Arabian Nights in the Netherlands

Food, Entertainment and Arab Chic: Nomads Restaurant

Nomads is an exclusive and modern restaurant located in Central Amsterdam which is sure to give you a taste of Arabian opulence and luxury. The restaurant is located on the main road but cleverly hidden behind innocuous silver doors, once opened and up the darkened stairs you enter a totally different world and can be forgiven if you forget your in the Netherlands...

The interior is sublime, the dim-lighting enhances the rich colours and traditional features (which I'm told were specially designed for Nomads and hand made). As you recline on original Egyptian Kelim (sofas) listening to Arab music, a waitress comes with a gold pouring pot filled with rose water to wash your hands....it was precisely that moment I realised I should have been a Princess by birth (or marriage) because I could really get used to this.

The menu is put together and made by Lebanese Chef Ali Balout, it consists of a selection of Middle-Eastern mezzes (hot and cold) served with Lebanese and Iraqi bread. The portions are ridiculously small when you compare it to traditional Arab portions so i advise you don't go hungry!

As for the entertainment...a belly dancer comes in every half hour for a small session from 8pm onwards. Its a novelty that i found quite charming but perhaps not advisable to go with your conservative dad.

However despite all their efforts for Arab orginality its such a shame the belly dancer looked Polish, but hey its a recession she's probably cheaper.

Heres a picture judge for yourself!

Unlikely Clientele for Fast Food...

Posts have been few and far between since the start of Ramadan, as you can imagine observing a fast from sunrise to sunset = running on low battery which naturally translates into no blogging.

But just for a laugh i thought I'd put up a recent snap of pigeons calmly grabbing a bite at Dutch Fast food chain FEBO...their food is really goooooood so im not surprised it attracted our feathered friends (or enemies depending on how you see it).

For Your Visual Pleasure III :- Ramadan Kareem

                

Mosque in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Typically opulent and wonderfully serene...As the holy month of Ramadan has begun where Muslims observe fasting from sunrise to sunset i would like to wish you all a Happy Ramadan.

Bigger is Better: Tropen Museum (Amsterdam)

For the first time in a long time I had to concede that bigger is sometimes better...the more intimate experiences afforded with smaller museums and galleries are usually non-existent with the bigger ones. I remember going to the Rijksmuseum was quite irritating due to the huge crowds it attracts however i was plesently surprised with the Tropenmuseum (Museum of the Tropics to us English speaking folk).

The Tropen museum iss one of Europes leading ethnographic museums with an impressive and internationally acclaimed collections (both permanent and temporary) documents the history and heritage of many countries including Africa, Latin America, South East Asia and Oceania. Its highly interactive and utilizes film, artefacts, and photography.

Located next to Artis Zoo, the beautiful red-bricked building imposes itself upon you and is the first indication that its content is just as awe inspiring...

Advised to start with the 3rd floor and work my wat down to the "Red Exhibition"' and armed with a map i entered the world of the Carribean and Latin-America. I was plesantly surprised with sounds and models documenting the period of slavery and its impact on the people, their indegionas faiths and artifacts. There was also an interesting film titled "Roots"' that showed Dutch nationals of the aforementined region going back to their roots which was quite touching.

Moving on, it was the turn of South East Asia, India and New Guinea (with a section on the Netherlands East Indies). It was interesting to see how the influence of Bhuddism spread from India and its remaining influences. The temple altars  were beautiful with videos and audio for further explanation.

Then and most importantky was the Red Exhbition, which had a special booklet detailing each exhibit. The point of this exhibition was to explore the colour red and how people all around the worls use and view the colour red.

 

It is a powerful and emotive colur and we are presented with exhbits that show an array of emotions from joy, love, violience, to status, prohibition and martyrdom all shown through one colour. I loved juxtoposition of demons and devils with revered religious images of the Virgin Mary and the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (the grandson of Islams propeht Muhammed) all unified by the symbolic use of red.

