Hi All, Monday Aug. 24, 2009
As the title says, Ramadan Kareem - or Wishing You a Happy Ramadan - has started. I am fasting during the day at work which has been shortened by 2 hours per the law so I'm home by 3p daily. Awfully strange - but who's complaining? ( except you now try to jam 10 hours work into 8 hours) If you get caught eating or drinking you could receive a fine - something I'd rather avoid.
When I left work yesterday and the temp was 118F. Toasty !
I had dinner with my neighbors yesterday - the Finn and Brit along with a couple of Scot's. The Finn had her sister there - the 4 different languages - Finn, Scott, Brit and American were something to hear.
Still swimming most every day - although yesterday was spent inside watching West Ham play football ( soccer) - Chris - my Brit friend across the street is converting me. West Ham went up 1- nil but lost 1 - 2 to Tottem because of a bonehead play. We were both gritting our teeth.
I've watched Cricket and have discovered I like watching paint dry as it's more interesting! Quite a boring game. There is also lots of Rugby on TV as well - now there is a brutal sport.
As you have guessed, I'm not getting out much and using my Internet and TV as my main forms of entertainment. Going out costs you money and I'm all about saving it.
Back to swimming - I'm doing on average just over 1000m per day - not much but at least its better than nothing. I lost my good goggles ( forgot them in the shower) so I'm using uncomfortable back ups. Christine is ordering new ones for me and will bring them when she comes in October as they are not available locally.
Work is as busy as always - however some things are starting to fall into place - not to say I'm comfortable or anything - not by a long shot - but at least we are headed in the right direction.
Not much to report but just wanted to check in. I'll try and remember to add some pictures later on of when I went to Al Ain - some fantastic dunes.
Take Care
Scott
Monday, August 24, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
OK, OK, I get the message - you want news !
Hi All , Sat. 1 Aug. 2009
I've heard from you - that your wanting to hear from me- and Yes I have been lazy and have not blogged for a month now. Didn't know so many of you were hanging on my every word ! - ( OK my inflated ego made me say that - as if you really were hanging on every word I said )
Well this past month I've moved from "the new guy" at work to the trenches and have been extremely busy and stressed. - This hospital was/is a free for all when it comes to the supply chain - anyone orders anything they desire and lo be it to the person who questions it - well I be "it" and have been taking on some departments whose wasteful spending is seeing the light of day - and if you know anything about the Mid-Eastern male Ego ( there's that ego word again) - well it's all taken PERSONALLY - as if you have insulted their family - so much finger pointing and OH My's - but Administration is supporting me so that's a plus - and we are trying to sort out the supplies and get them on the right track - which is what they are paying me for. So in a nutshell - work is what it is and let the games continue.
On a personal note, I have been swimming most every day as not only does this relieve the stress - but also helps with the weight and cardio. BUT today ( and about 5 other days in June) have had no swimming due to dust storms.
I was taking my garbage out this morning ( they come daily - yes, daily) , had my suit on to go to the pool and when I opened the door - it was like I was in a fog - but it was dust. I'd say visibility was 1/2 mile MAX. Everything has a fine powder on it So I retreated back to the villa, changed out of the suit as I am not sucking in air while swimming with all this dust as it is just not healthy. So I was prepping to to go out to the Fish Market when the door bell rang.
Here it was my new friend Ross - from Australia. He's an IT guy who works for SEHA ( SEHA controls all the hospitals) who is helping Mafraq Hospital get all it's information systems up and running - moving from the stone age to space age in 2-3 years. My Materials Management system is on his to do list to - so I'm in good with the project manager - Yippee !
So Ross shows up , he's new in the compound and has yet to get his villa outfitted. Back up - we spent until 2a on Thursday /Friday morning drinking and talking- and didn't hook up on Friday as we were both " a little muddy" in his words.
So he wants to borrow my ladder/ tools to put up some curtains and says he'll ride along to the Fish Market with me - he hadn't been there before and enjoyed the whole experience - but since he doesn't own a refrigerator yet - opted not to buy any seafood- as one could imagine.
So he's at his villa working , I'm here hiding from the dust and cooking a big pot of lamb chili. It's not for tonight as shrimp - the big ones from the Fish Market- 10/12 count are on the menu using my sisters seafood pasta recipe - hot / citrus blend of spices that is just a killer recipe.
