Bill Stone 108th Birthday

I had the pleasure of going along to take some pictures at the 108th birthday party of war veteran William Stone, in a care home in Berkshire. William Stone served in the Royal Navy in both world wars and is one of the last survivors of the Great War. He has a beaming smile which truly lights up the room, and for a man of his years he was surprisingly aware and intent on enjoying his day.

NOTE: Since this post was written, William Stone has passed away. He died on 13/01/2009, aged 108.

Istanbul 2008

Exactly a year on from my last brief jaunt to Istanbul I headed back (this time with a fellow photographer) to build on the portfolio from the last trip, absorb more historic and cultural atmosphere in Sultanahmet, and generally explore the city further. Here are a few shots from my second trip to this amazing city.

View from the Galata Tower.

Farouq, a shop-keeper who I met last year. On this trip, we missed our flight home and couldn't get another for 24 hours. We headed back to the secluded courtyard where his shop is. He asked where we were sleeping that night, and within minutes he had brought out blankets, kilims (rugs), and pillows- making makeshift beds for us in the front of his shop. Farouq even recomended the best place for breakfast- a tiny cafe that opens early and makes only fresh lentil soup every day; when the soup runs out the shop closes. Having slept outdoors in the cold of the night, it was the perfect start to the day.