Y - Issue 176 - June 28, 2011 - Y-oman.com

Weekly June 28, 2011Issue 176SOURCEOF LIFECHEFWAFAAAL HADRAMITIPS FORTHE SUMMERBOTSWANAWEDDING CAKESOFA AWARDSI-CARE INITIATIVE

Visit our showroom in RuwiRuwi FlyoverFrom AirportOIBMuscat PharmacyMosqueRuwi High StreetSFOQualityFurnitureOMANMARKETINGCO. L.L.CKFCRuwi TaxiStandKodakShowroomRuwiBusStationOMAN MARKETING CO. L.L.C.P.O. Box 1949, RuwiP.C. 112, Sultanate of OmanTel: (+968) 24704317GSM: (+968) 97751602

TREASURESOF GREECEAegean Islands Cruise and AthensDear Reader,Water is just one life-giving element which we think verylittle about. Turn on the tap, flush the toilet, switch the buttonon the washing machine and let nature do its work. In Oman,we are blessed with adequate and clean water supplies yetin other parts of the world a jug of water is what separatesa child between life and death, on a daily basis. One in eightpeople in the world lack access to clean water supplies, andevery second a child dies from water-related diseases, whilst200 million hours of women’s time is wasted every daycollecting water for domestic use. Water will probably alwaysbe available for much of the developed world, but globalwarming and increasing populations means that we willall have to consider our actions regarding water use moreconsiderately. We look at what is being done in Oman totackle the water crisis due to grip the world, and see how thecountry is adapting to meet growing water supply demand.Also in the issue, we interview a star Omani chef whorecently won an international award; take readers on awedding cake inspired journey and show you how yourdream dessert is crafted. We also give you all the latest localand international news and show you a glimpse at the OmanFootball Association’s end of season awards’ ceremony.We hope you enjoy the issue.Y TeamSuMMerSpeCIAlEarly Bird: Bookings until30 June 2011MS Harmony VYour comfortable MegayachtDelivered to Variety in October 2008, the 180-ft. (55meters) vessel was originally launched in 2003, butcompletely rebuilt in 2007. The Cruise line is attractingwith its small ships and unique itineraries. It can travelleisurely 12 knots, has dual stabilizers, has been madeSOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) compliant, and receiveda complete cosmetic and technological facelift.Harmony V has three passenger decks and capacity for49 guests.Cruise with a Megayacht through the gems of the Greek IslandsIn Greece, the cradle of Western civilization beckons you with its proud monuments, sun-drenched isles,and friendly people. You want to discover the beauties of the Greek Islands plus discover the enduringtreasures of antiquity, from the Parthenon in Athens to the Temple of Apollo.If you are looking for a touchof adventure on the Mediterranean, by way of a casual, informal and relaxing cruise vacation, withoutthe routine of traditional cruise tours? Then cruise aboard Sindbad Trails private small ship, and exploremillennia-old settlements layered deeply in myth and history. Visit Delos, birthplace of Apollo ... volcanicSantorini … bustling Syros … and Crete, the craddle of ancient history. Crown your adventure with twonights Athens, Greece’s cosmopolitan capital.SpeCIAl proMotIon: Departure July 20, 11 for 2 people, 2nd person pays half the actual price.Single travellers: no single supplementYour ItineraryDay 1: Muscat – AthensDeparture by Qatar Airways fromMuscat via Doha to Athens. Transfer toHotel Divani Palace Acropolis, centrallylocated. Afternoon at leisure.Day 2: Discover AthensIn the morning Athens Sightseeing withthe visit of the famous Acropolis , thePanathenaic Stadium where the firstOlympic Games of modern times wereheld in 1896 and not to forget a walkthrough the lively Plaka with its manysmall shops and tavernas. Afternoon atleisure for shopping.Day 3: Marina Zea – Island of KeaTransfer from the hotel to Marina Zea.Embarkation on the Yacht Harmony V.Depart via Kap Sounion to Kea. Time atleisure to explore Kea’s tiny port, Korrisiaafter dinner. Departure in the earlyhours for Delos.Day 4: Delos – MykonosOptional morning tour to thearchaeological site of Delos,antiquity’smost sacred island.On to the port ofMykonos, with a swim stop on the way.Free afternoon and evening to enjoy theisland’s cosmopolitan lifestyle.Overnightin Mykonos.Day 5: SantoriniNoon arrival in Santorini (anchorage atFira). Experience the stunning naturaldrama of the volcanic Cadera. Optionaltour to archaeological sites and typicalvillages with unique views over theAegean Sea.Overnight sailing to Crete.Day 6: rethymnon / CreteMorning arrival at Crete’s famous andlively port of Rethymnon.Optional tourto the ancient city of Knossos nearHeraklion.Late departure for Kithrya.Overnight at sea.Day 7: KithryaLate morning swim stop and afternoonarrival to Kithrya, a less known islandgem now fast becoming a favouriteamong visitors. Evening at leisure to visitthe picturesque main town of Chora andexperience the subdued charms of thispeaceful island. Overnight in Kithrya.Day 8: Monemvassia – nafplionEarly morning sailing to Monemvassia.Discover a remarkable medieval fortifiedtown, with time at leisure to explorethe uniquely preserved Byzantine andVenetian architecture and experiencethe beauty of the natural setting. Departfor Nafplion in the early afternoon, witha swim stop on the way. Evening arrivalat Nafplion. The old quarter is charming,with narrow streets and characteristicperiod architecture. Also, impressivemedieval fortifications can be seen inthe port and crowning the hills above.Overnight in Nafplion.Day 9: nafplion – Hydra or SpetsesOptional tour to Mycenae, the powerfulwalled palace of Agamenon, the HomericArchean king.Early afternoon departurefor the islands of Hydra or Spetses.Timeat leisure to explore this picturesqueport town.Overnight in port.Day 10: Marina Zea– Flight back toMuscatDeparture in the early hours for MarinaZea, Piraeus. Arrival and disembarkationafter breakfast.Transfer to the airport. Departure byQatar Airways from Athens via Doha.Evening arrival in Muscat.Ship Specifications:Sundeck: Public area with chaises-lounges, sitting area,dining room, bar & bridgeUpperdeck: 16 cabins all with windows, 2 of which can beused for triple occupancy. Maindeck: Dining Room & InteriorLounge, 9 cabins (all with windows).Length overall: 55 mBeam: 8,20 mDraught: 3,00 mStabilizers: Twin stabilizersCrew: 17 membersInsurance Coverage: LLOYD’SServices & Facilities:Internet & e-mail service, TV/Audiovisual in lounge, Sportsequipment: Kayak, snorkeling. Special meal programmes:Vegetarian, diabetic diet (to be requested in advance). Otherservices: Cruise manager services on scheduled cruisessailings, optional excursions, no doctor on board.Departure chartOutward Journey June July August September OctoberWednesday 15 22 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26package rates per person in oMrfor 10 Days / 9 nightsCat. Cabin Deck Price perPersonTriple Double SingleC Outside Main n/a 1495 1945B Outside Main n/a 1695 2195A Outside Upper 1525 1795 2365P Outside Upper n/a 1945 2565Services included:• Flights with Qatar Airways in Economy class• All taxes and fuel supplements• All transfers in Athens, Half Day Athens Sightseeing tour incl.visit of the Acropolis and English speaking guide• 2 Nights at the Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel 5*in double rooms includingbreakfast buffet• 7 Nights Cruise on the Megayacht Harmony V 4*• Meals on board: Daily American Breakfast and one meal• Beverages: Regular (filter) coffee, tea andmineral water free all day• Port Taxes and all service charges• Travel documentationnot included:All meals not mentioned above, Beverages (except those mentioned above), Shore Excursions, Crew Tips,Personal expenses, Travel Insurances, Visa Fee for Greece ( approx. OMR 39/-)[Ed: A picture of the Total Lunar Eclipse visible in Oman on June15th for a lasting 100 minutes. Truly a moment worth capturing.]Gulf Sindbad travel & tourism llCAl Khwair 17/1, Al Kuleiah Street, Villa 14, P.O.Box 715, PC114,Muttrah - Muscat, Sultanate of Oman,Phone: +968 2447 5437, info@sindbad-trails.comDepartures: 22 June + 13/27 July + 17/24 Aug + 5/12/19 octearly Bird: Discount per person oMr 250/-Applies only for bookings until 30 June 2011 and not for Category C and P

This week inJune 28, 2011 Issue 17610TipsTwentyfour Sevenfor the Summer, Omantel, ITA13 Check This OutViral Video, I-Care Initiative, Events, Book, Album and Movie Review22Y-ratedwater INOMAN19 VentureBotswana - Advertorial26SpotlightChef Wafaa Al Hadhrami32Yin-YangSmell cool, look gorgeous and stay beautylicious36 X-tra TimeOFA Awards628CultureWEDDINGCAKES45 ChillaxativeCrosswords, Social MediaSayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi Editor-in-Chief | Paul McLoughlin Work EditorKarima Farid Chief Reporter | Clint Derric Egbert Sports Writer/Photographer | Jerome Adarle Art Director| Jerzy Wierzbicki PhotographerEihab Abutaha General Manager | Feroz Khan Director of Sales & Marketing | Ayman Canawati Logistics ManagerFor editorial enquiries, email info@y-oman.com | Published by SABCO Press, Publishing & Advertising LLC | Y is a SABCO Media Product.

