Y Magazine #452, January 5, 2017 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

THRILLS AND SPILLS FULFILLING A FERRARI DREAM BROADWAY GALA

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DESTINATION: Sharqiyah Sands HEALTH: Dealing with dry eyes

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JAN 05 - 11 2017 / ISSUE 452 â&#x20AC;¢ WEEKLY

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TOP TIPS ON KEEPING RESOLUTIONS

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EDITOR’S

NOTE

PETROL The price of petrol in the Sultanate this month rose to its highest level since fuel subsidies were cut a year ago. Are you feeling the pinch?

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

SHORTER FESTIVAL The Muscat Festival has been cut to 24 days, down from the usual month-long celebrations for budget reasons. According to Muscat Municipality, the festival will begin on January 19.

STEADY

BUS TICKETS Petrol might be on the rise, but it’s good news to hear that Mwasalat will not increase bus ticket prices in the near future.

THIS WEEK… Team Y has been celebrating the New Year, getting back to our daily routine after a short spell in London and enjoying a weekend trip to the beautiful city of Sur.

Fast forward

ands up who made a New Year resolution this year? I have to say that I’m not keen on making resolutions at the start of each new year and have avoided doing this since my early 20s as I felt I was setting myself up for failure, not to mention the guilt. While wanting to start 2017 on a positive note is admirable, sometimes it can be a misguided goal – especially when you consider the high failure rate of resolutions. In our cover story this week, Team Y discovers that New Year resolutions are extremely hard to achieve over the course of a year, such as quitting smoking, losing weight or getting fit at the gym. Experts recommend that we think carefully about what it is that we want to achieve, as well as the effort it will take. That’s not to say we shouldn’t try to be a better, healthier person; it’s more about making realistic goals and taking it one step at a time. We also talk to range of people about their goals this year – and wish them all the best in achieving them despite the odds. Meanwhile, we head to Sharqiyah Sands in Destination, take the Ford Mustang EcoBoost out for a spin in First Drive and review the best of portable gadgets in Y-Fi. Have a fabulous week!

editor@y-oman.com

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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. JAN 05 - 11 / ISSUE 452

contents JAN

Your Oman 06 Coffee With Y Maitham al Musawi 08 Voice Of Oman Felicity Glover 10 News 2017 Budget released 12 News SalamAir ready for business 14 Faces Of Oman

2017

Features 22 Cover Story Top tips on keeping New Year resolutions 26 Thrills and spills Boyhood dream comes alive in a Ferrari

This Week 16 ROHM Review Broadway Gala 18 This Week SeS Market 21 Movies Assassin’s Creed

15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Nadil Yousaf al Balushi

Cars and Adventures

Food and Drink 3o Food Feature New flavours 33 Taste Test Fish Hoek

40 Destination Sharqiyah Sands 42 Postcard From Seoul, South Korea

Health and Beauty

44 Y-Fi Portable gadgets

34 Fashion Star struck

46 First Drive Ford Mustang EcoBoost

36 Beauty Mask up 37 Health Dry eyes

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

Jeevan Blesson sits down wi th Omani filmmaker Maitham al Musawi and learns a little ab out what it takes to make a m ovie

apturing significant moments and has received 17 awards in his hate it when that happens.” in his life has been a passion filmmaking career. Maitham plans to make his first for Maitham al Musawi. “Three of my films have won Bes feature film in the coming years and Firstly, it was still images. He used t Film awards locally and I won Bes he would like to produce films for to carry a camera everywhere and t You ng Director award for my film young Omani filmmakers and to began to capture every moment. By Popcorn in Sweden. Other awards I help them make their films. the end of high school, he had take n rece ived were for best screenplay and His dream is to be nominated for more than 50,000 pictures. best editing.” an Academy Award. Later, he moved to shooting vide os So far, Maitham has written and According to Maitham, two issues once he realised that a still picture dire cted eight short films. make Oman impenetrable for the has limits and cannot fully express His biggest break as a movie film industry. One is the minimal what he wanted to convey through mak er was with his short film Raneen government support for local his pictures. in 2011. filmmakers and second is the cult A graduate of Oman Medical ure “It was the film that transferred of Oman. College, Maitham began working me from YouTube to the film “Government bodies should for the Ministry of Health as an festivals’ cinema screens,” he says consider filmmaking as an art orthopaedic surgeon. . And Maitham does consider form and not just entertainment. During his free time, he started Tar antino a role model. He says: Otherwise, we will never go filming and uploading clips onto “Just like me, he did not go to film anywhere in the movie world. YouTube. school and became a filmmaker. Omani culture has generally not “YouTube was just starting up He writes and directs all his movies, accepted going to the cinema and at that time and I began to upload whi ch is something I do. His films watching movies but maybe it has small, funny clips that I had mad e are my favourite but there is nothin in places like Muscat. Also, most with my cousins and friends. Tha g t similar about our styles. I would like people don’t even know Omani eventually evolved into my films to sit down with him one day. I cou films exist. These two issues need being screened at film festivals,” he ld talk about his films for days.” to be addressed first before we go says. Maitham learned the art of anywhere with an Omani film For Maitham, the movie is the film making through practice and industry.” amalgamation of all the arts into one watching movies. Maitham adds that Oman has the beautiful masterpiece. “Making films is like writing geography to attract international “It’s a way to tell a story, which is poetry. You can learn poetry by movies, and the Government sho something we all love to do. I just uld read ing 10,000 poems and then support these projects. Through this love to do it with camera and ligh ts,” forg et those poems and make your the Sultanate can promote tourism he says. own. With every film I try to rein as well. The filming of his new vent Maitham’s movies have garnered myself and try something new. I project, A Piece of Land is schedule good reviews from critics, and hav also d e learned a lot from YouTube video for this year. been enjoyed by audiences around tutorials on the basics of screenp “It’s a script I wrote two years ago the world. His work has been lay writ ing, filmmaking, cinematography, and I obtaine screened at several film festivals, and d funding from the lighting and editing.” Dubai International Film Festival film fans have been fascinated by the He also says that filmmaking can to make it. It is a short narrative uniqueness of his work as it comes thro w up a series of challenges, about an Indian man’s struggle with from the Arab world. which a director has to be able to a bunch of mischievous Omani kids Maitham always uses children han dle. over a piece of land in Muttrah. to talk about social issues in the “I think my strength is to be able The film touches on many topics community in his movies. These to write, direct, shoot and edit a including racism in the Gulf regi include taboo subjects that few on, film, and my weakness is losing belonging to a place and time, and people talk about, such as child my temper during a shoot. That living together in peace despite our abandonment and racism in the hap pens when the actors and the differences.” Gulf. crew take too long for a single scen He is a great fan of Quentin e and I have to think about the next Have you got a unique story to tell or do Tarantino (who directed Pulp Fict ion know someone who has? Contact us to you scenes and how the sun lighting will have and Django Unchained, among others) coffee with Y and be featured in Y Mag change if we delay it any more. I azine. Email: editor@y-oman.com

JAN 05 - 11 / ISSUE 452

THE VOICE OF OMAN FELICITY GLOVER ON MAKING MISTAKES AND LEARNING FROM THEM

ne of the biggest challenges I’ve had as a single mum over the years is making those big decisions in life – decisions that affect both me and my daughter, Cia. My biggest priority, of course, is Cia – her future, her happiness, her safety and her well-being. But when you get it wrong, it can have far-reaching effects – especially as your children get older. As a single mum, making those decisions alone can be overwhelming. Not being able to discuss them with your partner can be difficult and you feel a huge weight on your shoulders as you consider the pros and cons. I do seek a lot of advice from our friends and family but at the end of the day these are my decisions and my responsibilities. But sometimes I do wish that I didn’t have to make the decisions, that somebody could just come along and give me an insight into the future so I’d know that I was on the right path. On the flipside, I understand that that’s what life is about – making mistakes and learning from them, and hoping with all your heart that you have made the right decision. As much as I’d love to see into the future, that would mean never making mistakes and never learning from them to become a better person. And while I am faced with a major decision at the moment, regardless of the outcome, Cia and I will fine. We will live and let learn – as always.

NEXT WEEK: ALVIN THOMAS

JAN 05 - 11 / ISSUE 452

correspondence TOURISM NEEDS IMPROVEMENT Dear Editor, This Christmas and New Year have really been different for me, and it is my homecoming that has made the difference. Muscat is the city that accounts for 13 of my formative years. And for me, Muscat is still mesmerising and continues to offer memories and feelings of nostalgia around every corner. However, apart from a few flyovers, I don’t find the city has changed that much. I strongly feel there is room for improvement in the tourism sector. Oman is a land in which natural beauty continues to flow in abundance. To showcase this beauty it’s time for the authorities to try their hand at running a ropeway, a submarine observatory, a sea-bathing fun park or a

DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: According to a recent survey, employment opportunities have slumped for new graduates. What more can be done to boost the jobs market in Oman?

Disneyland-like amusement park. Thanking you and wishing you all a happy 2017! Sincerely, Raka Ghosh-Dastidar natural resources, aside from oil, which still need to be developed. If these are channeled in the right way, they will attract foreign investors and open up job opportunities for Omani graduates. Colleges and universities should also provide the knowledge, skills, and advice for their students in some of the fields previously mentioned. Secondary and college students should also be guided towards taking a responsible path both personally and professionally.

ANU MANCHANDA

Oman’s economy is mostly driven by the oil sector. Oil prices have dipped throughout the world, which has had a direct impact on every sector in Oman. This has also resulted in a tailing-off in vacancies and an increase in the number of jobless RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE graduates. New investors are not willing to take Oman’s economy is largely based on oil and risks in such an environment. It’s high time the petroleum. If oil prices go down in the world government concentrated on other sectors such market, this will definitely affect Oman’s as Travel and Tourism etc, rather than depending economy thus resulting in more unemployed only on the oil industry. Graduates should be graduates. The government should focus on other provided training on starting their own businesses. resources in Oman such as agriculture, tourism, More vocational education centres should be health, arts and crafts, business, etc for providing opened. Students studying in senior secondaries opportunities for jobseekers. Oman has untapped should be encouraged to join vocational courses

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and utilise SME funds provided by the Government. More scholarships should be provided for vocational courses. This will help to bring down the growing numbers of unemployed graduates in the country and would also create more job opportunities for others. The government could boost confidence among youngsters by providing new schemes to showcase talent at school and college level. National level recognition should be given to those individuals who have successfully developed their own businesses, by utilising SME funds. An online portal should be created for submitting bio data under different categories. Eligible freshers should be called for relevant jobs for government as well as to private sector jobs only from this portal. The government needs to work proactively and come up with a plan to bring up Oman’s economy, leading to an increase in jobs.

