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January 2010The inflighT magazine

of oman air

Welcome to our new issue of Wings of Oman. If this is your first time flying with Oman Air, I am delighted that you have chosen us and I hope you enjoy the hospitality, service and comfort upon which we have built a solid reputation.Those of you who have flown with us before will have noticed that we have redesigned our in-flight magazine to make it even more entertaining and informative, with more pages than ever before, great new features and wonderful photography. And, as always, we look forward to hearing your views.We are constantly looking for ways to make Oman Air’s flights even more enjoyable and the new-look Wings of Oman is not the only change we have made over the last year to ensure a truly memorable experience. Our new routes to Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, the Maldives and Colombo are flourishing, as is our new three-class service to London Heathrow. We have introduced spacious new, state-of-the-art Airbus A330 aircraft to our fleet, together with new Boeing 737s – and there are more to come. Our exclusive new first class cabins, luxurious, lie-flat business class seats and spacious economy class seats have brought new levels of comfort to air travel and our latest in-flight entertainment system, together with shortly to be introduced mobile phone and laptop connectivity, ensure that our customers can enjoy innovations that are unavailable elsewhere.Looking to the future, the New Year holds much in store. Further new aircraft will be delivered, offering unmatched levels of comfort to even more of our customers, and we are looking forward to announcing the introduction of more exciting destinations across the Middle East, Europe and Asia. We have also ordered new Embraer 175 Regional Jets which will soon offer spacious and relaxing travel for our customers, primarily within the Gulf Region, and will give us the opportunity to introduce even more new regional routes. We will, of course, keep you up to date with developments through the pages of Wings of Oman.Finally, wherever you are travelling and whatever your plans, I wish you a very happy and peaceful New Year. Thank you for choosing to fly with Oman Air.

Peter HillChief Executive Officer

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ConTenTs

Colombo Calling8

Treasure hunTing in oman

money maTTers

16

2024

Heard of ‘Geocaching’ before ? If yes, you are going to like this. If no, you will love this.

Useful tips on how to save money. See some simple pointers to make saving an integral part of you.

Lovely landscapes, beautiful beaches, exciting shopping options, and much more ... all in one dream destination !

WinTer skinCareYour skin needs your care much more now, than ever before. Find out why.

fashion & TrendsA quick look at some of the season’s coolest fashion accessories.

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6 Lead Feature

ConTenTs

World VieW32A snapshot of some intriguing pictures from around the world.

Oman Air’s inflight magazine is issued by:

Corporate CommuniCations & media department - oman air

P.O. Box: 58, Muscat International Airport,

Postal Code 111, Sultanate of Oman

Tel: +968 24519616

Fax: +968 24510771

E-mail: wings@omanair.aero

Website: www.omanair.aero

For advertising enquiries contact the publisher:

nationaL pubLishing and advertising LLC (npa)P.O. Box: 3112, P.C. 112, Ruwi

Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

Tel: +968 24793098

Fax: +968 24708445

E-mail: advertising@npaoman.com

Website: www.npaoman.com

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.

34 sporTs

42 geT familiar

The most happening events that you need to know of.

Essential information on Oman. Must read.

Take a tour of some popular Forts and Castles in Oman.

40CulTure & heriTage

44

reVieWs 36 Catch up with the latest movie and book reviews here.

oman air neWs

Wings of Oman: 20.5x27 cm

8 Lead Feature 8 lead feaTure

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For any lover of long stretches of sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms, balmy climate, spicy food and irresistible shopping options, Colombo is a must visit destination.

Visitors to this bustling and vibrant city would love the active outdoor options that the city offers, or for those seeking more calmer pursuits like lazing by the beach, or rejuvenating with some traditional massage therapies, Colombo is just the place to be.

Apart from the native Singhalese, this urban melting pot of cultures, customs and traditions is home to over 1 million multi-ethnic people who can trace their origin back to the Tamils, the Arabs, the Europeans, the British, and those from the Far East - the people who have left their indelible presence in this island nation.

Getting around Colombo is simple enough. Local buses and trains services are available. But even with a map for guidance, one would need some amount of familiarity with the topography to attempt these options. More comfortable choices could be availed by hiring Taxis or three-wheelers, for a day’s outing, at a pre-fixed price.

CoLombo CaLLing

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Image source: Gallo Images/Getty Images

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There is much one can do in Colombo. Let’s say, start the tour of the city at the ‘Fort District’ in the north, which is the capital’s main business area. Colombo, being the country’s commercial capital has most government offices, international and local banks, airline offices and other large organisations located in this area. In addition, some very quaint architecture can be seen here like the ‘Clock Tower’, a former ‘Lighthouse’ and the President’s residence, along with a smattering of some famous colonial buildings.

The southern section of the Fort District is called the ‘Galle Face Green’, a vast expanse of seafront lawns, a favourite haunt for boys flying kites and playing cricket, and young courting couples.

On the East is the famous ‘Pettah Bazaar District’. Well known for its busy shopping areas selling luscious tropical fruits, vegetables, gold, silver and brass artefacts. Also can be found close by are interesting antique shops selling old weapons, coins, pottery, portraits and furniture from the bygone era. On Sundays, the ‘Main Street’ turns into a bustling open-air bazaar selling a variety of wares. Another similar bazaar can be found on Olcott Street, near the Fort railways station.

