Hi All
Wednesday 23 June 2010
Tonight USA plays Algeria to see if they move forward in the 2010 World Cup. I will be joining English friends to watch to see if England can move forward as well. - should be quite an evening.
Back to the story.
25 May, Tuesday
Alex off to Yard again early to take care of business. Plan for day is upon his return to go to Marine Corps Museum in Quantico VA. About 1 1/2 hr away, south of DC. Christine, the Dad's and I putter around the house and I prepare making the tortellini salad for the party later in the week. Since we are in an unfamiliar kitchen, the whereabouts of many of the cooking utensils bowls mixers etc are befuddling us at times- however we persevered.
Alex returns about 10:30 and we are off. The museum is awe inspiring with the architecture purposely structured to mimic the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. Inside we find a world class depiction and history of the Marine Corps. Two other wings of the museum are to open later in the year depicting earlier Marine Corps history. It was wonderful to read about and see irreplaceable relics of the Corps. We closed down the museum - but not after visiting the gift shop where we indulged in several mementos and gifts. (Christine and I need to shift our focus from the Naval Academy to the Marine Corps now hence the buying spree).
We returned to Annapolis trudging through evening traffic. Manny and Louise were to have joined us for the day but didn't go. They did however come for dinner that evening where we prepared Seafood pasta and salad. A family favorite - yummy.
26 May, Wednesday
Big day today - Blue Angels Air Show. A hot, cloudless day. Samantha, my cousin Sandra's daughter arrived in the morning and joined the growing household. We arrived at the Yard doing the bus routine again and joined the thousands of other spectators for a lovely day at a section of the campus called Hospital Point. At the appointed time the Blue Angels arrived ( do you think they would have been late? - not me either) and we greatly enjoyed the precision flying demonstration and simulated aerial combat maneuvers performed by this talented group. I found out later that the City of Annapolis public schools close for the day since some of the performance occurs over the city itself, there would be no way a teacher could hold the kids attention with the F-18's screaming overhead.
After the performance, leaving the yard became an exercise in patience as the lines for the buses were long and longer. We finally boarded and returned to the stadium, the car and back to the house. But today is not done. All of us (the two Dads, Alex, Christine, Samantha and I ) are scheduled to return to the Yard that evening for the Graduation Ball. Already half melted from the heat, we relaxed, ate lightly and dressed for the ball arriving at about 8p. We danced and had a good time - but by 10p we were petering out and I went to retrieve the car picking up the remainder of the group. It was back to the house with applications of green sunburn goop purchased on the way home from the airshow and off to bed -yes we all got too much sun. I need not forget to point out that the ladies looked marvelous in the Ball outfits.
27 May, Thursday
Arrival Day
Anyone and everyone who was coming to the graduation is arriving today so we are preparing for the dinner that evening for 28. But naturally there is another function which we need to attend at the Yard. Today is the dreaded (by the Brigade of Midshipmen) Color Parade. Here is where the Brigade - all 4000 strong with white pants and black wool jackets march onto Worden Field and do the manual of arms ( hoisting their rifles and changing them from the right to the left to parade rest etc ) Well with the heat and humidity, Christine counted 63 midshipmen pass out and carried from the field. We later learned that 3 went to the hospital and were kept over night. So the main complaint here is that the Supe feels that we are a nation at war but wants to protect his Plebes from possible harm but then permits the Color Parade to continue knowing full well that the weather conditions will have a devastating effect upon a larger percentage of the Brigade - makes no sense to me - but then again this is the military and the Supe is an idiot. ( ahhh that felt good)
So after the Color Parade, we all line up for the bus and finally make our way back to the house where the party starts, people are arriving and fun is being had by all.
Well I promised to pass out the tickets for the graduation and give a brief of who, what, where's and when. That done all departed by 9 p. We now have 11 people staying in the house who are all trying to get prepared for the next day's activities. Then the rains came - thunderstorms and torrential downpours.
We have unlimited tickets for an outdoor graduation but only 4 for indoors. I'm worried sick, Christine is ready to take the bridge. Not only will 30 people come to see nothing, the pomp and glamor is lost- no fly over, no underclassman, just the graduates and 4 tickets. I was up at 4a tracking the weather on the computer and I see that we may be looking good. I report this back to Christine at about 5a but still no official word on the website. At 6a, it's posted - Graduation will be outside . A huge cry of relief from I think all and the rush to get out the door and to the stadium by 7a is on.
I'll close here and discuss graduation in the next blog.
Love to all
Scott
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
My What a Fine Trip It Was Part 1
Hi All,
22 June 2010
As most (if not all) of you know I had my first extended vacation home since I arrived in the UAE (not counting the one week in Sept. 2009 for Beer Fest).
I came home for 30 days - the limit imposed by our wonderful IRS as they really don't want to provide me with all my expat tax benefits if I spend more than that amount of time in the USA.
I'll break this trip into several blogs so as not to bring the server to it's knees when I upload it. Plus I'll be kind and try not to delve into the details unless it is warranted.
