Hello All,
Hard to believe I will have only 10 days left once I return from Jordan.
As a tradition, I close out with likes and dislikes. I don't want to leave on a sour note so I will cover my "dislikes" first.
1. Weekends: I dread weekends. We get thousands of Saudis descending on the city. They are rude, have a sense of entitlement, have no respect for the fact people live here, and come here to do all the things they can't do in Saudi Arabia which is often contrary to the religion they practice. We have a saying in the US which is "what happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas. They have there own saying: "Allah can't see across the causeway" which is the 12 mile long bridge which connects Saudi Arabia to Bahrain. Even other non-Saudi Muslims don't like them.
2. Traffic: Traffic is always bad and made worse by our "visitors". Not only is traffic bad, a high percentage of people are very dangerous drivers. Rules of the road? Simple...do what ever you want. Left hand turn from the far right lane? No problem. In a hurry (like everyone else)? Don't bother waiting your turn in the left hand turn only lane. Just drive to the front of the line and force your way in. Stop at a stop sign? Optional. Take up two parking spots? Sure, screw you...I have my parking spot. Stop on coming traffic because you want to make a left hand turn before the light changes? Why not...I got what I wanted, you will just have to wait on me.
3. Construction: Construction is going on everywhere. Roads and high-rises being build everywhere. The road construction only adds to the traffic problem and I have no idea who is going to live in all the high-rise apartments being built. There just doesn't seem to be a current shortage so I assume there will be plenty of vacancies. The best part of this construction is that it takes place 6 days a week and starts when the sun comes up. Currently, that means the noise starts at 5:30 am and lasts until dusk.
4. The "Middle Eastern" culture: To sum it up...it is getting very tiresome. I look forward to the day when the world no longer depends on oil. Everyone in this region can go back to being goat and camel herders like they were 100 years ago. It will not happen in my lifetime...but it will happen.
5. Tire fires and tear gas: You can't keep a popular civilian uprising suppressed forever. Revolutions have happened throughout history in every part of the world; didn't we have one in America a while back? It will happen here and in other surrounding counties where it has not happened already. Of course, the only people with guns is the government. I can think of a few other countries like that.
6. Dubbed "the least interesting place I have ever been": I have been to a lot of places. This is the least interesting place I have ever spent a significant amount of time in. Not much to do and even less to see. Their Tourism Ministry has its work cut out for it. At least they have a Formula 1 race every year...not that anyone who lives here cares.
7. Diving: The water is colder then you would think it would be, visibility is terrible, and there is nothing to see. What a waste of time.
8. Food prices: All food is more expensive here. In the grocery store, things are slightly to significantly more expensive. In a restaurant, expect to pay double of what you would pay in the US.
Next week: "Likes"!
Until then,
Michael
Friday, April 12, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013
The final countdown...
Hey Whoever is left, lol!
Well...less then a month left of my 1 year tour in Bahrain. One trip to Jordan left then on that freedom bird home!
As always, not much going on here. Just biding my time and eager to get home to my family.
Next week, I will do a recap of my time here with a like/dislike of my time here.
I have a lot of thoughts about that but there should not be many surprises.
Until next week....
Michael
Well...less then a month left of my 1 year tour in Bahrain. One trip to Jordan left then on that freedom bird home!
As always, not much going on here. Just biding my time and eager to get home to my family.
Next week, I will do a recap of my time here with a like/dislike of my time here.
I have a lot of thoughts about that but there should not be many surprises.
Until next week....
Michael
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Where am I? Cellblock C?
Hello Everyone,
Have not posted in a month to my surprise. That can only mean one thing...not much going on.
This weekend was a little hyped up. Showed up to work on Thursday morning and got to wondering...where the hell in everyone. Went to see the Watch Officer in the Command Operations Center and found out we were instructed Wed evening to not come into work on Thurs. Wish they made more of an effort to tell me!
This weekend is the 2 year anniversary of Shite protesters being routed from the "Pearl Roundabout" where the Kingdom crushed a large group of counter-government protesters. Forces from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) came in and dropped the hammer. (GCC is just the surrounding Gulf countries. I think that they have an agreement to send forces from their respective countries to any country on the council which has uprising.)
The monument at the Pearl Roundabout was demolished and the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) has a very tight ring of security around it as it represents the anti-governement movement. We had an MOI but we call it the Dept of Homeland Security, which sounds more pleasant. Wonder if they will have the same power some day.
To go one step further, my command thought it "was a good idea" for everyone to stay in their flats over the weekend. I don't usually go out much on the weekend but don't like the idea of being ordered not to leave.
Was this in response from warning from the Embassy? No. Was this policy established by the Base CO? No. Did the Navy, commanded by a 3 star Admiral, establish this same policy? No? It was just someone's "good idea"
The worse part was that there was not warning that this "good idea" would be implemented. So, I was trapped in my flat with whatever was there Thurs morning, included "new" but slower internet. Those two days stuck in my apartment convinced me I would not do well in prison.
At any rate, there are protest every weekend to include the burning of tires and MOI using tear gas and this weekend was no different.
On another note, I should be leaving the first week of May which means I have less then 2 months left. Not sure what I am doing next but looking forward to being back in the states. Time went fast for me but this has been a long deployment.
Until next time (whenever that is)!
Have not posted in a month to my surprise. That can only mean one thing...not much going on.
This weekend was a little hyped up. Showed up to work on Thursday morning and got to wondering...where the hell in everyone. Went to see the Watch Officer in the Command Operations Center and found out we were instructed Wed evening to not come into work on Thurs. Wish they made more of an effort to tell me!
This weekend is the 2 year anniversary of Shite protesters being routed from the "Pearl Roundabout" where the Kingdom crushed a large group of counter-government protesters. Forces from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) came in and dropped the hammer. (GCC is just the surrounding Gulf countries. I think that they have an agreement to send forces from their respective countries to any country on the council which has uprising.)
The monument at the Pearl Roundabout was demolished and the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) has a very tight ring of security around it as it represents the anti-governement movement. We had an MOI but we call it the Dept of Homeland Security, which sounds more pleasant. Wonder if they will have the same power some day.
To go one step further, my command thought it "was a good idea" for everyone to stay in their flats over the weekend. I don't usually go out much on the weekend but don't like the idea of being ordered not to leave.
Was this in response from warning from the Embassy? No. Was this policy established by the Base CO? No. Did the Navy, commanded by a 3 star Admiral, establish this same policy? No? It was just someone's "good idea"
The worse part was that there was not warning that this "good idea" would be implemented. So, I was trapped in my flat with whatever was there Thurs morning, included "new" but slower internet. Those two days stuck in my apartment convinced me I would not do well in prison.
At any rate, there are protest every weekend to include the burning of tires and MOI using tear gas and this weekend was no different.
On another note, I should be leaving the first week of May which means I have less then 2 months left. Not sure what I am doing next but looking forward to being back in the states. Time went fast for me but this has been a long deployment.