Sri Lanka is famous for its thriving garment export business. Some of the best international brands can be bought at a fraction of the cost here. Names to make a note of are ‘Odel’, ‘House of Fashion’ and ‘Cotton Collections’.

‘Majestic City’ and ‘Liberty Plaza’ are two very popular mega malls. ‘Sri Lankan Gems and Jewellery Exchange’ and the ‘State Gem Corporation’ are places where one can get authentic Sri Lankan gems, at genuine prices.

‘Laksala’ and ‘Lanka Mahila Samiti Craft Centre’ sell traditional handicrafts like the famous ‘Devil Masks of Sri Lanka’. At the ‘Sri Lankan Tea Board’, one can get the finest teas of Sri Lanka at government fixed rates. Most of these places are located in and around Galle Road, Colombo 3.

Culture and Heritage walks along the tree-lined boulevards are yet another means of getting to see and know the city that boasts of a rich cultural history. The best way one can get a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s centuries old history is to visit the ‘National Museum’ located at Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha (or, Albert Crescent as it is also known). This museum holds the history of the land, mostly through its art and culture, from the original Sinhala period until the British era. This museum also has a large library with some half-a-million books. Also, over four thousand original palm-leaf etchings dating back to the pre-historic times are kept on display here.

Colombo has someThing for eVeryone ... When Colombo Calls, iT is indeed Very hard To refuse The inViTaTion.

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After soaking in the culture, one can then move to the ‘Viharamahadevi Park’, the city’s largest and most elegant green space famous for its dense foliage and attractive water fountains, which is adjacent to the ‘National Museum’. The ‘National Art Gallery’ and the ‘Natural History Museum’ are located within this campus. In the centre of the park can be found a statue of Queen Victoria, commemorating the British rule, while on the lawns near the Town Hall a golden image of Buddha stands for the nation’s belief. The white-domed Town Hall is said to be modelled after the U.S. White House.

East of the city is the ‘Cinnamon Gardens District’. The city’s University, the Diplomatic Quarters and the wealthiest residential neighbourhood of Colombo is located here. The ‘Wolvendaal Church’, built in 1749 is a relic of the Dutch period that is certainly worth a visit. The Dutch Period Museum, built during the 17th century originally as the residence of the Dutch East India Company’s governor is one of the few surviving remnants of Colombo’s Dutch colonial heritage. This is located at 95, Prince Street.

Nature lovers would love to visit the ‘Dehiwala Zoo’, just 11 kilometers south of the Fort District. This well-maintained zoo set amidst lush tropical vegetation has one of the best aquariums in Asia. Also in the zoo are a well-stocked Reptile House, an Aviary, a Nocturnal House, and a Butterfly Park. Daily Elephant Shows in the evenings are a big crowd-puller here.

For those interested in revitalising themselves ‘Negombo’, the beautiful beach resort on the western coast of Sri Lanka is just the place to visit. Located a short drive north of Colombo, Negombo is also very close to the Bandaranaike International Airport, making it a very convenient place to either begin or end your trip to Sri Lanka.

You can relax on the beautiful and vast stretches of uncrowded beaches, view incredible sunsets and enjoy western and native Sri Lankan food. In addition, a wide array of natural healing, wellness, ayurvedic and yoga centres can be found along the fine sandy beaches of Negombo. If you’re tempted to do a short tour of the small town of Negombo, you will find an old Dutch Fort gate built in 1672, the 100 kilometre canal running through the town, little fishing hamlets and some very old churches.

Colombo has something for everyone. If you’re looking for excitement through exhilarating outdoor activities, or if you are out to soak in the culture and heritage of the place, or if you are a diehard shopper, or just a beach lover wanting to unwind, you need to look no further than Colombo.

For when Colombo calls, it is indeed very hard to refuse the invitation.

numbers1 : eka2 : deka3 : tuna4 : hatara5 : paha6 : haya7 : hata8 : a-teh9 : navaya10 : dahaya

useFuL Words

Big : loku

Small : podi, punchi

Help! : aaneh! / aayoh! / amboh!

Go away! : metanin yanna!

I’m lost : mang ivarai / mang vinaasai

basiCsHello : helloBye : aayu-bowanYes : owuNo : naehPlease : karuna karaThank you : stuh-teeExcuse me : sama vennaSorry : kana gaatuiHow much is it? : ehekka keeyada?What’s your name? : oyaaghe nama mokka’da?My name is : maaghe nama

Country FaCtsOman Air flies 4 times weekly between Muscat and Colombo.

Visa requirements: Consult your local Sri Lankan Embassy, Consulate, tourist office or travel agent prior to travelling.

Languages spoken: Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely spoken throughout Sri Lanka, with the exception of remote locations.

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) and Cents. 100 cents equals 1 rupee.

Learn sinhaLa

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14 Lead Feature

LAMPRIESLampries is a corruption of the Dutch ‘lomprijst’ which combines the Dutch meatballs or ‘frikadel’ with a typically Sinhalese curry made with four types of meat and a tangy ‘sambol’, all wrapped in a piece of banana leaf and steamed.This ‘special occasion’ dish of flavoured rice served with chicken, fish cutlet, boiled egg, ash plantains and eggplant is baked in a low oven after it is wrapped in a banana leaf to give this dish its unique flavour.

