Getting Pursenal! - Dhaka Tribune | Home

Dhaka Tribune
Thursday, May 16, 2013 Volume 1, Issue 4
Getting Pursenal!
PURSEnal!
Avenue T’s pick of
the top 5 bag stores
in the capital
Contents
20 Travel
Prague: maginificent capital
APRIL
of the Czech Republic
Volume 1, Issue 4, May 16, 2013
7
To-Do's
in Dhaka
This Week
Fata Morgana by
Rokeya Sultana
Time: 5:30pm to 8pm
Date: May 17 to June 11
Venue: Bengal Art Lounge, 60
onwards Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 1
Fri
17th
Bellissimo Cyber
Gaming Festival 2013
12
N Anita Amreen
Najmal A Nadvi
Time: 8am
Date: May 17
Venue: Russian Cultural Centre,
House 510, Road 7, Dhanmondi
Top 5 bag
stores in the
capital!
An Evening of
Nazrul Geeti by Mrs
Ferdous Ara
Time: 6:30pm
Date: May 17
Venue: Indira Gandhi Cultural
Centre (IGCC), House 35, Road
24, Gulshan-1
Kazi Rubaiat Imam
Sabikun Nahar
Itminan Tasneea
Navin Ahmed
Su Jorgensen
Dina Sobhan
Musarrat Rahman
Sat
18th
Sat
6
Cover photo: Latif Hossain
Models: Raisa
18th
Date: May 18 - June 10
Venue: Goethe Institute
Bangladesh , Road 9(new),
House 10, Dhanmondi
TRIO-Fashion
Forever- an
exhibition of Fashion
Photography
Time: May 20-22
Date: 3pm to 8pm
Venue: Drik Gallery, House 58,
Road 15A (new), Dhanmondi
This season’s
musthaves from
Ecstasy and
Cats Eye
10 Summer struggles!
Fashion Design
Workshop
4 Tuned Music in the clouds
5 Tech & Turns Phones with the ‘S’ on the chest
6 Trial Room Step into the colours of warmer days
8 Tailored Iconic shades with versatility
9 Try Out Intro to the art of glass painting
11 Tempt Crazy for kimonos
14 Tell The ideal weight issues
15 Take Care Keep the sugar in check
16 Tucked In The warmth of khichuri
18 Trails Delve into Dinajpur
20 Travel Fly into the capital of the Czech Republic
Urban Managers- Pre
Thurs Eid Fair 1
23th Time: 10am
Date: May 23 to 25
Venue: Tropical Daisy, Road
35/A, Gulshan-2
Fri
24th
light and shadow
by Ferdousy
Priyabashini and
karu titas
Time: 6pm
Date: May 24 - June 4
Venue: Bengal Gallery of Fine
Arts, Bengal Shilpalaya, 275/F
Dhanmondi, Road 27 (old)
Road 16(new)
AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, M AY 1 6, 20 1 3
4
Tuned
Entertainment
Read
Music
Cloud music
Kazi Rubaiat Imam
With Web 2.0, we arrived at the age of user-driven
is a rockphile.
content, and recently moved into the era of services in the
clouds. By Kazi Rubaiat Imam Photos: Big Stock
platforms also provide musicians the
“Lonely Planet” and “Insight
Guides” are a series of travel
books available at Words and
Pages. These two books provide
a detailed outline of top vacation
destinations that will keep travellers on their toes for months.
See
My apologies to anyone who thought
this would be about “Music of the
mountains!” Actually, it is about the
impact of technology on the world of
music. With Web 2.0, we arrived at the
age of user-driven content, and recently moved into the era of services in the
clouds. For the world of music, this has
given rise to platforms that provide the
musicians at home a chance to shine!
Living during this era means getting
the chance to discover exciting and
interesting music outside the highly
controlled channels – in other words, a
chance to enter a world unconfined by
the laws of demand and supply. These
tools to set up their own music shops
and become independent distributors.
As a listener, you can discover brave and
new music from all over the world.
What I enjoy most about this technology is the ability to browse through
music made in Bangladesh, especially
songs that explore a new genre in our
language or that break boundaries. If
you are bored with the limited entertainment provided by television, this is
a space you will enjoy.
Some of these platforms include last.
fm, reverbnation.com, soundcloud.com
and cashmusic.org. Simply click on “local” to find an abundant collection of
Bangladeshi music on reverbnation.
com. Soundcloud is also replete with
cover songs that reinterpret originals
in unique ways. You can even find surprising unreleased tracks and demos
from artistes you do know, like Arnob
or Arbovirus. Remember, these websites are linked to social networks, so
you can check out who is following
who, click on tags that interest you and
leave praises where due! I hope you enjoy this adventure as much as I do.
Book Review
“Intentional Smile” Review by Dina Sobhan
“Taboo” is a show about the
traditional beliefs and unusual
customs of societies around the
world. Renowned anthropologists and sociologists analyse the
diverse range of cultures that
are considered taboo by other
societies. The show is aired on
Thursday at 1:30am, and Friday
and Saturday at 12:30am on the
National Geographic Channel.
Watch
Parker (Jason Statham) is an unusual thief with an ethical code
of not stealing from the poor
or innocent. Parker is doublecrossed by his crew and plans to
take revenge on them. The movie
“Parker” is now showing at the
Star Cineplex in Bashundhara
City. Showtimes are at 11:15am,
1:30pm, 4:30pm and 7pm.
AVEN U E T TH U RS DAY, M AY 16 , 201 3
Apart from being written by individuals who are living embodiments of its
words, “Intentional Smile” is set apart
from other books by the numerous
different schools of thought it draws
from. The book cites actual scientific data, including neurobiology and
quantum physics, but also draws from
alternative schools of healing, such as
EFT and acupressure – a method used
to release negative feelings stored in
the body by tapping on acupressure
points, or “energy meridians.” In fact,
the power of energy is central to the
healing process this book espouses.
While we know energy is at the root of
all living matter, we are only beginning
to understand how to harness that
energy into our daily lives. Everything
from repeating daily affirmations, to
throwing out positive intentions, to
performing acts of kindness results in
harnessing that positive energy into
our own lives.
Also at the heart of this practical guide
are breathing exercises such as Ujayo
breathing, which has been shown to
slow the heart rate and lower blood
pressure, and has been used during labour by women who opted for natural
birth. In addition to meditation techniques, the book includes a comprehensive list of yoga postures that correspond to our seven chakras, which
govern different parts of our body and
mind, including our emotional and
spiritual well-being. Shazia, a longtime instructor of “Yogilates,” is living
proof that regular practice is the simplest way to maintain equilibrium of
the mind, body and spirit, as well as to
address a myriad of psychological and
physical ailments.
As a counselor with a background in
psychology and as an individual with a
personal interest in yoga and alternative healing techniques, I’ve spent long
hours researching ways to help people
with their depression and life problems. It is very difficult to take theoretical knowledge and teach people how
to apply it to their daily lives in simple
language. However, “Intentional Smile”
manages to do just that. By combining
the basic tenets of cognitive-behavioral psychology with exercises and
techniques from Western thought and
Eastern philosophy, the book presents
us with a practical, beautiful and deceptively simple manual on how attain the happiness and serenity we all
seek in our daily lives. It is a book we
can turn to again and again due to
the inexhaustible amount of applicable information it provides. Even for
those well-informed of the ideas and
practices in the book, it serves as a resourceful guide to remind us of what
we already know and can continue to
benefit from.
