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Kuwait: February 2012
While researching for a place to live I visited a flat in Salmiya which was built for a hotel then switched to Condominiums just prior to opening.This is on the 16th floor from the kitchen
Moscow: May 2003
Visiting Moscow I experienced the underground metro from World War II era. They were kept pristine clean from the mosaic ceilings down to the floors. It was a thrill taking a ride in this train knowing I was under Moscow. During this visit I ate some caviar and drank some of the best vodka ever
Richland Center, Wisconsin
My hometown area, Alana Springs (the name of the water flowing) during the winter time. The flow of the water can erase all of your stress.
Santiago, Chile
flying into Santiago you suddenly see the great Andes Mountains. The site is incredible and makes me want to return and venture through the mountains for food and culture
Trinidad
The back side of the island reminded me of the television show "Lost". Green, lush amd tropical. I went to the beaches below and visited a special little restaurant hut where Andrew Zimmerman named one of his favorite 5 sandwiches: Fresh Shark..A man dipped in batter and fresh fried the shark filet then put it on a nice big roll. A table next to the hut had about 16 dishes of fresh herb sauces to apply to the sandwich along with a variety of vegetables. It was great
Trinidad
The Parthenon is a temple on the Athenian Acropolis; dedicated to the Greek Goddess Athena, whom they considered their virgin patron. Construction began in 447 BC so to sit among it your mind takes off thinking about who has walked where you are standing..... Over the top of the hill lies some restaurants that were some of the best I ever ate in. Older greek men hand turning meet over coals and then making you a sandwich... I want to go back now
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Norway..... I will return one day on vacation....
I took a trip to Norway for one of our restaurant concepts called "Peppes Pizza". The restaurant was founded about 40 years ago and is one of the best brands of pizza I have ever had. We have a few restaurants open in Kuwait but I had never visited the original restaurants based in Norway so off I went to see them. A few things I discovered were most of the men are my height or taller and blond haired. Like Iceland most women are blond also. The pizza is awesome and so is the beer.... :)
The chef that creates the new pizza for the company is like Peter Glander in Tennessee... innovative and creative pizzas that are awesome! The architecture of the buildings is beautiful and there is a ton of water around which means lots of boats! Cool restaurants, nice people make me want to go back and explore on personal time!
The downtown area is so awesome. People hanging out all over the place. Everyone in good spirits and the unemployment rate is like 3%.... thus most people are happy. Labor is high, meaning all jobs pay well. The basic jobs pay over $20 per hour. With that in mind it is all relative since food and beverage cost are high also. A single beer is $10 !!
This is one of the oldest Peppe's in Norway. Very cool on the inside as it is 3 levels and has rooms like dungeons....
This area is like a board walk. Use to be the area that was industrial and for ships coming in. They have changed it all and built the coolest area now for restaurants, pubs, apartments, etc....
The pizzas were sooooo gooooood! California Thin Crust with a ton of flavor! Guess what I will be introducing to Kuwait in the very near future????
This is the downhill ski slopes in Norway... unbelievable to think they fly over 200 feet and land... You can not tell from the picture but the where the grass is directly in front of me it then goes down into a big gully and comes back up to me from after they land...
This picture was a must... sometimes so funny when planes land in the middle east... so many people stand up and start pulling out the luggage like it is a race to get off the plane. 90% of the people are standing and pulling out the luggage and we just landed and are moving yet... not at the terminal!!
Someday I want to go back for a week on vacation!
The chef that creates the new pizza for the company is like Peter Glander in Tennessee... innovative and creative pizzas that are awesome! The architecture of the buildings is beautiful and there is a ton of water around which means lots of boats! Cool restaurants, nice people make me want to go back and explore on personal time!
The downtown area is so awesome. People hanging out all over the place. Everyone in good spirits and the unemployment rate is like 3%.... thus most people are happy. Labor is high, meaning all jobs pay well. The basic jobs pay over $20 per hour. With that in mind it is all relative since food and beverage cost are high also. A single beer is $10 !!