Ingredients 1.5 measures of rice 2 large onions finely chopped5-6 cloves 10 pepper corns 15 cardamoms2 medium sized cinnamon stickssalt to tasterampe leavescurry leaves 2 tea cups of freshly prepared coconut milk 1 tablespoon of ghee

Method1. Put 1 tablespoon ghee to a hot pan2. To that, add crushed cardamoms, pepper corns,

cloves and cinnamon3. Add the chopped onions, fry till golden brown

4. Add curry leaves and rampe and fry gently5. Now put the strained and washed rice to that temper

(for 1 tin of rice put 2.5 tins of chicken stock) 5. Add a little salt to the rice 6. Now cover and cook. Take off the fire7. When the rice and other related lampries curries

are cooked, keep ready pieces of plantain leaves of about 14”x12”. First, make it stiff by holding it to the flame

8. Put about ¼ cup of semi-cooked rice on each leaf and pour thick coconut milk over the rice, arrange a little meat curry and a few frikadel (little cutlets)

9. Fold the plantain leaf into neat oblong parcels and fasten the two ends with a piece of string

10. Wrap the parcel in an aluminium foil and bake in an oven in moderately hot temperature for about 30 minutes Serve hot with thick brinjal gravy, seeni sambol, frickadels and a meat curry (chicken or mutton).

traditionaL sri Lankan reCipe

14 Lead Feature

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16 Lead Feature 16 iT,s oman

If you thought that this treasure hunting is something akin to what the buccaneers of yore are most remembered for, you couldn’t be farther from the truth.

The treasure hunting that’s going to be spoken about here is a new age sport that’s caught the fancy of the modern generation. It goes by the name of ‘Geocaching’, and mind you, it happens mostly on land.

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played using a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device. This hand-held device provides reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services to worldwide users on a continuous basis in all weather conditions, day and night, anywhere on Earth.

The fundamental idea behind Geocaching is to locate cleverly concealed containers - sometimes as small as a school snack box, some other times as large as a suitcase - called geocaches, or caches. The game is to track and find them using the GPS and then share your adventure, experiences, stories and photos online.

A geocacher hides a geocache somewhere in the world, pinpoints its location using GPS technology and then shares the geocache’s existence and location online. The finder has to log in to the website to get details of the coordinates of approximately where the geocache is hidden and then proceed to discover its actual location !

Adventure seekers, here in Oman, as well as throughout the world go hunting for these concealed containers, with the same passion, drive and determination that the pirates centuries ago went searching for chests of hidden gold !

in om a nt r e a s u r e h u n t i n g

it’s oman 17

Image source: Gallo Images/Getty Images

18 it’s oman

The challenge throws in a wide gamut of outdoor activities including trekking, hiking, camping, swimming and mountaineering, to name a few. A word of advice : don’t assume all geocache spots have to be reached only with a 4x4. Sometimes even a bicycle would do. Mostly, you would have to walk around a bit to finally locate the find, since your GPS would be able to only lead you up to a few meters of the cache.

This adventure hobby is a relatively recent invention that has caught the fancy of people from across the world. Oman too has its fair share of enthusiasts who make the most of the beautiful landscape the Sultanate offers to display their geocaching skills. At last count, there are said to be over one hundred of these caches hidden all across Oman. It could be near a gushing wadi, or a high sand dune, or perhaps in the peak of Jebel Akhdar ! Why, it could even be around the corner within city limits !

Once discovered, the caches can be opened. Inside you would find a logbook for you to record your comments on how easy or difficult it was for you to find it. As a goodwill gesture, each of the caches will also contain some small keepsake. You are welcome to take it with you, but not before replacing something else in, for the next finder. But do remember to return the geocache to its original location.

This is one sport that has found favour with almost all age groups of adventurers – from small children to senior citizens. Kids are especially enthusiastic when they go hunting for these caches. With adult supervision, it can become a very exciting and challenging game for the entire family !

For the beginner, many online support groups and geocaching sites offer information, details and help on how to hide, as well as seek the caches. Do a search online and discover more about this new sport that’s creating waves around the world ! There are some common ground rules, do’s, and don’ts that you would need to be familiar with and would be expected to follow before embarking on this adventure.

Also, a word of caution here. The game is not as simple as it seems, or sounds. To make it more exciting and challenging, there are numerous types of caches : ‘Traditional Caches’, ‘Multi-Caches’, ‘Mystery or Puzzle Caches’, ‘Event Caches’, ‘Earth Caches’, why even ‘Virtual Caches’, with varying levels of difficulties attached in locating and finding them. You can choose the one that you think you can handle and will be most comfortable with.

With the climate turning just perfect, there can be no better time than now, for you to hit the outdoors and

enjoy the most exhilarating adventure activity in recent times. Right here in Oman!

Good luck and have fun !

aT lasT CounT, There Were abouT 954,496 aCTiVe geoCaChes around The World. The lisT keeps groWing aT a regular paCe.

20 Lead Feature 20 healTh & beauTy

Lead Feature 21heaLth & beauty 21

Winter season is one that all of us who are living here in the Middle East eagerly look forward to. After extended periods of hot and humid summer months, the onset of winter is something that comes as a great relief.

Barbecue parties, sit-out dinners, beach and park visits, and just about anything to relish the nippy outdoors become the done things of the season. Unfortunately, while it is good for you, it is not so for your delicate skin. As you are probably aware, the skin is the single largest organ in our body. And it is believed that in the human body the density or thickness of the skin in no two places are the same.

During winter months, our skin needs extra supplements to restore and retain the skin’s original moisture levels and enhance the skin’s regenerative capacity.

