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EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome to Y Magazine –

your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has

to offer.

EDITOR IN CHIEFSayyida Iman bint Hamad

bin Hamood Al Busaidi

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Eihab Abutaha

MANAGING EDITORFelicity Glover

DEPUTY EDITORKate Ginn

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

CONTRIBUTORS Matt Blackwell

Jerzy Wierzbicki

INTERNS Deeba HasanNabaa Baqir

Ailish Fleming

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Fast forwardIt’s remarkable how even the smallest of decisions can have a huge impact on our

lives and that of others. And this is exactly what Naomi Betts, a Salalah-based expat, discovered after she set up a small sewing circle – a decision that would not only transform her life, but also that of 13 orphans in Nepal.

Our cover story this week follows Naomi’s journey from the front room of her home in Salalah to a remote village in Nepal, where she delivered dresses she and her sewing group had made for the Dress a Girl Around the World project.

It is an inspirational story that really has changed many lives for the better.The good causes continue this week, with Y proudly joining the Radisson Blu

Hotel’s annual Box Appeal charity drive for low-income workers. Meanwhile, we visit The Chocolate Room for a fix of our favourite treat in Taste

Test, put the Nissan Sentra through its paces in Car of the Week and go on safari to the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa for Postcard.

In Fashion, the pleat has made a comeback and we revisit the twisted trees atop Jebel Akhdar in Destination.

Have a great week – and remember, even the smallest gesture can make a world of difference!

editor@y-oman.com

Y has been wakeboarding, struggling to hang curtains and sampling the

delights of The Chocolate Room, where we indulged in our favourite treat in a variety of ways. Delicious!

THIS WEEK…

THE BAROmETER

Are you up for a good cause? Y is a proud supporter of the

Radisson Blu’s annual Box Appeal and this year, we want to

get our readers involved. Turn to P24-25 for details on how you can help – and perhaps win a barbeque dinner for four people in return for your efforts!

GOING UPVIRAL INFECTIONS

There’s been a noticeable surge in the number of people suffering from a

viral infection this week, with doctors blaming fluctuating temperatures for

the spread of the virus. Stay healthy out there!

GOING DOWNCATCH OF THE DAY

Seafood lovers may struggle to find the popular kingfish at the market after the

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries announced a two-month ban that

prohibits fishermen catching the species if it measures less than 65 centimetres.

NEw COmPETITION

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contentsS E P T 1 1 - S E P T 1 7 2 0 1 4

Yo u r O m a n06 Coffee With Deeba Sahar Hashemi

08 Voice of Oman Issam al Ismaily

10 News A Load Of Garbage

15 Gallery Food Expo

16 Oman In 43 Objects Seafood

Fo o d a n d d r i n k28 Food Feature The Big Breakfast

30 Taste Test The Chocolate Room

T h i s w e e k18 Movie Listings Deliver Us From Evil

19 This Week Football Greats

C a r s a n d A d v e n t u r e s38 Destination Jebel Akhdar

40 Outdoors Wake Rider

42 Postcard From Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

44 Y-Fi Then And Now

46 Car of the Week Nissan Sentra

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Fe at u r e20 Dressing Up Salalah’s help for Nepalese Orphanage

26 Get Some Box Appeal Collecting And Giving

H e a l t h a n d B e a u t y32 Fashion To Have And To Fold

34 Health Managing Migraines

35 Style Counsel Barbra Young

EXTREME DESERT CROSSING / MANHATTAN FISH MARKET / MOVIES / 60S FASHION / GADGETS / LATEST NEWS

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Who better to have coffee with than the co-founder of a chain of coffee shops? Deeba Hasan sits down with Sahar Hashemi from the UK’s Coffee Republic to talk about her journey as an entrepreneur

Looking at Sahar Hashemi, you wouldn’t necessarily know that you’re in the presence of greatness. Her hair is a bit messy; she’s wearing skinny jeans and talks so fast you can barely keep up. Of average height, there’s nothing particular outstanding about her. But then you start to listen to what she’s saying and the penny drops.Sahar is an entrepreneur who built a chain of coffee shops from scratch into a multimillion-pound business, a best-selling author and a much in demand motivational speaker. Oh, and she has an OBE (Order of the British Empire), awarded for her services to business.We met, appropriately enough, over a cup of coffee after Sahar had given a talk at an event in Oman. It turns out that Sahar actually trained as a lawyer – her childhood ambition – but quit the profession when she realised it didn’t fire her passion.“The thing about being a lawyer is that you just give advice to people and that’s it, it wasn’t tangible for me and I wanted to do something where I was close to the fruits of my labour,” she tells me.“I was a pretty bad lawyer and I think if I carried on, I would’ve been mediocre. I didn’t have fun doing that job.”

In search of some inspiration, she travelled to New York where her brother, Bobby, was an investment banker with Lehman Brothers. There she came across the concept of coffee bars for the first time,

visiting a place called New World Coffee. Back in the UK, Sahar admits: “I really missed my skinny lattes and often wondered why I couldn’t

start my day sipping one in a coffee bar.”

Her brother told her about a coffee shop in Seattle called Starbucks, which had plans to spread all over America and beyond. Why couldn’t they start something like Starbucks in the UK, he asked?I told him: “You’ve got me wrong. I meant why doesn’t someone else open a coffee bar here for me to go in every morning?” says Sahar.Her determined brother persuaded her to do some paid research on his behalf. She did and the rest, as they say, is history.Of course, it wasn’t quite that simple. Before Coffee Republic was

born, the siblings had to become experts on coffee – a subject that neither knew anything about.“My brother and I took a course to learn about the different types of coffees and ended up drinking a lot of new varieties every day. It brought me close to a heart attack!”

says Sahar.Arranging the finances was the next challenge. When a book on entrepreneurship advised start-ups to “take a loan”, the pair started calling bank managers in the UK. After failing to convince 19 of them that their business would grow in a nation of tea drinkers, they managed to secure backing from the 20th one. Sahar still doesn’t know how. When Coffee Republic opened its first door in 1995, their main customer was their mother. By the

time they sold up in 2001, there were 110 stores with a turnover of £30 million.

“I sold it because people kept telling me that when a business gets big, it doesn’t need the entrepreneur and I had lost touch with what I loved – the consumer. It became more about the finances,” she tells me.Sahar’s next venture was Skinny Candy, a guilt-free confectionary brand. She later sold a 50 per cent share.

Two best-selling books (including the popular Anyone Can Do It) followed, along with work as a motivational speaker.“I now train entrepreneurs and large companies to help them innovate and change their attitudes

in business. I enjoy inspiring people. “There is no point indulging in fear, you just need to start doing it. Be too busy for fear.“I never thought I would be an entrepreneur, it just happened for me. I think I just enjoyed it.”Dogs and gardening are her new passions and she also loves baking sugar-free cookies. When I ask her if she intends to start a business based on any of these, she immediately replies, “Maybe”.Perhaps Sahar Hashemi hasn’t quite finished being an entrepreneur

just yet.

Have you got a unique story to tell or do you know someone who has? Contact us to have coffee with Deeba and be featured in Y Magazine. Email: editor@y-oman.comS E P T 1 1 - 1 7 / I S S U E 3 3 60 6

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GAS GUzzLERS

correspondencethe voice of oman It’s time to get children socially connected again, says Issam al Ismaily

NExt WEEK: SHuENA Al MAyAHI

I would like to bring a secret trade practice to your attention.A regular cooking gas cylinder used to last my family of four for approximately two to two-and-a-half months. Recently though, I found that my cylinders would run out in around 15 days. Our kitchen smelled of leaking gas, but we could not locate the source. On the last occasion, I complained to an expatriate attendant who brought a new cylinder to my house. I spoke to him in his language and he revealed that, allegedly under the instruction of their bosses, they deliberately do not put the washer inside the regulator so that the gas leaks and the cylinder exhausts faster.After talking to me in confidence, he replaced and fitted the new cylinder, complete with a washer he kept in his pocket. The new cylinder then lasted for about two months.This practice is not only costing consumers their hard-earned money, but

is also causing loss on a national scale due to wastage of valuable natural gas. Gas leakage could also pose a major threat to safety and could be responsible for a major disaster in a household. I urge the authorities to investigate the matter, punish the culprits and plug the loopholes immediately before the nation loses valuable natural resources due to the greed of such distributors.

Rahela Yasmeen AhmadRuwi

SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / @ytabloid / /ytabloid. Impress us and the winning correspondent will receive a voucher for dinner at the Golden Tulip. Vouchers must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions see voucher.

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In an era where technology is so integral to our existence, I feel that we tend to forget who we are and where we

come from. Have you ever left your mobile phone at home? It’s like losing your connection to the world around you – you feel alone and alienated, despite the fact you’re surrounded by people!

Now, imagine the same thing and the effect it’s having on the mindset of our children. Many of us will have been born in the cassette era, when there were only a handful of TV channels. We would spend entire days without TV and, in fact, the only time we did tune in would be between 4-5pm when the cartoons were aired.

Kids as young as five years old can have the latest gadgets at their fingertips these days, along with hundreds of TV channels, the internet and social media. But they are socially disconnected.

Whenever we start retelling our childhood adventures, they look at us as if we’re crazy. With so much technology available, parenting can become challenging, but we need to make sure children understand that they are humans and not robots. We need to put more effort into involving our kids in different activities in order to make them understand that they are talented. To try and fail promotes learning and growth and it should not be feared. The only way to ensure our children are ready to fight their own battles in the future is to teach this lesson while they are young.

We asked: “do you think private tutors should be allowed to operate in Oman?”

AWAIS KHAN   Private tutors are a necessity as many students really need it. Since the majority of the students cannot afford the fees of licensed tutors, they are forced to go to the so-called illegal tutors.