May 20, Thursday
After a fitful night's sleep I'm packed and ready to go. Taken to airport by Liz, I'm at airport at 7:45 for a 10:30 flight. I get checked in through Immigration and into the gate area by 8:15 and settle in for the wait. Decide to buy some Absolut at the Duty Free. I do that and while shopping run into Pam - from Canton, Ohio area who also works at Mafraq and is on her way home for a wedding and a 2 week respite. We have coffee and then board plane - going through three separate checks with passports and boarding passes before finally stepping onto the plane. The nearly 15 hour flight is only made better due to the fact that the seat next to me was vacant so I had space to move around. The lay over in Chicago is short so after making my way through Immigration and Customs, I run for the shuttle to the domestic terminals and make my flight with time to spare - in fact I had a beer - a carry out beer from Chili's while I waited for the flight. Home to Louisville where Christine picked me up and whisked me over to Tom and Julie's house were we went to extend my condolences to our dear friend Vickie as her husband Drew had just passed away days before my arrival. To know Drew is to know one of the kindest persons you will ever have met. He is sorely missed by all.
We depart, arrive home and we both collapse into bed as we have a full schedule ahead of us.
May 21, Friday
Up and coffee on the front porch with Christine- heavenly! Christine has been planning and prepping for the graduation for over 11 months ( house rental was the first item to be done last year) and here we are just a week away from the event. As we did the final packing and assembly of all the items we are taking to Annapolis I'm wondering how it will all fit in the car ! However we are packing for a 2 week trip and we do need everything from formal attire to T's and shorts so it all goes with us- naturally we discover that 1/2 the stuff we took we didn't use or wear ( I was just as guilty). We do some running around and then prep for a party at our house that evening as a welcoming back party and a tribute to our friend Drew with those who were closest to him. We were to have had this party at Ann and Dave's but the weather didn't cooperate with the expected heavy downpour coming in the middle of the party - We sure are glad we have that big covered front porch. Party and tribute to Drew was excellent and touching and all departed late.
May 22, Saturday
Coffee on front porch, cleaned up house, packed car and off to Pittsburgh by 10a. Arrived at my Dad's house, showered and out the door to restaurant to surprise 60th birthday party for Christine's sister Kathy. Arrived last and surprised her as all were getting their cocktails served. Had a good time seeing friends we hadn't seen in years and departed full from a fine meal and company. Returned to Dad's house, had a night cap and went to bed.
May 23, Sunday
Coffee with Dad then out the door for drive to Annapolis and our rented house for graduation week. Arrived and had lunch in Annapolis then over to the house where we met owner, got the keys and a few instructions on how to use TV and stereo. Alex quickly joined us and we got settled in. Changed into suit/tie for me and beautiful dress for Christine, uniform for Alex and headed off for The Yard for the Superintendent's Garden Party. - A little background here. Every year, the Supe ( soup) invites the graduating class to a party in his garden. Christine and I being big garden fans have been looking forward to his event. They do it by company as there'd be no way 1000 Mids and their 4 invited guests could fit in the garden. We pick up Herb and Barbara - Alex's sponsor parents - whom we just adore and who have been so helpful to Alex and us these past 4 years on the way and we arrive to find that due to the threatening weather, the party has been moved across the street to Dhalgren Hall. It's a nice big open space and well equipped to handle large groups . We were able to walk thru the garden and see what we had been missing. Well the garden was nice but most of the flowers had passed by this time and as I pointed out, even though it was only 6 companies invited to this party ( there are 30 companies and they do 1 party a night for 5 straight nights,) the crowd in Dhalgren hall would have been hard pressed to have been comfortable in the smaller garden space. ( garden is about the size of half a football field ) We had a wonderful time, saw many of Alex's friends and had our picture taken with the Supe. It was then off to dinner at an Italian restaurant we all enjoy. Reversed the order and went to bed anticipating the next day.
May 24, Monday
Ok now if you have been counting, how many beds have I slept in since arriving in the USA? The answer is 3 beds in 4 nights.
Monday was circled on our calender for 2 events. Alex was up and out early as he had to make muster at 6:30a. We wanted to see the "8th and I" the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team and Herndon Climb.
For security reasons no one without DoD stickers were permitted to park on The Yard during the whole week so you had to go to the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium and take a bus to the campus. This was a ROYAL pain in the butt as the weather was hot and sticky all week and tacked on extra time to and from ( especially from The Yard ) for all activities. Parking outside the gates is nearly impossible especially when you consider that the Herndon Climb is for all the Plebes ( freshman) and this is graduation week so all the "Firsties" or seniors families are in town.
So we dutifully take the bus and arrive to watch the Drill Team which was mightily impressive - you can see some of their routine on YouTube if you are interested - it is amazing what they do. Christine also arranged to meet a childhood friend of hers John Quinn, who I actually knew as well as their daughter? is a Plebe. Christine discovered him through Facebook. We sat together and then were to meet for the Herndon Climb. We went to lunch and met Alex there along with Manny and Louise who just happened to be strolling in the dock area when we called them. Since they had just had a large late breakfast, they joined us for iced tea while we ate lunch. ( oysters on half shell and a cold beer) We all returned to The Yard and got to Herndon in time to notice two things - 1) the obelisk was not greased and 2) the cap was not taped down on top . For those of you who do not know the tradition, each year the plebes, as a capstone event to their first year, climb the 22' greased with 200lbs of lard obelisk to remove the underclassman cap and replace it with an upperclassman's cap. This usually takes 1 1/2 - 2 hours to accomplish.