Tech & Turns 5
App Watch
Super phones
New Tech
Feedly fills the
RSS gap
With the current trend of super
smartphones, it’s clear that they are
only getting faster, stronger and well,
smarter By Mahmood Hossain
For a full-featured
replacement to Google
Reader, look no further
Photo: Big Stock
By Mahmood Hossain
With the decision by Google to no longer provide its Reader from July 2013,
plenty of users were left baffled. But in
the tech world, there is always a suitable replacement. Feedly for Android is
one of the best mobile RSS readers out
there.
Feedly offers:
• Curated suggestions
•Different layouts
•Gesture-based shortcuts
• More attractive UI than other apps
in its category
This app is a more visual reader for
users who prefer the modern design
treatment. It provides a much more
polished look: bright colours, clean
lines, and san-serif typefaces make it
seem like you are reading a magazine.
Feedly features a two-way syncing capability with Google Reader. In fact,
the developers have announced that
the app will provide the user a seamless transition once Google’s service
officially calls it quits. All you need is
a Google account to automatically import all of your saved data.
Looking back at how far we’ve come
with mobile phones, it is something
to marvel at. In the near future, you
may have in your hands a five-inch
1080p HD screen smartphone with an
eight-core application processor and
a 13-megapixel-camera. Further down
the line, the ability to customise and
personalise smartphones will make
them an extension of who we are.
Things to look out for:
•Updated hardware specs – Gone are
the days of medium-sized screens.
Wheels
Q3 alternative
It’s obvious that an SUV with a petrol
engine is not the ideal configuration
for a place like South Asia. Whether
it’s entry-level or luxury, customers
are more comfortable knowing their
SUV is driven by diesel power. With
this in mind, the Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI has
its own appeal. Petrol engine vehicles
are smoother, refined, more fun to
drive and offer better acceleration.
Sounds tempting enough. Driving
Subscribing to new material is easy
with the app’s curated panel to the side.
Categories such as tech, news, business,
gaming, photography, lifestyle, cooking, etc, will be provided from the getgo. When you pick a tab, the app opens
up a magazine-style cover page with
the first few posts featured prominently. Then as you swipe left, you'll see the
rest of the posts listed in chronological
order. And of course, you can tap on any
item to expand it to full-page view.
For those who will miss the Reader,
Feedly is definitely the app to soothe
your pain.
Phones like Samsung’s Galaxy S4,
HTC One and LG Optimus G Pro have
made five inches the norm, with highdefinition 1080p included. Processors
have also made leaps and bounds, and
we have only begun to see quad-core
chipsets. Companies like Nvidia are
producing the new generation chipsets
that will perform 100 times faster than
their first Tegra chip.
•Extra goodies – First there were the
IR blasters. Now phones like the Galaxy
S4 and HTC One have a TV controller in
them. Nokia has figured out a way to
implant screen material sensitive
enough for gloved hands to operate.
And let’s not forget the voice operated
assistance connected to your car.
•Camera in motion – The big
manufacturers have been battling
it out for camera supremacy. Video
sharing happens as frequently as
sending text messages. There are many
different camera apps that give you
a lot to play with while editing your
pictures and videos.
•Intuitive navigation – Navigating
through a smartphone by simple hand
gestures is another advancement.
Hands busy and can’t touch your phone
screen? No problem. Now there are also
touch-free and all-motion options.
Turning your head or shifting your eyes
away from the screen automatically
pauses videos being watched.
Just imagine what’s next!
the car in “D mode,” where the motor
feels relaxed, will take care of your
daily chores around the city. Going
into “S mode” or manual will get you
to your destination quicker, but the
smooth ride gets noticeably jerky.
The Q3’s handling is excellent when
darting into corners, and the car
holds its line without creating too
much drama. The Quattro all-wheel
drive assists the Q3 in maintaining its
composure throughout the ride.
As far as the economy of this ride
goes, the Q3 returns a nice 8.25kpl,
which is helped by its start-stop
mechanism. The Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI is
quicker and more fun to drive than
its diesel cousin. If you don’t mind
paying a little extra at the fuel pump,
this beauty is one entry-level luxury
SUV you won’t want to miss out
on.
Photo Source: Internet
The Q3 2.0 is an alluring package with the
following features:
•1984cc
•4-cylinder (in-line-four)
•Direct injection turbo-charged petrol motor
•208bhp and 300Nm of torque
•7 speed dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox
•0-100kph in 7.18 seconds
Photo Source: Internet
AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, M AY 1 6, 20 1 3
6
Trial Room
The spring in your step
Nothing says you’ve got that extra swagger better than a fresh pair of shoes. These selected
shoes are definite attention grabbers that will make a statement and turn plenty of heads.
The quality of each pair makes them worthy of those who, day in and day out, carry a chic
look By Mahmood Hossain Photos: Latif Hossain
STORE:ECSTASY
Tan suede loafer
Tk5,380
Brown suede brogues
Tk11,870
Ecstasy has
a wonderful
collection
for men who
want to take
their “kicks”
game to the
next level
Rust Blue suede boots Tk3,980
Yellow suede loafers
Tk5,780
3.Yellow suede
loafers TK 5,780 at
Ecstasy
AVEN U E T TH U RS DAY, M AY 16 , 201 3
GENTLEMEN,
YOUR SHOES
ARE WHAT
WOMEN
NOTICE
FIRST.
LADIES,
WELL, YOU
LOVE SHOES
– THERE’S
NOTHING
MORE TO
ADD TO
THAT
Trial Room
7
STORE: CATS EYE
Silver studded sandals
Tk4,000
Cats Eye goes beyond
clothing with an
array of alluring
shoes for the ladies.
Whether it’s casual
or dressy, there’s
something in these
shops for everyone
Leaf print heels Tk3,250
Gold and
turquoise
rhinestones
sandals
Tk4,000
Black bow peep-toe
heels Tk3,000
Black and tan trimmed heels TK 4,250 at Cat’s Eye
THE CURRENT
DESIGNS ARE THE
MUST-HAVE FOR
THE NEW SEASON.
WITH A LITTLE BIT
OF STYLING AND A
LITTLE BIT OF FLAIR,
YOU CANNOT GO
WRONG WITH
THIS LOT. GET A
HEAD START ON
SPORTING THESE
NEW PAIRS SO
YOU CAN BOAST
ABOUT IT TO YOUR
FRIENDS
* Prices may change
AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, M AY 1 6, 20 1 3
8
Tailored
His Style
Style
The
wayfarer
way
Session
Q: I have to wear a shirt
and tie to work and other events on a regular
basis. How often should I
take my shirts to the drycleaner? By Mahmood Hossain
An all-time classic, the Rayban Wayfarer is an
accessory that will never disappear
By Mahmood Hossain Photo: Big Stock
With their introduction to the world
in 1956, these shades have become a
fashion icon recognized all over the
world. From movie stars in hit films to
fashion aficionados, you can never go
wrong with the Wayfarer. The attraction is in the beauty of its design, which
fits pretty much every face shape.