This is one of the oldest Peppe's in Norway. Very cool on the inside as it is 3 levels and has rooms like dungeons....
This area is like a board walk. Use to be the area that was industrial and for ships coming in. They have changed it all and built the coolest area now for restaurants, pubs, apartments, etc....
The pizzas were sooooo gooooood! California Thin Crust with a ton of flavor! Guess what I will be introducing to Kuwait in the very near future????
This is the downhill ski slopes in Norway... unbelievable to think they fly over 200 feet and land... You can not tell from the picture but the where the grass is directly in front of me it then goes down into a big gully and comes back up to me from after they land...
This picture was a must... sometimes so funny when planes land in the middle east... so many people stand up and start pulling out the luggage like it is a race to get off the plane. 90% of the people are standing and pulling out the luggage and we just landed and are moving yet... not at the terminal!!
Someday I want to go back for a week on vacation!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
A poodle haircut in Kuwait... sounds easy?
So yesterday we were off on an adventure... where do you take a poodle to get a haircut in Kuwait City? Janet did a little research and followed up on all the reviews. She found one place where the reviews were quite positive; International Veterinary Hospital of Kuwait. She went on line and booked an appointment. They actually then called her back and negotiated another time with her so that was great because it showed they were paying attention to the online bookings! We had no idea where it was or just how long it would take to get there.
We took off driving out towards Mangaf which basically is on the coast along the way to Saudi Arabia! 30 minutes and we were in that area. We decided (yeah, I told Janet to turn right for the short cut over to highway 40) to take a shortcut over to 40. Ha! Right turn Janet.... 3 times! Ambyre and I were saying "um, your going back to Kuwait City now...."! Finally we got straightened out and found 40 but we were now going the wrong way! So, exit again, and back the other way. We drove what seemed for an hour in the dessert looking at lots of oil rig equipment and wondering where we were going to end up! The signs changed to arabic and we figured we better turn off and check it out just in case so we don't miss the place. It was not the right exit. So back out we went. We continued and finally found 306 which I think was the second to the last of the turnoffs prior to continue to drive out into the dessert to Saudi.
Now we looked for the International Veterinary Hospital. The place we found looked like a really bad gas station for oil truckers. Janet was saying... "if this is it forget it, I won't let Bailey go there".. So we went to turn around and go back and suddenly saw the real sign for the place. We drove a ways, did a U-turn, drove quite a ways again for another U-turn and went back. Now we drive in and find about 6 speed bumps on a long drive way and suddenly a large nicely kept building appears. Probably 120 degrees outside and they provide shaded parking! In front of the building is real grass! Who knew! We took Bailey inside and found a very nice staff to greet us. The waiting room was clean and big. Another couple had 2 cats; another couple had a large dog. They took all the information about Bailey from us and said they would take him back and we would need to return in about 1 hour 30 minutes. Janet said she wanted to see the facility (she really wanted to make sure it was clean and safe). They took her back and she came out smiling! Very clean, very sanitary and a separate room for each groomer.
We then took off and headed over to Abu Halifa for lunch. We drove through an oil area for refineries and then had Janet about launch us into the air for speed bumps that she could not see! Whew! We found our Ruby Tuesday restaurant in this area and stopped. The staff was great and excited to see that I had brought my family for lunch. Drew was in heaven as he had a lot of attention be paid to him by the staff and a guest. Afifi the manager ended being his best friend and they spent a lot of time together while we ate. We enjoyed a 4 way sampler (cheese sticks, chicken tenders, spring rolls and wings: but we subbed out the wings for more tenders). Then I had a triple prime burger (the meat we brought in from the US which is Certified Angus Beef) which was awesome. Janet and Ambyre shared a Chicken Parmesan Pasta which they both said was very good. In the end we also shared a chocolate lava cake with ice cream and berries..... The phone rang and we took off to go get Bailey.