Well this year, the Supe who for some reason feels the event is dangerous - although for all who can remember the worst injury has been a broken finger and a few concussions when the poor plebe who is trying to get to the top - now on the shoulders either 3 or 4 persons tall falls and tumbles into the mass of bodies below. The Supe bans the greasing and taping of the cap to hold down on injuries ( remember this is the same Supe who came in and declared that since we were a nation at war, he was going to expect the Mids behaved in the same manner so therefore imposed strict liberty guidelines cutting all free time)
We are there for the starting cannon and up run the 1000+ strong Class of 2013. As we watch them encircle the monument, it becomes apparent that this climb is different - so much that within a minute they are 2 and then 3 high. The young man who got to the 3 high is able to now shinny up the obelisk and was sitting atop it and replace the cap- all in 2:06 ! I can tell you that the entire crowd - from spectators to participants as well that there was a huge disappointment in the air. From what was once a challenge had become a farce. The Class of 2013 felt cheated as they will now have an asterisk beside their recorded time - "ungreased". The parents felt cheated as well as the Class of 2010 who by following orders broke the tradition. This is the Supe's last year and is due for replacement very soon. Hopefully his successor will reinstate this tradition.
We had hooked up with Michael's parents at Herndon ( Michael is Alex's best friend) so we decided to return to their rented house to relax. Alex led the way with Christine and I followed in our car. We got turned around and who they thought was behind them was not me - so I got ditched ! I had forgotten my cell at home so there was no way to contact each other so I headed back to the house. Lucky thing - the two Jacks had just arrived- My Dad and Christine's Dad ( yes both named Jack). As I entered the house the phone was ringing - it was Christine looking for me. I told her to take her time, and I got the two Jacks settled in. She and Alex arrived a couple of hours later and we enjoyed a low key dinner and relaxed. ( Dad had brought a beer called "Arrogant Bastard" and it was nicely chilled) Mmmmmm good
I'll end this blog here and start anew so as not to be too long winded. ( too late right?)
Love to all
Scott
22 June 2010
As most (if not all) of you know I had my first extended vacation home since I arrived in the UAE (not counting the one week in Sept. 2009 for Beer Fest).
I came home for 30 days - the limit imposed by our wonderful IRS as they really don't want to provide me with all my expat tax benefits if I spend more than that amount of time in the USA.
I'll break this trip into several blogs so as not to bring the server to it's knees when I upload it. Plus I'll be kind and try not to delve into the details unless it is warranted.
May 20, Thursday
After a fitful night's sleep I'm packed and ready to go. Taken to airport by Liz, I'm at airport at 7:45 for a 10:30 flight. I get checked in through Immigration and into the gate area by 8:15 and settle in for the wait. Decide to buy some Absolut at the Duty Free. I do that and while shopping run into Pam - from Canton, Ohio area who also works at Mafraq and is on her way home for a wedding and a 2 week respite. We have coffee and then board plane - going through three separate checks with passports and boarding passes before finally stepping onto the plane. The nearly 15 hour flight is only made better due to the fact that the seat next to me was vacant so I had space to move around. The lay over in Chicago is short so after making my way through Immigration and Customs, I run for the shuttle to the domestic terminals and make my flight with time to spare - in fact I had a beer - a carry out beer from Chili's while I waited for the flight. Home to Louisville where Christine picked me up and whisked me over to Tom and Julie's house were we went to extend my condolences to our dear friend Vickie as her husband Drew had just passed away days before my arrival. To know Drew is to know one of the kindest persons you will ever have met. He is sorely missed by all.
We depart, arrive home and we both collapse into bed as we have a full schedule ahead of us.
May 21, Friday
Up and coffee on the front porch with Christine- heavenly! Christine has been planning and prepping for the graduation for over 11 months ( house rental was the first item to be done last year) and here we are just a week away from the event. As we did the final packing and assembly of all the items we are taking to Annapolis I'm wondering how it will all fit in the car ! However we are packing for a 2 week trip and we do need everything from formal attire to T's and shorts so it all goes with us- naturally we discover that 1/2 the stuff we took we didn't use or wear ( I was just as guilty). We do some running around and then prep for a party at our house that evening as a welcoming back party and a tribute to our friend Drew with those who were closest to him. We were to have had this party at Ann and Dave's but the weather didn't cooperate with the expected heavy downpour coming in the middle of the party - We sure are glad we have that big covered front porch. Party and tribute to Drew was excellent and touching and all departed late.
May 22, Saturday
Coffee on front porch, cleaned up house, packed car and off to Pittsburgh by 10a. Arrived at my Dad's house, showered and out the door to restaurant to surprise 60th birthday party for Christine's sister Kathy. Arrived last and surprised her as all were getting their cocktails served. Had a good time seeing friends we hadn't seen in years and departed full from a fine meal and company. Returned to Dad's house, had a night cap and went to bed.