Until next time (whenever that is)!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
2 Cites, 2 Years, 2 Anniversaries....
Hello All,
Haven't posted lately because unless I travel, there really isn't anything to report. I go to work, come home, go to gym, go to bed...repeat. I have previously called Bahrain the least interesting place I have ever spend a significant amount of time in.
At any rate, I was lucky (?) enough to be witness to the 2 year anniversary of anti-government uprising in 2 different countries. As you recall, I had lunch near Tahrir Square, where all the protest in Cairo take place, just 9 hours before the 2 year anniversary of the uprising that still continues today.
Yesterday was the 2 year anniversary of the anti-government uprising that have been taking place in Manama, Bahrain. We got plenty of updates on where the protests were taking place and steer
Haven't posted lately because unless I travel, there really isn't anything to report. I go to work, come home, go to gym, go to bed...repeat. I have previously called Bahrain the least interesting place I have ever spend a significant amount of time in.
At any rate, I was lucky (?) enough to be witness to the 2 year anniversary of anti-government uprising in 2 different countries. As you recall, I had lunch near Tahrir Square, where all the protest in Cairo take place, just 9 hours before the 2 year anniversary of the uprising that still continues today.
Yesterday was the 2 year anniversary of the anti-government uprising that have been taking place in Manama, Bahrain. We got plenty of updates on where the protests were taking place and steer
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Cairo...there and back again.
Hello All,
I just finished my second (and last) trip to Cairo.
The trip got off to a pretty questionable start. I was cutting it close getting to the airport. I loaded my luggage and turned the key...nothing. The battery was dead. It was too late to call the rental car company so I just locked it up and took a cab.
Once at the airport, I had a second challenge to overcome. It turns out that the American Embassy in Bahrain would not process my paperwork for an Egyptian visa because I had less then 6 months remaining on my Bahrain visa. I was told this information just a few days before I was scheduled to leave and there was not enough time to get the extension and the Egyptian visa entered into my official US Government passport, which I am suppose to use when traveling on official US Gov business.
I could use my blue tourist passport but my red US Gov passport has my Bahrain visa in it which would be required to leave the country. We are not suppose to use two different passports when traveling and it would really piss off the embassy if they knew. So to get my ticket in Bahrain, I used my blue passport. To go through Bahrain customs, I used my red passport. To enter and leave Egypt, I used my blue passport. And...to enter Bahrain, I used my red passport.
I was a little worried the authorities at the airport would figure it out and at any minute, 2 Arabs in suits would come up behind me, grab me by both my arms, take to a windowless room somewhere, and proceed to slap me around until I confessed. Thankfully, this never happened.
A Major I work with was meeting me in Egypt for the conference but left the week prior to conduct a pre-deployment site survey. His wife lives here and she was flying on the same flight to spent the week in Cairo with him and he asked me to look after her while we were traveling.
This created the third challenge of the day as she evidently did not get a "culture brief" from her husband. Unfortunately, she was showing a little to much flesh for the region. Taking into account the Muslim culture and the internal strife of Egypt, wise travelers wear pants, long shirts, and long sleeves...loose, modest fitting clothing.
While waiting in line with her in order to go through customs, I couldn't help but notice that people around us were constantly pointing towards us and whispering amongst themselves. Thankfully, no one confronted us because of her manner of dress.
Here's a little travel tip for anyone headed out to this region...don't dress like a bum or prostitute.
The conference itself was uneventful and we continue to "kick the can down the road". The first time I was there was a lot more fun.
Had some free time at the end of the conference so me, my co-worker, and his wife headed out to the pyramids again. The tour company managed to arrange for the same tour guide and driver we had last time to take us out again. Our tour guide, a 32 yo, or so, Egyptian woman named Mera, told us that we were her first repeat customers. We were happy to find out that since our last visit in Oct, she had gotten married and was pregnant. This is probably a big relief for her family. In Muslim countries, a daughter who is not married by 30 becomes a big family crisis. So, that is a monkey off their back.
It was nice to see the pyramids again but they lost a little bit of that "wow" factor the second time around. There seemed to be fewer people there this time so it was easier to get pictures without people in them. I suspect tourism was down the week we were there as the day before we left was the 2 year anniversary of the revolution. If you are planning a trip to Egypt, you probably would not go that particular week.
We also went to a place called Khan el-Khalili. This is a well known market place that caters tourist located in the Islamic district of Cairo and dates back to 1392. There have been some attacks there over the years but it seemed like business as usual when we were there.
Mera told us that Tahrir Square which is also known as "Martyr Square" and is the location of all the protest you see on TV. Our guide told us that when security forces start chasing the protesters, the protesters often retreat to the Mosques surrounding Khan el-Khalili. If being chased by the police, you can make the journey from Tahrir Square to Khan el-Khalili in about 15 minutes. The Imam (religious leader) at each mosque would never allow police or soldier in the mosque and the police would never consider entering so it seems like a pretty good plan to hole up there.
As I mentioned, we left the day before the 2nd anniversary of the revolution. I saw on the news that 8 demonstrators were killed the following day. I hope that the most populated country in Africa can get this all sorted out soon.
I just finished my second (and last) trip to Cairo.
The trip got off to a pretty questionable start. I was cutting it close getting to the airport. I loaded my luggage and turned the key...nothing. The battery was dead. It was too late to call the rental car company so I just locked it up and took a cab.
Once at the airport, I had a second challenge to overcome. It turns out that the American Embassy in Bahrain would not process my paperwork for an Egyptian visa because I had less then 6 months remaining on my Bahrain visa. I was told this information just a few days before I was scheduled to leave and there was not enough time to get the extension and the Egyptian visa entered into my official US Government passport, which I am suppose to use when traveling on official US Gov business.
I could use my blue tourist passport but my red US Gov passport has my Bahrain visa in it which would be required to leave the country. We are not suppose to use two different passports when traveling and it would really piss off the embassy if they knew. So to get my ticket in Bahrain, I used my blue passport. To go through Bahrain customs, I used my red passport. To enter and leave Egypt, I used my blue passport. And...to enter Bahrain, I used my red passport.
I was a little worried the authorities at the airport would figure it out and at any minute, 2 Arabs in suits would come up behind me, grab me by both my arms, take to a windowless room somewhere, and proceed to slap me around until I confessed. Thankfully, this never happened.
A Major I work with was meeting me in Egypt for the conference but left the week prior to conduct a pre-deployment site survey. His wife lives here and she was flying on the same flight to spent the week in Cairo with him and he asked me to look after her while we were traveling.
This created the third challenge of the day as she evidently did not get a "culture brief" from her husband. Unfortunately, she was showing a little to much flesh for the region. Taking into account the Muslim culture and the internal strife of Egypt, wise travelers wear pants, long shirts, and long sleeves...loose, modest fitting clothing.
