Gulf Studies

I now have my Gulf Studies Certificate!!! AUK gave it to me early so that they could get pictures for a press release that was online and in one of the Kuwaiti newspapers while I was in Egypt. Of course, I still need to finish my final exams next week...But I am apparently only the third person to receive the certificate.

Here is the press release photo of Dr Kelly, an AUK Professor and the Gulf Studies Coordinator, awarding me the Certificate...





Here is a link to the AUK press release: http://www.auk.edu.kw/news/showNewsDetails.jsp?id=10489&ndate=1274081899497&newsType=N

Dahab Pt 2

I am now a PADI certified Open Water diver...i can dive any where in the world up to 18m/60ft...the coral reef was really amazing. I saw loads of neat fish (parrotfish, Lionfish, Unicornfish, Giant Moray Eel, and lots more...It is amazing how bright (and neon) all of the colors are...

Here are some more pics from Dahab



The view from the Hotel/Hostel


Me and Jon - My Dive Instructor

Dahab

I am loving my vacation here in Dahab (an hour north of Sharm El Sheikh and less crowded)...did my first dive today and cant wait to go again tomorrow...my first dive was amazing...not gonna lie, at first it feels like you are suffocating. but then once you calm down and realize that 1) you can actually breathe and 2) you can swim...it becomes wonderful experience. I was at a depth of 10 meters for about an hour...i am actually really liking Dahab its very laid back...loads of hostels filled with back packers and other travellers like me taking advantage of this cheap and still relatively undiscovered hot spot. There is a boarwalk lined with waterfront restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops...There really isnt a beach you just walk down through the cafes and then there is a strip of beach loungers and then water...and the water is nice! and later this week i will be diving in one of the coral reefs...although, i dont have a camera that can go underwater and my instructor recommends that i just stay focused on learning to dive since i am a beginner. But i will get some photos of me in all the gear...i cant wait to go out and get some Kushari later (Yummy)...

but here are some photos of Dahab from this morning

Sharm El Sheikh

I head to Sharm El Sheikh in a week where I am going to get certified in scuba diving.

Hama

Basilica of St. Simeon

Damascus

The Omayyad Mosque



A Boutique Hotel in the Old City of Damascus

Aleppo

SOUK





CITADEL

Apamea

Krak Part II

Syria

Krak des Chevaliers - Crusader Castle

Kerak Part III

Kerak Part II

Kerak

The Crusader Castle at Kerak built in 1132. Also notice the heavy fog - I am pretty sure this is how i broke my camera.