MOHAMED ABDOULMAGUID

The training and rehabilitation of young Omanis is a fundamental pillar for the development of the Omani labour force. Perhaps greater efforts in this area would constitute an integrated system in which everyone contributes to the provision of manpower, training and qualifications and thereby play an integral part in the development of the economy. Trainers and trainees working in small and medium enterprises in the private sector on the one hand, and on the other hand, job seekers who wish to enrol in the private sector could co-ordinate between the Ministry of Manpower, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Oman, the General Union of Workers Oman and the Public Authority for small and medium enterprises. By looking closely at the needs of the private sector and the quality of training programmes needed, business owners could have a profound impact on the labour market for graduates. The training and rehabilitation of young Omanis will provide the market with young people who are competent and knowledgeable. We all know that young Omanis are ambitious and many have the desire to embark on special projects but they lack the qualifications and training. A suitable initiative could provide them with the experience they need.

SYED BOKHARI

Employment opportunities for graduates have hit a wall and unemployment has created a crisis not

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only in Oman but also throughout the world. The government should tackle it by opening an Employment Exchange Centre, where the jobless could enter their profile and CVs to get jobs. Healthy economic growth naturally creates jobs. Consumers who drive most of the economy won’t spend if they don’t believe the future will be safe and secure. Therefore, the government should make it obligatory that merit should prevail all around and keep a strict and vigilant eye to avoid corruption, as corruption blocks the ways and means of deserving candidates and thereby unemployment gets a chance to blossom. It should be the role of government to create confidence and pave the way for a free and healthy environment to overcome the unemployment slump for graduates.

DINESH THULASIDOSS

Providing job opportunities for new graduates is undoubtedly a challenge. A paradigm shift on increasing the manufacturing units should open the floodgates for new jobs and help diversify the economy. Oman needs more facilities to help towards encouraging the manufacturing sector to generate more employment.

GAUTAM GHOSH DASTIDAR

To boost the jobs market in Oman, we need to boost the work culture right at the outset. The jobs market is in no way inferior to those in any of our neighbouring countries but many of the jobs are going to expats. Most companies, irrespective of sector, outsource and hire workers from foreign nations to run their businesses in an apparently safer and more efficient way. To transform this attitude, change should first be brought into the education sector of the country where curricula must become more job-friendly. If national representation amid the recruiting authority is made mandatory, recruitment for nationals will increase, for sure.

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JAN 05 - 11 / ISSUE 452

YOUR

OMAN

NEWS

STATE BUDGET FOR 2017 ANNOUNCED

OMAN I

AIR CUTS

HIGH

n what is expected to be another tough year for the economy, the Ministry of Finance has announced its State Budget for 2017. A total spending of RO11.7 billion and revenue of RO8.7bn is expected this year, leaving a deficit of RO3bn. According to the Budget report, the Government is expecting revenue of RO4.45bn from crude oil, RO1.66bn from natural gas and the remainder from other sources. It said that RO8.5bn from the total expenditure was for current spending, while RO2.665bn would be for investment expenditure. However, an estimated deficit of RO3bn will be aggregated from international borrowing, domestic borrowing and drawings from the State General Reserve Fund. The Government has also decided to amend the

country’s Income Tax law this year. This move will raise an estimated amount of RO400 million from companies and establishments for state coffers. The Government also expects to generate about RO310m after increasing the fee for expatriate visas this year. According to the Budget report, the Government is also looking to limit recruitment in the public sector during 2017 due to the economic downturn. The 2017 Budget also revealed that certain fees for services provided by Royal Oman Police would be amended to increase revenue. Public spending was also cut by RO200m in this year’s Budget compared with 2016. Meanwhile, security and defence spending was expected to total RO3.34 billion, a drop of 5 per cent compared with last year.

EXCESS BAGGAGE CHARGES

ational carrier Oman Air will abolish high excess baggage charges from this

month. Excess baggage weight rates charged by the kilogram will be abolished and a new policy of free baggage will introduced from next Monday (January 9). Economy class passengers can now carry baggage weighing up to 30kg, while business and first class passengers are allowed two pieces of luggage weighing up to 50kg. Oman Air’s Silver and Gold Sinbad members will get even more allowance, with one free extra piece of baggage up to 20kg in economy class, and a total of two pieces of luggage up to 60kg in business and first class. The airline said in a statement that extra pieces of baggage can be purchased from RO16 per piece of luggage weighing 20kg. Oman Air passengers will continue to receive a free baggage allowance to all destinations.

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FOG TO ENVELOP PARTS OF OMAN

he Royal Oman Police (ROP) has advised motorists to remain extremely alert and cautious while driving in low visibility fog conditions, which have been predicted across various parts of Oman over the course of the next week. The Oman Meteorology Department has issued a statement predicting fog over Buraimi,

Al Dahirah, South Al Sharqiyah, as well as the coastal areas of Dhofar, Al Wusta and Musandam. “Drive cautiously. Fog has enveloped many parts of North and South Al Batinah,” the ROP tweeted on its official Twitter handle. Fog was reported to have enveloped the northern parts of Oman last week [Wednesday, December 28]. Motorists also alerted Y about reduced visibility across the Sultan Qaboos Highway, and how drivers weren’t keeping safe distances between cars. Suleiman, an engineer, said: “I was going to my site at 6am yesterday, when I noticed thick fog across the road. I switched my fog lights on, and drove as safe as possible. However, I still had a few people scare me as they tailgated and flashed their headlights at me” In the UAE, heavy fog has resulted in delays and diversions of flights, as well as numerous road accidents.

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YOUR

OMAN Bite Sized OUR WEEKLY SLOT TAKES A LIGHTHEARTED LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK.

SNAKES ALIVE

Photo credit: Snake Catcher Victoria Australia/Facebook Is this about Australia again? We are afraid so, at the risk of being predictable! What happened this time? Let’s just say that a woman, known as Cheryl, in Frankston, Victoria, got the surprise of her life when she noticed a highly venomous tiger snake wrapped around the family Christmas tree. Did she run for the hills? Ha ha. No, like many Australians who have faced similar situations, she stayed calm and simply called the local snake catcher, a guy named Barry Goldsmith. Did she leave the room after that? Not quite. She took a picture of the poisonous intruder and sent it to Barry, who, as you can imagine, is kept busy during the summer months dealing with snakes seeking shelter from the heat in Australia. It was only then that the home owner left the room, closed the door and placed a towel underneath it to prevent it escaping. What happened next? As they say in Australia, Barry was at the house in a jiffy (it took him about 20 minutes to get there) and managed to capture the snake and put it in a bag. That was a lucky escape! It certainly was. According to Barry, the tiger snake is one of the most dangerous in Australia. In fact, it’s the world’s sixth-most poisonous snake, so it’s best to stay away from them! Don’t say: “Pass the tinsel”. Do say: “Snakes alive!”

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NEWS

SALAMAIR TO GO AIRBORNE SOON

anuary will mark the beginning of a new era for aviation in the Sultanate, as the nation’s first budget-friendly airline, SalamAir, takes to the skies on January 30. Salam Air has already launched ticket sales for flights between Salalah and Muscat, and is expected to open bookings for flights from Muscat to Dubai before it takes off for the first time to the neighbouring city in mid-February. The tickets are available through the company’s website salamair.com, as well as from numerous affiliated travel agents across the country. Customers can also seek support from the SalamAir call centre via live chat, email and phone. Speaking to local media, SalamAir chairman Khalid al Yahmadi was quoted as saying: “The eagerly anticipated launch of SalamAir ticket sales is a significant occasion for the airline and for the people of Oman.” SalamAir is offering three fare options: Light, Friendly and Flexi for passengers. Light is the airline’s lowest fare and is designed for customers who travel light and only require hand baggage. The Friendly option includes 20kg of luggage plus 7kg of hand baggage, and Flexi allows passengers added benefits such as priority check-in and the possibility to change flights at no extra cost. In addition, a “budget-conscious menu” of additional services is also available, which includes extra luggage allowance, seat selection, and priority check-in.

THROUGH YOUR EYES

“Our competitive price structure makes it possible for tourism, leisure and business passengers alike to take journeys more frequently, giving them the chance to experience more,” said al Yahmadi. “As SalamAir opens the skies, it is proud to contribute to Oman’s future progress and prosperity by meeting the rapidly increasing demand for air traffic, supporting our tourism and hospitality sectors, and generating a range of opportunities for employment and business.” François Bouteiller, the CEO of SalamAir, said: “We are delighted to reach another significant milestone in the launch of our new airline. Travellers in Oman and Dubai can now book their flights with SalamAir and benefit from the choices we offer.” Meanwhile, all departing passengers from Muscat International Airport should also note that an additional 300 baisas will soon be charged as a part of the Common Use Passenger Processing Systems (CUPPS). SHARE YOUR PHOTO WITH Y TO BE FEATURED IN OUR NEW READER SECTION

Just 25km from Muscat, Yiti is a stunning place to visit to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its picturesque landscape and calm waters, it’s easy to see why Alwyn Paul wanted to capture Yiti’s serenity.

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PHOTO: Alwyn Paul

aces of

Oman

Welcome to Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weekly photo series that profiles the diverse characters who call the Sultanate home Name: Jumma Age: 70 From: Oman Occupation: Fisherman Passion: Fishing

Photo: Shaquel al Balushi

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

DRIVEN TO

SUCCESS

Nadil Yousaf al Balushi started working in a money exchange company before moving to Muscat Finance in 2002. Having completed a degree, he is now doing a master’s in business. Today, the young Omani is the Business Head of Noor Operations at Enhance. He is also the first Omani to head a business department at the company in its 45-year history. Q: What drives you to success? I was just 21 or 22 when I started my career. During my training period until the age of 26, I have learned numerous things by trial, error and feedback that have made me successful. But I have always wanted to take my life to the next level and to become a leader. For that, I started to identify my weak points and tried to overcome them. I found that a lack of education was a major weakness. At that time, I had only a higher secondary education. I always want to overcome my shortcomings. Q: Who or what has been your inspiration? Ahmed Abbas, my general manager, was one of my inspirations because he also started his career from the bottom level, which encouraged me to be like him. I was also inspired by the words of Dr Tareq Swaidan.

