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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!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
One-77....... not what I am use to.....
When I grew up in Richland Center with about 4,000 other people we occasionally saw some fast cars and sometimes road in a few. What were they back then? Camaro, Trans Am, Buick Skylark, Chevelle, Corvette, the occasional Road Runner, Dodge Charger, etc... Most people could not afford anything to much different and many were 'motor heads or gear heads' who did a lot of the engine work themselves. I also remember going to Madison once with Keith Ruetten and we toured a bunch of specialty cars with Brian "Moose" Ferguson at his specialty shop he worked at. Kind of like a dream land for speed.
Fast forward into Kuwait in 2012 and it is a different story. A few post back in my blog you will find pictures of me down by the beach at a mall looking at two McClaren's. They are just a bit faster and maybe just a little more expensive than that Buick Skylark I use to drive! I have saw just about every make and model go by me while riding around in Kuwait. Tonight I enjoyed a little time after a long day sitting on a terrace outside with a few friends. We talked about many things and it grew late and was time for me to go home. One person asked if I needed a ride and said he would drop me off as it was on his way so I said yes and away we went. Upon arriving at his car, I did not even know what kind it was. I soon found out and took my first ride in a specialty car. It was quite the experience, impressive in looks, impressive in sound and I loved the power and the ride.
Here it is; the Aston Martin One-77. Look it up.... just a bit different than that Buick... I told him my daughter would never want to get out of it once she got in it... he said "just ask for the keys and you can take it cruising".... I would be scared to death of a scratch! Ha! Insanely worth 1.4 (million)......
Fast forward into Kuwait in 2012 and it is a different story. A few post back in my blog you will find pictures of me down by the beach at a mall looking at two McClaren's. They are just a bit faster and maybe just a little more expensive than that Buick Skylark I use to drive! I have saw just about every make and model go by me while riding around in Kuwait. Tonight I enjoyed a little time after a long day sitting on a terrace outside with a few friends. We talked about many things and it grew late and was time for me to go home. One person asked if I needed a ride and said he would drop me off as it was on his way so I said yes and away we went. Upon arriving at his car, I did not even know what kind it was. I soon found out and took my first ride in a specialty car. It was quite the experience, impressive in looks, impressive in sound and I loved the power and the ride.
Here it is; the Aston Martin One-77. Look it up.... just a bit different than that Buick... I told him my daughter would never want to get out of it once she got in it... he said "just ask for the keys and you can take it cruising".... I would be scared to death of a scratch! Ha! Insanely worth 1.4 (million)......
Saturday, April 28, 2012
She got whatever it is....
On February 1st I left home and flew over 7,000 miles away from my family to start a new career. My family stood behind me knowing that some difficult times were ahead as they would have to prepare a very large move without me to assist. During the 3 months Janet had to deal with things that I always took care of... getting a large lawn mowed, having a sliding glass window break and getting someone to come and fix it, having the underground dog fence wire alarm go off and try to figure out how to fix it without the dogs running off and more.....
She got whatever it is
You know I've never been the type that would ever want to stay
She got whatever it is
This past few weeks were also spent on completing all the necessities of getting the proper paperwork done for Janet, Ambyre and Drew to move to Kuwait City. This involved background checks at the police department, drivers license records, marriage certificates, birth certificates, copies of my paper work, vast medical test with proof of all lab results, a doctors letter saying they are in good health, then a notary on all of those items and then a trip to Nashville for authentication at the US State Dept.
Over the past two weeks Janet & her mother pulled off a very large yard sale to try and get some things out of the way and then packed the entire remains of a 4,000 square foot home full of goods. The last two days Janet, her mother, her sister Lori and Ambyre spent ensuring that all of these items were loaded onto a very large truck. A friend was suppose to show up to assist in taking down the wiring for the home entertainment system; Charter TV was to come and take all of there equipment; neither the friend or Charter showed or called so Janet had to deal with something again she had no idea to do.
