Marhaba ! Hello / Welcome
It's Dec 30 , not quite New Year 2009, but yesterday was the new year of the Islamic calendar, which follows the lunar cycle of 28 days (I think). Finally went back to work today and of course, no one received the "MEMO" that there was going to be a base wide power outage. So, after getting the simulator all powered up and running and in the process of flying around to test the systems, the power outage happens and so there we sit for 3 hours til it comes back on. So Much fun! I work again tomorrow and then have the real new years day off, then the week end. Maybe next week things will get back to "Normal" pace. I sure hope so.
Received some Christmas cards today at work , one from Mom and the other from my Aunt Dot. Was nice to get real mail, but I get e-mail all the time, so it's not like I am not in touch. Kim sends me care packages every now and then, stuffed with things I can't find locally.
Kim will be arriving here next week to spend 3 months with me. This will actually be the first time in 31 years of marriage that we will be away from the girls and spending time together alone. Sort of empty nesting. I am sure we will talk to "them" daily via internet and Skype (voip) telephone, But then we can just hang up! ha ha! Maybe if I get a long week end we can fly to Dubai or somewhere close for a sight see visit. I still want to get to Australia some day, but we will see.
Tonight I am having a baked potato for dinner. Did not feel like fixing anything else. Added some Mrs. Dash, butter, and sour cream. Yummy..!
Well, take it easy. TTYL
Ma'asalama
Mike
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Dec 7
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister Barbara. I would tell you her age but then she would kill me. Also, today is Pearl Harbor Day.
I have been back from R&R for over a week now and I am getting back into the swing of things. Like before, when I first got here, I came down with a cold and have had a stuffy head and cough for about a week, but it is subsiding now and although I feel great, I still have that nagging tickle in my throat which cause a cough.
The weather here is now SO pleasant, with daytime temps in the 70's and night time lows in the low 60's or maybe high 50's. No Dust, just crystal clear sky's and gentle breezes. (Sounds like an advertisement for tourism).
This is the week of the Hajj and will be followed by Eid al-Adha or Eid. (click the links)
Update on the heater situation. Before R&R, every time I turned on the space heaters I bought the main circuit breaker would open up, which seemed odd to me since the mains breaker is 40 amp and the circuit that the heater was plugged into was 15 amp. When I arrived back , I was told that the A/C technicians would be making some changes to the Air conditioning system to convert it to heat for the winter season. I had loaned a heater to Greg for him to check it out, and he reported back that it worked fine for an entire day. The central system does not work yet but on a whim I plugged one of the heaters back in and it now works fine. Go Figure that out. I suspect that the Technician that was working on the A/C found a problem with the electrical and fixed it. I will never know.
So now I am sitting in my entertainment room with a space heater on and am watching CNN. All is well (fingers crossed).
Well, time to go for now.
I wish all "Happy Holidays" and "Eid Mubarak"
Ma'assalama (go in peace)
Mike
I have been back from R&R for over a week now and I am getting back into the swing of things. Like before, when I first got here, I came down with a cold and have had a stuffy head and cough for about a week, but it is subsiding now and although I feel great, I still have that nagging tickle in my throat which cause a cough.
The weather here is now SO pleasant, with daytime temps in the 70's and night time lows in the low 60's or maybe high 50's. No Dust, just crystal clear sky's and gentle breezes. (Sounds like an advertisement for tourism).
This is the week of the Hajj and will be followed by Eid al-Adha or Eid. (click the links)
Update on the heater situation. Before R&R, every time I turned on the space heaters I bought the main circuit breaker would open up, which seemed odd to me since the mains breaker is 40 amp and the circuit that the heater was plugged into was 15 amp. When I arrived back , I was told that the A/C technicians would be making some changes to the Air conditioning system to convert it to heat for the winter season. I had loaned a heater to Greg for him to check it out, and he reported back that it worked fine for an entire day. The central system does not work yet but on a whim I plugged one of the heaters back in and it now works fine. Go Figure that out. I suspect that the Technician that was working on the A/C found a problem with the electrical and fixed it. I will never know.
So now I am sitting in my entertainment room with a space heater on and am watching CNN. All is well (fingers crossed).
Well, time to go for now.
I wish all "Happy Holidays" and "Eid Mubarak"
Ma'assalama (go in peace)
Mike
Thursday, November 20, 2008
R&R update
I have been home for 2 weeks now and have another week to go before I head back to Q8. The weather here has been good for the most part, we had some snow flurries while I was visiting mom and I saw a few here at the beach but nothing really to brag about. I have had a bit of erratic operation on the motorcycle, seems like a fuel delivery problem, like maybe a fuel strainer is clogged, I am not sure and it has been too darn cold to investigate. I would have to remove the tank and remove the fuel shutoff valve, and I just have not had time to do that. I am still riding the bike although it quit running while stopped at a light and I had to push it to the side of the highway until I got it running again. Took a few minutes, but it started back up and ran really good for the remainder of the ride. I thought maybe it was some old gas, but filling it up did not improve the performance, so I will stick to the fuel strainer theory for now.
Went up to visit my mom and took her to dinner for her birthday. Cathy and Lee, Barbara and Charles joined us and we all had a good meal and visit. It was nice to see everyone and chat and take pictures. The next day Mom prepared a meatloaf for dinner then we said goodbye and headed back down the mountain to the beach.
This last week here I am planning to just relax and maybe do some yard work if its not too awfully cold, then pack up my stuff and head on back.
I will keep you posted on anything else that happens.
TTYL
Mike
Went up to visit my mom and took her to dinner for her birthday. Cathy and Lee, Barbara and Charles joined us and we all had a good meal and visit. It was nice to see everyone and chat and take pictures. The next day Mom prepared a meatloaf for dinner then we said goodbye and headed back down the mountain to the beach.
This last week here I am planning to just relax and maybe do some yard work if its not too awfully cold, then pack up my stuff and head on back.
I will keep you posted on anything else that happens.
TTYL
Mike
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Home again for a few weeks..
I left Kuwait early Friday morning (12:40 am Kuwait time ) and arrived in D.C. at approximately 6 am eastern time. The flight was long and boring and uncomfortable. I believe they make the seats as hard as possible hoping that you will upgrade your seats to something else, I am not sure about that , but I would not doubt it at all. Customs went smoothly, and I was soon on my way to the connecting flight to Norfolk. Arrived in a bit early, 9:34 am and was met by ALL my girls and Kimberly. Hugs and kisses were exchanged but Lyssa seemed a bit shy at first.
The weather is somewhat warm for November but that's what I wanted so I can get some riding in while home. I took everyone to lunch at Kelly's Tavern and we all had a good time and I enjoyed a large cold beer, saw some other friends, then headed home. The rest of the day was a washout as I was pretty tired, but Kim had some appointments and I needed to call a plumber because of a problem with a sink drain. Getting all that squared away, I then went to the mall and got Carla to cut my hair, since I had not had a decent haircut in months. Finally got back home and watched a few shows on TV but was falling asleep, so I went to bed early.
The weather is somewhat warm for November but that's what I wanted so I can get some riding in while home. I took everyone to lunch at Kelly's Tavern and we all had a good time and I enjoyed a large cold beer, saw some other friends, then headed home. The rest of the day was a washout as I was pretty tired, but Kim had some appointments and I needed to call a plumber because of a problem with a sink drain. Getting all that squared away, I then went to the mall and got Carla to cut my hair, since I had not had a decent haircut in months. Finally got back home and watched a few shows on TV but was falling asleep, so I went to bed early.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
R&R Time
Assalamu Aliakum,
Well I am just sitting here in my flat waiting for the time to go to Kuwait International and head home for a 3 week R&R. I am pretty much packed and ready to go , BUT... I can't decide if I need or want to bring my laptop with me. Not so much that I don't want to , but it's the hassle of airport security that I would rather avoid. I used to love flying, but now it's just a pain, with the long lines, the redundant and sometimes absurd security checks, but I know that it is all necessary.
The flight is about 14 hours long from KWI to Dulles, Washington, DC. Then another flight from DC to Norfolk for a scheduled total trip time of nearly 18 hours. So, I hope I am able to get a nap on the plane. I also hope the movies have changed since last flight.
Well I hope to see all when I get back home. I plan to visit my mom and help her celebrate her birthday and take her to dinner. Then I have a few home projects that need to be done.
I really hope the weather is nice as I want to get some riding in on my motorcycle while home.
TTYL
Mike
Well I am just sitting here in my flat waiting for the time to go to Kuwait International and head home for a 3 week R&R. I am pretty much packed and ready to go , BUT... I can't decide if I need or want to bring my laptop with me. Not so much that I don't want to , but it's the hassle of airport security that I would rather avoid. I used to love flying, but now it's just a pain, with the long lines, the redundant and sometimes absurd security checks, but I know that it is all necessary.
The flight is about 14 hours long from KWI to Dulles, Washington, DC. Then another flight from DC to Norfolk for a scheduled total trip time of nearly 18 hours. So, I hope I am able to get a nap on the plane. I also hope the movies have changed since last flight.
Well I hope to see all when I get back home. I plan to visit my mom and help her celebrate her birthday and take her to dinner. Then I have a few home projects that need to be done.
I really hope the weather is nice as I want to get some riding in on my motorcycle while home.
TTYL
Mike
Monday, November 3, 2008
Burrr!!
Assalamu Aliakum!