I've really got nothing much else to report and no pictures to share at this time as frankly it is too hot to go out with temps in the 115 - 120 range and humidity at 85%, it is just brutal. Looking forward to the fall/ winter when temps will get down to a frosty 60 - 70 F range. This I got to see.
Christine is booked Oct 28 - Nov 15 for 2 weeks/ 3 weekends here and Alex is finalizing his post Christmas /New Years trip dates now. Sometimes the time goes so slow and others it's so fast , Been here for 4 1/2 months now seems like 20 years some days and others 20 days. Still all in all a fascinating country and you can't beat the money.
Love to all
Scott
I've heard from you - that your wanting to hear from me- and Yes I have been lazy and have not blogged for a month now. Didn't know so many of you were hanging on my every word ! - ( OK my inflated ego made me say that - as if you really were hanging on every word I said )
Well this past month I've moved from "the new guy" at work to the trenches and have been extremely busy and stressed. - This hospital was/is a free for all when it comes to the supply chain - anyone orders anything they desire and lo be it to the person who questions it - well I be "it" and have been taking on some departments whose wasteful spending is seeing the light of day - and if you know anything about the Mid-Eastern male Ego ( there's that ego word again) - well it's all taken PERSONALLY - as if you have insulted their family - so much finger pointing and OH My's - but Administration is supporting me so that's a plus - and we are trying to sort out the supplies and get them on the right track - which is what they are paying me for. So in a nutshell - work is what it is and let the games continue.
On a personal note, I have been swimming most every day as not only does this relieve the stress - but also helps with the weight and cardio. BUT today ( and about 5 other days in June) have had no swimming due to dust storms.
I was taking my garbage out this morning ( they come daily - yes, daily) , had my suit on to go to the pool and when I opened the door - it was like I was in a fog - but it was dust. I'd say visibility was 1/2 mile MAX. Everything has a fine powder on it So I retreated back to the villa, changed out of the suit as I am not sucking in air while swimming with all this dust as it is just not healthy. So I was prepping to to go out to the Fish Market when the door bell rang.
Here it was my new friend Ross - from Australia. He's an IT guy who works for SEHA ( SEHA controls all the hospitals) who is helping Mafraq Hospital get all it's information systems up and running - moving from the stone age to space age in 2-3 years. My Materials Management system is on his to do list to - so I'm in good with the project manager - Yippee !
So Ross shows up , he's new in the compound and has yet to get his villa outfitted. Back up - we spent until 2a on Thursday /Friday morning drinking and talking- and didn't hook up on Friday as we were both " a little muddy" in his words.
So he wants to borrow my ladder/ tools to put up some curtains and says he'll ride along to the Fish Market with me - he hadn't been there before and enjoyed the whole experience - but since he doesn't own a refrigerator yet - opted not to buy any seafood- as one could imagine.
So he's at his villa working , I'm here hiding from the dust and cooking a big pot of lamb chili. It's not for tonight as shrimp - the big ones from the Fish Market- 10/12 count are on the menu using my sisters seafood pasta recipe - hot / citrus blend of spices that is just a killer recipe.
I've really got nothing much else to report and no pictures to share at this time as frankly it is too hot to go out with temps in the 115 - 120 range and humidity at 85%, it is just brutal. Looking forward to the fall/ winter when temps will get down to a frosty 60 - 70 F range. This I got to see.
Christine is booked Oct 28 - Nov 15 for 2 weeks/ 3 weekends here and Alex is finalizing his post Christmas /New Years trip dates now. Sometimes the time goes so slow and others it's so fast , Been here for 4 1/2 months now seems like 20 years some days and others 20 days. Still all in all a fascinating country and you can't beat the money.
Love to all
Scott
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Just Checking In
Hi All
7:30 Wednesday Morning July 1,
Just wanted to get a post out to let you all know that I'm still here. Since Christine left, my days have been filled with work , work , work - then home , swim, eat a little, TV then bed. - repeat the next day. We also had a physical inventory the weekend after Christine left so I was here both days for that too so it was a long stretch.
I did get my car back from the repair shop and carefully drove home without incident. Drivers are crazy here- everyone is out for themselves - got to be first- I'm less than a man if I allow a person to merge into my lane ahead of me (speed limit is 75)- those lines on the road - oh just a suggestion - choose anywhere you want to drive go from far left speed lane to right lane - turn signals ? Oh I wondered what that little stick thingy did?