Our son in law Bruce and Leslie have been great during the last few weeks by helping with Drew so that Janet could work on the house in preparation for the move. They also provided many a good dinner for Janet, her mom, Ambyre and Drew!
Finally, this morning Janet pulled out of the driveway in a huge Penske Truck pulling a trailer behind it and it is loaded to the top. Ambyre and Drew are following behind in Ambyre's loaded vehicle and they are driving all the way to Florida to have everything put into storage on her mothers property. I have no idea how they will get everything un-packed and out of that truck.
Tonight I was having coffee in downtown Kuwait at one of my favorite coffee shops. In the background the music suddenly changed. For those of you that know me and watched my Facebook Messages for International Travel; every time I left on a trip from home I always played the same song on my iPhone and listened to it on the plane as it took off "Whatever it is" by the Zac Brown band. Yes, tonight as my wife told me she loved me and was in the truck pulling out of the driveway the song was playing in the coffee shop and I had to wipe tears away........
She got eyes that cut you like a knife
and lips that taste like sweet red wine
And pretty legs go to heaven every time
She got a gentle way that puts me at ease
When she walks in the room I can hardly breathe
Got a devastating smile knock a grown man to his knees
She got whatever it is
It blows me away
She's everything I want to say to a womanbut couldn't find the words to say
She got whatever it is
I don't know what to do
Cause every time I try and tell her how I feelit comes out "I love you"
You got whatever it is
You know I've never been the type that would ever want to stay
Bring 'em home at night and they're gone the next day
But that all changed when she walked into my life
And people askin why it isTell them I don't know
Just something about the woman makes my heart go haywire
And she's gonna be my wife
She got whatever it is
It blows me away
She's everything I want to say to a womanbut couldn't find the words to say
She got whatever it is
I don't know what to do
Cause every time I try and tell her how I feelit comes out "I love you"
You got whatever it is
Cause when she loves me
Girl that's how I feel
Cause when she loves me I'm on top of the world
Cause when she loves me I can live forever
And she loves me I am untouchable
She got whatever it is
It blows me away
She everything I wanted to say to a womanbut couldn't find the words to say
She got whatever it is
I don't know what to do
Cause every time I try and tell her how I feelit comes out "I love you"
"i do"
You got whatever it is
Oh you got whatever it is
On May 11th I will be back in her arms! Please be safe on your journey to Florida!
On May 11th I will be back in her arms! Please be safe on your journey to Florida!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Life and the innocent
Life and the innocent...
We all have our own pressure and stress living one day at a time. We think it is so hard, so difficult. What is your stress? Which car, which apartment, which job? Financial stress as the economy is so difficult. Would you move across the world to do what you have to do to survive? Selling a house, renting a house, what to do with cars, what if you lost your job, what if you lost your business, divorce, etc.....
Then, reality hits again. A great nephew is diagnosed with in-operable brain tumor. A child, a life of the innocent. Quite frankly all the above items do not mean anything. The money, the house, the car, the job.... the innocent child and the family for what they cannot control for if you could, you would give up anything else to make it right for the child.
My heart and prayers go out to the Tanner family and there son Gage.
We all have our own pressure and stress living one day at a time. We think it is so hard, so difficult. What is your stress? Which car, which apartment, which job? Financial stress as the economy is so difficult. Would you move across the world to do what you have to do to survive? Selling a house, renting a house, what to do with cars, what if you lost your job, what if you lost your business, divorce, etc.....
Then, reality hits again. A great nephew is diagnosed with in-operable brain tumor. A child, a life of the innocent. Quite frankly all the above items do not mean anything. The money, the house, the car, the job.... the innocent child and the family for what they cannot control for if you could, you would give up anything else to make it right for the child.
My heart and prayers go out to the Tanner family and there son Gage.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
It's going to be a good day....
Today I started out by having to catch a ride to go get my finger prints taken. I get in the car on a very busy street corner and we leave. Upon arriving at our destination in 20 minutes I realize that when I put my sunglasses on and took off my prescription regular glasses that I lost my regular glasses and most probably in the street where I got in the car. A bad feeling comes over me. I call someone who happens to be near my apartment and he stops by. He and the building manager search the road and yes, they found my glasses in the road.... un harmed! They laid for over 30 minutes in high traffic and survived. I said to the person who took me for the ride it is going to be a good day....