Still raining and its even chilly outside. Temp is currently 59 F. and a drizzle coming down. I tried to check out my space heaters but the main circuit breaker in the house kept "popping". My best guess is that the circuit breaker is not adequate enough for the load. It looks to me that it is only a 40 ampere breaker, and if that is the case then it will have to be replaced with one with a larger rating. Trying to translate this to the "Harris" (houseboy) will be fun, he will then have to convince the owner that a perfectly good circuit breaker needs to be replaced. Oh well, I am thinking about searching for a different place to live after the new year. I have heard of some apartments going up for around 300 KD and that would save me a bundle monthly. I like my place now but it has several things about it that I am just getting tired of, such as the windows leaking which allows dust to get in, and now the electrical problems. My apartment is an extension of the family villa downstairs that has a temporary wall to separate the up from downstairs. It does the job but I still feel like I have no privacy as I can hear the downstairs people talking, hear the dog barking, the cat meowing and when they cook I get the aroma's of their kitchen in my flat. Honestly for the amount of money I pay for rent I would expect better, but I think this is a problem all over, so before I make any rash decisions about moving, I better check out the other side of the fence first.
But the main problem to tackle now is the electrical and the heat. Did I ever mention that Kuwaiti homes do not have heaters built in as a rule. Most people have space heaters.
Oh well!
Ma'assalama ya'll
Be home in 4 days......Can't wait!!
Mike
Still raining and its even chilly outside. Temp is currently 59 F. and a drizzle coming down. I tried to check out my space heaters but the main circuit breaker in the house kept "popping". My best guess is that the circuit breaker is not adequate enough for the load. It looks to me that it is only a 40 ampere breaker, and if that is the case then it will have to be replaced with one with a larger rating. Trying to translate this to the "Harris" (houseboy) will be fun, he will then have to convince the owner that a perfectly good circuit breaker needs to be replaced. Oh well, I am thinking about searching for a different place to live after the new year. I have heard of some apartments going up for around 300 KD and that would save me a bundle monthly. I like my place now but it has several things about it that I am just getting tired of, such as the windows leaking which allows dust to get in, and now the electrical problems. My apartment is an extension of the family villa downstairs that has a temporary wall to separate the up from downstairs. It does the job but I still feel like I have no privacy as I can hear the downstairs people talking, hear the dog barking, the cat meowing and when they cook I get the aroma's of their kitchen in my flat. Honestly for the amount of money I pay for rent I would expect better, but I think this is a problem all over, so before I make any rash decisions about moving, I better check out the other side of the fence first.
But the main problem to tackle now is the electrical and the heat. Did I ever mention that Kuwaiti homes do not have heaters built in as a rule. Most people have space heaters.
Oh well!
Ma'assalama ya'll
Be home in 4 days......Can't wait!!
Mike
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
It's Raining!!
I got home from work and was taking a nap when I heard all kinds of noise coming from outside. Waking up completely, I realized it was thunder. I looked outside and this is what I saw. It is so nice to see it rain.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Surprise!, Surprise!
Assalamu Aliakum!
Last night I received a very surprising "Skype phone call" from my old friend Norman Harrell, the "Original Stormin' Norman". I guess he had contacted Kim and she provided him with my Skype name so he called me. It was really great to chat with him about things that are going on in our lives. I congratulated him on his recent marriage to Laura and talked about other events and friends and such. Norman told me of old friends and acquaintances that were at his wedding, some I have not seen in over 20 years, but then again I didn't know he was planning to get married. I will probably stop by and see him in person when I get home on R&R in a few weeks. Norman is a really great singer and song writer I have known since 1972 and he still plays a few gigs, so I go to listen and socialize whenever I can.
About 3 weeks and counting down!!
Ma'assalama
TTYL
Mike
Last night I received a very surprising "Skype phone call" from my old friend Norman Harrell, the "Original Stormin' Norman". I guess he had contacted Kim and she provided him with my Skype name so he called me. It was really great to chat with him about things that are going on in our lives. I congratulated him on his recent marriage to Laura and talked about other events and friends and such. Norman told me of old friends and acquaintances that were at his wedding, some I have not seen in over 20 years, but then again I didn't know he was planning to get married. I will probably stop by and see him in person when I get home on R&R in a few weeks. Norman is a really great singer and song writer I have known since 1972 and he still plays a few gigs, so I go to listen and socialize whenever I can.
About 3 weeks and counting down!!
Ma'assalama
TTYL
Mike
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Dinner Salad..
Today I got home from work and decided to fix a bite to eat. Well, I have some lettuce and tomatoes, cucumbers, some soy beans and sunflower seeds, onions, bell peppers and all the fixin's for a salad, so I took that route. But I need something else
to put into it. Looking in the freezer I found just what I needed. Chicken Breast! I then fired up the easy bake oven and broiled me 2 breast fillets, seasoned with Mrs. Dash, and in no time at all I had some great smells coming out of the oven. Now I had to fabricate a salad dressing with things on hand, so it was a homemade Italian style (oil and vinegar) with more Mrs. Dash ( really wonderful stuff ). Now the chicken is cooked and sliced for the salad, the dressing is made, as is the salad. Put it all together and VOILA!!
to put into it. Looking in the freezer I found just what I needed. Chicken Breast! I then fired up the easy bake oven and broiled me 2 breast fillets, seasoned with Mrs. Dash, and in no time at all I had some great smells coming out of the oven. Now I had to fabricate a salad dressing with things on hand, so it was a homemade Italian style (oil and vinegar) with more Mrs. Dash ( really wonderful stuff ). Now the chicken is cooked and sliced for the salad, the dressing is made, as is the salad. Put it all together and VOILA!!Monday, September 22, 2008
Do You Think it could get any more BORING?
Into the third week of Ramadan. For us folks not wrapped into the Muslim religion, this is about as boring a life as you can possibly imagine.
Kuwait is a boring place to start with unless you have TONS of money to spend. Because it is so hot with temps well over 100 F., Everything must be done indoors. Mall Crawling, Theaters, eating establishments. However, during Ramadan , everything is closed during the daytime, opening up in the early evening (about 8pm). For us working folks, thats really not a choice. I get up at 4 am in the morning and usually I am in bed by 8 pm. Its a good thing I can cook. Also nice I can eat my own cooking.
During Ramadan I have been using the WII sports and WII fit machine quite heavily. I bought a new game for it , Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 Golf game. It keeps me occupied in the afternoons. I have also become pretty good at the WII sports games. I really like the bowling game, and the golf game was what prompted me to get the TW09 game. Baseball is not bad at all either. The WII fit games has some aerobic exercises that can really build up a sweat. I wish they where a little more intense or competitive and not so arcade game-ish. It seems that just when I start to get into the event and working up a good sweat, the game is over and you have to restart it. A good example is the Hula Hoop thingie. Great concept for exercising, but it could use some tweaking. I have been able to loose some weight using the Wii machine.
Well, it will all be over in about 10 days or less (I hope), then things can get back to a normal level of BOREDOM.
TTYL
Ma'assalama
Kuwait is a boring place to start with unless you have TONS of money to spend. Because it is so hot with temps well over 100 F., Everything must be done indoors. Mall Crawling, Theaters, eating establishments. However, during Ramadan , everything is closed during the daytime, opening up in the early evening (about 8pm). For us working folks, thats really not a choice. I get up at 4 am in the morning and usually I am in bed by 8 pm. Its a good thing I can cook. Also nice I can eat my own cooking.
During Ramadan I have been using the WII sports and WII fit machine quite heavily. I bought a new game for it , Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 Golf game. It keeps me occupied in the afternoons. I have also become pretty good at the WII sports games. I really like the bowling game, and the golf game was what prompted me to get the TW09 game. Baseball is not bad at all either. The WII fit games has some aerobic exercises that can really build up a sweat. I wish they where a little more intense or competitive and not so arcade game-ish. It seems that just when I start to get into the event and working up a good sweat, the game is over and you have to restart it. A good example is the Hula Hoop thingie. Great concept for exercising, but it could use some tweaking. I have been able to loose some weight using the Wii machine.
Well, it will all be over in about 10 days or less (I hope), then things can get back to a normal level of BOREDOM.
TTYL
Ma'assalama
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Ramadan Kareem!!
15 SEPT 2008
The other night I saw something that reminded me of the carolers at Christmas and the kids "Trick or Treating" during Halloween, all combined. Children (accompanied by adults) appeared to be going door to door, from one house to the next, ringing the door bell, saying a few words to the house owner then moving on. The young boys were dressed in their finest Dishdasha's and the young girls were dressed in their prettiest dresses. I did see the kids carrying what appeared to be a sack for the treats. My guess is that they were just going door to door collecting sweets and treats and wishing everyone a ..
"RAMADAN KAREEM".
The other night I saw something that reminded me of the carolers at Christmas and the kids "Trick or Treating" during Halloween, all combined. Children (accompanied by adults) appeared to be going door to door, from one house to the next, ringing the door bell, saying a few words to the house owner then moving on. The young boys were dressed in their finest Dishdasha's and the young girls were dressed in their prettiest dresses. I did see the kids carrying what appeared to be a sack for the treats. My guess is that they were just going door to door collecting sweets and treats and wishing everyone a ..
"RAMADAN KAREEM".
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Ramadan Kareem!