When you are outdoors, the cool external temperature slows down and reduces the blood circulation - particularly around your face and neck regions. As a result, your skin gets deprived of its much-needed nutrients and oxygen supply to keep the skin fresh and glowing. That is why it is always advisable to keep your face and neck areas covered as much as possible when you are outdoors during the winter season.

skinCareW i n t e r

Image source: Gallo Images/Getty Images

22 heaLth & beauty

When you are indoors, because of less moisture content in the air, your skin becomes tight, rough and dry resulting in what is commonly known as the ‘winter itch’. If you do not substitute and replace the loss of these natural elements soon enough, you are sure to damage your skin a lot more in due course which could result in serious skin aliments like eczema, psoriasis and seborrhea.

Here are some useful and handy tips on how you can maintain your skin well during the winter season, to keep them supple, soft and well-nourished.

(1) Take a warm shower daily. Not a hot shower. Because hot water dries your skin more. Also while showering, remember to use a mild soap that has a high moisturiser count in it. Better would be to choose a cleansing solution that is lighter and non-stripping such as a cleansing milk or some mild foaming (soap-less) cleanser.

heaLth & beauty 23

(2) Another useful technique that you should try is, just before you step out of the shower, switch between warm and cold-water settings at 15-second intervals. This simple hydrotherapy technique will energise your skin by stimulating the blood flow underneath. Gently pat yourself dry after the shower. Do not rub vigorously, as this will wipe all moisture from your skin. Exposure to water paradoxically dehydrates your skin.

(3) Apply a good moisturiser, one that contains zinc oxide and also offers SPF30 protection soon after you pat yourself dry. Creamier, water-in-oil emulsions are the best. The moisturiser will seal the moisture in and will give your skin the protection it needs. It is advisable to use creams and not lotions as creams get absorbed slower. Particularly use creams that contain jelly, silicon, cocoa better and almond oil.

(4) Make sure that you wear your moisturiser a good half or even one hour before you step outside. Applying the moisturising cream and jumping outdoors immediately will only evaporate the moisturiser and dry your skin’s surface. It is also good to use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on the exposed parts of your skin if you are planning any outdoor activity.

(5) Exfoliate a minimum of twice a week. This will allow the skin to absorb the extra moisture that gets rubbed in. But first remove the dead cells by exfoliating to prevent the skin from looking lifeless and dull. While exfoliating use a mild product, do not rub too hard or for long. It is advisable to use a hydrating mask after exfoliating to replenish the lost moisture.

(6) Your lips require special care during winter as they get easily chapped. Use a lip balm that keeps your lips well hydrated and moisturised, as often as you think is necessary. While choosing your lip balm, remember to look for one that contains Vitamin E and AHA, which will provide added suppleness to your lips.

(7) Drinking lots of water is good for your skin, in winter, as it prevents dehydration by keeping the skin cells plump and healthy. Water also helps in transporting the essential nutrients to the skin cells thus keeping them well nourished. Consuming leafy green vegetables that are rich in water content and green-skinned squashes enhance internal hydration and aid skin nourishment.

(8) Getting plenty of rest by sleeping is another important aspect of keeping your skin in good

condition. While sleeping your body gets rejuvenated as body cells repair themselves. If you don’t get enough sleep, the cells in your skin don’t get their chance to renew themselves as quickly. When this happens, degenerative skin aging sets in.

(9) Staying active is another good thing that you can do to keep your skin in good shape during winter. By exercising, you not only keep yourself fit but also your workouts will stimulate blood circulation all through your body, including the skin.

(10) Avoid using blow drier in winter, as it dries your scalp and robs all moisture from its surface. Blow drier can also irritate your skin and create rashes and hives, which could require treatment and medication to be made all right.

24 Lead Feature 24 business

It is no secret that we’re all wading through hard times. Some more than others, depending on where we work and live. Now, if you’re wondering whether this article is going to say anything new about saving money (during these economically turbulent times), the honest answer can only be a ‘no’. The flip side of this is that there can be no better time than now to seriously save some money. Because your chances of saving are much better now, than when the market is booming.

The first and the most important step in saving is to set your mind to it. And stick to what you’ve decided to do. Irrespective. Plan first. It will give you a clear picture of the end benefits and will encourage you to stick to your plans when temptation stalks you. Being in debt is not so attractive. If you can avoid it. And you can avoid it, if you seriously work towards it.

Saving money just doesn’t happen overnight. It is a slow and a steady process. And it calls for some amount of effort from your side. Discipline yourself to save. Like everything else in life, here too, practice makes perfect. Keep at it and you are sure to succeed. Remember, millionaires spend far less than they make. You can too, if you put your mind to it.

Another golden rule is to make savings your priority. Be it for a rainy day, or for that holiday you always wanted. Never underestimate the power of small savings. You’ve heard of the saying ‘little drops of water, make a mighty ocean’, right ?

Next comes planning your finances. In other word, budgeting. It tells you how much you are earning and how much you intend to spend. And, how much you will be saving. Be clear and conscious of your current spending patterns. See where you are going overboard. Check your entertainment expenses. Phone bills. Fuel bills. Is there something that you can do to limit them. Perhaps you can. Now that you seriously want to. If the way ahead is clear, it only makes things easy for you to reach your destination.

mattersm o n e y

business 25

Image source: Gallo Images/Getty Images

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Now start to consciously cut down on all those unwanted extravagances. Spend less, is simpler said than done. But you can if you want to. Stop the splurging. Get serious about saving. Remind yourself of your objective to become a smart saver at every opportunity. Next time you feel like binging on some pastries, think again. Is it really required now ? You’ve decided to get smart. So stick to your decision. Do it a couple of times, and you will soon become your own master.

