During last two weeks in Dublin where I was working, I heard frequent helicopter landing and taking off.
And I asked, and the answer I got was, he is one of the richest people in Ireland and his company is behind the company I was visiting.
He is Irish but doesn't live there due tax purposes and he commutes daily from Switzerland to Dublin, then helicopter to his company!!!
I guess this guys collects million of air miles every year, do you think he will ever use them?
On second thought, I think he flies in his private jet!!!
Sunday, July 23, 2006
The grass is always greener!! not at the other side though.
Came back from Dublin on Friday, just one step in the airport terminal and I couldn't believe it, as if you are entering an OVEN!!! Yes, that how hot it was. However, I was told the temperature was down (it was 37 on Wednesday!!!!!).
So, took the tube and I was surprised. I only left London 2 weeks ago and now it is yellow. Most of the grass is dead, I was shocked, it is only one week of heat wave.
I am just wondering in countries like Egypt where it is always above 30 during summer and the grass is always greener.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
A day trip to Wicklow in Ireland
I had a chance last weekend to go for a day trip to Wicklow where everybody comes to Ireland goes.
I had high expectation as they told me it is just great.
It wasn't bad, but nothing really there, just went to see an area where there are two lakes
and a cemmetry. One tiny tower.
Nature is just great and it was sunny warm day which is exceptional in Ireland.
I met two girls from England and South Africa, had a chat with them and got a different point of view about South Africa.
Then we had lunch and then went up the mountain to see Guinness Mansion.
Close to the mansion, parts of Brave heart movie were shot.
Over all, had nice day and looking forward my next trip.
Isn't this a lovely place to spend rest of after life.
The nature and the beauty
Irish Sheep
Famous Irish Cross.
Nature and water.
Guinness mansion and they brought sand from Florida and placed it in a way to look a like a Guinness bear spill.
The old tower.
Ouna and the background shows the mansion and the area where brave heart was shot.
It is a bit blurry but this is very important, this is Glencree, is the peace center where people from two countries in conflict get together to see what will happen. Mainly kids like what happened with Israel and Palestine
Where we had lunch.
I had high expectation as they told me it is just great.
It wasn't bad, but nothing really there, just went to see an area where there are two lakes
and a cemmetry. One tiny tower.
Nature is just great and it was sunny warm day which is exceptional in Ireland.
I met two girls from England and South Africa, had a chat with them and got a different point of view about South Africa.
Then we had lunch and then went up the mountain to see Guinness Mansion.
Close to the mansion, parts of Brave heart movie were shot.
Over all, had nice day and looking forward my next trip.
Isn't this a lovely place to spend rest of after life.
The nature and the beauty
Irish Sheep
Famous Irish Cross.
Nature and water.
Guinness mansion and they brought sand from Florida and placed it in a way to look a like a Guinness bear spill.
The old tower.
Ouna and the background shows the mansion and the area where brave heart was shot.
It is a bit blurry but this is very important, this is Glencree, is the peace center where people from two countries in conflict get together to see what will happen. Mainly kids like what happened with Israel and Palestine
Where we had lunch.
The green Ireland.
Ireland is full of tourists.
Irish are very Smart, they basically promote their culture.
You go into a gift shop, and everything is green, from socks to jackets and people are buying like crazy.
Dublin doesn't have a lot of things to see, not like London or Paris but still has a few.
The only thing I can point out is, number of pubs and house doors!!!!
One thing I have to point out, Irish are so nice and kind people, very warm and they welcome tourists, maybe that is why.
It is a rabbit statue which there are 5 of them.
Oscar Wilde lived here
Statue of Oscar in a Park.
River Liffey
There is nothing really for the skyline, so they built this column which attracts huge tourists
Different view for the same column.
Doors, that you will see every where on postcards in Ireland.
Irish are very Smart, they basically promote their culture.
You go into a gift shop, and everything is green, from socks to jackets and people are buying like crazy.
Dublin doesn't have a lot of things to see, not like London or Paris but still has a few.
The only thing I can point out is, number of pubs and house doors!!!!
One thing I have to point out, Irish are so nice and kind people, very warm and they welcome tourists, maybe that is why.
It is a rabbit statue which there are 5 of them.
Oscar Wilde lived here
Statue of Oscar in a Park.