Assalamu Alikum
Well I have been back for over a week and we are in our second week of Ramadan. I find it very unusual that just about every business is closed during the fasting hours and then its business as usual with extended hours after the daily fast. In theory, Ramadan should only apply to muslims here in Kuwait, but it really applies to all. They have special police patrolling and looking for offenders, people who take a drink of water or eat or smoke in public.
I went into KWC to the Avenues mall last Thursday ( my last work day for the week ) to pay my internet service bill and then get a bite to eat when the food court opened at 6:30 pm. The ISP kiosk did not open until 8 pm. I arrived at the mall at 5:30 pm and had some grocery shopping to do at Carrefour, fortunately they were open. You can obviousely buy food for preparation, but not food ready to eat. Anyway, I got that shopping done, and then strolled around the mall, people watching while waiting, I stopped at a Starbucks across from the kiosk( after 6:30 ) and had an enjoyable time looking at the people in the mall. Most of the food service places opened at 6:30 but the majority of the businesses did not open until 8:00. I guess they make up for lost revenue by having the extended late night hours and then the places are bustling with activity once the businesses get opened.
I have found for myself that Ramadan is a great way to stay on a diet. Since a person is not allowed to eat or drink in public or in the presence of a Muslim during the fasting hours ( sunrise to sunset ), then I find it not difficult at all to not snack at work. In fact I may have lost some weight already, so I do not mind the fasting.
Tomorrow is my 60th birthday. WOO HOO! Recalling back to my 20's I never thought about being this age. I recall my dad being 60, and I never thought he was old. I think sometimes "I am too young to be this old".
Well everyone have a great day, Look for more as things happen.
Ma'assalama
TTYL
Well I have been back for over a week and we are in our second week of Ramadan. I find it very unusual that just about every business is closed during the fasting hours and then its business as usual with extended hours after the daily fast. In theory, Ramadan should only apply to muslims here in Kuwait, but it really applies to all. They have special police patrolling and looking for offenders, people who take a drink of water or eat or smoke in public.
I went into KWC to the Avenues mall last Thursday ( my last work day for the week ) to pay my internet service bill and then get a bite to eat when the food court opened at 6:30 pm. The ISP kiosk did not open until 8 pm. I arrived at the mall at 5:30 pm and had some grocery shopping to do at Carrefour, fortunately they were open. You can obviousely buy food for preparation, but not food ready to eat. Anyway, I got that shopping done, and then strolled around the mall, people watching while waiting, I stopped at a Starbucks across from the kiosk( after 6:30 ) and had an enjoyable time looking at the people in the mall. Most of the food service places opened at 6:30 but the majority of the businesses did not open until 8:00. I guess they make up for lost revenue by having the extended late night hours and then the places are bustling with activity once the businesses get opened.
I have found for myself that Ramadan is a great way to stay on a diet. Since a person is not allowed to eat or drink in public or in the presence of a Muslim during the fasting hours ( sunrise to sunset ), then I find it not difficult at all to not snack at work. In fact I may have lost some weight already, so I do not mind the fasting.
Tomorrow is my 60th birthday. WOO HOO! Recalling back to my 20's I never thought about being this age. I recall my dad being 60, and I never thought he was old. I think sometimes "I am too young to be this old".
Well everyone have a great day, Look for more as things happen.
Ma'assalama
TTYL
Sunday, August 31, 2008
I'm Back
Arrived back in Kuwait on Friday afternoon (29 August). The airline flight was long and boring and cramped. We (because of budgetary constraints) always get booked in steerage, oops I mean coach. Makes you feel so important way back there knowing that all the first class passengers will die first in a crash. What a comfort!
Photo's from Kim's fathers funeral can be seen on her blog, so go there and check them out. We had a very pleasant trip to northern Va. and also visited my sister Carolyn's home in Frederick MD. That is a very nice area. Very scenic and full of historic places. I will definitely have to visit there again. After leaving Maryland, we proceeded to D.C. to sight see there. Could not find a parking space anywhere near the areas we wanted to visit. so we went to the hotel to park. Then we walked to the White House, and around that area ending up at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial where Kim looked up her cousin who was awarded the Medal Of Honor. I also found the name of a friend of mine who was killed there also.
We made it back to the hotel after a few hours of walking and turned on the TV to see a news report about a bear cub that was caught in Carolyn's neighborhood and was released in the very
area where we were sightseeing that morning. How about that!
Krista sold my pickup truck to a friend of a friend. I really hated to see the old truck go, but it has a new home now and maybe someone to work on it. I just did not have the time, and letting it sit for another few years would not have been good.
Tomorrow (1 September) marks the start of Ramadan here in Kuwait.
Ma'assalama
TTYL
Mike
Photo's from Kim's fathers funeral can be seen on her blog, so go there and check them out. We had a very pleasant trip to northern Va. and also visited my sister Carolyn's home in Frederick MD. That is a very nice area. Very scenic and full of historic places. I will definitely have to visit there again. After leaving Maryland, we proceeded to D.C. to sight see there. Could not find a parking space anywhere near the areas we wanted to visit. so we went to the hotel to park. Then we walked to the White House, and around that area ending up at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial where Kim looked up her cousin who was awarded the Medal Of Honor. I also found the name of a friend of mine who was killed there also.
We made it back to the hotel after a few hours of walking and turned on the TV to see a news report about a bear cub that was caught in Carolyn's neighborhood and was released in the very
area where we were sightseeing that morning. How about that!
Krista sold my pickup truck to a friend of a friend. I really hated to see the old truck go, but it has a new home now and maybe someone to work on it. I just did not have the time, and letting it sit for another few years would not have been good.
Tomorrow (1 September) marks the start of Ramadan here in Kuwait.
Ma'assalama
TTYL
Mike
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Almost Time... to go
Assalamu alaikum..
Two more days, It feels as if Christmas is coming. Got word today I should have my Exit letter tomorrow. Thats good as I leave the day after. I only dread the long flight. Hopefully I can get some sleep on the plane and arrive somewhat rested on Friday. Its only a 7 hour time difference from here to there, but I seem to burn out fast when my body says it is time to sleep. So I will try to stay awake on the flight for the first 5 hours and then sleep until the last hour or so.
I may not be making posts to the blog while not in Kuwait, but you never know. So Stay tuned.
Ma'assalama
TTYL
Two more days, It feels as if Christmas is coming. Got word today I should have my Exit letter tomorrow. Thats good as I leave the day after. I only dread the long flight. Hopefully I can get some sleep on the plane and arrive somewhat rested on Friday. Its only a 7 hour time difference from here to there, but I seem to burn out fast when my body says it is time to sleep. So I will try to stay awake on the flight for the first 5 hours and then sleep until the last hour or so.
I may not be making posts to the blog while not in Kuwait, but you never know. So Stay tuned.
Ma'assalama
TTYL
Friday, August 15, 2008
Going Home for a visit...
Assalamu alaikum..
In six days I will be getting on a flight to the US for a short visit and the unpleasant task of attending the funeral of Kim's Dad. Jim passed away recently and his funeral service will be in Arlington National Cemetery on 26 August 2008. I was able to get emergency leave and will be attending.
I will also be very busy as I have some medical appointments to take care of while home and then the drive to DC. I plan to visit my sister for a day in Maryland, Plan to do some sightseeing in DC while there and then return to home and then back to Kuwait.
Not too much has happened here in Kuwait. It is still too hot outside during the day for activities and I have observed the Kuwaiti's do most everything during the late evening when it is a bit cooler. At least then the sun is down and it is not scorching, but it is still "HOT".
Ramadan starts in a few weeks and that will be an experience for me. The Muslims take the observance of Ramadan very seriously, please click the link to learn more about this religious time.
Ma'assalama
TTYL
In six days I will be getting on a flight to the US for a short visit and the unpleasant task of attending the funeral of Kim's Dad. Jim passed away recently and his funeral service will be in Arlington National Cemetery on 26 August 2008. I was able to get emergency leave and will be attending.
I will also be very busy as I have some medical appointments to take care of while home and then the drive to DC. I plan to visit my sister for a day in Maryland, Plan to do some sightseeing in DC while there and then return to home and then back to Kuwait.
Not too much has happened here in Kuwait. It is still too hot outside during the day for activities and I have observed the Kuwaiti's do most everything during the late evening when it is a bit cooler. At least then the sun is down and it is not scorching, but it is still "HOT".
Ramadan starts in a few weeks and that will be an experience for me. The Muslims take the observance of Ramadan very seriously, please click the link to learn more about this religious time.
Life is precious and everyone only has a fixed number of days. So..
Love your friends and family like tomorrow will be "YOUR" last day.
Never forget to tell those you do love that you "LOVE" them.
It will make you feel better.
Love your friends and family like tomorrow will be "YOUR" last day.
Never forget to tell those you do love that you "LOVE" them.
It will make you feel better.
Ma'assalama
TTYL
Sunday, August 10, 2008
They Have Gone...
I am so alone.
Kim and Ashleigh got on the big jet and flew back to the states last night. I got back to the flat and noticed how quiet it was. About the only noises I did hear was the downstairs neighbors dog barking, and the traffic on the street outside. The place seems so much bigger now, and lonelier. It's a good thing I was pretty tired because I may have had a hard time getting to sleep otherwise. Dropping them off at the airport was different. I was not allowed in the passenger check in area so we had to say goodbye outside, however I forgot to give Kim some KD for the baggage porter tip so I broke the rules and went inside anyway, gave her a few KD for the tip, said goodbye again to them both. and then watched as they processed through the line from outside the glass barrier.
