Expatreate Blah

TATTOO UPDATE!!

2009-08-24T17:51:00.002+03:00

I decided to add some more ink to my body this vacation in Japan.

This one took about 12 hours and hurt a lot!

New Adventure

2009-04-03T15:37:00.003+03:00

My flatmate will be moving to Fukuoka in the near future to be with his wife, I think I will fly out and have a look for moving opportunities.

A Word on TAXES

2009-04-03T15:29:00.003+03:00

Dubai in the Mist

2009-03-31T16:07:00.002+03:00

On the way to work yesterday.

March 29 Dubai Thunderstorm

2009-03-30T17:30:00.004+03:00

When lightning hit the world's tallest tower! For a half hour lightning hit the tower and the thunder sounded all over the neighboring areas!

IT'S THAT TIME!!

2009-03-29T10:02:00.002+03:00

OK Kiddies, its time for another MEGA POST! it has been too long and I finally had a little time to spare so, I updated the blog page. Hope everyone enjoys. More to follow.....

Things that make me giggle

2009-03-29T09:56:00.002+03:00

Here are just a few thinks that have made me smile lately. You may have seen them before.

Anyone who gets this one wins a prize!

These two reminded me how I'm getting royally screwed on taxes this year after working 84-100 hours a week in support of my government!

After the gym

2009-03-29T09:51:00.002+03:00

Going to they gym makes me look angry. Unfortunately I still have a long way to go.

Thougth I was the only thing here from Iowa.

2009-03-29T09:46:00.002+03:00

Was in the hyper market and saw this on the shelf. I don't see many things from my birth place on the other side of the world.

Slow Cooking Wed.

2009-03-29T09:38:00.002+03:00

So, my new thing on my day off after drinking all night Tue is cooking. This week was traditional Irish Stew. started with 2.2lb Lamb, 3 Carrots, 2 Onions, and 5ish potatoes.

Lamb in the bottom of the slow cooker, then potatoes.

Next the sliced onion, try not to cry

Finally, carrots and assorted spices and Chicken Broth

Lastly, play X-Box and drink rum and coke for 7-9 hours until ready to eat.

Oh, it was GOOOODDDDD!

Chris's going back to UK party.

2009-03-29T08:46:00.007+03:00

Thur night at Barasti Beach Club. The usual suspects plus Chris's friend from the UK, Lallo

Amanda had the hic ups and bent over to drink, Chris never misses a photo opportunity!

What happens when some girls drink

Next day at Fri brunch. Started at Double Deckers. This is Daren aka Frodo. He's from the UK

Amanda, not so up to par after the mighty ass hanging out night she had before, Chris in rare form as well.

Striking a pose or watching the rugby match, can't remember

Lalo's prescription sunglasses, I swear you can see molecules in your skin with those things!

Next Stop Waxy's. Jhoy and Regg met us there.

Daren the mighty pool player

The Filipino crew all came to visit. Renz, Leary, Regg and Jhoy

Leary always texting someone, it's all Filipino do.

Renz, always smiling.

Next stop, Rock Bottoms, they had a bachelorett party and bean bags, cool.

Lap dances in Dubai are ok, sometimes.

Until you involve a girl, then you have to stop, stupid Dubai Muslim laws

AAAAAaaaaa....... I got nothing on this one

Chris's Dad come to take him away to the airport, just happens to be St' Patty's day as well.

Final Dubai photo in front of the Emirates Trade Towers.

Birthday Pics.

2009-03-29T08:21:00.007+03:00

Ok, Ok, I know it's way past due but, here or the photos from my birthday. We started off at our local hang out, Longs Bar

My good friend Chris, cool, for a Brit.

This is Glenn and myself, he's our IT guy at work. He's from Canada and has the most amazing movie/TV collection on hard drives. He's helped me survive many many hours of work.

This is Louise, she also a Brit and one of the managers of Longs Bar. She was a bit concerned about a cold sore showing in the photo.

