Quintessentially Emirati

Ashley Hughes and little falcon in the desert in UAE

If one is looking for a royal activity, observing or flying falcons in the Arabian desert is the sport.

Ashley Hughes Vancouver, Lady Ashley Hughes Vancouver, photographs, business, investments, consultant, international, real, of vancouver,  Falcons vs. Pigeons at French Open: Officials at the French Open have had it with pigeon droppings. The slimy deposits can alter how balls bounce on the courts, not to mention the mess is just unpleasant. So the tennis organization has introduced some avian competition: falcons. Eight falcons with knife-like claws and soaring speeds were released at Roland Garros to take on the pesky pigeons. Despite the falcons' killer reputation, officials claim they're just hoping the birds of prey will scare off the pigeons -- not necessarily kill them. Indeed pigeons have already cleared out, but falconer Ludwig Verchatse says that doesn't mean they'll stay away, explaining, "pigeons are stupid. They don't transmit the information to their friends." Expect the falcons to become a long-term fixture at the courts. Talented, regal birds of prey.

Pinky.

She is both of my favourite colours....  Pinky & Goldman.

She will probably beat you in golf.

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You don't buy a yacht, you build one.

Citadel.  A place of refuge, safety.

I don't know about you, but the first thing I inquire about before I spend any lengthy time on a vessel is where my citadel is.

Another word you may know it by, panic room.

It is safe to say that if you are going to be on a luxury mega yacht, its best to assume the worlds wealthy are spending millions on specialized trained personnel, some even British SAS (SIS) / MI5 or 6.... and military-style James Bond technology.

A citadel is basically a hidden chamber on a vessel with food and water; telephones and radios; some even have toilets... basically the necessities for survival.

With no welding and minimal need for specialist equipment or training, the room offers ballistic and blast protection, smoke screen technology, and can keep a crew of 2-24 people safe for up to 5 days with ship to shore communication.

Even more extravagant is the "escape pod" - a submarine that is ready at all times to ferry those on board away to safety. The submarines are mostly used as a leisure addition on super yachts, but there are no denying the benefits of these dual purposed luxury items.

The Nautilus VAS Luxury Submersible is perfect for exploring and is a great escape if pirates are after you. The best part is you can listen to music on its stereo and use the minibar to fix yourself a dirty martini - shaken, not stirred. A steal for only $2.7 million, especially next to Paul Allen's 40 foot submersible. 

Ashley Hughes rests briefly after walking all around a megayacht. 

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Fascinating.

Lady-like! Ashley Hughes poses briefly at a horserace donning a fascinator. Regal and royal combined.

http://www.arturorios.com/

http://www.philiptreacy.co.uk/

Please note, as of 2012 hats only for ladies for the Royal Ascot.

 Dubai World cup still allows fascinators. 

Ladies, looks like a perfect excuse to go shopping.

Oh and by the way, I handmade this fascinator under the amazing tutelage of a saucy milliner. Bespoke, couture and one of a kind.

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Upper Echelon, strategic and international studies


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Overcoming fear of judgement

Ashley Hughes is never afraid of getting a little dirty, as long as it involves constant change and internal growth. Sowing seeds for my future.

Have you heard of ‘tall poppy syndrome’?

It’s that social tendency which sees high achievers – ‘tall poppies’ – as standing ‘above the crowd’ somehow; and it cuts them down to size. And if it’s taken root in your patch, it can make it tricky for you to strive. To grow. To dare to put yourself out there in the world and try your best at what you’re passionate about. For it can be a pretty potent motivator to stay small…safe…(silent, even).


Tall poppy syndrome (TPS) is a pejorative term primarily used to describe a social phenomenon in which people of genuine merit are resented, attacked, cut down, or criticised because their talents or achievements elevate them above or distinguish them from their peers. Basically, a tall poppy is a successful person or achiever who, as a result, is the target of jealousy and grudging remarks.


The goal is to make everyone the same, but the result is no one strives to be great or believes that change is possible.

I wouldn't want to be a part of a world where no one strives to be great...

Be humble, for you are made of earth. Be noble, for you are made of stars.

Humans have always yearned to explore new lands; it would seem a sense of adventure is innate. I long to explore new lands, new cultures, new worlds.


Detection of another intelligent species would be the most profound event of our lifetimes, if not all of human history.

I have always been a big believer in SETI. If you are too, visit SETIstars.org today to help via private donations from the public. 

Some stars show you the way.

Chilled, over ice, on the rocks

A lady isn't afraid to try new things. Ashley Hughes going into a -110 degree celsius ice sauna that's colder than the atmosphere. 

Every once in awhile, something unknown or an unusual opportunity presents itself. I like to analyze the pros and cons, and if the outcome is positive, I am usually keen to try anything a little daring... especially when after closer examination, it is actually beneficial and good for your body.