JoSEpHINE C   Many children fear certain subjects and there are some who struggle to keep up with what is being

DEBATE OF THE WEEKtaught in the classroom. Every child learns in a different way and so parents look out for private tutors who can offer their children individual attention. No parent would like to see their child weeping, saying “I don’t want to go to school because I don’t understand what is been taught.” Tutors are essential to help children build confidence.

AFrAH ZAHID I think private tutors must be allowed to operate in Oman as the teacher cannot give equal attention to every child. Students weak in some studies can seek assistance from private tutors in order to excel in their

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L E T T E R S E - M A I L S F A C E B O O K T W I T T E RYOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US

New debate:“Would you rather have less

work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?”

Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance to win dinner for two.

exams. As knowledge is power, gain it wherever you can find it.

roNNEIl SAlES VAlIENtE I think private tutors who have teaching experience and a good educational background should be allowed to operate legally in Oman because each individual is unique in terms of their learning abilities and capabilities. Private tutors can help the young minds to improve their academic performance and to excel in school, but the fees should be reasonable and affordable. However, it is the responsibility of educational institutions to provide the best-quality education to children regardless of race, gender and economic status. As the famous philosopher Plato stated, “The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life.”

ArJuN HArIDASNAIr There are both positive and negatives attached to the tutors in Oman. Sometimes, the conflicts and chaos of the classroom can cause the teacher’s lessons to wash over their students, making the calm environment of private tuition a better place for learning. But they also have disadvantages like the student becoming reliant on this outside help. Also, some private tutors may veer too far from the curriculum, I think ultimately it should be up to the parents whether to allow private tutors or not.

ArIAM ASSEt I would prefer to have a teacher because students still need one. Some students may have a lot of distractions and disturbances at school, especially if they are congested in the classrooms and a tutor may help to fill in gaps with difficult subjects.

AFrA ASAFAlI It’s wise to make them legal as they just give the additional support students are asking for. Private tutors are very helpful.

JEMSHEEr ACM Education is priceless and precious and providing it is not a crime. Teachers who are working in school must give their best, the rest depends on the children and whether they need the support of a tutor or not.

BADEr Al lAWAtI Children have different styles of learning and a classroom

environment may not be enough to educate them. Private tutors have the ability to tailor their services for different learning needs. Regulations should make it possible for the child’s classroom teacher to be their private tutor.

BElINDA WAllINGtoN Some children need extra help and even with the best will in the world, a teacher cannot hold back an entire class for one struggling student. However, the home tutor should know what they are doing, especially when teaching languages.

SHAH tASNIM Not all students possess the same potential. Sometimes it’s not possible to catch every single fact and figure from the class and it’s also helpful for working parents and even some uneducated parents whose children go to school. But parents should ensure that the tutor is capable enough and is not doing it just for business sake. I request

AFAAz kHAN was spotted with Y Magazine at the Food and Hospitality Oman 2014 Expo

the Government to allow people to practice it legally.

SAMuEll SoloMAN I believe private tutors should be regulated and fees should be affordable

ABDulrAHMAN MSEllEM Al HArtHI Teachers are obviously not doing a proper job at school since most kids need tutors. Schools should help out and provide extra classes for the weaker students

SADIA SHAMS There is no debate – everyone is in favour of private tutors!

NIpA SHAH Yes, I think private tutors should be allowed in Oman as they are the supporting system to mainstream studies. Weak students and slow learners need them especially. They provide a backbone for working parents who can’t spend time helping

their children study. Bright students also need private tuition to secure the best results. Overall, it is the international practice in the field of teaching.

KAtHryN CHANG BArKEr All tutors should be registered and licensed to make sure they can actually do the job as professionals.

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G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w N E W SYOUR OMAN

P iled up discarded bits of furniture, including a mattress and rug, lie side-by-side with plastic bottles and pieces of cardboard.

It’s time to wage war against garbage on the streets, says Y, and judging by these photos sent in by a reader in Muscat, it’s going to be quite a battle.

Sadly, such eyesores as this are not unfamiliar scenes in Oman. Usually, the efficient bin collectors wipe away the unsightly mess overnight before the country awakes, but in this case, rotting rubbish in Al Hail South has been left for some time, according to Gautam Chakraborty, who alerted Y to the problem.

“This garbage has been lying for over a month on Way No.2321 and 2322. No one has come to clean it up,” he says.

“I hope Muscat Municipality will send someone.”

Some of the rubbish appears to be propped up against a wall overlooked by a building. The rest is on a sort of brown wasteland. Look closely and you can see that some of the rubbish is piled up near metal refuse bins – one scrawled with Arabic graffiti – which are clearly inadequate to cope with the sheer volume of fly-tipping.

Aside from blighting the landscape of the community, there’s the hygiene aspect of the

trash to consider, too, with the possibility of attracting rodents or stray cats foraging for food.

This is a neighbourhood with families and children in the vicinity.

For their sake, let’s hope the authorities act soon and clean up this rubbish.

Do you have similar problems with rubbish or have you seen garbage horrors like this? Email us your comments and photos to editor@y-oman.com, post on Y’s Facebook page and hashtag it #loadofrubbish or send it to our Instagram account – don’t forget to follow and tag ytabloid

A LOAd OF OLd RuBBISH

WHO WANTS A NEW IPHONE 6? YOU’LL HAVE TO WAIT IN OMAN

It’s been one of the most hotly anticipated launches by Apple for years.

But those in the Sultanate looking to get their hands on one of the iPhone 6

smartphones will have to bide their time as the handsets are unlikely to hit our shores until next month.

Apple was due to unveil its latest creation late Tuesday night (September 9) Oman time amid much fanfare at its biggest launch event yet in the company’s hometown of Cupertino, California. Speculation was rife that the tech giant would also be revealing the iWatch to the world.

Usually, new Apple products hit stores within 10 days of any launch. Which means customers in the US and elsewhere could be unwrapping their iPhone 6 by September 19.

But fans in the GCC will have to be a little

more patient. The UAE is expecting to get stocks of the new product by September 21, from where supplies will cross the border to Oman.

There is no doubt that the demand is here for the iPhone 6.“I have personally received 300 enquiries [about the phone],”

a salesman from MI stores, the only authorised dealer of Apple products in Oman, told a local newspaper.

“It is quite encouraging. We may bring in more than 1,000 pieces after its launch in Oman.”

Another trader in Muscat said he was hoping to get stocks from Dubai before October and had already taken bookings.

Consumers will need to dig deep into their pockets if they want to get one. The trader claimed that in Oman, the iPhone 6 would cost “anywhere between RO500 and RO600 depending on the actual price.”

Larger scratch-resistant screens, 4.7 and 5.5-inch models were expected, along with other features such as super-fast Wi-Fi.

• Apple global domination. See how the iPhone became so dominant in Y-Fi on P44-45

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G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w N E W SYOUR OMANFor the first time in the banking sector in Oman, a biometric

identification system has been launched to improve security and efficiency.

The state-of-the-art technology, a collaboration between the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and Bank Muscat, has been devised to work in conjunction with the national identity card (NID).

Biometrics – used in computer services as a form of identification and access control – has been used by banks around the world for some years now. Identification can be confirmed in various ways, including fingerprints, facial recognition and iris scans.

Unveiling the system this week, Bank Muscat said it would help to speed up transactions and provide another level of security for customers’ peace of mind.

The launch of the one-touch customer identification system has moved the Sultanate in line with other countries in the financial world. The UAE said in May this year that it was looking at ways for its biometric identification card to be used for electronic payments.

Bank Muscat’s biometric technology will be rolled out across all its 138 branches. “In line with the e-governance initiative of the Government, the new facility is faster, convenient and risk free for secure banking transactions,” the Oman News Agency said in a report.

Maj Gen Sulaiman bin Mohammed al Harthy, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Financial and Administrative

Affairs, said it would enhance service to customers and ensure secure transactions.

Investment in the latest technologies to provide the most up-to-date services was important, he added.

Abdul Razak bin Ali bin Issa, chief executive of Bank Muscat, said: “As the flagship bank in Oman, Bank Muscat is proud to take the lead in introducing the new biometric systems, which reiterates our success in defining new trends in banking services and improving customer service.”

He said the system reflected the bank’s commitment to provide “the best in class” service and continued investment in cutting-edge technology.

UK-based bank Barclays recently unveiled its latest hi-tech device to combat cyber fraud, a machine that scans veins in the palm of a hand – unique to each person – to confirm identity.

Biometrics based on brain and heart signals have also emerged, although these are more cumbersome than the more conventional fingerprint scans.

India is a big user of biometrics. Its national ID programme, Aadhaar, is the largest biometric database in the world, with more than half a billion residents enrolled and 480 million given Aadhaar

numbers as of November 2013. Each biometrics-based digital identity, assigned for a lifetime, is based on a fingerprint and iris scan, along with a photo of the face. This information – and therefore someone’s identity – can be verified online instantly.

A W E E K I N P I C T U R E S

More than 150 people have died in flash flooding in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir as buildings are reduced to rubble and roads destroyed. The Indian government has announced RS100 billion (RO637 million ) in assistance

HEADLINING STORIES FROM OMAN AND BEYOND

Liberia is facing a fresh Ebola crisis with thousands of new cases expected in the next three weeks, says the World Health Organization (WHO). At least 2,100 people infected with the deadly virus in West Africa have died this year

US comedian Joan Rivers died in hospital at the age of 81 after experiencing difficulties breathing following surgery on her vocal chords

The UK’s Prince William and his wife Kate are expecting a second royal baby. The Duchess, who has been ill again with severe morning sickness, is due to give birth to the sibling for toddler George next year

BIOMETRIC BANKING

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I f you’ve been feeling a little off colour of late, don’t worry, you won’t be the only one. Chances are that you have a touch of the viral fever that’s hit Muscat in the past week.

