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FORMER Bahrain schoolgirl Belinda Barrocks Kamshuka, now a celebrated fashion and commercial photographer in Canada, loved her recent return visit to the kingdom so much that she has devoted an entire book to it.
Bahrain - The Pearl of the Gulf contains a collection of images the 28-year-old mother-of-two captured during her recent stay which she hopes will show the world - and in particular North America - its treasures and charms.
She said: "The book was created to educate the people that have never heard of Bahrain and to inform them that there really is a beautiful island, rich in culture and pouring over with the gift of friendship.
"I wanted to bring awareness to the next generation before they are stuck with a mind-set of Middle East stereotypes.
"I simply wanted to put Bahrain on the tongues of people. The kingdom brought me so much joy during my childhood years and I don't ever think I will ever stop talking about it. Now I have more people that I can share my experiences of Bahrain with."
Belinda is currently based in Toronto, Canada, and has her own studio. It is renowned for its glamour, fashion and wedding photography and its portraits of children.
She is married to Sheldon, a broker for one of the largest logistics companies in Canada, and has two children, Matthias and Hope. Last year she was nominated to be Canada's 'Top mum entrepreneur'.
The Bahrain - The Pearl of the Gulf book project took one month to put together. She explained: "Finding the right images was not hard at all but I wanted to showcase Bahrain the best way I could.
"I wanted people to feel what I felt when I was there back in February during Bahrain Fashion Week.
"In my opinion Bahrain is unique, alluring and bountiful. I miss the people, the food, the serenity and the relaxing feeling I always get when in Bahrain."
A sample copy of the book was recently showcased on her new website and she says people in Canada have not stopped asking her about the kingdom ... and they want to see more.
She said: "As I expected, some of them had never heard of the place. It felt as though I had uncovered a hidden paradise! And, the more I speak about it, the more intrigued they became about Bahrain."
The book will be released in Bahrain shortly and Belinda has already received orders. She added: "In Bahrain I want this book to be a treasure to those with children, to teach them to love and appreciate their country.
"In Canada, and elsewhere, I hope it will help people to open up their minds and inspire an interest, understanding and will to learn about places they've never heard of."
Belinda says she will be forever grateful to the country that helped a frightened little African war child grow up in peace, love and security and believes the magic of the kingdom inspired her to launch her successful career.
Belinda, said: "One thing I never ever forget to mention to people I meet is that my inspiration began on the island of Bahrain.
"When you're exposed to the beauty of such a land and its people nothing else but beauty can come out of whatever you do.
"I came to Bahrain in 1987 with my father to reunite with my mother who was already working there.
"We had not seen her in three years and had come out of the Ugandan Civil War. It was the most beautiful reunion I can ever imagine, so we built our lives in Bahrain and lived so freely. Bahrain has always been home to me."
Belinda left the island in 1993 at the age of 13 with her family when they moved to Canada.
A sample copy of the book, which will shortly be available costing around BD30-40 can be seen on Belinda's Facebook page and website https://www.Kamshuka.com
