Cambridge, United Kingdom

I was working in Cambridge last week and had the opportunity to go into town for dinner and then had some time the following day to take some shots around this quaint and historic town.  After living in Dubai the past 4 months, it was food for the soul to be able to get out and about in place with such a rich history (with the addition of Starbucks and a Jaime Oliver restaurant of course).  Walking around in Cambridge gave me the feeling of being inside an old novel as I walked into churches that were built in the 1200's, down winding streets and lane ways.  I was certainly amazed at the intricacy of the old world architecture another contrast to the modern skyscrapers of my new place of residence.








I had a nice meal at Jaime Oliver's Italian Restaurant in Cambridge, apparently he was just there the week before.  It was enjoyable gastronomic experience (hey, it's Cambridge), but I was by no means blown away.  I give it a solid 6 out 10 food wise, 8 out of 10 for atmosphere.




Certainly, one of the highlights of the visit to Cambridge was a visit to the Eagle.  It's a pub and was a drinking hole for U.S. bomber crews back in WWII.  In the back bar, you can see the names and squadron numbers which were burnt into the ceiling with Zippo lighters.  If that wasn't enough, this was also the place that Watson & Crick used to discuss theories and get lathered before they announced the invention of DNA - Deoxyribonucleic acid.  





Soldiers used their Zippo lighters to burn their names and unit numbers in the ceiling. 



More pics from around Cambridge...





I'm off to South Africa in a few hours...peace.

Protestors in Jordan

Protestor in Jordan, a photo by kserp1972 on Flickr.

 
I was in Jordan last week for a couple days and was pleasantly surprised by the terrain, the greenness and rolling hills to name a few. Myself and colleagues drove to a meeting about 30 minutes from heart of Syria where the protests are currently happening. There were also peaceful protests happening in Jordan in the area we visited. I played CNN camera man and got amongst it. No one was saying "CHEESE" though..,

I stumbled upon this glorious valley view just outside of Amman, the capital of Jordan and the area is spread out over 19 hills. Jordan has a population of almost 6 million and is amazingly peaceful as it's set amongst the current hot bed of political activity and civil war.

Turkish Busker

Turkish Busker, a photo by kserp1972 on Flickr.

This gentleman was jammin down by the Beşiktaş area in Turkey which is one of my favorite places to roam, catch the ferry, grab a schwarma and take in the many sites of this amazing city.

Saudi Visa - Typewriter Center

Last Thursday 31st March, 2011 - I had to go in and drop my passport off to a Typewriting Center (that's what they call it in Dubai), so I could get a Visa for entry to Saudi.  I was ecstatic to know that I was leaving my U.S. passport, the get out of jail, collect your $200 and go straight to the Free World pass in this place.  All the glitz and glamor of Dubai and this is where I have to leave one of my most valued possessions.

What you can't see is a mangy cat sitting behind in the back right chair.  What you can see is crap all over the floor which was only a small section.

Odette - my pooch

This photo was taken by a good friend of mine.  It's of my pooch Odie in Melbourne at our favorite cafe, just before she was told off for sitting on the bench.  She's a beautiful and loving dog, an old soul, looks at me like she knows more about me than I do sometimes. 

Kadikoy Walk Istanbul

Kadikoy Walk Istanbul, a photo by kserp1972 on Flickr.

In The Beginning...

My gratitude starts with having great parents who have supported me every step of the way...thanks Roger and Bubbles