movie is directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, in true authenticity to keep in line with the tale, which also explores betrayal and forgiveness. In Hindi with subtitles.

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SCHOOL’S OUT While a degree can be a passport to a better job, why are some young people passing on the opportunity it offers? Alvin Thomas reports

hen 18-year-old Tareq* left his classroom for the last time in August last year, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life. He did not have any goals, any vision or even a role model to follow or to help guide him. But he was sure about one thing: he wasn’t going to set foot in another educational institution ever again. He never again wanted to see his school desk and chair, his thick, worn textbooks or even his teachers, to whom he says he was “shackled”. But then again, why would he? He considers school to be a “waste of time”. According to the youngster, he could achieve so much more on his own. But this begs an important question: could he survive on his own without a degree? If so, how? Tareq comes armed with a ready answer, saying: “I have faith in my thought processes. My goal is to settle down soon, get myself a job and a car, and perhaps move out of my family home.” He explains that it was always a part of his “plan” to let go of school and books after he was done with education, and apply for a position with one of the ministries. “I know many of my neighbour brothers who 020

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have landed jobs across different fields in the Government. “They too were like me. They left school at a very young age to pursue their dreams. And they earn more than RO1,000 every month, and that is more than enough for me to survive in Oman. “Of course, I cannot expect to have such a starting salary but I can still learn the tricks of the trade as soon as

I get appointed and receive training from my superiors. That’s how my friends learned their jobs,” he says. “People didn’t go to schools or universities to learn their tasks back in the day. And my father is the biggest example of that. “My father took a senior position for the Government before I was even born and I have seen him do very well in his career. And you want to know his qualification? Grade seven,” he says proudly.

“They too were like me. They left school at a very young age to pursue their dreams. And they earn more than RO1,000 every month, and that is more than enough for me to survive in Oman

“He easily brings home even then, you have a lot of children in pointing out her worries over RO3,000, and that is more than taking semester-long breaks as well as the alarming number of students what anybody could ask for. leaving colleges for pursuing a job in dropping out from schools and Moreover, I have received five today’s day and age. colleges. A recent study published more years of training in school, “When people start looking at the by the Higher Education Admission which should mean that I can reasons as to why children drop out Center shows that nearly 11,000 do so much better than him,” he from schools and colleges, it begs students quit their studies at high exclaims. the question: are we doing anything schools and colleges across the Through a mutual friend, Y wrong? country in the 2014-15 academic was told that Tareq’s father was “Over the years, I have learned year. understandably unhappy about his that we cannot take things like this to She points out that one of the son’s decision and most crucial reasons for wants him to avail leaving their “When people start looking at students himself of higher courses halfway is the the reasons as to why children inability to commit to education. But drop out from schools and Tareq is unwilling them. to choose a degree colleges, it begs the question: “Some of these course, and has no are we doing anything wrong? children only realise the “set targets”. seriousness of the course Further adding they have opted for, and to his father’s woes is that Tareq heart and that we must concentrate what they will have to settle down has yet to find a job with the on the children whom we have at with, only after they begin their ministry like he had hoped, and hand. classes, and most times it’s not even has still not applied or registered “But if there is something that their fault. for a higher education course. niggles me, it is the fact that, thanks “In my experience, a lot of students But, in truth, Tareq is only one to the recent oil price crisis, a lot of decide to realign their interests only among a sea of youngsters still jobs have been affected inadvertently, a year or two down the road. This looking for a job in the Sultanate. and therefore, parents are finding it could have been avoided if they knew According to a survey report from hard to keep funding their children’s more about what they were getting the National Centre for Statistics education. into through training in schools. and Information (NCSI), half of “But of course, there are many “For example, software engineering all young Omani job-seekers need reasons as to why children drop out is a highly skilled subject with a lot at least three-and-a-half years to of college. Lack of interest and an of theory. Some students who are find a job in the country. inability to narrow down a particular interested in the subject opt for it Shedding light on the issue, an field is one of the biggest fears in with the interest in doing something Indian college professor from a every child’s mind. with the knowledge. However, there local university, who did not wish “And in truth, I personally feel that are also a good number of students to be named, says: “Anybody who there is no training given to these kids who come here who are unaware of is aware of Darwin’s theory of at a younger age in schools to explore the difficulty of the course, and hence Natural Selection will be able to their interests.” they drop out,” she says. verify that it is the stronger, The professor is right From the study, published by more well-trained and the Higher Some of these children only Education educated individuals who realise the seriousness of the Admission will land a more successful career than those who aren’t. course they have opted for, and what Center, we “It’s a given that those have learned they will have to settle down who attain professional that more than with, only after they begin their working degrees will have 31.3 per cent more chance of getting a job classes, and most times it’s not of student even their fault than those who don’t. But dropouts are from the engineering and technology fields. Meanwhile, administration and commerce students make up 28.9 per cent, and information technology recorded a 12 per cent drop-out rate. Oman is one of the GCC countries that provides free education throughout all three levels (primary, middle and secondary) of school. But despite this, education is not compulsory and, therefore, is not strictly enforced. According to the professor, this creates a void in the education system. When a student leaves university halfway through a course, it would have cost the Government money, as well as the cost of materials, not to mention a spot for another student more committed to studying. It is worth noting that when a student opts for a particular course, the seat corresponding to it is blocked. This means that another student who may have wanted to study the same degree could have been forced to enrol in another course that may not be in their best interest. OCT 13 - 19 / ISSUE 440

