Y Magazine #542, November 3, 2018 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

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NOV 01 - 07 2018 / ISSUE 542 • WEEKLY

BEYOND

BELIEF?

PLUS!

CERTAIN CITIES IN OMAN HAVE LONG BEEN BELIEVED TO BE HAUNTED. BUT DO THE OLD WAYS STILL STAND IN THE WAKE OF A SWIFTLY MODERNISING SOCIETY THAT VIEWS PSEUDOSCIENCE AND THE PARANORMAL WITH A HEALTHY DOSE OF SKEPTICISM? WE INVESTIGATE THE FACTS AND FICTION BEHIND SOME OF THE SULTANATE’S MOST SUPERNATURAL HOTSPOTS.

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EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

hy is it that we fear what we cannot explain? The unknown, the uncanny, the supernatural – all conjure up a gut reaction that lets us know which side of the coin our beliefs fall. To believe or not to believe, the truth is out there. In this week’s cover feature, we’re peeling back the curtain on some of Oman’s most supernatural spots to discover a part of its history that’s long remained spoken about in hushed tones. Taking on the role of ‘ghostbusters’, we head into unexplored territories notorious for ghost sightings and black magic to find out if the Sultanate is – as has long been believed – a harbour for ‘jinn’ and magicians, or if they’re just another myth to keep the campfire tales flowing. Also in this issue, we meet Marian Doru Adaniloaiei – a Romanian artist who’s on a mission to educate those in the Sultanate on string art. We learn more about him and this little-known form of therapeutic art in this week’s ‘Coffee with Y’. Plus, we’re incredibly excited to announce that the deadline for registration for the 5th annual Y Portrait By A Nation has been extended for Sur, Sohar, Nizwa, and Salalah until Tuesday, November 6! Flip to Page 28 to learn more as the Sultanate gears up for to celebrate the 48th Oman National Day by painting their patriotism in the nation’s most revered artistic tribute competition. Until next week, happy reading!

Team Y EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi ADMIN MANAGER Yousef Al Harrassi ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. NOV 01 - 07 / ISSUE 542

contents NOV 01 - 07

Your Oman

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman Nimish Sudhir 10

News Irish star Sinead O’Connor converts to Islam

News Two British tourists killed after car crash in Salalah

10 Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Khadad 34 First Drive Mercedes-Benz A250 38 Y-Fi Music gadgets to make some noise

2018

Military Music Take in the pomp and pageantry of Oman’s Royal Guard and Royal Cavalry & Camel Band in a special military tattoo on November 1 at the Royal Opera House Muscat.

Features 20

Beyond belief It’s an age-old debate of fact or fiction; of campfire tales of desert jinns and hauntings in places long left to age and ruin. Team Y heads into the darkness to investigate the real from the ethereal in the Sultanate’s most haunted hotspots.

26 Coffee with Y Oman-based Romanian artist Marian Doru Adaniloaiei pushes beyond the norm to create string art. 19 Movies A young girl goes 28 Y Portrait By A Nation searching for a Registration for the coveted key to 5th annual Y Portrait By a lost world in ‘The A Nation has been Nutcracker and the extended in the interiors Four Realms’. until November 6! We meet the sponsors and judges who are gearing up to make the 2018 event the biggest and best yet.

Health and Beauty 40 Fashion Pattern play 42 Beauty Skincare on a budget

Food and Drink 44

Yummy Oman: Sandwich swaps Innovative twists on a lunch-time classic

46 Taste Test Tuk Tuk Taxi

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

Celebrate Oman’s 48th National Day! Y Magazine is holding its annual “Portrait by a Nation” competition for children to create a unique piece of art.

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3 Age Categories 5 - 9 / 10 -13 / 14 -17 To register for the event visit:

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Registration for Sohar, Nizwa, Salalah & Sur closes on November 6 Registration for Muscat closes on November 10

brity ch and the latest celeve got at w to ts tis ar e th e’ From e hits of the week, w gossip to your ultimat from the pulse of the music your superstar dose Radio Oman 100.9 FM world, with Virgin

Kanye’s gunning for a Grammy Back in June, Kanye West released an album with Kid Cudi under the guise of new hip-hop duo Kids See Ghosts. Their début track, ‘Freee Ghost Town Pt. 2’ has been put forth by Mr. West for Grammy consideration in the categories of ‘Best Rock Performance’ and ‘Best Rock Song’. Kanye hasn’t won a Grammy in five years when, in 2012, he won three awards for the songs ‘In Paris’, and ‘No Church In The Wild’. Now, ‘Freee Ghost Town Pt. 2’ has been sent through the Grammy screening process and is out to the voters. West’s record label, Def Jam is also eyeing Kanye for ‘Producer of the Year’. The dream team Legendary film director Martin Scorsese has teamed up with muse Leonardo DiCaprio once again for a new film project called ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’. The story is set in 1920s Oklahoma and is an adaptation of the best-selling book of the same name by author David Grann. Scorsese and DiCaprio have previously worked together on five other films, including ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, ‘The Aviator’, and ‘Gangs of New York’. The filming of the movie will start in summer 2019, with Scorsese divulging: “When I read David Grann’s book, I immediately started seeing it – the people, the settings, the action – and I knew that I had to make it into a movie. I’m so excited to be working with Eric Roth and reuniting with Leo DiCaprio to bring this truly unsettling American story to the screen.” 50 feuds Rapper’s delight? More like rappers who fight. In the ongoing feud between Ja Rule and 50 Cent, things are starting to get more than a little petty from 50 Cent’s side. With Ja Rule’s upcoming concert just around the corner in November, in a now-deleted Instagram post 50 Cent revealed that he bought 200 seats to 06

NOV 01 - 07 / ISSUE 542

Ja Rule’s show, so that the entire front section would be empty. He allegedly spent USD$3,000 USD (RO1,154) on the seats and, in the comments of the post he wrote: ‘People think I’m mean so go see this. I just bought 200 seats in the front row so they can be empty, LOL.’ Yeah, 50, that’s definitely mean. Nicki Minaj sued The hit rapper has got herself into some hot water after her unreleased song ‘Sorry’, which was a collaboration with fellow hip-hop star NAS, sampled Tracy Chapman’s 1988 song ‘Baby Can I Hold You’. Minaj didn’t exactly get permission to use Chapman’s melody and lyrics – which is why the track was eventually dropped from her latest album ‘Queen’. She even posted on Twitter that she had asked for permission to use the sample, but Chapman said no. Now, Chapman is suing Minaj after the track was leaked and made rounds on the internet.

Depp to hang up his pirate hat Best known for his role as the ornery Captain Jack Sparrow in Disney’s ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise, news has just broken that Johnny Depp will not be reprising the role in the new upcoming Disney reboot. Depp has brought the character to life for the past 15 years but, according to script-writer Stuart Beattie, the whole franchise will be reworked: “I think he’s (Depp) had a great run. Obviously, he’s made that character his own and it’s become the character he’s most famous for now.” Depp is currently in the middle of financial and personal issues, including his high-profile split from actress Amber Heard.

Alessia Cara shares release date for new album After months of talking about her sophomore album ‘The Pains of Growing’, Alessia Cara has finally shared its release date with her fans. The album will drop on November 30 and contains 15 songs including the three singles she released earlier this year – ‘Growing Pains’, ‘A Little More’, and ‘Trust My Lonely’. Alessia has described the album as more mature than her past work, and fans will be able to hear and feel how she’s changed as an artist from where she was before to where she is now. K-Pop’s BTS release first English track K-Pop icons BTS have dropped their first English language song. ‘Waste it on Me’ was released last Thursday and within 24 hours skyrocketed to number one on the iTunes Global Charts and on the U.S. Charts. Teaming up with Steve Aoki yet again on the EDM pop tune, the song will also be featured on Aoki’s ‘Neon Future III’ album. BTS released a statement saying they’re happy for this meaningful and heartfelt collaboration and that it’s a good present for their fans. Ellie Goulding is back! It’s been three years since we got a solo single from Ellie Goulding, but that’s changed now thanks to her new single ‘Close To Me’. Technically she’s not alone on this song, collaborating with Swae Lee and Diplo. ‘Close To Me’ is a love song with an electronic beat, as expected from producer Diplo, and guitar melodies. This is the first time Ellie’s worked with Swae Lee, and the second time she’s paired up with Diplo since 2015’s ‘Powerful’ with Major Lazer. Be sure to keep it locked to Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM, and don’t miss your Tea Time with Maya Noise, daily on Chad in the Morning.

THE VOICE OF OMAN

NIMISH SUDHIR, A PETROLEUM ENTREPRENEUR AND Y READER, TALKS ABOUT A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH THE PARANORMAL – AND HOW WE MUST DRAW THE LINE BETWEEN FACT AND FICTION

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: The city of Bahla in Oman was ranked among the top 10 haunted cities in the world by National Geographic in 2014. What’s your stand on the topic of the supernatural? Are the concerns warranted, or have they simply been set in motion by age-old cultures and traditions? magic related to Bahla while teaching a Bachelor’s degree class. One of the students suggested that I The ‘supernatural’ or ‘haunted’ is very be kind in the marking as his friend was from Bahla, much widely believed across the world which was famously known for black magic. Of among many cultures and regions. This course, that did not deter my professional ethics belief has significantly shaped many ideologies but an awareness was created over the existence of and traditions. We need to understand that many black magic. As a follower of Islam, I would only of these views have been spread word-of-mouth confirm what the Quran states. Djinns exist who for hundreds, if not thousands of years – and are made from smokeless flames of fire and have hence it’s very difficult to verify the unseen and greater powers than humankind. They take different unexplained. Some of the probable reasons for forms and can possess humans. The existence these stories to exist might be: of djinns cannot be refuted and thus there is the •When we can’t explain things or certain belief in a supernatural phenomenon. However the circumstances, we deem something to be reliance and belief would definitely lead to fear or supernatural. For instance, diseases aren’t caused malpractices by human beings. It is always extremely by demonic creatures but other deadly organisms. important for righteous and fearless living to have •At times, extremism, mass hysteria and false belief in God. Any existence or activity is by the will accusations ¬– as in the Salem Witch Trials – of God, and that is how we should all live this life. are held responsible. GAUTAM GHOSH-DASTIDAR •These stories spread word-of-mouth and many times they are changed, spiced up and as a result, Exactly four years ago in the “New NG Book we receive a package of folklore mixed with a tiny – World’s Best Cities: Celebrating 220 Great Destinations” (October 30, 2014) catalogued Bahla bit of reality in them. However, we cannot completely reject and ignore – the Madinat al-Sehr (the City of Magic) as one of the 10 World’s Most Haunted Cities citing the city as these stories. Maybe, they contain a grain of being home to djinns, or genies, who live in the palm truth. But, I believe we should leave the unseen groves and empty stone houses in the city centre. as it is. There is a good reason the human mind cannot grasp its reality to the core. To tamper and Legend has it that one of these spirits built a city wall in one night. Tread carefully; they can also bring joke around the matter would be disrespectful. misfortune”. This propaganda could not bring any Whether or not it is anywhere closer to the misfortune to Bahla’s popularity. Bahla is not only a truth, it gives us a fresher perspective to human UNESCO World Heritage Site (declared in 1987), psychology and more to discuss of our heritage but also a tourist attraction of global repute for its and the stories behind them. 13th century fort and the age-old pottery. I strongly DR. TAMANNA DALWAI believe National Geographic Magazine should have It is a bold move by Y Magazine to discuss the tried to feel the pulse of the citizenry from Bahla. supernatural. I am sure they have their guard up In his article on Bahla, Dr Khaled Abdul Malek, to dispel any onward supernatural phenomenon a connoisseur of Oman, says, “There is no black coming their way. Joking apart, I first heard about magic here, residents insist”. I also strongly believe,