May 23, Sunday
Coffee with Dad then out the door for drive to Annapolis and our rented house for graduation week. Arrived and had lunch in Annapolis then over to the house where we met owner, got the keys and a few instructions on how to use TV and stereo. Alex quickly joined us and we got settled in. Changed into suit/tie for me and beautiful dress for Christine, uniform for Alex and headed off for The Yard for the Superintendent's Garden Party. - A little background here. Every year, the Supe ( soup) invites the graduating class to a party in his garden. Christine and I being big garden fans have been looking forward to his event. They do it by company as there'd be no way 1000 Mids and their 4 invited guests could fit in the garden. We pick up Herb and Barbara - Alex's sponsor parents - whom we just adore and who have been so helpful to Alex and us these past 4 years on the way and we arrive to find that due to the threatening weather, the party has been moved across the street to Dhalgren Hall. It's a nice big open space and well equipped to handle large groups . We were able to walk thru the garden and see what we had been missing. Well the garden was nice but most of the flowers had passed by this time and as I pointed out, even though it was only 6 companies invited to this party ( there are 30 companies and they do 1 party a night for 5 straight nights,) the crowd in Dhalgren hall would have been hard pressed to have been comfortable in the smaller garden space. ( garden is about the size of half a football field ) We had a wonderful time, saw many of Alex's friends and had our picture taken with the Supe. It was then off to dinner at an Italian restaurant we all enjoy. Reversed the order and went to bed anticipating the next day.
May 24, Monday
Ok now if you have been counting, how many beds have I slept in since arriving in the USA? The answer is 3 beds in 4 nights.
Monday was circled on our calender for 2 events. Alex was up and out early as he had to make muster at 6:30a. We wanted to see the "8th and I" the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team and Herndon Climb.
For security reasons no one without DoD stickers were permitted to park on The Yard during the whole week so you had to go to the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium and take a bus to the campus. This was a ROYAL pain in the butt as the weather was hot and sticky all week and tacked on extra time to and from ( especially from The Yard ) for all activities. Parking outside the gates is nearly impossible especially when you consider that the Herndon Climb is for all the Plebes ( freshman) and this is graduation week so all the "Firsties" or seniors families are in town.
So we dutifully take the bus and arrive to watch the Drill Team which was mightily impressive - you can see some of their routine on YouTube if you are interested - it is amazing what they do. Christine also arranged to meet a childhood friend of hers John Quinn, who I actually knew as well as their daughter? is a Plebe. Christine discovered him through Facebook. We sat together and then were to meet for the Herndon Climb. We went to lunch and met Alex there along with Manny and Louise who just happened to be strolling in the dock area when we called them. Since they had just had a large late breakfast, they joined us for iced tea while we ate lunch. ( oysters on half shell and a cold beer) We all returned to The Yard and got to Herndon in time to notice two things - 1) the obelisk was not greased and 2) the cap was not taped down on top . For those of you who do not know the tradition, each year the plebes, as a capstone event to their first year, climb the 22' greased with 200lbs of lard obelisk to remove the underclassman cap and replace it with an upperclassman's cap. This usually takes 1 1/2 - 2 hours to accomplish.
Well this year, the Supe who for some reason feels the event is dangerous - although for all who can remember the worst injury has been a broken finger and a few concussions when the poor plebe who is trying to get to the top - now on the shoulders either 3 or 4 persons tall falls and tumbles into the mass of bodies below. The Supe bans the greasing and taping of the cap to hold down on injuries ( remember this is the same Supe who came in and declared that since we were a nation at war, he was going to expect the Mids behaved in the same manner so therefore imposed strict liberty guidelines cutting all free time)
We are there for the starting cannon and up run the 1000+ strong Class of 2013. As we watch them encircle the monument, it becomes apparent that this climb is different - so much that within a minute they are 2 and then 3 high. The young man who got to the 3 high is able to now shinny up the obelisk and was sitting atop it and replace the cap- all in 2:06 ! I can tell you that the entire crowd - from spectators to participants as well that there was a huge disappointment in the air. From what was once a challenge had become a farce. The Class of 2013 felt cheated as they will now have an asterisk beside their recorded time - "ungreased". The parents felt cheated as well as the Class of 2010 who by following orders broke the tradition. This is the Supe's last year and is due for replacement very soon. Hopefully his successor will reinstate this tradition.
We had hooked up with Michael's parents at Herndon ( Michael is Alex's best friend) so we decided to return to their rented house to relax. Alex led the way with Christine and I followed in our car. We got turned around and who they thought was behind them was not me - so I got ditched ! I had forgotten my cell at home so there was no way to contact each other so I headed back to the house. Lucky thing - the two Jacks had just arrived- My Dad and Christine's Dad ( yes both named Jack). As I entered the house the phone was ringing - it was Christine looking for me. I told her to take her time, and I got the two Jacks settled in. She and Alex arrived a couple of hours later and we enjoyed a low key dinner and relaxed. ( Dad had brought a beer called "Arrogant Bastard" and it was nicely chilled) Mmmmmm good
I'll end this blog here and start anew so as not to be too long winded. ( too late right?)
Love to all
Scott
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
An Image
Tuesday 4 May 2010
Hi All,
I haven't blogged for quite a while as my life is usually boring and I try not to go out as that involves spending money which doesn't fit into the 5 Year Plan objectives.
But I do have a new experience to relate.
First some background info.
As many of you know, I'm coming home 16 days from now. In 25 days, I will have had my car for 1 year - therefore it needs to be re-registered. Normally this is a semi-painful process - but with me living here for almost 14 months, I've become accustomed to the daily trials and tribulations we face when dealing with any government enity.
However the pain just got ratcheted up a few notches.
I was going to re-register my car on April 29th - but since we were in the final hours of preparing for a go-live on our new computer system on 3 May, I couldn't get away to do so. I figured - do it early Sunday morning (remember work week is Sun- Thur) as there wasn't much that could be done on that day.
On Saturday, I'm reading the paper and in there is an article about car registration - which naturally caught my eye. The article goes on to state that any interaction with a government enity will require the use of your Identity Card. - the one I don't have.
