Galangal roots The Galangal is a plant with culinary and medicinal uses. It used in various oriental cuisines (for example it is an important ingredient in Thai cuisine and goes into preparing Tom Yum soups, and throughout Indonesian cuisine, for example, in Nasi Goreng). Though it resembles the ginger that it is related to, there is little similarity in taste. In its raw form, galangal has a citrus, earthy aroma. Here in Oman, it is available in the big supermarkets as a whole root, or cut or powdered. The whole fresh root is very hard, and requires both a sharp knife and care to slice. A mixture of galangal and lime juice is used as a tonic in parts of Southeast Asia. It is said to have the effect of an aphrodisiac, and act as a stimulant. Famous herbalist used galangal to treat everything from deafness and heart disease to indigestion. During the 13th-14th centuries, galangal was used by the Turkic peoples (who occupied much of present-day Russia) as a tea, and by the Arabs as a stimulant for their horses. The word galangal, or its variant galanga is used as a common name for all members of the genus Alpinia, and in common usage can refer to four plants, all in the ginger family.

Narjeel Town talks

Green talk

Stars talk

1. have you joined the plastic bags boycott campaign?  Environment Society of Oman ESO has for some times now launched its ambitious campaign to let the citizen and residence of Oman more aware of how harmful plastic bags could be to the environment. Major supermarkets received training for its staff, and nicely design environment friendly. http://www.environment.org.om. http://www.environment.org.om
2. Join us on the evening of 27th March at Narjeel Restaurant in Qurum as we join hands with the rest of the world to observe the EARTH HOUR where we will turn off the lights for 1 hour to increase the awareness of climate change

 3. Just in case you are not going to join us on Saturday 27th Mach 8:30 PM to observe the earth hour, here are few things you can do in the one hour Darkness:
Go star gazing: go to the top roof and observe those starts, you will be surprised how inspiring they are to watch. You do not have to imagine like Simba, Pumba and Timon, just watch and you will realize how vast the cosmic is and how insignificant our planet earth is.
Take a moonlit walk: As the full moon is approaching, Qurum or alGhubra beach is a nice place to try or even nearby your neighborhood, it will feel relaxing. Do not postponed it as the summer is approaching!

Meditate: An hour of darkness is a great opportunity to tune out the rest of the world and go within, try to find a comfortable space in your home and spend some time in meditation.
Try a simple dinner by candlelight: Prepare the food in advance, or go with simple finger food. do not forget to serve chocolates for dessert!

Mar 12 This week Just after the sun set one can observe the brilliant planet Venus south west just above the horizon. If you are living in Qurum area just look toward the beach side of the town. Saturn is a little brighter than the previous months, you can spot it from the east while it rises just after the sun set around 7:10 PM and can be observed all night long !!

Mar 07. Moon and planets Observation. PDO Planetarium has announced to its friends that the crescent Moon, 40 hours old, 17 degrees above the sun will be observed by naked eyes and through the telescope. Venus: beside the Moon, 15 degrees above the sun. Mars: overhead at 8pm Gemini: overhead at 8pm

 interested parties can join the group on Wednesday, March 17th 2010 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm Place: Jufaina- Al Amirat

Please contact Mr. Marwan Shwaiki    PDO Planetarium Curator. Office: 24675542

Nature talk

Mar 20 is Spring Equinox day! its the day where night hours are equal to day hours. for those in the upper parts of the globe they will experience spring. here in Oman we are getting ready for summer!. Narjeel wish you all a great summer and refreshing moments.