Interests & Activities

I seem to get interested in a lot of things, but some things I seem to have stayed interested in for longer:

Sports & fitness

In 2004, I did something that I would never have thought I would contemplate, let alone do. I ran the London Marathon! I did it again in 2006, and now in training to do it again. This time I am focusing on doing it in a good time while avoiding injuries.

I am currently in training to run for the deaf-blind charity, Sense, at the Virgin London Marathon on 17th April 2011. The charity and I would very much appreciate your donation towards this noble cause, and you can make a donation on my JustGiving.com page (www.justgiving.com/azzawi-2011). Please give generously :-)

Amateur Radio

It is only recently that I paid proper attention to my interest in radio, although I was keen on it from a young age at my uncle's TV and radio repair shop. I have since 2009 taken it more seriously, and have got a full UK amateur licence (callsign m0psi).

Flying

While at Oxford University, I learned to fly gliders (1993), and got to the Silver Certificate level, and then went to live in the USA for a bit, where I learned to fly motor planes. Although I have the odd flight here and there, unfortunately both my licences have since lapsed, but I will return to the skies once again!

Sailing

In 2000, I started a dinghy course at our local sailing club in Frensham. I really enjoyed it and have since then had different boats, and now have a Laser and a GP14, which we use as family fun boats. I also took shore-based courses in yachting, and finally got an RYA Coastal Skipper. I have done several long voyages in different boats, and still go out on the odd day trip.

Bonsai

Another thing I thought I would never be interested in is gardening. However, it is only the little trees that really interest me, although I do enjoy a bit of mud with the big stuff.

Travel

I have traveled a great deal due to early family circumstances, and have continued to enjoy travelling in my working life. I just love the contrasts of cultures and scenery.

So far, I have travelled for work, pleasure and lived in these places (in no particular order); Iraq, Malta, Japan, Boston, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia, Honk Kong, Malaysia, Italy, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Holland, Luxemburg, Belgium, and more...(oh and of course, the UK). Here is a map of places I have been to or lived in:

create your own visited country map

Chess

Although I got to learn to play chess, in the sense that I knew the rules, when I was a boy, I really had no idea how to play it properly. I have now started a slow process of learning it. I don't know where this is taking me, but I am enjoying the ride so far.

Time

Well, the topic of time has always fascinated me both the physical (clock time) as well as psychological time. I know very little about the former, but enjoy reading about the philosophical musings on the latter. Here is a lovely poem by W H Davies.