A rise in temperatures – it’s been hovering around the 38°C mark at times – has been blamed for a surge in cases. Hospitals and clinics have reported a rise in patients complaining of fever, sore throat and cold symptoms. Schools have also seen pupils phoning in sick with similar ailments.It’s not helped by a huge influx of people back into the country from the long summer break. Their body’s can take time to adjust to the higher temperatures and, as a result, they fall sick. Switching between air-conditioned offices or homes and the outside exacerbates the problem. At a time when the Sultanate should be cooling down as we head towards the winter months, the mercury has unexpectedly risen again.“This health condition has resulted from a sudden increase in the temperature,” Dr Pradeep Maheshwari, from ATLAS Hospital in Ruwi, told a local newspaper this week.“In such a climate where the temperature fluctuates, the chance of a viral infection increases.”The Badr Al Samaa Hospital has had similar cases through its doors.“People should play safe and immediately consult a doctor to seek the right advice and prevent further complications,” said Dr Asha G Pillai, a doctor at the hospital.“Though such cases happen almost every year, it should not be ignored as it is painful and can get prolonged if timely medicines and expert advice is not taken.”The virus should go away on its own after a few days. Only in a few cases will antibiotics be needed.The advice from doctors is to practice good personal hygiene, such as washing hands, to prevent the virus spreading.

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FEELING A LITTLE FEVER?

G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w N E W SYOUR OMAN

dRug-RELATEd CRImE RISE

Incidences of crime linked to drug addiction have increased in the capital, according to the Royal Oman Police’s specialist unit.

Theft, murder, suicide and road accidents have all spiked as hard drug use continues to climb in the Sultanate.

Y did an investigation series into the drug problem in Oman last year and uncovered wide-scale abuse. Heroin and morphine is a particular problem.

According to the National Commission on Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Affairs, the number of addicts registered centrally to date is 4,079.

However, the actual figure could be much higher. The average age of users is currently 25 years old and is coming down.

In a report presented to the Muscat Municipal Council this week, the police’s Directorate of Narcotics Control revealed the impact addiction was having in the city, with an official revealing that cases of crime were on the rise as a result of increasing drug addiction.

In April, it was announced that the Sultanate’s first specialised drug rehabilitation centre, for nationals and expats, would be built in Sohar. Costing RO1.6 million, it will have 40 beds.

A second centre would also open in Muscat.A possible ban on smoking in public places

was also discussed at the Council meeting, along with a tougher stance on the granting of licences for shisha cafés.

Galloping past the post, a victorious jockey celebrates a win for one of Oman’s Arabian horses.Royal Cavalry Horse Radad clinched first place in the Dax Race in France with a storming finish. The dappled grey competes around the world.

THE MANE EVENT

• SoreThroat?• RunnyNose?• Cough?• Fatigue?

Consultadoctorandseekprofessionalmedicalhelpimmediatelyifyouhavedifficultybreathing.

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FEELING A LITTLE FEVER?

G A L L E R Y

G L O R I O U S F O O D THE 9TH FOOD AND HOSPITALITY OMAN TRADE EXHIBITION TOOK PLACE IN MUSCAT THIS WEEK, SHOWCASING THE INDUSTRY’S MOST INNOvATIvE PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES

Scan thiS to view Y onLine

OMAN IN 43 OBJECTS

As Oman has a coastline of some 1,700 kilometres with several

seas lapping at our shores, including the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, it will come as no surprise that the Sultanate has some amazing seafood. Stand at Seeb beach early in the morning as the sun starts its climb into the sky and you’ll see fishermen in their small boats heading out to deep water, laying downtheir nets for the daily catch. The shrimp season officially began on September 1 in Oman.

Whether it’s fresh hamour or salty prawns, the marine food can be pulled from Oman’s waters in the morning and be on your dinner plate or sizzling in a skillet on the barbecue by the evening.

Oman has traditionally been a major producer of fish in the region, dried sardines in particular. Anchovies, known as qasha in Oman, are also popular, enjoyed salted, pickled, smoked or marinated.

A total of 120,781 tonnes of seafood was caught in nine months last year and sustainable fishing measures have been put in place to ensure that the taste of the sea remains available for generations to come.

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MAZE ruNNErA post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller based on the bestselling series of books by James Dashner. Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) wakes up with no memory of his life or the world and is brought to The Glade, which is home to a community of teenage boys. A gigantic maze completely surrounds them, which Thomas must enter in order to piece together the clues that will aid their escape.

Bollywatch

Life of Crime

Relative newcomer Daniel Schechter helms the adaption of Elmore Leonard’s 1978 novel The Switch, which sees two ex-cons (Yasiin Bey and John Hawkes) kidnap Mickey Dawson (Jennifer Aniston), wife

Deliver Us From Evil

MOVIES MOVIESof the corrupt Detroit businessman, Frank Dawson (Tim Robbins). The hapless pair run into trouble when Dawson shows no intention of paying the ransom as he was in the process of filing for divorce anyway. An enjoyable dark comedy with multiple twists and turns à la Get Shorty and Be Cool, which were also adapted from Leonard’s work..

The Rover

In the near future, the Australian outback is a bleak and extremely violent place after a global economic collapse. Eric (Guy Pearce) has lost everything that was important to him – his farm and his family – and ekes out a nomadic existence travelling between desolate towns. After having his one remaining possession stolen from him, Eric literally has nothing left to lose and becomes bent on tracking down the men responsible, picking up an injured junior member of the gang (Robert Pattinson) along the way. A gritty 21st century western.

CREATURE Bollywood is set to get a taste of spectacular visual effects with Vikram Bhatt’s latest film, the 3D monster thriller Creature. Taking inspiration from the likes of Jurassic Park and Anaconda, this will be the first creature-feature made in India and hands an acting debut to Pakistani model Imran Abbas Naqvi, who stars alongside Bipasha Basu.

Disembodied voices, guttural snarls and spinning heads – you’ve seen it all before right? Wrong. Well, maybe partly right.Deliver Us From Evil is inspired by accounts from real-life NYPD sergeant turned paranormal investigator, Ralph Sarchie, and puts an interesting slant on the exorcism genre by mixing it with a dash of detective drama. Eric Bana stars as Sarchie, whose probe into a series of inexplicable and disturbing crimes sees him become entangled in a world of demons and possessions. With the help of the unconventional Castilian priest Mendoza (Edgar Ramirez), Sarchie

battles to rid the city of paranormal influences.Director Scott Derrickson has become somewhat of a veteran of demonic dramas with The Exocism of Emily Rose and Sinister under his belt already. Deliver Us From Evil does not stray too far from his tried and tested formula. But as the adage goes, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” and Derrickson masterfully creates a tense atmosphere with some genuinely unnerving supernatural scenes that will see your popcorn fly in the air as you jump and squeal in fright.

Review by Matt Blackwell

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BRUNCH TIME

THIS WEEK

WHaT TO dO. WHaT

TO SEE. WHaT TO

HEaR.

Help spread a little charity by joining the next I-Care initiative to hand out 10,000 bottles of cold water to construction and street workers in Muscat before their lunchtime break. The event, the 14th of its kind, starts at 9.30am and finishes at 12.30pm. The meeting point is Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat. Organisers say the idea is to show appreciation to the workers in Muscat. Check out www.icareoman.org for more details.

REGISTER NOW

S E P T E M B E R

Make contacts at a Business Networking lunch being held by expat group InterNations later this month (date to be confirmed). Share ideas and opportunities, while making new contacts at this professional event to bring together like-

minded people. It’s also great for socialising and meeting new

people, too. See www.internations.org/muscat-

expats

WaTER

WOR

KSCatch up with old friends and make new ones at the Women’s Guild Oman annual Welcome Back Brunch at the City Seasons Hotel, Al Khuwair, from 10am-1pm with special guest Rebecca Mayston from The Guide Oman. Tickets RO15 (members) and RO17 (non-members). Last date to buy is September 17. Book your brunch place at one of the Guild’s

Coffee Mornings at More Café, Opera Galleria, on a Wednesday. Go to

www.womensguildoman.com for info

SePT22

SEPT

27

BUSINESS LUNCHING

They once graced the football pitch for England and Wales and now they’re appearing in Muscat to share their stories. An Evening with Footballing Legends Ron Atkinson and John Hartson is not to be missed. Atkinson, once manager of Manchester United and Athletico Madrid, and Hartson, who played for Arsenal and Celtic among others, will entertain with an insider’s look into their careers filled with anecdotes and personal memories. The evening on October 2 at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa includes a gourmet dinner, fun with UK comedian Christian Steel and a prize raffle. There’ll also be a signed authenticated memorabilia auction. Tickets

are RO45 and include dinner and unlimited house beverages. Tickets are available for purchase from the hotel or by reservation on 2477 6235. Email sales.slmu@shangri-la.com for details.

BOOK NOW

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Naomi Betts openly admits that her desire to go trekking in the Himalayas had something to do with a small mid-life crisis around her 40th birthday.

She also realised that during her time in Nepal she could bring to fruition a craft project that started months earlier

in her front room at home in Salalah.Like many women in the Sultanate’s second city, Naomi found she had

plenty of time on her hands when she accompanied her husband, Tony, a mechanical engineer with the British Army, for a two-year posting in Oman.

Her visa didn’t allow her to work, so instead Naomi, who is a graduate psychologist with the British Psychological Society, signed up to study remotely for her Masters degree with Ulster University and decided to

devote more time to her creative hobbies.Already accomplished in crochet and tatting, an ancient form of

lacemaking, Naomi wanted to learn how to sew and before she knew it she had a burgeoning craft circle, which included ladies from many countries, all with skills to share.