When we got there we did not know what to expect. How would the groomer do on a poodle in Kuwait? We were very happy! He did a great job and we will be coming back here from now on! Janet did clarify however no shortcuts along the way will be taken next time!
We took off driving out towards Mangaf which basically is on the coast along the way to Saudi Arabia! 30 minutes and we were in that area. We decided (yeah, I told Janet to turn right for the short cut over to highway 40) to take a shortcut over to 40. Ha! Right turn Janet.... 3 times! Ambyre and I were saying "um, your going back to Kuwait City now...."! Finally we got straightened out and found 40 but we were now going the wrong way! So, exit again, and back the other way. We drove what seemed for an hour in the dessert looking at lots of oil rig equipment and wondering where we were going to end up! The signs changed to arabic and we figured we better turn off and check it out just in case so we don't miss the place. It was not the right exit. So back out we went. We continued and finally found 306 which I think was the second to the last of the turnoffs prior to continue to drive out into the dessert to Saudi.
Now we looked for the International Veterinary Hospital. The place we found looked like a really bad gas station for oil truckers. Janet was saying... "if this is it forget it, I won't let Bailey go there".. So we went to turn around and go back and suddenly saw the real sign for the place. We drove a ways, did a U-turn, drove quite a ways again for another U-turn and went back. Now we drive in and find about 6 speed bumps on a long drive way and suddenly a large nicely kept building appears. Probably 120 degrees outside and they provide shaded parking! In front of the building is real grass! Who knew! We took Bailey inside and found a very nice staff to greet us. The waiting room was clean and big. Another couple had 2 cats; another couple had a large dog. They took all the information about Bailey from us and said they would take him back and we would need to return in about 1 hour 30 minutes. Janet said she wanted to see the facility (she really wanted to make sure it was clean and safe). They took her back and she came out smiling! Very clean, very sanitary and a separate room for each groomer.
We then took off and headed over to Abu Halifa for lunch. We drove through an oil area for refineries and then had Janet about launch us into the air for speed bumps that she could not see! Whew! We found our Ruby Tuesday restaurant in this area and stopped. The staff was great and excited to see that I had brought my family for lunch. Drew was in heaven as he had a lot of attention be paid to him by the staff and a guest. Afifi the manager ended being his best friend and they spent a lot of time together while we ate. We enjoyed a 4 way sampler (cheese sticks, chicken tenders, spring rolls and wings: but we subbed out the wings for more tenders). Then I had a triple prime burger (the meat we brought in from the US which is Certified Angus Beef) which was awesome. Janet and Ambyre shared a Chicken Parmesan Pasta which they both said was very good. In the end we also shared a chocolate lava cake with ice cream and berries..... The phone rang and we took off to go get Bailey.
When we got there we did not know what to expect. How would the groomer do on a poodle in Kuwait? We were very happy! He did a great job and we will be coming back here from now on! Janet did clarify however no shortcuts along the way will be taken next time!
Friday, June 15, 2012
From sand to water....
From sand to water.... I took a quick business trip yesterday. 1,000 miles away I landed in Cairo, Egypt for a half day. Several interviews set up that went very well. Developed some new friends and business relationships and I look forward to seeing them again in the future. I have 4 restaurants in this area; 2 on a large boat and 2 on land right beside the boat that is located on the River Nile. My goal is to hire a Operations Director to run all 4 restaurants. The boat is located directly across from where the revolution occurred and where the protest continue. Next week the final vote for a new president takes place and I wish all the people the best! I had a quick dinner at Ayam Zaman Lebanese restaurant outside by the river then left and flew back to Kuwait arriving at 5:45am to my apartment. Quick shower and 2 hour nap and then back up for some water fun!
Our friends picked us up at 8:00am. We loaded up food and supplies and off we went to the marina and then quickly out onto the Arabian Gulf! This would be the first trip for Ambyre, Drew and Janet out on to the water so I was pretty excited to see how they would like it. The day was perfect as it was crystal clear and slightly over 100 degrees but very dry with no humidity. We picked up speed on the boat and the breeze was perfect!