Avoid compulsive purchases. Why buy things that you really are not going to use, or even need ? When you’re shopping for groceries, for example, make a list prior to going to the stores and buy only what is in there. Don’t buy all and sundry impulsively. If you really think you need something

add it to your next shopping list. That way you will know for sure if that is something you really require or not.

Buying in bulk will help you save money. See what you will need in bulk and buy it. When it concerns edibles, make sure you will consume the lot before it comes close to the expiry date.

Careful when you go for any ‘Sale’. Make sure the prices are really discounted. If it is advertised as ‘25% Off’ make sure that it is really 25% off. Compare prices with other stores selling similar products. Be alert and don’t get taken for a ride.

Make savings a permanent habit. Start writing down all that you spend daily. Run though the list once a week and you will see how lavish you had been. Do it again after a month and you will know where exactly you’re going overboard. That will help you from repeating your foibles. Initially you may have to exercise your self-control. But soon you’ll see that it calls for no great effort.

Be careful with your credit cards. If you have not learnt how to use them to your advantage, do so now. Stop the practice of paying only your monthly minimum amount. You will be paying the bank a lot as interest even without your knowledge. Clear your monthly outstanding amount in full. Do not ever carry forward your balance amount.

Consider making your savings an automatic activity. Inform your

bankers and ask them to transfer a specific amount

from your monthly salary credit into another growth account and forget all about it. You’ll be surprised at how much

you would have saved at the end of the year. Also, you

would have learnt to live well within your means without feeling as if

you’ve sacrificed any part of your life.

In a nutshell: Make up your mind to save. Make saving a permanent habit.

Spend Less. Cut down on all unwanted purchases. Start Budgeting. Be disciplined. Don’t indulge. Careful with your Credit Card. Make

savings automatic.

business 27

28 Lead Feature

SunglassesSpare some thought to the protector that directly shields sensitive eyes from sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays. Wear one when you are outside, regardless of the season to safeguard your eyes. Make sure it offers 100% UV protection. Get a pair that is snug when worn, preferably with large lens to offer maximum coverage. Darker lenses do not mean more protection. Gray colour lessens glare but does not distort colours. Brown colour cuts the glare, but also distorts colours. Yellow sharpens vision but alters colours. Green provides the best contrast to vision. So look carefully before you decide.

Handy HandbagLadies, please remember that the handbag is not a small bag to hold your lipstick, car keys, money, mobile phone, ID cards and such. Its purpose is much beyond all of those. To say the least, the handbag is a powerful fashion accessory that underscores your looks and accentuates your attire. Surprisingly one of the first things people notice in a woman, after her looks is the handbag that she carries. Always match your handbag with the size and shape of your body and you can never go wrong.

28 fashion & Trends

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Shoe SenseChoosing the right

shoes and sandals

can go a long way in

making your attire

attractive. Some

varieties to choose

from are the flat

shoes, normal heels,

medium heels, high

heels, platforms and

stilettos. Flat shoes

best compliment the

long, flowing skirts.

Heels match well

with dressy trousers.

Add a cushioned

insole for extra

comfort, especially

if you wear shoes all

day long. A medium

heel sandal with

straps is good to

go with an elegant

evening dress.

Buckle upA designer belt for men is one of the must-haves this season. Dress belts, leather belts and casual belts complete the ensemble. Width of a dress belt should be as long as your thumb. Casual belts are wider and come in different materials and shades. Formal or leather belts are well polished. Black, brown and tan are the most favourite shades. For the truly indulgent, Ostrich skin belt with its distinct markings and the Lizard skin belt with its intricate patterns are two expensive options.

Cool stuffClassic woollen men’s scarves and designer shawls have made a fashion comeback ! So have stylish stoles and cozy mufflers. In shawls, the names Cashmere and Pashmina are synonymous for softness, elegance and fine finish. Made of the hair taken from the Himalayan goats, these shawls are the epitomes of true class. In scarves, exquisite crocheted designs and splendid hand-knitted patterns hold sway this season.

Pocket itWish to make a great fashion statement ? Grab one of those exclusive designer men’s luxury leather wallets. Else, go for one that best matches your needs. You can choose from a variety of wallets like the coin wallet, identity card wallet, cash clip wallet, zipper wallet and bi-fold or tri-fold wallet. Among all wallet materials, the pure leather one is premium while the supple suede leather varieties cater more for the youth and the budget-conscious.

30 Fashion and trends

32 Lead Feature

A hunting bird chases and catches its prey, a hare 250km from Bishkek in Bokonbayevo during Kyrgyzstan’s annual Salburun traditional hunting festival on the shores of lake Issyk-Kul. (Photo credit VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO/AFP/Getty Images).

Danish 1100HP Super Car Zenvo ST1 ST1 makes its first motor show appearance at the 10th annual Dubai International Motor Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Haider Yousuf/Getty Images)

The World s Longest Tree Top Walk, Neuschoenau, Germany: Visitors to the world’s longest tree top walk between the trees of the Bavarian forest in Neuschoenau. The path, 1300 meters long and 8 to 25m height, winds up to an impressive tower with a height of 44 meters. The wooden construction is integrated into the forest and delivers a natural experience. (Photo by Miguel Villagran/Getty Images).

