So, having a Snowboard accident in Austria on the 1/3/09 and still haven't been able to see a specialist to get a MIR on my shoulder.
Other countries can sometimes seem so complicated outside the US.
Here in Kuwait;
I have tried to call and make an appointment with the Top Radiologist Hospital here in Kuwait without success.
After I get the English version of the message I press 0 for the operator.. Never answers.
Also, most doctor office are closed from 1pm to 5:00pm..
Well see on Thursday(Kuwait time. My day off) to see if I can get in.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thanks to all who remembered my Birthday..
Today is a good day to reflect on life.....
To all my friends...
I am dearly sorry for not keeping in better touch.
Life has definitely been different over the last few years.
What I am and am not able to do..
Since at work 85% of my awake hours..
No chat, no myspace, not a lot of time for long emails..
(Trying to decide on a good place to post photos and keep a diary blog.
(Any suggestions, please? Something with font styling would be nice.
It highly depends on what will work at work. I spend 14hours a day here so....
Was thinking Google/Picasa online for photos and if facebook keeps working.. stick with it.
Myspace is a no-go.
If your interested and have some time to spare... I rambled together my thoughts about life here so far..
Recent adventures...
Well, went to Europe for Christmas and New Years...(Pics coming , promise)
It was nice to see my family.
However, It was extremely cold almost everywhere I went. I have decided to NEVER go on VACATION to Germany during Winter. Iv'e done this a few times and decided to keep it to summers only. I would 'Deal' with it if I was living there again, but for vacation, naa.
Would rather be on the beach somewhere else in the world..
Mostly stayed with family in Munich
and Kemtem (Border of Austria)
Went snow boarding in Austria and knocked up my shoulder pretty bad.
Nothing broken, but dislocated and will be going to the hospital later this week for MRI's
Still in pain.
Had to reschedule the flight a few days later. (KLM)
But made it back safe..to the "litter box"
Went from 12cel. below to 50deg.
Decided since I live in a big place on my own, to get pet Canary's. I didn't want to invest in extravagant parrots since I would have to leave them behind when I leave.
As for living in the middle east...
I can speak mostly for the Fa Heel region of Kuwait.
Life is good. It's nothing what I thought it would be, based on what we see on TV in the US.
I am fortunate to be living within the Kuwait culture and life. To learn Arabic from the natives and to socialize with them.
To leave and drive anywhere to eat. To go to the beach and smoke Shisha with friends if I feel so. To run across the street to buy something..
To live adjacent to a classy mall and to walk down stairs to go shopping when I want.
Our solders here are far less privileged.
I have gained a lot of new respect for our solders since working with them here in Kuwait.
Good men and women with positive attitudes no matter the situation.
In the future please support our troops.. there are many ways you can do this.
Here is a mystery that myself and my friends had before I came here...
Why are people leaving Austin in shape and getting out of shape over here..
Well in a nutshell,
It's easy to gain weight here and hard to stay in shape.. considering your can eat all you want and the food choices are delicacies, not a lot of pure healthy meals.
All you can eat... free
It's a blessing to have all the cakes, milk shakes, pies (6 different types), high carb meals, hamburgers, the best chicken tenders, on and on.... . .. .
But it's also a curse if your hungry and that's the only choices in your face.
Add that with the combination of no time to work out and a desk job..
=
out of shape..
Hope this clears up the mystery for some of you.. ( you know who you are ;-)
I gained 12-15lbs up to now..
However, that is changing for now on. I am starting a Master Cleanse diet and will start on a exercise routine with the only 2 hours a day I have outside of work.
My Living in Kuwait
The positive + :
Live alone in a big 3 bedroom apartment.
I have a sufficient Gym 2 floors below me.
They have a bidet here in every bathroom. A true believer that America should have picked up.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bidet_Ego_Kolo.jpg
The culture adores cats here.. ;-)
WE HAVE STARBUCKS everywhere.. ;-)
There is less violence here than in most places in the U.S.
Theft is definitely far less here.
Marketing/advertisement is not crammed down your throat.
No Porn shops at every corner.
People keep to themselves.. Surprisingly, people don't even really stare like they would in other places in the world. Maybe I'm just immune to it by now ;-)
Alright choice of food varieties off base.
I can walk to the beach...
Big malls ..(store varieties suck though)
The Negative - :
No TIME
No local Christian Churches
no time to work out..
130+ deg.. in summer
NO Alcohol
Mulsim mosques blaring their prayer at every other block.. (5 X a day)
Wont see couples "in love" (Man and women)
Hard to find things you need or used to buying in US
Stores categorizes are clumped together. All the
Cost of living 4X
Driving - These people drive like $hit! I fear for my life every time I drive. They don't use headlight or signals at night.. and drive 180+ KM/hour. Research : Driving Kuwait
It's hard to find good Chinese food.