June 28, 2011 Issue 176WINNINGLETTERA GOOD DEED WITH A BADEXPERIENCEI was very happy to read in your weekly magazine issue no 175 dated 21/6/2011 regardingthe writers pleasant experience in one of the foto studio in muscat that how he got backhis stuff which he had forget it that foto studio. But Here i want to share my experiencewhich is totally opposite. I am a manager at ROP Social Welfare Market, Airport branch.Couple of months back one of our customer came to me inquiring that he lost his walletsome where in our market. Me as a manager i started investigating the matter andchecked with all my staff but we couldn't track is wallet. We suggest the customerto log a complaint at our police station. After that customer left and after approx. onehour another lady customer came to me with the wallet she found it some where in ouroutlet. As a responsible manager i in front of all my staff open the wallet to check if wecan find any clue for whose wallet was that. Fortunately we found ID card of the walletowner and after checking the ID we found that it was for the same customer who cameto inquire about his lost wallet. We also found a small paper with phone numbers writtenon it. We immediately called the number and found it was a lady and told her about thewallet and name of the person according to the ID card. That lady was the sister of theperson whose wallet we found. After half an hour that customer came back and wehanded over his wallet to him. He took the wallet and checked, All his documents andimportant cards where present but according to him his cash was not there. We told himwhen we found it there was no cash inside. He instead of thanking us started arguingwith us. We explain him that it is not our fault and please not to fight with us.Fortunatelythe other customer who found the wallet was in the market and we introduced him withthat customer and she too told thatshe don't know any thing about the stuff inside thatwallet. The customer then angrily left the market and came back with the police man.The police man took me to his police station and started inquiring about the wholescenario. During this cross examination i came to know that, that customer had loggeda complaint against my name that i had stolen his money from his wallet. After hearingthis i was totally confused i don't know how to react, shall i laugh or cry. I was also veryangry on that foolish customer, But fortunately the investigating officer was knowing meand my attitude, allowed me to go back to my market. I was very disappointed, i hadtasted the consequence of my professionalism or my helping nature and decided that iwont help anybody in future, but that decision was temporary and i came to my normalposition after that frustrated episode. Here i appreciate the writers appreciation for thatfoto studio but will he had appreciated the same way if he would had found his lostbelonging not in same condition when he lost it ?READER'SLETTERSOPPORTUNITY TO SEEYOUR WORLDDear Y,I would just like to express how wonderful it is that a reputedpublication like yourself are giving youngsters the opportunity tolearn and practice in the field of journalism. In reference to lastweek’s issue of Y (175), I would like to say that I truly enjoyed readingabout Chris Fisher and admire the way the ABA students wrote thearticle. I truly feel that Y does a lot for the youth in the country andthat is something that deserves much appreciation. I would also liketo take this opportunity to wish Y and the team the best and thankthem for their truly captive articles, week after week.SunainaWATER THEME PARKSANYONE?Dear Y,Just the other day I was on my way home with a friend of mine fromschool complaining about how hot it is becoming here in Oman;and amidst our discussion we realised that there is no water themeparks here in the country. We then started debating on why that is,especially when the country can do with a nice watery fun getawayduring the summer months to beat the heat, which practically lastsmost of the year round. We tried to come to a suitable reasoningfor this, but failed miserably. I do hope that Oman soon has a watertheme park in the coming years, because I do believe, and I’m suremany would agree, we can do with one.Sally SteeleIrshad BangiSocial Welfare Marketbe a winner!Each week we are selecting our best reader’s letter or image, and giving away fantastic prizes care of The NoodleHouse! Simply email us at info@y-oman.comValue of prizes may vary each week. This prize is not redeemable for cash or alternatives.Only one winner is selected at the discretion of Y magazine. Proof of Identity is required to claim your prize.

June 28, 2011 Issue 176@2011This week, after receiving several letters asking if Y had anytips for summer, I contacted Shabib Al Kalbani, a Nutritionistworking at Renal Dialysis Centre and Bousher Special Clinic, toask him to share his knowledge on the subject with our readers.In his role, Shabib holds nutritional counselling and follow upswith patients suffering from various diseases that can rangefrom chronic illnesses to minor ailments. Shabib also conductsContinuous Medical Education (CME) workshops for otherhealth professionals and has made a few radio and televisionappearances addressing nutritional concerns. Here’s some of hisadvice on how to stay fit and healthy during summer:How important is it to stay hydrated during the summerweather?The Holy Quran states that water is literally the basis for all lifeforms, a fact that is echoed today by modern scientific research.Adult human beings are composed of approximately 60 percentwater, a percentage which may differ from person to persondepending on several factors, such as amount of adipose tissue,age group and gender. Good hydration status is important forefficient transport of nutrients across blood vessels. It is alsovital for temperature regulation, lubricating the eyes, lungs, skin,and other vital organs. A small degree of dehydration is riskysince it is accompanied by various signs and symptoms thatrequire immediate medical attention. Water is also important inaiding digestion, absorption, and metabolism.What about children, how are they at risk ofdehydration?Children are at risk of dehydration since they are at the stageof growth and development and are more prone to losingfluids than adults are. Still, the emphasis is centred upon goodhydration for all age groups. Therefore children are instructedto drink fluids beyond the sensation of thirst. It might be usefulto carry a bottle or two in a cooler box or bag while going out tothe beach or playing football, or engaging in a children’s summercamp. Another reason why children need to be well hydrated isto prevent constipation.Older people, how can they deal with the heat?The elderly are also at risk of dehydration since they will havegradually lost their sense of thirst by about the age of 65, sotherefore should be reminded to drink a few sips from timeto time. We live in a tropical climate therefore it is of utmostimportance to stay hydrated since a high percentage of ourfluids are lost through sweat. Construction workers and otherswho are exposed to high temperatures are especially at risk andshould be instructed to drink between 2-3 litres of fluid per day,and limit their consumption of fizzy drinks, coffee and tea.Fluids include water, diluted juices and drinks with less than sixpercent sugar. They do not include fizzy drinks and energy drinksconcentrated in glucose since these chemically bind water andare excreted in urine.Because we lose so much waterduring summer, what can we eat/drink to keep water in?1. Restrict as much as possible theconsumption of caffeinated drinks(coffee, tea, fizzy drinks) as they arehigh in diuretics which encouragemore fluid excretion.2. Greatly consume fruits andvegetables for the following reasons:- Literally high in fluids- Rich in vitamins and minerals- High in fibre3. It is very common, especially in the interior, to consume lamb biryani duringmalka, weddings and funerals, also to consume natural honey, dates, andcoffee greatly. Although one should not avoid such wonderful social events,or to pay respect, it is prudent to monitor how much is consumed. Excessiveconsumption of proteins, refined sugar, salt and coffee promote thirst andequally encourage water loss. Therefore, one is bound to drink plenty of waterin such events but most importantly should try to limit consumption of suchfoods.4. Limit the consumption of concentrated sweets, drinks with a high sugarlevels, such as fizzy drinks, frappuccinos, milkshakes etc. as high amounts ofsugar encourage water loss and cause excessive thirst.5. When travelling by plane, make sure you drink plenty of water beforedeparture and also when on vacation. Do drink fresh bottled water insteadof drinking from tap water, as the status of the chemical composition of tapwater is different in various countries.6. Be careful of what you eat when you are abroad and make sure you wash yourhands frequently.What foods can we eat to stay healthy?• Fruits and vegetables: To compensate for the vitamins and minerals lost due toexcessive heat and to provide fibre for colon health.• Never miss breakfast, an important meal for all age groups. It provides anadequate amount of energy throughout the day.• Drink lots of water.• Limit consumption of foods high in fat. Never fry, or use minimum amount of oilif you must, or instead choose grilling, oven baking and steaming methods ofcooking.How can we prevent dry and damaged skin during summer throughfood intake?• Make sure to eat foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, since thenutrient contributes to collagen development that is important in boosting ironabsorption which aids oxygen transport.• Other antioxidants include vitamin E which is found in seeds and oils such assunflower and sesame seed oils.• Generally fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, and therefore preventoxidation and lead to brighter skin.• Foods high in iron, such as meat, egg yolk, dark green leafy vegetables anddried fruits are also necessary.• Use moisturisers that have cucumber, tea, tree, orange and aloe vera extractsdaily as these prevent chapped or cracked skin.• Try to limit sweets and fried foods.A winner in every 3 hoursparticipate, enjoy & win29th June to 1st July 2011, 10 am to 10 pmKids Fashion Fiesta:

