A visiting engineer introduced me and the PM to Lebanese food a few nights ago. We were taking him back to his Hotel and he suggested having dinner along the way. He is familiar with the cuisine as he has been working in the region for over a year.
He asked if we would mind him placing the order. No problem from me as the menu was pretty much L's and A's and the waiter's English was very broken. We "enjoyed" several different dishes of vegetables, lamb, chicken, and meat(?). Several new tastes were experienced through their use of seasonings and spices. And for desert a breast implant shaped custard. Very tasty even without the pasty.
The usual laundry night consists of spending a couple of hours alone with a book (Louis Lamour, thanks Mike) and about a dozen noisy washers and dryers. I decided to wear my clean jacket rather than wrinkle it in the laundry bag. When I walked around the corner to our living quarters, I encountered about 20 people with spray foam having a great fight. All fellow employees letting off some steam at 10:00 PM. No problem, until they realized that I was helpless with arms full of laundry and detergent. I took the jacket to the shower with me.
The weather is moderating very nicely. Mid 60's at night to the upper 70's in the day. Can't imagine what it's like when summertime comes. I've heard 120 at night sometimes and 130's during the day.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Independance day
February 25 is their Independence day. They have been preparing for it for the last week or so. Many of buildings are completely covered with lights of their national colors. The martini shaped water towers are lighted in many ways. The roadways are lined with small national flags and pictures of the Amir and other leaders.
Some of our people went into the city last night to see the festivities. They traveled to about five miles away from the Gulf when traffic came to a crawl. It took 90 minutes to get to the gulf to park. People were stopped on the freeways and running and dancing around spraying silly string and some type of shaving cream-like foam on and in cars. All very happy and celebrating, calling out to any Western looking people, "Thank you America", "We love America".
It was the same 90 minute commute to get away from the traffic jams to continue the 30 minute drive to our site.
I was thinking of trying the trip this evening but, thanks to video footage from our guys and gals, I think I've sufficiently experienced it. They had a great and inspiring time and came away with a new outlook of this culture.
Some of our people went into the city last night to see the festivities. They traveled to about five miles away from the Gulf when traffic came to a crawl. It took 90 minutes to get to the gulf to park. People were stopped on the freeways and running and dancing around spraying silly string and some type of shaving cream-like foam on and in cars. All very happy and celebrating, calling out to any Western looking people, "Thank you America", "We love America".
It was the same 90 minute commute to get away from the traffic jams to continue the 30 minute drive to our site.
I was thinking of trying the trip this evening but, thanks to video footage from our guys and gals, I think I've sufficiently experienced it. They had a great and inspiring time and came away with a new outlook of this culture.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Twelve days left
It's been a couple of weeks since my last post.
We were required to have a special escort to access one of the sites. All plans were made for the short trip and access times were scheduled. We arrived at the site to find that our escort didn't have the proper pass to enter the site. The escort gave me a contact name and phone number. We arrived at our scheduled appointment, without escort, made the contact and completed the inspection. Turns out that all of the protocol was just that. Protocol. Our host said just call me whenever you want to come back.
Another site had the same issues. We were to have a Host Country Civilian ID to enter the site. We started the process when we arrived in January and a month later were told that it takes up to six weeks to get this ID. We had four weeks left. It was decided that after many days of personal escorts from remote parking lots and hours of wait time, we should just try to drive in and see what happens. The next day we drove to the site, handed them our badges and entered. No problems, no questions.
The guys are starting the countdown to their return flights. Our morning meetings usually start with someone stating the number of days left. People are pretty much focused on that thought and are in a routine to make it to the end.
I'm not sure how I'll ever be able to stay up past 8:30 PM again. Finish work at 7 PM, eat dinner at 7:30, shower at 8, sleep at no later than 9.
We were required to have a special escort to access one of the sites. All plans were made for the short trip and access times were scheduled. We arrived at the site to find that our escort didn't have the proper pass to enter the site. The escort gave me a contact name and phone number. We arrived at our scheduled appointment, without escort, made the contact and completed the inspection. Turns out that all of the protocol was just that. Protocol. Our host said just call me whenever you want to come back.
