Latest news with #RobinsonCrusoe
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Gurnaik Johal: ‘I had no idea Zadie Smith was such a big deal!'
My earliest reading memory I used to regularly reread my bright green copy of the Guinness Book of Records. I can still clearly picture the woman with the longest fingernails in the world. My favourite book growing up I loved the world-building in Michelle Paver's Wolf Brother series. Its stone age setting was different to anything I knew, but so easy to imagine being a part of. The book that changed me as a teenager I bought NW by Zadie Smith because its cover design was so striking. I had no idea she was such a big deal! Once I finished it, I sought out the books that she recommended. That's how I ended up reading Elizabeth Strout, George Saunders and Gustave Flaubert – which was a very good place to start. The writer who changed my mind I didn't read biographies until I stumbled upon Dana Stevens's book about Buster Keaton, Camera Man. She changed my mind about the genre, and now I can't watch Keaton's films without thinking about scenes from the book. The book that made me want to be a writer Reading short stories at university made me want to become a writer. Extra by Yiyun Li, A Temporary Matter by Jhumpa Lahiri and Recitatif by Toni Morrison stand out as early examples that got me to think differently about reading and writing. The book or author I came back to I didn't get Heart of Darkness at all when I first read it, and was too quick to judge it. Thankfully, I revisited it and now count Joseph Conrad as one of my favourite writers. I love his prose style and the scale of ambition in his novels. The book I reread Teaching courses on the short story allowed me to regularly revisit some favourites. Two stories that never left my syllabus were Pet Milk and Paper Lantern by Stuart Dybek. After dozens of rereads, Dybek's writing always feels new – I get swept along every time. The book I could never read again I listened to Karl Ove Knausgård's My Struggle while training for a marathon. I think if I read it again, it would invoke some kind of Pavlovian response. The book I discovered later in life I have myself to blame for reading Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe later than I should have – it was on my university course but I missed the lecture. Since reading it, I struggle to get on with novels that don't have any oomph to them. To hold my wavering attention, there's got to be a sense of adventure and play either at the level of the plot or the sentence – Robinson Crusoe has both. The book I am currently reading I'm slowly making my way through Larry McMurtry's epic western Lonesome Dove, which is a comedy of manners set on a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. The free indirect style is very Jane Austen and the dialogue very John Wayne. My comfort read I sometimes take Sheila Heti's Alphabetical Diaries on the tube to work. Dipping in and out of it at random is as close as I can get to meditation during rush hour. Saraswati by Gurnaik Johal is published by Serpent's Tail. To support the Guardian order your copy at Delivery charges may apply.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
22-07-2025
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Paradise Found: Escape To Six Senses Zighy Bay This Summer
Beautiful Oman is always worth the trip, and if you want the best, Six Senses Zighy Bay remains the way to go Historical Oman is known for its rocky, mountainous coastline, frankincense production, museums… and Six Senses Zighy Bay. The acclaimed resort has won every award worth winning, and continues to spark joy in guests, both new and returning, with its Robinson Crusoe meets five-star-sanctuary vibes. The townlet is hidden within Oman's rugged Musandam Peninsula, and includes exclusive sea-facing villas, private pool suites, spa and bespoke restaurants and bars all nestled within a village facing endless sea views. Your adventure begins before you even arrive at the resort. As the location is nestled on the beach, and at the bottom of a rocky mountain, guests need to enlist in assisted arrival options. The hotel offers chauffeur drive, airport pick-ups or an adventurous meet and greet at a point atop the mountain where you can leave your car or driver and get expertly driven down the mountain by an experienced guide. For those feeling even more in the mood, paragliding your way into the resort is a (surprisingly) popular option. You needn't worry about your bags, they will be ready for you in your room on arrival. The pool villas and suites have everything you need to completely wind down in no-time. A true joy usually reserved for a sabbatical, take an outdoor shower before dipping into your own private pool. Cobblestone walls promise the utmost privacy, so you can laze on your sun lounger or meditate in your independent summer house – all part of everyday life at Zighy Bay. Rooms are more-than spacious and give off holiday-house energy, with doors and windows that allow the outside in. Oversized sofas, beds and tub fill the calming rooms as does fresh water, fruits and dates which are refreshed regularly. A lavish buffet breakfast awaits at the Spice Market restaurant with a healthy mix of Middle Eastern dishes from the spice trail. The Zighy Bay Mezze board is a must, as is the fresh juice station. With so much delicious food on offer, breakfast can easily turn into brunch then lunch, so pace yourself. For dinner with a view, you can't beat Shua Shack which sits on the beach and serves locally sourced seafood alongside fresh salads for summery fare that allows room for the delicious desserts. If you are travelling with children, there is a kids' club and pool with a whole list of activities to keep them active, occupied and having the time of their life while you enjoy some down-time. Depending on the time of the year, there is a whole list of activities for the adults too. Scuba diving, boat trips and organic farming visits are all good for the soul and offer an incredible insight to the area and culture of the region. A true retreat for a weekend (or week if you can) Six Sons 24ghy, Six Senses Zighy Bay is just the tonic to take stock and transform yourself and your routine from the inside out.
