In the past, being afraid (or lazy) to venture into the kitchen and discover my own creative culinary skills, I spent most of dinner time with my close relations in London where most of the conversations revolved around food: what are we going to eat tomorrow, what shall we make for the Eid, was this meal as good as the last time we had it.. etc. This is probably typical of any Eastern, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean or Oriental family. The menu was restricted to few rich and scrumptious dishes, which were rotated over a period of time- but I can honestly add were not terribly healthy! Over a recent gathering and during another food conversation, I suddenly realised how far my attitude and taste about food have changed. Now, most evenings I am at home cooking and preparing my own dinner; venturing into new flavours, international cuisines and organic and healthy alternatives. Particularly fish- something I loathed when I was very young and swore would never eat.

Strolling around Fish markets, was something my father enjoyed when we were growing up, where my sister and I insisted on staying in the car loathing the smell of the fish. During a recent a recent short break in Venice, however, I found myself marvelling at what was on offer in the local fish market, and taking photographs of all the various ‘fruits of the sea’ noting colours and shapes.