Next I head off to get my glasses and then to an important meeting. A call came and my meeting was canceled. Never the less I went to one of my restaurants to follow up on some business. While there a gentlemen was having a meeting with the same person who found my glasses and they asked me to sit in. Turns out I have a personal conversation with the gentleman and find out he is an expat and been in Kuwait for over 14 years. We hit it off and formed a new friendship. The neat part is I look forward to our wives meeting and having a few dinners together. Again I thought, this is going to be a good day....
Next I have a meeting inside of an embassy where I am helping develop another brand. The team I am assisting is absolutely amazing. People from many different parts of the world, different experiences and different ages; but they all had the same goal of serving others. I finished out the newly created menu with them and everyone was happy. The young man next to me started a conversation by saying he really liked my selections as it reminded him of the Mid West where he grew up. I said really, what area did you grow up in? His reply was "Wisconsin". I smiled and said that was great, what area in Wisconsin did you grow up in as I know several people from there? His reply was "Richland Center, Wisconsin".... He told the group we would not know the place as it was so small and nobody knows it... only about 5,000 people in the entire town. I smiled and said actually I know some about that town... I had heard that on one side of town was a place called Boaz and on the other side of town was a place called Sextonville... Yes, two people from the same birth place in Richland Center, Wisconsin had ended up in a secure facility 6,800 miles away in Kuwait City, Kuwait! Many of my FB friends from RC will want know who it was: Tyler Partridge. I look forward to getting to know him well.
Before leaving I was given a certificate signed by the Commanding General for Appreciation of Excellence in our work over the last month here in Kuwait. The big part is I cannot wait to thank my team members for the hard work and dedication. Over the years I have learned a valuable lesson: "You are only as good as the people that you surround yourself with". Did I mention "it is a good day!
Next I head off to get my glasses and then to an important meeting. A call came and my meeting was canceled. Never the less I went to one of my restaurants to follow up on some business. While there a gentlemen was having a meeting with the same person who found my glasses and they asked me to sit in. Turns out I have a personal conversation with the gentleman and find out he is an expat and been in Kuwait for over 14 years. We hit it off and formed a new friendship. The neat part is I look forward to our wives meeting and having a few dinners together. Again I thought, this is going to be a good day....
Next I have a meeting inside of an embassy where I am helping develop another brand. The team I am assisting is absolutely amazing. People from many different parts of the world, different experiences and different ages; but they all had the same goal of serving others. I finished out the newly created menu with them and everyone was happy. The young man next to me started a conversation by saying he really liked my selections as it reminded him of the Mid West where he grew up. I said really, what area did you grow up in? His reply was "Wisconsin". I smiled and said that was great, what area in Wisconsin did you grow up in as I know several people from there? His reply was "Richland Center, Wisconsin".... He told the group we would not know the place as it was so small and nobody knows it... only about 5,000 people in the entire town. I smiled and said actually I know some about that town... I had heard that on one side of town was a place called Boaz and on the other side of town was a place called Sextonville... Yes, two people from the same birth place in Richland Center, Wisconsin had ended up in a secure facility 6,800 miles away in Kuwait City, Kuwait! Many of my FB friends from RC will want know who it was: Tyler Partridge. I look forward to getting to know him well.
Before leaving I was given a certificate signed by the Commanding General for Appreciation of Excellence in our work over the last month here in Kuwait. The big part is I cannot wait to thank my team members for the hard work and dedication. Over the years I have learned a valuable lesson: "You are only as good as the people that you surround yourself with". Did I mention "it is a good day!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
New Friends.....