A color means different things to different people in different contexts and your left pondering why is little red riding hoods coat red? what does ir mean? what effect does the color have on you?

An excellent exhibtion and a crying shame i forgot my camera but it runs out this week so you only have a few days left! However thanks to the thoughtfullness of the Tropenmuseum you can see the pictures on flicker !!!

A Love for All Things Equine: (More Pics)

 

 

A Love for All Things Equine: Horses in the Netherlands

Today at the Kemphaan (located in the Almere province) was a special program titled "Horse & Outdoor Demonstrations and activities with horses"...and its totaly FREE (dosent get any better huh?) the only downside to this is that theres probably going to be a whole load of children between 5-10years old with their parents but thats not going to stop me.

So as a lover for all things equine i was most certainly looking forward to attending, unfortunately the weather was rainy and overcast not the greatest forecast for a day outdoors. Armed with my unbrella i went to Kemphaan and was quite please to see the rain had put off a great many people from attending so a good view was avaibale :)

Took a few pics which will be placed on a seperate post and also a video clip (that wont upload darn).

Lazy Post: For Your Visual Pleasure II

The works and thoughts of Saudi contemporary artist Yousef Alsheikh - this photo is called "'Omnipotence By Choice'' look, ponder and soak in the genius...

The Future of A Promise: Contemporary Art from the Middle East in Venice

A recent article in the New York Times recently described Arab contemporary art as the 'new darlings of the art world' and it seems that they are right.

The Future of a Promise has been dubbed the largest Pan-Arab show of contemporary art at the 54th International Art Exhibition (la bienale di Venezia). Its probably the largest and most diverse exhibition of its kind to be hosted in Europe and includes a range of artists from Iraq, Tunisia and other Gulf states.

The art comes in different mediums including installation, performance and photography, to video, sculpture and painting...and it gets better Its totally FREE!

At the moment im trying to contemplate how i can try and convince my Husband to book a weekend trip to Venice so i can go to the exhibition and have until the 20th of November (exhibition closing date) to figure out a decent excuse, let the thinking begin...

Why Saudi Women Shouldnt Be Allowed To Drive

I think this subject is highly subjective but from what I've seen its a small campaign by a minority of the population thats got a disproportional amount of media attention from the West. A recent Guardian article states that only 30-40 women participated in the protest out of a population of 27million...

Whether that's due to the lack of right to protest or the lack of interest in driving by women is another subject entirely but surely it erodes the legitimacy of the protest? The Arab Spring Revolution only succeeded because of the sheer number of people supporting the cause.

As we're constantly presented with articles on why women should be allowed to drive in the Kingdom i thought it would make a healthy change and put up a video offering a different opinion by prominent Saudi Shaykh Fawzan.

Smoking, selling and buying marewana is permitted in the Netherlands but it doesn't necessarily mean that it should be made a basic right in all countries. Perhaps the same rule applies to driving...for better or worse the complex nature of the Kingdom, its social fabric and culture make driving for women seem a distant and unlikely prospect.

Adornment and identity: Jewellery and costume from Oman (London)

Not in keeping with the spirit of my blog, the posts for the next few week (if any) will be from London. As expected London is a cosmopolitan melting-pot of different backgrounds and cultures with lots to offer :)

Today i visited the Jewellery and costume exhibition from Oman at the British Museum. Understandably the British museum attracts hundreds of visitors everyday so be prepared for crowds! the exhibition is totally free and runs from 21st of January to 11th September 2011.

Oh i forgot to mention there are not that many items on display however its enough to give you a taste and cultural understanding about Omani customs and traditions.

Luckily for some, I've taken pictures for you to view.

Enjoy

 

 

                                           

 

Art-Zuid: International Sculpture Route (Amsterdam)

The International Sculpture Route (otherwise known as ArtZuid) is now back in Amsterdam after having been a success in 2009. Its an interesting and unconventional way to expose the public not just to art but to BIG ART!.

