This is a little village kid living at the base of the "Grand Canyon" in Nizwa. He comes from a family of carpet weavers - more honestly, crude woollen rugs which are handwoven and used as a source of income. This is a place where creature comforts are scarce and difficult to come by.

I let him use my trusted Canon, and he took enough photos to make my battery run almost flat! But it was worth seeing his delight. I'm not going to get all philosophical on happiness v material wealth, but it's marvellous to see that some children, no matter how difficult their surroundings, are so naturally so sunny and good natured.

Part of my gallery on Nizwa in Oman - http://www.pbase.com/azlin/gallery/nizwa