“It wasn’t meant to be a group,” she says of her circle of friends who now meet most weeks to work on various craft projects.

“A couple of friends wanted to learn how to crochet, so I said I’d teach them and before we knew it the thing evolved and we started talking about other interests.

“I knew that some of them were experienced sewers and I asked if they could teach me.”

Soon, Naomi got the hang of her new sewing machine and heard about

UpDressing

When Naomi Betts headed to a Nepalese orphanage to deliver clothes stitched by a Salalah sewing circle she had no idea the experience would change her life. She tells Sheline Clarke about her adventure and the 13 children who will stay in her heart forever

Naomi Betts of Salalah who visited Nepal to deliver hand made clothes to a remote orphanage

a project called Dress a Girl Around the World from an old school friend on Facebook. Part of Hope 4 Women International, Dress a Girl Around the World believes that every girl on the planet should own at least one dress to give her dignity and to show that she is loved.

The charity suggests dresses are made using pillowcases, each with a label sewn onto the outside, which has been proven to deter would-be predators as it shows that the child is being protected by an international organisation.

“I thought it was a great idea,” says Naomi. “We could be doing something good for others while we learn and use all of our skills.”

The ladies in her sewing circle agreed and soon they were running up pillowcase dresses for Naomi to take to Nepal.

“Dress a Girl distributes dresses to 65 countries, but are also happy for you to take them personally if you can find a suitable establishment. I looked online, phoned and emailed and eventually the Prabhat Children’s Orphanage came back to me just a couple of days before we left for Nepal.”

With just a vague address on the edge of the remote village of Pokhara, a stash of pillowcase dresses and steely determination in their hearts, Naomi and Tony eventually found a taxi driver who thought he could take them. Their ride fell short of their destination, though, and the couple found themselves climbing the last few kilometres in flip-flops, having no idea what they would find at the end of the road.

As it turned out, things couldn’t have gone better.“We turned up completely unannounced and they welcomed us

with open arms,” says Naomi.

Dress a Girl distributes dresses

to 65 countries, but are also happy for you to take them personally if you can find a suitable establishment. I looked online, phoned and

emailed and eventually the Prabhat Children’s

Orphanage came back to me just a couple of

days before we left for Nepal

Some of the sewing friends showing off their finished dresses, from left, Denise Ballard (UK), Joanne Leitch (UK), Glo Parr (UK), Naomi Betts (UK), Nancy Tyacke (Philippines) and Michelle Arduini (Canada).

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“The children were just amazing. They were engaging, loveable, clean and healthy and their English was fabulous.

“Education is the focus and the children are driven and motivated; they know where they want to go in life and how to get there.”

Naomi was able to deliver her dresses along with other items and was even pleased to hand over her rucksack to one of the younger boys who needed a new schoolbag.

“I wanted to give them more,” she says. “I started taking off my friendship bracelets and giving them to the girls and this little one tugged at my shirt and said ‘pick me’, she wanted that bracelet so much.

“The orphanage is very basic, but they have so much pride in what they do have. When we came away, I initially felt quite sad, but then realised I was applying my western standards. They don’t have iPads and toys, many clothes or their own bedrooms, but they are well-nourished, healthy and well-loved kids who, thanks to the orphanage, will be ready for adult life when they reach 18 and have to leave.”

The experience has had a lasting affect on Naomi and her ladies, who are continuing their support for the orphanage with a craft fair at Salalah’s Oasis Club next month.

Naomi is also preparing Christmas boxes for each of the Nepalese children, while others are crocheting hats and scarves to help the youngsters through the winter.

Back in the UK, Naomi’s daughter Rhiannon has approached the charity committee at her school to enquire about supporting the orphanage.

“We had just done five days’ trekking and that was an amazing adventure, but the highlight was the orphanage. It was a magnificent, heart-warming experience,” says Naomi, reflecting on her time in Nepal.

“I don’t think I’d ever felt like I had truly done something worthwhile and it has

made me want to do more.“It’s easy to hand out money here and there, but

that’s not the right thing to do. Giving money to children who are begging encourages them not to go to school and so they miss out on their education. By focusing on these 13 little orphans, I feel there is something practical and tangible I can do to help and really make a difference to their lives.”

The Oman effectNaomi says she wasn’t much of a traveller before moving to Oman two years ago. However, after experiencing the best of outdoor life the Sultanate has to offer, as well as her adventure in Nepal and a holiday in Sri Lanka last year, she admits she’s got the bug. Naomi is currently planning a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia and will again take more dresses and other items with her.

“I just love the outdoors here,” she says. “We have been up the mountains, camped on the beach, done wadi jumping and turtle watching. We’ve explored a lot and I think I am braver now.”

Naomi and Tony leave Oman in November to resume their lives in the UK, but her experience in Oman will stay with her for many years to come.

She hopes to use her new Masters degree to secure a part-time research job and wants to establish a small business so she can teach crafts, using the skills she has honed with her circle of creative ladies in Salalah.

“After the first couple of months here I realised how off balance my life in the UK was. I don’t want to lose that balance again.”

Dress a Girl Around the WorldNaomi and her sewing friends, including ladies from South Africa, Egypt, the Philippines, France, Canada, Ireland, Pakistan, Nepal and the UK, are among an army of seamstresses making dresses to support the Dress A Girl initiative.

Set up in 2006 by Hope 4 Women International, the charity says that providing a new dress can change a young girl’s destiny.

Its ambassadors believe that in developing countries, a girl wearing a smart new dress presents an appearance that she is well cared for and may discourage would-be predators. By attaching the Dress a Girl label on the outside, each dress sends out the message that the girl is under the care of an organisation, giving her added protection from those who may harm her.

www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com

The house mother at the orphanage

craft fairThe craft fair to raise

funds for the Prabhat

Children’s Orphanage takes

place at the Oasis Club,

Salalah, on Wednesday,

October 22 from 5-7pm. Items

for sale will include jewellery,

cards, cakes, crafts

and Christmas

gifts.

HBB YWeekly 48x34 SE E.indd All Pages 07/09/2014 15:37

HBB YWeekly 48x34 SE E.indd All Pages 07/09/2014 15:37

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As RAdisson Blu’s Box AppeAl enteRs AnotheR yeAR in omAn, mAtt BlAckwell chAts to the muscAt hotel’s geneRAl mAnAgeR, mARius wolmARAns, to get the lowdown on the chARity initiAtive thAt stARted Right heRe in the middle eAst

Deodorant, a toothbrush, soap; just some of life’s basic necessities that many of us take for granted. But the harsh reality is that for thousands of people across the

Sultanate and the wider GCC region, these simple items border on luxury.

The Box Appeal was designed to put a stop to this. Conceived and put into action in 2008 by one of Dubai’s Radisson Blu hotels, the initiative soon caught on, spreading first around the UAE before arriving in Oman.

“Basically, we provide a box the size of a shoebox and fill it with personal hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, a cap – 12 items in total – and give it to a migrant worker. It’s for the guys who don’t have money to buy these things,” Marius says.

Since launching in the Sultanate, the public response has been incredibly strong, with 850 boxes distributed to labour camps and construction sites last year. Marius has raised the bar for this year’s appeal, which will run for a month from September 15 to October 15, and aims to collect at least 1,200 boxes.

The target represents a significant increase, although Marius remains confident that the challenge can be met. “It’s another year we’re doing this, so we’re getting better at it,” he says. “We’ve got our media partners [Y Magazine and Merge 104.8 and Al Wisal 96.5] involved a lot earlier this year and I’m doing a schools’ tour as well to raise awareness. Many of the schools I’ve spoken to want to get involved purely for the cause, not just the recognition, which is great.”

Not only does the appeal have obvious benefits for Oman’s migrant workforce – the construction workers and road cleaners who you see without seeing – it also offers schoolchildren the chance to learn about giving back to society and the weight of their social responsibility.

Corporate customers can get involved in the

Get SomeGet Some

initiative as well and if they can commit to filling a certain amount of boxes, Marius and the team at the Radisson Blu hotel will happily drop off the desired amount and collect them once full. “If a corporate wants to fill 50 boxes and give them to a specific area then we encourage that,” he says. “Everything has to come back to the hotel first, though, so that we can coordinate the distribution efforts to ensure we don’t have different people going to the same locations.”

Some of Oman’s labour camps can house thousands of workers at any one time and when organising drops at large sites like this, Marius and his team of volunteers will prearrange the number of boxes so that the camp can select suitable recipients. However, the Radisson Blu’s general manager admits that some of the most rewarding times are when they simply drive onto a construction site and begin distributing with little or no prior warning.

“It’s really amazing. These guys, they have smiles from ear to ear.”,

what’s in the box? 1. T-shirt

2. Cap

3. Disposable razor

4. Shaving cream

5. Deodorant

6. Toothbrush

7. Talcum powder

8. Toothpaste

9. Small hand towel

10. Comb

11. Antibacterial soap

12. Shampoo

SmALL BOX BIg dIFFERENCE

It really couldn’t be any simpler, but these few basic items will make a huge difference to the lives of Oman’s migrant workers.

BOX

gET YOuR BOXPick up your empty box to fill from the reception at Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat, the offices of Y Magazine & Merge 104.8 in Seeb or The Flower Shop in Sabco Centre.

Once filled, boxes can be dropped off at the same points.

Email editor@y-oman.com for an office location map.

AppealBOX Appeal

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C O m P E T I T I O NJoin the Box Appeal and be in with a chance to win four coveted spots at Radisson Blu’s delicious BBQ Thursday. The hotel has teamed up with Y to offer readers an exclusive incentive to get filling for a good cause.To get involved, form a team of four and try to fill as many of the boxes as possible. It can be a team of four friends, colleagues, students, siblings or a family. Register your team (giving team name, designated captain, team members and contact

number) at editor@y-oman.com.Filled boxes should be dropped at Y’s office in Seeb at the end of each week. We’ll keep a running tally of the best teams’ weekly progress and the one with the most boxes filled by October 15 will win four tickets to BBQ Thursday at Olivos Restaurant, where you will enjoy freshly grilled meats and fish while overlooking

the hotel’s lush gardens and swimming pool.