Even though they had their decline
in the past, these sunglasses have been
brought back to the fashion scene with
subtle changes to the original design.
By today’s standards, they are simple,
chic and will never go out of style. The
shape of the shades is so popular that
other fashion houses and labels have
mimicked the design into their own
line of sunglasses.
In recent years, we’ve seen many
colours and different patterns applied
to the original sunglasses. To spice
things up even more, Rayban has introduced the “New Wayfarer” – a sleeker
design to suit modern fashion. Even
though these sunglasses are for all
seasons, they are the “go-to” accessory
where spring and summer are concerned. Whether for a casual outfit or
a tailored suit, these shades will always
add that touch of class and sophistica-
tion.
To take it up a notch in the warmer
months, try out the new colours and
patterns printed on the latest design
Rayban has to offer. With more to
choose from, you can experiment with
your style. If you feel being safe is the
way to go, however, then the original
Wayfarer in solid black or the tortoise
frame will do just fine.
Available at any retailer originals
are Tk7000, replicas are Tk1000
and less
A:The best way to take care of
dress shirts is to wash them
yourself. Usually, a shirt can be
laundered when it is no longer
fresh. In other words, make sure
you are able to wear the shirt a
couple of times before deciding
to clean it. Darker coloured shirts
should be dry-cleaned more often to keep their colours from
fading. Taking your shirt to the
dry-cleaner should be your last
resort. You should try and keep
the visits down to a few times
per year for one shirt. I recommend you buy or make more
dress shirts to limit the drycleaning.
The invest ments
Everything you purchase for your wardrobe should be treated as an investment
By Mahmood Hossain Photo: Big Stock
When choosing your clothes, it
all depends on quality.There are
certain items you need to take
a more detailed and careful
approach to, while others can
be regarded as a luxury. Items
such as shirts, pants, socks and
ties are necessities that must
be selected with care. Items
such as cuff links, sunglasses,
wristwatches, overcoats and
suits should be considered a
luxury on which your spending
habit should be harnessed.
Knowing to separate the two
classes of purchases will make
your wardrobe a more pleasant
place to visit.
Here is a list of item
necessities and how to shop
for each:
•Casual shirts – Never spend
more than necessary on basic
T-shirts and casual dress shirts
•Socks and underwear –
Fabrics may differ along with
prices, but keep in mind: the
simpler they are, the better, and
no one will see your underwear
anyway
•Ties – Fabric and textures will
differ but don’t expect to spend
more than TK2,500
•Belts – They all come in
different designs and colours so
there are many to choose from,
but the idea here is to keep using
one for years until it falls apart
These listed items are things
you can save a lot of money on
without sacrificing your stylish
look. The key is to choose items
that can be used over and over
again with many outfits. Versatile
clothing is a must when you want
an attractive look.
AVEN U E T TH U RS DAY, M AY 16 , 201 3
Photo: Big Stock
Q: I know that sizing is the
most important thing to
consider when getting a
suit made, but is there
anything else I need to
keep in mind?
One of the important things to
ensure when making a suit is
to keep things proportional. If
you’re suit lapels are 2.5 inches,
your tie should be the same
width, along with your shirt’s
collar. Little details like these
make a huge difference, and a
proportionate suit will give you
a sharper look. Keep a particular cut in mind before buying or
making a new suit to make sure
it fits well with all the other details.
Try Out
9
Do-It-Yourself
Mastering the
art of glass
painting
Lately, there has been growing interest in the art of
glass painting , which has and always will be a generally
popular art. Glasses and plates can be turned into
beautiful showpieces with the help of glass painting.
When painting with opaque colours on clear glass
surface, you have to make sure to work in logical layers.
The art of painting on glass is said to be easy only for
artists. But with little help, you can master it within
months By Itminan Tasneea
Supplies
u A clean and smooth glass of any
size
u Glass paints (easily available as a
set of many colours)
u An outliner for glass paints (sold
with the paints)
u Water
Steps
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
Brushes
Solvent (also sold with the colours)
Sponge (for very large areas)
Paper
Pencil
Glitter, beads or sequins
Palette
Steps
1 Before beginning to paint, use
water or solvent to remove any
traces of dust and grease from
the surface of the glass to ensure
adherence of the paint. Allow the
surface to dry.
2 Draw the design you want to paint
on the glass on a sheet of paper.
Then, position the paper firmly
under the glass so you can see the
design through the other side of
the glass.
3 Open the outliner and place
the nozzle tightly on top. Now,
outline your design on the glass.
This should be very easy since the
design on the paper is clearly visible from the other side. Allow the
paint to dry completely.
4 Fill in the areas between the
outlines with a brush. Apply paint
generously by pouring the paint in
a palette. This will produce an effect similar to that of stained glass.
Make sure to begin with colours of
lighter areas first, and darker areas
later.
5 Allow the glass to dry and the
colours to settle for at least two to
eight hours.
Tips
1
Sponging is another way you can
apply glass paint. This is good for
covering large areas of glass and
blending colours while wet. The
first coat of colour can also be
allowed to dry before sponging
with a second colour.
2
Always pour paint into a palette
instead of using it straight from
the jar. This prevents the paint
from drying.
3
Brushes can be cleaned with solvent or white spirit.
4
Solvent can be used to rub out colour if you make a mistake while
painting.
5
To add the finishing touch to your
project, use tweezers to add sequins or beads while your painting is still wet. Glitter can also be
used. The wet paint will act as the
glue.
6
Glass paints should only be used
for decorative objects. The colours
are not dishwasher proof, so if you
want to clean the glass, wipe it
with a wet cloth.
7
There are two ways to present
your glass painting. You can either
view it from the side you painted
on or the reverse side.
Although we now have modern techniques to paint glass, this art goes all
the way back to ancient times, when
tiny religious symbols and figures used
to be painted on glass. It’s exciting to
know we are still practising this art
today! With regular practice, you can
master glass painting in no time. Best
of luck!
AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, M AY 1 6, 20 1 3
10
Tempt
Hair Care
Mane miscommunication
From my experience working in Sydney and Dhaka, I had to master
the art of communication with my clients by asking the right
questions and actually listening to their answers. On your next visit
to the salon, it’s your turn to master the art of communicating what
you want from your hairstylist to get the best results. By Sabikun Nahar
Sabikun Nahar is a professional
hair stylist and make-up artist
who has worked in Sydney, Australia, following her graduation
at Toni&Guy Sydney
International School of
Hairdressing. She is currently the
senior stylist at Prive salon.
Photos: Big Stock
Timing is key
On the day of your appointment, try to
arrive five minutes early so that you can
have a thorough consultation with your
stylist. This allows them to assess your
hair type, and gives you a chance to get
to know and feel comfortable with the
stylist.
Communicate
The salon may be extremely busy when
you enter, and you may be rushed to
the sink to have your hair shampooed.