While waiting in line with her in order to go through customs, I couldn't help but notice that people around us were constantly pointing towards us and whispering amongst themselves. Thankfully, no one confronted us because of her manner of dress.
Here's a little travel tip for anyone headed out to this region...don't dress like a bum or prostitute.
The conference itself was uneventful and we continue to "kick the can down the road". The first time I was there was a lot more fun.
Had some free time at the end of the conference so me, my co-worker, and his wife headed out to the pyramids again. The tour company managed to arrange for the same tour guide and driver we had last time to take us out again. Our tour guide, a 32 yo, or so, Egyptian woman named Mera, told us that we were her first repeat customers. We were happy to find out that since our last visit in Oct, she had gotten married and was pregnant. This is probably a big relief for her family. In Muslim countries, a daughter who is not married by 30 becomes a big family crisis. So, that is a monkey off their back.
It was nice to see the pyramids again but they lost a little bit of that "wow" factor the second time around. There seemed to be fewer people there this time so it was easier to get pictures without people in them. I suspect tourism was down the week we were there as the day before we left was the 2 year anniversary of the revolution. If you are planning a trip to Egypt, you probably would not go that particular week.
We also went to a place called Khan el-Khalili. This is a well known market place that caters tourist located in the Islamic district of Cairo and dates back to 1392. There have been some attacks there over the years but it seemed like business as usual when we were there.
Mera told us that Tahrir Square which is also known as "Martyr Square" and is the location of all the protest you see on TV. Our guide told us that when security forces start chasing the protesters, the protesters often retreat to the Mosques surrounding Khan el-Khalili. If being chased by the police, you can make the journey from Tahrir Square to Khan el-Khalili in about 15 minutes. The Imam (religious leader) at each mosque would never allow police or soldier in the mosque and the police would never consider entering so it seems like a pretty good plan to hole up there.
As I mentioned, we left the day before the 2nd anniversary of the revolution. I saw on the news that 8 demonstrators were killed the following day. I hope that the most populated country in Africa can get this all sorted out soon.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Happy New Year!
Hello All,
After a very busy December, I am back in Bahrain.
After my trip to UAE, I (re) packed my bags and headed by to the US for a Christmas break. Jodi did a FANTASTIC job decorating the house. It was like a winter wonderland (minus the snow).
There were a few things that need to be taken care of around the house but I actually got a lot of rest and relaxation on my R&R trip. The weather was a little spotty with a few days of low(er) temps and rain. There were a couple of things I could have done outside if the weather was a little better but I am sure they will be waiting for me when I get back, lol.
Sarah was in town for my first week back home and celebrated Christmas with us. Even though she is Jewish, she is down with any holiday that involves gifts! She and Chase had a great time catching up and playing together. Jodi and I are blessed to have such wonderful kids!
They both got some really nice gifts. I was excited that Sarah wanted a bow and arrow set for the holidays. I ordered a compound bow for her which included a few arrows. I was surprised at the quality of the bow for the reasonable amount I paid for it. Sarah did very well right out of the box. After a few sessions, she was hitting the target with every arrow. In fact, it is so cool, I was thinking about getting an adult sized bow myself! I hope she sticks with it. It was a lot of fun shooting with her.
What really surprised me was the fact that I didn't get sick while I was home. Seems like a pretty bad flu season. Chase and Jodi both had a touch of something which I was sure I was going to get. Reminds me of the Christmas when we were all really sick on Christmas day a few years ago.
So, I am back to work. It didn't take long to get caught up because nothing really happened while I was gone. The pace of activity slows to a crawl as most military types around the world take a lot of time off at the end of the year...well deserved time off.
I am off to Cairo again next week. Didn't think I would have to make this trip but there is no one else to cover it. I have already seen the pyramids so I will have to see what else Egypt has to offer
Until then,
Michael
After a very busy December, I am back in Bahrain.
After my trip to UAE, I (re) packed my bags and headed by to the US for a Christmas break. Jodi did a FANTASTIC job decorating the house. It was like a winter wonderland (minus the snow).
There were a few things that need to be taken care of around the house but I actually got a lot of rest and relaxation on my R&R trip. The weather was a little spotty with a few days of low(er) temps and rain. There were a couple of things I could have done outside if the weather was a little better but I am sure they will be waiting for me when I get back, lol.
Sarah was in town for my first week back home and celebrated Christmas with us. Even though she is Jewish, she is down with any holiday that involves gifts! She and Chase had a great time catching up and playing together. Jodi and I are blessed to have such wonderful kids!
They both got some really nice gifts. I was excited that Sarah wanted a bow and arrow set for the holidays. I ordered a compound bow for her which included a few arrows. I was surprised at the quality of the bow for the reasonable amount I paid for it. Sarah did very well right out of the box. After a few sessions, she was hitting the target with every arrow. In fact, it is so cool, I was thinking about getting an adult sized bow myself! I hope she sticks with it. It was a lot of fun shooting with her.
What really surprised me was the fact that I didn't get sick while I was home. Seems like a pretty bad flu season. Chase and Jodi both had a touch of something which I was sure I was going to get. Reminds me of the Christmas when we were all really sick on Christmas day a few years ago.
So, I am back to work. It didn't take long to get caught up because nothing really happened while I was gone. The pace of activity slows to a crawl as most military types around the world take a lot of time off at the end of the year...well deserved time off.
I am off to Cairo again next week. Didn't think I would have to make this trip but there is no one else to cover it. I have already seen the pyramids so I will have to see what else Egypt has to offer
Until then,
Michael
Friday, December 14, 2012
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
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
Friday, December 7, 2012
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
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
Saturday, December 1, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
It's official
x2.
Hello everyone,
Well it's official, x2.
First, Bahrain is the least interesting place I have every spent a significant amount of time in. The diving sucks and there is really nothing to see. I struggle to fill the two days a week I have off. I tend to batten down the hatches Wed-Sun and not venture out much. If I HAVE to, I will get out on Fri or Sat morning.
The problem with Wed-Sun is that we tend to get a lot of visitors from an adjacent country who treat where I live like a play ground. The people in question are arrogant with a "me first" attitude. Muslims from other place then where these people are from say the same thing; that they have a sense of entitlement and that they are better then Arabs from other countries. It will be tough to grind out another 5 mos here. I would never come back to the Middle East and don't like it here at all. I'll just stick to my routine which mostly includes work and a simple after hours life style.
The second thing that is official is that the box of "Cohiba" cigars I bought a couple of months ago are counterfeits. I had some reservations when I first saw them but a little research tells me that this box of cigars fails on all 15 indicators of authentic Cuban cigars. Lesson learned (again!), if it seems to good to be true in IS to good to be true.
Well, at least I know that the Cubans I bought in Egypt are the real deal.
Thanksgiving is coming up. I have an awful lot to be thankful for but will probably spend a quite day by myself in my flat. I will be thinking of you all!
Cheers,
Michael
Hello everyone,
Well it's official, x2.