Effective the very next day - 2 May.
BUT the article goes on to say that since the Vehicle Registration people have not gotten official notification, they were going to proceed without the need for the card.
I'm thinking - ok make hay while the opportunity exists and get down there tomorrow before they get the official notification (you can see where I'm going with this can't you)
To register your car , you must first show proof of insurance. No problem - except you must go to the office, pay them and receive newly minted documents for presentation to the registration people. Well Sunday morning didn't work out but Sunday afternoon did.
I left work, drove home and changed as it was a rather warm day of 116F (it doesn't get hot until Aug/Sept) and I would have sweated through my suit in no time.
From there I drove to Carrefours (supermarket) parked my car and took a taxi into downtown Abu Dhabi. Why - traffic and parking is horrible in town and for 30 AED or $11 US it was well worth it not to fight the battle. It took 45 min. to get there. I was first in line when the door opened at 2p after lunch break and got my insurance renewed. - The clerk says - this is the paper you need to present to the registration people within one week of today. Ok No problem I'm going there next.
I leave, hail a cab and repeat the drive back to the supermarket. I pick up my car and drive the 2 miles to the Vehicle Registration office. I'm there at 3p - doing great on time. I present myself and tell them I wanted to register my car and YES you guessed it - the first question out of the clerks mouth - "Do you have your ID card ? " Well no - but I counter with you have not received official notification - this receives a you must be joking look - my ploy didn't work.
Next question - Ok Where do you get this ID Card? - he explains - behind Carrefours (you know, the place I just left) - I growl a frustrated growl and out the door I go. 10 min. later I'm circling the block looking for the building - and amazing enough found it without too much difficulity.
But why are there so many police and people there? Guess there must have been 10 - 15 people and police milling about. I park and get to the entry gate where I am told - CLOSED - What ??
I ask what's wrong - I'm told they have so many people inside they cannot possibly do any more - so they have stopped entry of anyone else for today. Come back tomorrow! (felt like I was standing at the doors to the Emerald Palace with the Wicked Witch flying overhead)
Ok what are the timings - police tells me 7:30a - 5p. With no hope of seeing the Wizard, I retreat to the car grumbling all the way and return home ending my hopes of registering the car that day.
Next day, 3 May, is Go-Live with new computer system - and there was no way I could miss this. So defer all until today 4 May. I get up and being the smart guy I am, I say to myself - Go early and be in line before anyone else and make this agony time as short as possible. So I leave the house and arrive at the building no later than 7:10a.
Now comes the reason for the title of this blog.- The Image.
Think back to when we all saw pictures of the fall of the embassy in Vietnam with hundreds of people swarming the gate - all holding documents in their hands and frantically waiving them to get inside. - Fast forward to this morning in Abu Dhabi. This is the image I saw.
I know it's easy to exagerate the numbers - but in this case - this is no exageration - Hundreds of people all crowded around the gate waiting for their turn to get in - no civilized queue, no line wrapping around the building, no take a number, just a mass of humanity all scrambling to jockey for position when the gates opened up.
(It's no wonder the guard at the gate on Sunday afternoon looked shellshocked if this was what he had to endure all day)
I take one look at this and turned the car around and went back home, changed and came to work. There was no way I was getting into the middle of that scene- nor did I have the time to spend as well. Should I have come at 3am? Doubtful I would have been first in line - Opps - no line - mass humanity and no respect for a line if one was started.
So my options are limited. Either fight the crowds or worry about it later and register my car upon my return in June.
I've heard that the hospital will be bringing a ID card unit to do all the employees here - hopefully this will be before I leave. If not - back to the crowds. As for registering the car - it only cost's 10 AED ($2.70 US) per month every month you are late registering it. Guess you all know what I've chosen to do.
Just another day in paradise.
See many of you soon.
Love
Scott
Hi All,
I haven't blogged for quite a while as my life is usually boring and I try not to go out as that involves spending money which doesn't fit into the 5 Year Plan objectives.
But I do have a new experience to relate.
First some background info.
As many of you know, I'm coming home 16 days from now. In 25 days, I will have had my car for 1 year - therefore it needs to be re-registered. Normally this is a semi-painful process - but with me living here for almost 14 months, I've become accustomed to the daily trials and tribulations we face when dealing with any government enity.
However the pain just got ratcheted up a few notches.
I was going to re-register my car on April 29th - but since we were in the final hours of preparing for a go-live on our new computer system on 3 May, I couldn't get away to do so. I figured - do it early Sunday morning (remember work week is Sun- Thur) as there wasn't much that could be done on that day.
On Saturday, I'm reading the paper and in there is an article about car registration - which naturally caught my eye. The article goes on to state that any interaction with a government enity will require the use of your Identity Card. - the one I don't have.
Effective the very next day - 2 May.
BUT the article goes on to say that since the Vehicle Registration people have not gotten official notification, they were going to proceed without the need for the card.
I'm thinking - ok make hay while the opportunity exists and get down there tomorrow before they get the official notification (you can see where I'm going with this can't you)
To register your car , you must first show proof of insurance. No problem - except you must go to the office, pay them and receive newly minted documents for presentation to the registration people. Well Sunday morning didn't work out but Sunday afternoon did.
I left work, drove home and changed as it was a rather warm day of 116F (it doesn't get hot until Aug/Sept) and I would have sweated through my suit in no time.