Here's the sensitive part...
The culture here promotes homose.x..
Meaning, it is forbidden to see a women and man showing affection in public. Anyone can call the police and report you. If you are confronted by police, they could ask for proof of marriage or put you in prison.
So, you don't see "happy" couples in public... I honestly don't think I have ever seen a man kiss a women since coming here.
Women can not show skin. Dresses, skirts are forbidden, "God help us all".
Swimming in public places, you wont see women in bathing suites.
You wont see explicit advertisement anywhere.
There are a good number of women here, but if you do see them in public, they are dressed in their black abiya showing only the eyes.. These are what we call "Ninjas". You see them walking with their daughters, (also covered)
So, as for a single straight man living in Kuwait.. the temptations are down to a nothing..
Makes a person really realize how much distractions are in other countries. (Just got back from Amsterdam ;-)
On the other hand.. it is VERY common for men and boys to hold hands.. and it is insulting for them not to kiss each other when greeting.
It's common for men to get a 'Facial', manicure and hand shave at the hair stylist.
Strange when you first see this..
Obviously, this is a big part that I disagree with. It's one thing if public affection is illegal and another when the only thing you see is men being that way with each other.
Well, if interested in hearing more about "Adventures in the Litter Box",
Subscribe..
Take care
To all my friends...
I am dearly sorry for not keeping in better touch.
Life has definitely been different over the last few years.
What I am and am not able to do..
Since at work 85% of my awake hours..
No chat, no myspace, not a lot of time for long emails..
(Trying to decide on a good place to post photos and keep a diary blog.
(Any suggestions, please? Something with font styling would be nice.
It highly depends on what will work at work. I spend 14hours a day here so....
Was thinking Google/Picasa online for photos and if facebook keeps working.. stick with it.
Myspace is a no-go.
If your interested and have some time to spare... I rambled together my thoughts about life here so far..
Recent adventures...
Well, went to Europe for Christmas and New Years...(Pics coming , promise)
It was nice to see my family.
However, It was extremely cold almost everywhere I went. I have decided to NEVER go on VACATION to Germany during Winter. Iv'e done this a few times and decided to keep it to summers only. I would 'Deal' with it if I was living there again, but for vacation, naa.
Would rather be on the beach somewhere else in the world..
Mostly stayed with family in Munich
and Kemtem (Border of Austria)
Went snow boarding in Austria and knocked up my shoulder pretty bad.
Nothing broken, but dislocated and will be going to the hospital later this week for MRI's
Still in pain.
Had to reschedule the flight a few days later. (KLM)
But made it back safe..to the "litter box"
Went from 12cel. below to 50deg.
Decided since I live in a big place on my own, to get pet Canary's. I didn't want to invest in extravagant parrots since I would have to leave them behind when I leave.
As for living in the middle east...
I can speak mostly for the Fa Heel region of Kuwait.
Life is good. It's nothing what I thought it would be, based on what we see on TV in the US.
I am fortunate to be living within the Kuwait culture and life. To learn Arabic from the natives and to socialize with them.
To leave and drive anywhere to eat. To go to the beach and smoke Shisha with friends if I feel so. To run across the street to buy something..
To live adjacent to a classy mall and to walk down stairs to go shopping when I want.
Our solders here are far less privileged.
I have gained a lot of new respect for our solders since working with them here in Kuwait.
Good men and women with positive attitudes no matter the situation.
In the future please support our troops.. there are many ways you can do this.
Here is a mystery that myself and my friends had before I came here...
Why are people leaving Austin in shape and getting out of shape over here..
Well in a nutshell,
It's easy to gain weight here and hard to stay in shape.. considering your can eat all you want and the food choices are delicacies, not a lot of pure healthy meals.
All you can eat... free
It's a blessing to have all the cakes, milk shakes, pies (6 different types), high carb meals, hamburgers, the best chicken tenders, on and on.... . .. .
But it's also a curse if your hungry and that's the only choices in your face.
Add that with the combination of no time to work out and a desk job..
=
out of shape..
Hope this clears up the mystery for some of you.. ( you know who you are ;-)
I gained 12-15lbs up to now..
However, that is changing for now on. I am starting a Master Cleanse diet and will start on a exercise routine with the only 2 hours a day I have outside of work.
My Living in Kuwait
The positive + :
Live alone in a big 3 bedroom apartment.
I have a sufficient Gym 2 floors below me.
They have a bidet here in every bathroom. A true believer that America should have picked up.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wi
The culture adores cats here.. ;-)
WE HAVE STARBUCKS everywhere.. ;-)
There is less violence here than in most places in the U.S.
Theft is definitely far less here.
Marketing/advertisement is not crammed down your throat.
No Porn shops at every corner.