First, Bahrain is the least interesting place I have every spent a significant amount of time in. The diving sucks and there is really nothing to see. I struggle to fill the two days a week I have off. I tend to batten down the hatches Wed-Sun and not venture out much. If I HAVE to, I will get out on Fri or Sat morning.
The problem with Wed-Sun is that we tend to get a lot of visitors from an adjacent country who treat where I live like a play ground. The people in question are arrogant with a "me first" attitude. Muslims from other place then where these people are from say the same thing; that they have a sense of entitlement and that they are better then Arabs from other countries. It will be tough to grind out another 5 mos here. I would never come back to the Middle East and don't like it here at all. I'll just stick to my routine which mostly includes work and a simple after hours life style.
The second thing that is official is that the box of "Cohiba" cigars I bought a couple of months ago are counterfeits. I had some reservations when I first saw them but a little research tells me that this box of cigars fails on all 15 indicators of authentic Cuban cigars. Lesson learned (again!), if it seems to good to be true in IS to good to be true.
Well, at least I know that the Cubans I bought in Egypt are the real deal.
Thanksgiving is coming up. I have an awful lot to be thankful for but will probably spend a quite day by myself in my flat. I will be thinking of you all!
Cheers,
Michael
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Happy 237th!
Hello All,
Time again for the annual trifecta.
Today, 10 Nov, is the birthday of my beloved United States Marine Corps. 237 years ago, the Marine Corps was founded and we promptly started recruiting at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, PA. I think the signing bonus back then was a free beer.
Here in Bahrain, we had our traditional birthday celebration, the Marine Corps Ball. As far as MC balls go, it was decent. A little over priced as always but nice to get together with the gang on a social basis. I don't have my Dress Blues here so I wore the suit I had made a few months ago.
I think me and Uncle Ed are the only US Marines in the family. Be sure to tell him "happy birthday". He will probably pretend he doesn't know what you are talking about but he does and he will appreciate you mentioning it to him.
It is also Veterans' Day weekend. This is a time when we remember all the veterans out there who made sacrifices (some of them the ultimate sacrifice) so that the rest of society could live under the umbrella of freedom that comes with being an American citizen.
My family has a rich history of military service with members of every generation raising their right hand and swearing to protect and defend the constitution of the United States. I think everyone of us knows a veteran. This is the weekend to reach out to them and thank them for their service.
So, to all the vets out there... thank you for all that you have done. You can probably look back and remember so tough times. You made it through them and you made a difference.
And the third element of this trifecta week? My birthday. Hard to believe that I will be 47. My generation is now "our parents' age". Remember when you were a kid and you parents were 40? It seemed pretty old at the time. It doesn't feel that old now that I am in my 40s, lol! Time marches on.
Not much lined up for Nov. I will be going to Oman at the end of the month. I have never been there so it will be another new stamp in my passport.
That it for now. Have a great week.
Michael
Time again for the annual trifecta.
Today, 10 Nov, is the birthday of my beloved United States Marine Corps. 237 years ago, the Marine Corps was founded and we promptly started recruiting at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, PA. I think the signing bonus back then was a free beer.
Here in Bahrain, we had our traditional birthday celebration, the Marine Corps Ball. As far as MC balls go, it was decent. A little over priced as always but nice to get together with the gang on a social basis. I don't have my Dress Blues here so I wore the suit I had made a few months ago.
I think me and Uncle Ed are the only US Marines in the family. Be sure to tell him "happy birthday". He will probably pretend he doesn't know what you are talking about but he does and he will appreciate you mentioning it to him.
It is also Veterans' Day weekend. This is a time when we remember all the veterans out there who made sacrifices (some of them the ultimate sacrifice) so that the rest of society could live under the umbrella of freedom that comes with being an American citizen.
My family has a rich history of military service with members of every generation raising their right hand and swearing to protect and defend the constitution of the United States. I think everyone of us knows a veteran. This is the weekend to reach out to them and thank them for their service.
So, to all the vets out there... thank you for all that you have done. You can probably look back and remember so tough times. You made it through them and you made a difference.
And the third element of this trifecta week? My birthday. Hard to believe that I will be 47. My generation is now "our parents' age". Remember when you were a kid and you parents were 40? It seemed pretty old at the time. It doesn't feel that old now that I am in my 40s, lol! Time marches on.
Not much lined up for Nov. I will be going to Oman at the end of the month. I have never been there so it will be another new stamp in my passport.
That it for now. Have a great week.
Michael
Sunday, November 4, 2012
So, what's new in Bahrain?
Hell all,
In short, nothing. So, if you are pressed for time you can stop reading now, LOL!
This was my first week back after my travels to Egypt, so catching up was the main effort for me at work.
It is hard to believe it is Nov already and I have passed the halfway point of my time here. I can certainly understand why people take the 2 weeks of R&R around their mid-tour window. I was lucky to be home in Sept but ready for a break. Well, 7 more weeks or so and I will be home for Christmas. After that, only 4 months left.
Historically, we are approaching period when things slow down for the those in the military. We have 2 long weekends in Nov and the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Once Thanksgiving is over, everyone has the end of the year holidays in sight. With so many people taking time off for Chirstmas, it is hard to get much done for those who are in the office during that time.
I don't have any travel planned for Nov but will be in the United Arab Emirates the second week of Dec just before I travel back to the states. I've never been to the UAE so it will be a new stamp in my passport.
Well, like I said...not much to report from here so I suppose I will close before it gets down to me telling you what I had for desert yesterday.
Cheers,
Michael
In short, nothing. So, if you are pressed for time you can stop reading now, LOL!
This was my first week back after my travels to Egypt, so catching up was the main effort for me at work.
It is hard to believe it is Nov already and I have passed the halfway point of my time here. I can certainly understand why people take the 2 weeks of R&R around their mid-tour window. I was lucky to be home in Sept but ready for a break. Well, 7 more weeks or so and I will be home for Christmas. After that, only 4 months left.
Historically, we are approaching period when things slow down for the those in the military. We have 2 long weekends in Nov and the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Once Thanksgiving is over, everyone has the end of the year holidays in sight. With so many people taking time off for Chirstmas, it is hard to get much done for those who are in the office during that time.
I don't have any travel planned for Nov but will be in the United Arab Emirates the second week of Dec just before I travel back to the states. I've never been to the UAE so it will be a new stamp in my passport.
January is also shaping up to be busy with a couple of weeks of travel. I will head back to Egypt and maybe back to UAE.
After years of my friends pestering me to get a Facebook acct, I created one around the time I left for Bahrain. I must say, it IS a great way to stay in touch with everyone and have even reconnected with some people I have not heard from in over 25 years. Thankfully, I don't have any friends who feel compelled to share with everyone that they had an Eskimo Pie for desert or something ridiculous like that.
Cheers,
Michael
Sunday, October 28, 2012
So, what was Egypt like?