ZAIBA LAIQ

’m quite the skeptic when it comes to these topics but there was one experience I can share that I can’t quite comprehend, and perhaps some of the readers can help me. It was during my working day in the summer of 2016 when two of my Omani colleagues and I were in our office. While the pressures of work had ground the two of us down, another Omani colleague was passing away the time revolving on his chair. We politely asked him not to do so as he was making a racket – to which he obliged. But two hours later, he walked into the office and began apologising for being late for work. The two of us were perplexed and told him that we’d just asked him to stop bothering us while we were working. After checking his entry time, we confirmed that he wasn’t pulling a fast one, either. He had – as he had claimed – only just walked into work. This was the first time we couldn’t explain what had happened. Two of us were experiencing an inexplicable activity – it was not something normal. This led me to re-appraise the existence of the paranormal. That said, those believing in such activities must draw the line between what’s real and what’s not. Sometimes, people cook up things in their subconscious. That’s when you must take some time and visit a psychologist. Living with a constant fear of the unnatural isn’t healthy. But if you are a believer, then you must know – based on the scriptures that we’re taught – that jinns and other paranormal entities (if they exist) don’t intend to harm any human but rather co-exist with them. If that stays true, then you have nothing to worry about. There’s also nothing wrong in believing that we’re the sole powerful inhabitants of Earth. There are those times when we must concede that there are entities of a higher power out there that we cannot quite comprehend in full, yet.

NOV 01 - 07 / ISSUE 542

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time they were established. Do such entities as djinns exist? Are there places that are truly haunted in the CHAKRABORTY PINKY Sultanate? Perhaps. But let’s examine Bahla, Oman: This desert oasis on the the circumstances that may have led to Arabian Peninsula is said to be home to such tales. In ancient times the world djinns, or genies, who live in the palm groves over, when resources were scarce, and empty stone houses in the city centre. life-spans short, disease rampant, Legend has it that one of these spirits built a and passage to adulthood never a sure city wall in one night. Tread carefully; they thing…what would a parent do to deter can also bring misfortune. From old prisons a child from falling into harm and avoid to abandoned asylums to creepy old houses, places of unnecessary risk to life and limb? supernatural creatures, forces, and events By instilling fear. Telling them such places are believed by some people to exist. are haunted, and not to go near that wadi with the deep water because the ghost that SUSAN RENFREW inhabits it will drag them under to drown? Every culture and civilisation has its Not to wander off into the desert alone, mythologies and beliefs that have shaped because the djinn will find them? These are it. Oman is no exception. I think it’s not what we would call ‘old wives tales’, based necessarily a matter of viewing such not in fact, but as a preventative defence supernatural mythologies as right or wrong against danger in ancient times. Whether or against our current belief systems – but, not there’s a grain of truth in every tale… rather, take them in the context of the well, that’s purely subjective, now isn’t it?

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NOV 01 - 07 / ISSUE 542

YOUR

OMAN

IRISH STAR SINEAD CONVERTS TO ISLAM

rish pop singer Sinead O’Connor has converted to Islam, and has changed her name to Shuhada’ Davitt. O’Connor, 51, shot to international stardom in 1990 with her worldwide No.1 hit version of the Prince song Nothing Compares 2 U. In a message on Twitter, the mother-of-four thanked her fellow Muslims for their support and ‘tenderness’ and said: “This is to announce that I am proud to have become a Muslim. This is the natural conclusion of any intelligent theologian’s journey. All scripture study leads to Islam. Which makes all other scriptures

redundant. I will be given (another) new name. It will be Shuhada’.” O’Connor has courted controversy in the past over her religious and political opinions. In 1992, she tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on live television in the United States. Seven years later, she was ordained by a breakaway church in Lourdes. The Catholic Church does not recognise female priests and ignored the ceremony. Born in Dublin, O’Connor has been a firm supporter of a united Ireland, in which the United Kingdom would relinquish control of Northern Ireland.

AIRPORT NUMBERS PACP HELPS CONSUMER MUSCAT UP BY NEARLY 10%

GET BACK RO10,000

he Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) has helped a man recover RO10,000, officials have confirmed. A PACP spokesman said it had acted after a complaint was filed by the consumer. The man had contacted a business to supply materials for building work but these were not delivered by the agreed deadline although he had already paid for the materials. This act, according to officials, went against Article (19) (77/107), which states “the supplier is not allowed to cause a delay in supplying the goods, not perform the agreed service, or not complete them on time”. The PACP said it had contacted the company concerned and it agreed to reimburse the consumer to the tune of RO10,000.

TWO BRITISH WOMEN KILLED AFTER CAR CRASH

wo British women have been killed after being hit by a car in the Sultanate, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) have confirmed. A British man was injured in the incident. The ROP said on Twitter that the crash happened near Haffa market in Salalah. It confirmed it had started an investigation into the incident. Oman’s Ministry of Tourism identified the victims. It said the British man hit was in a local hospital and in a stable condition. Those involved in the incident were not named.

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he total number of passengers at Muscat International Airport grew by 9.8 per cent to 11,419,791 million in the first nine months of this year, compared to the same period last year. In addition, the total number of flights at the airport rose 5.4 per cent to 89,045 flights during the January-September period of 2018, from 84,454 flights for the same period last year, according to figures released by the National Centre of Statistics and Information (NCSI). The number of international

flights at Muscat International Airport rose by 6.9 per cent to 80,246 flights during the JanuarySeptember period of 2018, up from 75,076 flights from the same period last year. The total number of international passengers at Muscat International Airport during the January-September period this year was 10,510,374 million passengers. But domestic flights fell by 6.2 per cent to 8,799 flights in the first nine months of 2018, against 9,378 flights for the same period last year.

BAVARIAN BASH

GALLERY

OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATIONS AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL MUSCAT SAW A HOST OF MUSIC, DANCING, AND TRADITIONAL GERMAN FARE.

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011

YOUR

OMAN

MINISTRY BOLSTERS FISHERIES SAFETY STANDARDS

man’s fishermen can expect better health and safety in their work after Ministry officials pledged to improve

standards. Dr Abdul Aziz bin Said al Marzouqi, Director General of the Fisheries Resources at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the ministry is developing a program to meet maritime safety requirements and improve working conditions. He said the program would also improve the quality of products, ensure better use of the fisheries that are away from the coastal strip, and provide fresh sea products at local markets. The move is also aimed at improving fish exports to world markets. The director-general said: “The ministry has launched three programs to develop the fishing fleets as part of the endeavours made to develop the artisan and coastal fishing sectors and establish the commercial fishing sector at the high seas. “The ministry targets to increase the fish production to 1.4 million tonnes by 2023. The fishing sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to hit RO740 million and will provide 4,000 direct jobs by 2023.”

AWARDS GLORY FOR OMAN’S BRAND AMBASSADORS

he winners of the 2018 edition of Oman’s Most Trusted Brand Awards were celebrated at a special function held at the Crowne Plaza OCEC on Thursday under the auspices of HH Sayyida Tania al Said and the patronage of HE Talal al Rahbi, Deputy Secretary General of Supreme Council for Planning and the General Coordinator for the Tanfeedh program. The awards event was attended by their highnesses, excellencies, chairmen, managing directors, CEOs and other top officials. Senior representatives of some of the winners arrived in Muscat from other countries in the region on Thursday morning to receive their awards from HE Rahbi and Saleh Zakwani, executive chairman, Apex Press and Publishing. In her introductory remarks, Mohana Prabhakar, CEO, Apex Press and Publishing, said that the awards were set up by Apex Press and Publishing in 2016 to recognise those brands that had succeeded in establishing themselves as No 1 in their customers’ minds. She said: “While the economic challenges have grown, what so many repeat winners are telling us is that they have not neglected or abandoned their brand as the markets tightened.” In his speech, HE Rahbi congratulated the winners and talked about the importance of branding. He pointed out how Oman has grown tremendously under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who is globally recognised as the leader who has spearheaded Oman’s development in all spheres. 012

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FUTURE LEADERS

GALLERY

YOUNG TALENT FROM ACROSS OMAN GATHERED TO TAKE PART IN NBOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OMANI YOUTH DAY CELEBRATIONS WITH MUSICAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PERFORMANCES.

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YOUR

FOOTBALL FRENZY

OMAN

FORMER JUVENTUS F.C. MIDFIELDER EDGAR DAVIDS ARRIVED IN MUSCAT FOR THE JUVENTUS ACADEMY YOUTH TRAINING AT BAUSHER STADIUM, FOLLOWED BY A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE KEMPINSKI MUSCAT.

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VEGAN VARIETY

GALLERY

WAGAMAMA RESTAURANT IN QURUM LAUNCHED THEIR NEW VEGAN MENU WITH A TASTE TEST EVENT SHOWCASING SOME OF ITS MOST CREATIVELY DELICIOUS DISHES.

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YOUR

GOURMET FLAIR

OMAN

THE SUNDUS ROTANA’S TEATRO RESTAURANT HOSTED A RECENT CHAÎNE DES RÔTISSEURS GOURMET EVENT IN CELEBRATION OF THE CULINARY ARTS.

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GALLERY

Photography by: Shaquel al Balushi Location: Al Hamra Style: Architecture The winding ruins of a staircase lead into the past at the 400-year-old Al Hamra village in the northeastern reaches of the Sultanate. NOV 01 -07 / ISSUE 542

017

As Diwali draws in, the Haffa House Hotel Muscat is hosting a trade show to help you choose the best present of all – your own home. The Squareyards Indian Property Show is on from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and will feature up to 100 exhibits from condos, houses, and apartments to help you make the right choice for your family. For more information check out www.squareyards.com.

