See the world's largest Persian carpet...check

See the world's largest chandelier...check.

Hello All,

Made some progress on my "things to see before I die" bucket list by seeing the world's largest Persian carpet and the world's largest chandelier.  Of note, I check both boxes making only one stop...The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, better known as Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi.

The rug weighs 75,000 lbs, took 1200 weavers almost 2 years to complete, has over 2.2 BILLION hand made knots, and reportedly cost $8.5 million.  Size?  60,546 sq ft.  This carpet is bigger then a football field which measures 57,600 sq ft (including end zones).  Pretty impressive.

The claim of the world's largest chandelier could not be verified using the internet but...measures over 33 feet in diameter and 45 feet in height.  It appears to be the "third largest chandelier" in the world.  It too was impressive but "see the world's third largest chandelier" is not on my list.

Turns out that the world's largest chandelier is in Doha, Qatar and measures 41 feet wide and 19 feet tall.  Don't have any trips to Doha on the calendar but people from the command go there on a fairly regular basis.  I'll see if I can jump on one of those trips.

Abu Dhabi was pretty nice and much bigger then Muscat, Oman.  It is a big modern looking city with lots of hussle and bustle.  Abu Dhabi is the location of UAE's central government so there are lots of government agencies located in the city.  They attract a fair number of tourist but I think Dubai has the edge with the vacation seeking types.

The hotel, The Beach Rotana, was very nice and one of two approved by the US embassy.  It was also connected to a 3 story mall.

We met every day at the UAE Armed Forces Officers' Club.  This is a bit misleading because the AFOC is really a very big hotel/conference center complete with gyms, pools, sports fields, pistol range and restaurants.

The best part of the day was lunch.  The cafeteria, if you could call it that, was AWESOME!  It featured an international buffet with soup, salad, and desert bar.  Other stations featured Asian (including sushi), tradition Arab fare, Indian section, and a European section.  All the food was delicious.  I limited myself to small portions but when you sample 20 small portions, you end up pretty full.  I couldn't stop because everything was so good.  I tasted few things I never had before but stuck with the sushi, duck, lamb, and beef for the most part.

I have a funny story about locking myself out on the balcony of my room one morning.  I'll save that for when I see you.

Until then,
Michael

1 trip down, 2 to go.

Hello All,

Returned from my trip to Muscat, Oman, a couple of days ago and now packing for a week long conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Muscat was great.  It was THE cleanest city I have every visited.  The place really sparkled...and I don't use the world "sparkled" often.  It was a very modern looking city and seemed pretty moderate.  It was very different then other cities I have visited in the Middle East.  It is actually some place I would consider going to for a vacation.

Tomorrow, I am off to Abu Dhabi.  I have never been there so I am interested to see what it is all about.    It too is suppose to be very nice.  I will update you when I get back.

Once I return from UAE, I will be in Bahrain for a few days and then flying across the pond to send a couple of weeks back in NC.  I am really looking forward to being home for Christmas!  I know Jodi has a "honey do" list waiting for me but I am not one to sit on a lounge chair reading so that is fine.  She has worked long and hard decorating and I can't wait to see the place.  The kids will have a great Christmas.  We were all apart last year as I was in Djibouti.

That is about it from here.   Today marks the day that the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor...71 years ago.  Pls take a moment to remember the Americans that were killed that day during an unprovoked attack in HI at 12:55 EST.

Michael

Seven days.

Hello All,

Seven days.  That is how many days I am projected to be in Bahrain during the month of December.

The month starts off with a trip to Muscat, the capital city of Oman, for a few days.  I have never been there and those who have, say it is pretty nice.

I will be back in Bahrain for the weekend and then off to Abu Dhabi, UAE.  Abu Dhabi and Dubai are said to be the crown jewels of the Middle East.  Factoid...Dubai is home to the world's largest mall.  It has over 1200 shops and 5.4 MILLION sqft of retail space.  I am not going to Dubai so I will not get to see the world's largest mall.  Too bad since it is on my "places to see before I die" list, much like "see the world's tallest steeple" which I did in 2009.  Well, maybe some other trip will take me to Dubai.

Back to Bahrain after UAE.  Do laundry.  Leave for US for two weeks of R&R.  It will be great to be home for Christmas.  Jodi has been working harder then Santa's elves getting the house decorated and i know it will look great.  Both kids will be with us for the week holiday festivities.  It sure is a great time of year.

Three trips in December equals 2 new stamps in my passport.  Not bad.

The travel doesn't stop in January as I will be off to Cairo again during the later part of the month.  Since I have already been to the Great Pyramids of Giza, I will have to find other old stuff to see.

Not much to report here otherwise.  Things are slowing down a bit as they always during during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.  This happens every year all over the Marine Corps and, I assume, will all the military's branches.  Well, I guess that is ok.  Everyone could use a breather.

Hope all is well in whatever part of the world you find yourselves.

Michael