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RISE ANd SHINEA good breakfast kick-

starts our metabolism and ensures that our bodies

have sufficient fuel for the busy day

ahead.

fOOd

dRINKaNd

T r e n d N e w R e s t a u r a n t R e v i e w s

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THE BIG

It’s widely touted as the most important meal of the day and everyone has heard the old phrase that encourages us to ‘Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper.’

Forgoing breakfast has long been linked with weight gain, although recent studies from both the University of Alabama in the US and the University of Bath in the UK found little tangible evidence to actually support this theory.

But one thing eating first thing does do is fuel your body with essential nutrients and replenish glucose levels, both of which allow for sharper cognitive function.

Traditions differ the world over, but here we have a look at some of our favourite ways in which people break their fasts and the countries they originate from.

Whether you dine ‘al desco’ in the morning or give eating a miss all together, Matt Blackwell takes you around the world in eight breakfasts

england, Ireland, Scotland and Wales all have slight variations, but at the heart of a British breakfast is the fry up, which can include sausage, black pudding, beans, hash browns, mushrooms, eggs and toast. Currently enjoying a renewed surge in popularity, there have been suggestions that a fat-rich breakfast allows your body to transfer energy utilisation between carbohydrate and fat.

United Kingdom

N e w sT R E N d N e w R e s t a u r a n t

BREAKFAST

Stack up the pancakes! Best served smothered in maple syrup with a side of eggs and other savoury favourites. Which ever way you like them, fresh fruit is also an option. There is something devilishly decadent about having such a sweet treat to start your day! enjoy with a strong cup of coffee.

America

India has huge variety when it comes to breakfast and you’ll find different traditions depending on which region you visit. Topping our list are dosas. These are crispy flat breads made of rice batter served with a variety of chutneys and dips. Another great light breakfast snack is dhokla, made from fermented rice and chickpea splits.

India

Waakye is a nutritious dish, made from a combination of rice and beans that is gaining popularity in other West African nations including Nigeria, Togo and Benin. Traditionally served with a spicy pepper sauce, it can be eaten on its own or with fish, chicken or boiled eggs for either breakfast or lunch.

Ghana

A traditional Japanese breakfast can be time consuming to prepare, meaning it is often saved for weekends and holidays. It will usually consist of a bowl of traditional miso soup, steamed rice and grilled fish and can be accompanied by a raw egg and nori (dried seaweed), along with Japanese pickles and a cup of green tea.

Japan

Australians enjoy a similar breakfast to those in europe, with commercially prepared cereals, porridge, toast and fresh fruit, along with cooked varieties when time allows. There is one difference, however, the all-time favourite, Vegemite. This salty and slightly sharp paste (a bit like Marmite, but not as smokey) is made from yeast extract and is a popular topping for toast and crumpets.

Australia

Breakfast is not the main meal of the day in Brazil and is usually kept relatively light. Readily available fresh tropical fruit and coffee are always popular, as are the famous pão de queijo (cheese rolls) and misto quente (grilled ham and cheese sandwiches). It’s also perfectly acceptable to have cake!

Brazil

A few options spring up here, ranging from the basic but popular thin, round rukhal bread served with Omani honey to the egg and tomato dish of shakshouka. For an extra special breakfast, give the Omani delight of khabeesa a go – a semolina or cream of wheat dish infused with saffron, rosewater and cardamom, cooked to a porridge-like consistency.

Oman

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It was like my senses were being assaulted. Waves of chocolate crashed over my defences in an unstoppable silky milk flow. Heaven could be found in a chocolate fondue.

Any more and it would have been heading towards sensory overload for some. Not for me, though, as I absolutely love chocolate. Which is just as well for my latest dining venture.

The clue is in the name. The Chocolate Room is all about the cocoa bean and its various incarnations on a plate or in a cup. It’s an Ode to Chocolate, a love affair with the sweet treat in all its gorgeous splendour.

First off, we had to find the place. It’s in Ghubra, five minutes off the Sultan Qaboos Highway, on a busy road opposite an Indian restaurant, which feels like a bit of an incongruous setting for a chocolate paradise.

We walked in about 7pm on a Saturday and it was virtually empty. It did pick up later – and the waiter told us that it’s busier on weekend days – but I couldn’t help feel that a site in a shopping mall might be better suited.

No complaints with the interior, though. The décor is modern, chic and well thought out, with warm chocolate tones of browns, creams and caramels.

There seemed to be chocolate everywhere. It was a bit like being inside Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

Across the main wall, though, stretches a huge black-and-white photograph of silhouettes of kangaroos bouncing around under a dusk sky – a nod to the restaurant’s Antipodean roots. The Chocolate Room was first established in Geelong, a city in the Australian state of Victoria, in 2006 and has been spreading its cocoa message around the world ever since. Interestingly, the country chosen for the first chocolate-covered franchise in the GGC was Oman. But the UAE is finally catching on to a good thing, with two stores expected to open in Dubai within a few months.

Anyway, back to the food.The menu is chockablock (forgive the pun) with

everything and anything cocoa related. There are chocolate crepes, pancakes, waffles, sundaes and cakes, all of which can be washed down with chocolate shakes, frappes and choctails. There’s even a choco-pizza, which consists of a chocolicious pizza base with toppings from dates

to Nutella. It’s mind-boggling trying to wade through the pages and choose.

For those who aren’t in the mood for chocolate (to be frank, if you aren’t, what are you doing in a placed called The Chocolate Room?) cocoa-free options are also available. We were in the mood for savoury, too, and had a decent enough selection from savoury crepes, wraps, salads and sandwiches.

I went for one of the signature savoury crepes, the Kumbhi, which was freshly made with buttery button mushrooms and chikante (a sort of tomato

paste). My dining companion, Mr Slowcoach, opted for the Greek Panino with pesto, peppers and mozzarella cheese, accompanied by a salsa dip.

For drinks, I kicked off with a Ferrero Rocher shake, while Slowcoach had a Coffee Nirvana choctail with chunks of chocolate, coffee, ice cream and even a surprise coffee bean at the bottom. Both were divine.

Our savoury choices were also pretty good. The crepe was buttery and soft and the panino had plenty of melted mozzarella sliding down the sides.

But we were eager to get onto the main event – the sweets. We wanted everything and boy was there a lot to try. My heart was set on the waffles on a stick with a choice of two dips. Then again, the pancakes also looked tempting, especially the one called Death by Chocolate and the sundaes were begging to be eaten.

What to do? In the end, we went for the fondue with warm Belgium milk chocolate (you can also have dark or white) with marshmallows, strawberries, mini waffles and bananas on the side, waiting to be dipped. It was a sublime, pure hedonistic delight. Our waiter dropped by to check all was well and smiled at the sight of us sitting there in a melted chocolate haze. The endorphins were in full flow. If Armageddon had arrived there and then, I would have been fine with it.

We finished with a Crème Brulee frappe for Slowcoach (pronounced as just “ok”) and a Classic Hot Chocolate with a hint of mint for me – just in case I hadn’t had enough chocolate – which was richly satisfying.

Our minds wanted more, but alas our bodies – or rather stomachs – did not.

As we left, I saw a quote on one of the walls: “Money can’t buy happiness. But, it can buy a chocolate, which is pretty much the same thing.”

I couldn’t agree more.

T r e n d N e w R e s t a u r a n tfOOd

dRINKaNd R E V I E W S

Info BoxTHE CHOCOLATE

ROOM Al Marafah Street,

Mirbat Tower 1, GhubraTel: 2449 9922Facebook.com/

thechocolateroomomanOpening hours: Mon-Weds 10am-12am,

Thurs 10am-1am, Fri 9am-1am, Sat 9am-

12am, Sun 10am-12 amDinner for two including

drinks: RO21.4

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

HOT CHOCOLATEAN INDULGeNT CULINARY eXPeRIeNCe WILL LeAVe YOU WANTING MORe – JUST AS LONG AS IT’S SWeeT, SAYS KATe GINN

verdict:

Choc-tastic food

and service

8.5 10

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HEALTH&BEAUTY

H e a l t h B e a u t y FA S H I O N

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PLEATS PLEASE Accordion pleats, sharp folds

and origami-inspired construction give autumn’s fashion a flash of

much needed flamboyance. Outré outfits aren’t for everyone, of

course, and you can grab easier pieces to wear from the high

street. This über wearable dress is by Preen and available online

or in store at Debenhams.

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TO HAVE AND TO FOLD Prepare your wardrobes for graphic content: abstract motifs and power pleating are moving in, says Penny Fray

1. Origami-style pleats, waterfall drapes and elegant layering are bang on trend. But the more dramatic the cut, the plainer the colour – unless you’re making a red carpet entrance. 2. The fashion confident should dare to mix varying proportions and lengths to create a new silhouette. 3. Invest in the best. Cheap tailoring and pleating usually look, well, cheap.

GOING JAPANESE:

Complicated folds and pleats can be a little too fashion forward

unless tempered by neutrals and immaculate tailoring.

I love the glitz of this fashion-forward piece from H&M Studio. It’s not available in every store, so it’s worth keeping an eye for it online in case it doesn’t hit Muscat. From RO100

It all started last summer when America’s favorite actress, Sandra Bullock, stepped onto the red carpet in a red J. Mendel gown featuring architectural pleating. The design was a feat of engineering, with the folds carefully

drawing attention to her waist while perfectly framing her toned shoulders. The origami detailing was a refreshing take on Hollywood dressing, which has been saturated with mermaid silhouettes and bling beading of late. Viva la revolution.