From there I drove to Carrefours (supermarket) parked my car and took a taxi into downtown Abu Dhabi. Why - traffic and parking is horrible in town and for 30 AED or $11 US it was well worth it not to fight the battle. It took 45 min. to get there. I was first in line when the door opened at 2p after lunch break and got my insurance renewed. - The clerk says - this is the paper you need to present to the registration people within one week of today. Ok No problem I'm going there next.
I leave, hail a cab and repeat the drive back to the supermarket. I pick up my car and drive the 2 miles to the Vehicle Registration office. I'm there at 3p - doing great on time. I present myself and tell them I wanted to register my car and YES you guessed it - the first question out of the clerks mouth - "Do you have your ID card ? " Well no - but I counter with you have not received official notification - this receives a you must be joking look - my ploy didn't work.
Next question - Ok Where do you get this ID Card? - he explains - behind Carrefours (you know, the place I just left) - I growl a frustrated growl and out the door I go. 10 min. later I'm circling the block looking for the building - and amazing enough found it without too much difficulity.
But why are there so many police and people there? Guess there must have been 10 - 15 people and police milling about. I park and get to the entry gate where I am told - CLOSED - What ??
I ask what's wrong - I'm told they have so many people inside they cannot possibly do any more - so they have stopped entry of anyone else for today. Come back tomorrow! (felt like I was standing at the doors to the Emerald Palace with the Wicked Witch flying overhead)
Ok what are the timings - police tells me 7:30a - 5p. With no hope of seeing the Wizard, I retreat to the car grumbling all the way and return home ending my hopes of registering the car that day.
Next day, 3 May, is Go-Live with new computer system - and there was no way I could miss this. So defer all until today 4 May. I get up and being the smart guy I am, I say to myself - Go early and be in line before anyone else and make this agony time as short as possible. So I leave the house and arrive at the building no later than 7:10a.
Now comes the reason for the title of this blog.- The Image.
Think back to when we all saw pictures of the fall of the embassy in Vietnam with hundreds of people swarming the gate - all holding documents in their hands and frantically waiving them to get inside. - Fast forward to this morning in Abu Dhabi. This is the image I saw.
I know it's easy to exagerate the numbers - but in this case - this is no exageration - Hundreds of people all crowded around the gate waiting for their turn to get in - no civilized queue, no line wrapping around the building, no take a number, just a mass of humanity all scrambling to jockey for position when the gates opened up.
(It's no wonder the guard at the gate on Sunday afternoon looked shellshocked if this was what he had to endure all day)
I take one look at this and turned the car around and went back home, changed and came to work. There was no way I was getting into the middle of that scene- nor did I have the time to spend as well. Should I have come at 3am? Doubtful I would have been first in line - Opps - no line - mass humanity and no respect for a line if one was started.
So my options are limited. Either fight the crowds or worry about it later and register my car upon my return in June.
I've heard that the hospital will be bringing a ID card unit to do all the employees here - hopefully this will be before I leave. If not - back to the crowds. As for registering the car - it only cost's 10 AED ($2.70 US) per month every month you are late registering it. Guess you all know what I've chosen to do.
Just another day in paradise.
See many of you soon.
Love
Scott
Friday, March 19, 2010
More Adventures in Abu Dhabi
Buying rosemary at the Plant Souk and once again head to toe Ozzie Ltd. Girl
Notice all of the terra cotta pots on the dhow; these boats travel between here and Iran!
Scott at the restaurant in one of my favorite t-shirts
Richard (typical kid) and Roxanne (Bling Girl with Style) Gardiner and Christine. 
Scott, Ross Gardiner, Christine and Lisa Gardiner - super hosts!Hi All,
It's Christine keying & only 4 days post op from carpal tunnel release surgery (more on that later). Arrived safely, but not sanely, after my 14 hours in an airliner with 14 babies and the crying one sat right beside me the entire way... Was I ever happy to get off that airplane and see Scott's face. Once again he had a delicious snickly snack of shrimp cocktail, crackers, cheese, fruit and oh yeah, wine!
Friday and Saturday we went to the grocery stores (I love the huge grocery shops here - such exotic fruits and vegetables, interesting staples "what is THAT?", it is a hunt to find "familiar"items and I've no idea what anything costs, so I just point and ask Scott "can I have that?" We also lazed by the pool and I personally enjoyed temperatures above 50 degrees!
Friday night we were invited to dinner across the street with Chris and Suzanna (parents of 5 m/o Tavvi). Actually it is interesting how these two households "do" dinner. Chris and Scott are both excellent cooks, so they each usually make part of the meal and then Scott takes his part of the meal to them. Chris did the salad, beverages and cheese/crackers; Scott did Ann Morrow Wasmer's new recipe of Chicken Brogata and the vegetables. Saturday evening we were invited to dinner at Ross, Lisa, Roxanne and Richard house also in the compound. Ross and family (Australians) are the one who invited Scott to accompany them on the desert safari last December. They made the whole meal of wonderful chicken soup followed by crabs. The meal and company were so nice both evenings; how welcoming people here are, sort of "like we are all in the same boat" attitude.