I stayed until I felt like they were processed through and then left to head back to the apartment. I am really going to miss them being here, but I know this can be a boring place for them while I am working, They had very little to do until I got home. Right now I am at work checking the flight status on occasion and I see they have landed in DC and are waiting for the DC to Norfolk flight to get underway. Will give them a call later tonight.
Kim and Ashleigh got on the big jet and flew back to the states last night. I got back to the flat and noticed how quiet it was. About the only noises I did hear was the downstairs neighbors dog barking, and the traffic on the street outside. The place seems so much bigger now, and lonelier. It's a good thing I was pretty tired because I may have had a hard time getting to sleep otherwise. Dropping them off at the airport was different. I was not allowed in the passenger check in area so we had to say goodbye outside, however I forgot to give Kim some KD for the baggage porter tip so I broke the rules and went inside anyway, gave her a few KD for the tip, said goodbye again to them both. and then watched as they processed through the line from outside the glass barrier.
I stayed until I felt like they were processed through and then left to head back to the apartment. I am really going to miss them being here, but I know this can be a boring place for them while I am working, They had very little to do until I got home. Right now I am at work checking the flight status on occasion and I see they have landed in DC and are waiting for the DC to Norfolk flight to get underway. Will give them a call later tonight.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
End "O" July
Assalamu alaikum ,
The end is here! End of July I mean. That means that Kim and Ashleigh will be leaving in 10 days. I am sure going to miss them when they are gone, but maybe I will be able to watch some TV again (Ash hogs the set watching "Scooby Doo"), but that's OK since it keeps her busy.
It has been wonderful having a drivers license. I have been driving to work and of course the ability to go shopping whenever I please, is great.
I am still planning to be stateside from Aug 22 and leaving Aug 28. Kimberly's fathers funeral will be at Arlington National Cemetery on August 26. We will be staying one night in DC at Jury's Washington Hotel , but I want to visit sister Carolyn at her home in Maryland the day before and also try to do some sight seeing in DC. So much to do with so little time.
The days here seem to be getting shorter as the sun is coming up later in the morning, but the temperatures are still as hot as can be. Today's temp is 115 and the tomorrow is expected to be 119 or higher (or lower) depending on the source.
Well that's about all I can think of for today. Please check out Kimberly's Blog for daily pictures of our sightseeing adventures in Kuwait.
Ma'assalama
The end is here! End of July I mean. That means that Kim and Ashleigh will be leaving in 10 days. I am sure going to miss them when they are gone, but maybe I will be able to watch some TV again (Ash hogs the set watching "Scooby Doo"), but that's OK since it keeps her busy.
It has been wonderful having a drivers license. I have been driving to work and of course the ability to go shopping whenever I please, is great.
I am still planning to be stateside from Aug 22 and leaving Aug 28. Kimberly's fathers funeral will be at Arlington National Cemetery on August 26. We will be staying one night in DC at Jury's Washington Hotel , but I want to visit sister Carolyn at her home in Maryland the day before and also try to do some sight seeing in DC. So much to do with so little time.
The days here seem to be getting shorter as the sun is coming up later in the morning, but the temperatures are still as hot as can be. Today's temp is 115 and the tomorrow is expected to be 119 or higher (or lower) depending on the source.
Well that's about all I can think of for today. Please check out Kimberly's Blog for daily pictures of our sightseeing adventures in Kuwait.
Ma'assalama
Friday, July 18, 2008
News Flash Update!!!
Yeah. Finally. I have gotten my Kuwait Drivers License and a car to drive. I feel like the chains have been cut off my legs, as I am now able to move about freely, to come and go as I please. You just don't know how much we depend on having a car for transportation until you don't have one. Even though I am sitting here in my flat, typing on the computer, just to know I can jump into the car and go somewhere on a whim is liberating.
Today we took a nice drive to Marina Mall and walked around there to see what it was all about. Very nice, but just like any other mall anywhere, it has the same shops, same look and feel as all the others. From there we drove around some more heading toward Kuwait city and stopped at the Kuwait Water towers. From there we proceeded on to Liberation Tower, stopping along the way at Green Island where Kim and Ashleigh walked on the shore and collected shells, It was really hot, so that lasted for only a few minutes. Ashleigh would have been in the water had she been dressed for swimming. Kim made the observation that of all the swimmers in the water, only one was a woman, and she was fully dressed in her Abaya and Hajib.
We needed to pick up a few groceries, so we proceeded to Avenues Mall that was not to far from where we were, stopping at the Carrefoure Store and also grabbing a bite to eat at the KFC. Except for the currency being Kuwaiti dinars, you can hardly tell the difference from here and the states, with all of the immigrants working the shops and fast food places.
Kim and Ashleigh will be leaving from their vacation in 3 weeks so we have a lot of catching up to do as far as sight seeing and other things we have had to put on hold. So expect more soon.
Well, Thats it for now.
TTYL
Ma' assalama
Today we took a nice drive to Marina Mall and walked around there to see what it was all about. Very nice, but just like any other mall anywhere, it has the same shops, same look and feel as all the others. From there we drove around some more heading toward Kuwait city and stopped at the Kuwait Water towers. From there we proceeded on to Liberation Tower, stopping along the way at Green Island where Kim and Ashleigh walked on the shore and collected shells, It was really hot, so that lasted for only a few minutes. Ashleigh would have been in the water had she been dressed for swimming. Kim made the observation that of all the swimmers in the water, only one was a woman, and she was fully dressed in her Abaya and Hajib.
We needed to pick up a few groceries, so we proceeded to Avenues Mall that was not to far from where we were, stopping at the Carrefoure Store and also grabbing a bite to eat at the KFC. Except for the currency being Kuwaiti dinars, you can hardly tell the difference from here and the states, with all of the immigrants working the shops and fast food places.
Kim and Ashleigh will be leaving from their vacation in 3 weeks so we have a lot of catching up to do as far as sight seeing and other things we have had to put on hold. So expect more soon.
Well, Thats it for now.
TTYL
Ma' assalama
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Chicken Chase!
Masa alkhair (Good Afternoon)
Yes, thats exactly what it feels like. Getting anything done here is like a chicken chase. Running around trying to get something that seems just out of reach. Went into KWC and sat around for 30 minutes and drank tea, coffee and water until our driver drove us to a place where we did the vision test. Drive time 15 minutes. Read six letters from a chart, the clerk stamped our paperwork and then we left. Total time at that location was about 10 minutes. Driver then drove us to another location ( again maybe 15 minutes) where a doctor or lab person asked me what my blood type was. I told him and off we went again, total time there was 10 minutes. Drove back to the first location, drank some more tea, coffee or water and watched a bit of TV in the reception room. Sat there for about 30 minutes then the driver came and asked us if we wanted to go back home.
This is when we (three of us) asked about the driver licenses and especially about the US driver license we turned in and a few other questions about when we would get the Kuwait driver license. The main person then came in and returned our US licenses, and told us we would have the Kuwait licenses late today or for sure tomorrow. .
I see so much need for a streamlined process here. Maybe they could create a DMV where you could do this entire process, say 3 or 4 hours instead of 3 or 4 months.
We will see tomorrow!
Ma' assalama
Yes, thats exactly what it feels like. Getting anything done here is like a chicken chase. Running around trying to get something that seems just out of reach. Went into KWC and sat around for 30 minutes and drank tea, coffee and water until our driver drove us to a place where we did the vision test. Drive time 15 minutes. Read six letters from a chart, the clerk stamped our paperwork and then we left. Total time at that location was about 10 minutes. Driver then drove us to another location ( again maybe 15 minutes) where a doctor or lab person asked me what my blood type was. I told him and off we went again, total time there was 10 minutes. Drove back to the first location, drank some more tea, coffee or water and watched a bit of TV in the reception room. Sat there for about 30 minutes then the driver came and asked us if we wanted to go back home.
This is when we (three of us) asked about the driver licenses and especially about the US driver license we turned in and a few other questions about when we would get the Kuwait driver license. The main person then came in and returned our US licenses, and told us we would have the Kuwait licenses late today or for sure tomorrow. .
I see so much need for a streamlined process here. Maybe they could create a DMV where you could do this entire process, say 3 or 4 hours instead of 3 or 4 months.
We will see tomorrow!
Ma' assalama
NEWS FLASH!..Early Morning update
Sabah alkhair! (Good Morning)
This is a preliminary update. I received a call last night from my boss and he said to be prepared to go an get my driver license vision test today at 09:00. So I will meet with my co-worker Greg and we will be escorted by a representative of the company that "expedites" our paperwork. So I sit here this morning listening to the radio and waiting for the ride. Whether or not I will actually get a DL today is any body's guess. Then I will have to find a car to lease (one that I can afford). Hope to have it all worked out by the end of the day or at least the week end.
The weather here is HOT and DUSTY. The last few days the wind has been blowing at up to 50 kph and the dust and sand has been miserable. The temps have been in the 110-120 range, which makes it feel like a blast furnace with the wind blowing in your face. Just about another month of the wind and sand then the humidity moves in. H mm..I wonder what that will be like? More to come.
Later (Ma'assalama)
This is a preliminary update. I received a call last night from my boss and he said to be prepared to go an get my driver license vision test today at 09:00. So I will meet with my co-worker Greg and we will be escorted by a representative of the company that "expedites" our paperwork. So I sit here this morning listening to the radio and waiting for the ride. Whether or not I will actually get a DL today is any body's guess. Then I will have to find a car to lease (one that I can afford). Hope to have it all worked out by the end of the day or at least the week end.