People keep to themselves.. Surprisingly, people don't even really stare like they would in other places in the world. Maybe I'm just immune to it by now ;-)
Alright choice of food varieties off base.
I can walk to the beach...
Big malls ..(store varieties suck though)
The Negative - :
No TIME
No local Christian Churches
no time to work out..
130+ deg.. in summer
NO Alcohol
Mulsim mosques blaring their prayer at every other block.. (5 X a day)
Wont see couples "in love" (Man and women)
Hard to find things you need or used to buying in US
Stores categorizes are clumped together. All the
Cost of living 4X
Driving - These people drive like $hit! I fear for my life every time I drive. They don't use headlight or signals at night.. and drive 180+ KM/hour. Research : Driving Kuwait
It's hard to find good Chinese food.
Here's the sensitive part...
The culture here promotes homose.x..
Meaning, it is forbidden to see a women and man showing affection in public. Anyone can call the police and report you. If you are confronted by police, they could ask for proof of marriage or put you in prison.
So, you don't see "happy" couples in public... I honestly don't think I have ever seen a man kiss a women since coming here.
Women can not show skin. Dresses, skirts are forbidden, "God help us all".
Swimming in public places, you wont see women in bathing suites.
You wont see explicit advertisement anywhere.
There are a good number of women here, but if you do see them in public, they are dressed in their black abiya showing only the eyes.. These are what we call "Ninjas". You see them walking with their daughters, (also covered)
So, as for a single straight man living in Kuwait.. the temptations are down to a nothing..
Makes a person really realize how much distractions are in other countries. (Just got back from Amsterdam ;-)
On the other hand.. it is VERY common for men and boys to hold hands.. and it is insulting for them not to kiss each other when greeting.
It's common for men to get a 'Facial', manicure and hand shave at the hair stylist.
Strange when you first see this..
Obviously, this is a big part that I disagree with. It's one thing if public affection is illegal and another when the only thing you see is men being that way with each other.
Well, if interested in hearing more about "Adventures in the Litter Box",
Subscribe..
Take care
Thursday, October 23, 2008
After more than 2 months...
After more than 2 months...
(Disclaimer, I am witting this at 4:30am my time... so be forgiving on the grammar and spelling. Also these are just opinions while sleep deprived.. ;-)
Let's jump ahead in time two months.. (Ive' been through a lot in the begging since I got here and to busy to post..
If I have time.. I will go back over all my past crazy adventures. Ive been so out of it since I got here, I'm still trying to touch ground...
It's def. a different life here in Kuwait..
It's a nice change though for many reasons. It helps me understand Middle eastern culture better. It does take a certain type of personality though.
There are some closed minded sour pusses here though, that don't want anything to do with anyone outside the Western culture, that's for sure.
At first when I stepped off the plane, I was thinking I would get a thousand constant stares while living here.. Actually, people are not that interested or stunned.
On the other hand, people seem to stare more when walking into Dairy Queen in a small town in Texas..
Some of the nicest people I have met so far are from here and I have been around the world and some.
Honestly, after some time here you realize that they are more trusting than a lot of people in the West.
For example, theft is not a big problem here. I feel safe if I left forgot my things, knowing it might prob still be there when I try and get back to it , if it wasn't already turned in to lost and found by someone.
The laws can be swift here...You steal, you go to jail for a long time. Unlike in the US, a lot of P.C bullshit and lawers getting
The laws are definitely different. I got here at the begging of Ramadan. Imagine that for an outsider.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan
During that time, no eating or drinking in public. Almost ALL malls and stores were closed during this time and would open starting at 730pm-8pm and stay open until 3am or so.
I am definitely ready to start doing my photography again.
Current challenges;
1.) Time. I don't have much time thought the week. I work 4:00PM - 4:00AM (Sun-Thus)
Try to sleep from 5:30am to 1:00pm (If I'm lucky). Between the laud singing prayer blazing from the mosque temple right outside my window. Happens a few times a day.
2.) Internet connection. My internet connection at my apartment sucks, to put it in a nice way. It is usable for the avg. I guess. But, for a computer geek like myself. I need at least 2-3mb down load speeds. Esp. for posting photos, blogs , etc..
3.) EVERYTHING is expensive as crap. One 1KD = almost $4. A good internet speed(Road Runner speed) would cost about 28KD (Denar) . That Kuwait currency is equal at this moment to about $100.00
4.) A lot of things we are used to having and easy acess to is not available here. If you want it, you mail order it. Mail takes 1-2 weeks
The middle east is like no other place you have experienced. It's definitely not a place for women. Believe me when I say, women have a lot of freedom in the US. If you were by a chance born into Muslim country. You would have to wear a bistacha' (Looks like a ninja suite). You would have to walk a foot behind your man. Could not talk to other guys and your family would set you up with someone to marry. If you like it or not. In some countries, you would NOT be allowed to drive.
