May 2011 your Copy To Keep
healthPlane exercises
event horizonGlobal gig guide
it’s oman Biking across the Sultanate
destinationMust go Moscow!
healthPlane exercises
event horizonGlobal gig guide
it’s oman Biking across the Sultanate
destinationMust go Moscow!
The inflighT magazine of oman air
May 2011 your Copy To Keep
The inflighT Magazine of oMan air
MarhabaOman Air has been awarded an official four-star quality and service ranking following a recent Skytrax Airline Quality Audit. In addition, Skytrax, which is recognised worldwide as a leading independent authority on airline quality and assessment, has named Oman Air’s business class seat as one of the top three business class airline seats in the world.
Over the last two years, we have been delighted to expand our network to include 40 of the most exciting destinations in the world. Located across the Middle East, Europe, South and South East Asia, and North and East Africa, each destination offers an insight into a unique and diverse culture - and our range of choices continues to increase. This month will see us relaunch our new service to Zanzibar, in the United Republic of Tanzania <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanzania> , in East Africa <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Africa> .
In addition to our new Zanzibar service, we have just launched a codeshare agreement with BMI, which offers even greater convenience for our customers travelling to and from the UK. Oman Air’s customers can now book to fly to or from Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Belfast or Manchester, via Heathrow, and this new agreement looks set to be extremely popular. It builds on our agreement with Malaysia Airlines, signed last year, which opens up Hong Kong, Singapore and a range of South East Asian destinations to our customers.
All our services, including those offered under codeshare agreements, can be booked online at www.omanair.com. Our website is secure, simple to use, and provides the latest updates on special deals and frequent flier offers. It accepts all major credit cards and I am pleased to announce that it now accepts debit cards too, making it even easier to book your next trip away.
Wherever you choose to fly, you can bank on Oman Air’s safety and reliability. We recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of working with engine maintenance specialists CFM, and I am pleased to say that we will be continuing to develop that relationship in the future, ensuring that our Boeing 737 fleet operates to the very highest standards.
So, whether you are flying on one of our Boeing 737s, an Airbus A330, and ATR or one of our just-delivered Embraer 175s, you can be confident that not only will you receive the very best of Omani hospitality, but also that you are in the safest of hands.
Thank you for flying with Oman Air and we look forward to seeing you again very soon.
Peter Hill Chief Executive Officer
Body workFour yoga exercises to relieve and refresh tired and aching joints
22
ContentsFestival focus It’s the season for flowers in Chelsea and chariots in Nepal. 6
Winter’s citysideAre you in Moscow for a week or more? Here’s how to make the most of your time in this truy exotic city.
24It’s OmanAs part of his epic attempt to cycle round the world, Slovenian biker Simon Erzen comes to Oman and finds a nation that delights him. Seeing cents
Money makes the world go round, so they say. These 20 facts will also make your head spin
10
16
ReviewsA selection of some fab reads and latest movies on circuit this month.
32
World ViewLife in all its forms on the third rock from the sun. 30Contents28 Sports
Book your place in front of the big
screen for these sporting dates!
Oman Air’s inflight magazine is issued by:Corporate Communications & Media Department - Oman AirP.O. Box 58, Muscat International Airport, Postal Code 111, Sultanate of OmanTel: +968 24519616, Fax: +968 24510771E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.omanair.com
For advertising enquiries contact the publisher:National Publishing & Advertising LLCP.O. Box 3112, P.C. 112, RuwiMuscat, Sultanate of OmanTel: +968 24793098, Fax: +968 24708445Email: [email protected]
EditorialManaging Editor
Craig [email protected]
Designers
Justin Das
Mohammed Iqbal
MarketingMedia Sales Director
Ashish [email protected]
Media Sales Executive
Ravan [email protected]
The publisher regrets that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.
Tourism & EntertainmentWhere to stay, where to shop and where to find the best buys.
37
6 Festivals
WHERE: KathmanduWHEN: MayWHAT: The Red Machchhendranath Rath Jatra Festival is the biggest socio-cultural event of the region. The wheeled chariot of a deity known as bungdyo or Red Machchhendranath is made at Pulchowk and
WHERE: London, WHEN: 24-28 May WHAT: The world’s most famous floral wonderland with 11 acres of Europe’s best flowers and gardens event at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea. Plenty of original, even wacky ideas from entrants all over the world. Visitors can roam through show gardens, small gardens and over 100 floral exhibitors in the Great Pavilion, some of the finest examples of horticultural excellence in the world. Since its inception in 1913, the show has been at the forefront
Be a part of these fun cultural festivals this month
Nepal Chariot Festival
of horticultural development. Dozens of model gardens form the prime attraction, reflecting the changing enthusiasms of gardeners, from topiary through to rock gardens and wildflowers. All flower arrangements are on sale on the last day of the show. www.rhs.org.uk
Chelsea Flower Show
dragged through the city of Patan in several stages till it reaches the appointed destination (Lagankhel). The grand finale of the festival is called the ‘Bhoto Dekhaune’ or the “showing of a vest”. A similar kind of chariot festival to Machchhendranath (white) is also held in Kathmandu city in the month of May. www.monterosa-nepal.com
Let Oman Air fly you to these exciting events this month
8 event Horizon
Arabian Travel MartWHERE: Dubai ICCWHEN: May 2-5WHAT: The annual Arabian Travel Show is the travel and tourism event unlocking business potential within the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Tourism destinations from the Middle East and around the world showcase a diverse range of accommodation options, breathtaking tourism attractions and new airline routes. www.arabiantravelmarket.com
Throne FairWHERE: Pelouse de Reuilly, south ParisWHEN: MayWHAT: This 1000-year-old Foire du Trone continues all May. In 957 Saint-Antoine Abbey obtained the right to sell a kind of gingerbread during Holy Week to commemorate their patron saint. This fair was moved in 1965 to the Lawn Reuilly the Bois de Vincennes (12th arrondissement of Paris ) where it has been held every year since, during a period of two months in April and May. Traditional bread is sold, and there is an abundance of rides, live entertainment and freak show circus performers. www.ukrides.info/trone.htm
Lebanese Garden ShowWHERE: Hippodrome de Beyrouth, BeirutWHEN: May 24-28WHAT: If you can’t make the Chelsea Flower Show, next best is the much-awaited event of spring in Beirut. In a relaxed atmosphere, a large public of visitors gathers and strolls among the beautifully appointed stands to shop for their gardens and outdoors and benefit from expert advice on gardening and other specific matters. Coupled with an extensive array of garden and floral retail products, great food and entertainment for the whole family, the festival is a celebration of the great Lebanese outdoors lifestyle. www.biztradeshows.com/lebanon
Global Indian ExpoWHERE: Kuala Lumpur Convention CentreWHEN: May 25-28WHAT: Calling all technocrats, entrepreneurs, businessmen, corporate entrepreneurs, wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers
in a show that will showcase Indian trade. Covering a diverse range of industries, the event provides a tremendous opportunity to Indian industrialists to invest and find business partners in the potential market. www.tradeindia.com
Don’t miss the unique offers of Oman Air by visiting stand No. ME2750. See you there!