June 28, 2011 Issue 176June 28, 2011 Issue 176Viral VideoMike TompkinsMike’s cover Owl City’s ‘Fireflies’:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXPWh2Jk1nc&feature=relmfuHe also does this brilliant rendition of ‘Teenage Dream’ and ‘Just the Way You Are’ :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlW5c4tInvYAnd his cover of Maroon 5’s ‘Misery’ is worth checking out too:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47I3eTv94wk&feature=relmfuMike Tompkins is a YouTube legend.His success is due to his uniquecovers of the latest songs in thecharts, forming the whole songincluding some weird instruments,through beat boxing and singing. Inthis whacky way, Mike has coveredKaty Perry’s ‘Teenage Dream’, BrunoMars’ ‘Just the Way You Are’, TaioCruz’s ‘Dynamite’, Adele’s ‘Rolling inthe Deep’, Rihanna’s ‘Only girl in theWorld’ and many more! He adds hisown flare to the songs and is trulytalented. Everything on these videosis made with just his own voice andby himself. You should watch hisvideos because he is truly one ofa kind and is extremely talented.There is no one else like him onYouTube. He is also well known forhis hilarious facial expressions thathe makes while beat boxing – checkit out!EventsDo you have any upcoming events? Drop us a mail atinfo@y-oman.com, and your event will be featured inthe next issue of Y!Summer Fun Weekends2011 at Bareeq Al-ShattiMall10am to 10pm, 29th June to 1st July‘Mall photo hunt’ is an action packed event where you andyour friends race through the mall on the hunt for items onthe photo hunt list. Take pics of all the items and you canwin some fantastic prizes. There’s also the ‘Kid’s FashionFiesta’ where your kid can be a star model for the day. Call92369801 or email experiment@lynxads.com for moredetails.Consumer FairJune 29thCheck out the Consumer Fair at the Oman InternationalExhibition Centre. Many companies from around the worldare taking part to offer a variety of stuff that you can buy!Running till 8th July.Dubai Summer SurprisesUntil end of JulyThe region’s biggest annual summer extravaganza will takeplace between June 22nd and July 31st. The 2011 Summerin Dubai line-up is set to extend the season this year withDSS, Ramadan and Eid creating an extra-long calendar witha range of exciting activities that offer something for thewhole family.Summer Fun at Qurum CityCentreUntil 1st JulyFrom 1st June, Qurum City Centre will be hosting its summerpromotions, allowing every customer the chance to win somefantastic prizes. Check out QCC and have a blast!Salalah Tourism FestivalJulyIf you are planning a trip to Salalah, make sure you tie itaround the Salalah Tourism Festival, beginning July 1st.Inauguration of Oculoplasty UnitSenior Consultant SurgeonBotox Injection:Treatment of wrinklesBlepharoplasty:Treatment of Puffy EyesDacryocystorhinostomy:Treatment of TearingPtosis Repair:Treatment of Droppy LidOcular Implants:Artificial EyesEntropion and Ectropion Repair:Treatment of Old TrachomaFor more information:Call 2469 3738or visit us at Al Sarooj – Bareeq Al Shatti Complexopposite Ministry of Foreign AffairsJust Watch You WantCheck out this new automaticSilverstone TourbillographFull Black watch. It wasinspired by the legendaryEnglish raceway; using ablack and shadowy look. Themain features to this Graham-London watch, according to the description, is its 48 mm steel with black PVD case, calibreG1780, and automatic see-though Tourbillon column-wheel chronograph. Added to this are34 jewels, 28’800 A/h (4Hz) and an Incabloc shock absorber. With 48 hours power reserveand 42mm cage with 48 components, you might have just found your perfect watch!Even more impressive, the watch weighs only w 0-485 grams and is arched with sapphirecrystal with antireflective coating on both faces. This watch has been tried and tested, andhas successfully passed the Chronofiable test. This kind of test is considered ‘gold’ in thewatch-making world and until today it is known to be the only automatic Tourbillon to passthe test. For more information on this unique watch, log onto www.graham-london.comor check it out at Gallery Argan.14This week, Y was joined by three budding journalists, Sara Millward, Hannah Pidcock and Becky Burnett from BSM,who contributed to the issue with 3 fantastic reviews. Check them out.15

June 28, 2011 Issue 176www.radiomerge.fmBook ReviewMovie ReviewAirheadMeg CabotBorders at Muscat City Centrerecently closed, and I am now waitingfor another big book store to fill itsplace! In the meanwhile, I dug up abook that I read a few years back andpassed onto my teenage sister so thatshe can read something good on arecent school trip. This book is a funread and is great, but what else wouldyou expect from author Meg Cabot?Meg is known for ‘Princess Diaries’and ‘Mediator’ series, and ‘Airhead’ fits her teen chick-lit style perfectly. The storyrevolves around teenagers, models, a transplant and a very sticky situation - theperfect teenager’s book. Expect secret crushes, mixed emotions and a great twist. Igot my copy from a secondhand book store, but I am sure you can get yours onlineor from a good local bookshop.Album ReviewJason DeruloJason DeruloJason Derulo debut album‘Jason Derulo’ is a 10 songmasterpiece, with five of thetracks breaking into the UKTop 10 charts. The songson his album are mainlyabout love and break-ups,but each one is unique in itsown way. Jason Derulo isa Haitian–American, R&Bsinger-songwriter, who has previously written many hit singles for successful artistsincluding Pleasure P, Lil Wayne and Pitbull. He has a unique voice and sings straightfrom the heart, which clearly reflects in his album. ‘Jason Derulo’ is a must buy. Hisstyle is easy to listen to, as there is no rapping, and is delivered in such a unique waythat it really does speak to you! He is also an amazing dancer, so check out his musicvideos on YouTube, too!Contributed by Hannah PidcockSalt‘Salt’, starring Angelina Jolie, is an action adventure filmabout a CIA agent (Evelyn Salt) who is accused of being aRussian spy. As she goes on the run to escape capture, theplot unravels. Memories from her past are revealed whichshows who Agent Salt really is.‘Salt’ is packed full of action, suspense and mystery. Ithought the film was exciting and gripping and that Jolieplayed a very convincing character, but I was, however, partlydisappointed with the ending as it was yet another actionfilm with a typical ‘cliff hanger’ closing. Other than that, I’dsay the film is definitely a must see as Joile portrays a verymysterious, secretive character, who manages a lot of daringand extreme stunts during the film, to escape capture.The movie is definitely not a film for the family, as there aresome scenes that a fairly violent, but the film is definitely onefor those who enjoy mystery, corruption and action packedscenes. ‘Salt’ leaves you thinking about how deceptive somepeople can be, and it is definitely a must see for those wholove exciting films.Starring: AngelinaJolie, Liev Schreiber,Chiwetel EjiofarDirector: Phillip NoyceRunning Time: 100minutesContributed by Hannah PidcockIt’s the dawn of a new musical era right here in Oman.Merge 104.8 is a celebration of cultures and a truereflection of diversity. Providing you with the bestR’n’B, House, Rock, Lounge, 90s, and Pop music fromaround the world. Served with fresh local flavour.16

ADVERTORIALI Care, You CareMost of you have probably thought about this, but Shurooq is the girl that acted upon herthoughts starting up the I-Care initiative in Oman. The initiative aims to provide water toconstruction workers across the Sultanate, and this can only be done if YOU join in. Wemet Shorooq Abu Nasser, a student at MCBS, about two years ago, to speak to her abouther home business, MASH Designs. We asked Shurooq a few questions about her latestproject, and what it means to her.Can you tell me a bit about yourself?I'm 22 years old; majoring in Business administration in Modern college of Business andscience and will graduate in a couple of months. I'm Jordanian and I've been living in Omanfor 19 years.How was the idea developed?I was driving to college a couple of months ago and on my way I noticed all these constructionworkers around Shatti area where I live. It was around 40 degrees and I started wondering,how could they manage to work in this unbearable heat, yet get to enjoy what they’re doing.I’ve seen them smile, talking to each other, and just laying under trees during their breaks.I then decided to buy cold bottles of water and started distributing on my own. Later, Istarted talking about the idea I had and what I’ve done to my friends and family, and withtheir support I started a page on Facebook to create awareness and ask people to join mefor the sake of these workers since they are a major part of the development of Oman. Ialso insisted on showing appreciation to these workers and the effort they put for buildingsuch a beautiful country.What should people do to help? Is this a centrally organised programme, or do youjust ask people to provide water to workers independently?I-Care is a simple not-for-profit initiative rather than an organisation. My Facebookpage creates awareness and reminds people to show appreciation to these workers bydistributing cold bottles of water either on their own or during one of our gatherings. Sobasically, people are asked to spread the word and distribute water whenever they can, ifthey are willing to. We also started giving out t-shirts and caps with the I-Care logo in returnfor water bottles. We also insist on distributing with a smile. Doing such a great deed woulddefinitely make you feel content about yourself, and this is how we do it.What is done to help labourers in other parts of the GCC? Howmany people are involved in your organisation?I have actually started this initiative without doing any researchon workers’ conditions, but I’m sure that their companies providewhatever is needed for their safety including drinkable water tankson sites. The initiative’s main aim is to distribute cold water andshowing appreciation.For now, around 360 people joined the I-Care page on Facebookand most of them started distributing on their own and wheneverthey can.What was your most touching moment.I actually had a couple of touching moments while distributing.During our first gathering, a friend of mine who was giving out waterapproached me and told me that the workers didn’t want to acceptwhat we’re giving them because they thought they have to pay for itand they obviously didn’t have money! I was literally in tears and thatmade me hold onto what I’ve initiated. Also, it’s such a great feelingwhen they smile and thank you in their language for something theyweren’t really expecting.Another touching moment was when I saw my younger brothersaving his allowance for our first gathering to be able to buy waterbottles. He was very excited to be part of it just like every supporterof this initiativeWelcome toBotswanaBotswana is a land of staggering beautywith a small population; it is ideallylocated in the heart of Southern Africa.It is bordered in the north and west byNamibia, in the east by Zimbabwe andSouth Africa is its southern neighbour .Its well known for having some of thebest wilderness and wildlife areas onthe African continent. With a full 38percent of its total land area devoted tonational parks, reserves and wildlifemanagement areas – for the most partunfenced, allowing animals to roamwild and free – travel through manyparts of the country has the feeling ofmoving through an immense Naturewonderland.18

