*your office is bigger than your living space
*you wonder if the loud noise you just heard was your neighbor slamming their door or incoming, and if it is the latter would it be worth getting out of bed?
*you know it is the weekend because you can wear capri's to work
*after one luke warm shower too many you begin dreaming about a new hot water heater
*if you spot Lucky Charms in the DFAC (dining facility) and can get to them without losing your dignity you know it is going to be an awesome day, if you lose your dignity....well it will be just one of those days!
Just a few observations as my one week anniversary is upon me! I arrived in Kabul last Sunday with much less fanfare than Secretary of State Clinton. But I digress, I left Washington DC after a couple of great weeks. I got to reunite with my fabulous high school prom date and had many a fun evening reliving the good old days. Jolynn came to visit and we were proud Americans and sat on the steps of the National Archives to listen to the Declaration of Independence being read (goose bump inducing). We topped off the 4th by watching the fireworks over the Washington Monument. After finish my final training I headed out to Dulles airport with 2 of the worlds heaviest bags. Luckily the nice lady at the gate took pity on me and upgraded me to business class, as the flight is 14 hours and Afghan air was in my near future I was practically giddy. Once I had boarded I tried out all of the cool gadgets unique to business class and promptly fell asleep in my reclining chair. Upon arrival in Dubai I headed over to the Raffles-after all I needed one last night in luxury! The Raffles was AWESOME. The floor had its own butler and a bathtub almost big enough to snorkel in (and the thought did cross my mind). After a rather sleepless night I was ready for the next step in my latest adventure. It seems as though Safi (Afghan Air) has a very stringent excess bag policy and I had to pay a pretty penny to be able to even check my bags. A rather auspicious start to the day. I was glued to the window as we flew over Afghanistan-I have to say it is a rather dull landscape-pretty much brown land next to brown mountains. Upon arrival we cleared customs and headed out to baggage claim-my bags were the LAST off the plane. After paying a kings ransom to get them on the plane I would have not been happy to never see my only possessions ever again. Once through an additional security check (still don't quite understand why it is necessary to go through security to arrive in Kabul...one of lifes unanswered questions) it was into the reality that is Kabul. There was an Afghan gentleman with an American flag standing just outside the gate-so pleased that we are keeping a low profile. After blindly following him to the car I realized anyone could be standing there with a picture of an American flag! I was rather surprised as we piled into the car and headed out to the Embassy. We drove right through down town Kabul-and I have to admit not much could have prepared me for life on the mean streets of Kabul. It is chaos-makes Cairo look like a small midwestern town. Goats in the streets, kids riding goats in the streets, motor bikes, bikes, other cars, a round about in which there are NO rules and everyone wants to be somewhere else and doesn't know how to get there, women in burqas, carts being pulled by mules full of watermelon. It was absolutely amazing. I felt very safe other than the fear we were going to hit a goat (and then the fear it would be dinner). We arrived safely on compound and I was very pleased that the HR folks were there to greet me and carry my excessive baggage home.
More later-still trying to recover from the 8.5 hours time difference, the 6,000+ altitude and working 12 hour days (continuing to save the world one HR problem at a time...)
Thanks to Shannon for the gentle nudge reminding me to write!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Kabul or bust PT II
Getting ready to move to Kabul takes some special preparation and training. It is recommended that we all have a "GO" bag. A bag that you have ready in case we need to "GO" quickly. Of course this is causing me some consternation. For those of you that now me-I can't make it to Paris (after months of preparation) for the weekend with both my tooth brush and tooth paste how am I going to be able to leave on a minutes notice???? So I am trying to prepare my "GO" bag early. So far my "GO" bag list has the following essentials (according to Jamie): BIG XII football schedule (which of course will be updated to the BIG XII basketball schedule depending on the time of year, a girl has to be prepared). twizzlers (after all they can be either a straw or a snack), money (a girl has to shop-even on the go), ID, a 2 liter bottle of diet coke and either a tooth brush or tooth paste (I don't think I have ever managed to make it on a trip with both so I figure why start now??)
Last week we had a week of intense training to help prepare us to work in austere conditions. Some of the topics we covered: medical training (if conducting CPR make sure you are compressing to the beat of "Staying Alive"), how and where to place a tourniquet, how to pack a wound, please note I learned all of this before lunch. We got to practice in full battle rattle-a helmet and PPE vest. I thought it was impossible to have more fun than learning to save limbs but the fun was just beginning. We loaded up and headed out of town to familiarize ourselves with guns and learn defense driving. I was very relieved to have learned first aid before heading to the gun range. I have to say much to my surprise I loved the gun range. Two years of tensions relieved in a matter of minutes! I do want to put your fears to rest, I will NOT be packing heat while in Kabul. After shooting 3 hand guns and an AK 47 I was exhausted and bruised! The recoil on the AK 47 was impressive-this helped to realize I am more of a Glock type of girl. I wonder if they come in pink?? Once again the fun was only just beginning-stay tuned for further details......