What's On
19-07-2025
- What's On
Through my eyes: Dani Wilson Naqvi shares her favourite travel destinations
Each month, we ask a local UAE legend about their favourite places to eat, shop and explore around the emirates. But for this travel special, we're going global. So we've tapped Dani Wilson Naqvi ( @daniwilsonnaqvi ), luxury travel designer and founder of Unique Family Travels ( @uniquefamilytravel ) for her favourite spots worldwide. As a travel specialist who's ticked 55 countries off her bucket list, she's well equipped to share the best places on the planet for all vacation styles. Top staycation spot I love the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert for family trips as we enjoy the desert activities and get to explore RAK with unique experiences such as the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp and zipling across Jebel Hafeet. A definite favourite of my family is Atlantis The Royal, as the family can enjoy Aquaventure from morning to night, there's an endless choice of mouth-watering restaurants, and lots of water activities. @ritzcarltonalwadidesert, @atlantistheroyal Bucket list family trip A safari in Africa is a must for all families. The most incredible safari experience I have had was in Botswana in the Okavango Delta where we canoed in the Okavango and witnessed many truly wonderful sights. For first-timers, I would recommend Kenya. I work with many luxury lodges that are more private and located in private conservancies, so you get to escape the crowds and have a more up-close experience. A must-try meal One of my best memories was at the 3 Michelin Star Mirazur in Menton on the border of France and Italy. We were staying in Monaco and drove to the restaurant, which took 30 minutes. All the ingredients served are grown on the side of the mountain around the restaurant, perfectly encapsulating the farm-to-table experience. @restaurantmirazur Favourite hotel Bisate Lodge (pictured above) in Rwanda is one of the most incredible hotels – so much so that it actually made me cry. The story behind it is very empowering as it was built by the local villagers, it's located in Volcanoes National Park, close to where you can trek with the gorillas. Aside from that, I love Nihi Sumba on Sumba Island in Indonesia, Soneva Jani or Soneva Fushi in the Maldives for the Robinson Crusoe experience, Gleneagles for a country retreat in Scotland, and Belmond Splendido in Portofino for a romantic couples' break. @bisatelodge, @nihi, @soneva, @thegleneagleshotel, @belmondsplendidomare A destination everyone should visit cape town South Africa. There is something magical about this city. From the amazing hikes to the spectacular vineyard Estates, driving the Garden Route to Hermanus to whale watch, and visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach – the vibe in Cape Town is unmatched. Under-the-radar destination Raja Ampat in Indonesia, known as The Last Paradise on Earth. We went as a family sailing around the islands for 10 days. From diving and snorkelling with manta rays, to hiking the untouched islands, it was raw and beautiful. The team set up beach days and dinner on private sandbanks, we kayaked around islands and relaxed on the most incredible boat, which had 15 staff to assist with every need. Easily one of my bucket list moments. Images: Unsplash, Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
BBC News
06-06-2025
- BBC News
Two starving dogs rescued in Wychavon by wardens
Two starving dogs were "bags of bones" when they were rescued in Griffin, from the region's Dog Warden Service, said "heartless" owners would have deliberately starved the animals and watched them were found separately in the Wychavon area, which includes Droitwich, Evesham and Pershore, last month."It is cruelty beyond belief and these are just two of the many cases we face each week," said Ms Griffin. Wilma, a cocker spaniel-type, was so emaciated she could not stand and collapsed several times while trying to breathe, spending a week in intensive other dog, a bully-type breed called Robinson Crusoe, had every rib showing, Ms Griffin said."Heartless people intentionally starved these defenceless creatures and watched them suffer," she urged anyone with information about the dogs or the safety of any other pets to contact the service. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Herald Scotland