C0-worker Amanda. Great girl from Louisiana. By this time we were at another popular Dubai pub, Waxy's

Here was the core party group, Amanda, Tony Chris and I

This is a friend of a friend, don't remember her name, she was visiting from the Philippines

Big pimp'n Tony and myself. Tony is my flatmate and co-worker. Great guy from Houston.

Amanda discovers snake bites

This is Jhoy, one of my party friends from the Philippines. She currently lives in Abu Dabi, about 2 hours away, but comes to Dubai to visit.

This is one of our regular bartenders at Waxy's. He's from South Africa

Jenny also works at Waxy's, she's from the Philippines also and lives here in Dubai with her sister who works here also.

Waxy's head doorman, I think he's Lebanese

Waxy's doorman #2 from England

Interesting Korean Street Things

2009-02-17T13:27:00.002+03:00

This is like a one of the many flea market style stands put out on the weekend streets

Random

I love finding little hidden places that are always just off the main paths

Everyone Has Something to Say

2009-02-17T12:52:00.003+03:00

This part of town has someone protesting or announcing something on an hourly basis all during the weekend. The Koreans are very opinionated about certain things.

Seoul City Park #1

2009-02-17T12:43:00.001+03:00

Seoul City Park #2

2009-02-17T12:31:00.001+03:00

Dinner in Gimpo

2009-02-17T12:16:00.002+03:00

Apparently every successful dinner in Gimpo starts with a chocolate sprinkle covered banana.

This is the first of many pitchers of soju cocktails

Freaking Korean menus

This is like a seafood pizza, very good.

Aftermath

Seoul Street Signs

2009-02-17T11:51:00.002+03:00

One of the things I love about visiting Seoul are all the funny street signs

The worlds president

I didn't really figure out what they sold here, maybe moisturizer.

Apparently all women love pizza

This was HO Bar 1 of like 7

Fun times in the Philippines

2009-02-17T11:32:00.002+03:00

One of the Best buggy days ever!

This is the most difficult self portrait I've ever takenI like random things
Jenga Night at Marty's

Usually ends the same way.

Going to White Beach

2009-02-17T10:43:00.004+03:00

I've been going to the same place inthe Philippines for almost 3 years and have never made it to White Beach. Thought it was about time. I did manage to see one of the fattest, topless, European women ever. I though Niel was going to loose his lunch.

Belated Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T06:50:00.002+03:00

FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON THE BLOG WOULD NOT PUBLISH MY THANKSGIVING POST. SORRY EVERYONE MISSED IT. MAYBE NEXT YEAR WILL BE BETTER.

The Breakfast Club

2008-10-16T20:00:00.001+03:00

Every night after the show we got together for breakfast at North Park Noodle House. It’s cheap and really easy to eat when drunk. Well, the noodles can be problematic, depending on how drunk you are.

ODE TO THE SHOWGIRLS

2008-10-16T19:24:00.010+03:00

My apologies to all for my hiatus from the blogging scene. I have been putting in 100+ hours a week and had no chance to post or eat or shit! Here is a small tribute to the hard working showgirls in Manila who put in 6 hard days a week filled with rehearsals and shows for about $10.95 a night

Cris

Cris & Ricca

Jenny, She Likes Whips.

Side Stage

Between Sets

Ricca being charming

The whole Crew

Chubby Guy On The Balcony

2008-08-05T08:47:00.002+03:00

I'm really starting to dislike this place

Dive Photos

2008-06-15T05:09:00.017+03:00

Last Stop, Floating Bar!!Finally Made It Out Of The WaterNiel Waiting On The BoatBoat Coming To Get UsAnother Eel hanging Out In Some RocksSpot The Fish!Big Ass Eel Under The Metal Sailboat.Metal Sailboat, Sabang Wrecks, 3 of 3Stone Fish On The Wooden Wreck, Very Poisonous! Wooden Wreck, Sabang Bay, 2 of 3Mantis Shrimp, Under a WreckLet Big Freaking Sharks Lay!!Wooden Junk, Sabang Wrecks, 1 of 3

Puffer Fish, eye balling me!