Winter’s citysideFull of architectural masterpieces, historical landmarks and some of the most beautiful churches in the world, Moscow is a fast-paced and fun city whose history reaches back close to 1 000 years
10 international Destination
“To Moscow! To Moscow!” So urge Russian playwright Anton Chekhov’s characters in his 1901 work, Three Sisters. Chekhov was making a not so subtle point about the curse of provincialism in a country as huge as Russia. Chekhov’s characters bemoan a life without poetry and without meaning when they are away from Moscow.
More than a century later, there is certainly a poetic lure to Russia’s capital city. Part of this is the rich historical legacy of a city that started as a medieval trading post near the confluence of the Moscow and Yauza Rivers, then dealt with 400 years of waves of invaders, from Mongols to Napoleon to Hitler, and emerged victorious, though usually at a terrible cost.
Common sense should tell you that half the fun of Moscow is its dramatic winter cityscapes. Yes, winter, from November to March, is extremely cold, but what is more romantic than log fires and fur coats? In May, the city parks are filled with flowering trees or colourful leaves. Summer is also pleasant - though hot - and long hours of sunlight bring out the revellers.
One of the great things about Moscow is the attention and effort that has been into making your trip round the city more enjoyable.
Anyone who has ever used the Moscow Underground
knows about the incredible artwork, sculptures, chandeliers, nomadic musical groups and trinket shops. Enjoy this half subway-station, half museum while you wait for your train! Some recommended stations include Kropotkinskaya, Ploschad Rovolutsii, Komsomolskaya and Mayakovskaya.
Another good way to get a taste of Moscow is a river boat trip. In two hours you can get great views of the Kremlin, Gorky Park, Vorobevy Hills, Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow State University and more.
(Image source: Photolibrary)
Red Square: One of the most beautiful plazas in the world, this is the main destination for all visitors. When you walk into Red Square you will face south to see the majestic and stunning St Basil’s Cathedral, built in the 16th century by Ivan the Terrible!
Just in front of St Basil’s Cathedral is the notorious Lobnoye Mesto. It is a common misconception that this was used as an execution area; in fact, it was mostly used as a stage for reading the Tsars’ edicts, giving religious ceremonies and making important public announcements. Executions were held on Red Square, but they usually took place on the hill behind St. Basil’s Cathedral.
To the east are department stores. GUM is a graceful, arcade-type shopping centre along the east side of Red Square. There are plenty of top end and mid-range shops to choose from, as well as places to grab a quick bite or sip of coffee. To the west behind a high wall is the imposing Kremlin, Russia’s seat of government.
The Kremlin: It goes without saying that you are going to want to pay a visit to The Kremlin, meaning fortress in English, and now one of the largest museums in the world. State regalia, invaluable icons and treasures of Russian tsars are stored in the Kremlin chambers and cathedrals. It seems that every year The Kremlin threatens
to remove Lenin’s body from the Lenin Mausoleum. Lenin, of course, is still lying mummified in his glass tomb, and though the line to see him gets shorter every year, it is well worth a visit. Visiting hours are short and change with the season, so check with your tour group or hotel in advance for the mausoleum’s open hours.
Make sure you visit the cathedrals within the Kremlin, including the Cathedral of the Assumption, the oldest church within the Kremlin walls where many of Russia’s Tsars were crowned. The Cathedral of the Annunciation was once the private area of worship for Tsars and their families. The Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel was completed in 1508, and contains the remains of several Russian leaders.
InternatIonal DestInatIon 11
Another fascinating sight is the Great Bell Tower, which was built in the 16th century, and rises 81m high. Interestingly, when Napoleon invaded Moscow, he ordered the bell tower to be destroyed, but the operation was unsuccessful.
Spasskaya Tower is considered to be the most beautiful and most harmonious tower of the Kremlin. It was constructed by the architect Pietro Antonio Solari in 1491. From time immemorial the Spasskaya gate was the main smart entrance to the Kremlin. It was especially esteemed among people and was considered to be sacred. It was forbidden to pass astride through the Spasskaya gate.
For more than 150 years the Emperor Bell, a unique example of Russian artistic moulding dating back to the 18th century, has been standing on the white -stone pedestal at the bottom of the Bell Tower of Ivan the Great. Nearby, the Emperor Cannon, cast by Andrey Shchokhovin in 1586, is the oldest and the largest cannon in the world. Weighing 200 tons, it is 5.34m long, with an external diameter of 120cm. Never fired in anger, the cannon balls weigh a tonne each!
Winter, from November to March, is extremely cold, but
what is more romantic than log fires and fur coats?