Located outdoors, ArtZuid 2011 is an open air walking route whereby you can view 50 works of art from all over the world. The route is aptly titled 'The World Around, Equality and Diversity' and is a healthy blend of westerm/non-western art including and not limited to works by Yayoi Kusama, Auguste Rodin, Jean Tinguely, Salvador Dali and Subodh Gupta.

The good news is that its totally FREE, and conveniently located 5minutes walk from Museumplein. Route maps can be picked up from the Hilton Hotel nearby and its estimated to take about 2hours but i think you can do it in about 1hour comfortably.

Check it out, Art-Zuid  open from 27 May and ends 28 August 2011

                  

Amsterdam Central Station: Pink Ladies & The Man From Burkina Faso

Amsterdam Central Train station  largely busy and teeming with people and the first point of call for tourists. I should have used my common sense and not used the Travelex at the central station to change money but i did and was therefore greeted with a que.

Scanning the que i see people of various ethnicity's and in front of me two Germanic looking ladies with luminous pink wigs that reflected this semi-blinding light. Irritatingly only one of the three counters were open and after a ludicrously long wait only the pink ladies were left.

The pink ladies approach the booth and engaged in some informal chit chat about their hair with the woman at the counter, which then turned into a full blown conversation (at this point id been there 30min and my blood was boiling), and it didn't end there, oh no, they pull out a map asking for directions and talking about venues! So I begun rolling my eyes and shuffling about in a vain attempt to communicate my annoyance to the woman at the counter but she was so engaged she didn't notice. Question: why do Dutch people talk so much?

Morale of the story, don't use the Travelex at central station to change currency and don't fall for stereotypes not all non-Europeans extend que time with money transfers and not all Europeans just go in for a simple currency exchange.

& The Man From Burkina Faso - While i was on the platform i was approached by a man from Burkina Faso a land locked island in West Africa (he told me so) looking slightly shabby and worn out he extends his arm out with a white paper.

"just tell him we have no money"' i whisper to my friend.

"10B'' the man says pointing at the paper

On closer inspection i see he wanted directions, sure enough he was at the right platform but his final destination involved a more complicated journey. My friend asked him if he spoke Arabic evidently as he didn't speak Dutch of English. He looked up above and sighed shaking his head, frustrated at his inability to communicate.

Then a Dutch woman walked by (and their in the habit of doing this) with a smile on her face and looking to see if we needed help so i call her over and explain to her where hes heading and the fact that he doesn't speak English or Dutch.

"Where are you from"' she enquires

"'Burkina Faso" he says

""Parlez-vous français ? she retorts

In a look of absolute joy he nods, she then turns and gives me an explanation about how she knows people from that region and conveniently speaks French. Everyone seemed so happy at that point, the poor dishevelled looking man can be helped, hurrah.

So she walks of with the man pointing at another platform while speaking in English.

"Why is she speaking with him in English and not French?"' I'm asked

"'I don't know, maybe she forgot"'.

Gallery Trauma & Supermarket Drama

Gallery Trauma

If there is anything i can tell you, its expect the unexpected in Amsterdam and don't ever assume...I made that fatal mistake recently, on my way to Starbucks (its an addiction I'm trying to kick) i see a photo gallery on the corner of the street.

There was an exhibition running by a Japanese person, one or two photos were on view and i was lured in by the photograph of the Japanese geisha girl that was bound on the street. I also have a friend obsessed by anything Japan so i thought id go in and report on her behalf.

So i push the door, it doesn't budge (always embarrassing when that happens) the sign says ring the bell so i do. A stout Dutchman with a ponytail, circular glasses dressed in smart attire opens the door.

"Hi, i was wondering if you had a leaflet on the current exhibition i could take away with me" i say conscious that my aim was Starbucks not gallery diversions.

"I'm afraid we have none, but youre more than welcome to come in and have a look" he replies making a hand gesture for me to come in.

" Sure" i say walking in. The gallery was relatively empty with but two visitors

"Ummm i don't think you'll like this" a friend of mine suggests but i shrug and go in anyway.