'Its beauty lies in itswilderness, wildlifeand cultural diversity.'June 28, 2011 Issue 176 June 28, 2011 Issue 176WHY VISIT BOTSWANA?There is no "best time" to visit Botswana as thedifferent seasons all offer completely differentexperiences!• Botswana is easily accessible fromJohannesburg, Windhoek and Victoria Falls• Africa’s most beautiful subtropical wildernessreserves; teeming with game• 17% of Botswana is pristine national reserves• It’s a land of awesome contrasts – from thevast plains of the Kalahari Desert to thecrystal-clear waters of the world’s largestinland delta – the Okavango• The unique ecology of the Okavango Deltawhere wildlife and birds can be viewed fromclose quarters in a mokoro (dug out canoe),vehicle or on foot• The Linyanti and Savuti areas feature anannual summer migration of zebra and othergrazing antelope• Chobe National Park – A superb wildlifereserve which has the largest elephant andbuffalo populations in Africa, set amongstriverine vegetation with the Chobe River as abackdrop• The 54 600-square kilometre Central KalahariGame Reserve, is the largest reserve inBotswana. The northern 'Deception Valley'being the favourite destination.• Makgadikgadi Pans – as the last remnants ofa lake, which was once the largest in Africa,these Salt Pans are dotted with one-timeislands and ancient Baobab trees.• Tuli Block – A fascinating study of ancientarchaeological sites, geology, ecology andhistory coupled with exceptional gameviewing• Birding – In addition to a large number ofmigratory and resident species, Botswana hasa large number of raptors and aquatic dwellers• Excellent and exciting angling• Cultural History – The San People (Bushmen)still live their timeless way of life in variousparts of this country and their ancient rock artis widespread• San rock paintings can be seen in certainareas, including Tsodilo Hills - recentlyproclaimed a World Heritage Site, - andfeaturing 3 500 paintings and an abundanceof magnificent San rock art.Botswana is a rarity in our overpopulated, over-developed world.Untamed and untamable, it is one of the last great refuges forNature’s magnificent pageantry of life.Experience here the stunning beauty of the world’s largest intactinland Delta – the Okavango; the unimaginable vastness of theworld’s second largest game reserve – the Central Kalahari GameReserve; the isolation and other-worldliness of the Makgadikgadi– uninhabited pans the size of Portugal; and the astoundinglyprolific wildlife of the Chobe National Park.Botswana is the last stronghold for a number of endangered birdand mammal species, including Wild Dog, Cheetah, Brown Hyena,Cape Vulture, Wattled Crane, Kori Bustard, and Pel’s Fishing Owl.This makes your safari experience even more memorable, and attimes you will feel simply surrounded by wild animals.The first – and most lasting impressions – will be of vast expansesof uninhabited wilderness stretching from horizon to horizon,the sensation of limitless space, astoundingly rich wildlife andbird viewing, night skies littered with stars and heavenly bodiesof an unimaginable brilliance, and stunning sunsets of unearthlybeauty.As well, with more and more cultural tourism options on offer,you will be charmed by the people of Botswana, visiting theirvillages and experiencing first-hand their rich cultural heritage.But perhaps most of all, Botswana’s greatest gift is its ability to putus in touch with our natural selves. It offers that vital link so keenlyfelt by inhabitants of the developed world, a pervasive void we feelbut often cannot name – our connectedness with Nature and theastonishing diversity of plants and animals to be explored.Its beauty lies in its wilderness, wildlife andcultural diversity. From the crystal-clear watersof the Okavango Delta also known as the 'jewelof the Kalahari' with its variety of wildlife andaquatic birds to the large herds of elephantand buffalo in the Chobe National Park to thedry savannah of the Savuti Channel with itsever present predators and migrating zebra.Its topography consists almost entirely of theKalahari Basin although there are some graniteintrusions in the eastern and southern part ofthe country.Visitors are guaranteed a wonderfully uniquesafari adventure.20

Water SourcesWords Paul McLoughlin | Photography Clint Derric EgbertCentral to human progress has been water. Thefirst human settlements were built around riversand lakes which not only provided settlers withan easily accessible source for drinking water,but also lay the first foundations for agricultureand thus urbanisation. In one of the most rainparched corners of the world, the oasis has inthe past been the site a battlegrounds betweendifferent tribes for its control, and the sourceof life for the earliest settlers to the ArabianGulf. Although rich in natural resources, wateris one essential source that many of the GCC’scountries are close to drying up. Parts of Omanhave experienced water shortages over the pastfew years, including areas of Nizwa and theinterior just last week. As internal water suppliesare becoming steadily depleted we ask how thecountry will manage its existing water resourcesfor the coming generations.Oman is a particularly dry land, with an annualrainfall of between 50 and 300mm a year. Thiswater helps to recharge exisiting natural springsand wells in the country, but due to rapidpopulation growth and global warming, otheralternatives for the commercial supply of waterare currently being looked into. Desalinationis a process that turns salt water into freshwater, and this method of water conversion isincreasingly popular amongst Mediterraneanand Middle Eastern countries. There are alreadya numbers of desalination plants across theSultanate, including Ghubrah supplying 42million gallons per day (MGPD), Barka supplying40 MGPD, Sohar with a capacity of 32 MGPD,Sur providing 17.6 MGPD, and 28 other plantsin rural and coastal areas. Together, theseplants provide 65 percent of the Sultanate’swater demand. Ronald Mollinger is the CentralDirector for the Middle East DesalinationCenter, an international body dedicated toresearch into desalination technologies, basedhere in Muscat. Although centred on resolvingthe water-based issues involved in the Israel-Palestine National Authority peace process, thecentre also promotes the use of desalination incountries in the Middle East and North Africa, inan effort to achieve peace in the whole region.Finding multilateral solutions to exisiting waterproblems in the region will be one of the keyissues to create stability in the Middle East in thecoming years. Five years ago, Boutros BoutrosGhali, former UN Secretary General warned thatcompetition for water resources in Africa andthe Middle East could spark ‘water wars’ andurged the international community to worktogether to ensure that water resources arefairly distributed, with international monitoringto arbitrate between any disagreements.Oman, Ronald tells me, is something of a modelfor the region, of how to successfully manageand allocate water resources fairly and efficiently.He says, “A Yemen delegation that came toOman were extremely interested in the traditionaldistribution of water in Oman, which has continued forcenturies using the old falaj system, which is a veryclever device. The Yemeni delegation and World Bankasked if we could train water experts in Yemen ondesalination practices, but what the Yemeni directorwas most interested in was the way Oman’s distributionof water to different areas of the country, andtribes in the past, has been equitable.” Althoughthe plan has been put on hold due to the onogingtroubles in Yemen, it is hoped that Oman’sneighbour will learn from the Sultanate’sexperiences in distributing water fairly amongstdifferent communities in the country. It is hoped thatthis model will help to provide stability in Yemen, acountry that has suffered from instability due to tribalconflict, with animosity often based on the distributionof resources. “Oman is one of the region’s mostdeveloped countries in providing and managing watersupplies, and the work between the private sector andpublic sector, particularly with the privatisation ofwater companies, worked well in keeping water costsdown for consumers, and this is something other GCCnations are currently looking at,” Ronald says.Desalination is one of the key areas of interest,using two different processes – thermal and filtered.The thermal process begins with the heating of saltwater to catch steam, which is then converted intoclean drinking water. As the process requires hugeamounts of energy resources, it’s no surprise that thisis a conversion process most popular amongst oilrichnations. However, owing to rising oil prices, theprice tag attached to water will inevitably grow in thefuture, which is why Oman, amongst other countries,are looking at the filtered process of desalination,using reverse osmosis. The filtering process shouldalso make water prices less tied to any fluctuations inenergy costs. “Half the price of (thermal) desalinatedwater goes into energy costs,” Ronald tells me. He addsthat prices now are similar to those of bottled water –affordable, but likely to rise in the future, particularlyas oil reserves across the world dwindle.22 23