NOV

WEEK

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

N O V E M B E R A British foreign minister recently heaped praise on Oman’s military might, and a spectacular musical night at the Royal Opera House Muscat means you can too. A sensational concert performed on three nights will be a showcase of military pageantry. Men and women from the Royal Guard, the Royal Oman Police, and the Combined Group of the Royal Cavalry & Camel Band will march in formation on ROHM’s courtyard. Guest performers and musicians from China and Poland will bring their artistry to this magnificent tattoo. For tickets and information, contact the ROHM on 2444-3332, or log on at www.rohmuscat.org.

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NOV

Say goodbye to Oktoberfest at the InterContinental Muscat by having a genuine Bavarian party atmosphere on November 1 and 2. Indulge in a scrumptious German buffet and Munich’s famous beverages while the ‘Happy Hour’ band entertains you with their original festive music and performances. Come in your lederhosen and dirndls for a truly unforgettable celebration! For bookings, call 9137-3243.

MILITARY MUSICAL

THIS

OKTOBERFEST SEND-OFF

INDIAN HOME SHOW

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

NOV

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 2479-1641

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Cast: Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman

Looking Glass

get the key, Clara and Philip must brave the fourth realm, which is run by the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren) and restore harmony to the unstable world. It’s a rhapsody of colour and good fun, and your daughter will love it.

Summer of 84

Cast: Nicolas Cage, Robin Tunney, Marc Blucas Ray (Cage) is an electrician that needs to put the spark back into his life with his wife Maggie (Tunney). When the couple buy a run-down motel in a remote town to do up and run themselves, their prospects look good. However, when guests start showing up that’s when their problems start. After one woman is found dead in her room Ray finds himself in the

A Private War Cast: Rosamund Pike, Jamie Dornan, Stanley Tucci

frame. If that weren’t bad enough, the spooky apparitions he’s being subjected to are putting him and the future of the motel at a crossroads. Cage is great in this, but the premise of the film is a bit hackneyed, and the suspense never really grabs you in the guts. Ray is no Norman Bates, but director Tim Hunter is no Alfred Hitchock (but then who is?).

Nowadays, many bloggers, vloggers, and social media enhancers think they’re journalists. Apparently ripping off Twitter feeds and pronouncing on subjects for which you have no experience or training has become mainstream. In this, Marie Colvin (Pike) is a real journalist, risking life and limb to find and get the stories that no one else can or will. A fearless war reporter, she covers some of the world’s most tumultuous conflicts and gets to the frontline in Chechnya, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, and Sri Lanka. But her life begins to unravel as her massively demanding job disrupts her private life. She hooks up with war photographer Paul Conroy (Dornan) for another mission in the besieged Syrian city of Homs, and it turns out to be her toughest yet. A terrific true story and Pike deserves an Oscar nod.

Cast: Graham Verchere, Judah Lewis, Caleb Emery

Clara (Foy) is looking for a key to unlock a box that will present her with a priceless gift from her late mother. When a golden thread given to her at a party thrown by her godfather Drosselmeyer (Freeman) leads her to the coveted key, she’s suddenly plunged into a parallel universe of gingerbread soldiers and an army of mice. She joins forces with a soldier called Phillip and the three regents who preside over three realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers, and Land of Sweets. To

We all know that teenagers have vivid imaginations and can get the wrong end of the stick. When Davey Armstrong (Verchere) suspects that his police officer neighbour is the serial killer on the loose, he decides to turn detective himself. However, when he and his friends spend the summer spying on him and gathering ‘evidence’, the investigation turns decidedly nasty, and Davey realises that amateur sleuthing is not at all like the cosy world occupied by TV ‘tec Jessica Fletcher. As a teen-suspense thriller set in the 1980s, it’s a good, old nostalgia-fest for those of us who remember that decade or a coming-of-age-type mystery for those that do not. Mind you, there’s the smart kid, the fat kid, the nerdy kid with glasses etc; all of whom give the movie a rather cliché-ridden glow. But maybe that’s intentional.

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THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

‘Looking Glass’ actor Nicholas Cage is the nephew of which famous American director? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Shohaib Khan

WIN FREE MOVIE TICKETS! Read our movie section and answer the question to stand a chance to win two tickets to watch movies of your choice! Send your answers to info@y-oman. com, along with your contact information. Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions, see voucher.

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Now open near you at VOX Cinemas, Muscat Grand Mall Book your tickets at voxcinemas.com or the VOX app NOV 01 - 07 / ISSUE 542

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JINNS, BLACK MAGIC, AND CURSED TREES – SEVERAL HISTORICAL SPOTS IN THE COUNTRY HAVE LONG BEEN BELIEVED TO BE AMONG THE MOST HAUNTED PLACES IN THE WORLD. THIS WEEK, WE TAKE A TRIP TO THE FAR CORNERS OF THE NATION TO SEPARATE THE FACTS FROM THE FICTION

The day is for us, but the night is for them.” Ghosts. Is their existence a notion conjured up by campfire tales, spooky flicks and sparked by one’s fear of the unknown – or is there more to it? While science struggles to prove the existence of ghouls, spirits and the like, it’s evident that the Sultanate shares a fascination for life from the beyond – one that has grown out of fear and respect for the entity. They have given it a name: ‘Jinn’, which is a (mostly) benevolent spirit that can appear in human or animal form. It’s a topic not discussed frequently – and questions will either be met with skepticism (by the youth) or aggression by those that believe. But, Oman didn’t simply make its way into the pages of National Geographic’s list of the ‘World’s Most Haunted Cities’ in 2014, for nothing. It did so for a reason – and that’s what we aim to uncover when we head to three of the nation’s most eerie regions. But, it won’t take one long to realise that the term ‘jinn’ is taken very seriously in Oman. All our attempts to raise the topic with locals in Oman’s most ‘haunted’ city – Bahla – are shut down immediately. We head to our starting point for this quest: the Bahla Fort – a UNESCO site since 1988, one of the largest fortresses in Oman and also the most haunted. At plain sight, there’s nothing to give it away; it looks like any other fortress you’d normally see in Oman. But dig a bit deeper and you’ll realise that it has quite a history. It’s one that 76-year-old Omani shopkeeper, Abdul Monim al Maksary, has no hesitation in divulging. With a twinkle in his eye, he tells us (translated from Arabic): 020

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“Bahla is very different to other cities in Oman. It’s a very sacred place and it has been known to be significant in the protection of people of the country. “It is the home of the jinns (pointing at the palm trees around). They live in these trees, rocks, mountains, and even in the shadows, and they keep an eye on everything that happens here,” he adds with a smirk. It’s almost as if he has learned the lines to a script by heart to relate to us. Legend has it, the city of Bahla – which is 180km away from Muscat –is the birthplace of the legendary jinn (although the concept dates to the pre-Islamic era), and subsequently is also a hub for black magic in the GCC. Today, things have changed, and the city is recognised for its clay utensils, intricate pots, and jewellery. It’s also gaining traction as a tourist point due to its vicinity to the black volcanic mountains of Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams. But, as it stands today, Bahla is famed for its jinns – and those in the region are believed to be so ‘mighty’ that they built the city wall around the 12km-long fort in one night. This belief, as Abdul points out, is only strengthened by the fact that the pre-Islamic era wall constantly disintegrates during restoration, and engineers don’t have an explanation for the phenomenon. The adjacent fort, however, has been restored completely and has been opened to the public for viewing. “Don’t play with the jinns. Your life will change forever,” he advises, before adding, “There are many rules that we had to follow since childhood. One of them was to never go and lean on trees or fences. “If you do that, you will be transported to another land and you can never come back home. There are spells that have been placed that could have you cursed. Be careful,” he warns again. When we ask him if he’s personally experienced any sign of paranormal activity, he nods to say: “Yes, but only one time.” “I am the youngest in the family and I grew up seeing my elder brothers create pots. But, one day, they came back – I recollect that this was in 1948 – and they told my father that they’d seen a jinn on their way back. “My father immediately called the ‘Moalim’ and asked him to help our family. I remember being told to pray more often and strongly, and to expect fires to break out in our home.” A ‘Moalim’ – the literal translation from Arabic is ‘master’ – is a cleanser of jinns or evil spirits from the bodies of the living. Despite its condemnation in the Holy Book, the practice exists – to counter black magic. “Thankfully, nothing like that happened but all three of my brothers believed that they were put under a spell. The Moalim – Salim bin Mubarak bin Khamis al Ghafri – spent 10 days dispelling the curse from our family and on the last day, I remember my eldest brother, who is no more, losing his memory of the events leading up to the day. “Till his last breath, he could not remember a single thing from those 10 days and we had to tell him about it after everything settled down.” While we cannot validate Abdul’s story with his neighbours or his family, we’re perturbed by the ominous story. Moreover, rumour has it that Moalim Salim has exorcised – with his white magic – more than 5,000 cases in Oman. Despite our qualms, however, we take the decision to take a tour of the ‘infamous’ fort. Nothing’s out of the ordinary during our visit – we are even greeted by the well-dressed Omani man at the ticket-counter in English. The young man hands us our tickets with a smile. But just as we’re handed the tickets, which set us back 500 baisas each, we question him (not revealing our identities): “Do you believe that Bahla and this fort are haunted by jinns?” With his smile disintegrating, he asks us: “In all your years of living [in Oman], how many jinns have you seen? We answer: “None.” He then tells us: “Then why would you expect there to be jinns here? There are various beliefs in every country but it’s up to you to experience the facts and draw up a sensible conclusion from them. “Just because someone told you about jinns won’t make the story real,” he replies. We then proceed to spend a whole two hours in the fort exploring. And, apart from stumbling upon an occasional colony of bats, we don’t come across anything out of the ordinary. In view of this, we speak with Mohammed al Jassasi, a history professor from one of the leading universities in the country. He says: “Bahla is one of the cities that has long been scrutinised for its past. “Do jinns exist (?) I do not know the answer to that. But, what I can tell NOV 01 - 07 / ISSUE 452