So, appreciate you freedom and don't take it for granted..
No comment on the Burka... We call them "Ninjas". You haven't had your life flash before your eyes until you have seen one of them driving down , changing lanes without blinkers @ 110mph(yes no speed limits)
I will have photos soon and a blog..
I work a lot of hours... so...
"Enshala' "
The people here are really nice. I take the time to meet and talk to most of who I meet.
I am even learning Arabic now...
Figured it could only help with future careers in maybe business..
I will be taking a long weekend to Dubai.. I'm sure you thought about that one your self.. I send photos. ;-)
(Disclaimer, I am witting this at 4:30am my time... so be forgiving on the grammar and spelling. Also these are just opinions while sleep deprived.. ;-)
Let's jump ahead in time two months.. (Ive' been through a lot in the begging since I got here and to busy to post..
If I have time.. I will go back over all my past crazy adventures. Ive been so out of it since I got here, I'm still trying to touch ground...
It's def. a different life here in Kuwait..
It's a nice change though for many reasons. It helps me understand Middle eastern culture better. It does take a certain type of personality though.
There are some closed minded sour pusses here though, that don't want anything to do with anyone outside the Western culture, that's for sure.
At first when I stepped off the plane, I was thinking I would get a thousand constant stares while living here.. Actually, people are not that interested or stunned.
On the other hand, people seem to stare more when walking into Dairy Queen in a small town in Texas..
Some of the nicest people I have met so far are from here and I have been around the world and some.
Honestly, after some time here you realize that they are more trusting than a lot of people in the West.
For example, theft is not a big problem here. I feel safe if I left forgot my things, knowing it might prob still be there when I try and get back to it , if it wasn't already turned in to lost and found by someone.
The laws can be swift here...You steal, you go to jail for a long time. Unlike in the US, a lot of P.C bullshit and lawers getting
The laws are definitely different. I got here at the begging of Ramadan. Imagine that for an outsider.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan
During that time, no eating or drinking in public. Almost ALL malls and stores were closed during this time and would open starting at 730pm-8pm and stay open until 3am or so.
I am definitely ready to start doing my photography again.
Current challenges;
1.) Time. I don't have much time thought the week. I work 4:00PM - 4:00AM (Sun-Thus)
Try to sleep from 5:30am to 1:00pm (If I'm lucky). Between the laud singing prayer blazing from the mosque temple right outside my window. Happens a few times a day.
2.) Internet connection. My internet connection at my apartment sucks, to put it in a nice way. It is usable for the avg. I guess. But, for a computer geek like myself. I need at least 2-3mb down load speeds. Esp. for posting photos, blogs , etc..
3.) EVERYTHING is expensive as crap. One 1KD = almost $4. A good internet speed(Road Runner speed) would cost about 28KD (Denar) . That Kuwait currency is equal at this moment to about $100.00
4.) A lot of things we are used to having and easy acess to is not available here. If you want it, you mail order it. Mail takes 1-2 weeks
The middle east is like no other place you have experienced. It's definitely not a place for women. Believe me when I say, women have a lot of freedom in the US. If you were by a chance born into Muslim country. You would have to wear a bistacha' (Looks like a ninja suite). You would have to walk a foot behind your man. Could not talk to other guys and your family would set you up with someone to marry. If you like it or not. In some countries, you would NOT be allowed to drive.
So, appreciate you freedom and don't take it for granted..
No comment on the Burka... We call them "Ninjas". You haven't had your life flash before your eyes until you have seen one of them driving down , changing lanes without blinkers @ 110mph(yes no speed limits)
I will have photos soon and a blog..
I work a lot of hours... so...
"Enshala' "
The people here are really nice. I take the time to meet and talk to most of who I meet.
I am even learning Arabic now...
Figured it could only help with future careers in maybe business..
I will be taking a long weekend to Dubai.. I'm sure you thought about that one your self.. I send photos. ;-)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The first few weeks...
Well, were do I start?
Leaving, Austin 8/22/08
Flight from Austin to Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta, Georgia for a week. What a treat.... . . .
CRC Training at Fort Benning. A requirement for any deployment to middle east.
Bunked in a room with 3 other guys. Stuck on base full duration.
Each day was action packed.. starting at '0500 hours', rise and shine...
Power point slides...
'How to watch out for road side bombing' trainings
full medical examinations and shots.
recieve a menu of military gear and training for using
Leaving, Austin 8/22/08
Flight from Austin to Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta, Georgia for a week. What a treat.... . . .
CRC Training at Fort Benning. A requirement for any deployment to middle east.
Bunked in a room with 3 other guys. Stuck on base full duration.
Each day was action packed.. starting at '0500 hours', rise and shine...
Power point slides...
'How to watch out for road side bombing' trainings
full medical examinations and shots.
recieve a menu of military gear and training for using
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