32 World VieW

Known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters is the Muizenberg beach in South Africa. A popular photo motif for fashion shoots are these colourful wooden cabins found there. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images).

Iguacu Falls A Finalist In New Seven Wonders Of Nature Contest Puerto Iguazu, Argentina: Water rushes down The Devil’s Throat cataract of the Iguacu Falls in the Iguazu National Park near the town of Puerto Iguazu in the Argentinian state of Misiones. The waterfall system consists of 275 falls along 2.7 kilometers (1.67 miles) of the Iguazu River, straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina, and has an annual peak flow of some 6,500 cubic meters a second. (Photo by David Silverman/Getty Images)

Taronga’s Newest Elephant Calf Loves to Play : Sydney, Australia. The 4-month old Asian elephant calf Luk Chai plays with a football in his enclosure. The calf was born at the zoo to mother Thong Dee, a former Bangkok street elephant, and was the first calf to be born in Australasia. (Photo by Rick Stevens/Taronga Zoo via Getty Images).

A man continues to use his umbrella, even after the wind turned it inside out as he walks down Liberty Street in New York. (Photo by Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images)

WorLd vieW 33

34 Lead Feature

tennis AUSTRALIAN OPEN - JANUARY 18 – 31Annually, the first of the four Grand Slam or Major Championship tournaments in Tennis (others being the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open) is kicked off with the Australian Open Tennis Championships. The matches will be held at the Melbourne Park. Being played on Synthetic Hard Courts, the game is considered to be very fast, but not quite as fast as the Grass Courts of Wimbledon. The defending champion in the men’s category is Rafael Nadal of Spain and in the women’s category it is Serena Williams of the U.S.A. Interestingly, last year for the very first time in history both doubles titles were won by siblings. In men’s doubles, the winners were Bob and Mike Bryan of the U.S., and in the women’s doubles, the winners were Serena and Venus Williams also from the U.S. The mixed doubles title winners were Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi of India.

FootbaLL2010 AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONSJANUARY 10 - 31The 27th season of the biennial showcase football tournament of Africa kicks off as Angola plays host to this sporting extravaganza.This championship will see 32 matches being played overall. The keenly contested and avidly followed game is broken down to four groups comprising of 16 participating nations (out of the 53 African national teams that entered the fray). Group A teams will be based in the Angolan capital, Luanda; Group B in Cabinda; Group C in Benguela; and Group D in Lubango.Egypt is the current holder of the coveted African title. The group phase matches will take place from January 10–21, followed by the second stage set for January 24-25. The semi-finals are due to be played on Thursday, January 28 in Luanda and Benguela, with the third place match slated for Benguela two days later. Luanda will host the final on Sunday, January 31.

34 sports

Lead Feature 35

drag raCing

paraChutingDUBAI PARACHUTING CHAMPIONSHIP AND GULF CUP 2010, JANUARY 6 – 18This event is organsied by the Emirates Aviation Association (EAA) and the EAA Parachuting Division. Participants from over fifty-five countries would be pitting their show jumping skills against each other to garner the glory in a variety of competitions to be held at the Palm Jumeira. Some notable contests of the championships are Formation Skydiving and Accuracy Landing, for men and women. Canopy Piloting, where speed, distance and zone accuracy would be tested with trophies and medals awarded for individual and team excellence. The objective behind arranging for this international event is to promote and develop parachuting competitions, exchange and strengthen friendly relations between sport parachutists from all over the world. This event promises to be a thrilling one not just for the participants, but also for the spectators.

BAHRAIN DRAG RACING CHAMPIONSHIP - ROUND 4, JANUARY 28‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’, Bahrain will host the adrenalin-pumping, high-octane rubber-burning Drag Racing Championship organised by the Bahrain Drag Racing Club, under the aegis of the Bahrain Motor Federation. The action-packed sport, which is all about super speeds with precision controls, is held in association with the Bahrain International Circuit, which is the driving force behind the renowned Bahrain F1 Grand Prix. Over a hundred participants from all over the GCC region and from around the world will participate in the drag events, apart from a large number of driving enthusiasts from Bahrain itself in the ten different categories for cars and three for bikes.There will also be exhilarating entertainment to keep all sections of the spectators totally engrossed. Next to the drag strip, stunt drivers would entertain the audience with some stunning daredevilry, on the grand prix track. With live DJs belting out hit numbers and cheering crowds of excited people, this event promises to be one that is going to be a great hit!

sports 35

36 Lead Feature 36 reVieWs movies

daybreakersdireCTor : miChael & peTer spierig (undead)CasT : eThan haWke, Willem dafoe, isabel luCas, sam neill, Claudia karVan, Jay laga aiareleasing : January 8Th

Before we proceed any further, let us inform you that this is the latest edition in the vampire based genre movies ! About the year 2019, there is a serious outbreak of an uncontainable viral epidemic following a single bat bite. This dreaded epidemic mutates most infected human beings into blood-sucking vampires. Enter Edward (Ethan Hawke), the haematologist, with the mission to save mankind from extinction. Possible, only if he manages to find a blood plasma substitute that can feed these mutants. With a motley band of human resistance fighters, they set out to save humanity.

the spy next doordireCTor : brian leVanT CasT : JaCkie Chan, george lopez, amber ValleTTareleasing : January 15ThWhen a former CIA spy Bob Ho (Jackie Chan) offers to babysit his new girlfriend’s three young kids, he does not expect it to turn into a nightmare ! The bratty kids certainly have an issue with Bob and they do not make life easy for him. To make matters worse, one of the youngsters accidentally downloads a top-secret formula much in demand by the mob. Bob’s long-time nemesis, a typecast Russian terrorist, come to know of the accidental discovery and pays a long overdue visit to the cosy family, to collect his dues.