Of course, the genius of her dress was nothing new. Japanese greats such as Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto’s directional designs have informed the runway since the 1980s. And according to Y’s fashion expert Barbra Young, their intricate and considered techniques still feel futuristic, even now. This season, however, the avant-garde take on tailoring takes a twist with J.W. Anderson’s sculpted hemlines and Christopher Kane’s organza pieces, delicately crafted to resemble the pages of a book.

If couture-looking cuts are not for you, then embrace abstract prints that create an interesting illusion of graphic slicing. This, fashion folks, is art for clothes. Moving like the pages of a book, the

layers of chiffon on Christopher Kane’s silk organza blouse marks an innovative approach to design. Layer over a tonal camisole for extra coverage. From RO758

Clever graphic slicing is the focus of the new M&S collection. This much-talked about piece has a 1970s vibe and moves elegantly through the skirt thanks to the waterfall length. Nail several trends in one piece for less than RO50

A block-heeled silhouette is essential this season. Work the look with Tibi’s sleek Bailey ankle boots, crafted from smooth nubuck and leather. Team yours with everything from skinny jeans to mini skirts. RO215 at net-a-porter

Zara’s skirt features faux leather with a pleated panel. The flattering style sits just above the hips and is the ideal length to wear with flats or heels. Even better, it’s currently on sale. I spotted one online for RO3.5 – bargain

This tote screams classic with a twist. Available from RO13 at Zara

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HEALTH&BEAUTY

the Migraine

H E A LT H B e a u t y F a s h i o n

You know the feeling. It starts as a mild ache and progresses to a stabbing pain above your temple or even at the base of your skull. We all know that

headaches can ruin our day – and don’t get us started on migraines, which have been known to write off several days for some sufferers.

Anna Gardiner, a media specialist who lives in Muscat, says she occasionally gets headaches brought on by stress and will simply work through them. But as a long-term migraine sufferer, she finds it much more difficult to manage the pain.

“I got my first migraine not long after I turned 18,” she says. “I was terrified as I had no idea what it was. My vision was filled with flashing lights and it looked like my hands were disconnected – almost like they belonged to somebody else – and the pain was incredible.

“They were very intense and I continued to get them every couple of months. The symptoms were frightening and made me even more stressed, which, in turn, made the migraine worse.”

Whether it’s a mild stress headache or a full-blown migraine, those who regularly battle headaches are continually looking for safe and effective remedies to alleviate the pain as quickly as possible.

“Over the years, I did a lot of reading about migraines,” Anna says. “I don’t like to take painkillers and wanted to find a way to help manage them naturally. So I started looking into my diet to see if I could find any correlation between the onset of my migraines and what I had eaten.

“I started to make a connection with coffee and chocolate – and they are no longer a part of

my diet. In fact, it has been more than 20 years since I last had coffee or chocolate! And these days, instead of getting a migraine every couple of months, I only get them perhaps every 18 months to two years. And they are much milder now, too.”

Types of headachesUnderstanding what kind of headache you’re

experiencing and what may have caused it can go a long way towards finding the ideal treatment, whether with heat and cold therapies such as those provided by Thermal-Aid, other natural remedies or medication.

Migraines and tension headaches are among the common types of primary headaches – those that relate to pain sensitivity areas of your head but do not signal a potential underlying disease. Lifestyle factors such as certain foods, lack of sleep, posture, skipped meals and stress can contribute to primary headaches.

Secondary headaches are caused by ailments ranging from influenza and sinusitis to aneurysm and stroke. Conditions such as concussion and dehydration can also cause secondary headaches.

Seeking medical careIf you suspect your headache is the result of an

underlying issue, consulting a physician can help you address the root problem and ultimately your pain, as well.

In addition, symptoms such as confusion or trouble understanding speech; fainting; high fever; stiff neck; trouble seeing, speaking or walking; and nausea or vomiting are also signs you should seek attention immediately, according to experts.

Other indicators may signal the need to schedule a doctor’s appointment, although not as urgently as if you are experiencing the symptoms just mentioned. These include an increase in headache frequency or severity; pain that does not improve after taking over-the-counter medication; and pain that affects your normal activities, such as working or sleeping.

Home treatment optionsRelieving your headache pain at home depends

on the type of headache you’re experiencing. Some headaches can be relieved by over-the-counter medications, but numerous natural remedies can also be effective, without the potential side effects of painkillers.

One example is heat or cold therapy, applied to your head or neck area. A relatively new treatment, Thermal-Aid Headache Relief System (available on Amazon.com) treats pain, muscle tension and light sensitivity simultaneously and can be used for migraine, tension and stress headaches. The system includes a tube of 100 per cent natural cream pain reliever, that is applied directly to your temples and forehead, as well as a cold press eye pack that blocks light while delivering subtle pressure to ease forehead and temple tension.

Other natural pain management techniques include meditation, massage and rest. Small amounts of caffeine may also be effective, while other alternative therapies such as biofeedback and cognitive therapy are potential treatments.

For more information about headache and pain treatment therapies, check out www.thermalaidproducts.com

ManageNothing has the potential to ruin your day like a killer headache. Y looks at the causes and some potential solutions for one of life’s most common ailments

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S E P T 1 1 - 1 7 / I S S U E 3 3 6 0 3 5

H e a l t h B E A U T Y F a s h i o n

STYLE COUNSEL

Barbra Young, a former designer and retailer

BARBRA YOUNG ANSWeRS YOUR FASHION QUeSTIONS

Dear Peter,Put down that nasty carrier bag now!I agree, backpacks are for hiking, crossover bags

are for bicycle delivery men and briefcases are so 90s. So what’s a stylish career-minded man to use?I have just the bag for you, from Mulberry. Before you fall off your chair due to the price, consider this bag an investment in your future. You will be working for at least another 25 years, using this bag five days a week, which equals less than half a cent per wear. Now, isn’t that great value? Not only is the bag extremely practical and lightweight, it fits iPads, papers, your wallet, phone and all the other paraphernalia we can’t live without. It’s also chic with a bit of a geeky vibe.Your sense of style will be remembered by everyone you meet.

If you have any fashion questions for Barbra, email

info@y-oman.com or tweet #style

@ytabloid

Dear Barbra,I’m a 29-year-old sales executive in need of a man bag. A backpack is too boyish, and anything else can err on

the wrong side of camp. Help! I can’t carry on stuffing all my work stuff in a carrier bag. Peter, Dubai

Q.

A.

GET THE LOOK

Portfolio BagA scratch on your beloved MacBook Pro is an absolute no-go. Keep business in order and your technology blemish-free with this portfolio case. It’s perfectly proportioned for fitting in your messenger bag, too. Co

ol C

asio Maybe your dad isn’t such a fashion failure after

all. The Casio G-Shock 5600, sported here by George Clooney, is bringing back old-school cool. A favourite of action heroes from Arnie to Tom Cruise, the G-Shock won’t let you down.

Waterproof, shock-resistant, and fuss-free, the functional style of the Casio speaks volumes for a man with a sense of adventure. Casio brands are widely available throughout the Sultanate – head to Grand Mall or City Centre to find your favourite. Of course, if you’re looking for finer things, Khimji Ramdas in Ruwi or Qurum will meet more luxurious needs.

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fo l l o w u s o n :

S E P T 1 1 - 1 7 / I S S U E 3 3 6 0 3 7

P o s t c a r d s f r o m O u t d o o r s Y - F i C a r s

CARS ANDADVENTURES AgE OLd

The gnarled, wind-twisted trees have

stood on Jebel Akhdar for many

years.

S E P T 1 1 - 1 7 / I S S U E 3 3 60 3 8

CARS ANDOUTDOORS

D E S T I N A T I O N P o s t c a r d s f r o m Y - F i O u t d o o r s C a r sCARS ANDADVENTURES

Destination

JEBEL AKHDARWHILe Y’S FORMeR PHOTOGRAPHeR JeRzY WIeRzBICKI

IS NO LONGeR WITH US, We THOUGHT THIS WAS A GReAT OPPORTUNITY TO ReVISIT SOMe OF THe FIRST PLACeS He

VeNTUReD TO IN THe SULTANATe. THIS WeeK, We LOOK AT THe STUNNING TWISTeD TReeS OF JeBeL AKHDAR

JEBEL AKHDAR

Over the past five years, Jerzy has clocked up tens of thousands of kilometres in an

incredible 250-plus trips, as he explored the Sultanate for his weekly Destination column. From the mountains to the sea, from wadis to the Empty Quarter and everything else in between, there’s not much that he didn’t discover on his travels.

As a newcomer to Oman, Y Managing Editor Felicity Glover thought it would be a great idea to go back in time and revisit some of the best places that Jerzy has been to. Felicity’s thinking behind the idea was that there are many people like herself in Oman who would find a “look back in time” series just as fascinating as she does. Then again, she is sure that many readers

who have followed Jerzy’s travels closely over the years will enjoy the opportunity to rediscover them.

In this week’s Destination, we go back to October 2011, when Jerzy and group of friends headed to the top of Jebel Akhdar, which translates as “The Green Mountain” in Arabic. Nothing much has changed on the mountain, although visitors will notice new hotel Alila Jabal Akhdar, which overlooks the beautiful Al Hajar mountain range, has opened since Jerzy’s visit. Here’s his story…

“I was waiting for the first rains for this trip to the mountains as they provide the right weather conditions for taking excellent landscape photography.

“I set off for Jebel Akhdar with a group of friends who wanted to see

S E P T 1 1 - 1 7 / I S S U E 3 3 6 0 3 9

From Muscat, take the road to Nizwa, then follow the road signs to Jebel Akhdar. Because of the steep, winding road to the top, only 4x4 cars are allowed to go up – but even experienced drivers should be aware of the weather conditions, which can change suddenly and create dangerous driving conditions.

