Wednesday 26 January 2011

Another wonderful piece in the Roads of Arabia, Saudi Archaeological Masterpieces Exhibition, now in Barcelona.

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Mohi Hussein Residence: Ramses Wissa Wassef





I adore this house all the beautiful arches and niches, shadow play. Art everywhere and its relaxed atmosphere. Perfect. And it is designed by one of my design heros Ramses Wissa Wassef who I mentioned here.

Saturday 22 January 2011

Sci-tech




Lots of things to do



We pressed lots of buttons.


Lots of things to try

A wonderful Aqarium





Experimenting with creating dams

a view of the Atrium from the cafe


Last weekend we went to Sci-tech museum at Khobar corniche, its a favourite with our family. There is also an Imax cinema. This time we brought home a telescope so I'm now on the look out for a decent star map relevant to us if anyone knows where I can get one please let me know?


By the way if you have any Dinosaurs fans in your family sci-tech will be having a dinosaur exhibition from the 8th of February in collaboration with the Natural History Museum in London.
Amendment
Well we went to see the exhibition yesterday only to be told there is no dinosaur exhibit, and that actually it was last year so I must apologise to anyone who went. Sorry. It seems Sci-tech hasn't updated their English website for a year. Next time I will call to check anything up and coming , we were all so disappointed.

Friday 21 January 2011

Iconic Middle East; Princess Fawzia of Egypt



When I was little I came across an image of Princess Fawzia in a book and decided I wanted to look like her when I grow up. Of course that never happened but her image was forever imprinted in my brain as how a princess ought to look.

She is an international style Icon of her time. Described by Cecil Beaton as an 'Asian Venus'.



Wednesday 19 January 2011

Lunch with Flamingos

Its Flamingo season here in the Eastern region

We had lunch at this beautiful retaurant in Khobar corniche last weekend

With this beautiful view

And a flock of flamingos ( my camera isn't powerful enough for a real close-up sorry)

A view even my youngest could'ent miss

Not sure where I found the top image ( i have to start noting these things down!!!!) but anyone interested in birds in Saudi Arabia should take a look at this fantastic blog.

Sunday 16 January 2011

House Visit; Breakfast with Iman

Welcome to our first house visit, today it is with my lovely sister-in-law Iman for breakfast. She and her family like many young couples in Saudi Arabia live in a self-contained appartment in her husbands family home. The idea is that it gives them a chance to save money in order to afford to buy or build their own home in the future. It is a nice arrangement allowing the adults privacy and independance but the children get to pop down and visit their Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins (depending who is around) regularly.

A beautiful breakfast served in the majlis
The Majlis


the dining room
a fantastic car collection!!!!
guestbathroom

the family living room

Kitchen
time for a nice cup of coffee and yummy saffron biscuits.
Who lives here?
Iman and her husband and their three children

How long have you lived here?

9 years

How many rooms?
Majlis, living room, dining room, guest bathroom, family bathroom, kitchen, two bedrooms

Which is your favorite room?
The family living room

Describe your taste?
Classic with light colours

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Interior magazines, Movies and Hotels

Favorites things?
The dining room cabinet and its contents,  The tapestry, and the lamps in the majlis.

If you could change anything what would it be?
I would love to knock down the wall between the living room and the dining room.

What was the last decoration project you undertook?
We redecorated the Majlis, repainted the walls and printed a pattern on them, had the sofas re-uphgolstered, new curtains and had the two armchairs made for extra seating for guests.

What kind of atmosphere do you try to create for your home?
My Husband and I feel a home should be welcoming, relaxing and homely, we also love the atmosphere of hotels and their comfort. We try to fill our home only with things we love.

Thankyou Iman for a beautiful breakfast and a fun morning.


N.B The Majlis is a room usually with its own entrance and guest bathroom that guests (male of female) can be entertained in without disturbing the rest of the household.

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