When in romedireCTor : mark sTeVen Johnson CasT : krisTen bell, Josh duhamelreleasing : January 29Th

Here is a light-hearted romantic comedy from the Walt Disney Studios. The attractive belle Beth (Bell) is a young and ambitious New Yorker. Despite her good looks, she turns out to be a big flop when it comes to love. While on a short trip to Rome, she unwittingly steals a few coins from the famed ‘fountain of love’, with disastrous consequences ! Soon, she finds herself on the run, unable to shake-off a bunch of eligible guys who are after her ... quite literally !

books

pirate Latitudesa noVel by miChael CriChTon

Interestingly, the fully finished manuscript of ‘Pirates Latitude’ was accidentally discovered after Michael Crichton’s death in the year 2008. The story of this gripping adventure novel is set in the Caribbean, with the action dating back to the 15th century. The novel is about a daredevil Captain, Charles Hunter and his band of merry men, who hijack a Spanish galleon stacked with the precious metal. The book dwells a lot on the not-so-gripping historical information, while keeping the interest of the readers alive with some exciting pirate lingo and adventure.

too muCh happinessshorT sTories by aliCe munro

The collection of stories published in ‘Too Much Happiness’ is very typically written in Alice Munro’s inimitable style. Most of her characters are women who are portrayed as ideal personas of the modern day women – smart, sensible and self-assured. But at a deeper level, the reader will discover, sometimes rather surprisingly, that something about these protagonists is not all good. While they are not always affable or even honourable, their characters are loaded with intrigue and suspense, which makes for the interesting read.

under the domea noVel by sTephen kingThis massive science fiction novel by the celebrated author will keep the reader spellbound with its extra large dose of intrigue, suspense and thrill right up till the end. Featuring over one hundred characters, this 1,000 page heavyweight of a novel is quite an onerous read even for the most voracious of reader. The basic premise of the plot of this novel is how people will probably behave when they are sealed off from the society that they have always belonged to. The army of characters, each with his or her own unique and characteristic trait, is baffled and shocked when their small town is suddenly surrounded by an invisible and impenetrable wall. The author focuses more on how these characters respond to this unexpected supernatural phenomenon rather than in finding possible ways and means to save themselves. For fans of Stephen King, this novel is a really large treat !

38 Lead Feature 38 kids Corner

A Lion, unable from old age and infirmities to provide himself with food by force, resolved to do so by trickery. He returned to his den, and lying down there, pretended to be sick, taking care that his sickness should be publicly known. The beasts expressed their sorrow, and came one by one to his den, where the Lion devoured them. After many of the beasts had thus disappeared, the Fox discovered the trick and presenting himself to the Lion, stood on the outside of the cave, at a respectful distance, and asked him how he was. “I am very sick,” replied the Lion, “but why do you stand outside? Please come inside and talk with me.”

“No, thank you,” said the Fox. “I notice that there are many prints of feet entering your cave, but I see no trace of any returning.”

Moral of the story: He is wise who is warned by the misfortunes of others.

the siCk Lion

tongue tWisters• Bad money mad bunny.

• Does he know that we know that he knows.• Is there a pleasant peasant present?• The crow flew over the river, with a lump of raw liver.• Any noise annoys an oyster but a noisy noise annoys an oyster more.• Sometimes what children wonder can make us wonder how they wonder

such interesting wonders.• How many cuckoos could a good cook cook, if a cook could cook cuckoos.

Lead Feature 39

Elephants eat up to half a tonne of plant food a day. They have 24 teeth for grinding it. The teeth do not grow all at once, but in fours. As the first set wears down, a second set grows. At the age of 45, an elephant grows its last teeth, each weighting 4kg (9 lb).

The light reaching us now from our nearest star set off over four years ago. At present rocket speeds, it would probably take thousands of years to get to the nearest star and back.

did you knoW?All the pet hamsters in the world are descended from the same mother. This was a female wild hamster found with a litter of 12 babies in 1930 in Syria.

Emperor penguins dive down to depths of 265m (870ft), staying under for up to nine minutes, occasionally even twice as long. Between dives, they comb their feathers to trap air in them, which helps to keep them warm in the cold water.

Sea cucumbers look harmless but they have a dramatic way of fending off enemies. If a hungry fish comes too close, the sea cucumber shoots out streams of sticky threads, which look like spaghetti. These entangle the attacker, giving the sea cucumber time to make a getaway.

Bird’s nest soup is made from the nests of cave swiftlets in Asia. Huge colonies of these little birds live in vast caves, making nests of saliva stuck to the roofs and walls. It takes the edible-nest swiftlet about 30 to 40 days to build its nest. Two nests are used to make one bowl of soup.

Sound can travel through water at 1,507m (4,945ft) a second. That is about three times faster than sound travelling through air - 331m (1,087ft) a second.