Speed lane - be very careful - your going 120 kph and here comes someone going 200 kph - they flash you with the lights - you try to move over (but there's that guy who won't let you move into his lane ahead of you so he speeds up) so here comes 200 kph and he gets right on your bumper and then passes you in the median lane.
Needless to say driving anywhere here is not for the faint of heart or the inattentive.
Then there are the pedestrians - on the highway - yes - just about anywhere you will see someone standing on the side of the 4 lane freeway waiting for their ride - yep taxi's or a van pool will suddenly pull off and pick up some guy - you look around and there is nothing - absolutely nothing - around for miles and here's this guy standing there. I have seen - and missed 2 guys crossing the freeway - 5 lanes in this area - during the evening going home traffic - they ventured out 2 lanes - stood on the suggestion lines - waited for an opening and then went the remainder of the way across (I hope) - this is with cars speeding past them in all lanes - I got past them and kept them in my rear view mirror until I couldn't see them any longer. This is a common occurrence - so not only do you have speed demon- you have the jaywalkers to watch out for.
I've invited a couple to come over for dinner on Friday eve. My first social event in the villa. They are from South Africa and she - Rheita - is a nurse here I've know from the hotel days. Her husband Sam came just after I moved out will meet him then. Plan on having lamb patties, salad and some type of potato dish. - beers and a swim are also on the agenda.
Guess I'll have to get the villa cleaned up - good motivation.
Haven't found a maid yet - next door neighbors and I are looking at how we can share one to do all 3 villas - and we have 2 others who could jump in too - so we may be able to keep her busy full time. - we shall see.
Well I've ranted and shared some news. Can you believe it's 1/2 way thru 2009 . I certainly can't .
One last shout out to Wes - our son - who will be 25 tomorrow and to Christine's father Jack who will be 80. ( I know how to get in good with the in laws - have their grandson on Opa's birthday) Love to all
Scott
7:30 Wednesday Morning July 1,
Just wanted to get a post out to let you all know that I'm still here. Since Christine left, my days have been filled with work , work , work - then home , swim, eat a little, TV then bed. - repeat the next day. We also had a physical inventory the weekend after Christine left so I was here both days for that too so it was a long stretch.
I did get my car back from the repair shop and carefully drove home without incident. Drivers are crazy here- everyone is out for themselves - got to be first- I'm less than a man if I allow a person to merge into my lane ahead of me (speed limit is 75)- those lines on the road - oh just a suggestion - choose anywhere you want to drive go from far left speed lane to right lane - turn signals ? Oh I wondered what that little stick thingy did?
Speed lane - be very careful - your going 120 kph and here comes someone going 200 kph - they flash you with the lights - you try to move over (but there's that guy who won't let you move into his lane ahead of you so he speeds up) so here comes 200 kph and he gets right on your bumper and then passes you in the median lane.
Needless to say driving anywhere here is not for the faint of heart or the inattentive.
Then there are the pedestrians - on the highway - yes - just about anywhere you will see someone standing on the side of the 4 lane freeway waiting for their ride - yep taxi's or a van pool will suddenly pull off and pick up some guy - you look around and there is nothing - absolutely nothing - around for miles and here's this guy standing there. I have seen - and missed 2 guys crossing the freeway - 5 lanes in this area - during the evening going home traffic - they ventured out 2 lanes - stood on the suggestion lines - waited for an opening and then went the remainder of the way across (I hope) - this is with cars speeding past them in all lanes - I got past them and kept them in my rear view mirror until I couldn't see them any longer. This is a common occurrence - so not only do you have speed demon- you have the jaywalkers to watch out for.
I've invited a couple to come over for dinner on Friday eve. My first social event in the villa. They are from South Africa and she - Rheita - is a nurse here I've know from the hotel days. Her husband Sam came just after I moved out will meet him then. Plan on having lamb patties, salad and some type of potato dish. - beers and a swim are also on the agenda.
Guess I'll have to get the villa cleaned up - good motivation.
Haven't found a maid yet - next door neighbors and I are looking at how we can share one to do all 3 villas - and we have 2 others who could jump in too - so we may be able to keep her busy full time. - we shall see.
Well I've ranted and shared some news. Can you believe it's 1/2 way thru 2009 . I certainly can't .