Drew loved it! Something about the engines humming and the sound of the boat cutting through the water! We cruised about an hour just looking at beautiful homes and taking in the sites. The water is a clean aqua green color. We pulled into one area and considered should we all take a break and go for a swim?
The water felt so nice! Lightly cool and salty! The fish were also active. We were all swimming and laughing and suddenly around us we had some sting ray fish actually slightly jumping out of the water! Very impressive and they had some pretty good size. The water is salty enough that you can just concentrate and relax and you will float. Could be the buoyancy factor that I carry... Ha! Khaled and Paul took off swimming towards the beach. They went and found some shells to bring back to Ava, Drew, Ambyre and Janet. Nice little collection!
With all the activity in the water and then riding in the boat, Drew finally gave in and took a nap! A well deserved one at that! He really did great for a ride on the boat like this! We continued cruising and enjoying COLD beverages on the way as you can dehydrate quickly out here. The weather had climbed up to about 120 on the open water! We took turns riding on the front deck of the boat and getting some sun!
Our new friend Khaled joined us for the day. We all look forward to more times to be spent with him also as he is now a good friend! We continued to cruise around and ended up down by the Kuwait Towers and downtown.
We decided to head back to the marina as the sun and water had drained most all of us! I laid my head down on Janet's shoulder and before I knew it I was out! The day was a total success!
We were back to the marina and now ready to head back to the air conditioned apartment. Me: I was ready for the quick shower and straight into bed! Khaled invited us over for dinner and some social time but I could not do it today with only 2 hours of sleep. But I will be ready for the next invite Khaled! Thanks to Paul, Jennifer & Ava also!
Our friends picked us up at 8:00am. We loaded up food and supplies and off we went to the marina and then quickly out onto the Arabian Gulf! This would be the first trip for Ambyre, Drew and Janet out on to the water so I was pretty excited to see how they would like it. The day was perfect as it was crystal clear and slightly over 100 degrees but very dry with no humidity. We picked up speed on the boat and the breeze was perfect!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
British Embassy Diamond Jubilee
Tonight was a night to get out of the apartment and break loose... we were invited by friends to attend the British Embassy for the Diamond Jubilee. Basically; an event for about 1,000 people to attend, 5 food vendors, about 5 areas set up for serving beverages with a wide selection of wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks, juices, etc. A live band was playing that was great with tunes from the 70's in rock up through modern top 40s. We met a lot of new friends, danced like crazy, ate a wide variety of foods from sushi to burgers that was great and maybe sipped a few drinks down :). Interesting people that we met with stories that I much enjoyed. I look forward to the future events even more. Upon arriving home Janet even turned and looked at me and said "I had a great time tonight, that was fun"..... and it was!
Tomorrow is Ambyre's day. Another good friend and his wife are coming by to pick Ambyre up and take her to the Corniche. Basically it is a great fitness center, bunches of swimming pools and great restaurants including PF Chang's from back in the US. Most of you know that Ambyre actually worked at Chang's for over 4 years... Ambyre needs the break so Janet will watch Drew and we will see what kind of reports we get back tomorrow from the Corniche... I just might have to look at a membership later for there! Cheers!
Tomorrow is Ambyre's day. Another good friend and his wife are coming by to pick Ambyre up and take her to the Corniche. Basically it is a great fitness center, bunches of swimming pools and great restaurants including PF Chang's from back in the US. Most of you know that Ambyre actually worked at Chang's for over 4 years... Ambyre needs the break so Janet will watch Drew and we will see what kind of reports we get back tomorrow from the Corniche... I just might have to look at a membership later for there! Cheers!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
She should have never said that.....
My family has made the trip to Kuwait City! Lots of great stories to come from them later. To start with this week while I worked late the other night I missed a family dinner with friends just down the street. Janet, Ambyre, Drew & Bailey still did get to meet and go have dinner with them however and had a great time. I really did miss not being there during this first meeting.