Make sure that before this happens, the
stylist takes a look at your hair while
dry and in its natural texture, length
and shape. Use the right lingo such as
“soft fringes” or “strong bangs.” Simply
asking for “voluminous layers” is not
the solution. Make a list of problems
you deal with such as layers that
appear messy or hair that is too flat,
frizzy, unmanageable or dry. Fading
colours and chemical straightening
issues should also be on this list.
Reality check
Not every cut or colour may work with
the hair type or skin complexion you
were born with. Your stylist should be
able to recommend something that
is suitable for your hair and lifestyle.
Bring pictures so you know you are on
the same page.
High or low maintenance
Tell the stylist how much time you like
to spend on styling your hair everyday.
Your stylist will either show you how to
recreate the style at home, or tell you
that it simply cannot be done in the 10
minutes you spare to do your hair every
morning.
Don’t be shy
Ask away! Ask about shampoos, conditioners, styling products, heat
protectants, home care treatments and how often you should visit the salon.
We are here to help.
Watch out for my upcoming article dedicated to our curly girlies!
Make-up
Summer struggles
answers to some frequent
predicaments that haunt us in summer
Navin Ahmed
Navin Ahmed has studied Cosmetic Techniques and
Management at Sheridan College in Canada. She worked as a
freelance make-up artist in Toronto and is the founder of GALA
Wedding Planners and Makeover Studio in Dhaka.
Q. Sunblock makes my skin
break out into pimples! What
should I do?
A. It’s very simple: Just use oil-free
sunblock. My personal favourite for
summer is Kustie Sunny Time Sunblock
for a non-greasy yet moisturising
formula. This product is available at
all local pharmacies. Never leave the
house without sunblock, as it helps
prevent a variety of skin-related issues
in the future.
Q. My skin becomes oily, greasy
and sticky in the summer heat.
HELP!
A. Here is a skin secret that only experts
know: After moisturising or using
sunblock, pat your skin with a tiny bit
of baby powder using a powder puff or
a fluffy brush. This instantly soaks up
the oil and keeps your skin matte for at
least a few hours. It also prevents dust
from sticking to your skin. Try it and see
for yourself.
AVEN U E T TH U RS DAY, M AY 16 , 201 3
Q. I think my pores appear
larger
in
summer.
Can
anything be done about this?
A. You’re right. A vast number of people
experience an expansion of their pores
in summertime. The heat increases
perspiration and revs up your skin’s
oil-making machinery, which in turn
makes pores work overtime to release
the excess sweat and sebum. Use a
gentle face wash to cleanse your skin.
I recommend BioDerma Sebium face
wash. It helps to control oil produced
by the skin. Make sure you don’t over
wash your skin. Twice a day is good
enough.
Also, use a toner to tighten your pores
and refresh your skin right before
applying moisturiser or sunblock.
Personally, I love using Ayur Herbal Skin
Toner.
Tempt
11
Local Trends
Bags! Bags! Bags!
Ladies everywhere have had an ongoing love affair
with their handbags. We’re so used to them, we
can’t imagine walking around empty-handed. That
being said, just any old bag won’t make the cut. We
need a variety of purses and must make the most of
each purse in our closets.
By Hiroe Kunimoto Photos: Big Stock
Satchels: These are the structured
handbags with double handles,
hardware locks and a wide, flat
bottom. Satchels come in a variety
of sizes and are ideal for working
women as the multiple pockets keep
your essentials in place.
Here are the essentials:
Hiroe kunimoto is a brand
executive for Apex Adelchi
Footwear Ltd.
Cosmetics case: The name says it all.
These are the small pouches available at
various cosmetics shops. There are some
jumbo sizes out there, but you wouldn’t
want to burden yourself with carrying
every item in your make-up drawer.
Look for the types with small pockets to
organise your lipstick and compact.
Hobo bags: These are the large
crescent-shaped shoulder bags that
have a main compartment closure.
They are very versatile in terms of
usage and are easy to carry. If chosen
in the right colour, they will look chic.
Choose shades like beige, mauve and
brown rather than black to really spice
up your outfit.
Shoulder bags: Every girl needs a good mix of
this classic in her closet. Smaller shoulder bags
are ideal for dinner parties as well as casual
nights out.
Tote bags: Also known as the “shopper”, these
are extra spacious bags with two straps and can
carry anything too large for a common handbag.
Make sure to pick the sort constructed of heavyduty material so you can carry some serious
weight.
Find out Avenue T’s pick on Dhaka’s best 5 bag stores: Pg 12
International Trends
Crazy for kimonos
Here’s a style note
straight off the runways
of Prada, Haider Ackerman, Gareth Pugh and
many more: the kimono
is back this season and
everyone has got to have
one for summer
By Musarrat Rahman
Go ahead and dig out the kimono jacket
that was pushed to the back of your
closet, or if you never got on that wagon
back in 2011, just head over to Urban
Truth and grab one of the psychedelic
printed ones they have to offer. Kimono
jackets are extremely versatile and can
be paired with everything from jeans to
skirts to dresses.
This trend has evolved slightly since
2011, when kimono jackets were ALL the
rage. It has become more about dresses
and tops that were inspired by it, so
if you are feeling creative, you should
grab some exquisitely printed chiffon
or silk and make one yourself. You
can even go the whole nine yards and
custom make your own fabrics with
Musarrat Rahman is a fashion
designer and recent graduate of the
Raffles Institute of Higher Education
traditional block prints for a desi twist.
If you can’t be bothered to go through
all that hassle, try Arannya (beneath
Jatra) on Kemal Ataturk Avenue, which
has gorgeous floor-length, batik print
silk kimonos on sale.
You can sport a floor-length kimono as
a cover-up for skinny jeans and a tank
top, or a little black dress. You can even
pair a voluminous kimono-inspired top
with a pencil skirt, jeans or cigarette
pants for a more office-friendly look.
As for how to accessorize your kimono,
bold lips and a topknot won’t let you
down.
Photo Source: Internet
AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, M AY 1 6, 20 1 3
12
Cover
Getting
PURSEnal!
Some women go weak
at the knees in the mere
vicinity of a treasured purse.
Others only care for that
essential tote, comfortable
and sophisticated enough
to be used at a variety of
events. This week Avenue
T scourged every nook and
cranny to find the best bag
stores in Dhaka. Stocking
everything from adorablesized saddle bags to unfussy
carryalls to tiny satchels just
big enough to stash your
basics, these top five purse
shops are on the wish list of
every handbag-hungry lady
around
By N Anita Amreen
Photos: Mumit M
AVEN U E T TH U RS DAY, M AY 16 , 201 3
1
2
Celebrations
Topping the list is Celebrations, undoubtedly
Pink City’s most visited store. Why? Because
it holds an extensive collection of medium
to high-quality replicas of some of the
most celebrated international purses.
From colour blocked envelope clutches
to bejewelled minaudiere to intricately
designed crystallised clutches, Celebrations
has it all. Its consummate selection of Gucci,
Louis Vuitton, Dior, Coach, Burberry and Fendi
replicas are imported from Dubai, while the
medium-priced replicas are imported from
Thailand.