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Recently published statistics show that a total of 10,725 students dropped out from both public and private institutions in the 2014-15 academic year, of which 64 per cent were male and the remaining 36 per cent were female. This number constitutes 8 per cent of the total 132,177 students who attended school during the 2014-15 academic year. As for the reasons cited for dropping out, 30.5 per cent of respondants said it was because of “personal issues”. This was followed by “academic reasons”, with 25.4 per cent, and 24.8 per cent said “no particular reason”. Other reasons included “loss of the will” to continue studying, being employed during studies, as well as financial difficulties, medical issues and death. Abdul Nasser, an engineer based in Muscat who graduated from one of the leading universities in the country, says: “I personally believe that with a growing number of unemployed individuals in our country, there will be a genuine drop in the number of those studying without a scholarship. “The average price of an engineering course is RO3,000 in Oman, and my course was close to RO2,000. Luckily, when I studied, my father’s company was paying for my education

so it wasn’t a problem for me but with the recent slump in the market, I’ve heard that a lot of people have left their courses halfway because their companies stopped funding their education. “This is quite worrying, especially if the student is in his or her final years. That’s a waste of time as well as precious resources.” Meanwhile, culture and society majors recorded a 6.9 per cent withdrawal rate, and religion and philosophy recorded the lowest rate with just 0.3 per cent. Of the students dropping out from colleges, 69.8 per cent were pursuing a bachelor’s degree while 25.8 per cent were seeking a diploma.

public and private sectors. Mubarak, a local businessman and investor, believes the high number of dropouts will be a major issue for the private sector in Oman. He says: “This dropout rate puts the Government in limbo, and that will cause the private sector to crumble around it, too. “The more dropouts, the more unskilled labour there will be and, correspondingly, higher levels of unemployment will be the result. “People here in Oman shout for Omanisation but in truth, a high percentage of our students aren’t even skilled enough to be working in certain organisations. “There’s a certain difference between working in the private sector and the public sector. I am not qualified enough to comment on the latter but what I can say is that the private sector is a lot more challenging, with set targets and goals to achieve on a monthly basis. And our kids aren’t always able to get to grips with the jobs they are assigned to, especially when they’re fresh out of college,” he says. Earlier, Y had contacted a senior executive from an international retail conglomerate, who shed light on this very topic. “Our company is aligned to hire a certain number of staff from Oman in our country and we are very happy to do so.

You cannot simply come seeking a job and expect to settle into it. Of course, some do but that’s not the case every time. More internships need to be handed out to students and that will set the tone for their career

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Finally, 53.3 per cent of students came from private institutions while the remainder were studying at public institutions. Experts who are analysing the educational system also seem to think that this outflow of students from schools and colleges and into the job market will have an adverse effect on the

“But there is a certain lack in the skillset they possess. I found a few of them to be slacking in their job due to the lack of training they received in their higher education. Of course, I cannot say the same holds true with every individual but this has been something of a concern for us. “The best way to alleviate this would be to begin a nationwide career guidance drive. What this will do is that it will give students a brief idea about a course, and the nature of the job they will be required to do after graduating from the course. “You cannot simply come seeking a job and expect to settle into it. Of course, some do but that’s not the case every time. More internships need to be handed out to students and that will set the tone for their career,” says the executive. With school drop out and unemployment rates hitting an all time high in the Sultanate and with concerns over the current education system, there are many questions being raised as to whether our young generation will be

prepared for a future of austerity and hard work or whether they will crumble under the pressure. Time will tell.

• Some of the names in this article have been changed for privacy reasons

The first six years of basic education are similar in concept to a western primary school.

• Middle Education

Three years of upper basic education follow. Depending on the individual student they may complete their education at this point and seek work. Alternatively, according to their grades they may go on to secondary school.

• Secondary Education

During the three years of secondary school that follow, students have the option of specialising in either the sciences or the arts, provided that their basic school results confirm their aptitude.

• Vocational Education

A network of vocational centres provides opportunities for basic school leavers in need of professional training lasting between one and three years.

• Tertiary Education

There are over 30 colleges in Oman. Sultan Qaboos University is the largest university in the country.

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YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Fatin al Zadjali finds there’s growing awareness about mental health issues in the Sultanate

t’s Mental Health Week (October 9-15) around the world, and a group of experts in Oman is working hard to raise awareness and better understanding of psychological issues suffered by many in the Sultanate. Our understanding of matters such as depression has evolved over the generations: the legendary British prime minister Winston Churchill suffered from what he infamously called “Black Dog”, and the World War II leader dealt with it by going into his garden to build brick walls. Many modern-day celebrities have also suffered from inner turmoil, such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’, and US pop singer Britney Spears, and their troubles have been well-publicised. However, depression is just one part of a whole spectrum of mental health issues. Understanding the factors that cause them and how to deal with them is the focus of an ongoing campaign in which the Sultanate’s first mental wellness clinic is heavily involved. The Whispers of Serenity Clinic, in Azaiba, which was founded in 2013 by Janab Al Sayyida Basma Al Said, is aiming to increase awareness by holding recreational workshops, open discussions and events this month. In conjunction with the clinic, Sayyida Basma has created an awareness initiative to spread this message called Not Alone Oman. Her diligent team produced a video, called Not Alone, which explores the disorders that could affect our mental state at any time. It features contributions from public figures such as Sayyid Nasr Bin Badar Al Busaidi and Her Highness Dr Taghreed Bint Turki Al Said, a child