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you is that it makes people think twice before heading there. Not only has this affected the reputation of the place, it has also killed the pottery industry of the city. “In research I had conducted with my team of students in the field in 2014, we learnt that the 4000-plus-year-old art is slowly losing its value due to lack of demand. “To find the best clay pots in Oman, you’ll need to go into the alleyways of Bahla. But, because tourists and expats were warned that jinns would attack them if they found themselves lost, there has been a definite drop in interest.” Our interview with Jaffer, a young 13-year-old potter in Bahla further asserts this fact. He tells us (translated from Arabic): “The only time we ever get any sales now is if there’s an Omani who wants to buy items from us. “My full family is in this field, and our best month is usually January, when we head to the Muscat Festival to sell our pots. And even then, when we tell them that we’re from Bahla, some people ask us if the pot is cursed. “It hurts us,” he adds, before continuing to work on his latest creation. Ironically, however, Jaffer says that he believes in jinns and witchcraft even though he confesses that he has never witnessed or experienced anyone involved in the art. No other Bahla resident answers our questions owing to the nature of the topic. And, one Bangladeshi expat shopkeeper of 13 years, who begins to share his knowledge of witchcraft in Bahla is quickly shut down by an elderly shopper in the mart. In fear of a scolding – or worse, slander – he refrains from answering any further questions. But, during our interview, Professor Mohammed shares with us his insights with us on the age-old art of black magic. He tells us: “Black magic is one of the oldest forms of witchcraft and – there’s no other way to put it – it’s illegal in Oman. “It is essentially the use of supernatural powers for invoking evil and summoning bad luck on an individual for one’s selfish purposes. Even though Mohammed classifies himself as a skeptic, he considers witchcraft detrimental to the nation. “Witchcraft predates Islam – and we’ve been taught in the Quran not to indulge in it. But, some people think that they can use it for their own well-being and success. There have been plenty of stories of people being haunted by jinns or turned into animals when cursed. “I don’t really indulge in these stories anymore as I think that these are talks from the past, but yes, it does exist in Oman – and it is being used to spread a lot of negative energy. “Where it turns serious, however, is when they make use of poisons and other Illegal and destructive substances to harm the victim.” One case was in January 2013 when two Omanis were killed and four others were found unconscious in a case of black magic gone wrong.

I don’t really indulge in these stories anymore as I think that these are talks from the past, but yes, it does exist in Oman – and it is being used to spread a lot of negative energy.

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The sorcery was reportedly conducted by an African man in Mabelah – and involved herbs and other ingredients that produced a poisonous smoke. In an interview with Y, a Royal Oman Police (ROP) official, who declined to be named, says: “Sorcery is illegal in the Sultanate of Oman and practising it can land you in jail. “All of this is wrong and those who conduct such practices only have one intention: to extort money from the common man. “The ROP used to tend to these cases, but of late, not many are being reported when compared with what we used to face when I was only starting my career in the forces (in 2010). “The reason for this drop is the coming of youth – who don’t particularly believe in these old traditions. So, fewer people now approach magicians with requests.” The official warns everyone to stay clear of any sorcerers and report immediately any suspicious activity. “Don’t lay witness to such acts; nothing good will ever come of it. I also urge everyone to call 9999 if they do believe that someone is taking part in such practices. It’s our duty to maintain the sanctity of Oman – and when something stands against our religion, culture, and beliefs, then we must act immediately to stop it. “True faith comes when you put all your faith in Allah,” he weighs in, before ending our conversation. Piqued by our fascination on the topic of jinns, Professor Mohammed sets us up with a face-to-face interview with a leading scholar in the field of Islamic studies. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, the scholar prefers to remain anonymous. But, it is with much gusto that the 40-plus-year-old scholar speaks on the topic. He says (translated from Arabic): “According to the Holy Book of Quran, a jinn is a mystical being that is not much different to regular humans – though, they possess great physical abilities, like being able to shift shapes and be invisible. “Moreover, sometimes jinns are mischievous and ill-behaved. For instance, they can move utensils to play tricks and scare the inhabitants of the house. You need to know that this is not sorcery. Little wonder then that several Oman residents have reported sightings of jinns in Muscat, too. For example, the orange-and-white villa that sits next to the Bareeq al Shatti complex near Qurum has long been believed to be haunted by jinns. While there’s no solid proof showcasing any form of paranormal activity, several residents avoid passing by the villa after sunset. Tyler Ray, 24, is one of the many that believes the myth of the haunted Qurum villa. In a post on Facebook dated March 21, 2018, he wrote: “It was with much disbelief that I took a drive with my friends to the confines of the haunted villa. “The time was around 8.30 pm and the sky was already dark. We proceeded towards the villa normally without arousing any suspicion – we were aware that caretakers resided in the vicinity. “But it was upon looking up at the roof of the villa when all of us see (sic) a small baby sitting and crying. “This moment changed our lives. We raced back to the highway not worrying about cars that were zooming past us. We will never repeat this again – and guys, please never take a chance when someone warns you of something paranormal,” the post read. To get clarity on this incident, we approach the religious scholar again. But, surprisingly, he takes a different stance to Tyler. “I am aware of this villa,” he says, “But, it’s not haunted like many believe. That’s just the word of mouth spreading false information to the public. And once a person shares the news with someone, it spreads quickly.

“However, I can confirm that there have been sightings of jinns at homes and in wadis in Muscat. A lot of people also claim that they see jinns on the road while driving – but in most cases, there’s no way to document any evidence. “Even so, we cannot simply throw away anyone’s words; they may have really encountered a jinn. My role is to speak to people who approach me with cases of sightings. While I’ve been able to debunk several cases as paranoia, a lot of them have been real, too. The scholar claims to have experienced ‘several’ jinns in Oman, though he says that none has harmed or given him sleepless nights as much the one he saw in the flesh (literally!) in June 2012. “I had a habit of lying down on my bed next to the window and observing the entrance to the mosque overlooking my home until I slept. This was something I did frequently, until one night, I saw a woman running towards the mosque. “I didn’t even have enough time to flinch, but by the time I had realised that it was a woman and sat up on my bed, she turned towards me and smiled. Then, out of the blue, she disappeared into the wind.” In his studies, the scholar also tells us about how jinns can take the form of a deceased parent or friend to convince the person that the dead person is still alive and well. “A lot of confusion can be caused when you begin distinguishing between a jinn and your mind. While your mind can play games on you, a jinn can sometimes take a physical form that you – and only you – can witness. “Therefore, several people see it as a terrifying prospect. Nobody wants to see a dead person walking towards them,” he laughs. We’re not sure whether it’s the forthrightness of the scholar or of the people who interact with us on this topic, but we exit the interviews one step closer to believing in the existence of the entities. Prof. Mohammed is with us on this: “It doesn’t matter whether you believe in jinns or not – this is jinn country – and the stories that float around are convincing enough to even smelt the toughest of skeptics. “I won’t lie: I could never stay for a night in Bahla. The one time that I did try staying there, I was certain that I’d provoked the spirits by asking questions of the residents. “I may not advocate the existence of jinns – but I don’t want to face one… ever.”

A lot of confusion can be caused when you begin distinguishing between a jinn and your mind. While your mind can play games on you, a jinn can sometimes take a physical form that you – and only you – can witness.

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The valley of Khor Rori is known to be a gathering spot for witches and is avoided by tourists and residents at all costs. Several tour operators will also refrain from taking visitors to the valley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and many of those who have visited the spot have complained of stones raining down on them from the sky. That said, certain areas of the locale is slowly gaining popularity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially the ruins of the city from 1st Century AD. Situated in the heart of the city of Bahla, the fort and its surroundings have been famed for their jinn activity. Religious scholars and residents state that jinns have been known to hide within the trees, rocks, and shadows inside the large fortress.

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The Flying Sanctuary Location: Bahla Just when you thought that life in Bahla couldn’t get any spookier, we learn of the history of the crumbling remains of the structure that remains on the ‘Hill of the Three Saints’. Legend has it, during the reign of the Nabahina Dynasty from the 12th to the 17th Century, three Sufi hermits took up residency outside the city walls to practise their unorthodox faith. It is believed that the building in the middle flew from Rustaq to Bahla fully intact. Fact or fiction? You be the judge of that.

It’s almost as if the spirits didn’t want anyone to reside in Bahla. Or even if they did, they didn’t want any more inhabitants moving in – and the frankincense tree that stands tall in the Bahla Souk is the deterrent. Legend has it that the tree – which still exists to date – would doom anyone who touched the tree to misfortune and an untimely death. In fear for the lives of visitors, the locals cut down the tree.

This one’s bang in the middle of Muscat – and it’s in plain sight for everyone to see. While scholars and experts debunk theories surrounding the haunting of this gorgeous multi-storey villa, several ghostbusters explore the area around the villa at night, but only to catch glimpses and sounds of a wailing baby and mother. One Muscat resident reported on a public forum that the villa was once home to a family. However, following the death of a child in the home, the family split ways, thereby leaving the house seemingly abandoned. Several onlookers state that they’ve stumbled upon activity in the house of late.

I won’t lie: I could never stay for a night in Bahla. The one time that I did try staying there, I was certain that I’d provoked the spirits by asking questions of the residents. NOV 01 - 07 / ISSUE 452

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TEAM Y MEETS AN OMAN-BASED ROMANIAN ARTIST WITH THE VISION TO SURPRISE, INNOVATE, AND HELP OTHERS ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS

arian Doru Adaniloaiei is making waves in the Sultanate, striking onlookers down with his threedimensional art masterworks based on his outlook of the world and the countless elements it includes. People often say that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ and while avant-garde art forms such as these can be disregarded based on the tastes of the onlooker, this is not the case with Marian’s work. His output follows the footsteps of string art – one of the most intricate forms of artistry that only came into existence in the late 1960s. Essentially crafted out of string and wood, in its raw form, string art is characterised by a neatly-stacked arrangement of thread – mostly coloured – between multiple points to form a geometric pattern, design, or writing. Today, it stands among one of the best-selling forms of art, but the 42-year-old Romanian-born artist entered the field with little to no knowledge about it. In an interview with Y, he says: “Art has always been in my mind since I was a child. Even in school, I’d be more interested in spending time creating drawings and paintings than in studies. “Maybe that had to do with Romania itself being such an artcentric country. Folk art and the traditional contemporary art scene has always been strong in Romania. This meant I would spend quite a lot of time working to make my dream of being an artist come true.” Although Marian picked up his brush and began splashing down his