GPS location of Jebel Akhdar: N22’57” E57’40”TRAV

EL G

UIDE

how I take photographs for Y. We reached the police checkpoint at the foot of the mountain around noon. There is a very steep and winding road to the top of the mountain and only 4x4 cars are allowed to drive up. The last time I visited here, I saw a lot of small trees that had been twisted by the wind and this is why I had come back. Reaching the top, the weather was perfect: sunny, but windy with a few clouds that provided a lot of opportunities for good landscape photography. The temperature was also a lot cooler than in Muscat.

“At the top, we drove in the direction of Shnoot. Just beyond

HOW TO GET THERE

Shnoot, we turned onto a wide gravel track and after a few kilometres, we found the trees we were looking for. They had been twisted by the wind, which caused them to grow in fantastic and strange shapes. I put my camera on a tripod and started capturing the trees on film. After an hour, we continued driving along the gravel track, which ends next to a deep, wide valley.

“Opposite, we saw the small village of Sugra, which looked like one of Ansel Adams’ photographs of a Mexican pueblo. One of my friends attached a super telephoto lens to her camera and she took some nice shots of the stone buildings in the village. As we continued on into the mountains, the late afternoon light had become very soft and warm, so we pulled our 4x4s over and continued taking photographs of the twisted trees.

“Jebel Akhdar is a very well-known place for weekend trips and amateur photographers can find many great places to take photos. The light conditions are very different here compared with Muscat – the air is cleaner and visibility is terrific for panoramic landscape shots. Just don’t forget to bring a tripod!”

S E P 1 1 - 1 7 / I S S U E 3 3 60 4 0

CARS ANDOUTDOORSCARS ANDADVENTURES

The professionals make it look

effortlessly easy, but there’s a

lot more to wakeboarding than

meets the eye, as adrenaline

junkie Matt Blackwell learned

I spent hours watching the Extreme Sports Channel when I was younger. Whether it was riding the barrel of a breaking wave, carving the powder of a black ski

run or kick-flipping down a huge set of stairs, I harboured an intense fascination for all boardsports. It’s what inspired me to take up skateboarding at the tender age of 12.

I would sit in front of the television in open-mouthed admiration of amazing feats of athleticism, until one day in a moment of absent-minded channel surfing I was introduced to a new sport, wakeboarding.

A close relative of water skiing but oh-so-much cooler, wakeboarding involves being strapped into a board by your feet and pulled along by a boat, riding its “wake”. Introduce some serious speed into the mix and riders are able to use the waves created by the boat to launch themselves to incredible heights, performing dizzying and flips and spins.

While I marvelled at what the pros could accomplish, living in landlocked Leicester in the UK without a lake in sight, I shelved my plans to take to the water. Life soon took precedence and my budding career as an extreme sports star was put on hold – until I arrived in Muscat.

After discovering Uniboats through a friend who went on one of their sunset cruises, I did some research and discovered that among a long list of other things, they offered wakeboarding lessons. Repressed childhood dreams came flooding back and before I knew what I was doing, I was on the phone booking myself in for a two-hour session.

WakeRideR

S E P 1 1 - 1 7 / I S S U E 3 3 6 0 4 1

O U T D O O R SP o s t c a r d s f r o m Y - F i C a r s

Give it a go:● A two-hour wakeboarding lesson with Uniboats costs RO30● In addition to wakeboarding, Uniboats offers kneeboarding, water sledding, kayaking and jet skiing, as well as chartered boat trips● To find out more about what Uniboats offer or to book one of their services, call Adel on 9261 1222

WakeRideR

Based at the Al Mouj Marina at The Wave, Muscat, Uniboats was easy to find and the team greeted me with handshakes and huge smiles. CEO and professional wakeboarding instructor Adel al Abri immediately put me at ease as he went through a dry-land demonstration of the board and the mechanics of the sport with the help of his crew, Waqqas al Busaidi and Yousef al Mukhaini. Their enthusiasm was infectious and soon I was as eager as they were to get out onto the water.

I had no idea what to expect, but always keen to try new things, I pulled on the impact vest, strapped my feet firmly into the board’s bindings and lowered myself into the water.

Assuming the “zero position” (also known as the “baby” curled up position) that Adel had taught me, I clung to the rope and awaited Waqqas’ countdown. 3, 2, 1 – the boat’s engine, which had been idling until now, roared to life and as the slack on the rope tightened, my floating form was catapulted forward with almost painful force. I managed to maintain my grip for all of half a second before I got a large mouthful of seawater and had to let go.

This would take some practice, then.As Waqqas explained to me afterwards, I had

made the classic mistake of tensing up as soon as the boat started moving. And I would spend the next hour and a half trying to overcome this natural reaction.

The guys at Uniboats never gave up on me, though. Even the slightest improvement in my until then dire performance brought cheers and shouts of encouragement from the crew and each time the boat made a U-turn to collect me after yet another failed attempt, Adel would remind me, “We’re not leaving until you’re standing on water”, and Waqqas and Yousef would talk me through exactly where I had gone wrong.

A combination of pure stubbornness on my part and unrelenting enthusiasm from Adel and the guys would later create a moment of pure magic.

After a five-minute break, during which Yousef showed me exactly how the pros do it, I re-entered the water more determined than ever. I don’t know what was different about this attempt, but it just clicked. The boat accelerated and for once it took me with it; I was skimming along the water in zero position. I applied force through my legs, angled the board slightly to the left and hey presto, I was standing. Back on the boat, the guys were beside themselves with pure delight, jumping, cheering and high-fiving, before they set about cranking up the tunes from the boat’s formidable sound system.

Riding the relatively calm waters with the Omani sunset behind me was an exhilarating experience and my confidence grew with each stint on the waves.

Soon I was moving from side to side and even managed to ride the crest of the boat’s wake before my confidence exceeded my ability and I was sent toppling once again.

The sense of achievement was immense and I owe it all to Adel and the guys who simply refused to give up on me. “I have something to tell you, Matt,” Adel said as he floated over to collect me for what would be the last time. “You are no longer a beginner.”

Childhood dreams not only realised but reignited, I don’t think that will be the last time he plucks me out of the water after all.

S E P T 1 1 - 1 7 / I S S U E 3 3 60 4 2

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO IN THE RESERVE:1. Watch big game roam free 2. View a glorious african sunset 3. Rejuvenate body and soul with a massage4. sit under a star-filled night sky5. enjoy the camaraderie of fellow guests

BIG GAMEGet up close and

personal with some of nature’s most

powerful animals.

CaRS aNdadVENTURES

S E P T 1 1 - 1 7 / I S S U E 3 3 6 0 4 3

P O S T C a R d S f R O Md e s t i n a t i o n O u t d o o r s Y - f i C a r s

My favourite place Having stayed at a few of the lodges, my choice is, without a doubt, Tau Lodge.Situated in the area close to the Botswana border, the landscape around Tau is breathtaking, matched only by the warmth and hospitality of the lodge staff. Suites are situated at a waterhole, giving guests uninterrupted views of the animals coming in to drink.

Highlights During my last visit, I was rewarded with an early morning sighting of a black hyena, which stealthily crept out of the bush and loped to the waterhole for a quick morning drink. This was, indeed, a wonderful start to the day.Game drives are at sunrise and sunset and always deliver a feeling of magic, especially when you stop off for that hot cup of coffee in the bush early in the morning, surrounded by an abundance of wildlife. Perched on top of a mountain one evening, I sipped my drink of choice to the tune of elephants trumpeting close by. Knowing my ranger was well-trained, I felt completely at ease among these wild animals.Hearty breakfasts, appetising lunches and superb dinners are standard fare and, weather permitting, dinners are often held in the boma under the stars.If relaxing game drives and leisurely afternoons on your deck are not quite enough, however, then this lodge offers a world-class spa experience that will transport you into another world. This calm sanctuary reflects the soul of Africa where you can indulge your senses through different therapies. Lowlights Winter months stretch from May through to September and early morning and evenings can get pretty chilly. While conditions for game viewing are good, with the drier, thinned out vegetation affording visitors better viewing opportunities, bird watchers would see less as many of the 300 bird species migrate north for the season. In addition, there are no ATMs or commercial shops in the reserve, so make sure you have what you need beforehand. Souvenirs Tau has a wonderful curio shop that offers delightful African crafts for sale. Items include traditional ornaments, safari gear and beautifully crafted jewellery.

Where to stay With at least 22 luxury lodges to choose from – all in the four and five-star category – it’s not necessarily an easy decision to make. However, as mentioned earlier, Tau Lodge is definitely my favourite place to stay. There are 30 luxury thatched chalets, all with views of the game approaching the water hole. Each chalet ensures privacy with its own viewing deck and the twice daily safari drives are guaranteed to provide any visitor with a wealth of memories.

MadIKWE GaME RESERVE, SOUTH afRICaKathy Whitehead recommends

T e n s o f t h o u s a n d s o f p e o p l e v i s i t S o u t h A f r i c a e v e r y y e a r a n d m a n y e n s u r e t h e i r t r i p i n c l u d e s a s a f a r i – m o s t l y t o t h e K r u g e r P a r k . B u t j u s t t h r e e h o u r s ’ d r i v e n o r t h o f J o h a n n e s b u r g l i e s o n e o f t h e c o u n t r y ’ s b e s t - k e p t s e c r e t s

– M a d i k w e G a m e R e s e r v e . S e t i n 7 5 , 0 0 0 h e c t a r e s o f s a v a n n a h g r a s s l a n d , t h i s f a n t a s t i c r e s e r v e n o t o n l y p r o v i d e s t h e i n t r e p i d t r a v e l l e r w i t h f i v e - s t a r l u x u r y a c c o m m o d a t i o n , b u t i t i s a l s o s i t u a t e d i n a m a l a r i a - f r e e z o n e .