Another site had the same issues. We were to have a Host Country Civilian ID to enter the site. We started the process when we arrived in January and a month later were told that it takes up to six weeks to get this ID. We had four weeks left. It was decided that after many days of personal escorts from remote parking lots and hours of wait time, we should just try to drive in and see what happens. The next day we drove to the site, handed them our badges and entered. No problems, no questions.
The guys are starting the countdown to their return flights. Our morning meetings usually start with someone stating the number of days left. People are pretty much focused on that thought and are in a routine to make it to the end.
I'm not sure how I'll ever be able to stay up past 8:30 PM again. Finish work at 7 PM, eat dinner at 7:30, shower at 8, sleep at no later than 9.
Monday, February 9, 2009
New experience
Traveled to a smaller site, about 15 miles away, to begin inspections. Just myself, my boss, and a graphics person to get the lay of the land.
I entered the wrong gate to meet some local military police and realized my mistake. I got out of the car to ask directions. The language barrier proved to be too much so I was asked to sit for a minute while an English speaking officer made his way to our position. While sitting in their office, I was asked if I wanted some tea. Asked is the wrong term. I must have tea, and dates. It is an insult to refuse an offer like this. So, I'm sitting there, drinking my tea and eating dates, while my boss is sitting in the car wondering what happened to me. He came to the rescue and soon all three of us were drinking tea and eating dates.
We visited, sort of, for a few minutes until the English speaking officer arrived to interpret and to show us the way to the right entrance. They were very friendly people. We shook "sticky" hands and were on our way.
We traveled to the markets "suuqs" yesterday. They are what you would imagine. Many shop keepers with small, not extremely clean, spaces to sell there goods. Everything from custom made traditional clothing to fish, and every kind of fresh seafood you can imagine, including octopus, squid, and shark. the floor in this area was covered with scales from all species. Also, many shops selling all types of fresh produce and meats. It took over an hour just to walk through the area. Afterward we sat in and adjacent open air food court to eat several different dishes of kabobs, salads, and deserts. I also enjoyed my first huka experience. Basically apple/bannan flavored steam. Not bad, although I question the sanitizing methods.
I entered the wrong gate to meet some local military police and realized my mistake. I got out of the car to ask directions. The language barrier proved to be too much so I was asked to sit for a minute while an English speaking officer made his way to our position. While sitting in their office, I was asked if I wanted some tea. Asked is the wrong term. I must have tea, and dates. It is an insult to refuse an offer like this. So, I'm sitting there, drinking my tea and eating dates, while my boss is sitting in the car wondering what happened to me. He came to the rescue and soon all three of us were drinking tea and eating dates.
We visited, sort of, for a few minutes until the English speaking officer arrived to interpret and to show us the way to the right entrance. They were very friendly people. We shook "sticky" hands and were on our way.
We traveled to the markets "suuqs" yesterday. They are what you would imagine. Many shop keepers with small, not extremely clean, spaces to sell there goods. Everything from custom made traditional clothing to fish, and every kind of fresh seafood you can imagine, including octopus, squid, and shark. the floor in this area was covered with scales from all species. Also, many shops selling all types of fresh produce and meats. It took over an hour just to walk through the area. Afterward we sat in and adjacent open air food court to eat several different dishes of kabobs, salads, and deserts. I also enjoyed my first huka experience. Basically apple/bannan flavored steam. Not bad, although I question the sanitizing methods.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Traffic
The driving practices here are interesting. The average speed for what we would call an Interstate Highway is 120 kph. Not many people observe the limit. The expressways are usually three to five lanes wide with cars passing on all sides with inches to spare. Much worse than US big City drivers. All of the vehicles I've driven have mandatory bells that chime when you reach the speed limit. I can't imagine what it sounds like in those cars. Exits and entries are an experience. In many cases you actually merge to the fast lane, than merge off to a deceleration lane in the middle of the expressway and complete a u-turn and merge directly in to the fast lane going the opposite direction, in order to get to the lane of your desired direction.
People also exit and enter the roadways at will. They simply pull of the road and drive through the sand to any point of their choosing and do the same when entering the road again. If there is a fence in the way the just cut it open to allow access.
There are many very badly damaged vehicles along the roads daily. Not sure what happens when an accident occurs. But the cars just sit there for days.