Hello All,
In a single word, great!
It was an easy 3 hour flight (I was upgraded to business class) and we were met at the airport by the transportation company hired to shuttle everyone to the hotel.
I could not believe how crazy traffic on the highways and streets were! I saw cars triple parked and cars running 5 wide on the three lane highways. Whatever money that was spent painting lane dividing dashed lines was wasted. All and all, think of New York city with twice the number of people on the streets, 4x and many cars, and 8x the chaos.
We stayed at the JW Marriott which is like an upgraded and much nicer Marriott hotel. It had a resort fell to it with tennis courts, golf course, nice gym, plenty of restaurants, an indoor pool, outdoor pool, wave pool, and kids water park. Before everyone starts think that this might constitute "fraud, waste, and abuse" of government funds, it was the only place the embassy would authorize us to stay and we got a very reasonable US government rate. I must say, the security was very, very good with barriers, working dogs, robust security force, metal detectors at the hotel entrance, and x-ray machines for all the bags being brought in.
The conference itself (for Exercise BRIGHT STAR) went smooth and we made a lot of progress with our Egyptian partners as well as representatives from other nations which are going to take part in the exercise. We were a little short handed because some of the American planners didn't show up. I was pressed into service as the working group lead for SOF (Special Operations Forces).
The conference ended Tuesday but we were not flying out until Thursday. It was important to my command that all 5 of us from Bahrain traveled together and that is the earliest we could get 5 seats on the same flight. It is a big holiday this weekend and a lot of people are traveling (think along the lines of traveling in the US around Christmas) so we had a free day while awaiting travel.
What did we do with this free time? Went to the pyramids, of course!
We hired a vehicle, driver, and guide for the day, all for the sum of $25. It was a great deal and I could not believe how inexpensive it was. When you consider that a doctor here makes $1000 a month, that sum probably seemed reasonable to the tour company.
The first place we toured was the National Museum. This is the museum downtown where all the best Egyptian artifacts are displayed. The place looked like it had not been updated since 1950 but they did have a lot of interesting things on display including a whole floor dedicated to items that belonged to King Tut. The center piece of the museum had to be the mask of King Tut's mummy. This is the mask you always see in pictures. It a work or art made out of solid gold and weights 25 lbs. It dates back to 1323 BC (3500 years old) and is priceless, needless to say.
We also went inside the biggest pyramid and climbed up a very steep, 3 1/2 foot tall shaft and into the chamber were the mummy of King Kufu was laid to rest.
In a single word, great!
It was an easy 3 hour flight (I was upgraded to business class) and we were met at the airport by the transportation company hired to shuttle everyone to the hotel.
I could not believe how crazy traffic on the highways and streets were! I saw cars triple parked and cars running 5 wide on the three lane highways. Whatever money that was spent painting lane dividing dashed lines was wasted. All and all, think of New York city with twice the number of people on the streets, 4x and many cars, and 8x the chaos.
We stayed at the JW Marriott which is like an upgraded and much nicer Marriott hotel. It had a resort fell to it with tennis courts, golf course, nice gym, plenty of restaurants, an indoor pool, outdoor pool, wave pool, and kids water park. Before everyone starts think that this might constitute "fraud, waste, and abuse" of government funds, it was the only place the embassy would authorize us to stay and we got a very reasonable US government rate. I must say, the security was very, very good with barriers, working dogs, robust security force, metal detectors at the hotel entrance, and x-ray machines for all the bags being brought in.
The conference itself (for Exercise BRIGHT STAR) went smooth and we made a lot of progress with our Egyptian partners as well as representatives from other nations which are going to take part in the exercise. We were a little short handed because some of the American planners didn't show up. I was pressed into service as the working group lead for SOF (Special Operations Forces).
The conference ended Tuesday but we were not flying out until Thursday. It was important to my command that all 5 of us from Bahrain traveled together and that is the earliest we could get 5 seats on the same flight. It is a big holiday this weekend and a lot of people are traveling (think along the lines of traveling in the US around Christmas) so we had a free day while awaiting travel.
What did we do with this free time? Went to the pyramids, of course!
We hired a vehicle, driver, and guide for the day, all for the sum of $25. It was a great deal and I could not believe how inexpensive it was. When you consider that a doctor here makes $1000 a month, that sum probably seemed reasonable to the tour company. 
The first place we toured was the National Museum. This is the museum downtown where all the best Egyptian artifacts are displayed. The place looked like it had not been updated since 1950 but they did have a lot of interesting things on display including a whole floor dedicated to items that belonged to King Tut. The center piece of the museum had to be the mask of King Tut's mummy. This is the mask you always see in pictures. It a work or art made out of solid gold and weights 25 lbs. It dates back to 1323 BC (3500 years old) and is priceless, needless to say.
After our visit to the museum, we were off to the pyramids. I can tell you that pictures do not do the Pyramids of Giza justice. They are really something special. The guide told us that no, aliens did not build the pyramids but it was a very dedicated effort by tens of thousands of works (I don't think they were union guys!). Can't imagine how many men it would take to move those 3 ton blocks of granite.
We also went inside the biggest pyramid and climbed up a very steep, 3 1/2 foot tall shaft and into the chamber were the mummy of King Kufu was laid to rest.
The final stop was a short distance away to see the world's largest monolithic statue. It is 260' long and taller then a 6 story building. It was really something to see in person.
One other interesting thing I saw in Cairo (a very polluted and dirty city) was the headquarter of former president Mubarak, which is right next to the National Museum. It was interesting because during the revolution in Jan 2012, it was set on fire. The current government has prohibited it demolition or even cleaning it up. It is to serve as a reminder of Mubarak's dictatorship and a symbol of the revolution.
In a nutshell, I was very happy to see Egypt
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Hi Ho, Hi Ho....
It's off to Cairo I go.
Hello everyone,
Jodi update: Jodi continues to a little better everyday. She tends to over do it at times which the doctor warned against. She hasn't had any addition complications since her first week when so fluid was accumulating in the area that the tumor occupied. So, per my post last week, she is out of the woods for the time being.
As for me, pretty busy week at work. We have a lot of activity planned for the upcoming 6-12 months which means lots of planning going on now. Things have quieted down a lot in the region so there was no need to cancel my trip to Cairo.
Don't know how much time I will have for sight seeing but the pyramids are less then 30 minutes from the hotel. It would be a shame to go to Egypt and not see them as I don't fore see vacationing there, much to the dismay of their tourism board.
Speaking of tourism, I was telling Jodi that there are so many great things to see in the US, we should spend our money keeping OUR countries tourism industry move forward. Jodi wants to see the QE II in Long Beach, CA, and I would like to see Laguna Seca Raceway in norther CA. Maybe during a race weekend, what do you say, Honey? Laguna Seca in the vicinity of San Fran where I would also like to spend a weekend.