In the hefty price range of Tk5,000-15,000,
we found that some of their replicas –
the snakeskin Gucci, the Chanel quilted
bag and the Louis Vuitton speedy – were
almost indistinguishable from the originals.
For those who cannot afford to purchase
authentic brands, Celebrations has made
it easier to get a little closer to these prized
objects of fantasy.
In the mid-level price range are some highly
appealing clutches. At the more reasonable
price range of Tk1,200-4,500, these arm
candies are really worth a buy. Not everyone
has cash to splash, but for those willing to
part with a few thousand takas for a leading
brand’s replica, Celebrations is the place to go.
Shimmer
In recent times, women have replaced
their elongated, plain satin clutches
with more glamorous, bejewelled
alternatives. With prices starting at
Tk2,200 for minaudiere, boxed and
snapped closure clutches, Shimmer
brings you one-of-a-kind clutches bejewelled with just the perfect amount
of bling. Its intricately embroidered
clutches and sharp architectural designs can be carried for a formal dinner
or a night out in town. The best way to
purchase one of these embellished accessories is to consider it a useful, fashionable investment rather than an impulsive buy. When looking for a fashion
accessory that demands attention and
oozes with undiluted glamour, Shimmer’s line of clutches fit the bill.
Cover
4
3
cats eye
Cats Eye’s bag department consists of
a whole range of purses, from simple
satin embellished clutches to clever
leather totes with interior pockets and
separators. The most commendable
part of its product line is that it
houses bags, purses and clutches for
every occasion: a night out in town,
a wedding, or a convenient leather
satchel for work. With prices beginning
at Tk1,800, some of its smaller purses
are real investments. While their
leather goods are on the pricier end
starting at Tk5,000, they are definitely
keepers. Quality and style-wise, these
bags promise to go a long way. As for
their simpler range of clutches, they
come in various textured materials
such as both plain satin and ruched
satin. To keep their designs interesting
they use coloured lace, padlocks, colour
blocking techniques, cut work designs
and steel studs.
13
Aarong
Celebrated for being number one
store for upholding the traditions
of our country, while providing topnotch quality goods at reasonable
prices, Aarong has crossed boundaries
as far as its products are concerned.
After diverging into its own line
of leather handbags and fashion
clutches, Aarong has continued to win
the hearts of several fashion savvy
consumers.
Aarong’s vast bag collection includes
simplistic designs that cater to a
more grown up audience. Its unfussy,
unadorned leather baguette purses,
totes, satchels and carryalls are a
refreshing change from luxury-label
conspicuous purses. It creates purses
that customers will turn to when they
grow tired of over-the-top designs
embellished with multiple zips,
studs and buckles. With leather bags
starting at tTk1,500, you can definitely
make multiple purchases. In addition
to its line of leather goods, it has
beautifully crafted clutches that start
at as low as Tk600. Usually available
in antique shades such as gold and
silver, these clutches are individually
embellished with sequins, pearls
and intricate trimmings. The only
drawback to Aarong’s product line
is ubiquity. Remember, you probably
won’t be the only one carrying that
Aarong clutch at a party.
INDEX
5
Urban Truth
Urban Truth is known for turning
ordinary utilitarian articles into quirky,
clever purses. Staying true to its
promise of quality and sophistication,
Urban Truth’s collection will keep even
the most fashionable shopper happy.
With prices starting at Tk2,000, it
boasts adorable, tiny cross-body bags
with detachable straps that can double
up as bracelets, brilliant neon-hued
envelope clutches with detachable
straps, fashionable padlocked satchels
and patent quilted purses. Most of
their styles reflect their efforts to
stick to simple, classic designs with a
touch of glamour by adding mini steel
padlocks or rustic gold studs. Their
satchels and totes come in muted
colours with a mix of both smooth
and pebbled leather. It is practically
impossible to enter the shop and not
get the instant urge to purchase one
of their quaint purses. As far as price,
quality and design are concerned,
Urban Truth is almost unbeatable.
Celebrations
Rupayan Centre, Gulshan
Avenue. Pink City
Urban Truth
Pride, MODA
Banani Road 11
Shimmer
41 Kemal Ataturk Avenue,
Banani ( opposite Jatra/
Airtel / Prime Bank
) , 1213 Dhaka,
Bangladesh+880 1617446637
Cats Eye
Rupayan Golden Age, 99
Gulshan Avenue,
Aarong
7 Jashimuddin Ave
Dhaka
02-8915242
AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, M AY 1 6, 20 1 3
14
Tell
Letters to Mars
Letters to Venus
When love isn’t enough!
By Avenue T Desk
I’m a 24-year-old working man in a
relationship for the past three and a half
years with a woman that I adore. She
hails from a conservative family and her
parents want to marry her off to a man
at least three years older than her, with
a master’s degree, a green card and a
high paid job in America. While we were
doing our undergraduate studies in
university, her parents began pressurising her to get married. To meet their
requirements, I dropped out of university,
got a fake undergraduate certificate
from a less reputable university, and
applied for admission to a master’s program abroad. I did all this just for her, but
found out when I returned that she had
been cheating on me. I’m devastated,
but I know I can’t live without her. What
should I do?
KJ
Dear KJ,
You have sacrificed a lot for this
woman – dropping out of university,
getting a fake certificate and risking
getting caught by authorities. You
have given her your all and more, just
so you could be eligible to marry her.
Right now, your decision depends on
your girlfriend – is she genuinely sorry?
Does she want you back? Sometimes,
even the best of people make the
gravest of mistakes. What matters is
her heart – is it at the right place? If
you think she is deserving of your trust,
then this is still worth another shot.
Give her a chance to prove to you that
she cares. Best of luck!
Issues
Our Agony Aunt is a life coach, a relationship
coach, as well as a corporate and organisational
consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh
but travels extensively around the world to give
seminars, to see her clients, as well as counsel them
on Skype. AA is also a ghostwriter for a renowned
American magazine.
The weight factor
I’m a 54-year-old female, 5ft 2in and 6kg
overweight. My life has been a constant
struggle of dieting, losing weight and
putting it back on again. Many say that
being 6kg overweight is not a big deal,
but I suffer from serious self-esteem
issues. I never feel beautiful or young and
these thoughts have led me to depression, which in turn led me to gain even
more weight. I feel like I’m stuck in a
vicious cycle of suffering with no way out.
How can I help myself?
K
Photos: Big Stock
AVEN U E T TH U RS DAY, M AY 16 , 201 3
Chained
By AA
My dear Victim S,
Do you know how many times I have
heard this sentence during my practice?
“I thought he would change.”
Very few people change, but they can
improve. Why would your boyfriend
take such liberties? Out of a habit?
Who allowed him to have such a habit? I think you did, my dear. The first
few times you allowed it because you
thought it was a mistake or you got
intimidated. You said nothing and he
continued.
You love him to death? Love is based on
mutual respect. Respect is what keeps a
relationship going for years and years,
not only amongst couples but also between friends and business partners.
Without it, there is only a semblance of
love.
What you might do is to talk to him, not
when he is being obnoxious, but when
you are in a quiet and happy moment.