Last week we had a week of intense training to help prepare us to work in austere conditions. Some of the topics we covered: medical training (if conducting CPR make sure you are compressing to the beat of "Staying Alive"), how and where to place a tourniquet, how to pack a wound, please note I learned all of this before lunch. We got to practice in full battle rattle-a helmet and PPE vest. I thought it was impossible to have more fun than learning to save limbs but the fun was just beginning. We loaded up and headed out of town to familiarize ourselves with guns and learn defense driving. I was very relieved to have learned first aid before heading to the gun range. I have to say much to my surprise I loved the gun range. Two years of tensions relieved in a matter of minutes! I do want to put your fears to rest, I will NOT be packing heat while in Kabul. After shooting 3 hand guns and an AK 47 I was exhausted and bruised! The recoil on the AK 47 was impressive-this helped to realize I am more of a Glock type of girl. I wonder if they come in pink?? Once again the fun was only just beginning-stay tuned for further details......
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Kabul or bust!!
A couple of points I have realized and need to point out before I start on the latest and greatest of my adventures.
A) Roberta (my sainted mother) was right....keeping this blog is a great diary and I should have been more diligent in the writing of my "Where in the World is Jamie Blog."
B) My 4th of July resolution is to keep up with my blog-and of course this will also make Roberta happy (another goal in my life-did I say she was a saint?)
C) I have horrific grammar....and spelling....and need a thesarus....other than that I feel a pulitzer in my future.
Where to begin?? As many of you know I am on my way to Kabul to serve as one of 3 HR officers in the ever growing Embassy. It will be a one year tour, this also means as soon as I get there I will "get" to start bidding. My dream posts are: Tripoli, Damascu, Khartoum (did I mention my mother was a saint-she is willing to keep me supplied in pickled okra and grits at any and all locations).
I arrived in Washington DC last week after a FUN filled 5 weeks in Stillwater. I HEART Stillwater. My favorite place in the world, I believe the availability of orange, grits, good friends, pickled okra, Sonic, Target have a lot to do with it. It was very much a "this is your life" vacation. I got to reconnect with High School friends and we ALL look fabulous and 29! It was great to be able to pick up after ** years of having not seen each other. There was a lot of.....and I had a crush on him, oh he was so cute and did I REALLY wear that???
I lost my cool kids card when I attended my parents high school reunion in McAlester. A couple of things everyone should know about McAlester, it is home of the state prison and "Sparky" the electric chair. You NEVER pick up a hitch hiker when leaving McAlester. However, no one came up to me and said "my you look so long for having graduated in 1960 (I would have had to go sit in Sparky had that happened.....) and I got to see my cousin Carrie! You can tell we are related-I don't think either of us paused for a breath the whole time we were together. Following the reunion we headed to Texas to do some shopping and pick up another dog to add to the Armstrong clan. (I have long ago come to terms with the fact that Bill and Roberta like the dogs better than Bill or myself...sigh). I took my shopping very seriously, when purchasing shoes (and lots of shoes were purchased) I started with two conditions: Can I outrun the Taliban in these shoes? Do they make my butt look big? Then I had an "a ha" moment....I don't need to outrun the Taliban-but rather just one other person. So needless to say the 3 inch faux alligator pumps made the cut.
Upon returning home with aforementioned alligator pumps, 2 pairs of wedges and a years supply of q-tips it was time to prepare for Thanksgiving in June. When Kathryn and I SKYPED with the family (everyone from St. Andrew's is family) last Thanksgiving I realized how much I missed a true Thanksgiving and after all in 2010 I am going to be in a war zone (my oft repeated favorite phrase, sadly beginning to lose some of its cachet) so we planned Thanksgiving in June (TIJ). I must mention that during the planning for TIJ, I mentioned my love of eggnog (only surpassed by my love of cupcakes) and recommended buying some eggnog and freezing it for TIJ-however my request fell on deaf ears. Upon arriving home I enquired as to the status of the eggnog and found that there is NONE to be found. SERIOUSLY-am I the only person that feels eggnog in June would not be refreshing? I think it would be a perfect 4th of July beverage-just add a bottle rocket. I then learned (thanks to Rachel and Barbara) that one can MAKE eggnog at home. There was much rejoicing at Chez Armstrong (did I mention my mother and father are saints??). So I threw myself into researching the miracle that is home made egg nog. I found a recipe-rolled up my sleeves, cracked open 12 eggs, poured in the 2 cups of sugar and whole milk (uuummmm healthy now I know why I HEART eggnog). I diligently stirred this heavenly concoction as it began boiling, with some apprehension I scooped out the scrambled eggs that began forming on the surface of the eggnog, at this point I have to admit I began rethinking my love of eggnog. Fear not once a dash (well....two dashes were needed to mask the scrambled egg consistency) of nutmeg was added I had made eggnog!!! I lovingly placed the eggnog in the back refrigerator to cool and thicken (in hopes of hiding the scrambled egg part)....as I relaxed I heard someone (my sainted father) open the back fridge. I then heard crash, clank followed by an emphatic DAMN and my eggnog spilled all over the garage (still smells like nutmeg). Bill is sticking to his story that the fridge door broke-however I think there is more to this story than meets the eye. For those of you on the edge of your seats...I was not daunted and made a second and much improved batch of eggnog!! Thanksgiving in June was a huge success and those of us at the children's table had a fantastic time!