The first photo i see was the same Japanese Geisha girl bound and semi clothed concealing anything normal and exposing everything that really should not be in graphic taste. I was shocked, as i turned slowly with a blunt smile on my face i could see the curator and his two visitors look at me intently.

"Thanks but its not for me"

"'Too hardcore?" he suggests

"Yes" I nod as i exit.

A part of me couldn't help but think there was some sense of purpose and humour in letting a seemingly unaware conservatively dressed Muslim girl into a graphic photo gallery. Perhaps it would be his ice-breaker at future events?

Well that's a lesson learned for me and i hope you, don't walk into obscure galleries without confirming the theme or you may be very unpleasantly surprised.

Supermarket Drama
When your husband pops into a relatively small local supermarket to pick up bread and milk you dont expect much of a story on their return. But i was fortunate on this occasion, looking absolutely stunned he informs me there was a brawl at the supermarket.

It begun with an argument between a male and a younger female, the younger female armed with a green shopping basket wacks the man on the head. In retaliation he does the same, she then grabs a wine bottle and throws it. A bunch of standbyers rush in to defend the damsel in destress, he pleads for an audience (after all she hit him first) nobody listens. Fight us if your a man! they bellow (the female charm, always works). He clearly didnt and was excorted home by the police to avoid the angry mob waiting for him outside.

Supermarket trips will never be the same again for him.

Jazz on the Waterfront (Almere)

On the subject of Almere, the Schowburg (glass theatre complex) has a beautiful watefront resteraunt which hosts jazz session on the last sunday of everymonth. With tickets from 10 euros it is not only a bargain but a lovely way to wind down.

I remember sitting there with my macchiato latte and playing with the flower centerpiece on tht table as i waited for the jazz trio to arrive. Occassionally i would gaze outside the glass waterfront observing the people sitting by the lake and soaking up the sun.

Finally the performers arrived (Franz Von Chossey trio); starting at 4pm they delighted and wowed the crowd with a great line-up. Natually most people were transfixed and focused on the trio all excpt the one young man who left his seat at almost every 5 minutes to pick up a beer...

Thanks to youtube you can also enjoy the music of Franz Von Chosey i chose my favourite "Stranger Walked By"

Almere - The Dubai Palm of the Netherlands?

The Dubai Palm Islands may well have a parallel in the Netherlands...yes you read right and its called Almere.

Cities built on water are seldom seen but always an impressively innovative affair, the Palm Islands are a perfect example.

Dubai's Palm Islands are artificial peninsulas built on water and constructed of sand dredged from the bottom of the Persian Gulf  (by no other than Dutch and Belgian dredging and marine contractors) and boasts 100 luxury hotels, exclusive residential beach side villas and apartments, marinas, water theme parks, restaurants, shopping malls, sports facilities and health spas.

Now the Dutch equivalent Almere while not as fancy or luxurious is not quite as fancy but is an artificial wonder. Initially just a fresh water lake before it was reclaimed (by dredging) and inhabited in 1975 Almere despite holding the title of  "youngest City" in the Netherlands has a population of 190.000 inhabitants and 13.000 businesses.

No luxury hotels or beach side villas but Almere does have a marina, a hugely diverse shopping complex, restaurants, cafes a contemporary museum, and a glass theatre complex. It looks like Almeres growth is set to continue with the introduction of an International School, more office space and PRIMARK (UK's cheap n Cheerful high street chain).

So here it is in all its glory, the Dutch substitute to Dubai's Palm Island Almere

Poetry & Nostalgia

Growing up, the Cherry Blossom tree in the garden was a big part of my life. It was a beauty to see in full bloom and sometimes a nuisance when its flowers would fall in the Autumn.

This post is a poem that i have written regarding my Cherry Blossom tree and the inevitable nostalgia that arises from life on the move, as an expat.