Of course, one of our first trips will be a long over due journey to see Jodi's grandmother in KY. Think we probably owe the kids some sort of fun trip what with as much as I have been gone. This would hardly be "compensation" but it is always nice to take them someplace where they can enjoy the benefits of just being a kid.
That is about all there is to report from here. By the time I get back from Egypt, I will be at my 6 month mark of my assignment.
Happy birthday to all the US Navy sailors and former sailors out there! The USN was founded a month before the USMC and this is their birthday weekend (13 Oct). So, a thanks goes out to my Uncle Tim who served in the USN as a young man, to my Dad who was in the USN Reserves and to my sister Michele who served on active duty.
Until I see you...
Michael
Hello everyone,
Jodi update: Jodi continues to a little better everyday. She tends to over do it at times which the doctor warned against. She hasn't had any addition complications since her first week when so fluid was accumulating in the area that the tumor occupied. So, per my post last week, she is out of the woods for the time being.
As for me, pretty busy week at work. We have a lot of activity planned for the upcoming 6-12 months which means lots of planning going on now. Things have quieted down a lot in the region so there was no need to cancel my trip to Cairo.
Don't know how much time I will have for sight seeing but the pyramids are less then 30 minutes from the hotel. It would be a shame to go to Egypt and not see them as I don't fore see vacationing there, much to the dismay of their tourism board.
Speaking of tourism, I was telling Jodi that there are so many great things to see in the US, we should spend our money keeping OUR countries tourism industry move forward. Jodi wants to see the QE II in Long Beach, CA, and I would like to see Laguna Seca Raceway in norther CA. Maybe during a race weekend, what do you say, Honey? Laguna Seca in the vicinity of San Fran where I would also like to spend a weekend.
Of course, one of our first trips will be a long over due journey to see Jodi's grandmother in KY. Think we probably owe the kids some sort of fun trip what with as much as I have been gone. This would hardly be "compensation" but it is always nice to take them someplace where they can enjoy the benefits of just being a kid.
That is about all there is to report from here. By the time I get back from Egypt, I will be at my 6 month mark of my assignment.
Happy birthday to all the US Navy sailors and former sailors out there! The USN was founded a month before the USMC and this is their birthday weekend (13 Oct). So, a thanks goes out to my Uncle Tim who served in the USN as a young man, to my Dad who was in the USN Reserves and to my sister Michele who served on active duty.
Until I see you...
Michael
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Out of the woods...sort of
Hello All,
It has been a hectic couple of weeks and I am back in Bahrain.
Even though my emergency leave was not approved, I paid for my own ticket to fly half way around the world to be with my wife during a very difficult time.
Jodi had her surgery on Tues, 25 Sept. Out of all the things that could have went wrong, none of them did. I was home for the week until last Sat, when her sister-in-law, Sarah, took over as household assistant.
We were happy to hear that the lab results of the tumor were benign. Another blessing.
However, there were a couple of disappointments. The radiologist reading the CAT scan missed a couple of tumors and the surgeon said that some of the cells from the tumor spilled onto the healthy surrounding tissue.
What this all means is that Jodi is not out of the woods yet. It is probable that she will need to have this procedure done again.
We have both learned a lot over the last few months, most of all to cherish life and each other.
Thanks Sarah for coming down and thanks to her husband who rearranged his work schedule (a few times) to make it happen.
Yesterday is gone, let it go. Plan for tomorrow but there are no guarantees. You have today...don't waste it.
Kids, thank your parents for the sacrifices they made and tell them you love them. Parents, tell your kids you are proud of them and tell them you love them. Husbands/Wives, tell you partner you love them and mean it from the bottom of your heart. If someone you love has been called home, tell them too...they can still hear you.
See you next week (I hope!)
Michael
It has been a hectic couple of weeks and I am back in Bahrain.
Even though my emergency leave was not approved, I paid for my own ticket to fly half way around the world to be with my wife during a very difficult time.
Jodi had her surgery on Tues, 25 Sept. Out of all the things that could have went wrong, none of them did. I was home for the week until last Sat, when her sister-in-law, Sarah, took over as household assistant.
We were happy to hear that the lab results of the tumor were benign. Another blessing.
However, there were a couple of disappointments. The radiologist reading the CAT scan missed a couple of tumors and the surgeon said that some of the cells from the tumor spilled onto the healthy surrounding tissue.
What this all means is that Jodi is not out of the woods yet. It is probable that she will need to have this procedure done again.
We have both learned a lot over the last few months, most of all to cherish life and each other.
Thanks Sarah for coming down and thanks to her husband who rearranged his work schedule (a few times) to make it happen.
Yesterday is gone, let it go. Plan for tomorrow but there are no guarantees. You have today...don't waste it.
Kids, thank your parents for the sacrifices they made and tell them you love them. Parents, tell your kids you are proud of them and tell them you love them. Husbands/Wives, tell you partner you love them and mean it from the bottom of your heart. If someone you love has been called home, tell them too...they can still hear you.
See you next week (I hope!)
Michael
Saturday, September 15, 2012
3 Continents in 3 Weeks...NOT!
Hello All,
3 continents in 3 weeks was the plan, last week. As most of you know, I had travel planned to Germany (Europe), Jordan (Asia), and the US (North America).
We have a saying in the military...no plan survives first contact. That certainly was the case here.
The first leg of my trip went ok as I was off to Garmish, Germany, which is in southern Germany on the Austrian boarder just north of Innsbruck. As always, traveling sucks. I hate dealing with customs agents, airport personnel, and long flights. Thankfully, I had a couple of good books and the in flight entertainment system is free so I watched a few new releases. Also (thankfully), airlines anywhere outside the US treat you like a human being and not like cattle being loading onto a transport.
Leg two of my trip was to Amman, Jordan. I was looking forward to spending a day of down time in Munich awaiting my flight to Jordan but was contacted mid-week telling me that all non-essential travel to Jordan was to be cancelled by direction of the Ambassador.
Makes sense I guess...people climbing over the walls of an American embassy and burning the American flag does not instill a lot of confidence (embassies are sovereign US territory by the way so this was an act of war). I would hate to end up like US Marine LtCol William Higgins who was video taped swinging from the end of a rope in Lebanon, Aug of '89. History repeats itself with the death of Ambassador Stevens and his security team which included at least 2 former Navy SEALs in Libya.
Marine Fleet Anti-terroism Support Teams (FAST) are being rapidly deployed through out the region and I am keeping a low profile here at my current location.
A storm is coming...you will need more than an umbrella.
The third leg of my trip was to hometown USA so I could be by my wife's side as she undergoes a high risk surgical procedure. My "family" didn't see this as much of an emergency, so I will be riding it out here. Trip cancelled.
I love you, Wife!
Hope all is well in your part of the world,
Michael
3 continents in 3 weeks was the plan, last week. As most of you know, I had travel planned to Germany (Europe), Jordan (Asia), and the US (North America).
We have a saying in the military...no plan survives first contact. That certainly was the case here.