River Liffey
There is nothing really for the skyline, so they built this column which attracts huge tourists
Different view for the same column.
Doors, that you will see every where on postcards in Ireland.
How do you know it is getting close to the weekend in Dublin
On my way back from work on Thursday, I noticed pubs are started to be filled up pretty early and people are standing out side the pub drinking (a sign of busy pub night). Well, I learnt later is the weekly drinking rally starts on Thursday.
The photos shows just a sample how much they drink here, this is just once tiny small corner.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
And I thought buying a car is expensive in Van
Wow, I was chatting with my Irish colleagues and they were complaining about how cars are expensive here in Ireland and they some times go and buy cars from UK.
I was sort of skeptical, I thought cars are expensive in Van, so I asked and I got shocking numbers.
First, the basic price is more expensive, which I am not sure why!!!, then you pay sort of sales tax which is around 20%.
Then you still have to pay sort of another tax, which I am not sure what it is called, but it is 25% (30% for luxury cars).
Then yo still have to pay road tax which is around 600 Euro per year.
Man!!!!!!
I was sort of skeptical, I thought cars are expensive in Van, so I asked and I got shocking numbers.
First, the basic price is more expensive, which I am not sure why!!!, then you pay sort of sales tax which is around 20%.
Then you still have to pay sort of another tax, which I am not sure what it is called, but it is 25% (30% for luxury cars).
Then yo still have to pay road tax which is around 600 Euro per year.
Man!!!!!!
Monday, July 10, 2006
I was sort of supporting France
I mentioned that before, but I am not big fan of football.
However, I felt more toward supporting the french team, even though I have troubles every time I go there and I think they sort of snub.
What surprised me yesterday, most of Europeans were supporting France.
I had a chance to see part of the game at Heathrow airport, and you can feel it.
Again, it is just a game and Congrats for Italy and hard luck France.
About Zidane, I really respect him, not sure, cause he has Arabic roots, or just his behavior, I have no clue.
What he did yesterday, I think there something really bad to evoke some one like him, only time will tell.
P.S. To my Italian friend, hope when you read this, you won't get offended cause I was supporting the french.
However, I felt more toward supporting the french team, even though I have troubles every time I go there and I think they sort of snub.
What surprised me yesterday, most of Europeans were supporting France.
I had a chance to see part of the game at Heathrow airport, and you can feel it.
Again, it is just a game and Congrats for Italy and hard luck France.
About Zidane, I really respect him, not sure, cause he has Arabic roots, or just his behavior, I have no clue.
What he did yesterday, I think there something really bad to evoke some one like him, only time will tell.
P.S. To my Italian friend, hope when you read this, you won't get offended cause I was supporting the french.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
I am in Dublin
Just arrived today to Dublin.
The interesting thing here is a lot of people all the time dressed in yellow or green, not sure why yet, but looks like sort patriotism.
The interesting thing here is a lot of people all the time dressed in yellow or green, not sure why yet, but looks like sort patriotism.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Friday, July 07, 2006
Would you like to join two girls for party and drinks
I was doing my regular grocery shopping, Friday night!!, any other guy at my age probably would hang out with his girlfriend!! no compliant.
While lining up to check out, I had two girls, I guess they were Spanish or maybe Portuguese, behind me in the line up, they were carrying vodka and Pepsi!!!
The cashier, I dealt with him before, loves to tease girls and asks them about their ID to make sure they are old enough to buy alcohol!!
So, I was done and packing my stuff (they don't pack your stuff here like Canada), I overheard him teasing them and asking about their age. The girls were really upset and they said "would you like to see our IDs" and he said "yes please".
Then, oh God, then he looked at me and said "these lovely two young ladies having party and drinks tonight, would like to join!!!!"
Ouna said "I was not invited thought!!".
They looked at me with straight face, I guess they didn't show any sign of welcoming or maybe they didn't understand!!
I kept blaming my self for the rest of the night, I should have done something, what should I have done!!! no clue.
Notes:
1- This is the second time the same cashier did this with me, but the first time, the lady was better stay away from her.
2- Women don't like to be asked about their age, when they are young, they don't like it and when they are old, they don't either, women!!!!
Lesson Learnt:
Better stick with this cashier, he maybe my best way to know girls!!!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
HAIR
I am not sure what is this long time game between religion and hair.