In his speeches, he always exchanged ideas about positivity and having a positive attitude to reach a certain level in life. I think a good leader should keep a positive attitude throughout his or her career so that it will encourage others. Q: What is your biggest career success to date? To become the first Omani business head of this company in its 45-year history is my biggest career success so far. As I said, hard work is the key factor behind every success or achievement. If we work hard, we can achieve whatever goals we set in life. I always like to accept challenges in my life. As you all know, we Omanis love to work in banks, petroleum companies and in the government sector. It’s very hard to find Omanis in the retailing sector and to realise this success is my biggest achievement. Q: What are your career goals? For me, I have daily goals. We should attain something every day in our lives. For that we should follow certain steps. We should have a positive attitude towards everything that we do, we should have the knowledge in what we do, we should be a perfect team player, and we should have a clear aim in what we do. Above all, we should work hard to achieve that goal. Right now, my main objective is to support and do something for my country.

THE GENESIS IS A PERFECT FAMILY CAR AS IT IS SPACIOUS, LUXURIOUS, AND ABOVE ALL, VERY SAFE My country was a great support for me in many ways from the beginning. Now it’s my turn to put something back. Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? My dream is to become the best Omani leader I can be. Then, I want to train and share my knowledge and experience with the younger generation of Oman to help young people reach the next level in their careers. Our generation largely didn’t have the opportunity to be trained or receive guidance from successful leaders in business. So, I want to sort that issue out. It would help youngsters to avoid mistakes and to get on to the right path in the early days of their career. Q: What do you like about the Genesis, the premium series of Hyundai Motor Company? The Genesis is a perfect family car as it is spacious, luxurious, and above all, very safe. My favourite feature of the car would have to be the 360-degree camera view, which allows me to see the top view of the car for easy manoeuvring. Meanwhile, other features like the blind spot assistance and parking sensors also make driving this car easy. Another thing I like is how well-planted the car is at high speeds. Apart from that, there is plenty of space for family and luggage. Overall, the Genesis is a great package and is undeniably a very appealing car in its class. JAN 05 - 11 / ISSUE 452

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SOME ENCHANTED EVENING Photo credit: Khalid al Busaidi, ROHM

The show tune has lost none of its lasting lustre, finds Georgina Benison, at the Broadway Gala at Royal Opera House Muscat

rip-roaring concert has always been a great way to ring in New Year. And what better way to celebrate by singing or humming along to some of those enduring musical classics we have come to know and love? So those with a penchant for nostalgia or sentimentality could indulge themselves at a Broadway Gala concert at the Royal Opera House Muscat, before the fireworks. Fans (like me) of Oklahoma, My Fair Lady, Oliver! and The King and I came to the right place. We have heard them all before; we may know all the lyrics but we still love â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em. No wonder this concert was sold out. The ever-wonderful Prague Chamber Philharmonia (known for short as the PKF) were under the baton, appropriately enough, of American maestro David Charles Abell, and romped through some of the best-

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loved songs of the Broadway classics. We knew we were in for something special when a rousing opening assaulted our ears: the overture to Oklahoma! It was brilliantly played by the PKF’s full contingent of 65 musicians on stage. This was such a treat as a pit-band is, by definition, usually unseen and pared down. These arrangements were lush and rich in their original orchestrations by Robert Russell Bennett. And then, casually as you like, Simon Keenleyside sauntered on from stage right, hands in pockets and in an open cotton shirt under his baggy suit jacket, to perform Oh, What a Beautiful Morning from the same show. And oh, what a beautiful voice emanated from that slight, almost boyish figure as he moved across the stage; gesturing with such evocative and credible drama that the corn was indeed growing before our very eyes. I was won over immediately, and the audience was enraptured by his presence. It was followed by one of my favourites – On The Street Where You Live from that all-time chestnut, My Fair Lady. Keenleyside concluded his first section with that muchloved classic that has been recorded by – well, nearly everyone – Jerome Kern’s All The Things You Are. He is a gifted baritone, and his CV is quite astounding, having performed in some of the world’s greatest opera houses. Keenleyside didn’t need a microphone as his warm tones easily filled the spacious auditorium. He also complimented the House on its fine acoustics and stunning design. Next up was British West End star Jodie Jacobs, and the striking blonde chose It Might As Well Be Spring from State Fair to open her set, albeit in an unusual arrangement by Derek Greten-Harrison. As soon as she opened her mouth the audience knew she had what it takes. Her second number was poignant rendition of the classic As Long as He Needs Me, from Oliver! An added twist was that Jacobs is actually a cousin of Georgia Brown, who played Nancy in the original West End production of Oliver! in 1960. A genuine Londoner; with a very special take on a famous standard, was here in Muscat singing especially for us. Jacobs is a star of musicals, not opera, but used the mike effectively to counter the full force of the orchestra. She has won a whole load of new fans with her performance. Her wonderful set was followed by an instrumental from the PKF with The March of the Siamese Children from The King and I, again with the original film orchestration by Robert Russell Bennett. Special mention should go to guest pianist Marcel Javorcek and the superb harpist Hana Mullerova. Simon Keenleyside opened his second appearance with that well-known Broadway hit, Stranger in Paradise, from Kismet, which secretly steals its memorable tune from none other than the 19th-century Russian composer, Alexander Borodin. The first little-known melody of the evening was The Girl Next Door from Athena, and here it must be said that some of the lyrics were unclear in Keenleyside’s lower register. It’s possible the songs were pitched too low for his range or were just simply in the wrong key, but that was the only negative comment I picked up from other members of the audience. The show moved to Carousel for the final section, which brought up many powerful memories for me. I grew up on these musicals, and this one played a few nostalgic mind games on me during this special night of the year. Keenleyside sang his most poetic, poignant song of the evening, My Boy Bill. It’s the song of a man who is going to be a father until he is stopped in his tracks when he realises the baby might be a girl. Keenlyside’s renditon was heartstopping. Jacobs performed the rarely heard When Did I Fall in Love? from the 1959 musical, Fiorello, and her superb acting skills, together with her expressive facial gestures, underlined her exceptional abilities as a first-class performer. Finally, from Oklahoma, the duet, People Will Say We’re in Love could not be topped. They were, both together, called back for three encores. And then we let them go, hoping it was a metaphor for better things to come in the world for 2017. JAN 05 - 11 / ISSUE 452

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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

JAN

MARKET MOVERS

The first Souk es Sabt – or SeS Market – for 2017 kicks off on Saturday in the grounds of the InterContinental Hotel Muscat. Founded by Omani entrepreneur Sara al Asfoor, the market is a great place to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy eats and to enjoy an afternoon of creative crafts. It’s a fun day out for all the family. Gates open at 3pm and close at 7pm. For more information, search for SeS Market on Facebook.

WEEK

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

J A N U A R Y Opera legend Plácido Domingo makes a triumphant return to the Royal Opera House Muscat to conduct the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra for what is promising to be a highlight of the season. It’s the first time Domingo has performed at ROHM since his debut in 2011, and this concert programme will feature music by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. Curtain up is at 7pm, and for bookings and more information, go to www. rohm.org.om.

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JAN 13

Aspiring musicians looking to make their public debut should head to Copper Restaurant in Qurum, which is kicking off a regular Live Sessions, or an open mic, night every week. Make sure you are there to sign up before 7.45pm, while the free show begins at 8pm. If you are going to be part of the audience and support the musicians, it’s on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations can’t be made. Musicians get three minutes on stage. For more information, call 2456 4292. Good luck!

Show stopper

THIS

GOING LIVE

JAN

Gallery

Movies JAN 19

JAN 12

MUSCAT FESTIVAL RETURNS FLAMENCO FIESTA

The capital’s highly anticipated Muscat Festival is back with an exciting line-up of celebrations and family friendly activities. To be held in venues such as Amerat Park and Naseem Park, the festival will feature an Omani heritage village, as well as educational and fun zones for children. Local and GCC-based artisans, craftsmen and artists are expected to set up stalls at the participating venues. Organised by Muscat Municipality, this year’s festival ends on February 11.

Head to the Palm Garden at the InterContinental Hotel Muscat for an exciting Spanish Night, where guests will be entertained by a thrilling flamenco dance show. Spanish culinary treats such as tapas and paella will be served. The evening begins at 7pm and costs RO20, including selected beverages. For bookings, call 9137 3243 or email fb.icm@ihg.com.

Until

FEB 02

JAN

25-28

SPIRIT OF COHESION Make a beeline for Gallery Sarah at Bait Al Zubair to view the stunning works of talented Omani photographer Soud al Buhiry. His exhibition, The Spirit of Cohesion, showcases some spectacular photographs of mosques around Oman. Gallery Sarah is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm, Sunday to Thursday. For more information, go to www.gallerysarah.com or call 2208 4747.

DREAM DAY It’s wedding season in the Sultanate, which means the annual Oman Bride Show 2017 is back. Organised by East Expo, this year’s concept is Plan Your Wedding so organising your nuptials should be easier by visiting the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. From the latest fashion trends to cosmetics, stage decoration, videography and honeymoon packages, the bride show is a onestop shop to help you plan the wedding of your dreams. For details, go to www.omanbrideshow.com.

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Top

most visited art museums in the world

❶ The Louvre

Where: Paris, France Visitor numbers: 8.6 million

eum s u M tish i K r B e don, U .8 million n o L : ❷ Th e s: 6 Wher mber r nu

Visito

❹

❸ Art f o eum s u M an t i l o p es Metro d Stat , Unite n York : New s: 6.5 millio e r e h r W e b num Visitor

❺

The National Gallery Where: London, UK Visitor numbers: 5.9 million Source: top5ofanything.com

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ms u e s u nM Vatica atican City lion il :V Where umbers: 6 m n Visitor

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

La La Land

Assassins’ Creed Based on the popular video game franchise, Assassin’s Creed is being panned by critics around the world. Despite an impressive cast – Michael Fassbender as hero Callum Lynch, Jeremy Irons as Alan Rikkin and Marion Cotillard as Rikkin’s daughter Sofia – and some very cool special effects and fight scenes, the plotline requires the audience to suspend reality. But then again, that’s pretty much the template behind video games. There are not many video games that have successfully made the transition to the big screen – Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is perhaps the exception – and asking the audience to believe that we can unlock the memories of our ancestors via DNA is, perhaps, a little far-fetched.