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psychology specialist. Its message is: “You are not alone in your suffering; we are with you.” The idea for the campaign came after a struggle to help the residents of Oman understand and accept that people go through mental health difficulties, and that those who do should seek help. However, there is still a stigma surrounding the issue that many people in Arab countries find hard to overcome. Mental health is defined as emotional, psychological and social wellness. Positive mental health enables us to function appropriately in our day-to-day lives and helps us to reach our desired potential. But for some, the path is not always so easy and the subject is still more of a taboo subject here than it is in Europe, according to Dr Hana Al Geilani, a psychiatrist at the Whispers of Serenity clinic. “There is an incorrect perception that when one has a mental disorder, one is weak and incapable,” she says. “As a result, people avoid the affected person and their life deteriorates. This is not true by any means. Mental illness can affect anyone; causes are environmental and genetic and have nothing to do with one’s strength. “However, there is a lack of awareness when it comes to mental health and that is why it is stigmatised. “In Arab countries it is also associated with jinn and black magic, which makes it perhaps even more stigmatised.” Whispers of Serenity aims to help people find out more about mental health and the methods of treatment available for sufferers.

These can include finding a counsellor who can refer an individual for a specific therapy to cure their illness or help with their symptoms. There are also a few methods and techniques that are suitable for different types of clients, says Dr Hana. “Counselling helps bring out the causes affecting the individual’s mental health,” she says. “The counsellor could then refer the individual for specific therapy to help cure their illness or help with their symptoms. “Therapy depends on the cause of the client’s condition as well as the presentation. In some cases, individuals are sent to a psychiatrist if medication is needed.” Everyone will have different characteristics and reactions to therapy, which could include the likes of hypnotherapy, focus therapy or life coaching, for instance. Nisreen Yaghi, a certified life coach and Reiki master, aims to guide clients in finding improvements in their lives and work. “The mind generates more than 70,000 thoughts a day. However, most of these thoughts are not needed, and are wasteful

and perform exercises such as meditation. Having sessions has made a significant difference in my life. To me, my practitioner’s Reiki energy is potent and can be felt immediately. It puts me into a trance and I always come out of it feeling relaxed and tranquil.” Whispers of Serenity is hosting a combined Omani Women’s Day and Mental Health Day event this Saturday (October 15). The clinic will also hold its fourth Serenity Women Retreat event, called Phoenix, at the Anantara Al Jabal Akhdar Resort. As Janab Al Sayyida Basma bint Fakhri Al Said, the clinic’s founder says: “A person who is mentally healthy is able to form positive relationships, and deal with life’s challenges with harmony within.”

The mind generates more than 70,000 thoughts a day. However, most of these thoughts are not needed, and are wasteful or negative. or negative,” she says. “Life coaching, specifically NLP [Neurolinguistic programming] is a great tool, which embodies several techniques that can change the way people think, learn, and communicate. “NLP explores the relationship between how we think, how we express our thoughts and our patterns of behaviour and emotion. By studying and learning from these relationships an NLP practitioner guides the client on how to train their mind and start the change from within.” As for alternatives, other techniques include meditation, which is simply the process of being mindful; going within and watching our breath. Reiki is a Japanese method for reducing stress and is a relaxation that promotes healing. A client of Nisreen’s has found that a combination of Reiki and NLP has improved her quality of life. She says: “I am very interested in energy work,

If you think that you or any of your family would benefit from guidance or advice, please contact Whispers of Serenity Muscat in North Azaiba. Telephone: 9935 9779 www.whispers-of-serenity.com OCT 13 - 19 / ISSUE 440

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BOLD BRASSY Felicity Glover heads to TAISM to witness a magical weekend of music and new friendships thanks to a dedicated group of teachers and musicians

t was a weekend like no other for a select group of 43 students from The American International School of Muscat (TAISM), British School Muscat (BSM) and ABA. Ranging from year 6 to year 12, their common denominator was their love of music and the fact that were all learning a brass instrument via their respective schools, from trombones to trumpets, French horns, tenor horns, euphoniums and tubas. While sport may bring out the competitive spirit of TAISM, BSM and ABA on the pitch or in the pool, the aim of this weekend at the TAISM campus in Ghala was to unite the children under one banner – or on stage, in this case – as a musical group that had never played together before. And so it was that the “Big Brass Weekend” was born, a weekend in which they would learn to collaborate and play

r radbu

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ole B hs: Nic

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y-Becx

music together with the help of some very dedicated teachers and some of the city’s most talented musicians, including members of the Muscat Brass group. The brainchild of Dan Anthony, an instrumental teacher at BSM, and Kevin Schafer, the director of TAISM, the weekend culminated in a special performance by the students for friends and families in TAISM’s impressive Bosch Center. The weekend included masterclasses for the kids, as well as lessons, demonstrations by specialist musicians, learning new music for their concert, as well as socialising and getting to know each other. “It’s been an amazing opportunity for our schools,” says Tessa Rolster, a year 12 student at BSM who plays the trumpet. “It improves your sight reading and you are going at such a pace that your skills really improve.”

Playing under the expert direction of Darrol Barry, the concert included numbers such as Pharrell Williams’ Happy, the theme song from Skyfall and Trepac. “It seemed like a no-brainer to get the kids together,” says Dan Anthony. “Kevin has been unbelievably supportive [as well as] offering TAISM’s facilities. “What I hope most is that they [the children] have enjoyed their time and we are hoping to do this again, perhaps at BSM in the third term.” There’s no doubt that the weekend was a great success. Just ask trombone player Hendy Ginting, a year 8 student at BSM, who took a quick break between rehearsals to talk to us. “I am making more amazing new friends at this and learning more. At the end of the day, the three schools played together as one big brass group. It was incredible.”