This past week I met some new friends at the US Embassy. They are so nice. Both from the states; she is a Jersey Girl and former NSO entertainer. She met her husband while traveling with the NSO around the world as a singer, dancer (Bob Hope style) for the US Military. They invited me to a party with friends at there home so myself and my 'right hand' from work went and attended. Very cool neighborhood and a true Kuwait Home which is very large (3 stories) and beautiful. They had both lived in Jordan at one time so most of the furniture was all handmade in Jordan and then brought to Kuwait. We met there daughter who was 8 and so precious! In the living/entertaining area were a variety of fresh vegetables, dips, scratch made smoked habanero salsa, chips, nuts, spring rolls & cheeses. The beverage selection was incredible with juices from around the world; my son in law would have been in heaven with me!
About 10 guest arrived. Two of them were teachers at The English School and were very interesting to talk to as they lived here for 4 years now. I spent most of my time with the husband talking about his past experiences, travel and life in the Middle East. He gave me so many ideas for adjusting my work habits with culture and also a few great vacation ideas! The best was a contact for a small yacht cruise for 8 couples in the Mediterranean Sea for 7 days that included the boat, captain and a mate for doing the cooking and cleaning for about $550 couple for the week.... We also discussed things to do in Kuwait and places to eat!
I am thankful I have made contacts at the US Embassy since I arrived as every week I seem to make more and more contacts from them for both business and friendship!
I forgot to add one thing... they are from New York / New Jersey area.... they requested all to attend in casual clothing but no jeans. I wore my Green Bay Packer Jersey under my oxford shirt with dress slacks. During the evening I found out they both were NY Giants fans so just before we left I stood up and said "man, it is warm in your house; hope you don't mind if I take my shirt off"..... They thought I was crazy as I started undressing and when they saw my jersey they could not believe it! Ha! That stoked them up big time! They called me a smart *ss but loved every minute of it! Such a good time!
About 10 guest arrived. Two of them were teachers at The English School and were very interesting to talk to as they lived here for 4 years now. I spent most of my time with the husband talking about his past experiences, travel and life in the Middle East. He gave me so many ideas for adjusting my work habits with culture and also a few great vacation ideas! The best was a contact for a small yacht cruise for 8 couples in the Mediterranean Sea for 7 days that included the boat, captain and a mate for doing the cooking and cleaning for about $550 couple for the week.... We also discussed things to do in Kuwait and places to eat!
I am thankful I have made contacts at the US Embassy since I arrived as every week I seem to make more and more contacts from them for both business and friendship!
I forgot to add one thing... they are from New York / New Jersey area.... they requested all to attend in casual clothing but no jeans. I wore my Green Bay Packer Jersey under my oxford shirt with dress slacks. During the evening I found out they both were NY Giants fans so just before we left I stood up and said "man, it is warm in your house; hope you don't mind if I take my shirt off"..... They thought I was crazy as I started undressing and when they saw my jersey they could not believe it! Ha! That stoked them up big time! They called me a smart *ss but loved every minute of it! Such a good time!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
US Embassy National Day
This week has been interesting and tonight was fun! For a quick update, Kuwait had both Customs on strike and the Kuwait Airlines on strike so food, supplies and people were having difficulty getting into our out of Kuwait. Finally today the strike stopped. In the meantime, contacts at the US Embassy asked me to step in with our team and help them out Thursday night because the other company cancelled due to lack of foods through customs; of course the answer is yes!
Tonight the US Embassy hosted National Night. A lot of companies from around Kuwait represented well and gave out food for fee to about 2,000 guest including us. We did fresh crab cakes, fried shrimps and chicken tenders. It went over great! The US Ambassador stopped by and loved it.
I also networked and met many people including many Americans. One of my personal friends from the past that some of you know as my evil twin brother.... yes, he looks like me and worked for Ruby Tuesday at one time... now is the VP of the largest group in the Middle East: Alshaya... showed up with his wife and we had a great time together! His name is Stephen Oconnor. It was great to spend time with him and his lovely wife.
Tonight I was proud of my team. They came together so quickly and worked hard to pull off an event that most people could not have done. I am blessed to have them. Sometimes we get down, think things are tough and not going well; but when I experience a night like this; it is worth it.