12 InternatIonal DestInatIon
Make sure you check out the Kremlin Armoury, Russia’s oldest museum, which houses an impressive collection of state and royal treasures. The crown jewels of Russia are on display as well as countless other artefacts, including the world-famous Faberge Egg collection.
Bolshoi Theatre: No trip to Moscow would be complete without an evening at the Bolshoi,
one of the most famous ballet and opera stages in the world! Built in the 1700s on the orders of Catherine the Great, it is currently undergoing renovation. The Main Stage of the theatre is scheduled to open on October 2, 2011 with the premiere of Glinka’s Ruslan and Lyudmila by director Dmitry Chernyakov.
If you have a morning or an afternoon to spare, visit Izmailovo Park, a huge open-air market selling traditional, hand-painted Russian souvenirs, cold-war memorabilia, antiques and art. Haggling is expected!
The Moscow that stands today presents a picture of the city’s history: a place where medieval churches and fortifications, Stalinist central planning, Krushchev-era public housing projects and post-Soviet modernism can all be found side by side.
Lenin is lying mummified in his glass tomb, and though
the line to see him gets shorter every year, it is well
worth a visit
14 InternatIonal DestInatIon
BasicsHello : privEtGoodbye : dasvidAn’yaHow are you? : kak dela?Yes : daNo : NyetWhat is your name? : Kak vas zavUt?OK : khoroshoNo problem : Bis prabl’EmHow much? : SkOl’ka Eta stOit?Please : PozhaluistaWelcome : dobro pozhalovatThank you : spasibaExcuse me : prastiteGood morning : dObraye UtraGood evening : dObriy vEcher
NumBers0 : nul1 : adin2 : dvA3 : tri4 : hitYri5 : p’At’
Learn Russian Country FactsOman Air flights to Moscow will commence towards the end of the year.Visa requirements: Most nationalities require a visa in order to enter Russia. Arrange one in your home country before travelling. Tourist visas are valid for up to 30 days. Travellers need a ‘tourist voucher’ in the form of a stamped and authorised document issued by your hotel in Russia or travel agent. Any travellers applying from outside their country of nationality should consult the Russian Embassy website.
Languages spoken: Russian is the official language, although it shares official status at regional level with other ethnic languages.
Currency: 1 rouble is divided into 100 kopecks
(Letters in capitals should be stressed)
6 : shEst’7 : sEm’8 : vOsim’9 : dEvit’10 : dEsit’
InternatIonal DestInatIon 15
Choosing Oman as a cycling destination was an easy task. It would be warm, politically stable and reachable from Europe within a few hours. “Let it be an unforgettable and unique experience,” I said to myself.
The purpose of the project “Biking Around The World” is to help people that I meet, to share cultural diversity and discover the diversity of nature. In a word, to make my dreams a reality.
Right after landing, I headed down the coast from Muscat, towards Sur and Wadi ash Shab and Wadi Tiwi, two spectacular valleys in the neighborhood. Besides amazing views, you can also tackle many delightful wadi treks to discover caves. During the first few days of cruising around the east coast mountains, I had plenty of chances to chat to the local people.
While talking to them and exchanging information, getting to know more about the
The land of hospitable peopleIn 2008 Simon Erzen left his home town of Maribor in Slovenia and set out on an epic cyce ride around the world. To date he has covered more than 12 000km in New Zealand, India, Japan, Europe and, most recently, the Sultanate of Oman
local culture and religion, I found them to be extremely polite, easy going and willing to spend time talking to me. In this way I developed a sense of security in this country. Of course, because of the deeply established Islam religion among the people of Oman, I communicated only with men and had the chance to see women only at a distance if at all. But nevertheless, they were always there, serving their men and me as a guest, playing the respectful role of Muslim women in their culture.
If I was invited to their home, I very much enjoyed their hospitality with the peace and gratitude they demonstrated. I would always be offered traditional Omani tea with milk and sugar or coffee followed by fruit and dates, which are by far the largest crop grown in Oman. These were served in a guest room which in Arabic is called megles. Sometimes they even cooked a delicious traditional Arabic dish for me - Middle Eastern rice dishes with vegetables or nuts and chicken or lamb enriched with tasty spices.
Later on, the route took me to the end of the Gulf of Oman Penninsula, where I stopped at Ras Al Jinz and had the chance to see the world-famous turtle nesting beaches. Of seven recognised species of marine turtle, five are found in the waters off Oman, the most common being the green turtle. You can even find a few of them in winter emerging from the sea everyday.
(Image sources: Photolibrary, Ahmed Al-Shukaili)
16 It’s Oman
It’s oman 17
Wide open countryside and ocean view vistas characterised my journey south. I passed through traditional villages with people and children on the streets, sitting in front of the
restaurants and cafes and waving me. Often I was stopped and offered drinking water as the weather was quite warm. They offered me food and in some cases their
phone numbers in case I needed help or a lift. I grew to admire this willingness to help foreigners. Every place I visited, all the Arab kids in the village gathered around my bike and talked to me, mostly in Arabic, but some knew a bit of English. Anyhow, we were able to connect and the sight of their smiling faces as I gave them snacks from the local market as a present was my own treat. After the northern mountain region a long ride through the Omani desert down to Salalah followed. An incredibly straight countryside with few rocks or sand dunes offers locals such as the Bedouin the possibility to survive in harsh, arid conditions. They are always able to find water. As far as food is concerned, a local camel or goat provides meat and dairy products which accompany the staple rice dishes.
On one occasion, I was invited to someone’s house for dinner and I could not believe how people could acclimatise to such extreme
living conditions in the remote areas deep inside the desert. But they live long lives, have many children and, most important,
they are happy deep inside. I was told by one Bedouin: “I would never swap my home with one in Western world,
because I am happy with my family, I was born here and I will die here.”
Back to the desert - I encountered many wild animals, including herds of shy, one-humped camels, red foxes - usually scampering after prey at night, as well as rabbits and scorpions. I did not hassle
them and they did not hassle me.