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FOOD AND DRINK

JUICY FRUIT

Mangoes are a versatile fruit that add a pop of sweetness to savoury dishes and are perfect for Mexican recipes.

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Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

MANGO MANIA One of the most popular fruits in Oman, mangoes are a perfect ingredient for Mexican food

any foods are delicious. Some invite cravings and a few inspire passion. In traditional Mexican cuisine, one surprising ingredient embodies all three: the mango. In Mexico, it’s common for people to eat mangoes every day, not only for their deliciously juicy flavour but also for the health benefits they provide. One cup of mango contains 100 calories and a full day’s worth of vitamin C, along with vitamin A, fibre and more than 20 other vitamins and minerals while excluding cholesterol, sodium and fat. In fact, for many Mexicans, mangoes are as basic to taste memories as dates are to those of us born in GCC countries. “I remember mangoes practically from my birth,” says Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, chef at Azul Restaurantes in Mexico City. “I’m originally from Tabasco and Veracruz, in the southeastern part of Mexico; two of the leading states for growing and eating mangoes. I’ve always been surrounded by them ever since I was a kid so the mango is the first fruit I really remember.” Some mangoes are so tender they are difficult to eat except out of hand but the golden Ataulfo mango has a creamy texture. It is often described as “buttery”, and it holds up well to slicing or dicing. Its smooth, almost avocado-like texture and mildly tart sweetness make it adaptable to many cuisines, providing a complement to the spice and complexity of Mexican food. Mango salsa or mango guacamole is great with chicken and fish and other meats. Mango slices balance out the starch of rice, beans and corn, and the simple flavour combination of mangoes, chillies, limes and salt is iconically Mexican. In this tropical take on guacamole, the mango’s sweetness brightens the richness of avocado. To emulate the flavour and texture of Muñoz Zurita’s recipe, use caution when mashing the fruits to maintain bite-size cubes of creamy mango and avocado. Find more mouthwatering, Mexican-inspired dishes to at mango.org. * Family Features

Tropical Mango Guacamole Recipe courtesy of Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, Azul Restaurantes, Mexico City Servings: 4

avocado and mix. Top with the cilantro and the pomegranate seeds, if desired, and serve with tortilla chips.

Ingredients: § 1 ripe mango, diced into 0.5cm cubes § 1/4 cup jicama, diced into 0.5cm cubes § 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped § 1/4 cup garlic, finely chopped § 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice § 1/2 tsp salt § 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper § 2 ripe avocados, peeled § 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped § 1 tbsp red pomegranate seeds, for garnish (optional) Method: § In a medium-sized bowl, mix the mango, jicama, onion, garlic, lemon juice, salt and black pepper. Set aside. § In another bowl, add the avocado and mash until soft. Add the mango mixture to the

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FOOD AND DRINK

Tr e n d

Up et rk a M

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Info Box ROSSINI

The Cave Qurum Heights, Muscat Tel: 2465 1078 Lunch (for two): RO45 (approx.)

REVEL AT ROSSINI

Verdict : 10/10 Service 9/10 FOOD 9/10 AMBIENCE With excellent ambience and exquisite Italian dishes, Rossini is a perfect setting for a classy meal. Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

ALVIN THOMAS GIVES FULL MARKS TO A RESTAURANT NAMED AFTER A COMPOSER THAT TURNS ITALIAN STAPLES INTO RHAPSODIES OF GOOD TASTE

n one word, what’s dining at Rossini like? It’s absolutely amazing! Now that I’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about how I got to know of this restaurant. For this, I have to back up all the way to August when a very dear friend of mine invited me to dine at Rossini for lunch. However, due to work duties, I couldn’t make it and lost out on the opportunity to have some authentic Italian food. If you follow Y, you’d already know that I’m a huge fan of Italian food, especially pizzas and pastas. So ever since I passed on the opportunity of dining there, I’ve been meaning to head there for some good, old-fashioned Italian fare. Therefore, when my friend Jijin and I collaborated for the Nissan Patrol test drive this week, we decided to head there without any further thought. It was 1pm and I wasn’t sure if Rossini would be able to seat us for lunch without any reservations. Nevertheless, we decided to take the plunge and walked in. Rossini can be found in The Cave, at Qurum Heights, and is close to the Rumba Lattina. But because the scenery was absolutely stunning, we took some pictures of the Nissan Patrol before heading in. By then we had worked up quite an appetite and were rearing to go hard on the menu. Much to our delight, greeting us effusively was the restaurant manager, Ryan, who walked us into what could only seem like one of the upmarket restaurants inside the MS Queen Elizabeth cruise ship. Beautiful chandeliers festoon the interior, and the entire restaurant’s ceiling is finished in stone to give it a rustic feel. The overall aura is extremely easy on the eye and, 030

OCT 13 - 19 / ISSUE 440

dare I say, elegant. Luckily, there weren’t many customers when we walked in so we were shown to our seats immediately. Rossini’s menu is quite elaborate, with dishes ranging all the way from the south of Italy to the north, just as you’d expect from an upmarket restaurant such as this one. But this left us in a dilemma: we were spoilt for choice. We couldn’t even decide on a starter! And after half-an-hour of bickering about what to order, both of us decided to do our own thing. And rather surprisingly, we both ended up ordering the same starter: chicken soup with broth. Yep, my friend is quite the copycat! However, for our main course, the restaurant manager helped us to understand what the dishes were. This time, Jijin opted for his favourite dish, spaghetti Bolognese, and I went for a meat pizza. To wash the food down, I also ordered a mixed fruit drink. My fruit mocktail was the first to arrive and it was absolutely delightful. Everything about it was just perfect – the flavours, the punch and the overall presentation was simply outstanding. Next to arrive was a Chef ’s Special starter dish, which was on the house. It was a small slice of watermelon, garnished in green leaves. Yet again, we were blown away by the flavours. I guess simplicity does go a long way. Fast forward another five minutes, and we were tucking into our soups. It was extremely thick and, to my joy, freshly prepared. I particularly enjoyed the fact that they don’t use chicken stock to prepare the base for the soup. Hence, it was creamy and delicious. Jijin immediately claimed