Kimberly Louis, one of my main contacts at the Embassy, is from Jersey; has an attitude that is like my wife's. She can talk it and she can walk it. She had told me last week she would be singing the National Anthem. Said she is involved in plays, theater, dance, singing, etc all in in Kuwait. I told her I would be the judge of it when I heard her sing. Well, OMG. She put most people to shame that we see sing the National Anthem on TV for sports, etc... I was over whelmed. My daughters in Knoxville would have fell over; especially Ambyre. I will be buying tickets to the theater in Kuwait now and watching.
It was a great night and I am back at my apartment safely and again, proud of my team for what they did tonight. They know how to represent! Thank You!
Tonight the US Embassy hosted National Night. A lot of companies from around Kuwait represented well and gave out food for fee to about 2,000 guest including us. We did fresh crab cakes, fried shrimps and chicken tenders. It went over great! The US Ambassador stopped by and loved it.
I also networked and met many people including many Americans. One of my personal friends from the past that some of you know as my evil twin brother.... yes, he looks like me and worked for Ruby Tuesday at one time... now is the VP of the largest group in the Middle East: Alshaya... showed up with his wife and we had a great time together! His name is Stephen Oconnor. It was great to spend time with him and his lovely wife.
Tonight I was proud of my team. They came together so quickly and worked hard to pull off an event that most people could not have done. I am blessed to have them. Sometimes we get down, think things are tough and not going well; but when I experience a night like this; it is worth it.
Kimberly Louis, one of my main contacts at the Embassy, is from Jersey; has an attitude that is like my wife's. She can talk it and she can walk it. She had told me last week she would be singing the National Anthem. Said she is involved in plays, theater, dance, singing, etc all in in Kuwait. I told her I would be the judge of it when I heard her sing. Well, OMG. She put most people to shame that we see sing the National Anthem on TV for sports, etc... I was over whelmed. My daughters in Knoxville would have fell over; especially Ambyre. I will be buying tickets to the theater in Kuwait now and watching.
It was a great night and I am back at my apartment safely and again, proud of my team for what they did tonight. They know how to represent! Thank You!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Thankful.....
Tonight I just want to say I am thankful.....
* Thankful for modern technology for the miracle of video chatting while I am 7,000 miles away from family I can still chat with them. Tonight my father was on chatting with me and at 93 years old it was pretty fun!
* Thankful for my sister Nancy getting him to the house to have the chat and keeping us connected!
* Thankful for modern technology for the miracle of video chatting while I am 7,000 miles away from family I can still chat with them. Tonight my father was on chatting with me and at 93 years old it was pretty fun!
* Thankful for my sister Nancy getting him to the house to have the chat and keeping us connected!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Wise man driving that taxi.....
A friend of mine told me about Hamid the taxi. He said you can go anywhere for 2KD in Kuwait by texting Hamid. I started this and found he has about 10 drivers and I really like the service. You text to a number to "pick me up at _____ and drop me off at _____" and generally in about 15 minutes you are in the car riding. Most all of the drivers are from India or Pakistan and Hamid does a good job choosing who can drive for him and they are pleasant. Sometimes other taxis stop for me and I say "are you Hamid?"... they say no and drive on. The other day I sent my text and a guy pulled up in about 10 minutes and I said again "are you Hamid?". He said yes. I got in and we took off. About a minute later I received a text and Hamid told me the black dodge charger was there to pick me up; problem was I was in a white car. I got home fine and for the same rate. I apologized to Hamid via text.
Next morning I texted again and in 10 minutes I was picked up. He introduced himself to me; his name was really Hamid; he owned the company and was from India. We had a great conversation about Kuwait and he told me about his family and how he started his business. I apologized about yesterday again. He said to me "you know, next time just say to them "who sent you"? and see if they say Hamid". Duh, thinking about what he said.
He then told me there are so many people that do not know some of the languages and the last thing you ever want to do is just act like you know and say yes or nod your head. (a few days earlier a friend of mine took me for coffee and he wanted to prove the same point; he asked the waiter could he have the pink coffee and the waiter said yes....)