One last shout out to Wes - our son - who will be 25 tomorrow and to Christine's father Jack who will be 80. ( I know how to get in good with the in laws - have their grandson on Opa's birthday) Love to all
Scott
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Connected
Hi All,
Monday 10:30a June 22,2009
Like that old cowboy song, Back in the Saddle Again- I now have Internet at home. Spent almost 2 hours talking to Alex and Christine last night on Skype. It was wonderful to see and talk to Alex as it's been since early March (before I left) since the last time I laid eyes on him. He will be home for almost a month before returning to Annapolis where he will be part of the Cadre instructing the new Plebes during Plebe Summer (a 7 week indoctrination period their first summer universally hated by all midshipman before classes begin)
As you all know I was involved in a fender bender after 23 hours of owning my new car. Well it finally went into the shop this morning and I'm "supposed" to have it back in 3 days. I am hopeful but also realistic - time and schedules are a foreign concept here. We shall see.
Good news - Hanie passed his drivers test today - Since he has an Indian passport, he cannot just convert his license like an American can. He had to take classes then today was his driving test. He calls me and tells me the driving test goes like this - A minivan with 2 evaluators - one beside you and one behind you (to watch your eyes to be sure your checking your mirrors) and 15 other people taking the driving test all jammed into the minivan - most of course, who as Hanie called them, "smelly"- Hanie is jammed in the corner and with no A/C working - Ahh the perfume of sweaty humans endures the process - The process is the first guy drives for a few miles, they stop the van and out goes the driver -to the side of the road - new driver takes his place and off they go. It's up to you to get back to the Drivers License office. I'm not sure if that's a reflection on if you passed the test or not - but some poor schmuck got dropped on the freeway - See Ya ! Hanie was fortunate?? to be the last driver in the van and was dropped near the Grand Mosque so he was able to hail a cab. - He made it back to the License branch and got his new license after about an hour's wait. What an ordeal .
The villa is shaping up nicely and with the addition of some poster art, the walls are not so bare. I did discover something new - did you know that not all DVD players can play all DVD's ?
I didn't - I have a "made for America" player and had bought some DVD's locally - well I get this message - "Cannot play DVD from this location Code" - WHAT ? I go to the manual and sure enough - I had "made for area 2 or 4" DVD's and a "made for area 1" player. So off I go and buy a cheapo DVD player for AREA 2 or 4 and all's good. - You learn something new every day.
I also broke down and bought some Bose speakers for the stereo. Still haven't hooked them up yet as I need to get the shelves up that will hold them and then hook up the DVD player(s)(does video goes to one device and audio to another ?) satellite, TV to the amplifier so all sound goes thru the Bose. I need a teenager to come show me how to hook these all up - I used to be a semi-technophobe - but that was when we still had LP's and reel-to-reel. Now I'm trying to figure out how to connect my iPod and Laptop to the amplifier to hear the tunes contained therein. Any techie out there want to come and help me figure this out? On top of all this I now have 5 count them 5 different remotes - Yes Guys I have 5 remotes - That's right - betcha you have "remote envy" ! I don't care who you are , that's funny on several levels HAHAHA
That's all for now
Love Scott
Monday 10:30a June 22,2009
Like that old cowboy song, Back in the Saddle Again- I now have Internet at home. Spent almost 2 hours talking to Alex and Christine last night on Skype. It was wonderful to see and talk to Alex as it's been since early March (before I left) since the last time I laid eyes on him. He will be home for almost a month before returning to Annapolis where he will be part of the Cadre instructing the new Plebes during Plebe Summer (a 7 week indoctrination period their first summer universally hated by all midshipman before classes begin)
As you all know I was involved in a fender bender after 23 hours of owning my new car. Well it finally went into the shop this morning and I'm "supposed" to have it back in 3 days. I am hopeful but also realistic - time and schedules are a foreign concept here. We shall see.
Good news - Hanie passed his drivers test today - Since he has an Indian passport, he cannot just convert his license like an American can. He had to take classes then today was his driving test. He calls me and tells me the driving test goes like this - A minivan with 2 evaluators - one beside you and one behind you (to watch your eyes to be sure your checking your mirrors) and 15 other people taking the driving test all jammed into the minivan - most of course, who as Hanie called them, "smelly"- Hanie is jammed in the corner and with no A/C working - Ahh the perfume of sweaty humans endures the process - The process is the first guy drives for a few miles, they stop the van and out goes the driver -to the side of the road - new driver takes his place and off they go. It's up to you to get back to the Drivers License office. I'm not sure if that's a reflection on if you passed the test or not - but some poor schmuck got dropped on the freeway - See Ya ! Hanie was fortunate?? to be the last driver in the van and was dropped near the Grand Mosque so he was able to hail a cab. - He made it back to the License branch and got his new license after about an hour's wait. What an ordeal .
