Just like Egypt is having an economic boom that leaves out the poor, Reuters has an article describing consumerism in Saudi Arabia caused by the rise of oil prices from $10 per barrel to $100 in less than a decade.

As the rich get richer, the gap between them and the poor widens, and inflation takes its toll on them the most.

I know that youth in Saudi Arabia do the usual crazy things like racing cars at high speed, ...etc.

However, I never thought that I would see such a video of a reckless act. Sounds like fun, but extermely dangerous.

Desert truffles are an unusual desert crop related to European truffles, found in France and Italy. It can be found in North Africa from Morocco to Egypt, and in Syria, and Arabia.

Names and History

Its classical name is Kama' كمأ - كمأة but today is known as faqa' فقع or by the local variants zubaydi زبيدي -khalasi خلاسي in Arabia, to terfas in Egypt, and terfezia in Morocco.

They have been said to be served for Pharoahs, as well as Fatimid rules from the Muqattam mountain.

It has been known to Arabs for millenia, since the prophet is reported to have said: "Kama' is from manna, and its water is a cure for the [diseases of the] eye". 

Because the coral reefs of the Red Sea are treacherous to navigate, there are lots of shipwrecks all over it.

Over the years, I had to experiment with equipment till I find out which are best for my needs. On this page, I try to discuss the various things I tried, and the pros and cons of each.

There is often a notion that spearfishing is against preservation of the environment, and hence is frowned upon by many people. In my view, responsible spearfishing is just like rod and line fishing and even better in some aspects.

I was always fond of fishing. Swimming in the sea was not a great passtime for me though.

What kind of fish one eats depends on many factors: what is available locally, society's habits and culture, upbringing, and personal taste.

These are some pictures of me while snorkeling and spearfishing.

It is a fascinating experience to see an entire ecosystem in action, and no where this is easily possible than in a coral reef.