The weather here is HOT and DUSTY. The last few days the wind has been blowing at up to 50 kph and the dust and sand has been miserable. The temps have been in the 110-120 range, which makes it feel like a blast furnace with the wind blowing in your face. Just about another month of the wind and sand then the humidity moves in. H mm..I wonder what that will be like? More to come.
Later (Ma'assalama)
Friday, July 11, 2008
Our Friday Market (Souk) adventure.
After a long and arduous walk around we found a vendor with two carpets I can live with and at a price I was happy with. You can tell that there is price fixing between vendors because I asked several about the price of a 3x4 meter carpet, and the immediate response was 38 KD. I believe I got a good deal out of desperation on our vendors part to take home some dinar. The souk starts to close down around 8 pm - 8:30 and the price magically dropped in half so I picked up two pieces (3x4 and a 2x3) for 30 KD or about $113 USD.
The carpets cover the floor nicely and present a more organized appearance to the living room by defining the living room area from the area where the dinning table sits. Our living room is really more like a great room in concept with no dining area really set up by wall or partition. So defining the room area by carpet seems to works for us.
Kim has posted some photos on her BLOG http://www.quiltingmemakim.blogspot.com of the Friday souk and also our carpets.
On an extremely sad note, Kimberly’s father, James Ronald Nill, passed away earlier this week. (1 January 1937 – 8 July 2008) He will be truly missed by those that called him friend and those that loved him, and I count myself as one. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery 26 August 2008, so I will be traveling to the states for the funeral. Kim has decided to finish her
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
R & R Time is coming up.
Marhaba (hello) from Kuwait.
Today I made my travel arrangements for my R&R. I had hoped originally to travel to some far off and remote part of the world and see something I had never seen before but I guess thats not going to happen this R&R. I will be traveling to Virginia to visit family and spend thanksgiving there. My itinerary is to leave Kuwait on the 7th of November arriving in VA about 14 hours later. I am also planning while in the states to visit my mom for her birthday. It will be a busy time while there. I hope my girls will fix me a thanksgiving feast that will tide me over for Christmas and New Years as well.
I also hope the weather is favorable for riding as I really miss my motorcycle cruises with Kim on the back. I had hoped to get a chance to ride while over here but that would would be insane, what with the way the people drive here. Have I mentioned that they drive CRAZY! Still no word on my Kuwait drivers license. I hear I may get it on the 12th, Insha'allah (god willing)..... That would be the 12th of NEVER!
Looking forward to seeing most of you in November. I will continue to update the blog when things happen. Until then.
Ma'assalama (Go In Peace)
Today I made my travel arrangements for my R&R. I had hoped originally to travel to some far off and remote part of the world and see something I had never seen before but I guess thats not going to happen this R&R. I will be traveling to Virginia to visit family and spend thanksgiving there. My itinerary is to leave Kuwait on the 7th of November arriving in VA about 14 hours later. I am also planning while in the states to visit my mom for her birthday. It will be a busy time while there. I hope my girls will fix me a thanksgiving feast that will tide me over for Christmas and New Years as well.
I also hope the weather is favorable for riding as I really miss my motorcycle cruises with Kim on the back. I had hoped to get a chance to ride while over here but that would would be insane, what with the way the people drive here. Have I mentioned that they drive CRAZY! Still no word on my Kuwait drivers license. I hear I may get it on the 12th, Insha'allah (god willing)..... That would be the 12th of NEVER!
Looking forward to seeing most of you in November. I will continue to update the blog when things happen. Until then.
Ma'assalama (Go In Peace)
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Happy 4th of July
Celebrated the 4th by fixing a home style traditional type meal, using what I had on hand. So lets see, the menu was Broiled meat / BBQ sauce with some macaroni and cheese and some peas. Actually, it was very good and we even had some left overs that will do lunch for us on the 5th (today). The weather has not changed, it is just hot and dry. They predict 119 degrees today but usually it will only hit 115. Just too hot to do any outside activities and cab fare is killing me @ about $40 round trip to any of the malls.
I had the 3rd off as well so we went to see a movie and do some shopping and basically just get out of the house. The movie was called Wall-E. An animated feature about robots and the destruction of the earth from trash and all that PC stuff. My take is that it was an info-mercial about the evils of littering and how mankind is going to be doomed if we do not change our ways. other than that it was a cute movie with very loud audio. Good for kids and deaf people.
I was told again that I should see my drivers license this coming week, Insha'allah. I have heard that line so many times before its almost laughable. But we shall see....! I can only be hopeful that it will happen. Then it will be time to locate a vehicle to lease. My co-worker Greg and I still have plans to share a lease in an effort to save some money. The transportation allowance I receive doesn't even come close to paying a lease on a vehicle, so sharing will allow us to get a larger vehicle with some comfort and safety built in. A small car would not be totally out of the question, but the way people drive here makes it a necessity to have some car between you and the next person. Bigger is safer!! Especially here. I can't begin to tell you how many cars I have seen on the side of the roads, completely demolished, not just fender benders, but completely torn up. Roll over accidents must account for 80% of the accidents. Just amazing! People drive CRAZY here.
Ashleigh got up this morning and made breakfast for us. We had pancakes and turkey bacon. I did the cooking, but she did the preparation. It all turned out very good. Now everyone is napping. Kim and I usually get up before 5 am on workdays and Ash sleeps in most mornings since she is online chatting with the other girls and her mom until about 2 am our time. I decided to subscribe to a satellite service for Ashleigh to have some American programming on the TV. They do have a lot of English channels that are Free to Air, but the selection is limited and they repeat everything so much it gets ridiculous to try and find something that has not been seen 3 or 4 times already.
Well folks, stay tuned for more as it happens. TTYL
Assalamu alaikum
I had the 3rd off as well so we went to see a movie and do some shopping and basically just get out of the house. The movie was called Wall-E. An animated feature about robots and the destruction of the earth from trash and all that PC stuff. My take is that it was an info-mercial about the evils of littering and how mankind is going to be doomed if we do not change our ways. other than that it was a cute movie with very loud audio. Good for kids and deaf people.
I was told again that I should see my drivers license this coming week, Insha'allah. I have heard that line so many times before its almost laughable. But we shall see....! I can only be hopeful that it will happen. Then it will be time to locate a vehicle to lease. My co-worker Greg and I still have plans to share a lease in an effort to save some money. The transportation allowance I receive doesn't even come close to paying a lease on a vehicle, so sharing will allow us to get a larger vehicle with some comfort and safety built in. A small car would not be totally out of the question, but the way people drive here makes it a necessity to have some car between you and the next person. Bigger is safer!! Especially here. I can't begin to tell you how many cars I have seen on the side of the roads, completely demolished, not just fender benders, but completely torn up. Roll over accidents must account for 80% of the accidents. Just amazing! People drive CRAZY here.
Ashleigh got up this morning and made breakfast for us. We had pancakes and turkey bacon. I did the cooking, but she did the preparation. It all turned out very good. Now everyone is napping. Kim and I usually get up before 5 am on workdays and Ash sleeps in most mornings since she is online chatting with the other girls and her mom until about 2 am our time. I decided to subscribe to a satellite service for Ashleigh to have some American programming on the TV. They do have a lot of English channels that are Free to Air, but the selection is limited and they repeat everything so much it gets ridiculous to try and find something that has not been seen 3 or 4 times already.
Well folks, stay tuned for more as it happens. TTYL
Assalamu alaikum
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Our Shopping Adventure #2
Got off work this afternoon and decided to take a trip into KWC and take the family with me (of course). Got home and changed clothes for a mall crawl at the Avenues Mall. Kim wanted to see what Ikea was all about so we browsed through there for a while and picked up a few items , cutting boards, pizza cutter and a few stalks of bamboo and a vase. After that we entered the mall to the aroma of fresh HOT Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Following our noses we ended up at the food court and decided to have dinner at the GBK ( great burger kitchen) and then bought a dozen fresh hot glazed doughnuts. We then proceeded to browse the mall.
What a large place and still growing, 2 stories so far and about 5 football fields long, and the construction is continuing so that when it is completed it will be more than twice as big as it is now.
From there we continued to walk and shop around and ended up at the Carrefour store. Carrefour is a large international company from France that has stores nearly world wide. Reminiscent to a Walmart super center. They have just about everything you can imagine, although most of everything is imported, though there are some locally produced products. Very few American brand names are available though a few are and are labeled in Arabic. Stocked up again on groceries then called it a day, called for my cab driver for a pick up and arrived back home about 7:30 pm. Just in time to watch nothing on TV. I guess I will have to subscribe to a satellite service to be able to watch the current line up of American Shows. Everything we get here now is last season which I have mostly seen.
What a large place and still growing, 2 stories so far and about 5 football fields long, and the construction is continuing so that when it is completed it will be more than twice as big as it is now.
From there we continued to walk and shop around and ended up at the Carrefour store. Carrefour is a large international company from France that has stores nearly world wide. Reminiscent to a Walmart super center. They have just about everything you can imagine, although most of everything is imported, though there are some locally produced products. Very few American brand names are available though a few are and are labeled in Arabic. Stocked up again on groceries then called it a day, called for my cab driver for a pick up and arrived back home about 7:30 pm. Just in time to watch nothing on TV. I guess I will have to subscribe to a satellite service to be able to watch the current line up of American Shows. Everything we get here now is last season which I have mostly seen.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Our Shopping Adventure....
