Shoot 4 The Moon,: syria

This photo has been recognized as the best photo for the year 2007. The reward, was announced during the final meeting of Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA) General Assembly held in Amman, and given to the Syrian Arab News agency (SANA)'s Cameraman Wasem Kheir Beik for his photo taken in one of the streets of Damascus.

The photo shows a 7-year old girl sitting in front of her movable table on which she sells sweets and biscuits, and at the same time carries her books trying to do her school duties.

This photo has stimulated so many ideas and impressions in my mind... I'll list 2 of them here briefly!

First, it shows a high level of persistence we seek for in the younger generations; you need not to have a rich family or be a son or daughter of a tycoon to get educated, if you decide to educate yourself you can do it, no matter what the circumstances are. Jordanian educational system has proving this through many cases for students from less fortunate public schools who were keen to excel in national and supra-national competitions (both curricular and extracurricular) and exceed our expectations. I was a jury member at the National Robotics Competition this year and I was so amazed by the achievements of teams from El-Shoneh and Baq3a.

This photo really shows and interesting example of a multitasking little girl! you can never effectively utilize your time in the 21st century without being multitasking, you might feel stressed and under pressure at the first place, but the more progress you do the more you get addicted to being multitasking. So, Keep you favorite books/magazines with you wherever you go … store you favorite audio books, e-books and podcasts and play them whenever you move around (by car or public transportation) or waiting somewhere (at the clinic, bank, governmental office… etc.). An interesting research published last years says that an average person spend -at least- 2 FULL years of his/her life on the road!

I really have more to say about this pretty nice photo … but since I have so many to do before the end of 2007, I leave the floor for you to express yourself!

Last weekend, mE, Hama and little Jood have rushed to Syria for an amazing trip. I consider that was a perfect opportunity for us to refresh and break out the daily routine while visiting an extraordinary destinations in Syria...

Jood was so cute "mashallah"; mE and Hama were about to eat her!, but the delicious food was enough to keep her safe this time ;)

This trip, I didn't use my digital photo camera that much, since I started to use our new video camera which recorded so nice moments we've spent there..

Damascus the capital was not up-to my expectation, I felt like this city has to be more organized and more beautiful. Being an old city doesn't mean it is acceptable to be less clean and messed up.

Summer resorts like Khadra and Fega was disgusting! I've been there 10 years ago while water was flowing around the place making it such a tranquil romantic atmosphere. but now, water are getting shallow and the place is no longer attractive for tourists.

On the other hand, We have spent a wonderful time at Blodan and Beqqan. The municipality of these two districts were keen to organize buildings and the green areas to come up with a wonderful landscape.

We made our own adventures at Hamidieh Shopping "Mall" and the Omayyad Mosque, it was really remarkable moments with pigeons, merchants and the mangonel of Saladin.

On the way back to Jordan, I was annoyed with the behaviors of Jordanian police officers on the borders; unfortunately, they were arrogant and frowning all the time! I hate to say that ... but this is the truth, I wish they would join a training course in customer service!

I conclude here with few nice photos from Syria.. while preparing to compress video files and post them online soon enshallah...

Ramadan Kareeeeeeeem :)