Hamid said his father told him a story as a young boy about culture and languages... said a man was living in country where he could not speak the language of the locals. He knew he needed to learn so he went and told his new boss he was willing to go for training. The new boss said "don't worry about it.... you are ok with using 3 words: Yes, No and Alright. Use them in that order and generally you will be fine. A few days goes by and the man goes for a walk. He sits on a park bench and it is a little cool outside. A few blocks away another man commits a murder. The police start to chase him and the bad guy runs through the park and the police dogs are after him. The bad guys removes his jacket on the run and throws it and it lands near the man on the bench. The bad guys continues running away. The man on the bench thinks wow, this is nice, the man knew I was cold and gave me a jacket and puts it on. Moments later the police dogs and cops surround him. The cops are local and ask him in the local language if it was him that committed the murder? The man remembers what to do and says "yes". The police take him to jail and he is all confused. Next they line up a a judge to see him. The judge now says in the local language "I understand you said you committed the murder; I want to make sure now if you are going to change your story and say you did not do it? "No" was the reply... The judge cannot believe how easy this case has gone so moves on to the sentencing of the murder and says in the local language "well, you admitted when we caught you and have not changed your story; therefore I must sentence you to hanging"..... the man simply replied "alright"......
You can bet now I say "who sent you"...... and yes, working on a few phrases....
Friday, March 16, 2012
Grocery getter and the maid.....
First the grocery getter! Some of the real big grocery stores in Kuwait are located in shopping malls. The malls are typically bigger than the ones you are use to. When you go in the mall you go up and down escalators that do not have steps.... they are kind of like moving sidewalks that go up and down. Next you see full grocery carts coming out of the store and you see kids heading to the escalator with them. First thing I am kindling of freaking out thinking I better go catch this little boy with the full grocery getter before it takes off down the moving sidewalk and runs over someone..... as it turns out the grocery getters have special wheels in Kuwait; rails built on them with extremely strong magnets. Genius move!
Tonight I decided to let the maid do some cleaning. First the bedroom furniture that I purchased this week was scrubbed down clean and readied for some new stain. Next laundry was going. Next the newly purchased vacuum was put to use and all the floors were cleaned and ready for mopping. Next out came the new mop bucket, hot water, cleaning solution and the new mop. All tile floor in the flat but the newly purchased Turkish rug in the middle of the living room. At this time I have no living room furniture really, no television, no dining table, etc as I am waiting to catch deals! So the mopping was begun and boy it smelled much better! About 80% of the way through the mop bucket tipped over and the fastest mopping you have ever witnessed was put in motion! The maid was pretty bad at mopping... of course that be me! Think I might have to get a new maid soon!
Marina Mall Kuwait
Friday is normally my day off while living in Kuwait. Back in the states some people are fortunate to have off on Saturday and Sunday. Here it is Friday and maybe Saturday; but typically it is a half day Saturday. I decided to get out for a bit and went to the Marina Mall. Janet and I had been there before so I wanted to check it out again.
Located on Gulf Road along the coast the mall is built on one side of the highway with a huge indoor bridge that takes you to the other side where the stores all face a marina. I shopped on the inside and looked at stores. Tons of clothing, jewelry, electronics, etc. Very nicely done. I then went towards the marina side and it was about 80 degrees out and clear. About 8 coffee shops line the "crescent" by the marina and it was very busy and a great atmosphere. People eating sweets, drinking coffees and espresso and most everyone laughing, talking and watching everyone else. The boats looked great and every now and then one would take off out to sea.
I walked down a ways and looked at many boats. Found a couple tours that will take you for excursions out onto some islands where you can also go on camel rides. People were buying tickets to go and were very excited. I then walked around to the other side where I found a awesome beach. Some people out tanning, some people out walking and a few kids swimming. Boats going by some and some jet ski's. I walked a little further and found a bunch of Harley Bikes. Very nice. My daughter Mandy and Justin would have loved this as some of them had S&S engines when I checked them out. Behind the bikes were 2 cars that drew some attention. I had to go look. They were the Mclaren F1 cars; one black, one orange. These are carbon fibre racing machines that cost in the area of about 1 million each..... Pretty amazing.
