JOURNAL | J, Is Leaving

J, Is Leaving

Still can't believe that 2018 is almost over. It passed by so quickly I didn't even notice how life has been this year. But certainly, it has been a rough year in many aspects. And I am writing this free entry because it is not every day that I can muster some energy to hit my keyboard and think of things. And I am actually drinking my Starbucks venti cappuccino as I write this (funny how I complain about the excessiveness of multi billion dollar companies but I still support them; only goes to show that if something sells, it will flourish despite negative criticisms). But I am not to talk about social topics today.

DANCE | Collection of Salsa Songs for Social Dancing

Collection of Salsa Songs for Social Dancing

Here is a collection of salsa songs for social dancing,

ARTICLE | Avicii, In Memoriam

Avicii, In Memoriam

Back in 2013, when I landed my second job in the Middle East i.e Oman; I had this sense of freedom. You should know that two years of being in trapped in Saudi Arabia is enough to make one crazy as hell, what with all the restrictions and safety issues it poses for foreign workers. And it did not really help that I am from an Asian country. So this sense of liberation when I stepped in Oman was all too enchanting. Suddenly, I can move around and even go partying/clubbing without me worrying of getting arrested.

TRAVEL | Laval Restaurant in Ghala Golf Club

Laval Restaurant in Ghala Golf Club

Ever since the Laval Restaurant opened up a few years ago, it has been in my list of places to visit while in Oman. In fact, when I left Oman in 2015; I thought that's it I won't be able to see the place. Fast forward to 2018, now thanks to a last minute decision of where to have some beer, we decided to pay this restaurant a visit.

How to get there:

Take the ghala exit, once in the express way (heading towards Qurum) you will spot a sign "Ghala Golf Club", take that exit. The sign is small so be very watchful.

SPORTS | Yuzuru Hanyu wins Gold Medal in 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea

Yuzuru Hanyu wins Gold Medal in 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea

Yuzuru Hanyu finally won gold in the 2018 Olympics held in Pyeongchang. And by this win, he now holds the record for being,

• The second person to win a back to back gold medal in the Olympic men's figure skating
• The first Asian man to win the Olympic gold medal in Figure Skating
• Broke the world records 12 times
• First man to break the 100 point barrier in short program
• First man to break the 200 point barrier in free skate
• First man to break the 300 point barrier in combined

TRAVEL | Crowne Plaza Muscat - Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre

Crowne Plaza Muscat - Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre

2018 ushers in the openings of many a number of hotel properties in Oman. This, along with the operation of the new Muscat Airport promises to boost the tourism sector in the country. In fact, the growth of visitors has already doubled since the first quarter of this year. In this edition of Expat In The City, we take a look at the newly built hotel of Crowne Plaza Muscat - Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The hotel is strategically located close to the convention centre and is only 10-minutes away from the new airport, making it one hotel to be sought after in the next few months.

SPORTS | Olympics 2018, Ladies' Figure Skating

Olympics 2018, Ladies' Figure Skating

A moment of silence as we pay respect to the last 2014 Sochi Olympics, after Yuna Kim was robbed of her much deserved gold medal.

All right, so we now come to the ladies figure skating. Up until today, all my hope and faith rested on Evgenia Medvedeva (yes, the anime fanatic Russian contortionist who can twizzle with probably both feet up the ground- nah, just kidding). But EM actually lost to her younger team mate, Alina Zagitova (and did I mention that she's only 15! When I was 15, I was pretty useless apart from getting glued in front of the TV, because that's what normal teens do- be useless. And so AZ shook the World after making a statement "yes I'm young, but age doesn't matter in skating bitches." 

SPORTS | Olympics 2018, Men's Figure Skating

Olympics 2018, Men's Figure Skating

It is the Winter Olympics 2018 held in Pyeongchang, South Korea. And this year remains to be another competitive season, as we see in the mix fan favorites like Yuzuru Hanyu (Japan) and Javier Fernandez (Spain). Equally deserving of a spotlight this year are fairly new and strong contenders like Nathan Chen (USA) and Shoma Uno (Japan). And of course, Patrick Chan (Canada) will give the men's event more excitement. Still on the running is Jin Boyang (China) whose had a spectacular season as well after finishing bronze in World Figure Skating in 2017.

TRAVEL | Best 2018 Destinations for A Solo Traveler

Best 2018 Destinations for A Solo Traveler

By Diego Garzon | February 2018

Read More: Best Places to Travel Solo according to AllTheRooms

Traveling solo might seem like a depressing way to see the world and visit new places. However, if you think about it, traveling solo offers a load of advantages that you wouldn’t having when going with a partner. Think time, freedom to make your own unchallenged decisions, new friends met along the way. Fact is, traveling solo is often the best way to go. But where? Here are some of the best 2018 destinations for a solo traveler to experience.

FILM REVIEW | Call Me By Your Name

Call Me By Your Name

"Call Me By Your Name" has made a huge impact on me since I've seen the movie. To be honest, I had no plans to see this film until one of my friends mentioned it being potentially nominated at the Oscars 2018. And since I am an avid follower of Oscar movies (because that's the only form of entertainment that amuses me and makes life bearable), I went ahead and watched it.

EVENTS | Beats By The Beach with DJ Franck Chartier, at Muscat Hills Resort

Beats By The Beach with DJ Franck Chartier, at Muscat Hills Resort

A friend sent me a WhatsApp message to attend "Beach By The Beach" on Jan. 26th in Muscat Hills Resort and since I enjoy EDM/House mixes, I decided to go. It's been a while since I actually partied in Muscat. Last was in Park Inn during the "Wet Republik 3". And I badly needed to go out and unwind. Friend's invitation came at the right time. Brought with me my new colleague, who just started in our company.  

It was around 9pm when I picked a friend from the hotel. I was driving the car, which meant I could not drink for this night. So there I was, ready to go out and drive to Qantab (which is very close to Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah; and I never fail to bring up this point every single time). The road to Qantab via the Ruwi or Al Bustan roads is always a treat for the eyes. What with the winding roads that feel like riding a roller coaster. One time I was sitting as passenger and the driver accelerated; flew the car for about a moment and the feeling was heaven; the same excitement I felt when I was a kid riding those big caterpillars in fairs.  

The Barr Al Jissah road, lit with lamp posts every few meters looked like jewels from afar. The drive was swift; not many cars traversing at this day and time (it was a weekend by the way). After a few minutes, we passed by the newly opened Muscat Bay, a posh residential compound aimed to invite expats and locals for a chance to live away from the hustle and bustle of the Muscat city life. The thought didn't really bother me much i.e. living in a far flung location; but at the back of mind is the nagging question, "Who wants to drive that far?". But perhaps it's only me, being my pessimistic self.

LIFESTYLE | Hip Hop Dance Tips for Beginners

Hip Hop Dance Tips for Beginners

Are you hoping to become a great hip-hop dancer? You need to take your time when learning how to dance if you want to be a great dancer.

Here are some tips that will come in handy for beginners,