From Thumrayt, the mountains rose again, but this time with more greenery and many more animals, especially camels, goats, cows and donkeys, on the road. Be careful when driving. This region offers incredible spots of enjoyment: caves, valleys with pure blue water lagoons, springs and spectacular mountain views with the ocean in the background.
They live long lives, have many children and, most important, they are
happy deep inside
18 It’s oman
But always remember to respect local culture, habits and religion. Observe some basic rules, such as not wearing shorts or short-sleeved shirts at any time, not talking to women (if you are male and vice versa) or photographing them without prior permission, respecting animals and nature and certainly not consuming alcohol.
Travelling through Oman was a thrilling experience. I feel I made new friends out of perfect strangers and learnt more about the many different ways of the world. I saw spectacular landscapes that will remain with me to my dying day and I like to think a part of me rubbed off on the people whom I met. I can still see the glowing smiles of the children surrounding me that day long ago in a rural villlage on the way to Sur.
20 It’s oman
The globe-trotting creator of Yoga Tune Up, Jill Miller knows that stress can be a real pain in the neck, literally, and elsewhere. Do these four yoga exercises to relieve and refresh tired and aching joints
A pain in the neck?Easy neck tune-up in less than two minutes (Parsva Kandharasana)
1) Sit upright in your seat and slide your right palm underneath your right thigh so that the palm is pressing into the seat. Lean your head toward left shoulder and gently rest your left palm on the right ear.
2) Inhale deeply to expand your lungs, and as you exhale, push right hand more firmly into the seat while gradually increasing the left hand’s pressure on the head. Take five full breaths.
Slowly switch sides and reverse the actions for the other side of your neck.
Tune tired feetAnkle cranks: help for swollen feet and ankles ( Jithara Hasta Padasana)
This tune up requires that you take off your shoes and allow your feet and ankles to move freely. Can be done with socks or bare feet.
1) Sit upright in your seat and cross your right shin across the left thigh. Wriggle your left hands fingers in between each of your toes as deeply as you are able to interlace them.
2) Firmly clasp your right hand on top of the right ankle and simultaneously use the left hand to create circles with the right foot and ankle, as if cranking an ice-cream maker. 20 cranks in one direction, then reverse the circles for 20 in the opposite direction.
Switch sides.
Body work22 HealtH & Beauty
Bags of helpUpper back and shoulder tune-up (Ardha Garudasana)
1) Sit upright in your seat and cross your left arm on top of your right directly in front of your chin. If possible, spiral your forearms around one another so that your arms twist around each other like vines.
2) Inhale deeply into the upper back and hold breath for a five second count while gently attempting to pull the intertwined arms apart. As you exhale, reach your interlaced arms up just one inch higher. Repeat this five times on this side, and with each exhale, inch your arms slightly higher.
Switch sides.
Blackberry thumbsRepetitive computer cell phone keyboard use can cause cramping and irregularities in the thumb joint. (Angustamulasana)
1) Sit upright in your seat and raise your left palm about 15cm away from your face, then twist your hand so that the palm now faces left.
2) Grip your left thumb from behind with your right hand’s four fingers and pull your left thumb down towards the elbow, away from the hand as if you were trying to bend it backwards! Simultaneously stretch the left hand’s fingers away from the thumb. Take five deep breaths.
Switch sides.
HealtH & Beauty 23
24 BusIness
(Image source: Photolibrary)
BusIness 25
Fancy your turn of phrase? Whatever language you speak, net yourself some extra income using your writing skills and some simple internet savvy
Write, IncAll those people that majored in English Lit or Journalism, or anyone who is in love with the written word, follow your creative dreams and make money from hiring out your writing skills on the internet. Here are eight ideas that can and do work!
Name names: Go to Google or any other search engine, find bad domain names and contact their owners directly, offering them your services. The key to success is to make it 100% risk free. Inform your prospective clients that you’ll accept money only if they like your domain name. Another twist – come up with cool domain names, like SiteToRemember.Com or ItsMe.Com, register them yourself and sell them on the aftermarket.
Plug a product: If you are good at copywriting, go to eBay and look for high-end items, like boats. Find auctions with totally inept descriptions. Contact an owner and inform him or her that a better description of his or her item is likely to increase the chances of that item being sold. Then offer your services for, say 1% of the selling price. You can use free eBay software.
Personal cynic: There is an internet site, SoftwareJudge.com, which pays up to $50 per good review. Why not do this yourself? Find sites that don’t have any reviews or testimonials. Contact developers directly, offering them your review services. Good reviews and testimonials increases sales, so you shouldn’t have any difficulties convincing developers that they need your services. You don’t have to limit yourself to software alone.
Social butterfly: This is really easy money. Charge $10 for submitting news to RedDit, Digg, StumbleUpon, Furl, NewsVine, Fark and all the other social bookmarting sites. The key is to work only with interesting stories, so you don’t become a spammer. Churn out 10 items a day and, well, you do the maths. You can probably work out a deal with online PR agencies.
Get ahead in advertising: You must have seen atrocious ads saying things like “Cake Icing. Used And New. eBay.com”. Aren’t there any good AdWords ads copywriters? Looks like a great job. The ads are only three lines long and if you charge $10 per ad, you can make a lot of money. And the customers are easy to find, too. Just look at all these terrible ads that Google displays on their search engine and contextual network.
Wacky blogs: American blogger Steve Pavlina makes more than over $300 a day from AdSense alone, writing on wacky topics, like polyphasic sleep, astral projection and psychic development. Or take David Icke, who claims that president Bush in an alien and a reptilian. Your blog doesn’t have to be true, it just has to be interesting. There are also a number of services, like PayPerPost.Com, that pay for promotional blogposts. Once again, you can do the same thing, cutting the middleman out.