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thoughts on paper at the young age of seven, he says that he began simply with paintings of nature – and continued to do so until the age of 37. The artist still incorporates nature into his art forms or, at the very least, draws inspiration from various elements of nature, such as trees and plants, clouds or even immense structures such as mountains. “Art had become such an integral part of my life that I had begun making money out of it. And even if it was only a little, I was satisfied with whatever I had earned,” he adds. During that time, he worked in other creative jobs such as interior designing, arts and graphic design, and even in construction design. But in 2003, he decided to turn his life around when he caught a glimpse of string art on the Internet. His intrigue grew quickly, and he then enrolled with a workshop to get started. “This turned out to be the best decision of my life. String art is one of the hardest forms of art that I’ve ever done. Its basics are simple, but the overall process is time-consuming and extremely difficult. Today, his hand-eye coordination is beyond belief – his dexterity is exceptional when constructing a piece of art design. But, everything begins somewhere – and for Marian, it all begins when he sketches the design onto a piece of geometric paper (sheets of paper folded to form a three-dimensional structure). He then hammers nails in the different prominent points across the paper that has been set on a wooden board. This is followed by following up with straight lines made by strings although, some can also be set in slightly different angles and metric positions. The beauty of his works is in the colours of the strings that he has mixed and matched to create a medley of shades in his designs. “String art is as much mathematics as it is art. You will need to understand the curves and make sure that the points that you’ve drawn out will result in your creating the end product that you initially desired,” he advises. Marian’s 15 years of experience in this art – one that is only now gaining prominence in Romania – has led him to become one of the most sought-after artists in the field, with clients requesting custom-made works to add to their collection of art. Marian’s recent work for a French couple – drawing the various stages of their relationship in a colourful facade of

geometry and design – earned him a staggering RO2,850. His works – on average – can cost between RO50 and RO1,500, depending on the complexity and the amount of time spent on them. He explains: “Simple designs can be completed in a few days to a few weeks but more complex designs, which include writings and quotes, can be harder; those can carry on for up to a month or two.” Marian now divides his time between his homes in the principality of Monaco and Oman (to where he first moved this year), all while simultaneously working on his passion and spreading the concept of string art to the public. The artist has singlehandedly also set up workshops in countries such as France, India, the UAE, and here to teach people the art. “Being a relatively new concept, it takes people quite a lot of time to understand what the art is all about. The response from here (Oman) has been amazing and I’m inundated with emails and calls from viewers who now want me to teach them how to create these pieces. “And I believe in spreading art – there’s no need to keep it with me alone. So, I do hold training workshops when I’m in Oman for an extended period. But, in a follow-up call with one of Marian’s friends (who asked not to be named), we learn that he now spends a lot of time teaching orphans, the physically challenged, and in hospitals teaching patients struck down by terminal illnesses in his hometown in Romania about string art; all for free. His friend tells us: “Marian’s idea is that art can heal the pain inside. And by teaching these people, he believes he is giving them an opportunity to spend more time in creative works.” Marian doesn’t comment but he isn’t shy in revealing that string art can be therapeutic. “String art is one of the most satisfying work you can do. Just witnessing all the strings falling into place and the colours translating your ideas onto a three-dimensional form is so satisfying. I chose the right career. “Everyone should try it at some point. It’s the ultimate test of one’s skills in art but at the same time it’s also a great opportunity to create something truly quirky.” ■

To find out more about Marian Doru Adaniloaiei’s work visit him on Instagram @ stringartbymarian, facebook @admarian, or by email at stringartbymarianad@gmail.com. NOV 01 - 07 / ISSUE 542

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As the Sultanate gets ready to celebrate the 48th Oman National Day, registration is now open for the fifth annual Y Portrait By A Nation. This week, we meet the sponsors and judges who are gearing up to make the 2018 event the biggest and best yet looking forward to from a sponsor’s point of view? ? C: As a sponsor, our focus is to ingrain into young Omani minds and pique their interest in the concept of industrialisation, its effect on their daily activities, and their future in terms of participation in SMEs.

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n honour of the 48th Oman National Day on November 18, Y’s Portrait By A Nation (PBAN) returns for its fifth annual competition presented by Ahlibank, powered by Gloria Jean’s Coffees, in association with Shell Oman, Muscat Grand Mall, Sandan Properties, Chiko Koffy, and Oman Shapoorji, and with the support of Phoenix Power Company (SAOG) and the Crowne Plaza Sohar. Once again, young artists from schools across the Sultanate will come together to create a unique piece of art as a lasting tribute to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. We’re also incredibly excited to announce that the registration deadline for participants from the interior regions of Sohar, Sur, Nizwa, and Salalah has now been extended until November 6 – so there’s still time to get your name in to take part! This week we’re introducing readers to some of our sponsors and partners that make PBAN possible. We sat down with associate sponsor Sandan Properties’ CEO, Michel Chee to find out why events such as these form the backbone of our communities and how their respective businesses seek to support them.

: What makes events such as PBAN, which focuses on linking art and community, important towards the development of Oman’s youth and creative education? ichel Chee: The development of academic studies should always involve creativity as part of the programme. Hopefully, this enhancement should result in more creative thinking on the country’s development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the near future. Programs should be cultivated on a national level with different aspects of creativity and methods – and not just as a platform, but also as a means to display the different aspects of Oman culture.

: As a valued partner for the 5th annual Y Portrait By A Nation, what are you most

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: Tell us a little bit about Sandan Properties C: Madinat Sandan is the first fullymanaged integrated industrial city in Oman. It’s a developed area of 250,000 m2 with 1,250 individual units earmarked as a hub for all activities in the automobile sector, including ancillary services like used vehicles, spare parts, garages, mechanics, auto accessories, and building materials for all aspects of home construction including ceramics, aluminum products, home furnishings, home décor, art, and more. It will also house other services like an auction house, government service centres, finance institutions and other commercial services. For added convenience, the city can accommodate 1,241 apartments right above the workplace.

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: And how are you committed to cultivating ties with the community here in Muscat? C: We’re already working with the ‘Foundation of Arts’, a non-profit art organisation for special needs as a platform to further develop creativity throughout the community..

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: What words of encouragement do you have for this year’s batch of PBAN participants? C: Creativity, innovation, and experimentation – but, most of all participate. If you’ve never tried, you’ll never know how far you’ll reach.

Portrait By A Nation

ne of the biggest events of the year in Oman, Y’s Portrait By A Nation saw an impressive 2,200 entries received from children ages 5-17

Michel Chee years-old from Muscat, Nizwa, Sohar, and Salalah last year.

hildren will receive a different-sized canvas and a different portrait of His Majesty, across three age categories of competition: 5-9 years – Canvas size 20cm x 30cm 10-13 years – Canvas size 30cm x 40cm 14-17 years – Canvas size 40cm x 50cm Forty-eight finalists will be selected from participants – 16 in each category, with three winners chosen among them from each age category, for a chance to win prizes worth a total of RO2,550. Each winner will win a prize worth RO500 in each age category, while runners-up will win prizes valued at RO250 in each age category, and there will be RO100 for third place in each age category. Championing the patriotic heart of the nation through the artistic expression of the young generation, Y’s Portrait By A Nation will be featured across all of SABCO Media’s platforms, including Y Magazine, Koooora Wa Bas Magazine, Merge 104.8, Al Wisal, and Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM.

Portrait by A Nation Milestones:

On-ground Competition The competition will be held over two weekends – one in the interiors and one in the capital, as hundreds of children create their own special pieces of art on the canvasses given to them with a pre-printed sketch of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. This initiative not only encourages talent but provides children with a platform to bring out their best artistic efforts while taking pride in their work. On-Ground Competition Dates Nizwa, Sohar, Sur & Salalah: November 9 & 10 • Muscat: November 16 & 17, Muscat Grand Mall •

Judging Panel The Y Portrait By A Nation judging panel will include sponsors, eminent local artists, and representatives of Team Y. The panel will select 16 winners from each age group for a total of 48 finalists. Awards Function Conducted in a 5-star venue, the sponsors will interact with the 48 finalists from the three age categories. The finalists, along with their families, will be invited to be awarded commendation certificates and prizes. The event will be followed by dinner.

Special Coverage in Y Magazine After the competition, there will be special coverage in Y which will feature the works of the young artists along with their interviews. Sale of Paintings After the awards presentation, paintings of all the finalists will be put on display for public purchase at a minimum price-tag of RO25, with all proceeds going directly to the artist.

How To Register • • •

Registration for participants in the interiors (Nizwa & Sohar, Sur & Salalah) closes November 6, 2018. Registration for participants in the capital area of Muscat closes November 10, 2018.

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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 • SPAR

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• 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 • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint (Splash) • SPAR • 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 MSQ • 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 • Chevrolet/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 Al Mouj Muscat • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • Al Mouj Muscat 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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Adventures

CARS AND ADVENTURES

Cars

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Gaming

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Interrupting the round-table of youth, a group of Omani boys in Khadad pause to turn at the sound of our shutter-click.

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E S T I N AT I O N C a r s

P o s t c a r d s Fr o m

Y- F i

Destination

KHADAD

SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI FINDS A TOWN SO SECLUDED ITS ATMOSPHERE OF RUSTIC CALM IS ALMOST EERIE

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Gaming

of the gloomy Thursday morning – that much of the crowd work away in farms and small shops to supply goods to their own communities. Not so long after, we headed away from the town and into the wadi underlying the tall mountains. We didn’t come across any flowing water but there was enough vegetation in the locum for us to deduce that the area receives adequate water during rains. Still, Khadad has a hidden feature up its sleeve: it’s a treat for serious trekkers. The mountain ranges that overlook the town have much to offer to the discerning adventurist. Despite us being in no shape for trekking, we made the decision to climb as high as we could without risking our lives. And it wouldn’t have been more than 45 minutes before we reached the peak – a towering structure with a sharp ridge that makes for a perfect location to capture the aerial view of the town. Atop the mountain, we couldn’t help but pitch tent for a few moments to soak in the fresh winds brought in by the westerly winds. It’s a rewarding feeling that’s further accentuated by a striking sight of Khadad. Something about the people peppering the roads as mere dots and cars and pickup trucks moving around reminded me of the 1990s game PacMan. While it’s not an idyllic thought after a long, laborious trekking session, the thought brought me to a sense of realisation – about how little we are in a world so great. Yet, despite all that, we continue to co-exist with living beings around us – albeit, in a state of dissonance – to set the tone for the home that we now call Mother Earth. Philosophy aside, there are several well-equipped areas in Oman that’ll provide you with safer and more exhilarating adventures than Khadad – but you must visit this town for another reason: to experience life away from civilisation. Just keep in mind that in the mountains of Khadad no one can hear you scream.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

eep in the heart of the Al Hajar mountains lies a rustic and bucolic town that tempts those in search of new lands or those who wish to go back to nature. The area, simply known as Khadad, was one I’d never heard of… until, of course, I actually set foot in there. Granted, I was no Columbus discovering a new village – that moment probably transpired centuries ago. Today, the area is inhabited and goes about its business like any other town in Oman. But, for one very good reason, it stands out from the rest: its seclusion from civilisation. Don’t get me wrong: Khadad is very much a part of our nation – but it wouldn’t take long to realise that, being shrouded safely by the mountains with only road access from one end, Khadad’s beauty lies in its distance from the hustle and bustle of city life. A quick Google search will reveal just how sheltered the town is. It’s even evident that the road that bisects Khadad is no more than an afterthought. My trip to this town, however, occurred when I lent the wheel of my truck to a friend, who pushed on through the forlorn Tarmac of Highway 25 as I took a power nap in the wee, small hours of Thursday morning. And truth be told, I was glad that I wasn’t at the helm, for the pitch-black twisty roads are made treacherous by tight roads and loose mountain rocks that flank either sides. Driving there before sunrise is taxing prospect. We arrived at the destination – a valley painted with lush green lands and farms – no later than 6am. The children had already begun their long walk to the local school and the elderly were fighting their own struggles before heading to work. Owing to its distance from Muscat, most inhabitants prefer working within the confines of the town. So, we suppose – based on our analysis

Take the Muscat Expressway from the capital city and head towards Fanja on Route 15. Follow the road until Hayma and take the exit to Route 25. The town of Khadad should be to your left in 7.75kms.

