David Shams

Dispatches from an Iranian-American Expat: July 31st, 2025 Polonia Warszawa v GKS Tychy: July 27th, 2025

Polonia Warsaw’s passion shines even in defeat. Authentic groundhopping adventure filled with heart.

#PolishSoccer #Warsaw #groundhopping @groundhopperweekly.bsky.social

Rasmus Jarlov on Twitter writes: "There is nothing to celebrate. Moving from average tariffs of less than 2% on trade between the USA and Europe to 15% under today’s deal will inevitably lead to inflation. Almost everything will become more expensive in both Europe and the USA, and we will all be worse off. The economic illiteracy in the White House is doing serious damage to the West." Stylish Skunk replies: "I have a feeling you have 0 idea what you're talking about. In fact I know you do." Rasmus Jarlov responds: "Of course. I am former minister of trade in Denmark and you are an anonymous Twitter profile. You probably know a lot more than me. For sure."

lol

Dispatches from an Iranian American: July 25th, 2025 A new house, more time for creative pursuits, and progress on my novel.

Kids are at camp, which means… writing time! Finally making progress on the novel. Stay tuned for updates!

#Writing #Novel #ProductivityTips #Warsaw

davidshams.substack.com/p/dispatches...

Dispatches from an Iranian American: July 25th, 2025 A new house, more time for creative pursuits, and progress on my novel.

Settling into our new Warsaw digs! From temporary to permanent – time to build a routine. Wish me luck!

#Warsaw #NewHome #ExpatLife

A review for a Little Caesar’s somewhere by Kevin S: Stopped into this Little Caesars just trying to get a $6 pizza and ended up in a full on action movie. Just as I grabbed my order, this furious dude barges in yelling about how I cut him off in traffic earlier. Before I can even respond, he throws a punch but then out of nowhere the guy behind the counter jumps over it like he's been waiting for this moment his whole life and just beats the living hell out of the guy. The guy ran off and the cashier just dusted himself off. I said "are you ok man" and he looked me dead in the eye and said "B*tch, this is Little Caesars. We always hot and ready." Five stars. Will absolutely return.

I AM SHRIEKING 💀🤣

Forget the statue at City Hall, this guy is the *real* Spirit of Detroit. 🫡

Dispatches from an Iranian American Expat: July 18th, 2025 More on Parenthood and Productivity, plus some other stuff.

Productivity gurus often forget about childcare: 🙄

Let's talk about the REALITY of balancing work & kids!

#ParentingStruggles #Productivity

Dispatches from an Iranian American Expat: July 18th, 2025 More on Parenthood and Productivity, plus some other stuff.

New blog post! Warsaw life, parenting truths, & why you can't go it alone. Plus, books, beers, & photography!

#expatlife #parenthood #writers

Thanks! I really appreciate it!

Dispatches from an Iranian American Expat: July 14th, 2025 My first Legia Warsaw Experience

My first Legia Warsaw match is in the books. Read how it went and what my thoughts were on the match and vibes at the stadium.

#LegiaWarsaw #EuropaLeague #groundshopper

Dispatches from an Iranian American Expat: July 14th, 2025 My first Legia Warsaw Experience

My first visit to a Legia Warsaw match...

#groundhopper #soccerfan #LegiaWarsaw #EuropaLeague

I thought we had a ceasefire?

Remember: writing isn't just about finishing. It's about the journey. 

Every stumble leads to growth, so don’t give up.

#writing

In a world of ‘either/or,’ I choose ‘both.’

I am who I am because I am both. I cannot shed either side of the hyphen when it suits me. I must carry both at all times.

My bicultural identity is my narrative’s heartbeat!

#writers

When you're writing narrative non-fiction, you have to embrace the struggle.

Because with that struggle comes immense joy and satisfaction. 

Let your voice fight through the pain!

#writers

People often ignore stories from hyphenated authors.

Don't let that scare you.

Your voice is powerful enough to be a catalyst for change.

#writers

Are you struggling to write your narrative?

Remember, every story is valid.

Celebrate the messiness of life—it's all part of the journey!

#Writers

The hyphen tells a story of resilience.

As you write, lean into your identity and watch how your journey transforms your narrative! 

#Writing

Does fear of judgment keep you from writing?

Write anyway.

Your narratives can open doors and change perspectives.

Let your voice be heard!

#writers

Beijing, China 2023 Favorites — David Shams Come take a look as David shares his favorite photos that he captured during his time in China. Follow along in his journey from the record breaking summer heat wave all the way to the record breaking cold streak of mid-December. Look through the camera lens as he travels to the Great Wall and explo

Some favorites from my first six months in Beijing. Lots of good ones, back when I knew even less about photography than I know now. 

Iranians Eating Pork in Kentucky A lesson in cultural nuance

"He was trying to cover his tracks, but I was seven years old and unaccustomed to the nuances of Iranian culture, where saving face can often be more important than direct honesty, even with one’s friends."

Some pics, including the most photographed urinal in the world. 

Exploring Sapporo Day 2

Shot with a Fujifilm XT200 and edited with Lightroom.

Hit the link below for the full gallery.

https://bit.ly/Sapporo2Shams

#streetphotography #japan #fujifilm #lightroom #sapporostreetphotography #sapporo

Bicultural writing is about working to find the intersection of your two worlds. 

Sharing our stories helps us better understand who we are. 

#writers

The views from the JR Tower Observation Deck. 

Exploring Sapporo Day 2

Shot with a Fujifilm XT200 and edited with Lightroom.

Hit the link below for the full gallery.

https://bit.ly/Sapporo2Shams

#streetphotography #japan #fujifilm #lightroom #sapporostreetphotography #sapporo

Exploring Sapporo and Japanese Baseball: April 11th, 2025 — David Shams Explore Sapporo’s beauty and spirit with captivating photography. From mountain-studded cityscapes to lively streets and a dynamic baseball game, this gallery captures Japan’s allure and adventure. Ideal for travel and photo lovers.

The full gallery of my first day in Sapporo. A day of exploring side streets and a Japanese baseball game. Mountains peaking out between buildings and city boulevards. 

Exploring Sapporo Day 2

Shot with a Fujifilm XT200 and edited with Lightroom.

Hit the link below for the full gallery.

https://bit.ly/Sapporo2Shams

#streetphotography #japan #fujifilm #lightroom #sapporostreetphotography #sapporo

Don't be afraid to dig deep into your stories.

The harder it gets, the more authentic the narrative.

Embrace the journey! 

#writers

Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters v. Seibu Lions. 

Exploring Sapporo and Japanese Baseball

Shot with a Fujifilm XT200 and edited with Lightroom.

Hit the link below for the full gallery.

https://bit.ly/Sapporo1Baseball

#streetphotography #japan #fujifilm #lightroom #sapporostreetphotography #sapporo

Early afternoon traffic in Sapporo.

Exploring Sapporo and Japanese Baseball

Shot with a Fujifilm XT200 and edited with Lightroom.

Hit the link below for the full gallery.

https://bit.ly/Sapporo1Baseball

#streetphotography #japan #fujifilm #lightroom #sapporostreetphotography #sapporo

The path of writing narrative non-fiction is a long and winding road.

But every new curve brings a new opportunity to tell my story.

Keep navigating!

#writers

People on the move.

Exploring Sapporo and Japanese Baseball

Shot with a Fujifilm XT200 and edited with Lightroom.

Hit the link below for the full gallery.

https://bit.ly/Sapporo1Baseball

#streetphotography #japan #fujifilm #lightroom #sapporostreetphotography #sapporo