More to follow-I haven't had a cupcake in a matter of hours and I am beginning to feel a little light headed!
A) Roberta (my sainted mother) was right....keeping this blog is a great diary and I should have been more diligent in the writing of my "Where in the World is Jamie Blog."
B) My 4th of July resolution is to keep up with my blog-and of course this will also make Roberta happy (another goal in my life-did I say she was a saint?)
C) I have horrific grammar....and spelling....and need a thesarus....other than that I feel a pulitzer in my future.
Where to begin?? As many of you know I am on my way to Kabul to serve as one of 3 HR officers in the ever growing Embassy. It will be a one year tour, this also means as soon as I get there I will "get" to start bidding. My dream posts are: Tripoli, Damascu, Khartoum (did I mention my mother was a saint-she is willing to keep me supplied in pickled okra and grits at any and all locations).
I arrived in Washington DC last week after a FUN filled 5 weeks in Stillwater. I HEART Stillwater. My favorite place in the world, I believe the availability of orange, grits, good friends, pickled okra, Sonic, Target have a lot to do with it. It was very much a "this is your life" vacation. I got to reconnect with High School friends and we ALL look fabulous and 29! It was great to be able to pick up after ** years of having not seen each other. There was a lot of.....and I had a crush on him, oh he was so cute and did I REALLY wear that???
I lost my cool kids card when I attended my parents high school reunion in McAlester. A couple of things everyone should know about McAlester, it is home of the state prison and "Sparky" the electric chair. You NEVER pick up a hitch hiker when leaving McAlester. However, no one came up to me and said "my you look so long for having graduated in 1960 (I would have had to go sit in Sparky had that happened.....) and I got to see my cousin Carrie! You can tell we are related-I don't think either of us paused for a breath the whole time we were together. Following the reunion we headed to Texas to do some shopping and pick up another dog to add to the Armstrong clan. (I have long ago come to terms with the fact that Bill and Roberta like the dogs better than Bill or myself...sigh). I took my shopping very seriously, when purchasing shoes (and lots of shoes were purchased) I started with two conditions: Can I outrun the Taliban in these shoes? Do they make my butt look big? Then I had an "a ha" moment....I don't need to outrun the Taliban-but rather just one other person. So needless to say the 3 inch faux alligator pumps made the cut.
Upon returning home with aforementioned alligator pumps, 2 pairs of wedges and a years supply of q-tips it was time to prepare for Thanksgiving in June. When Kathryn and I SKYPED with the family (everyone from St. Andrew's is family) last Thanksgiving I realized how much I missed a true Thanksgiving and after all in 2010 I am going to be in a war zone (my oft repeated favorite phrase, sadly beginning to lose some of its cachet) so we planned Thanksgiving in June (TIJ). I must mention that during the planning for TIJ, I mentioned my love of eggnog (only surpassed by my love of cupcakes) and recommended buying some eggnog and freezing it for TIJ-however my request fell on deaf ears. Upon arriving home I enquired as to the status of the eggnog and found that there is NONE to be found. SERIOUSLY-am I the only person that feels eggnog in June would not be refreshing? I think it would be a perfect 4th of July beverage-just add a bottle rocket. I then learned (thanks to Rachel and Barbara) that one can MAKE eggnog at home. There was much rejoicing at Chez Armstrong (did I mention my mother and father are saints??). So I threw myself into researching the miracle that is home made egg nog. I found a recipe-rolled up my sleeves, cracked open 12 eggs, poured in the 2 cups of sugar and whole milk (uuummmm healthy now I know why I HEART eggnog). I diligently stirred this heavenly concoction as it began boiling, with some apprehension I scooped out the scrambled eggs that began forming on the surface of the eggnog, at this point I have to admit I began rethinking my love of eggnog. Fear not once a dash (well....two dashes were needed to mask the scrambled egg consistency) of nutmeg was added I had made eggnog!!! I lovingly placed the eggnog in the back refrigerator to cool and thicken (in hopes of hiding the scrambled egg part)....as I relaxed I heard someone (my sainted father) open the back fridge. I then heard crash, clank followed by an emphatic DAMN and my eggnog spilled all over the garage (still smells like nutmeg). Bill is sticking to his story that the fridge door broke-however I think there is more to this story than meets the eye. For those of you on the edge of your seats...I was not daunted and made a second and much improved batch of eggnog!! Thanksgiving in June was a huge success and those of us at the children's table had a fantastic time!