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 Mia in La La Land? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Malee Thumbowila

And that’s where we pick up the story: Lynch channels the adventures of his ancestor Aguilar in Spain during the 15th century, discovering along the way that he is a descendant of a mysterious secret society known as the Assassins. His adventure allows him to build up some incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organisation in the present day. The best scenes of the movie are based around Lynch’s adventures in the past, which is where he should have stayed. As he flips between the present and the past, it does become a little tiresome but without the link to the present, audiences would be lost. For die-hard gaming fans only. Review by Felicity Glover

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

A beautifully shot, old-style movie, La La Land is a musical romance that is sure to bag a number of awards as we move into the season for the Golden Globes, for which it has received seven nominations, and the Oscars. Starring Ryan Gosling as Sebastian, a jazz pianist, and the wonderful Emma Stone as Mia, an aspiring actress working as

a barisita in Los Angeles, La La Land breaks out into song and dance numbers à la the 1940s and 1950s as the two meet and fall in love. But as their success grows, they are faced with decisions that start to threaten their romance. Also starring J.K. Simmons, this is one of the must-see movies of the year.

The Great Wall Matt Damon is mercenary warrior William Garin, who is imprisoned inside the Great Wall by the “Nameless Order”, a group of elite fighters. Set in ancient China and with a budget of more than US$150 million (RO57m) The Great Wall is an epic-style film directed by China’s Zhang Yimou. In what is being described as the biggest Hollywood-China movie production in history, we see Garin transform from mercenary soldier to unlikely hero as he joins forces with the Nameless Order to fight mythical creatures to protect the Great Wall. An interesting plotline, it also stars Tian Jing and Willem Dafoe. Worth watching.

Long View SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS Based on the classic children’s novel of the same name by Arthur Ransome, Swallows and Amazons is an enchanting adventure film set in 1929. When four children go on a summer holiday to Britain’s Lake District, they head off to a little island in their boat, the Swallows, where they run into a rival group of children who own another boat called, you guessed it, the Amazons. But a mystery soon presents itself and it’s up to the rival gangs to put aside their differences and work together to solve it. Starring Rafe Spall and Andrew Scott, this is definitely a must-see for children and adults alike. Oman release date: January 26

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TOMORROW NEVER KNOWS While making New Year resolutions is a timehonoured tradition, keeping them is not always so easy. Team Y finds out why, with some tips from some of Oman’s bravest and brightest on how to do so

ust five days into 2017 and we are already feeling the pressure of yet another set of New Year resolutions to fulfil. We have the ancient Babylonians to thank for this custom, which they started 4,000 years ago – to celebrate the planting of new crops during a 12-day festival. However, the festival, known as Akitu, was held in the middle of March, rather than on January 1. According to the history books, the Babylonians also made promises to pay their debts and return goods borrowed during this time – making them the first resolutions that have continued throughout four millennia and into the 21st century. While millions of people around the world today make resolutions every year, the success rate is very low, with some surveys finding that only eight per cent of people manage to keep their promises, which usually range from losing weight to getting rich, going to the gym more regularly 022

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to perhaps some bucket-list items like travelling or entering a marathon. But why is it so difficult to keep to our New Year resolutions? According to one US-based survey by statisticbrain.com, 45 per cent of all Americans make New Year resolutions, but just eight per cent are successful in achieving them. But break that down and you find that 39 per cent of people in their 20s who took part in the survey achieve their goals while only 14 per cent of respondents in their 50s were successful. The failure rate is much higher in the United Kingdom. The UK-based health insurance provider Bupa conducted a survey in November 2015 that found that 63 per cent of British adults who set resolutions each year failed to keep them. Of that total, 66 per cent didn’t make it past the month of January while 80 per cent failed within the first three months of the year. According to life-change strategist Caroline

Diana Bobart, setting unrealistic goals without first understanding what is required to achieve them is one reason why we fail in our resolutions. “It is almost impossible to become a happier, new and improved version of yourself without an understanding of why your default behaviours were formed, and how hard they actually work to maintain the status quo,” she says. “As adults, we begin to notice that the very behaviours that helped us feel comforted and safe in our earlier years now hold us back from progressing in areas such as our health and wellbeing, relationships and career. “By committing to getting to the bottom of these, 2017 can be the year you finally free yourself from these ingrained behaviours and begin building the life you really want.” Meanwhile, Team Y meets some Muscat-based residents who have set themselves New Year resolutions for 2017. Will they achieve them? Only time will tell!

A young American entrepreneur and operations manager in Muscat, Jonathan talks about his plans for the new year, and how he has turned his vision from 2016 into reality Jonathan Heinsen (USA)

am a firm believer that the words that come from one’s mouth will come true someday. I am the biggest testament to that. When I was working in Dubai in the early months of 2016, I used to dream and talk about having a workshop of my very own. I always thought of what I could be if I were to attain that goal. But the very same year I turned my dream into a goal. In fact, I made a resolution to make my dreams come true and nothing else. One thing that would have stopped me is that most people in my industry (automotive detailing and decorations) fail a lot. I have failed too but if it weren’t for the many failures that I had, I would never have achieved any success. My motto is that you have to be curious in taking risks. Resolutions, in a way, are risks that one takes; they make you break the norm and do something else instead. So when I came to Oman for the first time, with the goal of setting up my own workshop and luxury detailing, I knew I was doing what I wanted to do in the first place. Today, Reflexions 44 has grown beyond what I have ever imagined. We are becoming one of the most sought-after car detailing and decorations companies in the country. And

I Alefiyah Rajbhoy (Pakistan)

try not to go overboard with too many resolutions, as the point is to make positive changes in one’s life and not to set unrealistic goals that are bound to fail. One resolution that is constant is to try to stick to what I promised myself the year before and make a few new attainable ones. This year I plan to read more books, focus on higher education and do one spontaneous thing each month that would make this year more exciting! The reason behind these resolutions is that I strongly believe in personal growth and improving oneself through the pursuit of new information and experiences. My resolutions this year focus on increasing

considering that all this happened over just a few months, I can proudly say that I met all my goals for 2016: I made sure that the business was welloiled and flowing smoothly. However, 2017 is going to be an interesting year for me. I haven’t even got the time to set resolutions for the year because I have been caught up at work. But, on a personal level, I will strive hard to work for my family. My wife and I are expecting a baby, and the next couple of months are definitely going to be interesting for me. But at the same time, I cannot set aside the fruits of what we achieved last year. My team and I are embarking on a huge push to provide maximum quality to customers and also to break down barriers by providing new services in the country. Some advice I would like to give those who are trying hard to make this year a fruitful one is that if you want to do something in life, don’t keep it for tomorrow. Resolutions are important. However, when you do something, do it for yourself and not because people around you are doing it. So whatever it is – be it applying for a driving licence or even washing the dishes – do it now, and apply yourself.

my knowledge, availing myself of opportunities to advance in my professional career. These would allow me to become more confident and have faith in the choices I make. My resolution last year was to become more physically fit and to participate in various activities such as races and other physical challenges. I was fairly successful as I got to my target weight and took part in events such as the Salalah Khareef marathon and the Spartan race. I also became a licensed open water diver. As long as you set achievable and realistic goals, work hard towards attaining them and have a strong resolve, keeping resolutions is an easy feat to achieve. Those who believe resolutions to be hokum may ask, “Why try at all?” The key is to make them but go easy on yourself. Appreciate the little changes and try not to get disheartened early on. Always remember, even the longest journey begins with the first step. JAN 05 - 11 / ISSUE 452

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Nadir Mohamed al Azri, a volunteer at the Oman Cancer Association, 25, intends to make 2017 a year of giving back to the residents of the Sultanate as well as a year of selfimprovement

hallenges and failures are the first steps towards the process of learning and improving. So I want to take the New Year as a time to make some new resolutions. Firstly, I would like to develop my academic skills by taking a post-grad course in Public Health. I feel that it is only right I should use all my skills and talents to give back to the many people who make up this beautiful country. Following the example set by the Oman Cancer Association (OCA) would be high on my list of priorities. Meanwhile, 2016 was quite an interesting year for me. I never made a resolution to join the OCA. As a matter of fact, after finishing my degree in Health Sciences from Sultan Qaboos University, I wanted to sit back and relax for a few months. But life took a completely different turn when

TOP 10 GOALSETTING

TIPS

1. Make only one resolution. Your chances of success are greater when you channel energy into changing just one aspect of your behaviour

Nadir Mohamed al Azri (Oman) I joined the OCA for volunteer services. For me, it came as a complete surprise as I didn’t know anything about the organisation. But today, as a part of the OCA family, I have met a lot of people, established many connections and have also helped to organise a lot of fundraising events, as well as international courses and conferences. All of this has helped me to grow personally, and this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family and the guidance of my mentors. As for failing resolutions; some people fail to measure the sheer complexity of their resolutions, and they tend to become too challenging for them. But making resolutions is important in its own right, and I personally believe that if you put your heart, mind and soul into them, you can achieve whatever you want.

External Public Relations Head at Ooredoo Oman, Emily tell us why she is breaking her annual habit of failing to make New Year resolutions Emily Shotter (UK)

think my resolution for 2017 would be to refrain from getting to work so early. For the past several months I’ve been getting into work between 5am and 5.30am. So my resolution is to get into work at 6.30am. The reason for this is that I can get a bit more sleep and take more rest – something I have not had in a long time. Last year, I didn’t have any resolutions; usually

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I don’t make any as I feel that changes or adjustments should be part of daily life. If you want to make changes, you should do it when the mood strikes you so that you actually stick to them. I think if people make them just for the new year without any real desire to change their lifestyle (or other things) then resolutions can be quite hard to keep. I would say the best way to keep a resolution is to start as you mean to go on. Usually a change requires a great deal of motivation to get started but once it becomes habit, it’s easy to stick to.