that this would become his go-to comfort dish in his “moments of sadness”. Next up was the Jijin’s spaghetti Bolognese, which he said was scrumptious. The food probably barely lasted five minutes on his plate despite the generous portion. In another 10 minutes, I was served my pizza and found myself loving every bit of it. The hand-tossed base of the pizza was a revelation as was the generous portion of cheese and cured meat. It tasted like nothing else I had ever had. I guess this is how pizzas should always taste. The cured meat gave the pizza a salty twist, and the crispy base added to the texture and the rest of the flavour. I couldn’t finish it due to the sheer size of the slices but I made sure to grab my leftovers before leaving. Lastly, for dessert I ordered my favourite raspberry cheesecake, and Jijin, a tiramisu. We were stuffed to the very brim but I dug into my cheesecake like nothing else. Rossini’s chef surprised me yet again with an amazing serving of fresh cheesecake. The filling was fresh and the base was ever-so-slightly crumbly. Jijin enjoyed his tiramisu too but had to give up on his dessert, owing to his full stomach. By now, we were truly done, and could not eat anthing more. Everything about this place reeks of quality and class. It’s a tad too expensive for my taste but I’m going back there again, no doubt! 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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Beauty

INTERNATIONAL VELVET

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BEAUTY

Health Fashion

THINK PINK

Show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness with some beauty tips to help broaden your colour spectrum. Help spread the cause with some shades of pink for a vibrant visage

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Pink is an energetic hue that can be highlighted in many ways. Clinique’s Pop Lip Colour & Prime lipstick in wow-pop is a creamy, dark shade that moisturises all day long Clinique Pop Lip Colour & Prime lipstick, RO12

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Grand Tour range offers a lemon-grape fruit scent that boasts a special cooling agent. Perfect for the day with its special cooling agent. Carolina Herrera CH Grand Tour for Women, RO45 All products are available from Paris Gallery, at Opera Galleria in Muscat

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Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

MANAGE MORNING MISERY Is morning sickness having an impact on your pregnancy? Here are some tips to help you cope

aves of nausea, gagging and sensitivity to smells: while most expectant mothers experience these symptoms, they may not fully understand their impact on pregnancy (other than as a warning sign that it’s time for another trip to the ladies’ room). Morning sickness, also known as nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), is often dismissed as a somewhat trivial and inevitable part of becoming a mother. In reality, NVP is a medical condition affecting 70-85 per cent of pregnant women. Typical signs of NVP include: nausea, gagging, retching, dry heaving, vomiting as well as odour and/or food aversion. These symptoms generally cease after the 16th to 20th week of gestation. However, about 20 per cent of women continue to experience them late in pregnancy, and five per cent are affected all the way through to the time of delivery. NVP can turn the joy of pregnancy into an ongoing search for the nearest restroom. Respondents to a recent survey of pregnant women reported that NVP had a negative impact on their lives by: • Reducing their job efficiency (47%) • Causing them to lose work time (35%) • Causing them to lose time from housework (25%) Many pregnant women think NVP symptoms are a normal part of pregnancy and believe that there aren’t any effective treatments. Consequently, they may not seek the guidance of

a medical professional and are misinformed about their options for managing NVP. One mother-to-be says: “I knew morning sickness was to be expected but I felt as if my symptoms were different. My symptoms surfaced so many times throughout the week I was worried my baby wasn’t getting the nutrients she needed. “I tried all of the diet and lifestyle changes but it wasn’t until I approached my doctor and discussed additional treatments that I found an approach that was right for me.” Dr Thomas S. Dardarian of Main Line Women’s Health Care Associates, in the United States, says: “It’s important to have a candid conversation about morning sickness with your doctor at the very start of your pregnancy so that these symptoms can be monitored throughout the course of the baby’s development.” “When left untreated, severe cases of NVP can result in potential impact to the mother and/or baby due to inadequate nutrition or prolonged dehydration. I also encourage women who are thinking about becoming pregnant to discuss their plans with their healthcare provider. There is data suggesting that taking a multivitamin prior to becoming pregnant can reduce the frequency and severity of NVP, enabling women to take control of morning sickness before it starts.” Morning sickness symptoms can be evaluated using the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) scale, a scoring system based on

the number of daily vomiting episodes, the length of nausea per day in hours and the number of retching episodes. As of now, only one medication for NVP has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration where conservative management hasn’t worked (e.g. diet) but expectant mothers should initially try the following tips to manage their symptoms: • Eating small meals throughout the day rather than a few larger ones • Sticking to simple or bland snacks in the morning • Trying foods that are rich in protein, such as peas, beans, lentils, soya beans and peanuts • Drinking small amounts of fluid often to stay hydrated throughout the day • Consuming liquids containing ginger such as tea or ginger ale/ginger beer, which can relieve queasiness • Getting more sleep • Avoiding rich, spicy or pungent foods and smells If these methods are insufficient, women may require medication to help control their symptoms. Expectant mothers can also log on to morningsicknessusa.com to learn more about NVP. They can also discuss the condition with their healthcare providers. By listening to their bodies and arming themselves with the facts, mothers can be well-prepared during their pregnancy. – BPT OCT 13 - 19 / ISSUE 440

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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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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

Outdoors

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

ROCK ON

Khadda Beach is a stunning weekend escape for campers looking for soft white sands and clear skies.