Any religion, either comes from heaven or earth always has to have a say about hair.
What so special about hair.
I can only see Pharaonic time when priests used to shave their hair, sign of respect (should I say submission) to God and the story of Delilah and Samson.
Or maybe Tuchulcha who is part of Etruscan Mythology .
I need help on this.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
British Muslim surveyed in UK for 7/7 anniversary
The point that caught my eyes was the British Muslims didn't like the way the British women are dressed and they think it is not acceptable, HA!!!
I bet you, soon they will come up with something in Bible like they did with Quran to convince British that covering the woman body will win you life after death, just once the PetroDollars show up, everything can happen ;-)
Walk up, walk up, they are British, I mean they can read and think, not just follow!!!
I bet you, soon they will come up with something in Bible like they did with Quran to convince British that covering the woman body will win you life after death, just once the PetroDollars show up, everything can happen ;-)
Walk up, walk up, they are British, I mean they can read and think, not just follow!!!
My Cousin did it "Tribe Expeditions"
I am really proud of him, he always had this dream, he didn't just did what he did and kept dreaming.
Well, today I got this from him, he now organizes breathtaking Egyptian desert expeditions.
He has customers from all over the globe. I am sure one day he will take this to a higher level and this will be one of the best expeditions around.
Go cousin gooooooo
Photo cortusy of http://www.tribe-expeditions.com/
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
This is how ignorant I am about football
I am very embarrassed. I didn't know until I saw last 10 minutes of Germany vs. Italy game that they cancelled the golden goal!!
Pilates, what the hell was that!!!
Today was my first time to try Pilates.
I wasn't really surprised with this Pilates, I was expecting something else.
I couldn't keep my self from laughing sometimes with some of the interesting movements.
Has anyone tried it before, let me know what you think 8-)
I wasn't really surprised with this Pilates, I was expecting something else.
I couldn't keep my self from laughing sometimes with some of the interesting movements.
Has anyone tried it before, let me know what you think 8-)
Monday, July 03, 2006
Sunday, July 02, 2006
No Strip bar, I spent the day in the park to watch Who!?!?!
One of my dearest friends warned me that the strip bar scene maybe more than just sitting so I decided to spend the day in Hyde Park and listen to The Who who they were playing in one of weekly concerts in London (lots of cultures in London)
In the mean time thought to have hand on experience with my new fancy mancy D-SLR Nikon D50.
I packed the camera, lenses, two tripods, ext. flash and the manual. Ouna is happy as he will play with the new toy and learn new techniques as I am thinking seriously to do more photography on semi pro level ( conditions may apply).
The park was full house, oh my lord, was hard to find a spot to sit on the grass in Hyde Park, given how big is this park, I am sure there were mere a million people there.
I went through the manual and half way through, I decided to apply what I have learnt.
Well, the camera doesn't work, oh shi£$£$%R£t. I FORGOT the battery which I have been charging a day before so I can do a lot of practice.
Anyway, thanks for cell phone companies, I took some photos with my phone, enjoy:
Some one engraved The Who name on the floor, looked lie a 3D kinda
This is the same spot where people last year in Live 8 were watching, they climb a tree close to the stage so they can see what is happening inside. Same spot last year, a stranger shouted at Maria Carry and told her if you want to save Africa, donate some of your fu&*&^*(cking money, you are filthy rich.
The good thing is they don't just a have a concert, they make it sort of carnival.
In the mean time thought to have hand on experience with my new fancy mancy D-SLR Nikon D50.
I packed the camera, lenses, two tripods, ext. flash and the manual. Ouna is happy as he will play with the new toy and learn new techniques as I am thinking seriously to do more photography on semi pro level ( conditions may apply).
The park was full house, oh my lord, was hard to find a spot to sit on the grass in Hyde Park, given how big is this park, I am sure there were mere a million people there.
I went through the manual and half way through, I decided to apply what I have learnt.
Well, the camera doesn't work, oh shi£$£$%R£t. I FORGOT the battery which I have been charging a day before so I can do a lot of practice.
