David Shams Writer

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David Shams Writer

a group of people sitting at tables in front of a tv playing soccer on the big screen

It's turning into a bit of a tradition. Saturday nights at the local Irish bar for some footy and pizza, which may be the lowkey best pizza in the city. ⁠ ⁠ There's a good bunch of fellas that come out for the matches, regardless of the teams. Good banter back and forth. Good convos about life both here and back home. There's a solid group of locals that give us a hard time because our Mandarin is terrible, well one of us at least. And always a random or two that we invite into the fold. ⁠

an image with the quote she opened her mouth, but nothing came out it was as if

You know, this wouldn't be a writers page if I didn't share some excerpts from what I'm writing. This is a bit from a novel I've worked on for years. As I edit and shift and change, it's become something vastly different than what it was. I'm pretty excited to see where it goes. ⁠ ⁠ I hope to be finished by the end of the year with a goal of publishing this at some point in 2025. I'm looking forward to sharing more with you soon!⁠

a man eating a golden trophy while standing in front of a black wall with stripes

Messi cements his legacy as the best of his generation — David Shams

"While Messi carried his team on his back, Ronnie turned on his. It was the final chapter in an epic battle between selfless and selfish, artistry and physicality, genius and graft. One final moment that should leave no doubt."

wildflowers in the foreground and rolling hills in the distance with power lines in the background

Hiking in Bashang Grasslands, Datanzhen, China: July 26-28, 2024 — David Shams

Whether you're a nature lover, an avid hiker, or a photography enthusiast, the Bashang Grasslands have something for everyone. Explore miles of hiking trails that wind through lush valleys, or experience the thrill of horseback riding, a popular activity among visitors. The surrounding valley is dotted with small farms cultivating rapeseed, cabbage, potatoes, wheat, and buckwheat. You'll also encounter pastoral scenes of cows, goats, and sheep grazing along the countryside.

the curious secrets of yesterday by namita patel is displayed on an ipad

David Fincher Director

David Baldacci Books

David Walliams Books

Shamsul Maarif Book

The Almanack Of Naval Ravikant Book

This week's installment of #whatimreading:⁠ ⁠ Namrata Patel's The Curious Secrets of Yesterday ⁠ ⁠ Finished: June 4th, 2024⁠ ⁠ Patel's third novel is a compelling exploration of memory, history, and the narratives that shape our lives. The author crafts a narrative rich in multicultural dynamics, making it particularly resonant for bicultural readers and those intrigued by the complexities of identity. And those wishing to shake off the weight of expectation.⁠ ⁠ ⁠

Dressed up for a fun little event where I got to talk about some things in front of a local audience. ⁠
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As is always the case, there were some really good questions and the familiar commentary posed as questions. ⁠
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Posted up at a local craft beer joint for a post event beer. ⁠ Good Questions, Local Crafts, Interesting Questions, Craft Beer, Talk About, Beer, Dress Up

Good Questions

Local Crafts

Interesting Questions

Dressed up for a fun little event where I got to talk about some things in front of a local audience. ⁠ ⁠ As is always the case, there were some really good questions and the familiar commentary posed as questions. ⁠ ⁠ Posted up at a local craft beer joint for a post event beer. ⁠

a herd of sheep walking across a lush green field under a blue sky with clouds

Hiking in Bashang Grasslands, Datanzhen, China: July 26-28, 2024 — David Shams

Clear skies, clean air, can't lose. Well, something like that. ⁠ ⁠ More from my hike at the end of July in the Bashang Grasslands. We walked along a ridge line and came up a flock of sheep grazing in the valley below. ⁠ ⁠ I could have sat up there for hours watching the clouds pass by and taking in the breathtaking vista. Someone commented that it looked like a Microsoft Screen Saver.⁠ ⁠ Follow me for more of my adventures as I explore Beijing and other parts of Asia.⁠

several bottles of alcohol sitting on a table

Here's the thing, if you see on the shelves at your local booze store, grab it. Pay the cost for it. Because this stuff is damn good. You don't need ice or a droplet of water. Just sip it straight. Smooth, balanced, rich, with hints of toffee and brown sugar. ⁠ ⁠ Follow along for more adventures in Beijing, China, and the rest of Asia, especially as I explore food and drink culture. ⁠ ⁠

an image with the words, my friend mario sings as he plowed down on my decide - old - hand - drawn couch

You know, this wouldn't be a writers page if I didn't share some excerpts from what I'm working on. This is a bit from another short story I started before we moved to Beijing, based on an earlier character sketch I was asked to do during my writing classes. ⁠ ⁠ I plan on publishing this along with four others in a collection of short stories based in DC that all touch on the Iranian-American experience. I'm looking forward to sharing them with you soon!⁠

two people in a small boat on the water with mountains in the background and foggy sky

Store — David Shams

Well folks, I've opened up an online store to sell prints of my photography. At the moment, you all can choose from five carefully curated options. ⁠ ⁠ Grab one for your office, living room, or as a gift for a friend. ⁠ ⁠ Here's a print up for sale on in store: A fishing boat trudges through Ha Long Bay early in the morning. ⁠

Related searches

Hiking in Bashang Grasslands, Datanzhen, China: July 26-28, 2024 — David Shams

#WhatI'mReading⁠ ⁠ I was drawn to Neda Semnani's "They Said They Wanted Revolution" for obvious reasons. As an Iranian-American seeking to find his place in the world, this was an absolute must-read. As a writer trying to parse out how to tell the story of my own Iranian-American experience, I couldn't miss what Neda had to say. ⁠For readers interested in immigrant stories, family dynamics, or the Iranian diaspora, this book is a must-read.

a man with glasses and a hat drinking from a tall glass in a restaurant or bar

Proof that I did actually drink the beer at Peiping Machine Brewing. Easily one of the best lagers I've had...EVER. And the top three pints I've had in Beijing. ⁠ ⁠ Need to carve out time to hit this place again soon. One crisp fall weekend? Yeah, I'll be there. ⁠

two people walking up a dirt path in the middle of a green field on a sunny day

Fun Time

Hard Work

Hiking

Hiking in Bashang Grasslands, Datanzhen, China: July 26-28, 2024 — David Shams

On the trails around the Bashang Grasslands. I keep telling yall how steep things were, but I didn't show yall any pics. Well, here they are. ⁠ ⁠ I had a fun time and the scenery made the hard work and burning legs worthwhile. ⁠ ⁠ Hope to get back again, but I gotta hit some other places before we leave. ⁠ ⁠ Again, it wouldn't have happened without the fine folks at Beijing Hikers. If you're in the Chinese capital and want to get a peak at the scenery around the city, look them up.⁠

a glass of beer sitting on top of a table

Store — David Shams

One of the more under appreciated aspects of the Beijing food and drink scene is the burgeoning, but I would argue quite mature, craft beer industry. ⁠ ⁠ Sure, there's some bad beer here, I've had it! No names though. But in nearly every neighborhood, you can find a solid craft beer joint. The Peiping Lager from @peipingmachinebrewing maybe one of the best craft beers I've had since arriving in Beijing over a year ago. ⁠