Kiki's Web

Photographers, adventurers, journalists, entrepeneurs, brick-and-mortar builders, we are all connected in the worldwide web. Welcome to my slice of html real estate where paths cross. Here you will find links to blogs, websites and photogalleries from some the most impressive individuals that I have had the good fortune to encounter.

  • Syria

    In July 2008, I was based in Damascus where I have encountered incredible people and projects. Please follow these links to find out more!
    • The Phoenician Ship Expedition
      This expedition aims to build a replica Phoenician/Mediterranean vessel and attempt to recreate the first circumnavigation of Africa, as accomplished by Phoenician mariners in 600BC.
    • We Will Live to See These Things
      Julia Meltzer is shooting in Damascus at present. Go to her website for a snapshop of her last documentary: We will live to see these things, or, five pictures of what may come to pass
    • Syrian Women Observatory
      Bassam AlKady runs the Syrian Women Observatory in Damascus. Independent from the government, SWO is a low budget operation tracking women rights issues in Syria. It also fghts to modify Syrian public opinion and laws on honor killings.
    • Native Without A Nation
      Native Without a Nation aims to introduce Iraqi students in Syria to their peers in the rest of the world, primarily by using videochat.

  • Rwanda

    There is a strong New York - Kigali connection. Many of the individuals featured here have felt the gravitational pull of both cities and built bridges between them.
    • One Acre Fund
      The One Acre Fund is an organization coupling agriculture with microcredit to empower the chronically hungry to pull themselves out of poverty. They take a holistic approach to health, providing food security together with basic medicines.
    • Voices of Rwanda
      Voices of Rwanda is dedicated to recording and preserving testimonies of Rwandans, and to ensuring that their stories inform the world about genocide and inspire a global sense of responsibility to prevent human rights atrocities.
    • Rwanda Reporting
      a documentary film about the power of the press brought to you by Amy Brown.
    • Audra Renyi
      Audra Reny jumped ship on New York's I-banking scene and swum across to Africa for a two-year volunteering tour with organizations ranging from the OAF to Medecins Sans Frontieres. Check her blog for a dose of realitiy. Warning: Unhappy Employees Beware.
    • Create for a Cause
      Chronicles Chrissie Lam's volunteering efforts in Rwanda and the surrounding region during a three month sabbatical from work. She is currently back stateside advocating and fundraising...

  • Blogs & Backpacks: Great Adventures

    Noteworthy travel blogs from three of my favorite hell-raising newshounds and one from a charming Irish character motorbiking Africa for a cause.
    • Freda Moon
      Freda Moon's motto? Dirtier minds and cleaner fingernails. Earlier this year, Moon pushed the pedal to the metal and headed south to Mexico and Central America on a car named Dolly. Read all her adventures and juicy journalese on this tropical travelogue.
    • Tim Stelloh
      Married to Moon, Tim Stelloh is an accomplished, muckraking journalist who wrecked havock in Southwestern Connecticut by covering the environmental beat. Check his blog for some good old hard news and a smooth spin on the journey South.
    • Jonah Owen Lamb
      San Francisco-based, 29-year old freelance journalist, Lamb joined Stelloh and Moon from L.A. to Nicaragua. His clips bridge America's two coastlines and cut through Salt Lake City. An alternative man with a hearty laugh and a serious sense of place.
    • Hugh Bergin
      Hugh Bergin left his home in Kilkenny, Ireland, in the beginning of December 2006. Since then he has been on a solo motorcyle ride through the continent of Africa. He is raising awareness of, and funds for Self Help Development International.

  • Camara Oscura

    My passion for potography was lit by J.J. Tizou on the news front and Yoav Horesh on the creative front. Please visit their websites and recognize their greatness.
    • Jean-Jacques Tizou
      JJ Tizou is a Philadelphia-based, globetrotting photographer who celebrates the world with each click of his camera. He taught me photobasics at the Daily Pennsylvania and has remained a friend since. He actively campaigns for a casino-free Philadelphia.
    • Yoav Horesh
      Born in Jerusalem, Israel, Yoav Horesh has lived the United States since 1997 and holds a diploma from the New England School of Photography, a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and an MFA from Columbia University. Internationally exhibited.

  • Films and Docs

    My involvement in these projects has been minimal but inspiring.
    • Torero Films
      Summer 2008, Rwandan filmmaker Daddy Ruhorahoza rolled a short film that brings a disenchanted Canadian expat and a pot-smoking rich Rwandan together in a bathtub at a Halloween party. Check out his site for news on the film.
    • Priority Films Fights Human Trafficking
      Priority Films is a cutting edge micro studio with a focus on low budget, high quality, commercial films. They produced K11:the most comprehensive film project about child trafficking and child prostitution to date, including the highly acclaimed Holly.