Later that same night Janet was all excited and telling me about what a great time that they all had together! She was telling me different stories about the evening, enjoying the company, enjoying the food, enjoying the dogs and just getting out of the new apartment! (by the way; dinner plate was brought home for me and it was soooo good!) It brings a new perspective to Janet and Ambyre to be able to talk to another woman rather than just hearing everything from me. During this conversation Janet said she was glad to hear that we probably are over all the sand storms for this year. I said "what?". I said I'm not so sure of that and you better wait to see.
Well, the very next morning I get up and ready myself for work. I get ready to leave and walk outside and guess what?.... Yes indeed, the sandstorm had approached again! High winds were picking up and blowing basically from the Iran area directly across the Persian Gulf right at Kuwait. The waves were high on the water and the sand or dust as they like to call it here was in the air! When I got to my office I shot a couple pictures. Then today I went back to the same place and shot them again just to give you a perspective of what it is really like.....
Later that same night Janet was all excited and telling me about what a great time that they all had together! She was telling me different stories about the evening, enjoying the company, enjoying the food, enjoying the dogs and just getting out of the new apartment! (by the way; dinner plate was brought home for me and it was soooo good!) It brings a new perspective to Janet and Ambyre to be able to talk to another woman rather than just hearing everything from me. During this conversation Janet said she was glad to hear that we probably are over all the sand storms for this year. I said "what?". I said I'm not so sure of that and you better wait to see.
Well, the very next morning I get up and ready myself for work. I get ready to leave and walk outside and guess what?.... Yes indeed, the sandstorm had approached again! High winds were picking up and blowing basically from the Iran area directly across the Persian Gulf right at Kuwait. The waves were high on the water and the sand or dust as they like to call it here was in the air! When I got to my office I shot a couple pictures. Then today I went back to the same place and shot them again just to give you a perspective of what it is really like.....
Saturday, May 5, 2012
it took me 94 days.....
On January 31st I landed in Kuwait City to start a venture and see where it goes.... I had traveled the world many times around and had met many people while doing so. I have to tell you something... moving somewhere and visiting somewhere are two different things altogether :)
Typical for me was to fly in to an area and spend anywhere from 3 days to 7 days while working the entire time. You try to take time to meet people and to learn more of the area. What have I learned now that I have been in Kuwait for 94 days? Well let me tell you!
* Traveling somewhere on business around the world and only spending a few days is just plain and simply explained as "smoke and mirrors". You only see, hear, feel, taste, meet and do what someone wants to experience......
* I went 94 days without a tv to listen to. In the states I had my flat screen Panasonic Plasma that I became addicted to. Watch my weather, news, sports and a few shows like NCIS, CSI, American Idol, etc..... Here I read the paper daily and really just work and talk a lot to people for a pure perspective. I have learned to develop relationships more, spend time at coffee shops and really talk to people and go for walks rather than watching tv. Janet, Ambyre and Drew will be here soon so yesterday I bought my same flat screen and a dvd player. Strange thing was I did not turn on the tv yet tonight and now I'm home....
* People.... look back at some of my other stories on my blog.... people are just not what you expect. Most of what we know from the US is programmed in your head by the media or by people whom think they know but really do not because most of those people have not lived there..... People are better here in the most part. What is better? Well, for the most part the people that I meet are genuine. They are real, they like to connect and get to know you. I'm still somewhat guarded in whom I get to know but for the most part I have came to meet some great new friends.
* Food.... for 94 days I did not have any resemblance of a home cooked meal from the US. Tonight that was put to rest! Great new friends that only live down the street (whom I can't wait for my family to meet) invited me over tonight for dinner. The dinner was great! After I cleaned my plate the first time I was asked if I would like to have some more... Yes please! Dinner was followed by a great peach cobbler... Can't wait to have Janet, Ambyre and Drew here and we invite them down to our place to return the favor! Thank You Paul & Jennifer!
I absolutely cannot wait to get my family here with me. The culture, the people, the food.... many things to watch and see how my family reacts. I hope they enjoy it as much as me!