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

MERCEDES-BENZ A250

With comfort, class and versatility, the German giants are raising the bar for hatchbacks, as Team Y discovers

emember the scruffy old, tall hatchback that rolled over every time you threw it into a sharp corner at speed? Well, that’s the MercedesBenz A-Class; albeit, from the late 1990s – a period when hatchbacks were considered no more than a family wagon at a budget. Today, however, things are different – they’re very, very different. Now in its fourth generation, the A-Class seems to have taken a complete and radical turn away from its predecessors – and by golly, it shines on the road. Simply put: if the third-gen A-Class was considered a successful product for Mercedes-Benz when revealed in 2013, this time around, it’s a complete revelation. And that it shows from the moment you glance upon the car. Pictures don’t do the car any justice whatsoever – it must be seen in person to be admired. Starting from the pointy and angular headlamps to the low-slung grille and air intakes that hog much of the front fascia to the dainty profile of the car, Mercedes designers really have done justice to the car this time around. No crease is placed by mistake: there are slits that flank the sides of the front bumper to help in channelling air through to aid in the overall stability while driving, and perhaps even to cool the front brakes during hard cornering. Meanwhile, in true Mercedes tradition, the B- and C-Pillars are

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thick and short, while the roofline angles into the flares of the rear wheel to produce an aggressive stance. That said, the wheelbase grows by a whole 1.2-inches (3cms) than the outgoing model for some added real estate inside the cabin, and it rides lower and wider than any A-Class we’ve ever driven before. The rear, on the other hand, is completely redesigned, too. Gone are the bulbous oval tail lamps, and in place are a pair of wedge-shaped LED lamps. It’s a tad generic – but it still fits well with the posterior, which is rounded off with two faux chrome-tipped exhaust cutouts. Overall, we’d like to call the design daring and sophisticated. But, the exterior has nothing on what goes on inside the cockpit – it’s almost as if the designers came up with a competition to see who could design the flashiest elements for the new car.

Trust us when we say this: Mercedes would have got rid of their steering wheel and pedals if they could have. Really, nothing about the A-Class’ interior is plain Jane. Taking up much of the dashboard is the massive digital instrument cluster and infotainment unit – both of which sit at 10.25-inches each (!) It’s the easiest and the smoothest system we’ve ever tested in a car, with a performance edging out even the best of BMW, Audi, and even systems that are regularly found in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The hatchback can owe its tech prowess to the new MBUX system that comes preloaded – which in its true form brings in a touchscreen infotainment unit, and our favourite feature, the interactive voice assistant. The latter is still in its primitive form; though, it can do anything from changing your audio sources to even opening the sunroof. It’s quite adept at recognising voices, but it’s limited in functionality at the moment in the GCC. Moving on, the seats and dashboard are swathed in

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MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS Specifications: • Engine: 2.0-litre ‘turbocharged’ in-line four-cylinder • Transmission: Seven-speed ‘DCT’ automatic • Power: 224hp • Torque: 350Nms Front-wheel-drive 10.25-inch instrument cluster and infotainment screens Pre-collision braking system Active Parking Assist Traction and stability controls Blind-spot monitoring system LED headlamps 18-inch alloys Cruise control Push-button start USB-C ports Sunroof MBUX system w/ personal voice assistant

leatherette and faux-alcantara, with soft-touch materials making up most of the areas that you’ll normally touch. Our A250 variant also came packing the interior lighting pack, which makes for a very luxe cabin at night. You can change the lighting inside, and mix and match depending on your taste. The lights run all around the interior; even around the jet-engine styled a/c vents. Space is marginally upped for 2018, but there’s only enough space for four full-sized adults. And even then, anyone taller than 176cm will need to sit up front with the seats pushed back. As expected, headroom is on the lower side, and taller passengers will find their heads brushing up against the (graciously) soft roof lining. Boot space is pegged at 370-litres with the seats up, which is respectable in its class. It can carry two large suitcases without any niggles. These, however, are minor niggles in an otherwise stupendous car. As we’d anticipated before its launch in Oman, the A250 is powered by a trusty little 2.0-litre forcefully-induced motor pumping out 224hp and an estimated 350Nms of torque. The unit is further mated to a no-nonsense sevenspeed dual-clutch transmission that then channels power to the rubber upfront.

The powertrain combo makes for a 0-100kph sprint time of about six seconds, which is slightly faster than the variant it replaces. But, numbers only tell you half the story. Where the A250 won our hearts is on the twisty road, raking in much applause for striking just the right balance between comfort, performance, and handling. The hatchback rides low; almost as low as a sports car like the Jaguar F-Type or the Ford Mustang – but rides more smoothly than a similarly specced French or Japanese hatchback. While the A250 competes with neither, it does hold its own in its segment. It’s possibly more spirited than its competitors – even those more powerful – from Europe. Power is put down efficiently by the clever traction control nanny, with just a hint of torque-steer kicking in when you floor the throttle. The rest is taken care by the clever electric steering rack, which we feel is one of the best systems we’ve ever tested in a German vehicle of late. The steering response is fantastic – the ratios are quick and short at low speeds while tightening up just a bit as you go faster. Still, there are drive modes to play with if you’re looking to change it up a bit. But, none of that would have made sense if it weren’t for the beautifully-tuned chassis that comes alive when you attack corners. Liftoff oversteer will be a common occurrence on twisty roads if you’re pushing down hard, but it’s easy to tame, thanks to the Tarmachugging nature of the car.

MERCEDES-BENZ WILL SOON BE REVEALING THEIR AFFALTERBACHFETTLED A35 AMG AND A45 AMG TRACK-READY VARIANTS THAT SHOULD – AT THE VERY LEAST – PUMP OUT 306HP AND 400HP, RESPECTIVELY Understeer is rare. Moreover, the ESP system should dial down any loss of grip from the front tyres. As anticipated, the brakes are sublime and offer sufficient stopping power when required. The pedal offers great feedback and the pressure points are evenly distributed – but bear in mind that Mercedes’ safety system will regularly cut in to vary the brake force if it foresees a crash. There was a time when MercedesBenz eschewed any attempt at creating a hot-hatchback – and it took them nearly three decades to acknowledge that it was time for the brand to forge into the much-acclaimed territory. But with the third-gen A-Class, the Stuttgart manufactures slammed the ball into the far corner of the nets, proving all of us skeptics wrong. Unsurprisingly, they’ve outdone themselves yet again with their latest creation. But, they’re far from over: MercedesBenz will soon be revealing their Affalterbach-fettled A35 AMG and A45 AMG track-ready variants that should – at the very least – pump out 306hp and 400hp, respectively. We’re bound to ask: do the other hatchbacks even stand a chance? We don’t think so.

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CARS ADVENTURES LIVING HISTORY

The ancient Greco-Roman acropolises of Jerash mark the remains of one of the many civilisations that have left their footprint over the centuries on Jordanian soil.

1. Enjoy the panorama view of the Promised Land at Mount Nebo 2. Float weightless in the Dead Sea 3. Go for a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over Wadi Rum 4. View the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls in the Jordan Museum 5. Grab some street-side falafel in Amman

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POSTCARDS FROM

Francesca Lutin recommends

THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN

rossroads of history, burial place of Moses, and home to the lowest point on land; the Kingdom of Jordan has long been a cornerstone of the Holy Land, with religious tourism rivalling that of travellers flocking to witness the remains of its Greco-Roman and Nabatean ruins. A hub for pilgrims following the footsteps of Christianity and Islam, the tapestry of modern Jordan is one that reflects its centuries-long influence as a nerve centre of expansion for some of the world’s greatest (and lost) civilisations. Alexander the Great brought Hellenistic culture to Jordan and the rest of the Arab world during his conquest of the Persian Empire in 332 B.C. - while before that, the elusive Nabateans carved their Rose City out of the living rock at Petra, which today remains one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Later, the land would fall under the control of the Byzantine Empire before ushering in the Islamic Era in 636 A.D. Today, Jordan remains a land in which its cultural mosaic can be heard in the tongues and accents that assault your ears on the busy streets of the capital, Amman. The city’s population of roughly 2.8 million has, over the past decade, been boosted by a steady influx of refugees from Syria and the Palestinian Territories. Its renown as a cultural capital is complemented by the reputation for Jordanian hospitality that precedes it. A gateway to the Arab world and an epicentre of civilisations both ancient and modern, it’s a land with a story, written over millennia, that is still being told.

A HOTA IR B A LLOON ABOVE R IS E S WADI R UM

My favourite place Wadi Rum. Roughly translating to ‘Valley of the Moon’ in Aramaic, this stark, desert landscape of undulating sand dunes spotted with rock formations and craggy outcroppings has long been the realm of many a Bedouin tribe. It’s also one of Jordan’s most desolate (and beautiful) places. Forgo the traditional dune-bashing in favour of a guided camel caravan excursion to a desert camp and sip karak under the stars.

H T L E S S IN FL OA T W E IG SEA THE DEAD

Highlights We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the country’s most recognisable icon – Petra. Give yourself at least two days

to fully explore the Rose City, constructed by the Nabateans in 312 B.C. There’s so much more to Petra than that iconic first glimpse of the Treasury made famous in the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade film. Today, it’s a fully-functioning Bedouin township, with families still calling its vast network of cave systems home. Give your knees a workout and don’t be afraid to climb the 850 steps to the Monastery – Petra’s largest and most commanding monument.