I n i t i a t e d i n 1 9 9 1 , t h e g o v e r n m e n t t r a n s fo r m e d t h e a r e a i n t o a r e s e r v e o n t h e g r o u n d s t h a t n o t o n l y w a s t h e s o i l q u a l i t y p o o r fo r f a r m i n g , b u t a l s o t h a t a g a m e r e s e r v e o f t h i s n a t u r e w o u l d p r o v i d e m o r e j o b s a n d m o n e y fo r t h e l o c a l c o m m u n i t y .

B y 1 9 9 8 , m o r e t h a n 8 , 0 0 0 a n i m a l s h a d b e e n r e l o c a t e d t o t h e a r e a a n d t o d a y , i t i s h o m e t o 2 7 m a j o r s p e c i e s o f g a m e . I t a l s o h a s t h e s e c o n d - l a r g e s t e l e p h a n t p o p u l a t i o n i n t h e c o u n t r y , n e x t t o t h e K r u g e r P a r k .

T h i s e x c l u s i v e p r i v a t e g a m e r e s e r v e i s n o w o n e o f t h e l a r g e s t r e s e r v e s i n t h e c o u n t r y a n d p r i d e s i t s e l f o n b e i n g a b l e t o p r o v i d e v i s i t o r s w i t h u n fo r g e tt a b l e m e m o r i e s . L i o n , l e o p a r d , c h e e t a h , b u ff a l o , e l e p h a n t , r h i n o a n d t h e e n d a n g e r e d A f r i c a n w i l d d o g a r e a l l e x a m p l e s o f w h a t a v i s i t o r i s a l m o s t g u a r a n t e e d t o s e e – a l l f r o m o p e n - t o p s a f a r i v e h i c l e s . A n d fo r t h o s e w h o w a n t a l i tt l e m o r e t h a n j u s t a d r i v e , a g u i d e d w a l k i n g t r a i l c a n a l s o b e a r r a n g e d .

LIoneSS

FeMALe Kudu

RhInoceRoS

J U LY 0 3 - 0 9 / I S S U E 3 2 70 4 4

RELEASED IN 2007 – IPHONE 1ST GEN

Innovative features in this model:

• Buy/playmusicinyourphoneviaiTunes

• SurfviamobilebrowseroverWi-Fi

• Watchvideos(YouTube)

• Useofmulti-touchscreen;nomorestyluskeypad

• Rundesktop-likeOS• Navigatecandy-

colouredappiconsviahomepage

• Morememoryandprocessingpowerthananyothersmartphoneatthetime

1. RELEASED IN 2008 – IPHONE 3G

Innovative features in this model:

• AppStore• Taperededges• AssistedGPS• Geo-tagphotos• 3GorHSDPA

signal

2.

RELEASED IN 2010 IPHONE 4

Innovative features in this model:

• InvitefriendstoplayonlinegamesviaGameCentre(post-launching)

• Front-facingcamera• VideocallusingFaceTime• Createmusic,podcastsvia

GarageBand• EditvideoviaiMovie• MicroSIMtoexpandstorage• RetinaDisplayforfinerresolution• “A”seriessystem-on-chipformore

computingpower• Aluminosilicateglasswhichis“20

timesstifferand30timesharderthanplastic”

• Useofstainlesssteelforframe• Switchbetweenapps• UseiPhoneasawirelesshotspot

(Verizon)• Bandbetweenfrontandbackis

gone

4.RELEASED IN 2009 – IPHONE 3GS

Innovative features in this model:

• Digitalcompass

• Voicecontrolforphone/musicfeatures

• Zoomtoreadtext

• Reversebackgroundcolourscheme

• Edit/enhancephoto

• Shootvideo

3.

-FIT H E T E C H I N Y O U

Y - F IP o s t c a r d s f r o m C a r s O u t d o o r s

S E P T 1 1 - 1 7 / I S S U E 3 3 60 4 4

THEN AND NOWwith the unveiling of the iPhone 6 in America earlier this

week, Y takes a look back at the innovations that have led to Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market

Source: www.financesonline.com

J U LY 0 3 - 0 9 / I S S U E 3 2 7 0 4 5

F I N D O U T W H A T ’ S H I P & H A P P E N I N G I N G A D G E T S

S E P T 1 1 - 1 7 / I S S U E 3 3 6 0 4 5

MOST WANTED NEW FEATURES:

RELEASED 2014 – IPHONE 6

Sapphirescreen

MOST WANTED IMPROVED FEATURES:

Infraredcamera

Newhealthandfitnesstools

3DImages

Newcontroltoolsforhomeappliances

Improvedbatterylife

Biggerscreen

Bettercamera

Betterphonereception

Morememory

RELEASED IN 2011 IPHONE 4S

Innovative features in this model:

• Siri• DisplaydigitalnewspapersandmagazinesinNewstand• UseiPhoneanywhereintheworld(CDMAandGSM)• Speech-to-text• Take

photoswhilevideorecording• Turn-by-turnnavigation• Synchronisemusic,photos,videos

viaiCloud• SendmessagestoiPodtouchand

iPadviaiMessage• Twitter,Facebookintegration

5. RELEASED IN 2012 – IPHONE 5

Innovative features in this model:

• Aluminiumcompositeframeforlighter,thinnerdesign

• LTEsupport• NanoSIM• StoreCoupons,boardingpasses,

ticketsviaPassbook

6. RELEASED IN 2013 – IPHONE 5C AND 5S

Innovative features in this model:

• Firstmid-rangeiPhone(5c)• Newcolours:blue,green,pink,

yellow(5c)• Cameraburstmode(5S)• TouchIDtounlockphoneor

authenticateAppStoreandiTunespurchases(5S)

• NewSapphirebuttoncover(5S)

7.

?

5C

5S

WemayhavetowaitamonthfortheiPhone6tohitstoresinOman,butaquickpollaroundtheYofficerevealedsomeofourmostwantedfeatures

S E P T 1 1 - 1 7 / I S S U E 3 3 60 4 6

If you’re after a solid, value for money family car that offers something a little extra, then give the Sentra a try. Merge 104.8 radio’s breakfast presenter Chris Fisher took it for a spin

Nissan SentraSpecifications:

Engine: 1.6/1.8LHorsepower: 113-130

Transmission: Six-speed Xtronic CTV

I love my car, a roomy sedan with a bit of bite that’s packed with gadgets and is fun to drive, because it suits my personality

down to a tee. I was interested, then, to see how

I would fit with a car that’s mainly geared towards the family sector, a market that I’m not moving into just yet.

I’m a man who likes to speak plainly and says what’s on his mind, so you can trust my observations to be a fair reflection.

For a start, I was pleasantly surprised by the look of the Sentra. My test car was a sort of metallic bronze colour, with the shimmering sunlight nicely setting off the alloy wheels, which come as standard.

The Sentra is not just a pretty face, though. Apparently, the design was perfected in a wind tunnel to create a ride that’s as quiet as it is fuel-efficient. So even at high speed, the car is extremely well behaved with hardly any wind noise. That, in my book, is always a plus. There are smart alloy wheels and an aerodynamic rear spoiler, too, which all give the Sentra some very nice kerb appeal.

Inside was spacious with plenty of leg and headroom, which I

appreciate. According to Nissan, the flowing dashboard was inspired by a bird’s wing. I couldn’t really see it myself, but it certainly wasn’t shabby to look at.

The interior on the trim I had was pretty basic, nothing ostentatious about it at all. Gadgets (which I personally love) were a bit thin on the ground. Still, what it did come equipped with was easy to use. Apart from the Bluetooth phone syncing, that is. I’m a busy man and need good communication on the move, but it took me about 15 minutes to sync my mobile for hands-free calling. However, I did like the fact that the car wouldn’t allow me to do this on the move – ensuring that I pulled over and did it safely while stationary. It’s just a shame that it didn’t sync all the contacts in my phone, meaning I still had to use my hands to scroll through for a number. Or perhaps I just didn’t get the hang of how to do it.

One thing that really did impress me was the air con. It has a dual zone system and it kicked in really quickly, a big bonus living in Oman. The instrumentation panel was well set up, with clear, easy to read gauges.

The visibility during the drive was excellent too, with no unexpected

blind spots. My test drive vehicle needed little motivation to get going with the lightest touch on the accelerator producing a quick response with good pick-up, meaning it’s no slouch on the roads and can hold its head high.

As you all know, I’m a man of music and a good sound system in a car is imperative. Luckily, the Sentra’s booming stereo didn’t disappoint, with good clarity and tone.

As you would expect with a family car, it has good safety features such as six airbags, an anti-lock braking system and a super-strong structure that reduces shock impact and protects passengers, providing peace of mind when you’re travelling with your precious cargo of children and loved ones.

In the event of a collision, supplementary front airbags adjust their inflation rate depending on the severity and seat belt usage.

The Sentra is a practical car, perfect for families or those looking for a bit of class at less than inflated prices.

I’m not quite ready to trade in my current car, but when I do have a family, who knows, the Sentra might just be on my shopping list.

CARS ANDADVENTURES

C A R SD e s t i n a t i o n P o s t c a r d s f r o m O u t d o o r s Y - F i

CAR OF THE WEEK

Front and rear LeD accent lights

Auto retractable side mirrors Alloy wheels Rear spoiler Intelligent key with push

engine start Navigation with 5.8” screen

(optional) Dual zone climate control

air con USB/iPod connectivity Rear view camera (optional) Leather appointed seats

They say: “Innovation that

excites”We say:

“Excellent family car”