Sell people: Write memorable personal ads for online daters. Most personal ads are hopeless, saying things like, “Hi, my name is Bambie, I’m a Virgo, I’m 19 and I love dogs.” If people pay for resume writing, they might pay for a great personal ad.
A poet and you know it: This is nothing new. Still, if you love writing poetry, why not make some money with your rhymes. What’s that Adam Sandler movie where he writes witty sayings for Hallmark cards - think outside the box! (Visit www.nichegeek,com for more business ideas)
Rock meWith a certain youthful air, these pieces blend white, yellow and rose gold in expertly designed pendants, necklaces and bracelets. The theme this season is Nature and Spring, which are highlighted by the sparkle of selected brilliant diamonds.www.damasjewellery.com
Back to the futureReturn to the extravagances of yesteryear with a vintage-inspired fashion label, reinventing some of the great silhouettes of the 20th century into beautifully cut, individual pieces. The line is aimed at women over thirty, and each design is created as a timeless piece, bringing elegance, sophistication and a subtle sexiness to a lady’s closet.The look takes its inspiration from fashion illustrations, photographs and vintage pattern books from the 1930s to the 1970s. With beautiful day dresses and separates in the most flattering silhouettes, each item is designed to make even the most mundane meeting or school run a scene-stealer. www.silkandsawdust.com
Casual classicsClassic chic is the look of the season this Spring/Summer. With beautiful tailoring you will be looking sharp for every occasion. The trendy palette this season is classic meets neutral with statement tones of black, navy and charcoal grey against contrasting tones of taupe, beige and nude.For a casual look team some indigo jeans along with navy blazer and accessorise your outfits with a selection scarves from this season’s range. www.shirtsleeves.net/bianca.php
26 FasHIOn & trends
TielandFrom black tie to the lounge tie, we are talking about the very heart of a man’s wardrobe. The only real material to consider is silk, although of course colour, pattern, and construction are all equally important in providing neckwear that speaks volumes about the wearer. Consideration of base colours, accent colours, and complimentary hues and shades is an absolute must when deciding on a particular piece. Keep these things in mind, and you will be one step closer to achieving that perfect image!
Over to youIn this day and age you have to ask the question, “What message are your clothes sending?» An amazing overcoat is a great investment. It is time to look sharp and in order to be taken seriously again, it is definitely de rigeur to demand perfection in fit and quality. After all, this is the external You being presented to the world. www.suitthecity.com
FasHIon & trenDs 27
High fiveNasa astronauts Steve Bowen and Alvin Drew, both mission specialists, wave as they participate in the mission’s first session of extravehicular activity as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station in February of this year. (Photo: NASA/Getty Images)
Salute to the sunAn amazing freeze-frame moment as three Common Bottlenose dolphins (tursiops truncatus) leap out of water at sunset, off the coast of Honduras(Photo: Mike Hill/Photolibrary.com)
Harbinger of snowFireworks explode to celebrate the 27th Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival opening ceremony at the Ice and Snow World in January in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province of China. The 27th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, established in 1985, is China’s original and greatest ice artwork festival. (Photo: ChinaFotoPress/Getty Images)
28 WOrld VIeW
Air linesUsing his own momentum and the wind in his sails, a kite surfer seems to hang upside down in the air above the sea off the coast of Maui. Hawaii. (Photo: Aeder Erik/Photolibrary)
Going for goldA golfer completes his stroke as his golf club is silhouetted against a vibrant orange and red sunset. (Photo: Bill Bachmann)
Capital executionWindow cleaners pause for a break in their cleaning gondola outside the 50th floor of the One Canada Square skyscraper in London, England. Currently the tallest building in Britain, it lies at the heart of Canary Wharf, the business and shopping district on the River Thames. To clean all the windows of the building takes a month, with the cleaners suspended up to 190m from the ground. (Photo: Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images)
WorlD VIeW 29
SOCCERFA Cup Final, May 14Manchester City take on Stoke city in this classic football tournament at Wembley Stadium. This is the 130th year of the oldest football knockout competition. It all started in August with 759 clubs and the last two survivors will go head-to-toe for the 2011 FA Cup final. The winner qualifies for the UEFA 2011-2012 Europa-League competition.
TENNISFrench Open, May 22 - June 5 Two weeks of gripping clay court action from the Roland Garros stadium in Paris. Most of the great names in the history of tennis appear
UEFA FinalMay 28, Wembley StadiumIt’s a busy month for football and for Wembley Stadium as the highlight of European football’s club calendar returns to the London venue for a record sixth time, the first at the new stadium. Wembley has undergone a massive transformation since it hosted the last old-style European Champion Clubs’ Cup final in 1992, but the new stadium has lost none of its prestige. The famous twin towers have made way for an iconic arch over the stadium, which has been totally rebuilt and is now one of the most modern and breathtaking arenas in the world, boasting a seated capacity of 90 000.
on the roll of honour at the French Open. The second Grand Slam of the season always attracts the elite of the tennis world, and last year Rafael Nadal and Francesca Schiavone wrote their names alongside those of their illustrious elders. Nadal will be looking to make this his sixth win.
30 spOrts
Kung Fu Panda 2Director: Jennifer Yu HelsonStarring: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen Studio: Paramount Pictures Releasing: May 26, 2011The sequel to the hugely popular Kung Fu Panda, this next instalment continues the adventures of Po the Panda (Black) and his friends known as the Furious Five - Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey. This time the story follows Po who, whilst in search of other pandas, happens across a group of bandits. Gary Oldman will voice a character called Peacock who helps Po on his way, but is more than he seems.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger TidesDirector: Rob MarshallStarring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShaneStudio: Walt Disney Pictures Releasing: May 20, 2011The fourth in the epic pirate series. When Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) crosses paths with a woman from his past (Cruz) he›s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.