I have completed my indoctrination to the local driving habits. I was traveling to the city and missed my exit. I could see the lane I needed to be in just across a small paved divider and thought I might as well go for it at about 80 kph. I couldn't see the 10" drop-off on the other side. An interesting ride but no damage to the SUV.
People also exit and enter the roadways at will. They simply pull of the road and drive through the sand to any point of their choosing and do the same when entering the road again. If there is a fence in the way the just cut it open to allow access.
There are many very badly damaged vehicles along the roads daily. Not sure what happens when an accident occurs. But the cars just sit there for days.
I have completed my indoctrination to the local driving habits. I was traveling to the city and missed my exit. I could see the lane I needed to be in just across a small paved divider and thought I might as well go for it at about 80 kph. I couldn't see the 10" drop-off on the other side. An interesting ride but no damage to the SUV.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Morale Day
Enjoyed a morale day on Sunday. We gave about 20 people a tour of all of the camps and the border. Also went into the city to let them actually see the Gulf. I think they were impressed as they were taking lots of photos and trying to outrun the waves on the shore. Kind of funny watching grown men, many about the same age as I, acting like kids on their first visit to the ocean.
We had dinner at a Chili's that was on a pier overlooking the Gulf. Forgot I were I was for a little bit as the menus were in english and the wait staff were, I think, mostly Phillipino and spoke english very well. The patrons were "Western" dressed for the most part and a pro basketball game was on the big screen. The waiters/waitresses performed the Happy Birthday routine for one of the parties while we were there.
Some of the guys are beginning to miss their families. They are showing me pictures of their families and telling me about their kid's achievements. Do I have a sign on my head? I knew I should have packed my WHK cap. Actually, I'm feeling the same. I asked Margaret to send me some photos too. I hate to rain on their parade but our kids really outshine theirs.
I purchased a new English-Arabic phrase book. The Albanians should appreciate that.
We had dinner at a Chili's that was on a pier overlooking the Gulf. Forgot I were I was for a little bit as the menus were in english and the wait staff were, I think, mostly Phillipino and spoke english very well. The patrons were "Western" dressed for the most part and a pro basketball game was on the big screen. The waiters/waitresses performed the Happy Birthday routine for one of the parties while we were there.
Some of the guys are beginning to miss their families. They are showing me pictures of their families and telling me about their kid's achievements. Do I have a sign on my head? I knew I should have packed my WHK cap. Actually, I'm feeling the same. I asked Margaret to send me some photos too. I hate to rain on their parade but our kids really outshine theirs.
I purchased a new English-Arabic phrase book. The Albanians should appreciate that.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The musical group Lone Star entertained the troops here last night. Jim happened to be in the area of the stage and witnessed one of the performers get shocked when he touched the microphone. He and our British Master Electrician checked it out for them to find a grounding problem created when using two different power sources.
While I was at the PX I noticed a young fellow who kind of stood out from the crowd. I asked one of the girls in our group if she recognized him, as I thought he might be David Cook from American Idol. It was actually him and the young lady wanted her picture taken with him. She was slightly disappointed to see that my photography talent is lacking and the photo turned out fuzzy. She is going to try to get it cleaned up with some photo-shop tools. He did not perform here for some reason.
I watched the Inauguration last night. It was very interesting to see the young, and older, folks watching and applauding to a big screen TV. It was an historical that I almost missed. I called home to see if Margaret was watching. When I told her I was going to call it a night she suggested that I should try to stay up to watch. I thought about the significance of the event as I walked back to the bunk. I returned to see our new president take the oath.
Thanks dear.
While I was at the PX I noticed a young fellow who kind of stood out from the crowd. I asked one of the girls in our group if she recognized him, as I thought he might be David Cook from American Idol. It was actually him and the young lady wanted her picture taken with him. She was slightly disappointed to see that my photography talent is lacking and the photo turned out fuzzy. She is going to try to get it cleaned up with some photo-shop tools. He did not perform here for some reason.
I watched the Inauguration last night. It was very interesting to see the young, and older, folks watching and applauding to a big screen TV. It was an historical that I almost missed. I called home to see if Margaret was watching. When I told her I was going to call it a night she suggested that I should try to stay up to watch. I thought about the significance of the event as I walked back to the bunk. I returned to see our new president take the oath.
Thanks dear.
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