2. Don’t rush in choosing your New Year resolution. Take some time out and think about what you want to achieve 3. Avoid previous resolutions. Deciding to revisit a past resolution sets you up for frustration and disappointment 4. Don’t follow the crowd and go with the usual resolutions. Instead, think about what you really want out of life 5. Break your goal into a series of steps, focusing on creating sub-goals that are concrete, measurable and time-based 6. Tell your friends and family about your goals. You’re more likely to get support and want to avoid failure 7. To stay motivated, make a checklist of how achieving your resolution will help you 8. Give yourself a small reward whenever you achieve a sub-goal, which will help to motivate you and give you a sense of progress 9. Make your plans and progress concrete by keeping a handwritten journal, completing a computer spreadsheet or covering a notice board with graphs or pictures 10. Expect to revert to your old habits from time to time. Treat any failure as a temporary setback rather than a reason to give up altogether Source: www.nhs.uk/Livewell

TOP 10 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

Student and parttime model, Muhanned al Taie, 21, talks of his interests in extreme sports and how he intends to stick to his resolutions this year

have three resolutions that I want to fulfill this year: firstly, I want to improve my skills in ice hockey; secondly, I want to do free diving across Oman; and thirdly, I want to complete my college education. Last year, I had set targets to make extreme sports my priority. However, due to restrictions imposed by college, I could not do it to the extent I had hoped to. So, this year, I will make sure that I set my priorities straight and try to achieve higher targets, at least of the ones that I mentioned before.

Aaron Mathew Prince

n paper, the word “resolution” sounds rather simple and easy. As a matter of fact, the dictionary defines it as follows: “A firm decision taken to do or not do something for the sake of a desired outcome.” Sounds, simple, right? Yes! And that’s the problem. For years now, there has been a general notion (maybe even a trend) that keeping resolutions is something that has to be done at the start of the year. I’ve heard many people (including a number of cadets I counsel) sign up for gyms, take a step to quit alcohol consumption and smoking cigarettes or even take up new hobbies and tasks. But there is one similarity between each and every individual that I have encountered throughout my career, and that is: everyone wants to do something new, or change something that they have been doing “tomorrow”. Again, the word “tomorrow” merely exists in a dictionary and not in reality. Tomorrow is a

1. Lose weight 2. Getting organised 3. Spend less, save more 4. Enjoy life to the full 5. Stay fit and healthy 6. Learn something exciting 7. Give up smoking

Muhanned al Taie (Oman) I will also head to the beautiful Ras Madrakah and Al Sifah Beach for some free diving. Hopefully, I can tick them off my bucket list this time.

8. Help others 9. Fall in love 10. Spend more time with family Source: statisticbrain.com

Merchant navy However, there is also a lot of people who don’t realise that a resolution can be taken at cadet and part- any given point of the day. Think about this: every day is a new day, and it is a day that you time life coach have been granted. Therefore, it would be if you decide to jump off the bandwagon, Aaron Mathew wise and get yourself ready for the day instead of following others into a loop of failed promises Prince talks and resolutions. But from my experience, I have also seen that about how you an individual fails in keeping his or her resolution because he or she is trying to do something that can make 2017 someone else is doing and ends up forgetting why took up the resolution in the first place. more fruitful by theyWhen something isn’t as dear to you, how do you expect to keep doing it on a daily basis? making plans on Imagine this: it is your friend’s wedding in six and you are the best man or a bridesmaid. a more regular weeks Chances are that you want to look fit and trim the big day. So you will put all your effort into basis, as opposed for getting into shape for the wedding. And almost 100 per cent of the time, you will be successful in to setting attaining your goal. In contrast, someone hitting gym for the first time on the first day of the resolutions at the the year may or may not have a goal in his or her To the person, hitting the gym is merely start of the year mind. keeping a promise he or she made on New Year’s

Eve. And that is the biggest difference between a “New Year Resolution” and a goal. mere illusion of things that are yet to happen. So, The process of making an effort to attain a pushing something that you are meant to do today goal or target involves “self-realisation”. Only for another day is called banking on the world’s then will you have the motivation and power to grace. The hard truth is that you cannot even be see your way through to the end of the tunnel. sure if you will be alive two hours from this very So, reserve your resolutions for things that you second. So, why would you invest your potential realise are vital to your existence, or your lifestyle. energy and happiness in something that is not For instance, there are many people who even existent? Therefore, I would firmly urge each decide to quit drinking alcohol or cigarettes on and every one of you to invest your energy into a daily basis. Why do they fail? It is not just the “today”. addiction sometimes. They realise why they But there’s another important factor to failed started in the first place so changing the habit New Year resolutions too: the real reason why involves accepting and letting go of the route people make resolutions on January 1 is solely that led them there in the first place. That sort because it is a new year. And for many, a new year of “healing” requires getting to the core of the is considered a new start. I can vouch for that problem. as a lot of people do attain the goals they set for These are just a few of the root causes as to themselves over the course of the year. why many people fail to keep their resolutions. JAN 05 - 11 / ISSUE 452

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NEED FOR SPEED:

FERRARIS UNLEASHED Alvin Thomas fulfils a boyhood dream by taking the wheel of a Ferrari supercar

t’s a moment I have been dreaming of since I was a young boy: climbing into the driver’s seat of a Ferrari “supercar” and blasting the throttle to reach unthinkable speeds. There’s no denying it; it’s a dream I have shared with millions of young boys and girls around the world. But today, I tick this one off my bucket list as I jump into Ferrari’s gorgeous-looking 488 Spider. The drive is part of the Ferrari “Esperienza”, organised by the generous folks at Alfardan Motors (dealers of Ferrari in Oman), and the location of the drive is the picturesque roads of Al Bustan and the adjoining mountain roads of Qantab. Memories of me staring at posters of old Ferraris suddenly begin flashing before my eyes. But I’m not going to waste a single second I spend in a Ferrari reminiscing about my past. However, I am struggling to rein in my excitement. So, without any further delays, I push the “ENGINE START” button mounted on the steering wheel. And roaring behind me is the masterfully crafted 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine breathing out an unbelievable 661hp and even more astonishing 760Nm of twist (torque). The roar is unlike that of any other Ferrari due to its turbocharger. It is truly unique, and one to behold. I even have the retractable hardtop down to hear the engine roar. Riding shotgun with me is Ferrari’s 22-year-old professional racecar driver, Samuele Buttarelli, who has taken part in Formula Three, Formula Le Mans and many more competitive races. So, I’m in good hands as I take to the roads. Driving a Ferrari is actually as easy as driving a normal sports car. A simple push of the “Auto” button engages the gear (a seven-speed automanual F1-style gearbox) and lets me get going. From there, I take control of the gear shifts by slotting the gearbox into manual (again, with the simple push of a button). From there on (once at a safe distance from ongoing traffic), I push the car to its limits, often hitting the redline in low gears. The car is incredibly (almost astonishingly) poised in corners. There isn’t the slightest hint of body roll or even a tyre squeal. The brakes? Well, they’re quite something. The ventilated carbon ceramic brakes are massive and decelerate the car instantaneously. They really instill so much confidence in me as a driver. Samuele keeps chanting facts about the car in my ears but I’m in the zone – fusing into one with the car – even hitting the rev limiter in corners. It is incredibly stable and balanced at all times, even with the roof down. 026

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Ferrari 488 Spider Engine: 3.9-litre twinturbocharged V8 Power: 661hp Torque: 760Nm 0-100kph in seconds: 3

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But not everything good in life lasts forever. Still, waiting for me at the side of the road is the spanking new Ferrari GTC4 Lusso, the all-new four-seater “grandtouring shooting-brake supercar”. Climbing into the car, I’m alongside Ferrari’s race test driver Phillipo Pessotti. He says the interior of the car is different from that of the 488 Spider. With its 25cm entertainment screen and spacious interior, this is acres apart from other grand touring cars I’ve driven. But, despite all that, it is the engine that makes this the holy grail of all grand tourers. Underneath its long front hood lies a 6.3-litre V12 making 681hp and colossal 697Nm of torque. This has to be the best engine that has ever been fitted to a four-seater supercar. Its audio (engine) is furious and its output (exhaust), prodigious. The GTC4 Lusso responds very well to spirited acceleration despite its hefty size, thanks to its torque lying very low down (1,750rpm) in the rev range, hitting the 100kph mark in 3.4 seconds. It also takes corners like an actual supercar, if with a little more drama than its athletic sister. But because it has four-wheel steering, the turn-in angle is excellent. But I can still feel the rear end poking out in corners, thanks to its stiff and well-tuned chassis. In all, I am only given 10 minutes behind the wheel of the GTC4 Lusso. But that is enough for me to appreciate the sheer engineering that has gone into making this amazing car. Now, it really is time for me to bid farewell to the Ferraris. But something tells me this is not my last time behind the wheel of one.

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso Engine: 6.3-litre V12 Power: 681hp Torque: 697 0-100kph in seconds: 3.4

FOOD AND DRINK

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Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

FLAVOUR PUNCH

The beginning of the year is a perfect time to add some new tastes to your favourite family recipes.

OUT WITH THE OLD Bring in the new in 2017 by adding some pizzazz to your everyday dishes

re you stuck in a cooking rut? It’s common to recycle the same dishes over and over but at some point your taste buds will crave something new. Maybe it’s time to shake things up in the new year. Whether it’s trying new recipes or simply adding fresh flavours to your standard go-to meals, it’s easy to add some zing to your cooking. Simply look some of the food trends being used by some of today’s top chefs.

Ancient grains

Move over white rice; ancient grains are taking over the table. Whether as a side dish or incorporated into a recipe, ancient grains like buckwheat, quinoa, millet and oats are nutrient-dense alternatives that bring a fresh twist and texture to meals. Adding ancient grains is an easy way to jazz up foods and increase your family’s intake of whole grains.

Superior eggs

Not all eggs are created equal so look for options with superior flavour and nutrition to boost your kitchen creations. Compared to ordinary eggs, Eggland’s Best eggs contain five times more vitamin D, more than double the amount of Omega-3s, 10 times more vitamin E, three times more vitamin B12 and 25 percent less saturated fat. In addition, independent testing confirms Eggland’s Best eggs have stronger shells, and stay fresher for longer than ordinary eggs so your recipes will be extra tasty.

Brines

Many people use marinades to influence the flavour profiles of foods but an alternative is gaining momentum: brines. Soaking meats like turkey and chicken for up to a day in salt solutions not only adds flavour but also helps to seal moisture into these lean foods. Customise a brine with chopped citrus fruit and herbs like rosemary and bay leaf. Bitter vegetables, such as eggplant, can benefit from a dry brine made from course salt and other herbs.