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CARS AND 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

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Destination

KHADDA BEACH SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI SPENDS A WEEKEND CAMPING WITH FRIENDS WHERE HE FINDS CLEAR, STARRY SKIES AND STUNNING LANDSCAPES

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Cars

TRAVEL GUIDE

was looking forward to this particular weekend. Eight of us were going camping at Khadda Beach, near the famous turtle reserve at Ras Al Hadd. The plan was to leave by midday but by the time we were ready and packed, it was already 4.30pm. We set off in a convoy of three cars. Ras Al Hadd, without any traffic on the roads, is about a two-and-a half to three-hour drive away. But unfortunately, the sun set while we were still driving and we were unfamiliar with the roads. Of course, as is the case with pretty much all of my Destinations, we got lost. There were no streetlights and it was difficult to get our bearings. But a kind villager at Ras Al Hadd helped us to find Khadda Beach and we finally arrived at 10.45pm! So much for that two-and-a-half to three-hour drive! As we pulled up to our campsite, we spotted a turtle in the distance laying eggs, and then we noticed many of them. It was just after 2am by the time we had unpacked, put up our tents and prepared something to eat. I wasn’t sleepy at all and

wanted to do a night shoot of the bright, starry sky. It was a beautiful, clear night and there were millions of bright stars twinkling above us. I caught a shooting star as it shot across the starlit sky. I was hoping to get some clear shots of the Milky Way but it was too late. In the end, I caught a few winks of sleep in my car as I wanted to be awake for sunrise and was hoping the turtles would still be on the beach. The sunrise was beautiful and the turtles had gone but that was OK. I sat on the sand and enjoyed the sound of the early morning waves breaking gently on the shore. It was 6am and the golden hues of the sun broke through the dawn, lighting up the beach and the sea in soft pastels while the surrounding cliffs came to life, rising out of the shadows as though to greet the warmth of the morning rays. I walked along the beach capturing a variety of daily life – from seabirds to small

crabs racing sideways across the sand. We discovered some amazing rocks covered in beautiful green moss while I caught some fishermen launching their boat to head out to sea to capture that morning’s catch. Finally, my friends woke up and we had breakfast and decided to go swimming. The water was quite cold and a little rough but it was a great way to start the morning and to cool down. A couple of my friends wanted to go fishing to catch some lunch but they never seem to have any luck on our camping trips. Despite this, they headed to a quiet spot on the beach and cast their lines into the water. And for the first time, they actually caught something – an octopus. It was a good size but we took it home with us to give to a friend who had just been released from hospital and couldn’t come camping with us. I have two favourite photographs of this trip: the shooting star in the starlit sky and an early morning photo I took of another photographer as he was surrounded by the swirling waters of the sea and the green, mossy rocks behind him. It had been a long day and it was time to pack up before having our traditional “group” coffee to celebrate our time together. It had been a fun weekend away with my friends but also exhausting – and at least we didn’t get lost on the way home!

HOW TO GET THERE Take route 17 from Muscat and drive towards Sur. Once you reach Sur, follow the signs to Ras Al Hadd. Instead of going left to the main Ras Al Hadd reserve, take the right turn at the T-junction. It’s about a two-

and-a-half-hour to three-hour drive but make sure you do it in daylight in case you get lost.

GPS coordinates: N 22°20’49.6” E 59°47’54.1”

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

MILLENNIUM STARS Shaquel al Balushi finds action shots a-plenty at the Millennium Triathlon in Mussanah

inter is fast approaching and for many, it’s the perfect time for relaxing on a beach or on their sofas. However, for this group of athletes at the Millennium Resort, in Mussanah, it really is the perfect time to get their muscles moving. I’m at the Sultanate’s purposebuilt sporting facility from the 2010 Asian Beach Games as it opens its doors wide to the public one more time; this time, for the inaugural edition of the Millennium Triathlon. It aims to put Oman on top of the sporting calendar as athletes from around the world, including Bahrain and Kuwait, grace the triathlon. With high humidity in the air, the weather in Mussanah isn’t what you’d call picture-perfect but the scenery certainly is. And the track is really lit up with the sound of buzzing athletes. But from where I’m standing, it’s hard to tell everybody apart. It seems as if everything is

happening around me at the same time. Taking a 360-degree spin reveals a group of swimmers taking part in the 750 metre swimming event, some cyclists on their triathlon bicycles for the 20km sprint and another group of athletes taking on the 5km run. In true triathlon tradition, there are also contestants taking part in Olympic-level events but, to my

dismay, there is only a handful of coaches and organisers and also a local DJ motivating the participating athletes to the finish line. Now I need to make this clear: I am not taking part in the triathlon but being a photographer, I have to play along with the athletes. Picture-wise, the triathlon is a photographer’s paradise: with different athletes offering various poses on the trot alongside a variety of other action shots. But as luck would have it, I’m forced to retreat as the clouds start to break and the rain begins to pour down. With these photos, however, I hoped to capture both the awe-inspiring beauty of athletic grace, and the everyday, universal nature of these talented triathletes, who have strength and incredible stamina. And at the end of the day, everybody was a winner – even if they weren’t first past the finish post.

The Millennium Triathlon is organised in association with the Muscat Triathlon Club (MTC) in partnership with Tri.ME, an Oman based events coordination company.