ThorDirector: Kenneth BranaghStarring: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Colm FeoreStudio: Paramount PicturesReleasing: May 6, 2011The mighty Thor is a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin (Hopkins) and is forced to live among humans. A beautiful, young scientist, Jane Foster (Portman), has a profound effect on Thor, as she ultimately becomes his first love. It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.
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The GuardianBy Nicholas EvansAnother winning exploration of the human psyche and our interactions with animals from the author of The Loop. A young woman, Julie, is left depressed and lost after the death of her husband. Shortly after his death, she receives a package that he had arranged to be sent to her. In it, she finds a puppy. At first she doesn›t necessarily want the puppy, who she names Singer, but soon grows to love him. Flash forward quite a few years. Julie finds that she is ready to begin dating again. She dates a few guys with no success. Singer seems to be able to sort the good guys apart from the bad ones. At the end of the book, Julie’s guardian (can you guess who?) saves the day - and some lives.
Why we LieBy Dorothy RoweA Psychologist’s candid and at times brutal analysis of why people lie, and how that ruins our lives. Drawing upon research from Nazi Germany, occupied France and Stalinist Russia, as well as the recent banking crisis and climate change, Rowe explains how our vanity and fear makes us hide the truth. The main focus of the book is the link between parents hiding the truth from their children and the larger-scale multinational lies that governments and corporations trot out in the name of global stability.
The Art of Running in the RainBy Garth SteinAnyone who enjoyed Marley and Me, or who has a dog will love this gentle, humorous read from Stein. Enzo is a lab-terrier mix plucked from a farm outside Seattle to ride shotgun with race car driver Denny Swift as he pursues success on the track and off. Denny meets and marries Eve, has a daughter, Zoë, and risks his savings and his life to make it on the professional racing circuit. Enzo, frustrated by his inability to speak and his lack of opposable thumbs, watches Denny’s old racing videos, coins koan-like aphorisms that apply to both driving and life, and hopes for the day when his life as a dog will be over and he can be reborn a man. When Denny hits an extended rough patch, Enzo remains his most steadfast if silent supporter. Enzo is a reliable companion and a likable enough narrator, though the string of Denny’s bad luck stories strains believability.
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Deep pocketsThe ocean floor is the final spending frontier for the world›s richest people. Journeying to see what›s on the bottom aboard a personal submersible is a wretched excess guaranteed to trump the average mogul’s stable of vintage Bugattis or a $38-million round-trip ticket to the international space station aboard a Russian rocket. Luxury-sub makers and salesmen from the Pacific Ocean to the Persian Gulf say fantasy and secrecy are the foundations of this nautical niche industry built on madcap multibillionaires, such as Russian oil billionaire Roman Abramovich.http://luxurysubs.org/images/new_seattle.jpg
Time for a changeThe first ever watch without any hands or numbers, the Ziiiro Gravity and Ziiiro Mercury timepieces use two swirling rings to tell the time. Unique and efficient, the tip of the inner ring represents the hour, while the tip of the outer ring denotes minutes, and a fading gradient tracks the passage of time. Will they catch on? Only time will tell. www.engadget.com
Clever talkVertu, the market leader in luxury mobile phones, has unveiled its first smartphone, Constellation Quest. This unique qwerty device synchronises lifestyle and business tools, providing a Vertu email account and the benefit of secure, protected back-up of data. Each handset is built by just one technician who signs the handset. The casings are made of surgical stainless steel or the case of one variant, 18 carat yellow gold, sapphire crystal screen and colour matched ceramic pillow. The individual keys, made from either stainless steel or sapphire crystal, are honed to a beautiful, faceted V-shape.www.vertu.com
34 tecH talk
Beat the Bat boatThe problem with yachting is that there’s just no way to bring all of your toys with you. How will the neighbors at the marina ever know that you’ve got a world-class supercar if you have to keep it tucked away in the garage while you’re out sailing the Mediterranean? The shipwrights at Stand Craft have the perfect solution. Meet the 166 – a modern yacht that comes with its very own high-horsepower supercar tucked in the aft. The wheeled machine in question will reportedly wield a 620-horsepower V8, and Stand Craft claims that the vehicle will clip off a top speed of 189 mph. And the price? If you can afford one of these, you won’t care what the price is.http://www.autoblog.com/photos/stand-craft-166/
View from the heartTwo men, both seriously ill, occupied a hospital room with one window. One of them had to lie flat on his back all day, while the other could look out the window for an hour a day. The first man lived for those periods when his room-mate would describe all he could see outside the hospital window. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake, the man had said. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Lovers walked arm in arm amid flowers of every color. Beautiful trees graced the landscape, and the city skyline could be seen in the distance.As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind’s eye. He started to
They said it!ATC: “Cessna G-ABCD What are your intentions? “Cessna: “To get my Commercial Pilot’s Licence and Instrument Rating.ATC: “I meant in the next five minutes, not years.”
Tower: “Eastern 702, cleared for takeoff ”Eastern 702: “Tower, Eastern 702 switching to departure. By the way as we lifted off we saw a dead animal on the runway.”Tower: “Did you copy the report from Eastern?”
National 63: “Roger, Tower, cleared for takeoff... yes, we’ve already notified our caterers.”Tower: “XXX123, Are you taking off or not?”XXX123: “Yes yes, we’re going in a moment.”Tower: “If you had rear-view mirrors in that plane of yours, you would’ve taken off five minutes ago!”
Six ways to spot a liar!1. Covering the mouth: The hand or a
few fingers covers the mouth as your brain unconsciously asks it to try to suppress that deceitful message being communicated.
2. Touching the nose: Touching the nose can include several rubs of the nose or it may be a single quick one, or one that is hardly noticed.
3. Rubbing your eye: Men usually rub their eyes vigorously or even look away of they tell a great big lie. Women are far less likely to rub their eyes, they instead elect to use a more subtle, smaller touch beneath the eye.
4. Grabbing of the ear: Attempting to block out the words they are hearing by tugging the ear lobe or grabbing their ear.