Johnny Cakes and Lobster Eggs Benedict When hot, lightly grease with a little butter. Ingredients: § Using a soup spoon, drop the § 1 cup stone ground white corn batter into the frying pan, making meal circles of 9-12cm circles in § 1 tsp sugar diameter. It should make about § 1/2 tsp salt eight. Cook for 5-6 minutes or § 3/4 cup corn kernels until slightly brown on edges and § 1 1/4 cups boiling water golden. Turn and cook for five § 2 tbsp melted butter more minutes until golden. § 1 tsp vanilla extract § For the Maple Brown Butter, melt § butter for greasing pan four tablespoons of butter into a 20cm frying pan on a medium-low Maple Brown Butter heat. Cook and watch carefully § 4 tbsp butter until it turns frothy and slightly § 3 tbsp real maple syrup brown. Remove from the heat § 1 tsp fresh tarragon, chopped immediately. Stir in the maple § 4 eggs (large) syrup and tarragon. § 225g cooked lobster meat, pulled § Meanwhile, bring four cups of into pieces water to a simmer in a 24cm non§ 1 tbsp fresh flat leaf parsley, finely stick frying pan. Carefully crack chopped the eggs, one at a time, into the low simmering water. Poach for about three minutes. Method: § Combine the cornmeal, sugar and § Dip the lobster meat into the poaching water for 30 seconds to salt in a medium mixing bowl. Add heat, and then remove. the corn kernels. § Place and overlap two Johnny § Pour in boiling water and whisk Cakes onto each plate. into a dry mixture. Combine the butter and vanilla in a small bowl § Place one egg onto two Johnny Cakes. Top with equal portions then stir into a batter. Let the of lobster and drizzle the maple batter sit for 5-10 minutes. brown butter over all. § Heat an electric or 18cm non-stick § Sprinkle on parsley and serve. frying pan on a medium heat. Johnny Cakes

Meal swaps

Top chefs and home cooks alike are bucking tradition by serving traditional foods at non-traditional times. Breakfast for dinner? The kids will love the fun change. A dinner casserole for breakfast? What a warm and satisfying way to start the day. Get creative by trying different dishes throughout the day to keep everyone guessing what’s coming next. *BPT JAN 05 - 11 / ISSUE 452

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FOOD AND DRINK

Tr e n d

te g Budendly fri

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Info Box

FISH HOEK

Food Court, Muscat Grand Mall, Bausher Tel: 9542 2370 Opening Hours: 9am to 10pm Dinner: RO9.8

HOOKED ON FISH

Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 7/10 FOOD 8/10 AMBIENCE Great service, let down by inconsistent cooking. Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

ALVIN THOMAS’S DINNER OUT IS TAINTED BY A LESS-THAN-DELECTABLE DESSERT WHILE HIS SIBLING’S STOMACH IS SATED, AND SATISFIED

here’s something about dining in a mall that I find incredibly pleasing. As a matter of fact, I would rather have a quick bite at one of the malls here in the city than actually dine at a fancy restaurant after a hard day at work. So, when I was designated official taste tester for Y this week, there was no doubt about where I was going to dine. It was only a matter of choosing the outlet. My focus was the Five Guys restaurant at Muscat Grand Mall, which I stumbled upon via an email I had received a few weeks back. Accompanying me for dinner was my brother, aka Captain Kirk, who said he had developed quite an appetite from lazing around the house the whole day. So without further ado, we headed to the mall. However, even after half an hour of searching, we couldn’t find the outlet. So we resorted to searching online about the whereabouts of the joint, and that’s when it struck me: Five Guys hadn’t opened up yet, and was still only setting up base at the mall. Oops! Our attention then turned to another food outlet, called Fish Hoek – in the far corner of the food court – that I had noticed a while back. So, naturally, without any haste we headed there for dinner. In comparison to its surrounding counterparts, Fish Hoek is quite a funky and colourful-looking outlet, with wavy designs on the counter and

Following the melange of vegetables were my fish and chips. The fillet didn’t taste fresh, and the batter wasn’t seasoned correctly. As a matter of fact, I had to resort to seasoning it myself using lemon and mayonnaise. On the up side, the fries were crunchy and freshly-prepared. Next to arrive were our desserts. Both of us had opted for servings of Panna Cotta with strawberry toppings. Again, mine smelt really bad and even background walls. However, we still had to resort tasted very off. Moreover, I also found that the to the seating area of the mall’s food court since strawberry syrup tasted not unlike the cough there are no designated seating areas for this joint. syrup I used to have as a child. All in all, it was just Still, the waiters were incredibly polite and well- a no-no for me. mannered. They even remembered to wish us My brother, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy “Happy New Year” before handing us the menu his, and told me that his was actually not all that and explained to us that Fish Hoek is actually a bad. Maybe the spicy fish had spoiled his sense South African establishment that serves traditional of taste or something, but I wasn’t happy with my African-style seafood meals. dessert at all. Looking at Fish Hoek’s menu, I was quite In all, we had a mixed experience at Fish Hoek. surprised. It was an elaborate one, with loads to My brother left the mall with a full stomach and a choose from. They have everything from fish and smile on his face while I had to actually resort to chips to grilled fish, calamari and even prawns. some late-night snacking before bed. Poultry lovers can opt for chicken-style dishes, too. Don’t get me wrong: the joint isn’t particularly My brother quickly opted for the Magic Red bad, but I believe that it is best to visit Fish Hoek Snapper, while I plumped for plainer fare and early in the day – perhaps for lunch. My advice chose (a large serving) of fish and chips with a side would be to opt for the Magic Red Snapper or of fried prawn poppers. other similar items, which will be freshly prepared. The wait wasn’t too long; all our food was ready If you have noticed, my luck with recent Taste in less than fifteen minutes. I quickly dived into Tests hasn’t been too great for a few weeks now the prawn poppers and found them to be very but I live in hope. tasty. The prawns weren’t what I would have Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see called straight-from-the-ocean-fresh but because reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com they had just been prepared, they were quite delightful. Needless to say, they didn’t last very long on my plate. Meanwhile, my brother was quick to point out that his Magic Red Snapper was scrumptious. He also said that the snapper was extremely well done and that the seasoning was perfect, despite being a tad on the spicy side. The servings were mighty generous too, with a side of mashed potatoes and boiled vegetables (carrots and broccoli). He also got a side of gravy, which he quite fancied. However, the vegetables were cold, and had probably been prepared earlier in the day. JAN 05 - 11 / ISSUE 452

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

STAR STRUCK

FASHION

Carrie Fisher may no longer be with us but her iconic Star Wars character Princess Leia lives on in the fashion world with influences everywhere thanks to her iconic Alderaan gown, such as this stunning number from Vera Mont. Here, we look at some looks inspired by Princess Leia.

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k o o L e h

aran K e tin hris C , t ry tree esto s o h h g s e hi rmy h a t e o t H end e look. ram h g g hi th the to get n Insta m Fro s you tine o is help w Chr o Foll

T t Ge

Who said the fashion of Princess Leia can be confined to exotic or embellished dresses? These pure white trousers from JCPenney might just give you the right spin and help you stand out. From RO6

This lace dress from Debenhams is a sweet representation of the feminine side of Princess Leia. With Leia’s signature “cinnamon buns” hairstyle we are sure you can transform yourself into the princess herself and charm your friends over for tea. From RO28

This is the perfect dress to bring out the Princess Leia in you. The classic turtleneck and bright embellishment right across the body is a fashionable twist on the iconic 1977 dress. Get it at Pretty Eccentric from RO106

Princess Leia led the rebel group to fight against the Death Star and save civilisation. These earrings from ASDA, which we fashionably link to the Death Star, is the perfect piece to wear to get into the Star Wars mood. From RO1.4

May the force be with you in this Princess Leia-inspired Oliver Bonas Taiga textured bangle. From RO30.9 (in stores in April)

We couldn’t find a better pair of footwear than these futuristic boots from Topshop that have all the vibes of Star Wars. We’re certain they would be the first choice for Princess Leia herself! From RO40

Cut shoulder sleeves are currently trending but complete the look by pairing this frilly top from Marks & Spencer with a white skirt or trousers. Don’t worry, we are sure Princess Leia would approve! From RO16.5

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BEAUTY

Health Fashion

THE MASK SLIPS I

The Korean face mask has revealed itself as a versatile visage aid. Christine Karan reports

’m an avid watcher of Korean dramas. They have a different take on soaps, and due to their interesting yet relatable storylines they have become a huge hit worldwide. Following the success of Korean dramas, genres such as K-fashion, K-pop and K-beauty have also become immensely popular with international audiences. In my K-drama marathons, one of the most popular scenes I come across is when the leading lady invites her friends over for a slumber party. As part of the party ritual, they apply a white face mask that makes them look like something out of a horror movie.

How do these face masks help?

Heidi Waldorf, Director of Laser and Dermatology at The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, believes that facemasks work because the ingredients are directly delivered to the skin. Also the hyaluronic acids in hydrating-type facemasks give an instant lift to the face. Since they also come in small flat packs they are easy to carry around and can be used anytime, anywhere.

What is the routine?

Many beauty experts recommend just washing your face and applying the mask. Then just lie down and relax for about 15 to 20 minutes and let the Korean magic work. Remove the mask after about 20 minutes and DO NOT wash your face but gently tap the residue left on your skin. It is common that most Korean women use at least one mask a day while some even go for two. It’s all about choice, and how hydrated you want your skin to be.

Variety?

What is a Korean face mask?

This got me wondering what this peculiar ritual was all about, something that these ladies appeared to love so much. It turns out that it is nothing but a face-shaped mask made out of pure cotton soaked in serums and other active ingredients (in correct measures) that give the face a “fresh look” for a good part of the day.