Lowlights For all its ancient grandeur, there’s no escaping the fact that Petra is a tourist trap. The millions of visitors that flock through its canyons each year are the primary source of income for most Bedouin vendors that call it home. Expect incredibly persistent vendors, small children hawking postcards for one dinar, overpriced donkey and camel rides, and ‘ancient’ trinkets that you might want to get appraised before committing to buy. .

Souvenirs Mosaic tile handicrafts from Aqaba, Ajloun olive oil, traditional ‘keffiyeh’ scarves, Jordanian kunafa sweets, Dead Sea mud. Getting there Oman Air flies daily to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman starting from RO163 round-trip, economy-class. Once on-ground, organise a driver or guide through a tour agency to help you get from Point A to Point B. A journey from the capital down to the Dead Sea region in the south is around three hours.

Where to stay The Mövenpick Resort Petra is, literally, at the footstep of

entry into the Rose City. A more ideal location you won’t find, but it books up fast. For a city stay in the capital you can’t go wrong with the Amman Marriott – it’s a city hotel that ticks all the boxes. And, finally, splash out for a pampering few days at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea amid ultimate luxury.

STREE T-SIDE FALAFE IN AMM L AN

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU BOSE KNOWS BEST Yes, there are better and cheaper products out there, but Bose’s QC35 sets the bar higher than none other in the business. Their new headphone ups the noise cancellation game further than last year, but also takes things a step further by adding Google Assistant to the mix. This means you can change the music, play or pause, increase the volume, and even ask questions without the need for removing the phone from your pocket. All of this is encompassed in a sleek metal casing with a durable rubber cushion. Get your from LuLu Electronics for RO115

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Y-FI

NEW MOVES IN NOISE The Y Geek Squad tries out the latest music gadgets to ensure your sounds stay, well, sound

STREAM IT Truth be told, our experiences with Yamaha’s music products have been disappointing. But that isn’t going to stop us from ogling their latest stereo receiver – the Yamaha R-S202BL. Not only does it come with all the goodness of traditional receivers (including converting traditional audio into crisp stereo sounds) but also added features such as Bluetooth and a swanky app to control the device using your smartphone. Additionally, with the phono pre-amp built in, you can pump several more watts of audio through your speakers or even use a turntable to play your music. Buy this from amazon.com for RO67

BACK TO THE FUTURE Alright, so this one’s a bit of a shtick – a gimmick more than anything else. But if you, like us were intrigued by the “woo-woo-woo” sounds made by flying saucers in those early 1980s flicks, then you’re in luck; the Moog EWSTD019 Etherwave Theremin Standard is the toy for you. The device – which was originally conceived in 1928 – is quirky: all you need to do is wave your hands around the antennas of the device and it’ll send impulses to produce the electronic sound that we’ve grown to know and love. You can buy them for much less online but we’d rather have this one by renowned gadget maker Moog from amazon.com for RO150

EDITOR’S PICK

OLD SCHOOL

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BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS HAVE BEEN OUT OF THE MUSIC SCENE FOR SEVERAL DECADES NOW – BUT THEY’RE GRADUALLY MAKING A COMEBACK. AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT, JBL IS LEADING THE FIGHT FOR THIS VINTAGE GADGET IN 2018 WITH ITS JBL L100. WHILE THE BRAND’S LATEST TAKE ON THE DEVICE MANAGES TO RETAIN THE RETRO GUISE OF THE CLASSIC SPEAKER, IT COMES WITH MODERN ELEMENTS, TOO – LIKE A TITANIUM SHELL AND A ONE-INCH (2.4CM) DONE TWEETER THAT’S COUPLED WITH A WAVEGUIDE, FOR INSTANCE. IT ALSO OFFERS AN ACOUSTIC LENS TO IMPROVE THE DISPERSION OF HIGHER FREQUENCY AUDIO, A 12-INCH (30CM) CAST-FRAME TO DELIVER SUPREME BASS WITHOUT NEGATING ANY OF THE ACOUSTICAL CLARITY, AND A MID- AND HIGH-FREQUENCY L-PAD ACCENTUATORS TO MAINTAIN THE CRISP HIGHS AND LOWS. AT RO1,540 IT’S A BIT PRICEY. GET IT FROM JBLSYNTHESIS.COM JULY NOV 0103- -0709/ /ISSUE ISSUE542 327

Top 5 Games With Girl Power

With more women leading action movies, it’s only fair that games follow suit. Here, the Y Geek Squad offers five of its favourites TOMB RAIDER Character: Lara Croft From a screen siren to a powerful character delivering a strong message – that women can conquer lands and lead the charge against enemies in war – Lara Croft from the ironic Tomb Raider series has come a long way. Today, the archaeologist’s quests form the crux of powerful women in the gaming arena. Storylines are centred around her adventures exploring new lands in search of lost artefacts while infiltrating tombs, ancient ruins, and taking down terrorist organisations. Gone are the days (from 1996) when Lara would be seen scampering around her mansion in a tank top and with two pistols in her hand. Now, her roles are more mature – she must play the role of a survivalist; a woman building her reputation from scratch, all while procuring raw materials to handcraft weapons to safeguard the people of the villages from the evil around them.

THE LAST OF US Character: Ellie While it’s true that Ellie lives under the shadow of protagonist Joel, the 14-year-old girl is far from being a damsel in distress. In fact, there’s much to her character that draws into the core of the survivalist game. On the face of things, Ellie’s a naïve and subdued young girl who hasn’t experienced the (virus-infested) Earth in its entirety. No war is fought alone, and Joel and Ellie form the perfect allies, even if her understanding of the world is completely different to that of ours. Despite that, a 40-odd-year-old-man constantly finds himself taking tips in determination from Ellie. Not to forget: by the end of it all, Ellie turns into a resilient force in their fight for survival.

ASSASSIN’S CREED Character: Aveline de Grandpré Let’s cut to the chase: an AfroCaribbean Frenchwoman taking the lead in an Assassin’s Creed game did not sit well with many fans. Such an attempt, as you would’ve guessed, was the first of its kind. Aveline plays the lead role in the game – taking us with her to 18th Century USA, where she fights Templars to free slaves. Her superpowers include a

sixth sense, which allows her to tell her foes from her friends. The game blew, but Aveline’s message was one noted for its significance.

BEYOND GOOD & EVIL Character: Jade Jade is arguably the world’s friendliest protagonist unless you mess with her. Taking the role of a freelance photojournalist, she aims to make a difference to society. Her works include rescuing abandoned children and supporting them financially, and also going head-to-head with the government to expose corrupt officials. In addition to her daily job, Jade must also attack enemies and lead the charge against the dishonest.

METAL GEAR SOLID 3 Character: The Boss Tough, calculative, and an unmatched fighter: The Boss, who’s also known as the ‘Mother of Special Forces’, is a renowned American soldier and the founder of the Cobra Unit – a team formed to fight the Axis Powers in World War II. She also played crucial roles in garnering intelligence during the Cold War. That said, in the game, she plays an antagonist that gives power to her own disciple, Snake, to eventually kill her. She’s an all-encompassing military figure – and her decision to die at the hands of one of her own students has an ulterior motive; one that ends up saving the human race. JULY NOV 03 01 - 07 09 / ISSUE 542 327

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

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PRINTS CHARMING

FASHION

Incorporate a little pattern play into your wardrobe rotation this fall with bold statement pieces that will carry you through the winter blues while letting your personality shine. We especially love this catty little number from Mango.

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k o o L e h

The go-to accessory this fall/winter season, this red fringed shoulder-bag from Mango is the pop of colour you need to go nicely with that snakeskin jumpsuit number. Trust us on this. Buy it for RO25.

, reet t s gh e hi look h t d to get the n e to gh e hi s you h t lp From Y he m Tea

Petite prints add an ultra-feminine touch to any outfit. Dress this pretty Paisley blouse up by pairing it with a solid skirt, or down with a pair of fitted white trousers. Own it for RO13 from Next.

When going bold in a print ensemble, it’s best to keep your jewellery simple. These dainty pearl-drop earrings from M&S add a flash of golden sheen to finish the look. Price: RO4.6.

Up the ante with a pair of claretcoloured ankleboots that hold your fashion focus from head-totoe, while screaming autumn chic. We’re hot-totrot with these ones from Next. Get them for RO24.96.

Don’t be afraid to contrast soft and feminine with bold, brash, street-style. Colour-block your pattern play with this black patent-leather mini-skirt from H&M. Make it yours for RO12.99.

When it comes to prints, we say go big or go home this season! Slide into this slinky snakeskin jumpsuit from Zara and make your next night out sleek and on-fleek. Hang it in your closet for RO29.9.

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Exfoliate with baking soda For less than 500 baisas a box, you can scrub your skin clean. Simply mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to your skin gently, massaging with small, circular motions. Leave the baking soda on your face for 20 minutes then rinse off the paste with warm water. Exfoliate once or twice to remove dead skin and other blockages from your pores. Ditch the shaving cream Shaving cream is aerated so cans don’t last long. Replacing shaving cream canisters quickly becomes expensive. Many shaving creams contain chemicals and fragrances that irritate skin, leading to dry patches and acne. Switching to shaving oil can reduce expenses while also improving skin. A little shaving oil goes a long way – and some brands contain essential oils such as sunflower, bergamot, avocado, grapefruit and tangerine; all of which help condition skin and obviate preshaves and aftershaves.