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1. Check out Chembra Peak 2. Explore the Edakkal Caves 3. Take a boat ride on Pookot Lake 4. Marvel at the view from Neelimala 5. Visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

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RELAXING OASIS

Wayanad is renowned for its towering peaks, rolling green hills and lush forests, a place to escape and unwind from the demands of a busy life.

Destination

Outdoors

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POSTCARDS FROM

Devika Sreekumar recommends

WAYANAD, KERALA

f you fancy enjoying a steaming cup of probably the best tea you’ve ever had (unless you’ve been to Darjeeling) and a wondrous view in an enchanting setting, you’ve come to the right place. If you have harboured fantasies of almost limitless private space and escaping from your web of worries then Wayanad is the paradise you’re looking for. It simply reeks of wonder, and bewitches the traveller with a treasure trove of some of the best delights India has to offer. With its lofty ridges, towering peaks, crystal-clear waters and lush, green forests, it has many things to feast your eyes on and occupy your mind, and its mesmerising beauty will simply capture your soul. I have always been a lover of natural, private spaces. Therefore, unwinding in a tree house, sipping that amazing tea and savouring the moment is a dream come true for me. But if you feel like stepping out, sightseeing just doesn’t get any better and myriad attractions abound. Monsoon season (between June and November) is the best time of year to visit this place as it adds to the flavour of its charm. Getting there isn’t that difficult, either. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, which is 54km away. Oman Airways, Jet Airways and others serve the route. Buses and taxis will take you there from the airport.

MEENM

UTTY W ATER

CHEMBRA

FALLS

PEAK

My favourite place When seen from the Neelimala viewing point, the Meenmutty Waterfalls, which are set against a vista of verdant valleys, are a sight to behold. Chembra Peak, the highest in Wayanad, sits 2,100 metres above sea level and offers a range of trails for the more adventurous. It also boasts a heart-shaped lake atop the peak. Edakkal Caves is one place you shouldn’t miss out on if history is your thing. Its rock gravings are invaluable treasures of Wayanad’s enviable heritage, with the area offering a spectacular panorama with the timeless appeal of the prehistoric caves. You can also visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, at Muthanga, which is rich in biodiversity with a large population of pachyderms, or elephants. Yet another delight is Pookot Lake, a freshwater lake that nestles within evergreen forests and simply shimmers in a delightfully pinkish hue. Highlights

A quest for adventure is the key highlight in this magnificent landscape. It has a lot to offer to those who are seeking something out-of-the-box. Trekking and mountain climbing are two of the best things to do here.

Lowlights None that I can think of. Everything about this place is unique and magical. Souvenirs Wayanad is well-known for its pure honey and spices. You can buy many traditional artefacts and crafts that have been made by local tribespeople. Souvenirs are available at shops near Pookot Lake.

POOKOT

LAKE

Where to stay There are lots of accommodation options here to suit every budget. Plenty of natural, private spaces are also here for those wanting to get back to nature. Tree houses are a very popular choice here and resorts, hotels and lodges abound, and you can find most of them on sites such as TripAdviser, Booking.com or Expedia. OCT 13 - 19 / ISSUE 440

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

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SUPER SMART

Smartphones are more than just about social media. You can control so much more in and around your life at the touch of a button, says Matthew Herbst SMART CAR Be the envy of all car owners with Viper SmartStart. Its smart device lets you perform regular tasks your remote key can do. Now you can lock the door, honk the car and release the boot; all with your smartphone. That’s not all, either. With Viper SmartStart you can even check your vehicle status to ensure it’s safe and secure. Nice! At www.amazon. com, from RO57.

UNDER SUPERVISION Keep track of your child’s whereabouts, your pet and even your car, and use these smart beacons, called Tōd. It will also send you notifications via email or text when the kids make an unscheduled departure or if they wander off too far from you. At www. kickstarter.com, from RO12.

LOCK ’N GO If you lose your keys on a regular basis then you may want to invest in the Lockitron. Not only does Lockitron let you unlock the door with just a touch on the smartphone but it also notifies you when someone is knocking at the door. You can even customise it to set your door to unlock whenever you get near the door – making this the ideal investment for late nights with less fumbling through bags for keys. At www.lockitron.com, from RO69.

EDITOR’S PICK

FOR THE KIDS

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KIDS LOVE TO PLAY WITH MUM OR DAD’S SMARTPHONE SO INSTEAD OF DELETING YOUR APPS OR CAUSING TROUBLE, INVEST IN THE WISE-PET TO KEEP THOSE LITTLE FINGERS BUSY. HERE THE WISEPET DOUBLES AS A TECH PET, PROMISING FIVE DIFFERENT PETS WITH FIVE DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES. THE APP IS ALSO BUILT-IN WITH VALUABLE EDUCATIONAL FEATURES, WHICH BROADCAST FUN LESSONS AND A RECORDING FEATURE THAT SAVES UP YOUR VOICED BEDTIME STORIES TO LET THE WISE-PET READ THE STORY FOR YOU. AT WWW.AMAZON.CO.UK, FROM RO24.

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PEACEFUL PARENTS All parents invest in baby monitors so why not turn your smartphone into one? The minute you install the Snug Baby Monitor for Smartphones and Tablets it will start sending live streaming audio and video through a secure and encrypted connection. Safely monitoring your baby has never been so easy. At www.amazon.co.uk, from RO25.

NEW PICO GENIE A100 Heavy projectors are very much a thing of the past and still quite expensive if you blow a bulb. With that in mind, just opt for the Pico Genie A100, a speaker-enabled projector as small as the iPhone! It sports a 150cm viewing area with sound-boosting effect, not to mention that you could easily carry the Pico Genie 100 around between presentations without the weight or set-up stress. At www. amazon.co.uk, from RO195.