Sea Slug, mmmmm....

Delays, Delays

2008-06-15T04:45:00.006+03:00

Hello friends, My apologies for the extreme delay in posting. Once I returned from vacation I was loaded down with work that should have been taken care of while I was away. Curse of always being understaffed. I’ve been on vacation and forced to return to the US for a back injury since my last post. I’m sitting in a Holiday Inn Express at the moment pounding out a post before I catch a flight from SA back to Dubai tomorrow. I have a few cool photos from vacation, none from the SA trip really. More about that another time. Hope you like the photos as I’m trying to pack for the trip.

Storm's A BrewingAfter The RainBig Apple Resort ViewSabang Bay Sunset

Free And Clear!

2008-04-10T09:01:00.001+03:00

Finally!! I just finished paying my student loan. At this point in time I owe nothing to anyone, except maybe the guy who lent me $5 for lunch the other day. I feel as if I have just side stepped the huge piano dangling above my head. Here is my nifty little receipt suitable for framing next to my other suitable for framing things I don’t have a wall to hang on.

Finally Got A Tripod

2008-04-02T11:12:00.010+03:00

The first few photos are literally looking over the back of my at what I see before I go to sleep every night.

This is the famous hotel here in Dubai that looks like a ship sail and I think, is the tallest hotel in the world. It is located almost 2 miles from where I took this photo from. I've got a fairly good zoom lens.

This is a mosque about 1/4 mile from my apartment.

New building being constructed across the highway, I like to see the way it progresses over time.

New View

2008-03-31T09:06:00.013+03:00

This is what I see out of my bedroom since I've moved to the 37th floor on the other side of the building I live in. I still really need a tripod, maybe I'll get one this week.

Late B-Day Trip Photos

2008-03-31T06:57:00.009+03:00

Here are a few photos from my Texas trip last Feb. I would have posted them sooner but.....

All Head and K in Houston a few days before my departure.

Shots with Assgager at EMOS in Austin, Great bands.

Myself, The Other White Meat and Dead Lay

Here are Guam and Ta-killya. They are two of my very best frinds from SA who took me out for my b-day and a Subsequent drunken cat biting event, long story.

Here is Trojan and I at the Flying Saucer in Austin.

HAPPY VANENTINES DAY

2008-02-14T08:05:00.002+03:00

Courtesy of Wikipedia..

Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14. In North America, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

In North America

The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines." Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline and the figure of the winged Cupid. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.

In South America

In Brazil, the Dia dos Namorados (lit. "Day of the enamored", or "Boyfriend's/Girlfriend's Day") is celebrated on June 12

In Asia

Thanks to a concentrated marketing effort, Valentine's Day has emerged in Japan and Korea as a day on which women, and less commonly men, give candy, chocolate or flowers. It has become an obligation for many women to give chocolates to all male co-workers. In Japan this is known as giri-choko (義理チョコ), from the words giri ("obligation") and choko, ("chocolate"). This contrasts with honmei-choko (本命チョコ); chocolate given to a loved one. Friends, especially girls, may exchange chocolate referred to as tomo-choko (友チョコ); from tomo meaning "friend".

In the Islamic world

In Persian culture (Iran) Sepandarmazgan is a day for love, which is on 29 Bahman in the jalali solar calendar. The corresponding date in the Gregorian calendar is 17 February
In Saudi Arabia in 2008, religious police banned the sale of all Valentine's Day items, telling shop workers to remove any red items, as the day is considered an un-Islamic holiday. This ban created a black market of roses and wrapping paper,

VACATION!!!

2008-02-10T09:09:00.000+03:00

By the end of this week I’ll be kicking it with my friends in America! I figured 2 years was enough time out of the country so, I decided to get back to good old Texas for my upcoming birthday. I’ve already been informed of a few mandatory parties, you know who you are. I will fly into Austin and out of Houston, driving to SA in the middle. I look forward to seeing everyone and will post pics when I return next month.