Sunday I went to Mafraq Hospital with Scott only to find out that my surgeon was called away all day to a meeting, so back I went on Monday and spent the WHOLE, LONG day there. Saw the surgeon, the pre-admissions clinic (2 times), the anesthesiologist, lab work done, chest x-ray, ECG, and my family practice physician. George, the surgeon, told me that I would be there all day long and was he ever right! Tuesday was the surgery - scheduled for 11:30 and I finally got taken into the surgical theatre at 2:00. But I had a lovely single room from 9:30 until 2:00 - amazing how much you can read when you are all alone... Scott was exasperated! Then I got my private room again until 5:00 pm when was permitted to leave with Scott. To get sprung I just had to have pain in my wrist, NO tingling in my fingers and be able to walk unassisted... Two very long days in a row at Mafraq Hospital but on the bright side, total cost was ZERO. Stitches, only three, come out Wednesday. Yeah, this may be boring part of the blog, but for a person who has had numb and/or tingling hands for almost 20 years, this seems miraculous. Already planning on having the left one done right after moving here in September.
Three days later, still no tingling in my fingers and only moderate and manageable wrist pain. Saw George Wed and got a great report (am doing everything right). Scott has been great taking care of me and the meals he is cooking are excellent also.
It's Christine keying & only 4 days post op from carpal tunnel release surgery (more on that later). Arrived safely, but not sanely, after my 14 hours in an airliner with 14 babies and the crying one sat right beside me the entire way... Was I ever happy to get off that airplane and see Scott's face. Once again he had a delicious snickly snack of shrimp cocktail, crackers, cheese, fruit and oh yeah, wine!
Friday and Saturday we went to the grocery stores (I love the huge grocery shops here - such exotic fruits and vegetables, interesting staples "what is THAT?", it is a hunt to find "familiar"items and I've no idea what anything costs, so I just point and ask Scott "can I have that?" We also lazed by the pool and I personally enjoyed temperatures above 50 degrees!
Friday night we were invited to dinner across the street with Chris and Suzanna (parents of 5 m/o Tavvi). Actually it is interesting how these two households "do" dinner. Chris and Scott are both excellent cooks, so they each usually make part of the meal and then Scott takes his part of the meal to them. Chris did the salad, beverages and cheese/crackers; Scott did Ann Morrow Wasmer's new recipe of Chicken Brogata and the vegetables. Saturday evening we were invited to dinner at Ross, Lisa, Roxanne and Richard house also in the compound. Ross and family (Australians) are the one who invited Scott to accompany them on the desert safari last December. They made the whole meal of wonderful chicken soup followed by crabs. The meal and company were so nice both evenings; how welcoming people here are, sort of "like we are all in the same boat" attitude.
Sunday I went to Mafraq Hospital with Scott only to find out that my surgeon was called away all day to a meeting, so back I went on Monday and spent the WHOLE, LONG day there. Saw the surgeon, the pre-admissions clinic (2 times), the anesthesiologist, lab work done, chest x-ray, ECG, and my family practice physician. George, the surgeon, told me that I would be there all day long and was he ever right! Tuesday was the surgery - scheduled for 11:30 and I finally got taken into the surgical theatre at 2:00. But I had a lovely single room from 9:30 until 2:00 - amazing how much you can read when you are all alone... Scott was exasperated! Then I got my private room again until 5:00 pm when was permitted to leave with Scott. To get sprung I just had to have pain in my wrist, NO tingling in my fingers and be able to walk unassisted... Two very long days in a row at Mafraq Hospital but on the bright side, total cost was ZERO. Stitches, only three, come out Wednesday. Yeah, this may be boring part of the blog, but for a person who has had numb and/or tingling hands for almost 20 years, this seems miraculous. Already planning on having the left one done right after moving here in September.
Three days later, still no tingling in my fingers and only moderate and manageable wrist pain. Saw George Wed and got a great report (am doing everything right). Scott has been great taking care of me and the meals he is cooking are excellent also.
Yesterday Scott took me to a wonderful lunch at a restaurant down by the Fish Market. Then off to the Iranian Souk for find pots so Scott can grow his own herbs. We drive up to oddly open market with terra cotta pots all sitting out in the sun. Didn't see anything that thrilled me (I've been buying terra cotta for 25 years and only certain ones will do). So we walk out back to the wharf and there is a traditional dhow tied up. The dhow is full of terra cotta pots of all sizes packed in straw. I pick out a couple, Scott bargains the guy down on the price and then the guy hops on the boat and literally slings these large pots at Scott. Meanwhile the boat is moving further and further from the wharf and I can just imagine someone falling right in the water. When asked from where the pots came: Iran! So, now Scott and I have indeed bought something "right off the boat!" Then we went next door to the Plant Souk to buy soil (I choice German over Dutch) and we selected a beautiful rosemary plant. I decided on rosemary because it does well in hot & dry climates and Scott makes a wonderful sauce for his lamb with it. Can't wait to see if he can keep it alive throught an Abu Dhabi summer. A new adventure everyday.
Cheers! Christine and Scott
It is just so good to be doing things like shopping, sunning eating and just being together...
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Lazy but Excited
At the sea wall in Abu Dhabi sporting my New Albanian Brewery T.Hi all,
Yes I've been lazy with no updates for a month. But in all truthfulness, not much has occurred.
BUT that's all about to change with Christine's arrival in 2 days.
