Sunday, June 7, 2009 | 19 Comments 
I thought I had seen everything they can do with a remote-controlled car, then I saw these. They're not well built/put-together, quite ugly and not robust enough for what they've been designed for. For a child however, none of this matters... It can drive on walls and ceilings!
We had a fun afternoon.
Saturday, May 16, 2009 | 9 Comments 
I chose this title because the last thing you expect your four-year-old daughter to say is: 'Are we going to my production today?' Noor joined a ballet class a few weeks ago, and today she played the starring, leading role of a little flower.
In a weekend that's about nothing but the ballot paper, ours began at the Ballet. When my wife told me about it I thought it was going to be little children only - but it's actually students of the academy from all levels and ages. They came together to make what in my opinion was a wonderful production of Cinderella. I'm not an art critic but it was genuinely a good experience and some of the participants showed real talent.
I have so much to learn about photography in low light. It was a real challenge to keep the camera steady, control the exposure, the shutter speed and ISO. The results were not great - but still worth sharing. I will try to learn more and practice before Noor's next adventure.
Friday, February 27, 2009 | 7 Comments 
I'm not sure who started this "tradition" nor when it all began, but it has become part of our celebrations. Friends and family have mixed views, but it seems fathers of young children are in agreement. Seriousness aside, we had a blast. Noor cried a little when she was "attacked" by a future pick-up driver and both her and Yousef kept reminding me to lock our doors :)
The story was somewhat different when we parked and got out. It was revenge time...
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 | 15 Comments 
I received an email just before Christmas from the Middle East Director at Sovereign Strategy asking to use one of my photographs. When I found out they were working with KNPC on their new Corporate Social Responsibility programme, I had no hesitation in agreeing. The photograph is of my daughter Noor, which I took on Independence Day last year.
Yesterday, my wife and I were invited to the Press Launch for KNPC's CSR. The special thing about this project is that their aim is to be one of the first companies in the world to achieve a new ISO standard for social responsibility. The first reported press release online was on Zawya. It's also featured in most of today's papers.
Noor had her moment of fame yesterday. She was at Kuwait Zoo at the time (school trip) and didn't know anything about it :)
Sunday, November 30, 2008 | 5 Comments 
Saturday afternoon - a house full of toys, a bike in the garden, and Noor turned my office chair into a toy. We had a great time spinning around and I couldn't resist pausing a little to take this photograph. This is the kind of photograph I can never plan... The setting seems to get itself together and offers me the opportunity. I'm always grateful when my camera is near-by at the time.
More than two years ago, I was playing hide-and-seek with Yousef (two years of age at the time) and again I was able to capture the moment. Have a look here.
I pray for happiness to all children around the world :)
Friday, October 31, 2008 | 8 Comments 
After months of reading, learning and planning, today was the day! This morning we walked just under a mile away from our house and released three homers.
The weather is much better these days and we all took part which made it feel like a special event. Yousef opened the basket and Noor held it in place. Um Yousef and I watched and I managed to take these three photographs.
The first bird out was a little reluctant (see photo on the right), but all three were soon high in the sky. I am yet to see them back home. I think they've been and gone again.
Overall I'm happy to announce a success. We have lunch with the whole family at my father's every Friday. My intention is to build up the distance until we reach a release from there (10km away) some time in February. Watch this space.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 | 5 Comments 
Meet Mr Brown, Noor's favorite pigeon. In this photograph he looks a little evil, but he's actually a lovely and friendly bird. My camera lens is invading his space, hence the temper.
You see, today he is a proud father of a new chick (if you look carefully, you can just see a bit of baby Brown) and tomorrow the second egg will hatch.
Personally, I only want to keep a few homing pigeons. I don't race but I am fascinated by their amazing navigation and flying skills. The children however have other ideas - and of course I have to listen :) On days like this, I'm glad I do.
Sunday, September 28, 2008 | 9 Comments 
When did you start drinking coffee?
I remember when they started serving it in high school and I started my tradition of the morning cup. During university years, I lived on Arabic coffee made at home. I was in London at the time and the endless lines of coffee shops had not yet began forming. When I moved to Denmark, I recognised what real coffee should taste like. Instant coffee was no longer acceptable. I shiver as I write that horrible word "instant".
Noor is having what they call a baby-cino (Starbucks' slang for frothed milk). They don't recognise the name at Starbucks in Kuwait... So don't bother. I think it's a rather clever way to get the children involved when you're at a cafe - and all they're having is a cookie and milk.
The reason I chose this photo is Noor's guaranteed excitement whenever I make coffee at home. The sound of the grinder, the machine beeping to say "ready" and me appearing out of the kitchen and into the dining room - Noor always greeting me with a wonderful smile.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 | 3 Comments 
I finally managed to get a photograph of this bus. The British School of Kuwait BSK brought it over from London. I feel it's underutilised and wish they would use it a little more... Maybe in spring when the temperatures are more bearable.
Next week is Eid and the three-day holiday will be complimented by two extra days. This is the case for all government schools and most private schools. Noor will join us on holiday even if her school will still be open.
Kuwait is not really quite back to school until after Eid.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008 | Post a Comment 
Another London photograph. This was on Oxford Street (John Lewis) and Noor was chasing a pigeon. When it started flying, Noor started running away. This was the exact moment when Noor changed her mind.