More Night Photos

2008-01-07T17:24:00.000+03:00

The construction here is day and night

Everything here is so angular

View of the local squishy mart from the 33rd floor

It's difficult to get clear night shots without a tripod

Late New Years Pics

2008-01-07T17:11:00.001+03:00

Here's a few photos from New Years

Xmas ala Norman Rockwell

2007-12-24T16:33:00.000+03:00

Norman Rockwell is Christmas to me.
The iconic cheer and togetherness shared by American families this time of year. Although I have become disillusioned by the entire holiday “thing” I still fondly remember my childhood Iowa holiday seasons. The snow outside punctuated by a warm house filled with family noise and smells of roast turkey or goose permeating the air. I’m saddened to think those times are gone forever. In the spirit of the Christmas season I wish everyone good health and happiness.

Without thinking too much about it in specific terms, I was showingthe America I knew and observed to others who might not have noticed.
—Norman Rockwell

Hazy Morning

2007-12-22T09:09:00.000+03:00

0630 view

Long way from the 33rd floor to the ground!

Another Sight Shot.

2007-12-18T07:21:00.000+03:00

Here's another one. Not as focused as the other, maybe if I had a tripod. Anyway, I'll send a few morning shots after I download them.

2007-12-17T21:40:00.000+03:00

Here’s the view from my balcony. I took this within 1 hour of arriving at my new home. I must say, my little dive camera takes fairly nice night photos.

Sweet Escape!

2007-12-05T10:07:00.000+03:00

I received a call to interview for a job on the 23rd of last month. It was a very good interview, I missed only one question. I received the usual spiel that I would get an answer either way in 3-4 days. The very next day the job I interviewed for was reposted. Even though this seemed to be a bad sign I waited until the 5th day to send an email of inquiry as to my situation. I was informed that my interview notes would be added to the interview noted of the applicants from the repost and a decision would be made. At least it wasn’t a No. I started searching thru other job postings in an attempt to get out of my current location. Few stood out, one in Kuwait, but nothing that would have been as good as moving to Dubai. When I had almost forgotten about the whole affair I get a friendly phone call from an HR representative in Dubai asking if I would be interested in a follow up interview. I accepted, hiding my certain glee. The second interview was given by the business segment manager, all four travel supervisors and the senior HR generalist. I got a huge amount of positive feed back from the group and closed the interview with a very good feeling. I got the standard post interview HR shtick about being notified in 3-4 days with a decision. I must have made a good impression. Approximately 7 hours later I got a preliminary job offer. I was a bit confused by the email as it did not convey anything solid. The exact wording was “We would like to inform you that we have considered you for our Travel Coordinator position in Dubai. We would like to make you this preliminary offer, pending approvals from all sides concerned.” I wasn’t left with a warm fuzzy feeling so, I conveyed my acceptance and now am waiting to move to Dubai. After everything I will finally escape Iraq to a whole new place where I can have a beer if I choose. I won’t know what to do with myself. No more body armor or bunker drills. No more incoming alarms from rockets and mortars and best of all, no more ass clown boss! Although I think Dubai is actually just a false sense of security. It has the largest concentration of expatriates in the middle east. There is tight security but I don’t trust any Arabs, too difficult to tell who’s a fanatic just pretending to go along long enough to blow you up. At least there is a movie theater.

Emotive

2007-11-28T13:16:00.000+03:00

For those of you who know me…….I’m a fairly happy person - I try to get along with everyone. I’m in a place that should be the great to work at - small camp, very few people to deal with. But, after about 4 months now I’m finally wearing down. Actually, this is probably the culmination of my total time in Iraq. No matter what people think, everyone here suffers from varying degrees of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. So, I ask myself, what do you do when a particular individual strains you so bad all you want to do is physically damage them? There is so much superfluous drama here. Virtually every fragment of dissension can be coupled to one personality. That’s right folks, Mr. Cyclothymia strikes again! He inflates every minute problem to such a degree that an instant calamity forms. This person then proceeds to travel from person to person, department to department, leaving crisis and turmoil in his wake. I decided to exercise whenever I have the urge to choke him. Now I find myself in the gym or exercising 2-3 times a day. Honestly, abject rage has done wonders for my abs. I’ve recently interviewed for a job in Dubai and applied for a few others. So, I’m in a holding pattern until something breaks. This is me taking an unfathomable lungful of air………….