Ahmed Nasser Salem Alabri, ProjectManager for the Public Authority forElectricity and Water (PAEW) in theAddakhlyah and Addahirah Regionssays that consumers in Oman havelittle to fear about rising water pricesin the near future. “We do not intendto change the water tariff,” he says.“The Government, represented by thePAEW, is investing heavily to provide anadequate and sustainable water supplysystem to all parts of Oman. Over thelast four decades, Oman appears to havedepended on groundwater, which maynot be sufficient to provide an adequatequantity of water to the countrytoday, particularly with the continueddevelopment of the country and itsgrowth in population,” he says. Ahmedgoes on to add that the governmentis currently looking into all longtermeventualities, saying, “Recently,the PAEW executed an emergencywater supply reservoir in the Muscatgovernorate to ensure the availabilityof water during any disasters. Allthese arrangements should minimiseany disturbances caused by watershortages in the future.” In May, 2010,“The PAEW successfully completed awater supply project for the interiorregion, ending the previous processof providing Nizwa and other interiorareas with water from large capacitywater tankers from other plants. Thisexperience has enhanced the nationalexperience of how to supply water incases of an emergency,” he says.However, Ahmed does not deny thatthere are still challenges the countryfaces in meeting the neccesary watersupplies required for Oman’s rapidlygrowing population. He says, “Ingeneral, it’s well known that agriculturein some parts are suffering due towater shortages, but nowadays, whiledepending on domestic water supply forthe coming generation, the reduction ofgroundwater abstraction will enhancethe recharging of underground aquifers,which is going to reflect positively onagriculture water supplies and theAflaj system.” Agriculture accountsfor around 90 percent of water use inthe country, but crops grown tend tobe those which require little water forcultivation. Ahmed adds, “Rural areaswhich still depend on groundwater fortheir water supplies may experiencesome water shortages, especially indrought season, but in such casesthe PAEW will provide water throughhired tankers until sustainable water'Water is oneessentialsource thatmany ofthe GCC’scountries areclose todrying up'supply projects are implemented.”Another renewable water source, usedin other parts of the world, is thatfrom Sewage Treatment Plants (STP),where used water, partly from sewage,is treated and purified to convertinto safe drinkable water. Althougha norm in Europe, Australia andparts of Asia, Ronald says that manycultures in the world reject this formof water treatment as being ‘unclean’,despite scientific research pointing tothe contrary. Ahmed says that “Thegovernment may encourage the use ofSTP treated water as one of the mainalternative sources for irrigation inthe future.” As the agriculture sectorwill have to rely less on groundwatersupplies in the future and more onrenewable sources of water, particularlydue to global warming, Ronald believesthat the use of STP treated water toirrigate farmland due to its lowercost compared to desalinated water,might be a sensible solution. Anotherconcern of the desalination processis the impact on the environment.After treatment, the leftover ‘brine’waste needs to be disposed of in away which does not conflict with itsnatural surroundings although thereare methods for the safe disposal ofthis waste. Ahmed says, “PAEW paysthe environment high attention andconcern before implementing projectsincluding desalination, or givingpermits to others.” Other countries inthe region with fewer, or zero fossilfuel supplies, are looking to cleanerand more environmentally-friendlypractices to fuel desalination. Palestinelooks likely to use solar power for adesalination project, and in this sunkissedregion, many have pointed thatthis method is the most sensible andconsiderate energy source for waterconversion.Oman, Ronald says, is doing particularlywell in supplying water in an efficientand sustainable way. The futurelooks bright for the country, despiteenvironmental challenges caused byglobal warming and population growthwhich could pose problems in thefuture. Ahmed says, “No one can argueabout the challenges in providingadequate and sustainable water forthe coming generations, due to globalwarming which may cause lesser rainand flash floods. But in this regard, thegovernment, represented by the PAEWand other organisations, have madeefforts to provide alternative watersources rather than traditional sourcesand are implementing an emergencymaster water supply plan to solve theissue of water shortages, to avoid theneed to import water. But it’s importantto note that there is a plan for electricityand water interconnection betweenthe GCC countries.” Water is a globalresource and the best way of ensuringthe stability of a nation’s water suppliesis to work multilaterally. This will notonly ensure the just and fair allocationof nature’s most valued resource, butalso aid in technological developmentsin the field of water conservation. Omanis already proving that discourse andinvestigation are the right courses ofaction in order to maximise on existingwater sources for future generations.Water is not just the source of humanreplenishment, but the backbone ofcivilisation as a whole. We can’t affordto be divided on this issue.The Public Authority forEnergy and Water had thismessage for our readers:At this time the PAEW regret anydisturbances to all, due to the executionof ongoing water supply projects. Wekindly request (readers) to deal withwater as a "live source" and treat it withvery high respect and also for them totry their level best to conserve their dailywater usage, even if it requires lifestylechange. The use of conservation toolsand lesser water consumable fittingswill play a big impact in reducing theconsumption of water and lesser billingamounts, which will lead to a reserve ofwater for our coming generations.24

Germany, Poland, Vietnam and many other popular cuisines fromaround the world. These restaurants should also be designed withinternational appeal.It’s been six years since Chef Wafaa was welcomed to join the worldclassculinary crew at the Shangri-La, and for her, she says thatshe is “Thankful to be a part of the Shangri-La family. The hotel iscommitted to develop employees and cares for their careers. I havedeveloped my cooking skills and learnt a lot from the multiculturaland talented team of chefs.”Curious about her journey and achievements as a chef, Y decidedto take a few minutes out of Wafaa’s busy schedule to conducta quick interview:What do you think makes up a good dining restaurant, andexperience?A good dining experience is comprised of delicious food, using qualityand fresh ingredients, a beautiful restaurant with a good ambience, andthe company of friends or family.Do you enjoy what you do, or does the job sometimes tend to get a bitmonotonous?Because cooking is my passion, I don’t feel bored any single daythat I am cooking. In Shangri-La, where we have 20 restaurants andlounges, there is always the opportunity to try new cuisines, a new dishand discover a new ingredient. I hope I will never get tired of cookingbecause that means I will be unhappy and my family who enjoys mycooking will be unhappy too.All the rightingredientsWords & Photography Clint Derric EgbertTo be good at something, you must love what you do, andalthough there have been many women to have dreadedthe sight of a stove, there is one lady that cherishes everymoment she spends in the comfort of her kitchen, not onlyat home but in her work place as well.Hailing from a family of chefs, Wafaa Al Hadhrami’s lovefor food goes back to her childhood days, when she spentmuch time learning from, and assisting, her mother inthe kitchen, an experience that today has earned her thetitle of Shangri-La Hotel and Resort’s ‘Chef of the Year’,an annual programme within the hotel group that aims atrecognising and appreciating talented chefs who contributeto the culinary departments. With over 130 participantscontending for the title, from 72 hotels, Chef Wafaa grilledher way to victory.“At eight years old, my mother allowed me to prepare myfirst dish and that was a fried egg. Aside from my mother, Ilearnt cooking through cooking books and watching cookingshows on television. My brothers were already working aschefs when it was time for me to go to school; my familysupported me to go to the National Hospitality Institute,”Chef Wafaa tells Y.Although Chef Wafaa’s passion for cooking started at avery young age, her pursuit for a professional qualificationbegan at the National Hospitality Institute, from where sheearnt herself a one-year apprenticeship at the prestigiousAl Bustan Palace InterContinental Hotel. This is where hercareer in cuisine launched. She says, “I studied at the NationalHospitality Institute after which I had my apprenticeshipat Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Hotel for one year. Ijoined Shangri-La in 2005 as part of the pre-opening team.I started preparing breakfast dishes, then later authenticOmani dishes. I then learned to prepare Indian and Iraniancuisine, as well. Lately, I also prepared European cuisine. Iwon several awards including the Chefs’ competition in 2009at Al Nahda Resort and in 2009 at the Muscat ExhibitionCentre. With the team of Shangri-La, we won the Black BoxAward for the best team in the competition.”How would you rate Oman as a food destination?Based on my experience at Al Tanoor restaurant, the guests fromall over the world enjoy the Omani food that we offer. I do notrecommend altering the recipe to suit the palate of the foreignersbecause in fact, we want them to appreciate the authenticity of thecuisine. Oman is known for its culture and heritage, the beautifulbeaches and its serene environment. Cuisine comes secondary andit will be great if later on cuisine will be a reason for their visit to thecountry.What do you feel are the most popular type of cuisine here in Oman,and why?Ouzi which is lamb cooked underground, rubbed with salt and somespecial meat spices in order to give it a tasty flavor is one populardish. Mishkak (grilled skewers) which is grilled meat with spices aswell. Also, Shewa, which is meat cooked underground and kept therefor a whole day, or might be kept for two days before serving it withwhite rice. Another favourite is Omani Halwa, which for many yearshas the same main ingredients of starch, eggs, sugar, water, ghee,saffron, cardamom, nuts and rosewater from Jebel al Akdhar.Do you feel more can be done to improve dining experience herein the country?I think if Oman should have more restaurants featuring othercuisines, for example those from Argentina, Mexico, the Caribbean,Are there any restrictions to being a chef here in Oman?In the past, ingredients found in Oman were limited to local produce andthose coming from India. This has changed a lot in the last 10 years withthe emergence of many expatriates, and the availability of internationalfood companies in the country. There are some ingredients that maynot be available in Oman, but definitely there will be in due course.Is there anything that you feel can and should be done to allow moreopportunities for the youth in Oman to pursue a career in cookery?I believe exposure to five-star and luxury hotels, and the manyindependent restaurants from all over the country will benefit them alot. I think this is not far from happening, as more and more Omanis aredining in various restaurants and trying different cuisines.How did you feel when you won the title ‘Chef of the Year’?When our Executive Chef, Bernhard Butz, told me that I won the title Icould not believe it. For me, being nominated from a culinary team ofover 100 in the hotel is an achievement on its own. It signifies that mywork is appreciated by management and our guests. To win the awardis really an honour and I am thankful for the recognition. My family doesnot know of the award, hopefully when they learn about it, they will beproud of me.26 27