Yesterday, I called my cab driver Ryan for a ride into Fahaheel, where I took Kim and Ashleigh shopping and found some OK deals on a dining room set up. A 4 top table with 4 padded bar stools which since I do not have a "Dining" room, I figured the casual table with bar stools would be more than adequate. It will also serve dual purpose as a place to use the laptop. Now I can toss out the cardboard boxes I have been using as end / coffee tables. Also found some matching end tables and coffee (tea) table for the living room ( they sort of match the dining table ) and some bed side lamps for the bedrooms. Furniture to be delivered Saturday between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm (today).
After shopping at Center Point Home furnishings we took a walk over to Al-Kout Mall, walked about there for a while to see what was there then ate lunch in the food court. Ashleigh had a Pizza Hut personal pan pizza and Kim and I had a Philly steak and cheese. After that we took a stroll to the Sultan Center Grocery store and stocked up on some food items. I have a pretty full pantry now and should only need to make maintenance trips to the store for odds and ends as needed. To see photos of the whole day please visit www.quiltingmemakim.blogspot.com
After shopping at Center Point Home furnishings we took a walk over to Al-Kout Mall, walked about there for a while to see what was there then ate lunch in the food court. Ashleigh had a Pizza Hut personal pan pizza and Kim and I had a Philly steak and cheese. After that we took a stroll to the Sultan Center Grocery store and stocked up on some food items. I have a pretty full pantry now and should only need to make maintenance trips to the store for odds and ends as needed. To see photos of the whole day please visit www.quiltingmemakim.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Company at last....
Well, Kimberly and Ashleigh have arrived, no more counting down the days. They had a FUN TIME at the airport waiting for the flight from DC to carry them to DC. Norfolk seems to be notoriously late on it outbound flights especially for making international connecting flights. As a matter of fact, nearly the same thing happened to me when I traveled to Kuwait. My flight was canceled out of Norfolk, so I missed my connection. Kims flight was delayed and then they said her connection was leaving at 12:15 am. that should have been enough time to catch her plane. When she finally got to DC the flight information board said the flight was departing at 11:15 pm. Gives her about 10 minutes to get from concourse "A" to concourse "C". She and Ash made the flight , But the luggage didn't. So when she arrives in Kuwait, she has no luggage, but we are told to come back tomorrow and the luggage will be arriving on the next days flight. O.K......
Next Day, I hired a taxi ( I still don't have a car or Kuwaiti drivers license) for a round trip cost of 13 KD or $48.95 then dinner at the airport, Starbucks and some soveniers so the total lost luggage experience cost over $100. Anyway, The assisting airlines (not United Airlines) Kuwait Airways, proves to be absolutely no help in resolving the problem. They originally told us to call the number on the claim sheet which I did, Only to find out they either do not answer the phone or the phone is constantly busy. I even got a phone message once that said the office was closed, to call back tomorrow. Once at the airport, I was talking to the Kuwait Airways agents and thats when I started to get the run around. They then told me I would have to wait until tomorrow then go over to some warehouse where they send all the lost luggage. I told them the luggage was not lost, that it was coming in on todays flight from DC, BTW information they provided me the day before. Well, evidently the agent got attitude and through her silence I figured out that she was not going to be ANY help at all.
I had hired a "Meet and Greet" service (Hala-Kuwait) to meet Kim at the gate and assist with getting the visa's and luggage through customs. I went to the HALAKUWAIT service agent and explained the situation to him. He then went over and said something to them and they must have snubbed him as well so He went behind the scenes into customs and got our luggage and delivered it to us, not really part of his job, but he was very kind to do so.
On the way back from the airport, The cab driver (Ryan) gave us a tour of Kuwait after dark. Too bad the air was so full of dust you could not see further than a few hundred meters. He needed to get fuel and the stations he usually goes to were closed, so we got a grand tour. Same price, they rarely use meters. Just ask how much it will cost and they quote a price. I have been using the same cabbie since I got here and he speaks good English and is reliable.
We Plan on going on a small shopping excursion Friday. I will let you know how that works out. TTYL
Next Day, I hired a taxi ( I still don't have a car or Kuwaiti drivers license) for a round trip cost of 13 KD or $48.95 then dinner at the airport, Starbucks and some soveniers so the total lost luggage experience cost over $100. Anyway, The assisting airlines (not United Airlines) Kuwait Airways, proves to be absolutely no help in resolving the problem. They originally told us to call the number on the claim sheet which I did, Only to find out they either do not answer the phone or the phone is constantly busy. I even got a phone message once that said the office was closed, to call back tomorrow. Once at the airport, I was talking to the Kuwait Airways agents and thats when I started to get the run around. They then told me I would have to wait until tomorrow then go over to some warehouse where they send all the lost luggage. I told them the luggage was not lost, that it was coming in on todays flight from DC, BTW information they provided me the day before. Well, evidently the agent got attitude and through her silence I figured out that she was not going to be ANY help at all.
I had hired a "Meet and Greet" service (Hala-Kuwait) to meet Kim at the gate and assist with getting the visa's and luggage through customs. I went to the HALAKUWAIT service agent and explained the situation to him. He then went over and said something to them and they must have snubbed him as well so He went behind the scenes into customs and got our luggage and delivered it to us, not really part of his job, but he was very kind to do so.
On the way back from the airport, The cab driver (Ryan) gave us a tour of Kuwait after dark. Too bad the air was so full of dust you could not see further than a few hundred meters. He needed to get fuel and the stations he usually goes to were closed, so we got a grand tour. Same price, they rarely use meters. Just ask how much it will cost and they quote a price. I have been using the same cabbie since I got here and he speaks good English and is reliable.
We Plan on going on a small shopping excursion Friday. I will let you know how that works out. TTYL
Monday, June 9, 2008
Another week in ....
What a lousy week it has been weather wise. The dust moved in last Wednesday and has been here since. This is not the worse dust storm I have seen so far, but it is the longest lasting that I have seen to date. Visibility today is about 700 meters as reported by the local radio stations (maybe 1/2 mile at the most). It reminds me of the fog on the mountains. I will have to remove the curtains in the apartment after the dust and give them a good washing as the dust has accumulated on them from the leaks around the window frames. I don't know if you could even seal the windows to where they would not leak, the dust is about as fine as talcum powder and just floats in the air and settles everywhere. I have even gone so far as to place covers on the furniture in the living room to protect it from the dust. They could have done better with the construction, everything looks really nice but on close inspection the attention to detail is surely lacking.
Good news on a personal level. I finally received my Civil ID card, so now I can pursue the driver license and base passes. I was told to wait on the base passes so that I could register a car at the same time, rather than doing one now and then having to redo it later. So I wait. I was told 2 weeks from last Wednesday, which will put me getting the license after Kim and Ashleigh get here, but hey, at least I will be driving. Eventually... hopefully..
Again - WOO HOO!!
Good news on a personal level. I finally received my Civil ID card, so now I can pursue the driver license and base passes. I was told to wait on the base passes so that I could register a car at the same time, rather than doing one now and then having to redo it later. So I wait. I was told 2 weeks from last Wednesday, which will put me getting the license after Kim and Ashleigh get here, but hey, at least I will be driving. Eventually... hopefully..
Again - WOO HOO!!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Things are Changing...
This week I set a new personal record. Previously my all time high temperature I had experienced was 115 degrees set in 1973 during the summer I spent in Texas. May 28, 2008 The temperature got to 117. I fully expect that be be shattered in the next month or so. The weather has also been extremely humid for the last several days, usually its around 12%, but today its been nearly 50% at KWI (Kuwait International) and you can certainly feel it. I think it rained last night as all the patio's had water on them this morning.
Today I got my Kuwait civil ID card. WOO HOO!! The next step will be to get my Kuwait Drivers license and start looking for a car to lease. My co-worker Greg and I have a plan to split the cost of the auto lease and share the vehicle and expenses. We live a block apart so that would make it convenient. Unfortunately Greg did not get his civil ID due to a SNAFU in his paper work but the new paper work was resubmitted and he should get his next Wednesday. A whole new world opens up with the civil ID and base privileges. I will keep you posted. TTYL
Today I got my Kuwait civil ID card. WOO HOO!! The next step will be to get my Kuwait Drivers license and start looking for a car to lease. My co-worker Greg and I have a plan to split the cost of the auto lease and share the vehicle and expenses. We live a block apart so that would make it convenient. Unfortunately Greg did not get his civil ID due to a SNAFU in his paper work but the new paper work was resubmitted and he should get his next Wednesday. A whole new world opens up with the civil ID and base privileges. I will keep you posted. TTYL
Friday, May 23, 2008
May 23, 2008
Today is my dad's birthday. He would have been 89 today. Happy Birthday Dad!
I may have some news about my civil ID status. It is possible that I may have it next week! Yeah!!
Then possibly I will be able to get a drivers license and actually do something around here besides watch TV.
The landlord added some carports to the front of the apartment. Th
ey are an absolute necessity 
here in the summer. Inside car temps could reach over 150 degrees when you park in the direct sunlight, so shade is essential. here are a few pictures. My only critique is that they look homemade, which they were. Most of the other buildings in the area have commercially made decorative carports, and they look so much nicer. The last 2 pix are of the alley way entrance into my apartment. You can see the privacy fence that the landlord put up. Actually, all I wanted was a security gate on the patio door, but he had a full enclosure put up, and by the workmanship I would guess by the same people that did the carports. 