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2007-11-20T17:12:00.000+03:00

I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving.

Cyclothymia

2007-11-02T07:26:00.000+03:00

A persistent instability of mood, involving numerous periods of mild depression and mild elation. This instability usually develops early in adult life and pursues a chronic course, although at times the mood may be normal and stable for days at a time. The mood swings are usually perceived by the individual as being unrelated to life events.
A.K.A. My Boss!

OSHA

2007-10-23T08:28:00.000+03:00

I’ve been sitting in an OSHA 30 Hour Course for General Construction. I cannot begin to tell you how laborious this week has been. I managed to complete 2 online courses, research flight schools, and balance my financial statements during my time here. The instructor is a very knowledgeable southern woman who has taught the class just as much about her family as OSHA standards. If you didn’t know, OSHA is Occupational Safety and Health Administration. http://www.osha.gov/ in case you can’t sleep tonight. I don’t think I could follow a career in safety, I’m not bossy enough. I did learn what can happen if a guy doesn't adjust a fall protection harness in the proper manor. There was a delightful story of how a guy fell from a building with his harness improperly adjusted. Before he hit the end of the safety line his testicle had worked it's way to the to the other side of the crotch strap. When the medics finally cut the guys pants off, low and behold, his testicle had shot straight out of the scrotal sack. That had to suck!

ENOUGH SAID

2007-10-14T11:46:00.000+03:00

Field Day at the Airfield

2007-10-12T18:37:00.000+03:00

So, today I was tasked with the opportunity to work out on the airfield with the air force. I noticed this big ass plane and decided to ask if I could take a photo.

The cool thing about this plane is that it actually looks like a movie theater inside.

Going Outside

2007-10-10T19:40:00.001+03:00

Here's a photo of myself and our Security guy just before heading outside the base to visit the Regional Embassy Office. Going outside the wire, as it's called, isn't all that exciting for me. Good news is I don't have to do it very often.

Homeland Security

2007-10-09T11:09:00.000+03:00

Ask the American Indians what happens when you don't control immigration.

$1.25 Million

2007-10-01T14:52:00.000+03:00

That's right folks, tax payer money in action. 4 up armored SUV's coming in at $250,000 each. They don't drive too bad either.

Which Do You Think?

2007-10-01T07:15:00.000+03:00

I'm leaning more towards the B&W but I may be just going thru a phase. By the way, this was taken on my last trip to Bangkok.

Cool New Tooth

2007-09-29T14:23:00.000+04:00

Before

During

After

Isn't it lovely? Now I can eat nachos without bleeding.

I Think I'll Make A Book

2007-09-25T10:58:00.000+04:00

I’m think I’m going to follow my hobby and put my photos together for a coffee table book. Anyone interested in buying something like that? I’ll sign it, ha-ha. On another note, I finally got my new tooth installed…….photo to follow.

Black and White Mood

2007-09-25T10:47:00.000+04:00

How I spent my weekend.

2007-08-27T10:18:00.000+04:00

Actually it was an extended weekend, from Thursday to Monday. We received a notification from the central office that there were petty cash records that totaled over $1.3 million that had to be found and scanned to the central office by close of business Monday. All the records date back to 2003 and have been carelessly housed in a 40 foot shipping container. During their stay in the container rodents had made homes, water had dripped in and mold had grown. So, myself and 6 other people worked 14 – 17 hours days for the entire weekend to uncover as any files as possible. We all wore rubber gloves to avoid catching any rat poop virus and sat at your desks or on the floor comparing requisition codes and subcontract numbers. The only highlight of the weekend was a call from Trojan; it’s nice to hear the voice of home. Anyway, back to the grind.

SCORE!!!