Dear Cherry Blossom

I remember you, fondly

The beautiful hues of pink that your flower exudes

The petals that the gentle breeze would whisk down to me

The way your branches outstretch in its full glory

And shelter me from the harsh rays of the Sun.

Oh Cherry Blossom tree; how I miss your cycles

Autumn, Winner, Spring & Summer

How I envy your root; fixed firmly under the soil

Entrenched, permanent, everlasting

You have nothing to fear; not even the tree surgeon

As he cuts you with his chainsaw leaving only a stump

Remember you still have your roots firmly planted

The blessings of nature is the curse of man

Our feet move us, the elements move us

Abandoning our roots, once twice, thrice

With no soil or bedding to bind us

I leave you dear cherry blossom tree

You may not have me,

And I may not have you

But you have your roots

But you have your roots

To Learn Dutch or Not To Learn Dutch That is the Question

Move to a new country learn the language- well at least thats what logic dictates. But 6 months in apart from learning a few words from repetetive TV ads and trips to the supermarket I havent learnt much and the fact that almost eveybody seems to speak near-perfect English is hardley an incentive to learn.

I've posited this question of mine to lots of people, theres the pro-learning camp (comprised of Dutch folk) and the anti-learning camp (almost everyone who isnt Dutch) the main arguments are as follows:

Pro Camp: Ducth is not only the official spoken language of The Netherlands but also Belgium, Suriname, Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and also spoken in Suuth Africa so you can holiday there and communicate with your newfound language skills.

Anti Camp: Oh Dutch is an Ugly Language its worse than German and its completely pointless they all speak English anyway (ah the English language superiority complex, dont you just love it? I remember getting a D for French was considered quite an accomplishment).

I dont know which argument is more compelling... though i wouldnt necessarily learn Dutch to holiday in countires that ive never heard of (Curacao? Suriname? Aruba?) it may beneficial as an integrative tool. Understanding the native Language is never a bad thing, however the more i explore and speak with people here, the more i realise its a luxury one can foregoe.

Additionally, learning a new language can be tedious at first and requires real effort and interest. Ive added a free lesson in Dutch vowl lesson so you know what i mean. Have fun.

VOWEL SOUNDS

Cheese Market - Alkmaar Holland

1. a- (short a-: between `duck’ and `dock’. The a- is found in words such as pak (parcel, suit), and plat (flat).
Exercise 1. Practice the a-sound in the following words by reading them aloud: plat, kranten, dag, zakken, pak, vast, wal, klap, ratten, gat.

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For your visual pleasure

Great photo journalism...

http://imagesofsaudi.blogspot.com/

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - The Islamic Paradix

As the evening began to wind down on Leidsplein center, the performers on the square started to pack up their equipment and terraces to empty. In a few hours Leidsplein would transform itself; with a selection of clubs restaurants and bars it understandable why it has a strong reputation for having a vibrant nightlife.

And here is where the story begins, i see two young Muslim girs of probable North African decent (Moroccan i think) wearing headscarf's and dressed quite fashionably, with dark jeans and soft coloured blazers.

She flags me down and commences talking in Dutch while handing me a flyer i pretend to understand and continue to walk before my Husband informs them i do not speak Dutch. With a little laugh she converts to English and tells me that there is a party on Leidsplein, girsl only and to bring my friends.

Naturally by wearing a headscarf its not often i get invited to clubs by street reps but this party had a twist. There would not only be a ban on men entering the venue, but all the waitresses and indoor security would be girls so i guess Muslim girls can whip off their headscarf and dress more loosely but there would be no alcohol served,. beginning a 9pm and ending 3am with Music on the menu including but not limited to "reggae, dance, r&b e.t.c" and played by DJ Hibba

Ok, so Muslim girls wanna have fun then. But i can hardly imagine a group of young Muslim girls, and note i am speaking with regards to the more visible practicing ones with headscarf's waltzing out of the party at 3am amoung the drunken revellers Leidsplein attracts. It defies the whole principle of the hijab which isnt just a look but a lifestyle.