The finishingTouchWords Karima Farid | Photography Clint Derric EgbertThe wedding cake is an exceptionally important component to ensure thesuccess of a wedding in many cultures. Brides are usually always involved inthe process, which makes it even more important - after all, the bride is theprincess for this big day, and everything needs to go her way! However, it is notonly the cake that makes the night perfect, it is also the details and decorationthat comes with it. This is what makes the biggest difference.I find the right wedding cake extremely important, as it is usually the first thingthat married couple’s eat after their marriage. Think about it, after the groomcomes in, the cake cutting follows right after. Then everyone is invited to tastethe cake, and therefore this is again the first gift you share with your guests.Back in the 70s and 80s, it wasn’t as essential for engaged couples to careabout cake. For instance, my own mother’s cake in 1984 was chosen by thehotel she had her wedding in. Today, Omani wedding celebrations usually involvecake; although it is not really a must or a tradition. It is a sweet and pleasantadditional touch that everyone can share in the end. In the last decade, weddingcakes have evolved in Oman, and today it is unusual to attend a wedding withoutone.Last week, to our utmost delight, we were invited to join a small group of lovelyladies from the Women’s Guild in Oman, for a lovely morning of cake decorating.This was hosted by the InterContinental Hotel Muscat and organized by WGO,as a part of the hotel’s pastry week celebrations. The cake decoration waspresented by Head Pastry Chef Colin Wilson, and assistant Chef Paul Clarke,who flew in from the UK to Oman for a few days, to spread his awareness on cakedecorating through lectures and workshops organised for National HospitalityInstitute students. So naturally, the sassiest group of women in Oman joined thislovely extended morning.Before the morning began, we caught up with Colin for a few minutes, andasked him a few questions about himself and his history working with cakesand pastries. Colin began his relationship with food when he was in college.He later travelled to different parts of the world to experience wedding cakes,breads, pastries, desserts, petit fours, ice creams and sorbets, chocolate, sugarand pastilage work. Colin told us, “Because of my background, I am also nowteaching at Cumbernauld College while working with a hotel chain. I find it veryinvigorating to do, as my daily encounters can be taught to my students. Weddingcakes are very important as weddings are a special day. It’s not quite right toget anything wrong with the cake, so extra effort is put in where it’s needed. Inmy expertise with dealing with couples, women tend to concentrate more ondetails as well. With a previous hotel that I have worked with, we had around tento twelve weddings a week, and although I wasn’t the one making them, it wasstill very hectic.”According to Colin, before deciding on what cake you want for your wedding,you first need to check out a few brochures and books to try and find figure outwhat style you desire, whether it’s classic, modern, traditional or unusual. Thenyou need to think of the flavours that you want, like vanilla, chocolate, sponge orcarrot cake. Finally pick colours that tie up with your theme. Colin adds: “If thereis anything else that the bride would like to add, all they need to do is to let thechef know. Usually, I would give an idea on what I proposefor the cake, and they are the ultimate decision makers,and the execution of the cake is left to me.”Colin shares a personal story with us, after I had askedhim, about the most memorable cake that he has evermade. Surprisingly, he answered, “I can never forget myown wedding cake, which I made four years ago!” and hecontinued smiling, saying, “I was the one who obviouslywould have done the job, as I had to make sure it all wentperfect for my bride. My cake was three-step layered, andit was all chocolate, white, dark and milk. It took me over aweek to make all the perfect roses, as there were aroundforty to cover all three surfaces. The cake tasted good, andmost importantly, looked good.”That was Colin’s first visit to Oman, but certainly not the lastas he likes the Omanis and Oman so far. I am sure that theInterContinental Hotel Muscat is very hospitable towardshim, as he mentioned this too. Chef Austen Reid, ExecutiveChef, InterContinental Muscat told me that he was delightedto have Colin here as they have worked together before. Thedemonstration lasted around two hours and a half, resultingin us learning how to appropriately cover a cake (it is somuch work!) and how to make gorgeous flower icing. Theroses were made 100 percent perfect. The demonstrationwas quite interactive and the ladies seemed pleased withthe outcome. Many were taking notes as Colin showed ushow much work is put into a small wedding cake, imaginea bigger one!Everyone was in high spirits throughout and at the end ofthe show. I would like to thank the lovely ladies for allowingus to come in with our cameras, the InterContinental HotelMuscat for hosting this lovely event, and Colin for givingus time to speak with him. A special thanks to Chef ColinWilson, for sharing a recipe with us.

Since we were looking into wedding cakes and theimportance of decoration, we asked a few Omaniwomen how important their wedding cake was to them.Two lovely women, and myself, share our thoughts andpictures. I would like to thank both Amira and Huwaida.RecipeMacaroonYou can make at home!Courtesy of Chef Colin WilsonHead Pastry Chef & Lecturer Cumbernauld CollegeMacaroon Ingredients500g ground almond600 grams icing sugar220 grams egg liquid whites220 grams egg whites600 grams caster sugar200 grams water100 grams of red food colouring (powder)Bride:Wedding date: March 24, 2011Huwaida Hussam Al KindyThe searchMy wedding cake was so important to me; I really wanted it tolook unique and different. I went through lots of wedding cakepictures from the internet and various magazines for inspiration. Ialso had to go to different bakeries/cake shops to see if they havesomething new or special, but I didn’t want it to look like any othercake I saw before.The look and flavourMy wedding cake looked like the lower part of my wedding gown.This was something new, different and yet personal. The cakewas a mixture of flavours: a layer half chocolate and the other halfwas vanilla, two layers of mixed fruits and the topmost layer onlychocolate. It was yummy!InspirationIt was an unusual type of a wedding cake, adding on the whitecolour and the silver sugar details which looked like the stones onmy dress. Thanks to Pastry Chef Thomas Gaa from Grand HyattMuscat for baking and designing my cake. I would also like to senda big thanks to Pro Shots for taking lots of snaps of the cake, anddoing an excellent job with photography at my wedding.Amira Mushtaq SultanBride:Wedding date: November 20, 2008ImportanceMy wedding cake was very important to me. It is veryimportant that it not only looked good but tasted great,because all the guests eat it as to celebrate the happinessof the newlymarried couple. It’s just like a birthday cake, ina bigger picture.PreferenceMy sister-in-law took care of it so I left it to her. I saw acouple of designs on the internet and showed her and thenleft the rest to her.ThemeIt was themed like the theme of the wedding, whitewith a hint of yellow and lots of flowers. It had threeflavours, chocolate vanilla and carrot flavour (delicious)- it was baked at the Shangri-La, also where my weddingcelebration was held.30 31Bride:Karima FaridWedding date: June 10, 2010PreparationWhilst the preparations for my wedding, I had the least rolein making any decisions regarding decoration, only becauseI had my aunt and mom (who I blindly trust) to do it all and itcertainly worked out to perfection! But when it came to mywedding cake, I made sure that it finally looked exactly how Iimagined it, and of course that my fiancé at the time, liked ittoo.Vintage and tastyMy gorgeous and extremely tasty wedding cake consistedof five perfectly done layers. The top two were an imitation,and bottom three where vanilla and chocolate - YUM! I hadthe Grand Hyatt chef working on the actual cake, and CakeGallery working on the rest only because I decided at thelast minute to hike it up to 5 layers, and quickly asked CakeGallery to do it. The flowers at the top and bottom were anadditional touch from my amazing aunt. The design wassubtle, vintage and mainly inspired from dentelle (lace fabricfrom my dress). I mean, who wouldn’t love a vintage touch oflace?MethodSieve together the almond and icing sugarCook the 600g of caster sugar and water to 113c and pourgradually into the egg whites that have been whipped to softpeaks with the 80g of caster sugarWhip until nearly cold and pour the red colouring in.Stir the liquid egg whites into the powders and foldthe meringue in‘Macaroon’ is the mixture which means stirring the mass untilshiny and supplePipe the mix onto silicon mats or parchment paper at 3cmdiameterBake at 140 degrees for about 14 minutesIngredients for raspberry and rosewater Ganache(filling for centre of macaroons)500 grams white chocolate380 grams raspberry puree and 10ml of rosewater100 grams cocoa butterMethodMelt cocoa butter in the microwave until just melted. Then add tothe chocolate and blend with hand blend.Pour into container and allow it to set in the fridge overnightThen finally sandwich two macaroons with the Ganache and freshraspberriesEnjoy!