2007-08-24T15:05:00.000+04:00

I have been picking up the mail everyday lately, until our new labor foreman arrives to take over the duties. As with many of my collateral duties I just use it as an excuse to escape my desk on a daily basis to head down to the Post Office and chat with the soldiers who run the facility. We have another site that has not been collecting their mail and packages the way they should be and needless to say, have amassed quite a few packages over the weeks. During one of my previously mentioned conversations; one of the mail clerks told me that no one had contacted the Post Office about all the excess mail taking up valuable shelf real estate. I informed him that some of their packages had even shown up on my mail shelf. After examining the parcels he turned and educated me on a not very commonly known Postal rule regarding “abandoned mail”. If a package is left in the care of the Post Office without contacting them with a forwarding address or some other similar arrangement to recover the package for more than 30 days the Post Office will simply give the packages away; if it cannot be returned to the original sender. The packing slips on the boxes stated the contents to be food so; the clerk asked if I wanted to take the boxes so they could make extra room in the store room. Thinking Santa had come early this year I was more then happy to help out. When I got back to my office I found a few boxes of cereal, pasta roni, instant latte mix, caramel and chocolate coffee flavoring and a few packages of tuna. But the best surprise of all was in the third box. A brand new 4 gig ipod nano, to include accessories and 2 carrying cases. Also a stack of blank DVD's and a really nice leather bound journal. Not a bad haul for a few days of chatting with some really kick ass people down at the Post Office. I guess this makes up for any postal problems I’ve had in the past.

Barracks Room Remodel

2007-08-18T14:30:00.000+04:00

Ok, Here is the new "living Room" down stairs portion to include walk thru closet.

This is my new staircase which I found on a pallet in the materials yard late one night, better than Home Depot I tell ya.

And finally I have an upstairs "bed room" with a bed I built hight enough to store all my moving boxes under. As a result, I have to almost jump to get into bed now.

The materials involved in this renovation were actually reclaimed from the local military landfill and as a result diden't cost me anything. I used 4 bed frames, (7) 4x4 posts, some 2" angle iron and a butt load of 1/4" plywood which I procured from shipping crates. One circular saw, one cordless drill and about 18 hours of total time. Some how I think my good friend Guam would be really proud and a little scared of my project. I'm thinking about moving my computer and desk to the up stairs but it all depends on how motivated I am after working 18 hours today.

The Neighborhood

2007-08-09T10:01:00.000+04:00

This the view out of the front gate of the compund. It almost liiks like a small town, in a way it is.

This is how close I am to a Kurdish neighborhood.

Something always seems to be burning here. I think it's the oil field this time.

My New Home

2007-08-09T09:01:00.000+04:00

So, after finally escaping the camp from hell, I managed to get out an snap a few photos of my new work site. Here is the compound I live and work in. All the personal rooms on one side and the offices are on the other side.

I finally have a room to myself in a real building with a real door. We call our rooms jail cells because they are 6.5' wide, 15' long and 13' high. My plan is to split the room in half and make a loft to double my floor space. The really nice thing about the room is the 2' thick concrete walls, much better than a tent during mortat attacks.

THIEVING BASTRDS!!!

2007-08-04T12:39:00.000+04:00

So, I finally got all moved to my new work location in Kirkuk, photos to follow. I’m starting to get the rundown on my job and responsibilities. As part of my move I log onto my banking website to change my mailing address and check my current balance. I may be investing in a newly constructed hospital in the Philippines and was lining up my liquid funds for a possible funds transfer. I happened to glance at my current balance and thought it seemed lower than it should be, seeing as I have only purchased 2 things in the last 2 months, an airline ticket and one pair of shoes. That’s when I saw the statement below. Click on I to make it large enough to read.