No alcohol, No men but is this a dillusion of Islamic principles and cultural etiquette or is this a natural progression and fusion of a western lifestyle while observing Islamic constraints. For me its the former.

The 21st Islamic paradox continues.

The New Middle East Amsterdam in Pictures

The Middle East Contemporary art scene truly left a mark on dutch culture without the help of the Lebanese entree served up on the open day, from the Greenbox Museum to The New Middle East Exhibition Saudi & Middle Eastern Contemporary Art is here to stay!

Works at the NME Exhibition included Abdul Nasser's controversial "Pause" in addition to Ahmed Maters "Yelllow Cow Cheese 2010" . The art work speaks for itself so the chatter will be kept to a minimum in today's post.

Enjoy, contemplate and stimulate your mind.

 

 







"Pause"



The New Middle East Amsterdam

Saudi Contemporary Art Back in the Dam

I am very excited and pleased to announce that a new exhibition on Middle Eastern contemporary art will open from tomorrow (May 21st to July 30th 2011) in Amsterdam. Comprising of works collected from 6 established artists from Saudi Arabia to the wider Middle East the works will tackle a wide range of issues including how the Islamic and Arab world are entering the  21st Century

Do Not Miss!

The New Middle East
Willem Baars Projects
Hoogte Kadijk 17, Amsterdam

The Starbucks Drought

My heart always sinks when i think about the lack of Starbucks chains Holland has, in sheer desperation for my regular fix i undergo a 20 Minute Journey so that i may purchase my iced caramel macchiato (grande please).

The journey is not just long but adds an extra 6 euros for travel so i pay ummm about 12 euros for a drink and to rub salt in the wound the starbucks in AMS C is the size of a shoe box and always full. In desperation i buy the raw ingredients and attempt to master the art of the macchiato

Don't laugh, desperate times call for desperate measures...and just so i dont seem like the odd one out a twitter campaign has been started in Holland to encourage Starbucks to open up more chains in other provinces such as Almere where there is a serious drought of our favourite coffee chain.

I did conduct my own market research and asked my fellow Dutchmen why they dont have a heavy starbucks presence and the resounding answer is "we Dutch people like REAL coffee, starbucks is for students and ammatures"'.

Give it another 10years and we'll see about that!

Handbags & Pensioners (The Tassen Museum, Amsterdam)

Conveniently located near the tram stop and with huge sign posts marking out its location, the Tassen Museum (Museum of Bags and Purses for us English speaking folk) ' hosts a collection of 3,000 bags and purses from designer to contemporary to vintage. A girls dream you suppose, well not quite.

My mind was racing with the endless thought of bags, big, small, ivory gold, Valentino & Versace I arrive at the door, take a deep breath and walk in to find…no less than 20 pensioners in the small foyer bumbling about, its probably just one group I say as I purchase the ticket giving me access to explore 3 floors of bags.

So, I start from the 3^rd floor down and on every floor there’s a hoard of pensioners with a guide who bellowed out information to her flock. Not the ideal setting to enjoy the fine collection so unfortunately I didn’t spend much time reading the very helpful and informative posts regarding the different eras, styles and materials. .

Not being allowed to take pictures (except the building and gift shop?) I am not able to fully share my experience with you but I did manage to get a snap in the staircase, gift shop and THE CHAMPAGNE BAG

For your listening pleasure...

Mohammed Abdu - AlÁmakin (all the places)

I am not off to the museum of bags and purses, a 3000 strong collection of female eye candy...dribble. Post will follow soon!

Fluorescent, Contemporary & Visual Art...

Amsterdam has a host of Museums and exhibitions open to the public, there are giants such as the Rijksmuseum, Rembrant Museum and the Ann Frank House but underneath their shadows are real gems waiting to be discovered.

If you’re anything like me and desire to avoid the flood of tourist well known museums inevitably attract, the smaller and obscure museums are the way to go.