5. Scratching the neck: Using the index finger mainly of the dominant hand and scratches the neck. Watch for this gesture alongside verbal communication, it usually goes with someone attempting to get out of something or politely disagreeing.
6. Pulling at your collar: Increased blood pressure from deceit causes sweat to form on the neck often, especially if the person lying suspects that the other person knows!
Time Out
become jealous of his room-mate, asking himself why he should have all the luck while he was trapped on his back. He stopped talking to his room-mate and the two of them fell into an uneasy silence. Weeks passed. One sad day, the patient by the window died of his illness. The other man asked the nurse if he could swop beds and she agreed. Once in his new position, he slowly, painfully, propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it all himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the hospital window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.Moral: The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.
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HammamSituated well off the beaten track near Hammam village in the Bausher wilayat, this is one of the oldest and hottest hot springs in Oman. One test revealed water temperatures of over 70 degrees Celsius, meaning you could poach an egg there! Legend has it the spring was found hundreds of years ago when a Bedouin camel fell in and was boiled away to a bag of bones. Locals believe the mineral-rich water has therapeutic qualities and is good for rheumatism and sore throats. The water also irrigates local pasture lands making it is a beautiful green oasis.
Al ThowrahLive near water and ask not about sustenance, goes an old Omani proverb. It is an apt saying the Al Thowrah hot spring at Nakhal, which originates in Jabel Nakhal and flows into a pool at the site. From here it trickles over a weir to the wadi floor and provides sustenance to the village. The water is not boiling, and is warm to the touch, and the venue is a popular one for picnickers all year round. During the months of July and August, the date palms in Nakhal are heavy with fruit in different shades of yellow, orange and red, all ready for the harvest.
Ain al KasfaOne of the better known hot springs in the Sultunate, the water temperatures here are about 46 degrees. Situated in the ancient town of Rustaq, in the Western Hajar Mountains about 170km south-west of Muscat, once the capital of Oman, the sulphur-rich waters of the hot spring are supposed to be good for combatting arthritis and rheumatism. Nearby is the famous Rustaq fort, and a small souk selling a variety of items.
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Oman boasts several scenic and therapeutic hot springs which are an ideal place to escape the rat race and have a chilled picnic
Hot chills
MuseumsTo make your cultural journey complete, a visit to at least one of the dozen museums in Oman is recommended. The Natural History Museum features Oman’s flora and fauna, including some of the indigenous species. To get a glimpse of Oman’s military history, visit the Armed Forces Museum. The National Museum showcases a rare collection of the history of the ruling dynasty. The archaeological lineage of the country can be found in the Omani Museum. There is an exclusive museum for children, the Children’s Museum, that is educative as well as entertaining. Bait Al Zubair and Bait Al Baranda are examples of how Oman’s history has been captured in a capsule for those who are not familiar with it. For a complete listing of Oman’s various museums, please refer to the local dailies.
Hotels Oman has a wide variety of staying options catering to
any and all types of visitors. From plush five-star beach-facing resorts and spas for the more upmarket visitors, to
the four-star, three-star, hotel apartments, camps, guest houses, and youth hostels, everyone’s wallet is catered for.
Desert and mountain camps are particularly interesting experiences if you have not had the opportunity to enjoy
them before. While in Muscat, you will be spoilt for choices, and when you head towards the interior you will
experience true rustic charm and old-world elegance. Either way, you will get to experience the essence of true
Omani hospitality wherever you stay.
ShoppingWhen it comes to shopping, Oman is full of choices both traditional and modern. If you are looking for some of the world’s best brands, you could head to the nearest mega-malls, shopping complexes or hypermarkets. You can find these outlets all across the capital city, as well as in the larger cities like Nizwa, Sohar, Sur and Salalah. If traditional shopping is your interest, then you must visit the Muttrah Souq beside the Muttrah Corniche area. There are also some very old and famous souqs in Nizwa, Sinaw, Ibra and Salalah. For tourists, these souqs are a paradise for souvenir hunting! Frankincense, perfumes, spices, dates and antiques jostle for space with electronic products, fashion accessories and toys. For a complete Oman experience, have a go at both the old and the new!
Chedi Muscat
Hafa Souk Salalah
tOurIsm & entertaInment 37
Oman Natural History Museum
Omanat a glance
The Sultanate of Oman is the third largest country located in the southeast coast of the Arabian peninsula. The Sultanate is bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the west, the United Arab Emirates in the northeast, the Republic of Yemen in the southwest, the Strait of Hormuz in the north and the Arabian Sea in the east.
Oman has a land area of approximately 3 09 500km2 and a 3 165km long coastline extending from the Strait of Hormuz in the north, to the borders of the Republic of Yemen in the south.
Oman’s coast spans the three seas : the Arabian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A number of islands also are part of Oman including the famous islands of Masirah and Halaniyat (Kuria Muria). The country’s northern most part, the Musandam peninsula is Oman’s only coast on the Arabian Gulf and it is located across the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Fact SheetArea : 3 09 500km2.Population (2010) : 2.69 million, including 743 000 expatriates.Language : Arabic (official), English (widely spoken), German & French (most hotel staff ).Capital : Muscat.Local Time : GMT +4.Currency : Omani Rial, which equates to US$ 2.58.Shopping Hours : 09:00 - 13:00 then 16:30 - 22:00
Currency The local currency is the Omani Rial (referred to as RO or OR or OMR). It is further divided into 1000 Baizas. Currency denominations are available in 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 Rial and 500 and 100 Baiza notes. Coins are available in 50, 25, 10 and 5 Baizas.
ReligionIslam is the official religion of the Sultanate of Oman.