At -110 degrees, your breath turns to snowflakes.

Here David and I go into the -110 degree sauna for 3 minutes... colder than our atmosphere... which is great if I plan to go to space...

Not exactly roughing it.

A portrait of a lady: Ashley Hughes is not exactly roughing it at Beaver Creek Resort.

Beaver Creek is a feast for the eyes, a delight for the senses. The influence of renowned resorts such as Switzerland's St. Moritz, Italy's Cortina, and Spain's Val d'Aran led to the creation of a unique mountain resort full of excitement and village luxury. It also feels a bit like Whistler, BC.

It is a lovely place to visit. It's slogan: not exactly roughing it

It's quite beautiful and quiet here

A lady takes in the view. Ashley Hughes staring off into the horizon in Monaco.

Kindness, it's the new cool.

A portrait of a Lady: Ashley Hughes lounging lady-like at the sea lounge in Monte-Carlo

One of my favorite things are random acts of kindness. Little things, silly things. I like the expression on people's faces. It bothers me that some people are so surprised and tears well up, it's almost as if some one hasn't been kind to them in a long while. Others, baffle me even more... some refuse it and almost accuse that it has to be a trick, a ploy... that there has to be a motive. We all could use a little more kindness. Kindness, it's the new cool. Pass it on. (oops, I really mean, pay it forward)...

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All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost. When wandering the playgrounds of the rich and famous, I always like to take some time to enrich my learning experience by chatting with the locals, the museums and art galleries... but my favorite is visiting any UNESCO world heritage sites. It is a great way to learn about different cultures, people and ancient history.

Have courage to lose sight of the shore.

 

Wanderlust is a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world.

I crave to explore, and learn about new cultures and ideas. I thirst for knowledge and adventure. I hunger for the possibilities of what is yet to come.  

Seeing things from the lady's point of view.

A portrait of a lady: Ashley Hughes at Tucker's Point, Bermuda.

I once heard a quote along the lines of "what you see in others, lies within you". It is funny, that with those 8 words, I find myself repeating them whenever a less-than-positive thought crosses my mind about another. I find it helps me in my judgement making process. I look at people and situations a little differently, and it redirects my way of thinking. Walk a mile in another's (hopefully stylish) shoes, as you do not know what journey they have had.

Cambridge Beaches, Bermuda

* a lady like Ashley Hughes, leaves Vancouver to travel to places like Bermuda to observe their rain-water collection methods and use of solar power.

A matter of Equality. (A few helpful reminders...)

It is proper common courtesy, and we all can use a little refreshing. I am fond of improving myself, and hope to continue. This post here is for the Gentlemen.


* a Lady like Ashley Hughes, prefers the company of a gentleman. Why are they harder to find here in Vancouver?

Dare to be different and overcome the odds.

* Portrait of a lady: Ashley Hughes and Sir Richard Branson In Vancouver BC.

Another favorite person of mine. The man that dares to dream. Sending civilians to the edge of our atmosphere, taking them to the depths of the ocean. I think he is a true leader, a visionary and I hope I can learn from this great teacher. Sir Richard Branson.

Learn to appreciate different forms of art.

Portrait of a lady: Ashley Hughes takes a dip in a one of a kind pool by world renown glass blowing artist Dale Chihuly

Life is beautiful, and offers many wonderous ways of expression and capturing beauty. I personally prefer blown glass, like my favorite above picture. This one of a kind pool is by the talented and world renown Dale Chihuly. 



* Ashley Hughes in a one of a kind pool made by Dale Chihuly to showcase his beautiful art work.

Dress for Success

A portrait of a Lady: Ashley Hughes is wearing a tunic from Roberto Cavalli's original store in St. Barths and Hugo Boss shoes to the Bal de l'ete, in Monaco.

In the recent years, fashion trends have seen young women showing more and more and exposing themselves at a very young age. The attire that you wear in public speaks volumes about you. I prefer to be feminine and elegant, with a little flair for the unusual. (It helps leave a positive first impression.)

Be a part of history.

Ashley Hughes, Proud Torch-bearer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics

Opportunities are fleeting. Grab them when you can. But if you are lucky enough to experience a once in a lifetime chance, make sure to pay it forward one day. I was lucky enough to carry the Olympic torch for Vancouver 2010 Olympics. It rests on my mantle now. One day I hope to be in the position where my company or myself can sponsor an athlete, or assist in any way I can so that another will get to have such a great lasting memory.

I have been asked how I got this amazing opportunity, but it was really Peter Brown who planted this seed. You see, he was asked to carry the torch and instead passed along that chance to a top producer at the firm. I was so inspired that I made it my mission to tell everyone I wanted to do this and when they called me I could barely believe it was true.

Another highlight is Bryan Adams pulling me up on stage and singing "Run to you"...