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland announces 25th year lineup
More than 150 free events will take place across Scotland from June 13 to 22, featuring artists and performers from more than 30 countries. This year's theme, Milestones, celebrates decades of cultural enrichment, renewal and welcome, made possible by providing sanctuary in Scotland. It pays tribute to the effort, creativity and coming together of so many to sustain this. The festival also seeks to raise awareness of the global refugee crisis, with numbers of forcibly displaced individuals continuing to rise due to conflicts in regions such as Ukraine, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Read More: Among the events at the festival will be the premiere of Within the Fragments of Gurbet a specially commissioned film that maps Glasgow through the experience of five New Scots, including filmmaker Bircan Birol herself. Aberdeen will host Living Rhythms: Stories and Beats of Resilience, a vibrant celebration of refugee experience through storytelling, drumming and dance. In Dundee, a Ukrainian theatre group is staging a musical interpretation of Robinson Crusoe, exploring parallels between Crusoe's journey and the experience of forced displacement. There are a number of landmark collaborations between artists taking place across the festival, epitomised by the specially designed festival artwork by Yemeni artist Shatha Altowai and Palestinian artist Jude Ershead. Shapes, carefully stacked and balanced, represent the resilience and strength of refugees. As the layers build upon one another, they create a solid foundation – just as refugees, despite their diverse origins, come together to form strong, united communities. The patterns are inspired by traditional clothing, architecture, and crafts from Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, and Iran. Refugee Festival Scotland manager, Mónica Laiseca said: 'Milestones offer us a moment to reflect on the incredible journeys people have taken to find safety here in Scotland. This festival is a tribute to their courage and a celebration of the warm welcome and support they have received from local communities over the past 25 years. We mark years of championing New Scot creativity as a vital part of Scottish culture and recognising the invaluable heritage that has been carefully assembled over the last quarter of a decade which deserves to be meaningfully supported, lived and carried forward. The festival aims to bring people from different backgrounds together to meet, mix and get to know each other better and we hope this year's event inspires even more connection, creativity, and solidarity among people.' Scottish Refugee Council chief executive, Sabir Zazai said: 'Bringing people from different cultures together to build friendship, solidarity and a sense of shared community is more important than ever. Last summer, racist riots swept across parts of the UK, creating fear in refugee and migrant communities. None of us ever want to see anything like that again. By uniting against these acts of violence and hostility, we're showing that a better way is possible. 'We believe Refugee Festival Scotland is an antidote to the negativity and hostility that's started to characterise conversations about migration and about people seeking safety here. Join us in June to see hope and positivity in action as we celebrate the diversity of all Scotland's communities.' Refugee Festival ambassador Shahid Khan said: 'Refugee Festival Scotland is a celebration – not just of culture and diversity, but of possibility. It's a moment to stop and reflect on the journeys being made all around us. This year, let us honour every milestone reached – and work together to remove the barriers that still remain. 'Integration is not just about what newcomers do to adapt, it's also about what kind of society they're adapting to. The more we foster kindness, opportunity, and mentorship, the more milestones we'll see for all of us.'