31212Readers, thank you for mailing us in with your beauty picks! If you didn’t see your pick this week,please email us at info@y-oman.com so we can check out YOUR favourite or must-have beautyproduct. As always, we went around Muscat to try out many things, some of those we liked fromMuscat and others were tried out through friends from abroad. This is so we can only bring you thebest of what’s in town. And if it isn’t available in Muscat, you can always purchase it elsewhere.Smell cool, look gorgeous and stay beautylicious with this week’s picks!345678Aqua Liner by Make Up ForeverYou can get the ultimate look with this eye liner; you just need to know exactly how to use it.Keep visiting their store, as they are always eager to teach you a thing or two.Age Correct Growth Treatment by Sally HansenDo you also bite your nails? Well, you aren’t the only one! Check this out to strengthen and helpyour nail growth. It worked on my nails, and I found it while shopping at Al Fair.Youth Dew by Estee Lauder Perfume for womenIt really seems like everyone’s mother or grandmother tried this one, and I happened to try itout at a friend’s place. Not sure if it's available in Muscat, but it is definitely a nice combinationof a traditional and modern scent.Rouge Automatique by GuerlainI finally managed to try out this lipstick! It comes in many shades; you just need to find whatsuits you best. This one is different, as it doesn’t have your everyday lipstick cover on it,instead a lock sort of cap that opens when you twist the lipstick to wear… Nice!Nail Lacquer by Dolce & GabbanaWith nails, you can always try out different shades of nail polish- while removing it so easily.This one by D&G feels smooth, and has a pretty finishing look to it. Thanks to Ash for this one.Lip perfection Lipstick by CovergirlMy little sister seems to be in love with this collection. The lipsticks are funky and do leaveyour lips moisturised too.Burberry Brit Aftershave by BurberryAftershave for men is important as it needs to smell good and disinfect the skin. This one doesthe job really well, according to one of our Y team male members.Boss Orange by Hugo BossLadies, I must say that I absolutely enjoying checking out gentlemen's perfumes. It makes thefuture husband (smaller) gifts so much easier. This one has nothing today with oranges, that’sjust Boss’ sub-brand. It smells gorgeous and can be perfect for any man.5 6 784

Clint Derric EgbertCunning ConceptFlying OrbI remember the last time I saw a metal ball glide around in midair,which was in a Star Wars movie, and I never really thought thatone day it would be possible to achieve this in real life. However,the Japanese chose have the answer, which is why today theFlying Orb, designed by Japan’s Ministry of Defence TechnicalResearch and Development Institute, is now a reality. The onlydifference is that this ball is equipped with a camera and cantravel to speeds of 40 miles per hour, using a single propeller witheight wings, and the cost to make the orb is a very reasonable$1000 (385 rials). To see what this baby can do, you can catch thevideo by logging onto www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2h7dPgzMgf0#at=112.Swoop the Owl – The ProtectorThere are plenty of people these days, who love tofall asleep whilst listening to music on their iPods andeventually end up waking up in the morning eitherlying on them or with the headphone wires wrappedaround their necks. So to make things a little bit safer,Swoop the Owl flies in to the rescue. This stuffedcushion-holder can store a music device inside,much like a pouch, providing it with that extra bit ofprotection while users toss and turn in their sleep.Priced at $25 (9.6 rials) you can find more informationon www.ubergizmo.com.Nokia N9With smartphones bombarding thetechno market, and Apple especially flooding thescene, I couldn’t help but wonder whatever happenedto Nokia. To the rescue, for the Finish phone maker, came therecently unveiled Nokia N9, which is as smart as it can get and ispowered by the MeeGo platform that makes usage a breeze. Sleek,bold and beautiful (not to mention smart again), the N9 boasts ofa 3.9” curved glass, the latest technology and applications thatmake internet usage and communication an absolute joy. It is alsoequipped with an 8-megapixel auto-focus camera with Carl Zeissoptics with a super wide 28mm lens. The cost of this baby is still inthe whispers, but it won’t be long before it’s out in Muscat’s stores.For more information, go to www.coolest-gadgets.com.Sound Charge T-shirtsWhen fashion meets technology, you’re sure to be onto a winner,as is the case with Orange UK’s new t-shirts. This is no ordinarygarment, but instead a step up in technology, boasting the abilityto convert sound into energy. Equipped with sound spongeson the belly of the t-shirt that absorb sound vibrations andconverted it into energy, you can now charge your mobile devicewith the use of sound. So the next time your phone battery isrunning low, and there is no place to charge it, remember tomake a noise. For more information, go to www.engadget.com.Rotary PoweredCellular PhoneAnything old school always has a cool feel to it, just likethe Rotary Powered Cellular Phone, which even thoughis only in the concept stage right now, it is somethingthat I personally would love to see become a reality.Designed by Richard Clarkson, this device requiresonly a few turns of the rotary to make calls, and if yourequire a more advanced feature to bring you back totoday, then the touch screen on the other side will comeof good use to you. I wouldn’t expect too many peopleto fancy this device, but I do believe that it could bequite a head turner. For more information,go to www.crunchgear.com.iPhone Air Guitar MoveIf you’re looking for a perfect balance of music and technology, then the iPhone GuitarHero is sure to satisfy your needs. There is no doubt that games based around musicare gaining tremendous popularity all over the world, and Air Guitar Move in particular.Equipped with a motion sensing guitar pick, users can strum away ontheir iPhone much like playing a normal guitar; the phoneitself poses as the fret board and this all works byinstalling a simple application. Designed by RonaldMannak and Colin Karpfinger, the hardware is beingbuilt in the same place as the Guitar Hero wasbuilt. This baby should be available for purchasein the coming month, so if you’re looking topurchase it online, log ontowww.ohgizmo.com.34 35

Words & Photography Clint Derric EgbertOFA AnnualAwardsCeremony –Honouring OmaniFootballIt’s been another splendid year for the Oman Football Association(OFA), and for the most popular sport in the country, the OFAfound a fitting venue at Al Bustan Palace Hotel to celebrate theend of football season. An awards ceremony, honoured talentedOmani footballers, clubs and coaches, along with the media, fortheir contribution to the sport in the presence of His HighnessSayyid Fatik bin Fahr al Said.Also gracing the event was OFA Chairman Sayyid Khalid BinHamad Bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, who addressed the audiencesaying, “Our vision is to make the sport professional, and it hasmet success. The days are not far when the game in the Sultanatewill be fully professionalised.”Key Individual Sports AwardsBest Player of the Oman Mobile LeagueJuma DarwishBest Player of the Ahli-Bank LeagueAhmed Abdullah al AlawiBest Coach of the Oman Mobile LeagueMohannah SaidBest Coach of the Ahli-Bank LeagueMubarak SultanBest Goalkeeper of the Oman MobileLeagueFaisal al RashdiBest Goalkeeper of the Ahli-BankLeagueSalem AbdullahAfter a smashing performance in the Oman Mobile League,Suwaiq was honoured at the dazzling ceremony, followed by AlArouba who finished the season in a very respectable secondplace. Grabbing third spot was Al Nahda Club, who were alsoawarded for their tremendous efforts. The Ahli-Bank League wasno less thrilling, witnessing the victory of Sur who were awardedhandsomely at the event. Musannah, who clinched second placein the league, and Fanja in third, were also feted.Suwaiq also collected the Fair Play Award, their second prize ofthe evening; this is owing to their display of good sportsmanshipduring the season, as other clubs who had shown great potentialand talent during the year, were also awarded.The OFA generously awarded the media as well for their coverageand support to football and we at SABCO Media take pride toannounce that part of the honourees were Koooora Wa Bas, AlWisal and ourselves at Y.The ceremony came to a close with Sayyid Khalid al Busaidipresenting a memento to chief guest His Highness Sayyid Fatikbin Fahr al Said. Guests and honourees then helped themselvesto a delicious array of dishes prepared by the Al Bustan PalaceHotel before the evening came to an end.We at Y would like to thank the OFA for their generosity and lookforward to the coming season.36