(Image source: Ahmed Al Shukaili)
38 get FamIlIar
Trave ltips
Whenever you travel overseas, it is often useful to understand the local laws and customs in the destination country, as they can often be very different to your own. To avoid any mix up or confusion with local laws and customs we have provided some travellers tips to assist you in having an enjoyable visit to the Sultanate.Please be advised that the information contained on this page is not fully comprehensive and may be liable to change without prior warning. Consult a travel expert or your local embassy prior to departing on your journey.Oman’s laws are based on Sharia law, also known as the Islamic Law. • In Oman, it is illegal not to have some form of
official ID on you at any given time. Therefore, it is recommended that you carry either your passport, or a photocopy of, or some other valid identification card. Other forms of ID such as overseas driver’s license or overseas ID cards will not be accepted.
• Visitors holding valid UK, Australian, and American and certain other nation’s driving licenses (check with the embassy if your country’s license is valid) can currently obtain an Omani license without taking a driving test.
• Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road.
• Heavy rainfall can cause sudden and severe flooding to dry riverbeds, which may pass over a road. You are advised to take full precautions when driving during rains.
• Oman is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, or if you intend to visit religious areas.
Basic Arabic Phrases
(Image source: iStockphoto)
Yes : naäam No : laa Please : arjook Thank you : shukran You’re welcome : äafwan
Excuse me : lao samaht I am sorry : ana aasif Good morning : sabaah al khayrGood evening : masaa’ al khayrGood night : tusbih äalaa khayr
Get FamIlIar 39
40 Oman aIr neWs
Oman Air unveiled the new member to its fleet, the Embraer 175, at a ceremony organised at Muscat International Airport where invited journalists, trade partners and special guests got a chance to see the interiors of the brand new aircraft.
Oman Air is now the proud owner of two Embraer E jets, which will be deployed to the regional routes that Oman Air flies to. The
Oman Air unveils Embraer 175
deal was originally announced in November 2009 and includes firm orders for five Embraer 175s, plus options for another five aircrafts.
Embraer S.A. is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading exporters. Embraer’s headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, China, France, Portugal, Singapore, and the United States. Founded in 1969, the company designs, develops, manufactures and sells aircraft for commercial aviation, executive aviation and defence segments.
The company also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide. Oman Air’s Embraer 175 will be configured with 71 seats, in a dual-class layout, with 11 seats in business class and 60 in economy.
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Oman Air ranked Official 4 Star Airline®
in Skytrax Airline Quality Audit
Oman Air has been awarded an official four-star quality and service ranking following a recent Skytrax Airline Quality Audit. In addition, Skytrax has named Oman Air’s Business Class seat as one of the top three business class airline seats in the world.
The revised ranking follows a period of significant growth and development for the airline, which has seen the introduction of luxurious new Airbus A330 aircraft and the launch of new routes across Europe, the Middle East, East Africa and South and South East Asia.
Skytrax, which is recognised worldwide as a leading independent authority on airline quality and assessment, conducted the audit in January and February of this year and examined all product and service delivery areas of Oman Air’s operations.
The last Skytrax audit was conducted a number of years ago and awarded Oman Air a three-star ranking. Oman Air’s new Official
4 Star Airline® ranking signifies that the airline has achieved a good standard of product across all travel categories, with good standards of staff service delivery in both the onboard and airport environments.
Business Class Seat Named As One Of Top Three In The World
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Oman Air and BMI have announced a codeshare agreement that will allow Oman Air’s customers to book flights from Oman’s capital Muscat to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Belfast or Manchester, via London Heathrow. BMI customers will be able to book flights from any of the airline’s UK departure points through to Muscat.
New Oman Air -
BMI codeshare agreement
Website accepts debit cardsOman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has enhanced its website and it now accepts debit cards. This added feature will benefit those customers who do not own credit cards but wish to purchase Oman Air’s ticket on the internet.
The convenience of online purchase of Oman Air tickets with credit cards was first introduced in July 2006. Now www.omanair.com accepts debit/prepaid/ATM cards issued with “Visa” or “Master Card” logos, and is a great new convenient, efficient and time saving product.
The website is fully secured and card transactions are encrypted for customers’ security. If the customers’ card issuing bank has activated the “Verified by Visa” or “Secured by Master Card” service to secure
the online shopping, Oman Air Web supports this additional security feature as well.
This initiative stems from the airline’s strategy to invest in technology innovations for a customer- friendly environment.
Debit card acceptance on the web will play a pivotal role in sharing the signature Oman Air experience, starting from the web in selecting best fare, route and convenience of purchasing air ticket.
CFM International celebrate 10-year relationshipIn a special ceremony held at the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Sultanate of Oman, Oman Air and CFM International celebrated 10 years of cooperation and together marked the achievement of 500 000 engine flight hours on the airline’s fleet of CFM56-7B engines.
Oman Air became the first airline in the Gulf region to order CFM56-7B-powered Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, and has been a CFM customer since 2001. The airline was formed in 1993 as the designated carrier of the Sultanate of Oman and, today, operates a fleet of 15 CFM-powered aircraft.
In October 2010, Oman Air and CFM signed a Rate per Flight Hour (RPFH) agreement for the airline’s fleet of CFM56-7B engines. The RPFH is a comprehensive maintenance program customized to Oman Air’s specific requirements. Under the terms of the agreement, CFM guarantees the maintenance cost on a dollar-per-engine-flight-hour basis for the airline’s entire fleet of installed and spare CFM56-7B
engines powering its fleet of 15 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft throughout the term of the agreement.
The CFM56-7B engines in Oman Air’s fleet have performed extremely well in service, with the fleet maintaining a 99.98 percent departure reliability rate with no operational issues.
CFM56-7B engines are a product of CFM International, which is a joint venture between Snecma (Safran group) and GE. CFM, the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, has delivered nearly 22 000 engines to date and the fleet has achieved more than 520 million flight hours as the most reliable engines in the air.
500 000 flight hours on CFM56-7B fleet
The codeshare agreement will come into effect from 1st April 2011 and customers will be able to book flights through either Oman Air or BMI outlets.
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