Explain to him that when he uses such
expressions you feel humiliated and sad.
It is always a good idea to say: “When
you do that…I feel…hurt/humiliated/
unloved/unappreciated.”Sometimes
people do not mean to offend or hurt
us. By not accusing your boyfriend with
sentences like: “You make me feel bad.
You hurt me,” he will not feel the need
to defend himself. By putting yourself
in charge of the hurt and saying: “I feel
hurt when you say this or do that,” he
will not feel cornered and can easily say:
“Oh my darling, I am so sorry you felt
that way, I never meant to hurt you.” If
he says: “What is your problem?” think
again. He is not willing to hear you now
or in the future.
Remember, what we do not particularly
like about a future partner, we will dislike with intensity after marriage. So, do
not get into a permanent relationship
thinking you can change him. No one
can change anyone else; we can only
change ourselves or the way we see others. If you accept the way he is and can
make peace with yourself, then you will
be okay together.
your own child and start
by accepting with love
who you are and how you
look. In the end, you will
only see beauty and love
springing from yourself.
Like magic, people will begin to find what you have
found in yourself: beauty
and joy. Others see what
we reflect outwards.
When you want to eat something inappropriate, tell yourself: “I love myself
and my body and I want to be good
to myself. I can say no and feel happy.”
Talk to your stomach and say: “You have
had enough.” Your stomach is guided by
your thoughts, not just by your
needs.
I’m a 22-year-old woman in a relationship for the past two and a half years.
My boyfriend has gotten into the habit
of constantly demeaning and belittling
me – sometimes in front of his friends,
sometimes in front of storekeepers. I love
him to death, and I cannot and will not
break up over this because I know he can
change.
S
By AA
Dear K,
You are right to want to take off the
extra weight; 6kg this year will become
8kg next year. Please do not identify
yourself with your weight. YOU are not
your weight. Begin by being nice to
yourself. Look in the mirror and praise
what you like about your face and body.
What you do not like still belongs to you.
If you do not like and love who you are,
why should anyone else? Do not use derogatory words towards yourself. Would
you talk negatively about your child’s
look? Of course not, you would love
and like everything about your child. Be
Take Care
Horoscope
Health
Tadasana
Tadasana is also known as the mountain pose. This easyto-master pose has several benefits including improving
your posture, strengthening your knees and thighs and
firming your stomach and buttocks. This pose helps
the internal organs of your body function with greater
efficiency, and greatly improves digestion, respiration and
circulation. Ideal for an early morning yoga session, the
Tadasana promises to make you feel rejuvenated for the
rest of the day Photo: Big Stock
Stand with your big toes
touching
u Your heels should be slightly
apart
u Spreading your toes, lift the
balls of your feet
u Lift and then slowly, softly lay
your feet back down on the
floor
u Sway back and forth, and then
from one side to another
u Keep swaying until you can
bring yourself to a standstill,
balancing your weight evenly
u Firm your thigh muscles and
lift your kneecaps. Do so
without hardening your lower
abdomen
u Lift
your
inner
ankles,
imagining that a vertical line
u
u
u
u
u
of energy is making its way up
your thighs to your groin, all
the way up to your throat and
then the crown of your head
Try to turn your upper thighs
inwards, lengthening your
tailbone towards the floor
and lifting your pubis towards
your navel
Try to press your shoulder
blades into your back. Widen
them across and then release
Lift the upper part of your
sternum towards the ceiling,
widening your collarbones. Let
your hands hang beside your
torso
Stay in this pose for 30 seconds
to a minute
Sugar rush
Do you or your family members suffer from type 2
diabetes? Considering studies showing a rapid increase
in the prevalence of diabetes in both rural and urban
communities of Bangladesh, the chances are your answer is “yes”.
Thankfully, type 2 diabetes can be controlled if the right treatment
plan is strictly adhered to. To control the disease, however, you must
first understand its pathology By Bassema Karaki
Photo: Big Stock
Type 2 diabetes results from the
body’s failure to keep your blood
glucose level normal. Glucose (sugar)
comes into our bloodstream as a
result of what we eat and what the
liver produces. Insulin produced in
the pancreas allows glucose to enter
different cells for growth and energy.
With type 2 diabetes, the insulinproducing cells secrete less insulin
than is needed, the liver produces
more glucose than it should, and
the muscles don’t respond to
insulin normally, resulting in insulin
resistance. Chronically elevated blood
glucose levels increase the risk of
complications, such as blindness,
kidney failure, and loss of limbs.
Type 2 diabetes is best treated with
15
nutritional control and physical
activity. There are also a variety of
medications used to treat the disease.
u
Metformin – decreases the amount
of glucose made by your liver and
the amount of glucose you absorb
from food
u Sulphonylureas and Meglitinaides
– stimulate the cells in the
pancreas to make more insulin
u TZDs, rosiglitazone, and
Pioglitazone - sensitise the muscles
to be more reactive to insulin
u Incretins, Byetta, Bydureon, Victoza
and Januvia – make the pancreatic
cells more sensitive to glucose
As many as 95% of diabetes cases
are type 2 diabetes, the type that is
often triggered by obesity. It occurs
more commonly among people
who are older than 30 years of age
and obese, although its incidence is
rapidly increasing in younger people
because of the growing epidemic of
obesity in children, adolescents, and
young adults. The best way to prevent
yourself from getting diabetes is to
maintain a healthy weight.
Insulin is a hormone produced by
your pancreas that controls the level
of glucose in your blood by regulating
the production and storage of glucose.
In one study, people who had the
largest waistlines were 10 times more
likely to have diabetes than those who
had the smallest.
Aries
This is the ideal time to take on
challenges. Your leadership qualities
will shine through, enabling you to
reach new heights.
Taurus
You’ll be in high spirits and
can enjoy the harmony around you.
You may meet an old flame, and
feelings may be reignited.
Gemini
You will struggle to
maintain a balance between your
responsibilities and your pleasureseeking nature. Try not to get
frustrated; instead, concentrate on
doing a little bit of both.
Cancer
You may feel like everything
in your life is perfect right now, so
you will overspend on extravagant
purchases. A very important
opportunity may come your way this
week.
Leo
Your sudden inability to do
things yourself will place you in a
position where you want to reach
out to those around you. Instead of
shunning this change in yourself,
welcome it and engage in group
work.
Virgo
Plans you previously made
may not work out as expected.
You will have to reschedule a lot
this week, leaving you with a lot of
pending work.
Libra
This week you shall achieve
what you’ve been wanting for
quite a while now. Be it a job or a
materialistic thing, you’ll get it when
you least expect it. 0
Scorpio
Your frantic efforts to find
love will not go in vain this week.
You shall meet someone very
important. Whether or not the
relationship lasts, it will be a joyride
to remember. Brace yourself.
Sagittarius
Tame your competitive
streak or you might come off as too
aggressive. Try to maintain a calm
facade, for it is then you will be able
to succeed.
Capricorn
This week will offer you a
much-needed break. Relax and
indulge in things you enjoy because
this break shall not last long.
Aquarius
The green monster of jealousy
will emerge, threatening to ruin
relationships. You must not let it get
the better of you.