The first leg of my trip went ok as I was off to Garmish, Germany, which is in southern Germany on the Austrian boarder just north of Innsbruck. As always, traveling sucks. I hate dealing with customs agents, airport personnel, and long flights. Thankfully, I had a couple of good books and the in flight entertainment system is free so I watched a few new releases. Also (thankfully), airlines anywhere outside the US treat you like a human being and not like cattle being loading onto a transport.
Leg two of my trip was to Amman, Jordan. I was looking forward to spending a day of down time in Munich awaiting my flight to Jordan but was contacted mid-week telling me that all non-essential travel to Jordan was to be cancelled by direction of the Ambassador.
Makes sense I guess...people climbing over the walls of an American embassy and burning the American flag does not instill a lot of confidence (embassies are sovereign US territory by the way so this was an act of war). I would hate to end up like US Marine LtCol William Higgins who was video taped swinging from the end of a rope in Lebanon, Aug of '89. History repeats itself with the death of Ambassador Stevens and his security team which included at least 2 former Navy SEALs in Libya.
Marine Fleet Anti-terroism Support Teams (FAST) are being rapidly deployed through out the region and I am keeping a low profile here at my current location.
A storm is coming...you will need more than an umbrella.
The third leg of my trip was to hometown USA so I could be by my wife's side as she undergoes a high risk surgical procedure. My "family" didn't see this as much of an emergency, so I will be riding it out here. Trip cancelled.
I love you, Wife!
Hope all is well in your part of the world,
Michael
Saturday, September 8, 2012
BETRAYED!
Hello everyone,
I just found out the the top level decision maker here did not accept the recommendation of our Personnel Officer (who studied the Marine Corps Order on emergency leave) or my boss , as well as the attending surgeon, and decided to not approve my emergency leave.
I can't even begin to tell you how angry I am. My wife is having surgery to remove a tumor from her neck which may or may not be cancerous and this does not constitute an emergency? I'll bet things would be different if it were his wife.
Did he speak with me personally? No. Did he speak with the command's surgeon? I don't know but I am confident that he did not.
This is now a family problem and there will be a family solution. This family does not include the Marine Corps. We don't need their help nor do we want it.
Turns out that "leave no man behind" and "we take care of our own" are nothing more than catchy phrases that we put on posters.
Additionally, all this talk about "how important" families are and "we couldn't do what we do if it were not the family members back home" are nothing more then talking points for Generals briefing congress.
If anyone at work has the gall to ask me how my wife is doing I think I will probably explode. They have not earned the right to know anything about my wife and they are asking because they think that have to...not because they really care.
I have spent a fair amount of time around men and women from other branches of the service and I think the Army and Air Force do a better job of taking care of their people.
I am very lucky that we have family and friends who are willing to support us during this difficult time. Thank you to you all.
Michael
I just found out the the top level decision maker here did not accept the recommendation of our Personnel Officer (who studied the Marine Corps Order on emergency leave) or my boss , as well as the attending surgeon, and decided to not approve my emergency leave.
I can't even begin to tell you how angry I am. My wife is having surgery to remove a tumor from her neck which may or may not be cancerous and this does not constitute an emergency? I'll bet things would be different if it were his wife.
Did he speak with me personally? No. Did he speak with the command's surgeon? I don't know but I am confident that he did not.
This is now a family problem and there will be a family solution. This family does not include the Marine Corps. We don't need their help nor do we want it.
Turns out that "leave no man behind" and "we take care of our own" are nothing more than catchy phrases that we put on posters.
Additionally, all this talk about "how important" families are and "we couldn't do what we do if it were not the family members back home" are nothing more then talking points for Generals briefing congress.
If anyone at work has the gall to ask me how my wife is doing I think I will probably explode. They have not earned the right to know anything about my wife and they are asking because they think that have to...not because they really care.
I have spent a fair amount of time around men and women from other branches of the service and I think the Army and Air Force do a better job of taking care of their people.
I am very lucky that we have family and friends who are willing to support us during this difficult time. Thank you to you all.
Michael
Saturday, September 1, 2012
For a second week in a row...
I'm drawing a blank.
Hello Everyone,
You know, I sat down last week to blog and after about 5-8 minutes, I determined that I just didn't have anything to say.
And...for a second week in a row, still don't.
I actually had more materiel to work with in Djibouti and lots more in Germany.
Life is very predictable and boring here. Every day is pretty much like the last.
We did get some Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) sustainment training last week which was the only thing even remotely noteworthy. Training was pretty basic stuff but not a bad idea to get a refresher every now and again.
The continued civil way in Syria along with the vast stockpiles of chemical weapons there has the entire region on edge. Refugees are spilling over the boarder into Jordan and Israelites are being issued chemical protective masks (gas masks). This is all unclassified, open source information in case you think I am divulging some secret information, by the way.
I have decided to carry my mask with me to and from work so I always have it available. I will also keep protective outer garments here and at the office. If I see any explosions and then some odd colored smoke, I don't want to have to drive to work to get my gear. I don't think I could hold my breath that long anyways, lol. I think we are suppose to be doing some drills are work. Should be interesting trying to use a computer key board wearing gloves designed to clean up chemical spills.
After the first week of September, I will be on the road the entire month. The change of scenery will be welcome. I think I will even have an extra day in Germany and plan on spending it in Munich.
That's about it from this tiny island off the coast of the Saudi Arabian peninsula.
Cheers,
Michael
Hello Everyone,
You know, I sat down last week to blog and after about 5-8 minutes, I determined that I just didn't have anything to say.
And...for a second week in a row, still don't.
I actually had more materiel to work with in Djibouti and lots more in Germany.
Life is very predictable and boring here. Every day is pretty much like the last.
We did get some Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) sustainment training last week which was the only thing even remotely noteworthy. Training was pretty basic stuff but not a bad idea to get a refresher every now and again.
The continued civil way in Syria along with the vast stockpiles of chemical weapons there has the entire region on edge. Refugees are spilling over the boarder into Jordan and Israelites are being issued chemical protective masks (gas masks). This is all unclassified, open source information in case you think I am divulging some secret information, by the way.
I have decided to carry my mask with me to and from work so I always have it available. I will also keep protective outer garments here and at the office. If I see any explosions and then some odd colored smoke, I don't want to have to drive to work to get my gear. I don't think I could hold my breath that long anyways, lol. I think we are suppose to be doing some drills are work. Should be interesting trying to use a computer key board wearing gloves designed to clean up chemical spills.
After the first week of September, I will be on the road the entire month. The change of scenery will be welcome. I think I will even have an extra day in Germany and plan on spending it in Munich.
That's about it from this tiny island off the coast of the Saudi Arabian peninsula.
Cheers,
Michael
Saturday, August 18, 2012
33%...
Hello All,
33% represents my completion rate of my current tour. That's right...been here almost exactly 4 months. The precise date of my 4 month mark coincidently coincides with the 10 year anniversary of my father's death.
