The Aqua Collection is made up of the kcbDesigns bags and the first is actually aquamarine – made of nets salvaged from the sea. There is a huge environmental problem created by fishnets discarded into the sea. In the water, they trap and kill sea turtles, and piles of rotting nets are a mess on the beach. There are regular cleanup sessions by expat groups. … Continue reading The Aqua Collection 1.0
Omanis produce and appreciate art in all its forms. I’ve been inspired by many visual artists. One particular artist who always captures my attention is Salim Al Sal For me, his art imitates the vibrant jumble of the Omani countryside and I think some of my work imitates his approach. Altogether different but equally vibrant is the work of — We have four of her … Continue reading Art and the Essence of Oman
Old photos inspire me, especially powerful photos of intriguing women. And sometimes men… This one from Syria. One of the single greatest inspirations has to be photos of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. I take inspiration from all of them. Continue reading Inspiration from the past
I can live anywhere in the world and I choose Al Bustan – a fishing village on the edge of Muscat in Oman. This is where and how I spend my time when I am not travelling. It is exquisite by day. And even more exquisite by night. We share the beach in front with the Al Bustan Palace Ritz Carlton Hotel and the deep … Continue reading Al Bustan – Garden by the Sea
I can live anywhere in the world and I choose Al Bustan – a fishing village on the edge of Muscat in Oman. This is where and how I spend my time when I am not travelling. It is exquisite by day. And even more exquisite by night. We share the beach in front with the Al Bustan Palace Ritz Carlton Hotel and the deep … Continue reading Al Bustan – Garden by the Sea
Dragon and Phoenix, in China, are symbols of the forces of nature, the gods and fate. Typically they are depicted together in ying-yang fashion – opposites that together create a unified whole. This 2019 trip to China was a series of opposites for me – old and new cities, fast and slow trains, simple and luxurious accommodations, familiar and strange dishes, treasured old and special … Continue reading The Dragon and Phoenix China Tour 2019
Why Chengdu? It holds mighty strategic status in the Middle Kingdom era, but now? People seem to go to see the pandas, but what else? I really didn’t know it would be such a vibrant dragon city – mythical, powerful, monstrously alive while seeming to sleep. I spent 4 days in Chengdu in November and, as always, I had a guided day tour to see … Continue reading Dragon City – Chengdu in Spicy Sichuan
My first view of Fenghuang, and I was entranced. Fenghuang means Phoenix – that mythical bird that is eternal – arising from the ashes if destroyed by fire, coupling with the dragon to become a complete ying and yang. The phoenix is forever, and Fenghuang seems aptly named. Fenghuang is a famous ancient watertown that has called to me for years. Pictures of this ancient … Continue reading Phoenix City – Timeless Fenghuang
I always like to be back in Hefei on the USTC campus in the fall – my home in China.Without really planning, I found Chairman Mao came along with me – in the Mao biography I was reading, in the Mao leadership case study for my students, in the images still common around town, in some ways the locals keep his memory alive.It is so … Continue reading Me and Mao in Hefei 2019
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