Aside from a more intimate experience and a lot more one on one time with the curators you have an opportunity to really immerse yourself in your surroundings, ponder over it and loose yourself in its meaning.

So here are my Top 3 (in no particular order):

1: Electric Lady Land – Museum of Fluorescent Art (Located in Amterdam)

On arrival you are greeted by Nick Paladiano the eccentric curator who sports a long white beard, hair tied back and is in full psychedelic gear. After paying your 5 Euro entry fee your taken down what is almost a vertical set of stairs into a small quirky room.   But do not be disappointed by the looks of it, soon after Nick guides you around explaining each artefact, painting and feature in much detail…then the good part happens, he turns off the lights and your fluorescent experience begins.

Alternating between, short and long UV light the place comes alive, its an excellent experience for the broad minded and people who want to try out something different. Its participatory art so you’re free to touch and really get stuck in.

As I left the museum with my free booklet on the magic of “black light” Nick talks about the vertical stairs and how he had a group of blind autistic school kid’s visiting his museum. A justified thought passed my mind, what on earth would be the point in that to which he replied in keeping with his image “they felt the vibes”

2. The Greenbox Museum – Saudi Contemporary Art (Located in Amsterdam)

Always poor with my orienteering skills I armed myself with a map before visiting the Greenbox. Its located in central Amsterdam yet I still managed to get lost for a good 20minutes wandering in and out of side roads until I decided to call the curator Aarnout Helb who helpfully pointed me in the right direction.

Once again it’s a small museum about the size of a large room, but Aarnout was fortunate enough to have aquired some excellent paintings from artists such as Abdulnasser al ghareem and Ahmed Mater AlÁseeri at the Edge of Arabia Exhibition 2008 before the pricework of the artists rocketed.

Just to give you an explanation, at a recent auction (Christies Dubai) a 3 meter wide wood and copper dome symbolizing the Dome of the Rock by Abdulnasser Gharem sold for $842,500 more than 3 times its original estimate.

…hard to imagine Kenyan contemporary art selling that well eh?

3. Basmoca – Visual Art (Located in your home)

While it’s not physically located in the Netherlands, its virtually placed in front of your lap by virtue of the internet. BASMOCA is a Virtual Museum can be visited from all over the world on its Second Life location, with the private collection of the female curator Basma including artists from the middle-east, China and UK it’s a real treat for a lazy day in.

Petroleum Wives Club of the Hauge...

Welcome to the Petroleum Wives Club of The Hague in The Netherlands

“Membership is focused on spouses or partners of those employed in the petroleum business and related service sectors.”

Great news people, I am now suitably qualified to join the Petroleum Wives Club, yes you heard it PETROLEUM WIVES CLUB!

Forget careers girls, you only need a husband who works in the petroleum business and your in. I don’t know if I’m being cynical but I find it quite disturbing that people find it appropriate to set up clubs on the basis of their spouse’s job and not say common interests, hobbies or their own jobs (or lack thereof).

Each to his own I guess.

Twenty-Something Married and Living in the Dirty Dam

Wasn’t at all where I expected to be...I think while sitting in my balcony drinking endless shots of Arabian coffee.  Born in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia it was decided relatively early to send us abroad for a formal education in the hope that we would one day return to live the middle-eastern dream, a job in an international company, compound, chauffer, free healthcare etc.

But life doesn’t always go according to plan; the divine hand of providence sometimes gives you a gentle push in the opposite direction. After completing my Academics I met my prince charming who swept me off my size 4 feet and placed me on a flight to the Netherlands!

Not your typical fairytale ending but:

 …You may dislike something which is good for you, and you may like something which is bad for you. God knows while you do not know. [The Holy Quran 2:216

It took me a while to overcome my initial prejudices, but trying to look on the bright side I set about getting to know more of Amsterdam which I now lovingly refer to as the dirty dam…its narrow streets, canals, museums, galleries and all the in-betweens.

 So this is my blog on all of the above