Korean facemasks come in countless varieties; from green tea facemasks to seaweed. You are spoilt for choice. Although we do not recommend you throw away your moisturisers and other skin care products, these face masks act as a quick fix and some muchneeded therapy after a day out in the sun. Face masks from Western cosmetic brands have been around for a while but Korean masks seem to have become popular and much sought-after. International stars such as Lady Gaga and James Franco have shown their liking for the product after putting up “masked face” selfies on their Instagram accounts. You can shop for your Korean face masks from beauty stores in Muscat; The Face Shop in Oman Avenues Mall, Skin Fruit in Muscat Grand Mall or from Secret Key at Panorama Mall. Note: Face masks may be sensitive to certain types of skin. It is always advisable to check their suitability for your skin before you start using them. Follow Christine on Instagram

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Hearmyshoestory

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

(NOT) A DRY EYE IN THE HOUSE O

Our frequent use of digital devices is affecting our vision, say US health experts

ur high-tech habits have led to a significant rise in dry eye disease (DED), a survey of US eye-care professionals has found. Nearly nine out of 10 (89 percent) of eye care professionals (ECPs) who took part in the National Eye CARE (Current Attitudes Related to Eye Health) Survey in the United States believe our modern, multi-screen lifestyle (ie daily use of mobile, tablet and computer screens) is partly to blame. The survey was carried out online by pollsters Harris who surveyed more than 1,000 ECPs (optometrists and ophthalmologists), and more than 1,200 American adults with dry eye symptoms. While women aged 50 and older are still most likely to be affected by DED, ECPs surveyed also say the regular use of modern technology is changing the face of the condition, with a higher number of younger patients aged 18-34 (76 percent) affected compared to 10 years ago. “Many adults aren’t familiar with the key symptoms of DED, and wait years between symptom onset and seeking medical advice,” says leading US ophthalmologist Marguerite McDonald. “It’s important that all adults talk to an ECP right away if they notice changes in their eyes. While age and female gender continue to be significant risk factors for DED, our screen-

dependent lifestyle has led to a noticeable shift, with more young adults presented with dry eye symptoms than in years past.”

Don’t ignore dry eye symptoms

DED is an inflammatory disease of the ocular surface that is often chronic and may be progressive. The disease is commonly associated with dryness and overall eye discomfort, as well as stinging, burning, a gritty feeling or episodes of blurred vision. Based on the survey results, adults with dry eye symptoms (64 percent) ranked sight as the sense that’s most important to them yet most (55 percent) said that they did not give much thought to their eye care until they started experiencing dry eye symptoms. Adults who took part in the survey said they typically waited two years between the onset of symptoms and seeking medical advice. This may have been because about half (49 percent) dismissed them as a normal part of ageing, and approximately one in three (32 percent) didn’t understand that there was a potential risk of longterm damage to their eyes. But, nearly three in five (57 percent) said they wished they had spoken to an ECP sooner.) say they wish they had spoken to an ECP sooner.

More possible effects

Adults with DED symptoms said they were

affected in several ways throughout their day. Specifically, most people said the condition impaired their ability to spend time onscreen (75 per cent), indulge in hobbies (68 per cent), and work (54 per cent). Many said symptoms caused irritation (57 per cent), fatigue (46 per cent), and/ or frustration (42 per cent). In addition, 43 per cent said their dry eye symptoms kept them from what they wanted to be doing. Visit myeyelove.com to learn more about dry eye, including how to recognise symptoms, typical risk factors, and useful tips on how to discuss symptoms with a doctor or eye care professional.

More Information About Dry Eye Disease

An estimated 30 million Americans regularly report symptoms consistent with dry eye*. According to data presented at the 2016 American Society of Cataract and Refractory Surgery, approximately 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with DED by a health care professional. – BPT * Based on a dry eye prevalence of 14.5 per cent from the 2014 BOSS (Beaver Dam Offspring Study) of selfreported symptoms and the 2014 US Census estimate of adults ages 25 to 84 years. JAN 05 - 11 / ISSUE 452

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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

•

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

• • •

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

• •

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

•

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

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

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

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Postcards from

Y- F i

Outdoors

Cars

CARS AND ADVENTURES

SANDS OF TIME

Sharqiyah is a popular camping spot for visitors during the cooler months of the year.

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

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

Y- F i

Outdoors

Destination

SHARQIYAH SANDS Pulling a car out of the mud was a crisis to overcome but Shaquel al Balushi and his friends proved up to the challenge 040

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Cars

o head deep into the desert and to camp under the stars has always been something special for me. As now is the best time of year for camping in Oman, my friends and I chose Wahiba Sands for a weekend trip. As you all know, the first rule of the desert is to have a four-wheel drive. It’s also best to let some air out of your tyres if you’re planning to go deep into the dunes, and you should never go alone. We chose Bidiya in Sharqiyah Sands, formerly known as Wahiba Sands, for this week’s Destination. The area is defined by a boundary of 180 kilometres north to south and 80 kilometres east to west with a total area of 12,500 square kilometres. We were supposed to meet at Al Koudh at around 4pm on Thursday evening so I began my journey from my home in Amerat after 3pm. Unfortunately, a couple of our team members were not able to keep their promise to be at our meeting point on time so the rest of us began our journey without them. The missing two joined us later on the trip. Imran, my regular travel buddy, and Badr, a chef, were travelling with me. I was under the impression that we could reach our destination in an hourand-a-half but our ride took longer than that. The 37km long, curvy road in Wadi Al Aqq is a bit risky as it is a one-lane road on which drivers can be a bit rash when tackling it. Therefore, it’s better to drive on this road during daytime. However, there will be a new expressway here soon, which is bound to make driving to the area a whole lot easier. It was a very dark and foggy afternoon. Therefore, we had to keep a fair amount of distance between each vehicle and put our hazard warning lights on. Unfortunately, one of our friends in our convoy didn’t follow the hazard lights and got his vehicle stuck in a puddle of mud. The worse thing was that we had forgotten to bring the tow-rope, which can be helpful in pulling vehicles out from the mud, and we had to borrow

one from some other campers. It certainly took a fair amount of time out of our trip. As we had reached our destination by night there wasn’t much exploring to be done so we set about putting up our tents under torch light. Lighting up the fire in the fog was a fairly time-consuming task. After that we unpacked our things and cooked burgers and lamp chops. We also had cheese, Lebanese bread, hot sauce and Omani chips. I went to my tent early as I wanted to be up early for the light. As I woke up, the sun’s rays poured onto this beautiful part of the universe. The mist started to fade and the sun became much more visible. The vehicles were completely covered with dew and, because of the moisture, I had to drop the photoshoot as the dew drops would have damaged my lens. From a photographic viewpoint, I’ve always enjoyed the types of images we can capture in the desert. The sand and sky offer great contrasts. At night, when the stars come out, the view can be breathtaking, especially when there aren’t any clouds and there is a little moonlight. After that we had some eggs and bread for breakfast. Then I went for a walk to get some pictures. I tried to climb to the top of a high dune to get an overview of our surroundings. It made for a good photo opportunity but it was incredibly tough to get there. Walking on sand often feels like you’re going nowhere fast despite putting in twice the effort. The dunes radiated a distinctive orange hue, and seemed to stretch for kilometres. One thing I love in places like this is the feeling of isolation. There is something quite liberating about being unable to get a mobile phone signal. I see the desert as a symbol of who we are as a country. It’s a strong part of our culture just as the mountains are. When I go there I always feel a strong sense of attachment and belonging.

TRAVEL GUIDE

HOW TO GET THERE From Muscat, take Route 15 and just after passing Fanja, take Route 23 at the Shell service station and follow the signs to Bidiyah, where you will begin to see the dunes of Sharqiya Sands.

GPS location: N22°06’08.4” E58°45’33.5”

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1. Catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace 2. Put a gatekeeper costume on at Gyeongbokgung Palace 3. Indulge in delicious street food 4. Drink traditional tea at a teahouse 5. Shop at a traditional market

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SO SEOUL

The city of Seoul is a mix of old and new, where skyscrapers tower over traditional buildings and temples.

Destination

Outdoors

Y-Fi

Cars

POSTCARDS FROM

Jeevan Blesson recommends

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA E

ven though South Korea’s capital city is enormous and widespread, it is worth taking a closer look at the stunning cultural monuments among the skyscrapers and the megastores. Seoul is one of Asia’s most popular destinations. Every year, the city features on many top lists of the best places in the world to visit. Seoul has a beautiful setting; with huge buildings, narrow passages and major stores that stay open for 24 hours. There is no unifying look to the downtown streets; with tiny restaurants, bars and boutiques topped with colourful banners flapping in the wind. The capital city is cut in two by the Han River, which runs from the east to the west. Seoul’s historical buildings can be found on the northern side of the river. On the south side of the river is where the city’s financial centre and many other commercial buildings can be found. Seoul is home to four Unesco World Heritage Sites: Changdeokgung Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. Since the end of the Korean War, South Korea has evolved into a global economic force and a major player in the worlds of technology and culture.

GYEON

GBOKG

UNG PA LAC

My favourite place

Changdeokgung Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in Seoul and is filled with tourists — foreign and Korean. One of its attractions is the secret garden, known as Huwon, which is tucked behind the palace. A giant lotus pond is there in the middle of the garden along with two other pavilions. With the huge influence it had in developing the architecture, landscape planning and garden planning of South Korea, the Changdeokgung Palace earned its position on Unesco’s World Heritage Site list in 1997. Unesco describes the palace as “an outstanding example of Far Eastern palace architecture and garden design; exceptional for the way in which the buildings are integrated into and harmonised, with the natural setting adapting to the topography and retaining indigenous tree cover”.

BANGHWA

B R ID G E

Highlights

Seoul can be a daunting place to visit. There is much to see and do; the historical palaces, a variety of Buddhist temples, museums, traditional markets, the bustling modern centre of Myeongdong, and the buzzing nightlife of Itaewon and Hongdae. For those seeking peace and quiet, Citizen’s Park is a perfect spot for picnics, trying out new watersports, and the national pastime of kite flying. On arrival, make sure you get a T-MoneyCard, it will save you money and it can be used as a transportation card as well. It can be used on subway trains, buses and taxis, as well as at convenience stores and Family Mart, while it will also get you discounts in other stores. The T-Money Card is available at any subway station or even at the airport. You will find English speakers in every corner of the city.

Lowlights Seoul has lots of options available for visitors but restaurants and hotels are expensive so you should plan your trip and book your hotel before you travel. Cheap dormitories and rooms to share are available in Seoul but are not plentiful. Souvenirs Seoul has many shopping areas and markets throughout the city, such as centres like Myeongdong, Cheongdamdong, Namdaemun, Itaewon and Insadong. Where to stay Hongdae, Gangnam, Gwanghwamun, Myeongdong are the best areas to stay in Seoul. But book your accommodation before you arrive.