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40 Lead Feature 40 CulTure & heriTage

nizWa forTA pleasant hour-and-a-half drive from Muscat will take you to the small town of Nizwa, the ancient capital of Oman. Being the main seat of power, in the days of yore Nizwa was a very important place. Well-known scholars of Islam, famous poets and other intellectuals lived here during that period. The Nizwa Fort stands testimony to the grandeur and magnificence of the place even today. Inside the courtyard of the Fort is the Omani Heritage Gallery, which will take visitors on a cultural tour of Nizwa’s heritage and glory.

bahla forTTo protect its centuries old heritage and to safeguard precious proof of Oman’s unique and ancient roots, the Bahla Fort (a short distance from Nizwa) was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. Just prior to that, Bahla was on the World’s Most Endangered UNESCO World Heritage sites. Now with the restoration almost complete, the lost glory of the Fort has been restored largely. In olden days, Bahla was a well-guarded, walled city. Reason being it was in the middle of the trade route and so a lot of business and commerce happened here, particularly between the 12th and the 15th century. Its souq was said to be one of the largest in the region, with traders bartering their wares of pottery, copper and silver.

Jabrin CasTleThis 17th century castle, a little further from Bahla is a living example of Oman’s rich and deep-routed lineage in the ancient Islamic world. In its halcyon days, Jabrin Castle was the hub of the fine arts and culture. As the cradle of learning, Jabrin was the focal point in the study of Islamic Law, Medicine, Astrology, History, and Arabic language. One can find inside the Jabrin Castle sizeable living quarters of the then intended residents, a rare collection of dated porcelain pottery, colourfully painted ceilings, a large area for storing dates, the famed Sun and Moon halls, and most interestingly a well-laid running falaj system (watercourse).

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!

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, there are enough four-star, three-star, hotel apartments, camps, guesthouses, and youth hostels. Desert and Mountain Camps are particularly interesting experiences if you’ve not had the opportunity to enjoy them before. While in Muscat, you will be spoilt for choices, when you head towards the interiors you will have to make good with what is available. Either way you will get to experience the essence of true Omani hospitality wherever you stay.

museumsTo make your cultural journey complete a visit to at least a few of the over dozen museums in Oman is necessary. 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.

Nizwa Souq

Bait Al Zubair Museum

The Chedi Muscat

Tourism & enTerTainmenT 41

42 Lead Feature

oman at a

gLanCeThe Sultanate of Oman is the 3rd 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 3,09,500 Km2

and a 3,165 Kms 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 Gulf 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 SheetPopulation (2005) : 2,509,000 including 666,000

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 - 013:00 then 16:30 -

24:00Currency 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.

42 geT familiar

Image source: Yousuf Al Zadjali

Lead Feature 43 get FamiLiar 43

traveL tipsWhenever 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 travelers tips to assist you in having a more 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.• In Oman if you are involved in a car accident and there is damage done to either party or their

vehicles or any public property, e.g. road signs, you must wait at the scene and contact the Royal Oman Police (9999) and wait for further instructions. Leaving the scene can result in heavy fines and possible imprisonment.• 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.• Local Sharia laws reflect the fact that 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.

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

basiC arabiC phrases

Image source: Fahad Al Zadjali

44 Lead Feature

oman air inks strategiC

deaL With LuFthansa teChnik

Peter Hill, CEO, Oman Air, said that his

growing airline is very pleased to be associated

with a high quality service provider in the MRO

business (Maintenance Repair Overhaul) such as

Lufthansa Technic and saw more mutual beneficial

opportunities in the field of Engineering &

Maintenance.

Oman Air is also backing Lufthansa Technik in

the maintenance of its Boeing 737 NG fleet. On

the basis of a contract signed recently and from

January 2010 a total of 15 C-checks will be carried

out for Oman Air in the Lufthansa Technik Group’s

operations in Malta, Budapest and Sofia. The three

maintenance facilities work to the latest standards

and are able to offer minimal turnaround times at

competitive prices.

Oman Air, entered into a joint venture with Lufthansa Technik to provide technical support for the airline’s modern and growing fleet and for other customers in the region. A Letter of Intent (LoI) to this effect was signed by Mr Peter Hill, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Air and Mr Wilhelm Henningsen, Chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Technik AG.

oman air inCreases exCess baggage aLLoWanCe

44 oman air neWs

Oman Air announced an increase in its excess baggage allowance. The new allowances are 30kg for Economy Class passengers, 40kg for Business Class passengers and 50kg for First Class passengers. The increased allowances apply to Oman Air’s flights to each of its 32 destinations, throughout the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and Asia.In addition, members of Oman Air’s frequent flyer programme will continue to receive their additional allowances of 20kg for Gold members and 15kg for Silver members.Oman Air’s announcement of its increase in excess baggage allowances follow the launch of new routes to Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Colombo, in Sri Lanka and Male, in the Maldives. In addition, brand new A330 aircrafts have been brought into service and new First Class, Business Class and Economy Class cabins have been unveiled. State-of-the-art in-flight entertainment, delicious new menus and chic new uniforms are further signs of the transformation of Oman Air, putting itself into a class of its own.

Image source: Gallo Images/Getty Images

oman air buys

5 embraer 175 e- Jets Oman Air signed a contract with Embraer for the purchase of five EMBRAER 175 aircraft from the E-Jets family. Four of the jets will be operated by Oman Air and one will serve with the Royal Oman Police. The newly ratified deal also includes purchase rights for another five aircrafts. The first delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2011.Oman Air’s EMBRAER 175 will be configured with 72 seats in a full-service, dual-class layout, with 12 seats in business class and 60 in economy.