I left and went to a store called the Sultan Center and did a little shopping. Pretty much can find everything you can find in the US but just a little different. Stopped and had some coffee and a sandwich while watching people and then caught a taxi back to my apartment (here they call them a "flat"). Every time you take a taxi you have to be wise about setting the price first. When they see the occasional American they always assume big money so the prices they will charge are nearly twice. So, you say how much and if you disagree just walk away and they start dropping prices. You have to know the going rates! If it is over 2KD then you better be going for a long ride! Each KD is about $3.50..... Enjoy the pics!
Located on Gulf Road along the coast the mall is built on one side of the highway with a huge indoor bridge that takes you to the other side where the stores all face a marina. I shopped on the inside and looked at stores. Tons of clothing, jewelry, electronics, etc. Very nicely done. I then went towards the marina side and it was about 80 degrees out and clear. About 8 coffee shops line the "crescent" by the marina and it was very busy and a great atmosphere. People eating sweets, drinking coffees and espresso and most everyone laughing, talking and watching everyone else. The boats looked great and every now and then one would take off out to sea.
I walked down a ways and looked at many boats. Found a couple tours that will take you for excursions out onto some islands where you can also go on camel rides. People were buying tickets to go and were very excited. I then walked around to the other side where I found a awesome beach. Some people out tanning, some people out walking and a few kids swimming. Boats going by some and some jet ski's. I walked a little further and found a bunch of Harley Bikes. Very nice. My daughter Mandy and Justin would have loved this as some of them had S&S engines when I checked them out. Behind the bikes were 2 cars that drew some attention. I had to go look. They were the Mclaren F1 cars; one black, one orange. These are carbon fibre racing machines that cost in the area of about 1 million each..... Pretty amazing.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
US Embassy Visit
A few days ago the staff members of AEWA (American Embassy Welfare Association) asked me if we could put together a quick meal at the US Embassy to celebrate St. Patricks day. I took the challenge of course and said yes. They gave me a recipe for Irish Stew, Corn Beef Sandwiches and Irish Cake. You have to remember where I live now.... I said yes and had no idea if I could even get Corn Beef here in Kuwait!
I gave the recipe to my Chef and asked him to source all the ingredients to prepare this. He had to ask for an explanation on what 4 of the ingredients were and had never cooked any Irish meals in his life. He is also born and raised from India. He then showed me a sample of the Corn Beef in a can that was minced and I started to get worried! We had the purchasing teams make some calls and yes, we sourced the real corn beef to be able to serve 150 people two days later. We also sourced all the ingredients needed for Irish Stew and the Irish Cake. The one thing we now needed was Guinness Irish Beer which of course the US Embassy has!
The team worked last night until 1:30am cooking all the bread, preparing all the meat, cooking the stew without the beer in it as we had to wait to get to the Embassy to then heat & reduce the beer to add it to the stew. They then delivered the product today to the Embassy during yet another sand storm day and set up outside with a Irish Band to serve the guest. I bought green shirts for the staff so that they fit in for St. Patties! Food service started at about 5:30pm and ended at 9:00pm.
I met so many great people from the US and made some new friends at the same time. 2 of the families actually live within walking distance of my place close by! The band members had a high percentage of Filipinos in the group and they actually sounded great! Played a lot of music I knew very well (Skynard and lots of old southern rock). During the night I met 5 soldiers whom had not been around trees or food other than MRE's for about 5 months. We did them special and picked out 5 Ribeye's for the grill and it felt so good taking care of them knowing in reality they take care of all of us. We served about 140 guest overall and it was a success. So proud of my team tonight for going the extra mile so fast and it was so great making new friends; I look forward to more visits!
Palms Beach Hotel, Spa & Resort