Anyway, thanks for cell phone companies, I took some photos with my phone, enjoy:
Some one engraved The Who name on the floor, looked lie a 3D kinda
This is the same spot where people last year in Live 8 were watching, they climb a tree close to the stage so they can see what is happening inside. Same spot last year, a stranger shouted at Maria Carry and told her if you want to save Africa, donate some of your fu&*&^*(cking money, you are filthy rich.
The good thing is they don't just a have a concert, they make it sort of carnival.
Girls Girls Girls
Okay, I just realized girls can be as tough as men.
Man, I had one hour and half class for abs and everything else, girls were super, they can perform all the movements as they should be.
At the other hand Ouna was still stuck trying to lift one leg and keep the other almost touching the floor.
All respect to Girls, Go Girls.
First time to have to 2 boys in the class today!!!
Just a quick question, do you guys know any where on line I can buy muscles!!!
Man, I had one hour and half class for abs and everything else, girls were super, they can perform all the movements as they should be.
At the other hand Ouna was still stuck trying to lift one leg and keep the other almost touching the floor.
All respect to Girls, Go Girls.
First time to have to 2 boys in the class today!!!
Just a quick question, do you guys know any where on line I can buy muscles!!!
You got to help me loose weight
Anyone knows me, should understanding my battle against gaining weight, I decided to change the policy this time, I am going for GI Diet.
It is really good, I don't feel hungry like before and I eat different kind of food to quench my desire to eat sweet.
Okay, you will help me by watching my weight.
Last week it was 91.7 kg (.0917 Ton , 202.16 lb , 14.4 stone , 3234.62 ounce) just in case you have no excuse to complain I don't know this measuring unit.
My goal is 85 Kg.
Ouna, go go go.
I am heading to the gym now for a class called body conditioning (no idea what is it, will let you know later)
It is really good, I don't feel hungry like before and I eat different kind of food to quench my desire to eat sweet.
Okay, you will help me by watching my weight.
Last week it was 91.7 kg (.0917 Ton , 202.16 lb , 14.4 stone , 3234.62 ounce) just in case you have no excuse to complain I don't know this measuring unit.
My goal is 85 Kg.
Ouna, go go go.
I am heading to the gym now for a class called body conditioning (no idea what is it, will let you know later)
Portugal is through and the brits are better than I expected
I was scared to go out yesterday! I thought brits will go crazy and it won't be safe.
I am really happy, they accepted the loss and they were very civilized, no violence and no drunk fans harassing people.
Good luck England next time.
I am really happy, they accepted the loss and they were very civilized, no violence and no drunk fans harassing people.
Good luck England next time.
Visit to Windsor
A friend suggested to visit Windsor as during the game it won't be that busy so it is easy to find a parking spot.
However, my friend has a very slow pace, instead of going around 5pm, we ended to be there at 8pm. We had good time and say Windsor Castle and Eaton Collage where royals get their education (my grades were not that high to join! whatever!!!!)
We saw Indian film crew shooting there and asked us to come today to be part of the movie to sit in a strip club (just to sit period) and we will be offered 30 quids.
Enjoy the photos:
Windsor castle
Eaton Collage
Queen Victoria
Another shot of Windsor castle
However, my friend has a very slow pace, instead of going around 5pm, we ended to be there at 8pm. We had good time and say Windsor Castle and Eaton Collage where royals get their education (my grades were not that high to join! whatever!!!!)
We saw Indian film crew shooting there and asked us to come today to be part of the movie to sit in a strip club (just to sit period) and we will be offered 30 quids.
Enjoy the photos:
Windsor castle
Eaton Collage
Queen Victoria
Another shot of Windsor castle
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Canada day in Trafalgar Square for Canada 139 B.Day
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.P.S
Well, Trafalgar Square has been transferred into Red & White and maple leaves.
They featured an act or an artist from each province plus a promotional movie about each province.
I met my Gym manager who is Canadian, but she didn't care to introduce me to the rest of her group standing away (What should I have done!!?!?!)
I leave you with the photos:
The building in the back is Canada house, just in Trafalgar square.
When you're good to Mama, Mama's good to yooooou!
I loved the show, so funny and eye catching.
Mama song is just great "When you're good to Mama, Mama's good to yooooou!"
I have never seen a show that Maestro is part of the show and as funny as the rest of the cast.
I took the above photo just right after the show finished, couldn't resist Razzle the Dazzle.
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