I got this request through email from a reader. I hope anyone with information reading this blog to shed some light to find Fernando:

“We are searching for my brother, Fernando Bengoechea. We know that he was swept by the waves with his friend, Nate Berkus, and then separated. Nate has been rescued but Fernando is still missing. They were in Sri Lanka at the Sturdust Beach Hotel in Arugam Bay. He is 39 years old, white, 5’8″, brown hair, green eyes and has braces in his teeth. marilisa@maradonausa.com” – CNN.com
Fernando & Nate

In the midst of turmoil, this seems quite banal, but life must go on in the face of adversity.

In the spirit of an end to another year, people tend to review what has passed in order maybe to set up for what’s coming afresh, therefore Haitham Sabbah and myself have decided to create an Arab-wide blog awards. We believe it is the first all encompassing award available in the Arab world at the moment. The intention however was never to just be the first at doing something, rather recognising and celebrating our differences as Arabs through the various excellent blogs which have in one way or another increased understanding between Arabs themselves and the wider world. Blogs have truly created a bridge between ourselves, the Arabs and the world at large.

The Best of Arab Blogs Awards therefore has been born. You are welcome to nominate blogs you admire or have come across. There are various categories you can consider, 40 actually! And a blog can be submitted into any one or more categories as you see fit.

The nomination process is not exclusive to blog visitors, but bloggers themselves can nominate their own blog as well, so don’t be bashful about submitting your own blog.

In order to spread the word, please consider placing one or more of these icons on your own blog. Of course if you are nominated, then display the “nominated” badge with pride!

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