We have much planned and #1 on the list is having my neighbor George - perform carpal tunnel surgery on Christine . - ( he is a European trained Orthopedic surgeon ) Not like I'd ask my neighbor Chris - a financial analyst to pick up a scalpel and cut on her so no worries there. This has been bothering her for years and with my healthcare benefits here, it doesn't make sense not to utilize the services available to us. Plus - with one hand immobilized, it will be much easier to penetrate Christine's defense's as I make my moves on her! hehehehe
We have shopping in Dubai's textile market and a trip to Al Ain Oasis on the menu as well.
(have I told you I hate driving in Dubai)
Since Christine will be joining me in September, we will be doing some entertaining and she can meet some more of my friends here as well. The ladies are looking forward to meeting her.
Work has been grueling. We started a computer software conversion for Materials Management - which always includes a financial conversion as well. Needless to say, my days are filled with trying to manage this and the other myriad of meetings and daily crisis's we seem to face here.
Never a dull moment.
We will have more for you soon ( note I said "we") Yes I am counting down the days and have been since before Christmas. (I have a countdown spreadsheet)
I will be arriving in Louisville in 72 days. See you all then.
Love,
Scott
Monday, February 8, 2010
GG Died Today
Hi All,
8 Feb. 2010Sad news from Corydon.
GG died today.
She had been going down hill for the past several months with congestive heart failure. The pills helped but we knew her time was approaching.
This morning Christine found her sick in the living room having thrown up a few times and with labored breathing. Christine called the Vet and was able to get an appointment for later in the day. Wes came over and when they went to go to the car GG didn't even want to walk down the stairs as her back legs were not working correctly. So she walked through the snow and to the car. The Vet examined her, tried to take blood but was unsuccessful and left the room to retrieve some more supplies. With Christine cradling her in her arms and Wes by her side, GG had a heart attack and quickly and quietly passed away. Christine was unaware of her passing until Wes noticed she wasn't breathing, that's how quietly it was. We are comforted knowing that she died in her Mommy's arms and that she wasn't alone.
Yet it hurts.
She will be buried beside Jasmine when the ground thaws.
We loved her so much and she gave us more love than we deserved in return.
With a heavy heart,
Scott
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Who says Henna is for ladies only? ! Went on a dinner "Creek Cruise" in Dubai as the guests of one of my vendors as the Arab Health Conference was going on that week - it's a HUGE International event with nations- especially China and Germany taking up much of the floor space. The USA was represented as well - but China - by far- was there in force. Found their products were of much higher quality than what Americans stereotype them to be - their only drawback - styling - still had the block-ish communist utilitarian look.Got the henna on the boat - she was doing scorpions or cobras. Was fun and I still have the "henna tat" 3 weeks later.
The top deck of the dhow dinner cruise. Quite relaxing - could of only have been better if they served alcohol.
This is Ihor ( born /raised in US to old world parents who gave him old world name - he's the Cinci guy - we both agree Cleveland still sucks ! ( goes back to football rivalry Pittsburgh /Cleveland /Cincinnati)We are in a Bedouin tent at the Welcome area at the Al Ain Air Show having Arab-ie coffee and getting out of the sun for a few minutes.
Falcon - what Falcon?
Larry , Ihor and Bassam - at the air show - sitting in what had to be the most uncomfortable seats I've ever sat in - sheer agony
Falcon - what Falcon?
Larry , Ihor and Bassam - at the air show - sitting in what had to be the most uncomfortable seats I've ever sat in - sheer agonyHi All,
Friday 5 Feb. 2010
It's the weekend and I'm meeting up with Larry and Ihor (Indy and Cinci guys who work with my sister Ann). They are in town working a Risk Management job for the Abu Dhabi Water and Electric Authority. We're going to see a movie, then to Emirates Palace, Fish Market then my house to cook the shrimp and eat/relax watch TV.
I was at a workshop yesterday in downtown AD and met a new Materials Manager for Tawam Hospital - located in Al Ain. He's from Florida. We got to talking and of course Alex came up( when asked when are you going home next) and he said he had a next door neighbor in FL. whose daughter is a Plebe at the Naval Academy and the neighbor is also working in Abu Dhabi and he was golfing with him today . So we passed cards so hopefully he will contact me. He will be back in the US for Herndon ( the Plebe's class climb of the grease coated obelisk) and I said I'd be there too as that is the same week as graduation so here you have 2 guys with kids at USNA living in Abu Dhabi who will both be traveling back for one of those don't miss events. WOW.
Then the workshop started and after the prelims we got down to some work on validating job descriptions. Our group leader from the consulting company - was less than articulate - but then here comes this guy from USA over to assist the group. As he's talking I notice a signature ring on his finger - and although I couldn't see the detail, I recognized the leadership qualities in the man. Well I called Keith over after his short instructions ( which clarified what the group leader was trying to tell us - no blame on the guy - just difficult trying to respond to 3 type A Americans ( Jon Reuter from Cleveland also in the group- he's materials manager for Sheik Khalifa Hospital) who are firing rapid questions and he's at a loss for translation on some of our Americanisms)
So Keith comes over and I ask where he got the ring and he proudly and rightfully so says The United States Military Academy at West Point !
Well we bonded immediately and spent the rest of the day between and during work sessions discussion Alex , his experiences and our "place" in the Middle East region. He was flying back to Atlanta - where he is based, that evening and will be back in 3 weeks. He's the Corporate Director for International Operations, is about 40 and just you'd expect from a service academy graduate - a true proessional. It was my lucky day -2 service academy experiences in the same day.
Hoped you enjoyed the story.
Love to all'
Scott
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