I may have some news about my civil ID status. It is possible that I may have it next week! Yeah!!
Then possibly I will be able to get a drivers license and actually do something around here besides watch TV.
The landlord added some carports to the front of the apartment. Th
ey are an absolute necessity 
here in the summer. Inside car temps could reach over 150 degrees when you park in the direct sunlight, so shade is essential. here are a few pictures. My only critique is that they look homemade, which they were. Most of the other buildings in the area have commercially made decorative carports, and they look so much nicer. The last 2 pix are of the alley way entrance into my apartment. You can see the privacy fence that the landlord put up. Actually, all I wanted was a security gate on the patio door, but he had a full enclosure put up, and by the workmanship I would guess by the same people that did the carports. 
Monday, May 19, 2008
Hot Day in the Desert..
Today is hot again, and with the heat comes the dust devils. I saw several at one time today and was able to get one at least on the camera. This one was being very photogenic as it just remained stationary while I shot pictures.
I also took a shot of the electrical towers which are everywhere in the desert. Hundreds upon Hundreds of them.
Per Ashleigh's request I moved the big 3 seat couch into the new TV room I have set up. When She and Kim come to visit in June it will double as her bed since it is as big as a single bed and very comfortable. 
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Another Week Gone By... but Wait!
Here we are again, its Thursday, my last workday for the week.
During this week after work on Wednesday, we took a trip into Kuwait city and did some shopping at a mall very near the Liberation Tower. Liberation Tower is really LARGE! This shot was taken from quite a distance and zoomed in as well.
Kuwait is very keen on malls and Souks. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Souk . They are everywhere. This mall has a marina attached to it, but I understand that the slips are all leased out so you cannot just boat in to the mall to do some shopping. Strange, but true.
Look at all of the Boats. Anyway, I did manage to pick up a few grocery items from "The Sultan Center".Finally, today at work I had my Passport returned to me with my permanent VISA Stamp in it. It has my Civil ID number on it BUT, I do not have the civil ID yet, So I can not do anything like get a drivers license or a permanent base pass, I believe I will finish my time in Kuwait before I get issued it. But at least I feel "One Step Closer"
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
A Dusty Day!......and then some....
Just a few minutes after we left work today I was looking out of the car window and saw a wall of DUST.. So I grabbed my camera and started shooting. Here are a few pictures of what I got. The orange color is the actual color of the air.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
It's a Dry Heat!!
Wow, did it get hot today, The temp reached 109 F. or 43 C and the hot season hasn't even really started. I added the weather gadget to the blog just so you can see the temp at a glance. I was asked by one of the Kuwaiti's at work how I liked Kuwait so far and commented about the temps. He seemed to get a big laugh out of that and said to wait until it got hot, that this was nothing. All in all it was not too bad, being used to the heat and humidity of the east coast, this was not all that bad at 12% humidity. At least you don't drown in your own sweat. Click on the weather gadget to get all kinds of Kuwait weather information.
See ya later.
See ya later.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
More Progress?
Well, yesterday they requested I turn over my U.S. drivers license and passport for translation into Arabic and to put the permanent VISA into it. I hope this is progress. The other tech I work with had the same thing done to him and then he got his semi permanent base pass not long after that. He still does not have his resident card yet and he has been here 1 month ahead of me. So Only God Knows when this is going to be finished, but it seems I am one step closer.
Today is HOT! Temps are 100 and the forecast was for 104. I believe we have entered the warm months of summer. At least the sky is blue and not a muddy brown. But did I mention It is HOT!
These are mild temps compared to the 122's that it can get up to.
Today is HOT! Temps are 100 and the forecast was for 104. I believe we have entered the warm months of summer. At least the sky is blue and not a muddy brown. But did I mention It is HOT!
These are mild temps compared to the 122's that it can get up to.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Another Hurdle Cleared
Well, I completed another hurdle on Wednesday. Before you can get your resident visa here, you must complete a blood test, a chest x-ray and get finger printed. All three steps were completed stateside, but yet again the Kuwaiti's want to do it themselves. So that is now complete and it is again "HURRY UP AND WAIT". I should hopefully get my residents card in a few weeks now, although I do not think that will happen.
Today is a wind event day. The wind has been howling since last night and the dust is everywhere. I was going to sweep and mop the floors but right now it would be futile. I damp mopped yesterday and the floor has a fine coating of dusty powder on it already. So I will wait until the wind subsides a bit then clean house.
I went shopping yesterday again at the Sultan center and stocked up on some more stuff, ketchup, mustard, olive oil, pepper, and of course I got more food as well. The Sultan Center is a large chain market somewhat like a large chain market in the states. They have their own label for a lot of the stuff they sell, and everything I have tried has been very good and high quality. There is also have a place called Carrefour (car four) that is like a super Walmart. They have just about anything you can imagine and usually fairly priced.
I missed my chance yesterday to get a good shot of a "DUST DEVIL". As we were leaving Ali Al Salem AB, one popped up about 50 ft. away from us and my camera, which is usually within reach , was in my back pack in the back of the vehicle. I could have had several
really good shots. To top that off, as we were driving on the highway, we pass several camels that had wandered onto the highway and were just walking along the road as if they owned it. That would have been several other shots to post. Oh well. i guess I will learn from that to keep my camera nearby. I did see this on the road side on Tuesday as we drove into work. Do not know what the story behind it is but you gotta just hate when this happens to you on the way to work.
Today is a wind event day. The wind has been howling since last night and the dust is everywhere. I was going to sweep and mop the floors but right now it would be futile. I damp mopped yesterday and the floor has a fine coating of dusty powder on it already. So I will wait until the wind subsides a bit then clean house.
I went shopping yesterday again at the Sultan center and stocked up on some more stuff, ketchup, mustard, olive oil, pepper, and of course I got more food as well. The Sultan Center is a large chain market somewhat like a large chain market in the states. They have their own label for a lot of the stuff they sell, and everything I have tried has been very good and high quality. There is also have a place called Carrefour (car four) that is like a super Walmart. They have just about anything you can imagine and usually fairly priced.
I missed my chance yesterday to get a good shot of a "DUST DEVIL". As we were leaving Ali Al Salem AB, one popped up about 50 ft. away from us and my camera, which is usually within reach , was in my back pack in the back of the vehicle. I could have had several
really good shots. To top that off, as we were driving on the highway, we pass several camels that had wandered onto the highway and were just walking along the road as if they owned it. That would have been several other shots to post. Oh well. i guess I will learn from that to keep my camera nearby. I did see this on the road side on Tuesday as we drove into work. Do not know what the story behind it is but you gotta just hate when this happens to you on the way to work. Friday, April 11, 2008
A 10 Minute Tour
Hello Everyone,
I have heard that I need to post more to the BLOG. I will try to post as often as I have things to post. Most days here are very redundant and repetitious, but today after doing laundry I decided to give a "GRAND" tour of the place. After taking a video which was about 10 
minutes long 
, I found out that it was "WAY TO BIG" (50 meg) to post. So I had to do something different. I have rounded up a group of pictures I have taken and posted them to the blog. Some may have been posted before, some are new. Hopefully what they will show is the apartment and the neighborhood. I will explain some of the pictures. The first shot shows the view looking south down street 111. Many of the apartments have car ports to keep the sun from melting your cars in the summer months since it can get into the 120's. Picture #2 of the RED building is unusual in that they have a "Glassed" in room on the top floor of the building. I guess it is a "KUWAIT" room. #3 is the same building and also show you that palm trees grow well here. Looking straight out of my front window you will see the yellow house trimmed in pink, and then the next shot will be looking north from my front
balcony. There is a high rise building going up in the distance, most likely more apartments. This area is full of new construction and reconstruction. I also
wanted to point out that the neighborhood does have green grassy yards every once in a while. I am sure it takes an exceptional amount of water to keep them green. I also see playground equipment but have yet to see children using it. Also , please note again that the area is still under construction and there is a LOT of debris scattered about, sometimes in piles, most times not. I don't understand why they just let it pile up but thats the way they do it. One day I will wake up or come home from work and the piles and trash will be gone. 
That will certainly improve the appearance of the area. Todays temp is 95 degrees F or 35 degrees C. My outdoor thermometer on the back patio says 105 F.
minutes long 
, I found out that it was "WAY TO BIG" (50 meg) to post. So I had to do something different. I have rounded up a group of pictures I have taken and posted them to the blog. Some may have been posted before, some are new. Hopefully what they will show is the apartment and the neighborhood. I will explain some of the pictures. The first shot shows the view looking south down street 111. Many of the apartments have car ports to keep the sun from melting your cars in the summer months since it can get into the 120's. Picture #2 of the RED building is unusual in that they have a "Glassed" in room on the top floor of the building. I guess it is a "KUWAIT" room. #3 is the same building and also show you that palm trees grow well here. Looking straight out of my front window you will see the yellow house trimmed in pink, and then the next shot will be looking north from my front
balcony. There is a high rise building going up in the distance, most likely more apartments. This area is full of new construction and reconstruction. I also
wanted to point out that the neighborhood does have green grassy yards every once in a while. I am sure it takes an exceptional amount of water to keep them green. I also see playground equipment but have yet to see children using it. Also , please note again that the area is still under construction and there is a LOT of debris scattered about, sometimes in piles, most times not. I don't understand why they just let it pile up but thats the way they do it. One day I will wake up or come home from work and the piles and trash will be gone. 