THE H UWON

GARD

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Outdoors

D e s t i n at i o n

Y-FI

ON THE GO Portable gadgets have transformed the way we live our lives, both indoors and outdoors, finds Alvin Thomas SWITCH OVER Every time Nintendo trails the competition, it makes a comeback with something truly extraordinary. A decade ago, it was the Gameboy Advance handheld consoles; today it is the Nintendo Switch. Details on the device are scarce, but Nintendo claims to have “reinvented gaming” with the Switch. The Switch is essentially a hybrid device that is capable of transforming from a traditional console to a portable gaming device in the span of a few seconds. The device comes with a portable controller too, so you can walk around the streets gaming (and bump into people). It seems like we’re going back to the good old days of gaming; 2017 is going to a good year. Prices for the Nintendo Switch will be confirmed soon.

360-DEGREE FUN There are plenty of smartwatches out there, however, there is only one that even remotely looks similar to a traditional watch: the Moto 360. True, its battery life isn’t the best and it doesn’t connect with iPhones, but it is the only smart watch that can actually fool people into believing that you actually have a “normal” timepiece. The watch’s bezel measures 46mm, comes with water and dust resistance outside the box, a Quadcore Cortex A7 processor and 512 MB RAM. Available at local electronic stores from RO140.

GEAR UP Samsung’s Gear 360 has to be one of surprise releases of 2016, but even then, not many are actually aware of this device. The Gear 360 is essentially a spherical camera with two fish-eye lenses working together to give you a 360-degree or virtual reality images and videos. What’s more impressive is that the Gear 360 is dust and water resistant, meaning you can go underwater to shoot pictures and videos. Clips can also be transferred, trimmed and shared with your Galaxy phone or edited on a computer. Get this at Lulu Electronics for RO165, which is a lot less than its nearest competitors, such as the 360-degree GoPro version.

PRO TECH

EDITOR’S PICK

HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK IS TOO MUCH COMPUTING POWER FOR A LAPTOP? APPLE’S AFFAIR WITH CRAMMING IN HEAPS OF FANCY TECH INTO PORTABLE COMPUTERS IS NOTHING SHORT OF COMMENDABLE. DARE WE SAY, THE MACBOOK PRO WAS ALREADY THE ULTIMATE COMPUTING DEVICE OUT THERE. SO, WHEN APPLE UNVEILED ITS NEW MACBOOK PRO LAST MONTH, WE WERE ELATED. THE NEW LAPTOP (AT LEAST THE ONE THAT WE SHOULD CARE ABOUT) COMES WITH A 13.3-INCH IPS DISPLAY (ALTHOUGH YOU CAN OPT FOR BIGGER SCREENS), A 2.9 GHZ DUAL-CORE INTEL CORE I5 PROCESSOR WITH TURBO BOOST TECHNOLOGY AND 8 GIGS OF RAM. APART FROM THAT, YOU ALSO RECEIVE AN OPTIONAL TOUCH BAR, WHICH IS ESSENTIALLY A SMALLER SCREEN ON TOP OF YOUR KEYBOARD THAT LETS YOU HAVE CUSTOMISED CONTROLS FOR DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS. THIS REALLY IS THE PERFECT PORTABLE GADGET YOU CAN BUY TODAY. YOURS FOR A HEFTY RO560 U[WARDS FROM ALL LEADING ELECTRONICS STORES ACROSS OMAN.

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TOP GAMES TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2017

App of the Week

GRAN TURISMO SPORT Good news folks: Polyphony Digital, developers of the Gran Turismo, has announced that it will be releasing its latest title, the Gran Turismo Sport, sometime this year. Granted, they did the very same thing last year… and the year before that. However, third time’s the charm, right? Our instinct says that Gran Turismo will be released this year. Expect 500-something cars to feature in the title, along with realistic driving dynamics, sounds as well as weather and numerous game modes. The developers have also revealed the addition of a special Virtual Reality Tour Mode, aimed to utilise PlayStation’s new VR headset, so we’re pinning our hopes on this title. Platform: PS4+VR Release Date: August 2017

HERE AND NOW Nobody understands “portable” like Nokia does; trust us when we say that. So when the company revealed its HERE maps, we were enthralled. HERE is Nokia’s very own map service, with a trick up its sleeve: it requires no internet connection. Of course, the app requires you to download maps onto your phone, however, it will save you heaps of money when you’re on the go, allowing you to stow your internet connection. The app also provides you turn-by-turn navigation, search and satellite imagery. Download and register for free from Google Play or iTunes.

BATALLION 1944 This is going to be a fantastic year for gamers. Firstly, Battlefield 1 was just released a few days ago, and secondly Batallion 1944 is due to make its debut mid-year. The game essentially revolves around World War II, showing the many perils faced by forces across the globe. Of course, you will be taking the role of a first-person in this arcadestyle action game. The game will be multiplayer only and there will be dedicated online servers with anti-cheating mechanisms for a smooth gameplay experience. The game looks promising and judging from the trailer footage, it should be quite an experience. Moreover, the game will make use of the Unreal 4 gaming engine, meaning the physics will be pin-point accurate. We cannot wait to get our hands on this one. Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One Release Date: May 2017 JULY JAN 0305 - - 0911 / ISSUE 452 327

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

Destination

Postcards from

FIRST DRIVE

Outdoors

Ford looks likely to hit pay dirt with its fresh take on an American classic, says Alvin Thomas

reating a muscle car is incredibly simple: you chuck a high-displacement V8 engine into the front, dress it up with a pretty body with two doors, throw in a simple gearbox that feeds all the power to the rear wheels, and seat four adults in comfort. As a matter of fact, the muscle car was created to transport your average American family – complete with kids – from the southern end of Florida to the far north of Minnesota. It was the perfect vehicle to fulfill the “American Dream”. However, as time passed, the muscle car culture trickled down to various other countries. Today, even Oman has its share of classic Camaro, Firebird and Mustang owners. However, of all the muscle cars that were to enter Omani sands, none became as popular as the Mustang. Its raw V8 baritone ticked all the boxes that made it a perfect muscle car. Needless to say, I love the Mustang. But looking at my tester for this week, I am confused. My tester Mustang has no “5.0” (signifying a 5.0-litre V8 engine) tag on it. And that’s where things have taken a turn. What I’m actually driving this week is a Ford Mustang “EcoBoost”. For those of you who don’t know: the EcoBoost is Ford’s family of turbocharged four and six-cylinder engine cars, which are designed for higher fuel economy and fewer exhaust emissions while maintaining high power output figures – sort of like getting the best of both worlds. However, upon first look, there are no real notable cosmetic differences between its muscular brother, and the only way to tell the difference is if you are actually look for the “5.0” badge. Now in its sixth

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generation, the Mustang looks absolutely fabulous, especially in the “Magnetic Metallic” (grey) colour combo (which my tester came in). The sports car is apparently longer, wider and taller than before but there’s no way of telling – it is that well-proportioned. Adding to its aggressive stance is a sharp chin spoiler, chrome elements in the tail lamps and stealthy blacked-out 45cm alloys. Despite its revamped exterior and mechanicals, however, the biggest improvement of all has to be the interior. You can tell that Ford has worked hard to get things right with this generation of the Mustang. There are plenty of soft touch spots – especially on the doors – and the fit and finish is top-notch. It is good to see Ford using soft touch padded-leatherette and metal finishing, as opposed to wrapping everything in plastic. My tester variant also receives a small 10cm LCD screen fitted with Ford’s SYNC system. But buyers can opt for a larger screen with navigation, leather seats and also premium audio, depending on your preferences. Now let’s move on to that new engine: it’s not the first time that Ford has crammed a small engine into the Mustang, but this definitely has to be the most powerful four-cylinder ever to be featured in a Mustang. The 2.3-litre turbocharged “EcoBoost” engine produces an impressive 310hp and 428Nm of torque. That’s more than 100hp per litre of engine displacement! The EcoBoost Mustang definitely drives very well. For starters, it has to be the most comfortable sports car that I have driven in a long (really long) time. The shocks (and even the low-profile tyres) are extremely forgiving, with very little noise and vibrations seeping into the cabin. For the first time, the Mustang also

Y- F i C A R S

Ford Mustang EcoBoost: Specifications: Engine: 2.3-litre turbocharged in-line four cylinder Transmission: six-speed automatic Horsepower: 310hp Torque: 428Nm Rear-wheel drive Four-wheel independent suspension Cruise control Traction and stability control Six-way power driver seat Adjustable steering modes

comes with four-wheel independent suspension, meaning it takes corners as well as a European sports car. And because of that, I found myself driving the car in “Sport” mode for most of the time. The steering is moderately weighted and gives plenty of feedback – something that has disappeared from many modern sports cars. The brakes are extremely responsive and linear, thus offering high levels of confidence even if you’re a new driver. On the plus side, the car takes corners flat – with almost no drama whatsoever – almost like a fourwheel-drive Quattro Audi. Yes, there really is that much grip! In contrast, the V8 Mustang would spin its rear tyres and drift considerably, although that’s also extremely fun. The turbo engine, however, does take a few seconds to spool up so there’s a considerable amount of turbo-lag. You can keep the lag in check by keeping the revs between the 3,000 and 5,000rpm mark. I could hit the 100kph mark from a standstill in 6.1 seconds. In doing so, you’re also treated to a glorious grunt from the turbocharger, which is quite feeble otherwise. The gearbox is quite willing; keeping the revs all the way up in case you’re looking for a swift manoeuvre. The flappy-paddle gearbox is certainly a step above single-clutch gearboxes fitted in other European and American cars. But my suggestion to you would be to try out the manual variant of the same; there’s one in the Ford showroom here. A day with the EcoBoost Mustang really changed my perspective of the nameplate. I cannot lie: I didn’t think I would like it. But after a day with the car, I’m inclined to say that this would be a perfect match for any Euro-Asian sports car; maybe better. And with its American muscle car looks and its environment-friendly engine, Ford really has hit the sweet spot here.

EUGENE ONEGIN

Opera by Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Performed by The Moscow State Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre, Russia

Royal Opera House Muscat presents Eugene Onegin an intensely passionate drama set to some of opera’s most sweeping and soulful music. Here is Pushkin’s profoundly human, hopelessly romantic, ultimately devastating story, elevated by Tchaikovsky’s richly layered and unabashedly expressive music.

19, 21 January 2017 - 7:00 pm BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY

Points of sale: Royal Opera House Muscat Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Grand Hyatt Hotel Muscat, InterContinental Hotel Muscat, Chedi Hotel Muscat City Seasons Hotel Muscat, Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

- THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY -

SEASON 2016/ 2017

www.rohmuscat.org.om

Wishes The People Of Oman A Prosperous New Year Our commitment to the nation in 2017

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