3-23-10
Hello everyone,
Today was a much more positive day then yesterday. I did start it off with a phone call from Amira and then I couldn’t get back to sleep so I figured I will get up and do something. I got out into the main parts of the city and had lunch at the mall near the hotel where some of the guys moved to. After we went to pick up one of the flight medics Allen from the base where SRCA keeps the helicopter. I drove with my buddy Tom and I got to watch the chopper fly in. It flew over top of us so close that we both got blasted with the Prop Wash. Which blew dirt and grass into my face. The force was strong enough to flip my shirt up and onto my head as I held my hands in my ears. After we got Allen we drove back to the hotel and we had some dinner. On the way there we passed this real cool market. I t was loaded with people and it look liked they sold all kinds of stuff. I got some pictures while in traffic, but it is hard to tell how amazing and full of life this place was. At the hotel I got Lamb Kabobs which I thought would be chunks of Lamb on a stick but out here they also take ground lamb and put it on a stick. It wasn’t bad, it came with french fries which I am starting to notice comes with a bunch of stuff here. We also ate some Hummus with some flat bread. Awesome!
Tom drove me back to the compound and the compound manager was standing outside. The day before I told him I would walk his dogs for him and help him to train them. I figured it will help me stay sane by making myself a job. Well, he has two beautiful huskies. So I told him I want to take them for a walk separately first so off I got with the boy and I run up and down the compound with him and I do some training stuff with him. These dogs are super well behaved for two dogs who’s idea of daily activity is being left on a roof top at night. So I took both of them for a round and did some exercises with them. After I spoke with the Manager (Tamor) threw a translator and it was really nice. These dogs with only 1 hour of time really help lift my spirits. It’s good to be doing something even if it’s not my job.
Tomorrow I will be going with Travis and AJ to work so I can get away. They are working this big festival here in Saudi. All I know is that it is somewhere I went 4 wheeling.
Now if your reading this you may notice that the dates may be off a bit. It is because the internet at the compound has been off line. So I hop that I can put this up soon along with pictures. I think I am start to get used to this place a whole lot more. It still looks like mars in some places though.
Well I’m off to bed now, I do enjoy our little chats. I will make sure I take more pictures to post as soon as I can.
Later,
Carlito
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Hola my loving Carlito,
ReplyDeleteYour stories since you got there are a real blast. Especially that flying into the air stunt on the bike. I hope your arm is feeling better. I am happy you arrived safely, now lets try to keep it like that. I love reading your blog colum and I appreciate you sharing your experiences with us all. Your mom misses you something fierce and I know Amira and Jazzi as well. Its still hard to imagne you so far away but I am very proud that you had the guts to take the risk and pursue whatever life has instore for you. I know it will be positive and you will grow alot. I attempted yesterday evening to write but it didn't go through, today I set up a google account to see if this works. I see my twitter picture, its the one at the Hotel we all stayed in Boca Raton, man did we have fun. I still remember the giant manetee that came in the water and grandma running out, what a great time we all had together as a family.
Yesterday I was reading about the Sandstorms they were having in China and it made me think of you immediately. I let Chris now how you were doing and sent him a blog of yours and sent your love.
You are so funny about the place looking like Mars it will take a little time to ajust but you will.
I miss you alot already and have you in my prayers and I know the Lord will guide and protect you whereever you find yourself, just be careful. You know your still the new kid on the block and there seems to be alot to take in and to get use to. I laughed about the skillful drivers they have there, talk about wanting to freak out I'd definitely say OMG WHAT THE FUDGE from what you've described. Funny you are on the other side of the earth and we can still keep contact via of computer, you just gotta love this.
Anyway my sweetie say hi to you new friends AJ and Travis and goog luck with the festival set up. Its good your training your friends dogs especailly if it lifts your spirits. Those dog whisper tapes will pay off, plus your dogs as well behaved as they are, what better trainer could they have.re. I know your babies (the dogs) miss you alot. Anyway my love I will be keeping the communications open and chit chating on regular intervals with you.
Have a blessed day, afternoon and evening, especially being that I don't know what time it is there y cuidate mucho, mucho, mucho.
Tu Tia Quien Te Quiero Mucho, Violeta
Thank you TiTi please print my blogs and send them to Chris . Where I'm at now really does not have an address. I got my magic jack the other day so I will try to call you guys on sunday when everyone is together.
ReplyDeleteHola Carlito,
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got my e-mail and looking foward to talking to you Sunday,you didn't specify a time though. I made copies for Chris & Argenitna and will give her you blog address so she can know how you are as well. I went on the web on you tube and saw pictures of a compound in Riyadh where over 300 Americans lived of all nationalities, and I so no one on the streets, they were saying how they are like close nit families, like you described. I also saw some car crashes on you tube yesterday in Riyadh and it was about 6 cars all hit coming in different directions, wicked is all i can say. You got your hands full there. I have been reading about the laws there and their constitution and on womens rights. Their language and the history behind each word is amazing. I printed a little dictionary for myself to learn some frases in the event I ever visit there. I read 70% of the women study in the universities but that only 5% are in the workforce because women are encouraged to be moms and care for the home and her husband. They have rich history and the more I read I realise how little I know. I really have to learn more in order to understand and respect their different customs and culture.. They are really sterotyped here with alot of negative propoganda. Now that you are there you can see the real deal. I read that you can not be buried there if you are not Islamic. You also have to watch negative things you say publicly and even on the internet because it is sensored and a crime to speak agaist the Kingdom.(enough said!) The buidings there are gorgeous especially some of the hotels I saw in Riyadh.
Keep and open mind and an open heart and don't fear (Ghayb) the unseen, unknown.
Fi Amanilla (May Allah Protect You. Said when a person departs)
I Love You & miss you... la Violeta
We got a date Sunday!!!!Damn Skippy!!
Hey Carlito,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know I'm reading.. and you don't have to upload the pics again. Use the HTML I put on your wall and link to the images you have on your facebook.
I spoke to Amira a few days ago and we decided Malik will sped a few weeks with them in Florida, InshAllah.
Love you and miss you,
T