June 28, 2011 Issue 176June 28, 2011 Issue 176OFA End of Year AwardsCeremony3839

Nando's Muscat City Center Opening40 41

June 28, 2011 Issue 176June 28, 2011 Issue 176Tender Buds NurseryGraduationCake Decorating Event by WGO withChef Colin Wilson4243

June 28, 2011 Issue 176SUDOKUPlace a number in the empty boxes in such a way that eachrow across, each column down and each small 9-box squarecontains all of the numbers from one to nine.KFWS • MindGymMay 9, 2011Go FigureThe idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at thebottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by followingthe arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, formleft to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers belowthe diagram to complete its blank squares and use each ofthe nine numbers only once.McDonald’sDownload your FREE copy at www.y-oman.comNOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA, ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR!—1—Ayman Canawatiayman.canawati@sabcomedia.comFeroz KhanTel. 97768900feroz.khan@sabcomedia.comSudipto MojumderTel. 94051770sudipto.mojumder@sabcomedia.com45

Each week we are asking our readers to take part in a topical discussionvia Y Magazine's facebook page.Join the group and you might see your comments printed in next week'sissue!This week:What is your favourite meal at your favouriterestaurant in Muscat, and why?Charlotte Varleythai green curry at silk route......oh now I want one just thinking about it!!Mon Sooni love Pizza Muscat's Pizza very yummy really enjoying alots.Ayesha Hussaini love the crispy chicken in KFC .its really very tasty and i enjoy eating it with my familySUMMERSPECIALEarly Bird Booking until15 July 2011.Discount per person OMR 100/-13 Travel Days per person fromOMR 2,175/- per person insharing double roomUNIQUE EXPERIENCESAfricAs HiddennAture PArAdisesSOLUTIONSCROSSWORDKFWS • MindGymMay 9, 2011Samira Harib Al MaskryI love the Chicken Yogurt in Omar Kayam Restaurant. It's really tasty & goes really well with Rice. Yummy.Akshaya SubbuAccording to me, McDonalds is tasty and affordable and also healthy compared to those which is deep fried in unhealthyoil. it is also hygienic. i would certainly prefer it as a good and delicious fast food in our busy life!SUDOKUKFWS • MindGymMay 9, 2011Nilusha Nadeesha HemachandraIt has got to be the Princes Restaurant in Al Khuwair . The Chicken Korma is definitely their #1 dish for us. We havebeen ordering it ever since we were kids. They know our order like the back of their hand and always gives us the 'royal'priority :) The soft boneless chicken bursting with aromatic spices flavours, covered with thick yoghurtyyellow orchre gravy and a hint of blended and nutty cashew nuts is definitely worth the eat every time!Nivu Hussaini luv the turkish hose in alkhuwair.....just luv the kababs n has tasted the best hummos there!Rahma Al-MaskariChicken Alfredo with pink souse ,BarberaReem Elkashlansea food soup in china town restaurant , crepe for breakfast in crepe , elgoud restaurant , turkish house all food is tastythere ... many meals at many restaurant around muscat ...Enn Su ZeeI used to enjoy KFC spicy chicken with my family and Al Maida Restaurant located in Mualeh it`s` really delicious placesfor me and for my family.Last week i went to Grill House and some food i really enjoyed So i add Grill House in my list.Ireally love to enjoy Yummy food in these places.GO FIGUREKFWS • MindGymMay 9, 2011YOUR ITINERARYDay 1: Muscat – JohannesburgDeparture by Qatar Airways from Muscatvia Doha to Johannesburg. Transfer to yourhotel. Overnight at the Peermont MecourtHotel.Day 2: Johannesburg – Victoria Falls, B/l/DAfter breakfast transfer to the airport andflight to Victoria Falls. You will be transferredto Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. In the lateafternoon, search for hippos, elephants andother wildlife species as you embark on asunset cruise.Overnight at Victoria FallsSafari Lodge on bed and breakfast basis.Bordering the Zambezi National Park, thisdeluxe Safari Lodge is situated just 4kmfrom the thundering Victoria Falls.Day 3: Victoria Falls, B/l/DAfter breakfast, take in the sights andsounds of the Victoria Falls on a tour of theFalls. Spend the afternoon at leisure beforean evening Boma excursion.No surprise why Victoria Falls is one ofthe seven Natural Wonders of the World!You’ll understand it instantly as we tour theZimbabwean side, for there are numerousspectacular vantage points along the widthof the Falls, which simply take your breathaway. We’ll stand and watch, feel and listento the spray and thunderous noise, asmillions of litres of water tumble over theFalls into a series of narrow gorges below.Boma Excursion: It’s a Must Do experience,with exuberant cultural songs, dances andan extraordinary traditional meal! Thisunique dining experience, coupled with afeast of cultural entertainment, is a magicalnight out to remember. Overnight at VictoriaFalls Safari Lodge.Day 4: Victoria Falls, B/l/DEnjoy breakfast and all day at leisure.Overnight at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.Day 5: Victoria Falls - chobe N.P., B/l/DEnjoy breakfast before your transfer to yourlodge at Chobe National Park. Overnight atMuchenje Safari Lodge with all meals and 2activities daily.Situated on the western side of the ChobeNational Park. Muchenje offers a veryprivate, unspoilt game viewing experience.50km from Kasane Airport. Situated ina remote unspoilt part of the Chobe,Muchenje offers guests personalised gameviewing with unlimited activities, includinggame drives in open safari vehicles, walkingsafaris, game viewing by boat, night safarisand village trips.Day 6-7: chobe National Park, B/l/DParticipate in Lodge activities. Overnight atMuchenje Safari Lodge with all meals and 2activities daily.Day 8: Chobe N.P. – Okavango Delta, B/L/DEnjoy breakfast at the Lodge. Transfer toKasane Airport and fly into Okavango Delta.Overnight at Pom Pom Camp with all mealsand 2 activities daily.Pom Pom Camp lies in the heart of theBOTSWANA SAFARI – VIcTORIA FAllSYour dream comes true with this spectacular voyage to Africas last hidden paradises. The Victoria Falls areone of the greatest natural wonders of the world. The explorer David Livingstone remarked when he first sawthem “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”. Botswana well known for havingsome of the best wilderness and wildlife areas on the African Continent. Experience the stunning beauty ofthe world’s largest intact inland Delta – Okavango and the unimaginable and astoundingly prolific wildlife ofthe Chobe National Park. This makes your safari experience even more memorable, and at times you will feelsimply surrounded by wild animals.Okavango Delta, in a game-rich privateconcession that overlooks a beautifullagoon. The camp is a 20 minute flight fromMaun by light aircraft.Activities at Pom Pom include day and nightgame drives, walking safaris, fishing, birdingand exploring the myriad of reed linedchannels in traditional mokoros.Day 9 - 11: Pom Pom Camp, B/L/DParticipate in Lodge activities. Overnightat Pom Pom Camp with all meals and 2activities daily.The last morning after breakfast, flight toMaun International Airport. Overnight atPeermont Metcourt Hotel.Package Rates per Person in OMRfor 13 Days / 12 NightsPrice per personin OMR in sharingdouble roomsRoundtripbased onaboveitineraryNot included:• Beverages (except those mentioned above)• Personal expensesSingle Supplementper personin OMR01.07.11 – 31.10.11 2‘965/- 450/-01.11.11 – 30.11.11 2‘495/- No Supplement01.12.11 – 15.12.11 2‘275/- No Supplement16.12.11 – 03.01.12 On Request On Request04.01.12 - 31.01.11 2‘275/- No Supplement01.02.12 – 31.03.12 2‘295/- No Supplement01.04.12 – 30.04.12 2‘615/- 350/-Day 12-13: Johannesburg – Muscat, B/LAfter Breakfast interesting full day tour intoSoweto to discover South Africas „Journeyto Freedom” In the evening after a excitingday, flight by Qatar Airways via Doha toMuscat. Arrival in the morning.End of our services.Departure chartJuly 6, 13, 20, 27August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31September 7, 14, 21, 28October 5, 12, 19, 26November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30December 7, 14, 21, 28Services Included• Flights with Qatar Airways in Economyclass• Domestic Flights with British Airways and Air Botswana• All taxes and fuel supplements• All transfers• 2 nights in Johannesburg incl. Breakfast• Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River• 3 nights Victoria Falls Safari Lodge incl. Fullboard• 1 Boma Dinner with traditional dancer and singers• Tour of the Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe Side)• 3 Nights Muchenje Safari Lodge – (Meals and local drinks)• Domestik flight Kasane to Pom Pom• 3 nights Pom Pom Camp –(Meals and local drinks)• Domestik flight Pom Pom to Maun• All service charges and taxes• Travel documentationGulf Sindbad Travel & Tourism LLCAl Khwair 17/1, Al Kuleiah Street, Villa 14, P.O.Box 715, PC114,Muttrah - Muscat, Sultanate of Oman,Phone: +968 2447 5437, info@sindbad-trails.com