App of the Week

MOODNOTES Feel out of sorts? Let your smartphone help you out. Moodnotes is a digital diary for tracking your moods, from low to high and prompts you to explain your feelings to help spot triggers for those low moments. It also provides tips on how to avoid the “thinking traps” that may cause them. Check it out at itunes.com, from RO1.5.

FISH FINDER Every fisherman’s dream. Have you ever imagined being able to know where to go for that perfect catch? Deeper has made the impossible possible. The magic is all made possible with the use of Friday Lab’s sonar that can detect the movement of fish within a 50m radius, and reflects the big catch on your smartphone’s screen. Get your next big catch at www.amazon.com, from RO57.37. JULY OCT 0313 - 09 19 / ISSUE 440 327

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

Destination

Postcards from

Outdoors

Alvin Thomas finds a car to part the traffic with, without hitting your pocket at the fuel pump

f you’re a daily driver in Oman, you will almost certainly know of the Nissan Patrol. They’re extremely common and more often than not, they’re in your rear view mirror, in the fast lane, flashing their lights at you so that they can get past. Why the bragging rights? For starters, it’s humungous in size. If anything deserves royalty on the road, it is the Nissan Patrol. And stuffed with a hefty V8 engine underneath the bonnet, there really is nothing else that quite does the job of parting the cars for your benefit. However, a while back, Nissan was caught testing the Patrol with a smaller and economic V6 engine, in the UAE. It was all a hushhush affair and nothing was made public, until now. The new variant of the Patrol, the Patrol V6, was unveiled last month and ever since then, it has slowly been replacing the base variant (SE) of the V8 Patrol. Visually, there’s no real difference between the two variants. Our tester was the SE Platinum City V6, meaning I received all the visual goodies. But even still, the sole difference between the former and this model is the absence of the “V8” badges on the side panels. The similarity between the two means you still receive colossal 50cm alloys, daytime running LED lights, tonnes of chrome touches on the window sills, intakes, door handles, side mirrors and even a sizeable strip on the lower portion of the door, for that added premium effect. Inside, there’s plenty of space, and reaching for things can be quite cumbersome. But I’m not

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complaining. The added space means you get three rows of seating, with adequate head and floor spacing for third-row passengers. Even I was able to fit myself in comfortably without a hitch. Keeping in line with the “premium” effect, the insides are garnished in leather all the way from the dashboard and the seats to the well-padded armrests. The aforementioned seats, apart from being leather-cladded, are extremely comfortable although a little more bolstering would have gone a long way. However, they’re perfect for long road trips and even off-roading. I also received Nissan’s 20cm LCD screen upfront, and two other 17cm entertainment screens in the rear for passengers. Those accustomed to Nissan’s older entertainment systems will find this one rather easy to use. However, it took me a while to understand the controls (Bluetooth and Audio) but it is simple to use once you figure out where all the controls lie. The standard (in Platinum variants) 13-speaker Bose audio system is extremely easy on the ear, with excellent levels of bass and treble meaning you won’t be looking for aftermarket systems. Now let’s talk about the biggest change the Patrol receives: the powertrain. The new Patrol comes with a “derived” 4.0-litre V6 engine that produces 275hp and an added 395Nm of twist. While I was afraid the numbers were inadequate for a near-three-tonne SUV, I was quite surprised by the potency of the engine. Let me put it this way: the Patrol V6 is still fast enough to rule the outside lanes of the highways. Nissan says that the Patrol, with its seven-speed automatic transmission, will hit the 100kph mark from a standstill in 11.5 seconds, which is quite brisk for a vehicle of such sorts.

Y- F i C A R S

2016 Nissan Patrol V6 Specifications: Engine: 4.0-litre V6 engine Transmission: seven-speed automatic transmission Horsepower: 275hp Torque: 395Nm Limited Slip Differential Front & rear parking sensor 50 cm alloy wheels 11-speaker Bose audio system with Bluetooth & iPod input Intelligent Key with push button start Rear DVD entertainment system Power liftgate Cruise Control

But as we’ve learned over the years, the Patrol is not for straight-line speeds. It’s meant to rule the highways with its presence. Mind you, that doesn’t mean it’s in any way slow. What the SUV does, is that it picks up to your desired speed and sits there comfortably, meaning you can do 120kph (or the speed you are willing to hit) and sit there all day. The chassis and the body are extremely well laid out and thus there are no vibrations at all from the engine, road or even from the crosswinds. Even the engine-noise is well dampened, with only a whiff of gruff when pushed hard but because you receive most of the torque low down the rpm range, you won’t find yourself hammering down on the throttle as much. Unfortunately, I did not take the Patrol off the highways so I could not test out the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. Despite the power drop from its bigger V8 brother, I’m sure the V6 will do just fine. You get the same goodies too: with modes for Sand, Snow, Rock and Road. You can also lock the differentials if need be, and also descend from hills safely using the “Hill Descend” function. The ride is smooth and well composed, and unlike certain other offerings from Asia, the Patrol is not very floaty. While I wasn’t completely sold on the idea of a V6 Patrol, a day with the SUV cleared my mind up. Nissan’s move to offer a smaller engine corresponds well to the current market situation, and sits well amid rising fuel prices. I had the Patrol for a whole seven hours and despite my heavy foot, I was still left with three-quarters of a tank. So, folks, the answer is pretty clear: if you want a big off-roader and don’t want to pay for the added fuel expenses then look no further. The Patrol is here for you.

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