The villa is shaping up nicely and with the addition of some poster art, the walls are not so bare. I did discover something new - did you know that not all DVD players can play all DVD's ?
I didn't - I have a "made for America" player and had bought some DVD's locally - well I get this message - "Cannot play DVD from this location Code" - WHAT ? I go to the manual and sure enough - I had "made for area 2 or 4" DVD's and a "made for area 1" player. So off I go and buy a cheapo DVD player for AREA 2 or 4 and all's good. - You learn something new every day.
I also broke down and bought some Bose speakers for the stereo. Still haven't hooked them up yet as I need to get the shelves up that will hold them and then hook up the DVD player(s)(does video goes to one device and audio to another ?) satellite, TV to the amplifier so all sound goes thru the Bose. I need a teenager to come show me how to hook these all up - I used to be a semi-technophobe - but that was when we still had LP's and reel-to-reel. Now I'm trying to figure out how to connect my iPod and Laptop to the amplifier to hear the tunes contained therein. Any techie out there want to come and help me figure this out? On top of all this I now have 5 count them 5 different remotes - Yes Guys I have 5 remotes - That's right - betcha you have "remote envy" ! I don't care who you are , that's funny on several levels HAHAHA
That's all for now
Love Scott
Friday, June 19, 2009
Our George Washington, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918- 2004) was the United Arab Emirates first ruler and is held in reverence.
Now that's a garage - A real Guy Palace !
Blowing sand in the desert - looks just like snow doesn't it?
A sign of wealth is to have camels - this is out in the Western Region - in the middle of the desert.
I've been watching this building go up and as it progresses , it becomes even more lopsided - looking like it will topple any moment - which is the intent. The central core is vertical ( for the elevators) but each successive floor is cantilevered out from the one below. Great architecture and the money to indulge the architects designs. This is right next to the Exhibition Center - what we would call a convention center. 
The Royal entrance to the Emirates Place see ramp up to private entrance.
The Main building of the Emirates Place. Royal entrance on the right to hotel.
Rear view of Royal entrance - note how ramp goes up to private entrance.
When in Rome - do as the Romans - Christine at the Grand Mosque
Christine looking great at the Shangrilla Hotel.
One of 3 huge chandeliers (this is the smaller one, they are all alike) in the main prayer room. Look at detail of walls in rear -this is a must see place.
Detail of chandelier while laying on my back on the largest one piece carpet in the world.It's all crystal.
The prayer clock - it will flash from this message( the six daily prayer names) to a time indicating what time of day prayers begin. In the middle are 2 dates, One the date we were there - June 11, 2009 and the Muslim calendar date June 18, 1430 - the date from which Mohammad did something.
Here we are in the Grand Mosque main prayer room with a Japanese Rear Admiral. His contingent of aides is behind the camera. We spoke to him for 15 minutes. He just arrived with his task force on his way to join the US Navy forces in patrolling the Gulf of Aden against Somali pirates. Of course we bragged on Alex and he was dutifully impressed. Cultures differences here are unique and celebrated. What a wonderful experience.
Lastly - look closely - the sign on left says Shoe Store in English and same on right in Arabic - you know Christine - She'll find a shoe store anywhere she goes - even the Grand Mosque !
The prayer clock - it will flash from this message( the six daily prayer names) to a time indicating what time of day prayers begin. In the middle are 2 dates, One the date we were there - June 11, 2009 and the Muslim calendar date June 18, 1430 - the date from which Mohammad did something.
Here we are in the Grand Mosque main prayer room with a Japanese Rear Admiral. His contingent of aides is behind the camera. We spoke to him for 15 minutes. He just arrived with his task force on his way to join the US Navy forces in patrolling the Gulf of Aden against Somali pirates. Of course we bragged on Alex and he was dutifully impressed. Cultures differences here are unique and celebrated. What a wonderful experience.
Lastly - look closely - the sign on left says Shoe Store in English and same on right in Arabic - you know Christine - She'll find a shoe store anywhere she goes - even the Grand Mosque ! Actually this is to store your shoes when you enter the mosque - must enter barefooted or with socks- as with all mosques -but you usually see a big pile of sandals outside the local mosques - how they find their way back to the rightful owner is a mystery to me.
Just note how HOT Christine is in the abaya Hubba- Hubba
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