That will certainly improve the appearance of the area. Todays temp is 95 degrees F or 35 degrees C. My outdoor thermometer on the back patio says 105 F. Monday, April 7, 2008
Water, Water
Went shopping again yesterday at the Sultan Center and picked up a few more things to stock the cupboards with. Today is Monday. While Riding back to Egaila from work I was trying to keep myself entertained, so I brought out my camera and took some snaps of things. This is actually the only picture that turned out. Kind of hard to grab a shot of anything while travel at the insane speeds people drive on the highways. I saw some camels and other animals but by the time I could get the camera pointed at them, they were past. But I did capture the water towers along the highway. They appear to be everywhere and are clustered in groups of from 6 to 9 or so. As you can see by the haze in the air, today was a bit dusty, and we were actually supposed to have ... umm.... whats to word.... umm ....Rain? It never happened as far as I could tell. We did have about 20 drops hit the windshield yesterday. Does that count?..
TTYL
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Dinner 4 One
Tonight I cooked dinner for the first time, (other than hot dogs). I had a Lean Cuisine Pizza. 
Took all of six minutes from freezer to plate. And I know this looks like a commercial, but it was really good, and very easy to make.
Yummy! Thursday, April 3, 2008
Easy Bake!
I finished getting the appliances for my kitchen today. I saw a really small oven / electric stove combo. It has 2 burners on top and a baking and broiler burner inside. It should suffice for my needs here since I don't do very much cooking or baking. Now I may broil something in the future, maybe some chicken or possibly a steak. As you can see by the photos the oven dial is calibrated in degree's Celsius so I will have to learn to convert. Also shown is my microwave and tv and stand. What More could I ask for? Well, maybe someone to share dinner with, Hopefully Kim will be coming over soon. She had a spot on her nose that needed a biopsy, so I am waiting on that result for now.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Oops!
All the votes are in and tabulated. I have 2 votes for the old layout and 0 for the new. My vote makes it 3 - 0. Old layout WINS!!
Well, I screwed up.... again!! I bought what was advertised as a queen size bed, paying no attention to the size of the bed, because its all in centimeters. I then tell Kim I bought a queen sized bed and ask her to get me some sheets for it. So she sends me sheets and a mattress pad for a queen size bed. I tried to put them on the first night in the apartment and, well, you guessed it, I have bought a California King size. Its 180 mm by 210 mm. I thought something looked large about the bed even though the bedroom is pretty large. So I am out of luck until I get sheets to fit. I am using the flat sheets right now until I get new a new set, but what a frustration. I swear the sign said "QUEEN SIZE" and I recall the bed looking smaller in the showroom. I am thinking they made a mistake and put the wrong number for the bed down and gave me a Cal-King for the same price, but the sales receipt says 210 x 180, so I just don't know. I actually measured the mattress and it is indeed 180 cm x 210 cm. Online I am having a hard time finding that size for a bed.
Spoke to Kim this morning and she has found some more fitted sheets for me, but the dimensions are 198 cm x 203. I 'll make them fit.
Well, I screwed up.... again!! I bought what was advertised as a queen size bed, paying no attention to the size of the bed, because its all in centimeters. I then tell Kim I bought a queen sized bed and ask her to get me some sheets for it. So she sends me sheets and a mattress pad for a queen size bed. I tried to put them on the first night in the apartment and, well, you guessed it, I have bought a California King size. Its 180 mm by 210 mm. I thought something looked large about the bed even though the bedroom is pretty large. So I am out of luck until I get sheets to fit. I am using the flat sheets right now until I get new a new set, but what a frustration. I swear the sign said "QUEEN SIZE" and I recall the bed looking smaller in the showroom. I am thinking they made a mistake and put the wrong number for the bed down and gave me a Cal-King for the same price, but the sales receipt says 210 x 180, so I just don't know. I actually measured the mattress and it is indeed 180 cm x 210 cm. Online I am having a hard time finding that size for a bed.
Spoke to Kim this morning and she has found some more fitted sheets for me, but the dimensions are 198 cm x 203. I 'll make them fit.
Other than that things are coming together here in the apartment. Still cleaning desert sand from everywhere. The dust is so fine it creeps into everything and through every crack, even through glass it seems. Stay tuned!
Monday, March 31, 2008
End of Month
I have arrived at the end of the month of March. Tonight is the last night in the hotel. I am going to miss .... The breakfast buffet. However, I am looking forward to living in my apartment. I received two more "care packages" from Kim today. Has my favorite pillow and some kitchen utensils, plus dinner ware and other stuff. It is actually cheaper to send stuff from the states than it is to purchase on the local economy. The cost of living here is quite high. Especially when buying imported goods or USA brand names. So tomorrow morning I will have my last big breakfast at the hotel grab my suitcase, check out and that will be that.
Yesterday I changed the layout of my BLOG. Please let me know if you liked the older look better or this newer look. Personally, I think I like the older look better.
Yesterday I changed the layout of my BLOG. Please let me know if you liked the older look better or this newer look. Personally, I think I like the older look better.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Lazy Day part 2
Here are a few more pictues from today..
Hotel from Beach
Chairs and Unbrellas
Start Of jogging trail
A rare site--- "Clouds"
Hotel from Beach
Chairs and Unbrellas
Start Of jogging trail
A rare site--- "Clouds"
Lazy Saturday part 1
Today I just did not feel like doing much at all after yesterdays hassels, so after breakfast I took a stroll on the beach and around the grounds of the hotel and took some pictures. But mostly I just lazed around the hotel.
This is a picture of the walking / running path that goes for about 1.7 km. on the hotel property. The property is designed with a scolloped look, so you will notice the vacation apartments above. Usually 4 BR and will sleep 8 persons. Rather pricey at about $1000 US / night.
Below you will notice that even the locals like to go fishing on saturday.
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The sea bird did not want its picture taken., but I did manage to get a quick snap of it as it flew away.
Friday, March 28, 2008
What A Day!
Today I got up early so I could get things moved and get my laundry done and continue to clean the apartment. Hired a taxi from the hotel in Mangaf to Eqaila or Agaila or Igaila. I have seen three different spellings so far. Got there and fixed the water leak on the washing machine water hookup and then started to do laundry. While that was going I started putting clothes away. Was proceeding good on the first load, got to the second load OK. On the third load while drying the first, I lost power in the apartment and in the laundry room. Must have popped a breaker. I got the Harish involved and he determined the main breaker for the apartment was bad. I don't know if he called an electrician or not. meanwhile I have a partially dry load of jeans, a wet load of polo shirts and an absolutely wet load of whites and no electricity. About that time my manager calls and says he is going to Sultan Center ( a big Grocery store) to get groceries. I needed to get some things as well so I decided to go with him. Picked up some freezer stuff and milk and some meats for lunches and dinner. Got back to the apartment but still no electricity. My co worker lives down the street from me so I borrowed some space in his freezer and fridge. Ramadan the Harish says the power will be on in half an hour, but Joe offers to let me use his dryer at his house. We get to Joe's and finish drying things. While we are waiting Joe tells me of a neighbor that is selling out for a move back to the states. I go over to take a look at things and end up buying a TV and stand, an iron and two space heaters for the winter time. Most houses in Kuwait do not have built in heaters and it does get down to freezing during the winter months. I picked up both for 23 kd, less than half the value because they are very hard to find when you really need one. The TV is a CRT type 20 inch. The person also had a 27 inch with stand for the same price but the stand was really damaged badly and the TV was just too large and bulky. I have really gotten spoiled with the Flat Screen LCD stateside. Got to figure out how and when I will be able to get the stuff from Mangaf to my place.
Finally got back to the hotel at about 7 pm.
Have A GREAT DAY!!
Finally got back to the hotel at about 7 pm.
Have A GREAT DAY!!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Moving Day - Got my Furniture
Got my furniture delivered today. 
Spend all morning from 6:30 until 11:30 scrubbing the floors, cleaning the countertops and the bathrooms. 
Tested out the new vacuum cleaner. It does a good job. The furniture delivery guys showed up at 11:30. They called at 10:45 and said they would be here in 5 minutes. HA! 30 minutes later I get a call and they tell me that the road I live on does not exist. He is Indian or Pakistani so the language barrier is not to bad, but I do have a hard time with it sometimes. I told him the exact address and he then asked if I was in Fintas. I told him I was in Egaila. 
That was the problem. So anyway he was here in 5 minutes. It took them 2 1/2 hours to get the furniture in and set up. Here are a few photos
of it. 
Spend all morning from 6:30 until 11:30 scrubbing the floors, cleaning the countertops and the bathrooms. 
Tested out the new vacuum cleaner. It does a good job. The furniture delivery guys showed up at 11:30. They called at 10:45 and said they would be here in 5 minutes. HA! 30 minutes later I get a call and they tell me that the road I live on does not exist. He is Indian or Pakistani so the language barrier is not to bad, but I do have a hard time with it sometimes. I told him the exact address and he then asked if I was in Fintas. I told him I was in Egaila. 
That was the problem. So anyway he was here in 5 minutes. It took them 2 1/2 hours to get the furniture in and set up. Here are a few photos
of it. 
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