That’s right, some little A-Hole got a hold of my check card number and sent it to a relative in India. First off, I had to figure out where the local currency was the Rupee, then I had to figure out how my card number got there. I mean it’s not like I have ever been to India, although I hear the dysentery is to die for. I started digging deeper into my statement and low and behold, 7 days prior to the first illegal charge I had used my debt card at the AAFES PX/BX in Baghdad, which is chock a block full of Indian and Pakistani workers. Then I remembered a story of how the fuel point supervisor had used her debt card at the Burger King next to the AAFES, also part of the Indian and Pakistani work force and she found close to $300 in fast food charged to here card. After filing my claim with VISA check card fraud and theft department I will get the money back but now I don’t have a check card and still have hotel’s to book for my upcoming vacation to Bangkok. Of course they will not ship a new card to an APO address so I have to find someone in the US to send it to me ASAP so I can get everything finished. As you may have read from the photo above, the grand total for this pain in the ass was $2449.52. Now besides the French, I am forced to not like the Indians any more, Thank you sir, do you want another slushy!!

Cool Dive Art

2007-07-25T16:39:00.000+04:00

I especially like the first five because they remind me of the nose art from WWII bombers

My Iraq Travel

2007-07-24T08:00:00.001+04:00

I've had more than a few people ask where I was in Iraq at the time of the conversation or where I would be going next when I moved or changed addresses only to be met with a brief to long silence followed by "where's that?" Well, here is a nifty little reference I whiped up between rocket attacks near the U.S. Embassy. Ok, I started at #1, was there for about 1 monthe before being transfered to #2. I was in the Safety Department at the time and in the middle of nowhere. The camp was quiet and we never had an attack. After the military decided to close the place down I was transfered back to #1 for about a monthe where I got into the Operations Department. I then went to another site near #1, too close to put another mark on the map, for 2 weeks which turned into almost 3 months. I then returned to #1 for 4 months before I was exhiled to #3. This is the place I previously posted photos of, the dessert and tents and lizzards, I am currently sitting at a different location near #1 until I transfer to my new position at #4. I hope this clears up any questions that anyone who cares may have.

You can click on the map to see it better

DELIVERANCE

2007-07-06T13:22:00.000+04:00

So, after my 4th phone interview I have finally been offerend a promotion and new location up north. I finlly get to leave the poop hole I'm in for a nicer camp with actual buildings to live in instead of a tent with 7 other guys. Now hopefull my regional managers woun't screw me over and keep me here. In other good news, one of the equipment operators killed a 4 foot sand viper with a backhoe. Now we're just tying to decide whose sleeping bag to put it in. Good times in the desert!!

Oh what a lovely smile!

2007-06-28T15:26:00.001+04:00

Crap Crap Crap!!!

2007-06-25T13:51:00.000+04:00

I received an email from an individual at this company interested in meeting with me to discuss employment options in administration and investment management. The good and bad thing about this is that they are located in Tokyo and I'm stuck in Iraq. If it were a solid job offer I'd go tomorrow but I cant just pop onto a 15 hour flight for maybe. It would be my dream to live and work in Japan for a while but I can't throw away a six figure job for maybe. I replied to the individual informing him of my situation and willingness to travel for a job possibility. Maybe I'll hear back from them.

CRAP CRAP CRAP!!!!!

Where water comes from

2007-06-24T10:52:00.001+04:00

We have a few wells here in different stages of completion.
First stage: drill a big muddy hole

Second stage: put a generator, pump and well head next to the big muddy hole

Stage three fill in the big muddy hole and pump water to the filtering station.

Yeah!!! Now I can take a shower with water that actually smells like dirt!

Saturday

2007-06-23T13:53:00.000+04:00

I officially designate today as "Watch Movies and Shop for Wet Suits While at Work Saturday" or WMaSfWSWaWS! Oh and what a grand WMaSfWSWaWS I will have, sticking it to the boss with a huge smile on my face while watching Rocky Horror Picture Show and perusing scuba.com!!!!

Tent Dwelling Critters

2007-06-22T11:13:00.001+04:00

Not as fluffy as a cat but, they do eat the mice. Very difficult to house train though.

Casa de Guano

2007-06-22T09:45:00.001+04:00

WOW!!