Pisces
On the financial front, you
will prosper. However, your mental
faculties will be in turmoil, as you
will feel that things aren’t going
your way. Keep yourself busy and
practice patience.
AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, M AY 1 6, 20 1 3
16
Tucked In
Tantilise
Khichuri: the ultimate comfort
When it comes to comfort food, there is nothing quite like a sizzling plate of khichuri and begun
bhaaji to give you a little taste of home. As Boishakh thunders its way into our lives, we have
yet another reason to cook up this deliciously heartening rice and daal dish. This scrumptious
khichuri recipe is infused with the rich flavour of ghee, the zest of spices and a healthy dose of
vegetables By N Anita Amreen
Naorose Ali is the chef of
Cilantro. He gained his culinary
expertise from Australia.
Ingredients
f1 cup rice
f2 tbsp ghee
f1/2 cup moong dal
f1/2 cup french beans, chopped
f1 tsp cumin seeds
f2 finely sliced onions
f3-6 tomatoes
f4 slit green chillies
f1 cup cauliflower florets
f1/2 cup carrots, chopped
f1/2 tsp turmeric powder
f1 tsp garlic paste
f1 tsp ginger paste
fa pinch of asafetida
f3 cardamom cloves
f1 cinnamon stick
f3 cloves
f1 cup peas
f1 1/2 cup water
salt to taste
Steps
Thoroughly wash the rice and
daal. Cook the daal with a
pinch of turmeric powder and
set it aside, leaving the daal
water in a separate bowl.
Photo: Internet
Heat the ghee in a vessel
and fry the cumin seeds,
asafetida, onions, cloves,
cardamom and cinnamon. Once the onions
are golden brown, add
the green chillies. Add
salt, ginger and garlic
paste, frying for a minute
or two. Add all vegetables, except the tomatoes, and fry for another
minute. Add the washed
rice and chopped tomatoes and fry. After a few
minutes, add the cooked
daal, mixing thoroughly.
Then add 1 1/2 cups of
water. Finally, add the
daal water you set aside
earlier, and cook for 8-10
minutes until the rice
is done. Serve hot with
pure ghee.
Host
Dinner party dos
With hectic schedules and crazy work hours on the rise, most people opt out of hosting cosy dinners at home. Don’t sweat the
small stuff – with a bit of preparation, you’ll find hosting a dinner party as easy as one-two-three! By Sabah Rahman
Photo: Big Stock
The guest list
Putting some thought into whom
you end up spending the evening
with goes a long way. You may have a
large number of friends, but getting
the correct mix of people together is
a sure-fire way of ensuring your night
has the perfect flow and everyone has
a good time (including you!)
The perfect playlist
Set the mood for the night by preplanning a complete playlist for the
party. Make sure the songs you pick
transition well into their successive
tracks to avoid awkward silences.
Jazz is always a good choice for most
dinners. Keep the volume on the low
AVEN U E T TH U RS DAY, M AY 16 , 201 3
side so your guests can hear
each other speak. You may think
serving up an elaborate or exotic
meal will impress your guests, but
if not executed properly, you can
end up with disastrous results! A
good old-fashioned chicken roast
appeals to almost everyone and is
a breeze to whip up.
A happy ending
A well-planned evening should
not feel rushed. When the meal
and dessert are polished off, allow
your guests to linger over cups of
coffee or tea so they can have a
chance to chat and relax.
Tucked In
17
Tips & Tricks
Home
remedies
Instead of burning a whole in your pocket
buying expensive products to make life easier,
turn to more natural alternatives - follow
these simple do-it-yourself tips for a cleaner
home and a happier you By N Anita Amreen
Photos: Big Stock
WInstead of buying expensive
cooking spray, make your own by
adding one cup olive oil to five
cups water
WTo get really thin slices of
vegetables, use a potato peeler
WTo soften your skin, add a cup of
baking soda to your bath water
WIf you have mistakenly added too
much salt in your dish, add half a
potato – it absorbs the salt
WIf you have frizzy hair, comb a bit
of olive oil into it to tame the fizz
WTo keep your vegetables fresh, line
each vegetable in your fridge with
paper towels
WSometimes having a tablespoon
of olive oil before going to bed can
lubricate your throat and stop you
from snoring
WTo clear any surface from the
stickiness of hairspray, mix 1/3rd
cups of shampoo with 2/3rd
cups of water and spray on dirty
surfaces. After a minute, wipe off
WFor very smooth skin, rub a fresh
slice of tomato on your face for a
minute and then wash off
WTo clean a mirror, dab some
vinegar on an old newspaper and
wipe
WTo clean a microwave, fill a small
cup with water and set the heat
on high. The steam from the water
will loosen up any dry grease. Once
it has loosened up, wipe away with
a moist napkin
WUse a mix of baking soda and
water to clean the racks on your
fridge
Pets
Training your German Shepherd
When you first welcome a rambunctious German Shepherd
into your home you have to prepare yourself to teach your
dog how to be a friend and watchdog By N Anita Amreen
Once the bonding period is over, the
tough times roll in when you start
training your majestic friend. One of
the most popular training methods
is the clicker system. In these cases,
the ‘clicker’ can be a snap of the
fingers, or the shake of a bunch
of keys. Every time he does as you
tell him to, you make the click and
encourage him to continue. Follow
this with a treat. Once your canine
can connect the click with a job that
is correctly done, he’ll be able to
efficiently follow your orders. Since
most German Shepherds have short
attention spans, you have to work
at one trick at a time. As for potty
training, create a particular spot
with a crate with a cardboard base.
Every time you think he’s about to
excrete, tie him on his leash and rush
him to that spot. Soon enough, he’ll
be doing it in his designated spot on
his own.
Photo: Internet
AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, M AY 1 6, 20 1 3
18
Trails
Outside Dhaka
Dinajpur
Dinajpur is one of the
northernmost districts
of Bangladesh. The lush,
green, fertile land is
bordered by the Dhepa,
Punarbhaba and
Atrai Rivers. Greater
Dinajpur was once
part of West Bengal
and was a significant
landmark during the
Liberation War. Before
the partition, the
British had established
their administration
there, making it a
very important city.
Archeologists and
scholars find great
interest in digging out
the historic traditions
lying within the walls
of the mosques and
temples built there
during the Mughal and
British periods.
By Farah K Iqbal
What to do
Dinajpur is all about geography, history, culture and its
people. History within this
area unveils stories of the past
from the times of the British
rule. The people of Dinajpur
are very proud of the mosques
that surround the city. The Sura
Mosque is about 11km west of
the ruins of Ghoraghat. A little
further away is the great Nayabad Mosque situated near the
banks of the Moribund River
Dhepa. This district in North
Bengal also encompasses the
Krishna temple, aka the Kantaji
temple, famous for its beautiful terracotta designs. These
temples and mosques scattered
throughout Dinajpur are memories and legacies left behind by
the British rule.