Hard to believe it has been ten years. My dad was a great man. Few people can say that they made a difference in the world...he did. Dad ran his own successful business (yes, he did build that), employed people, raised a family along with my mother, mentored 1000s of young people through the church, served the community, served his country, and made his own plum wine (ok, that didn't change the world but I always thought is was pretty cool). Turns out, he was a good friend too and I miss him.
So, let's celebrate his life and not his death.
So, 4 months gone, 8 months to go. August is almost over and September seems like it is over but hasn't even started yet. I will be off the island almost continuously after the first week of September. I leave on the 9th for a week long conference in Garmish, Germany, which is about an hour and a half outside of Munich (love that city!). Straight from Germany, I will travel to the capital of Jordan, Amman, for another week long conference. After that, back to Bahrain for a couple of days before I fly back to Hometown, USA, to be by my wife's side for her procedure. I will not be back in Bahrain until the 2nd of Oct, at which point I will be 30 days from the half way mark.
Oh, I thought of a couple of more things I like about Bahrain...playing Texas Holdem' every Friday night and smoking a cigar every morning. I smoke with the guy I sit next to at work who also enjoys cigars. It is funny that the 3 months between Djibouti and Bahrain, I didn't smoke any. Once back in the states, I'm sure I will revert back to one a month. I just don't have anyone to smoke cigars with back home and it is not something I really do by myself.
Well, not much else going on. Guess that is a good time to close for the week.
School has started or will start soon (depending on where you live). Watch out for the kids.
Michael
33% represents my completion rate of my current tour. That's right...been here almost exactly 4 months. The precise date of my 4 month mark coincidently coincides with the 10 year anniversary of my father's death.
Hard to believe it has been ten years. My dad was a great man. Few people can say that they made a difference in the world...he did. Dad ran his own successful business (yes, he did build that), employed people, raised a family along with my mother, mentored 1000s of young people through the church, served the community, served his country, and made his own plum wine (ok, that didn't change the world but I always thought is was pretty cool). Turns out, he was a good friend too and I miss him.
So, let's celebrate his life and not his death.
So, 4 months gone, 8 months to go. August is almost over and September seems like it is over but hasn't even started yet. I will be off the island almost continuously after the first week of September. I leave on the 9th for a week long conference in Garmish, Germany, which is about an hour and a half outside of Munich (love that city!). Straight from Germany, I will travel to the capital of Jordan, Amman, for another week long conference. After that, back to Bahrain for a couple of days before I fly back to Hometown, USA, to be by my wife's side for her procedure. I will not be back in Bahrain until the 2nd of Oct, at which point I will be 30 days from the half way mark.
Oh, I thought of a couple of more things I like about Bahrain...playing Texas Holdem' every Friday night and smoking a cigar every morning. I smoke with the guy I sit next to at work who also enjoys cigars. It is funny that the 3 months between Djibouti and Bahrain, I didn't smoke any. Once back in the states, I'm sure I will revert back to one a month. I just don't have anyone to smoke cigars with back home and it is not something I really do by myself.
Well, not much else going on. Guess that is a good time to close for the week.
School has started or will start soon (depending on where you live). Watch out for the kids.
Michael
Saturday, August 11, 2012
You seem to complain a lot about Bahrain....
What is there to like?
Hello all,
Yes I do complain about Bahrain a lot. I looked deep within and came up with a few positive things to say.
1. Most everyone you encounter out in town speaks English unlike Djibouti and Germany.
2. The base is very secure and has a modern infrastructure with plenty of services.
3. Manama (capital of Bahrain where I am) is a modern city with many restaurants and malls. If you want to spend $5000 on a Kate Spade handbag, you can do that here. Take that Djibouti.
4. Gas is cheap at $.25 a gallon.
5. That is really all I could think of.
Many of you probably still can't get your head around a 1 year assignment and being away from family that long. Many people I work with are regular active duty Marines and for them, this is a "permanent change of station" or PCS for them. The active duty types get ship somewhere about every three years. You may find yourself at Camp Lejeune for 3 years and then moved to the deserts of California. They don't really have much of a choice where they go....needs of the Marine Corps are the first priority.
Why am I telling you this. Well, active duty Marines can choose to come here for 2 years and bring their family or they can choose 1 year orders and come here by myself. Most choose the latter so my situation is no different then many of my peers.
Honestly, if I were active duty and had to make the choice, I would not want my family out here. Germany...absolutely. Here...absolutely not. There is just nothing here. Its hot, there is no history like in Europe, no cultural things like art museums, no sports like soccer or F1 (they do host an F1 race here but nobody goes to it) and the landscape is pretty barren. There I go complaining again...
The kids would be miserable here as would Jodi. Jodi would be much happier tooling around Stuttgart on her Vespa.
The first time I was in Djibouti, I said I never ever wanted to go back. Well, I did and the second time was a pretty darn good tour. Bahrain is my new favorite place to never ever want to come back to.
Thankfully, I have a routine throughout the week that keeps me focused and busy. The time is going fast and the environment that surrounds me is of little consequence.
Until next week...
Michael
Hello all,
Yes I do complain about Bahrain a lot. I looked deep within and came up with a few positive things to say.
1. Most everyone you encounter out in town speaks English unlike Djibouti and Germany.
2. The base is very secure and has a modern infrastructure with plenty of services.
3. Manama (capital of Bahrain where I am) is a modern city with many restaurants and malls. If you want to spend $5000 on a Kate Spade handbag, you can do that here. Take that Djibouti.
4. Gas is cheap at $.25 a gallon.
5. That is really all I could think of.
Many of you probably still can't get your head around a 1 year assignment and being away from family that long. Many people I work with are regular active duty Marines and for them, this is a "permanent change of station" or PCS for them. The active duty types get ship somewhere about every three years. You may find yourself at Camp Lejeune for 3 years and then moved to the deserts of California. They don't really have much of a choice where they go....needs of the Marine Corps are the first priority.
Why am I telling you this. Well, active duty Marines can choose to come here for 2 years and bring their family or they can choose 1 year orders and come here by myself. Most choose the latter so my situation is no different then many of my peers.
Honestly, if I were active duty and had to make the choice, I would not want my family out here. Germany...absolutely. Here...absolutely not. There is just nothing here. Its hot, there is no history like in Europe, no cultural things like art museums, no sports like soccer or F1 (they do host an F1 race here but nobody goes to it) and the landscape is pretty barren. There I go complaining again...
The kids would be miserable here as would Jodi. Jodi would be much happier tooling around Stuttgart on her Vespa.
The first time I was in Djibouti, I said I never ever wanted to go back. Well, I did and the second time was a pretty darn good tour. Bahrain is my new favorite place to never ever want to come back to.
Thankfully, I have a routine throughout the week that keeps me focused and busy. The time is going fast and the environment that surrounds me is of little consequence.
Until next week...
Michael
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