2007-06-20T17:23:00.000+04:00

Holy diabetic rush Batman!!
I would be the most popular person in my tent with
40.5 pounds of Skittles!

I considered ordering this just to see what it looked like.

Girls Of Vacation

2007-06-20T16:53:00.001+04:00

This is Dawn, She is an English teacher in Korea on walk about in Asia. She is also a SCUBA diver who is loads of fun despite the fact she only spoke about 19 words per week.

This is Bell. She is a reforming party girl who's salvation appears to be SCUBA diving.

Last but not least, Margerie. She has had the fortune to dive at many sites around the Philippines. She is probably the smallest dive master candidate I've met and speaks only slightly less than Dawn.

Big Apple
Dive team

Golden Snorkel

2007-06-20T16:19:00.000+04:00

There is a time honored tradition among some dive schools that require a beer be drank from a golden snorkel to celebrate the passing of a dive course.
If you are a special case they pour a shot of something else into the snorkel. This time it was vodka

She completed 2 specialties also to obtain her advanced open water certificate. 2 beers like a champ. I was waiting for something to come shooting out of her nose.

I had to do 2 for my deep and wreck diver specialties. All that training in the San Antonio Hash House Harriers served well this day.

C-RAM Test

2007-06-18T11:34:00.000+04:00

This is what an automatic anti-missile weapon looks like when fired at 3am. Something like every 7-10 rounds fired is a tracer. This thing fires so many rounds per minute that it makes an almost solid line of light. The top photo was taken directly over my head with a crappy 4 mp camera and the bottom photo was taken by a very good friend of mine with a professional camera setup. His looks much better when you click on it to see the blown up version. The best part about these tests are that the military never informs anyone they are going to happen. The only sound you hear is a loud buzzing as the rounds pass overhead followed by close to 165 phone calls to find out what the hell it was. This happened twice in one week.

Another Lovely Forecast.

2007-06-17T13:13:00.000+04:00

Time to go lay out in the sand storm catch some sun.
Maybe Sunday or Friday. Now I see why they sell SPF 70 sunblock in the military stores here.

Faces of Neil

2007-06-16T13:37:00.001+04:00

Deep thoughts

Restaurant etiquette

Stolen glasses

Don't let these photos hide the fact that this is one of the best scuba instructors I've ever met.

Drinking Buddies.

2007-06-16T13:23:00.001+04:00

These little guys would sneak up and drink whatever you spilled. Then at some point in the night a drunken lizard will drop off the ceiling into your rum and coke. Talk about a cheap date.

My last vacation.

2007-06-16T12:13:00.000+04:00

So, I’ve done a lot of traveling over the years, 23 countries, and always seem to find myself back in an Asian country for the majority of my free time. This trip was to Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. I stay at a resort where a very good friend of mine is the dive shop manager, photo on the left. The place is about a 2 hour bus ride south of Manila.

When you reach the city of Batangas you have to catch a bonka, medium sized ferry, for another hour until you reach Sabang. This photo on the right was taken on the way. All in all, I've been there about 3 time over the last year and will probably return in January some time. One of the great things about this place is that you start going as a customer and end up returning to see all your friends who happen to work there. The resort web site is http://www.dive-bigapple.com Have a great time.

CLOWN FISH! Terror of the sea!

2007-06-16T12:06:00.001+04:00

See if you can spot this killer in it's natural habitat.
Waiting to strike with deadly accuracy!!

Under water photo class

2007-06-16T11:53:00.002+04:00

Top: Sleeping starfish
Middle: Searching for the perfect shot
Bottom: Just floating around.

Another day at the office.

2007-06-16T11:29:00.001+04:00

I think I broke my camera taking this one.

Back again

2007-06-16T10:56:00.001+04:00

I'm currently living in a 12 man, open bay style tent in on the outer edge of Bahgdad. This place has a mini sand storm every day. This ensures all your personal belongings, electronics and the crack of your butt has an ample supply of fine powdery sand in it. The image on the left was taken about 6am. The image on the right was take around 10am. Good Times!