AVEN U E T TH U RS DAY, M AY 16 , 201 3
What to eat
Lichie fans, this is your big day! Dinjapur is known to grow the best of
lichies in Bangladesh. For those of
you who prefer eating lichies fresh
from the garden, the monsoon season is the best time to go. Lichies
are the juiciest and freshest at that
time and grow in abundance, so
there will be enough for you to eat
to your heart’s content.
Trails
where to stay
The Dinajpur Parjatan Hotel is sufficient for tourists wishing to spend
the night in between sightseeing. It is
conveniently located in the middle of
the hustle and bustle of the Dinajpur
town, with a quiet compound of its
own. Rates are very reasonable, and
the accommodations are comfy.
The writer is a team
member of Tiger Tours.
Getting There
19
INDEX
Hotline numbers:
0184 145 5500, 0184 144 5500 or
e-mail: info@tigertoursbd.com.
bus Service
Buses and trains are the best way
to reach Dinajpur. There are non
air-conditioned buses that leave
every hour, and every train that is
bound towards North Bengal has
a stop in Dinajpur. Dhumketu Silk
City is our recommended mode of
travel, which takes about five hours
to get there from Dhaka.
Tiger Tours Limited offers an extraordinary package to Dinajpur
Photo: Internet
In Dhaka
Portuguese delight
Marinated for over 24 hours, Nandos’ luscious chicken
breasts are basted in Peri Peri sauces to create a dish that
oozes with pungent delight By N Anita Amreeny N Anita
Amreen
When Nandos graced the Gulshan-1
road with its very first branch, cosily
tucked next to Pizza Hut, I was slightly
apprehensive about the arrival of this
new franchise. Perhaps it would be like
its predecessors KFC and Pizza Hut –
eateries that initially attracted endless
queues of people, but later died down
to become just another fast food joint.
All it took was a bite of their succulent
chicken breasts and a dip of their
Perinnaise sauce for me to change my
mind.
Marinated for over 24 hours, Nandos’
luscious chicken breasts are basted in
Peri Peri sauces to create a dish that
oozes with juicy delight. Their magic
ingredient – Peri Peri sauce – is what
sets their dishes apart. Each flavour
of their various sauces – extra hot,
hot, mild, wild herb or garlic – has a
distinct charm. Whether you choose
the extra spicy hot sauce or the milder
mix of tangy herbs, every bite of their
tender, flame-grilled chicken promises
to engage your taste buds with a fiery
intensity that will leave you twinging
with pleasure.
Peri Bites, the latest addition to their
menu, is another magical treat for your
palate. Essentially spicy, green chillies
stuffed with cheese sauce and tender
peri-basted chicken slices, Peri Bites is
an appetiser you can’t get enough of.
Second on the list of most delicious
Nandos appetisers is the hummus and
pita bread. With its creamy, smooth
texture and natural flavour, their
hummus is well worth sampling. From
the delicious smell of their flamegrilled chicken to the refreshing chill of
their drinks, Nandos promises to be a
delight for carnivores and vegetarians
alike.
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20
Travel
Prague
The magnificent capital city
of the Czech Republic should
be on everyone’s travel list.
Prepare to be blown away by the
breathtaking sight of the city’s
rich historical landmarks. Filled
with monuments, statues and a
pulsating club scene, Prague has
something wonderful to offer
even the most discerning traveller
Compiled by Sabah Rahman
What to do
Old Town Square
Located just a five-minute stroll away
from Wencelas Square, the Old Town
Square is a must-see for those new to
Prague. Every building has an en-
chanting story to tell. Explore the two
churches and the Astronomical Clock of
the area, or just relax over a cup of coffee and absorb the environment at one
of the many cafes. Make your
way to the top of the Old Town
Hall Tower for a stunning aerial
view, ideal for taking photos.
Lovelocks
Newlyweds who choose Prague
as their honeymoon destination
won’t want to miss the lovelocks
near the Charles Bridge. Thousands of colourful locks are fastened to the bridge railings and
fences to signify everlasting
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love. Couples scribble their names onto
their own padlocks and throw the keys
in the canal, forever securing their love
for each other.
John Lennon Wall
Right around the corner from the locks
of love is yet another wonderful sight.
After his passing in 1980, John Lennon’s
portrait was painted on a wall that the
city’s youth and tourists later filled with
graffiti focused on peace. Bright swirls
of paint peppered with Beatle’s lyrics
and personal messages will surely appeal to all Lennon fans.
Travel
21
INDEX
Lifestyle Hotel
V Luzich 999/1,
Prague 14200
Ph: +420 226 804
541
Rott Hotel
Malé Namesti
138/4, Prague
11000
Ph: +420 224 190
901
Charles Bridge
Palace Hotel
Anenske Namesti
203/1, Prague
11000
Ph: +420 222 041
140
What to Eat
Old Town Square
548/20 Prague
11000
Goulash
Goulash is a rich beef stew enhanced
with paprika and peppers and served
with a side of bread dumplings known
locally as knedliky. This is the kind of
meal that will stick to your ribs and is
not recommended for those watching
their calories. Goulash comes in many
variations, including a vegetarian one,
and can easily be found in most pubs
and restaurants.
Roasted duck
Another favourite local dish is the classic duck roast. The cabbage and apples
served on the side perfectly complement the warm, well-seasoned meat.
Remember to specify exactly how large
you want your portion to be, or you may
find yourself facing an entire duck on a
plate!
Fruit dumplings
Travellers with a sweet tooth should
definitely experience ovocny knedliky
– thick, round dumplings stuffed with
pears, apricots or strawberries. These little bundles of joy are finished off with
butter, cheese curds and powdered
sugar.
Rott Hotel (Tk14,800 per night for
a standard room)
Located in the centre of Prague, this hotel is a short walk away from Wenceslas
Square. It has an excellent in-house restaurant that serves a breakfast buffet
worth trying.
John Lennon Wall
Velkoprevorske
Namesti, Prague
11800
Flights
Where to stay
Lifestyle Hotel (Tk4,400 per night
for a double room)
With 27 rooms and a lovely garden on
on the premises, plus free Wi-Fi, this hotel is the perfect choice for those on a
budget.
Charles Bridge Palace Hotel
(Tk32,700 per night for a standard
room)
This beautiful, luxurious, old-fashioned
four star hotel is located near the theatre on the Balustrade and the Marionette Museum.
Emirates Airlines flies to Dubai
seven days a week, from where
it runs a connecting flight to
Prague.
Photo Source: Internet
Globe Trotter
Saxony, Germany
Bangkok, Thailand
Mount Abu, India
International
Dixieland Festival
Dresden
May 12-19
Jae Danupon
Kaewkarn Classical
Concert
May 25
Summer Festival
May 23-25
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22
Tags
Concert
at AFD
1
2
An instrumental session was performed by world
renowned French-Lebanese singer and songwriter
Abaji at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka
(AFD) on Friday, May 11. Abaji used a different
range of instruments that mesmerised the
audience at the concert Photos by Sadia Marium
2
3
1. Children at Abaji’s
performance
2. Olivier Litvine, director of
AFD briefly introducing Abaji
3. Jannati Neha learning
French at AFD
4. Audience from FrancoBangladeshi community
5.Legendary musician Abaji
playing at his concert
4
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5
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