Winter weather doing a number on your skin? Forego those costly cosmetic fixes for tried-and-true at-home treatments that go the distance in helping you get that glow

ur face is our most precious possession – the part of us that everyone sees day in, day out. But the products we use to care for this most treasured personal resource are often expensive – and they don’t have to be. Improving your skin doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips to enhance your skin on a budget:

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Toss out your facial cleanser Soap dries skin, which leads skin cells to over-produce oil and create a vicious cycle of breakouts. The skin naturally produces oil for a reason so instead of stripping oil away from your skin, give your face what it wants – more of it. Mix 25 per cent castor oil with 75 per cent of another oil – sunflower, safflower, coconut or extra virgin olive oil work well. Put a small amount of the oil mixture in your hands, then rub it between your palms to create warmth. Thoroughly massage the oil into your skin for about 10 minutes then wet a facecloth with very hot water. Put the washcloth over your face until it returns to room temperature, then re-wet it with hot water and put it over your face. Use the washcloth to steam your skin two to three times then rinse your face thoroughly with warm water. Massage any remaining oil into your skin. The oil removes debris from pores without stripping skin of its natural moisture, helping to improve your skin’s look and feel. Better yet, it costs much less than most chemical-based facial cleansers. Sources: News USA

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Why do siblings stop speaking? Gemma Harrison reports on why shared history can often end in tears, and how estrangement can be averted

arring siblings are nothing new. Resentment and jealousy can often result in antipathy, and sometimes permanent estrangement. Be it the Gallagher brothers of Oasis, Madonna and her brother Christopher Ciccone, or Kim and Rob Kardashian, examples abound to make us think: “What happened there?”. But it’s more common than you think, according to U.S. clinical psychologist Dr. John Duffy. He says: “It happens all the time in families. Typically, it’s just the result of a real close relationship and there’s some misunderstanding that draws you apart. “But often it’s not based on truth, or fact, it’s based on emotion.” One friend of mine, Jonathan* has not spoken to his sister for two years. He cared for their widowed father for a year before he passed away from cancer. He says: “I was able to do it and got in a home help to assist Dad in washing and getting dressed. But whenever my sister came, she could only ever criticise about how untidy the living room was or what I was giving him for dinner or whatever. “I accept that she had a home of her own and a young child to look after but I would have appreciated it if she had come the occasional weekend to give me a break. “She never did, and a year after Dad’s funeral, which I organised, she later accused me of bullying him in his final months, which was completely untrue. I had to get him up in the morning and motivate him to make the most of what time he had left but that isn’t bullying.” Jonathan’s elder sister did not apologise for the remark, and he has not spoken to her since. But more importantly, he is not keen to speak to her anytime soon. “I miss the contact with her youngest child, who is my niece, obviously; but I don’t miss the lack of respect, the recriminations, implicit criticism in remarks over how I’m living and so on. Even at Christmas, there were always the barbed remarks and the ‘fat’ jokes, as I used to be quite big, but they just get a bit tedious after a while. Who

needs it?” “I’m sad about it. But we only ever got on providing she got her way. Now that Dad is gone, we don’t need to be in contact and I’m actually relieved in some ways.” But perhaps Jonathan could save the relationship if he wants to. Dr. Duffy reckons that, often, a conversation or two can save the impasse. He says: “It’s brutal. There’s this massive loss and grief affiliated with it. All along there’s this prolonged sense of unfinished business. “To bridge the gap, it’s important to have a conversation. It means swallowing your pride and being ready to tell the other person what they mean to you and say, ‘Here’s what has happened, and let’s see if we can’t work through this’.” Another U.S. clinical psychologist, Dr Eileen Kennedy-Moore is the author of What About Me? 12 Ways To Get Your Parents’ Attention Without Hitting Your Sister. Here, she offers a few tips on how to make things up with your sibling: Be sympathetic Try and appreciate his or her situation and try and see their point of view. There may be reasons that could explain their behaviour. Be diplomatic Venting about all the reasons why you’re upset won’t work. Instead try to explain calmly why your sibling’s behaviour has upset you, and ask them what they think. Be realistic Ending the relationship is an irretrievable step you might regret. Instead, why not arrange to restrict your meetings to occasional family events or an annual celebration? However, if you really can’t reach common ground, sometimes there’s no alternative, as Dr Kennedy-Moore says: “Like the end of a marriage, sibling estrangement is always sad even when it brings relief. It’s not what anyone hoped for but sometimes it’s the wise and necessary choice.” ■ *Name changed to protect identity Sources: Next Avenue, drjohnduffy.com

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Trend

YUMMY

NO BUNS ABOUT IT

Level up your next mid-day munch with these innovative twists on a lunch-time classic.

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New Restaurant

Reviews

ouped-up S sandwiches Wild Turkey

Any way you slice it, the mighty sandwich will always be an interchangeable filling between two slices of bread. Only now, the triedand-tested sarnie is taking a backseat to some truly inventive swap-outs. Here are some of our favourites

ny way you slice it, the mighty sandwich will always be an interchangeable filling between two slices of bread. Only now, the tried-andtested sarnie is taking a backseat to some truly inventive swap-outs. Here are some of our favourites However you stack or slice it, everyone loves a good sandwich – especially when it includes healthy ingredients. As more of us look for quick solutions on making healthy diet choices, many will be happy to hear that this doesn’t require a whole meal overhaul. Here are some fun twists on sandwich classics that can help you incorporate easy ingredients for guilt-proof lunch solutions.

Turkey takes the cake for one of the most popular sandwich fillings – but it can sometimes get a bad rep if it’s piled up with fatty toppings. For a healthy new take on the classic club, ditch the fattening mayonnaise and beef bacon and trade it with almond butter and apple slices instead. This healthy upgrade also lends some crunch and sweetness to your sandwich. And remember: not all meats are created equal. Look for turkey that’s lower in sodium and fat, without sacrificing flavour.

Green Grilled Cheese

PB&J Quesadilla

Get your daily dose of greens and dairy with this healthy spin on everyone’s greasy, guilty pleasure. Pack your grilled cheese with avocado, spinach, pesto, and parsley for a substantially more nutritious and flavoursome sandwich. Better yet, substitute your go-to, boring deli cheese with goat cheese, which is extra creamy and surprisingly low-cal. Feel free to experiment with any of your favourite veggies – it’s what’s on the inside that counts, right? PB&Js are an American favourite. To cut down on the high fat, calorie and sugar counts in typical peanut butter and jelly (jam), sub in almond butter paired with fibre-full fresh strawberries and bananas. Wrap it all up in a whole wheat tortilla to cut carbs, throw it into a frying pan and make your taste-buds sizzle.

Try out any of these creative transformations with your family or use your imagination to invent a new, unique concoction of your own. Source: newsusa.com

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FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

an R d i

Info Box

Ground floor, City Centre Muscat Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m., daily Contact: (+968) 8006-6800 Dinner for two: RO18.375 Verdict : 6/10 SERVICE 5/10 FOOD 6/10 AMBIENCE Indian concept cuisine that misses the mark Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

MISPLACED ATTEMPTS AT MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY AND OVERBLOWN PRESENTATION MUTE THE POTENTIAL OF THIS CULINARY NEWCOMER AT CITY CENTRE MUSCAT. TEAM Y SAYS, ‘CHECK, PLEASE!’ e’re not sure if it’s teething problems of the newly-opened or a culinary concept that’s fundamentally misguided – but something’s just not right about Tuk Tuk Taxi. As is the case with anything that becomes overhyped; nine times out of ten, reality fails to meet expectation. And, billing itself as ‘Contemporary Indian Fun Dining’ – whatever that means – word of mouth travels fast and anticipation was high for Tuk Tuk Taxi’s recent opening at City Centre Muscat. Done right, Indian cuisine can work on highlyconceptualised planes of gastronomic elevation – but, we’re talking on the level of Sanjeev Kapoor for example. For a stand-alone mall franchise? Not so much. And, right at the outset, it’s clear the team behind Tuk Tuk Taxi has tried very hard to mould the brand around a concept of offerings that reflect a rather esoteric notion of ‘modern India’. But in doing so they have overlooked the heart of what makes Indian cuisine so indelible – its homemade simplicity. Simple ingredients prepared well mean big flavour. This formula is the culinary cornerstone in a nation of more than 1.2 billion people who hold the intrinsic belief that food cannot truly be tasted unless eaten with one’s hands. Leaving behind all the entrapment of utensils and implements that come between our connection to the food we eat, there’s something undeniably beautiful about that. Tuk Tuk Taxi takes this notion and turns it on its head. Located on the ground floor of the mall the restaurant’s open-plan seating area is adorned in shades of black and yellow – an homage to the eponymous ‘tuk tuk’ (which is actually a Sri Lankan turn of phrase), the autorickshaw taxis that are the quintessential heart of the Indian streetscape. Look up and you’ll see a bisected one

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REVIEWS

TUK TUK TAXI

New Restaurant

through; the naan bread was so leathery. While decently seasoned with a masala rub, the cheese had gone unpleasantly rubbery and the prawns, instead of being juicy and plump, were miniscule and scantily scattered across the pie. We quickly pushed it aside after only one slice each. The first starter to arrive was the Golden THEY HAVE OVERLOOKED THE HEART Prawns with Sweet Chili Sauce. It was served on OF WHAT MAKES INDIAN CUISINE a shovel. Cumbersome plating aside (the shovel SO INDELIBLE – ITS HOMEMADE rocked back and forth each time we plucked a SIMPLICITY. prawn), this was the most palatable dish of the evening. Served with a dusting of quinoa crunch and a molecular ‘lemon air’, the prawns were large, plump and relatively hot while the flavour of the chili mayo was good. However, there was simply too much of it. Oversaturated with gobs of pinkish mayo, the batter surrounding the prawns quickly became soggy and seepy with oil. Craving simplicity we simply removed the prawns from their overwrought cocoon and ate them separately. And the lemon air? You could mounted to the wall of the restaurant. get the same foamy effect from a good lather of We were greeted by the hostess who led us to a citrus Pril. table towards the back. And after the waitress took Most disappointing of all was the Kerala Beef our order, that was the last we saw of any staff Chili Fry. Expecting morsels of crispy beef tossed until we chased them down for the bill. There was in crunchy curry leaves and spices, what arrived no follow-up or checking on us to see if all was were cold hunks of fatty stew meat that perhaps okay during the meal. For a newly-opened outlet, had been crispy an hour previously. Presented on there was just one other table occupied amid the a thin, half-moon contraption the functionality of after-work dinner rush. Something to note for the dish was lost. Like a piece of art, this starter those seeking a bit of seclusion while dining – the was meant to be viewed, not eaten. Served on entire space is mostly open, with a fenced off a bed of saffron upma that tasted not unlike a perimeter separating diners from the congested congealed polenta, not even the fried banana chips throngs of the mall. We felt well, very conspicuous. tossed in a mouth-puckering masala coating could After perusing the menu, which is split into Veg redeem this dish. and Non-Veg varieties of starters and mains, we The lemon-mint, however, was great. settled on sharing a portion of their Kerala Beef This is one Tuk Tuk Taxi that needs a boost to Chili Fry and Golden Prawns with Sweet Chili jump-start it. Let’s hope that this restaurant can Sauce. Both seemed like fail-safe options. For our find its footing and go back to basics. main course we opted for a selection off their fusion section of the menu with a Malbari Prawns Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see Pizzaan, and two lemon-mints to wash it down. reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com Oddly the main course arrived before the starters – and for a second, we got confused. Though, once they did finally arrive in all their peacockish presentation we realised that more effort went into the plating than it did in making sure our Pizzaan, which arrived first, was warm. Expecting a piping-hot pie, what we pulled apart from the wooden slab were tough, underheated slices that our teeth could barely tear