More to follow-I haven't had a cupcake in a matter of hours and I am beginning to feel a little light headed!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Jordan Part II
After spending the morning bobbing in the Dead Sea and trying to see across to the Promised Land it was time for an afternoon in the Spa. We had decided to spend a day relaxing and it was one of the best ideas I have had!!!! I had the Dead Sea package which consisted off: salt scrub, dead sea wrap, massage and facial. It was fantastic! Very relaxing and I am convinced I look 20 years younger......I am sure our guide felt 20 years younger after having a day free of the two of us!! We were off to Petra-one of the reasons for the trip! We drove along the Dead Sea and saw the phosphate, sulpher and Dead Sea product factories. We also stopped off at one of the crusader castles in the middle of the country. I can't even describe the amazing landscapes throughout the whole country. I have never seen so many different types of land formations. We spent the day traversing the country, shopping and eating before arriving in the city that is right outside of Petra. We were up early the next day and met our guide who would walk us through Petra. We walked about 2 kms from the visitors center through the "Siq" which is a narrow walkway that has been carved out by water throughout the years. It also served as a natural defense throughout centuries. Petra is also a "lost city" and was not rediscovered until the early '30's. Just when you think you will never get there the "Siq" opens up and you are staring at the Treasury which was carved out of the face of a giant slab of rock. I will provide pictures because it is impossible to describe....until I had made the plans to go to Petra I had thought the Treasury was all there was to Petra...little did I know. We needed two full days there. We walked through city, seeing all of the tombs, the collanade where shops and houses were until we reached the steps to the Monastery. While walking we were offered donkey rides, camel rides and postcards for a dinar! There are still two bedouin tribes that live in Petra. I have decided my retirement plans must include living in Petra and being in charge of the donkeys-camels seem too tempermental! The monastery is at the top of 950 steps, for some reason when I heard this I pictured 950 steps straight up to the top but I was wrong. The steps wound through a mountain-and there were some rather precarious moments. Off course we had to give the donkeys carrying people to the top the right of way. The donkey's were led by 5-6 year old bedouin children-I'm still not sure who was in charge-the donkeys or the children! After about an hour we made it to the top and it was fantastic. The walk up was part of the adventure-once again the views were absolutely stunning. After reaching the top we continued to explore and I was thrilled to find a diet coke! We headed back down and wandered back to the Siq-it got dark at about 4:30 and we wanted to be out before it was dark-but that was not the last we saw of Petra. That night at 8:30 we joined 458 of our closest friends and went to Petra after dark. The Bedouins set up candles through the Siq and we were all asked to quietly make our way down to the Treasury. It was amazing to walk through the Siq-the moon was full, it was quiet and so peaceful. Once we got back to the Treasury candles were lined up on the ground in front of the monument and we all sat on the ground, were given tea and listened to two musicians play old Bedouin music. It was fantastic.
Unfortunately we only had one day left......but as they say the best is often saved for last. We went to Wadi Rum-which is where Lawrence of Arabia was filled. We loaded into the back of a Toyota pickup (no such thing as OSHA or toilet paper in Jordan!!!) and were driven through Wadi Rum-once again it was indescribable-so I have included pictures....I have already decided that I am going back to Jordan in the fall. You can stay overnight in Wadi Rum at a Bedouin camp (they may even let me take care of the donkeys!!!).
Well I am thrilled that it is the New Year-lots of changes in store for me this year. Off to Italy for some skiing in a couple of weeks-not to worry I will be a much better blogger this year!!!
Unfortunately we only had one day left......but as they say the best is often saved for last. We went to Wadi Rum-which is where Lawrence of Arabia was filled. We loaded into the back of a Toyota pickup (no such thing as OSHA or toilet paper in Jordan!!!) and were driven through Wadi Rum-once again it was indescribable-so I have included pictures....I have already decided that I am going back to Jordan in the fall. You can stay overnight in Wadi Rum at a Bedouin camp (they may even let me take care of the donkeys!!!).
Well I am thrilled that it is the New Year-lots of changes in store for me this year. Off to Italy for some skiing in a couple of weeks-not to worry I will be a much better blogger this year!!!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Another New Year, Another Resolution!
I seem to remember making the resolution last year that I would be better at keeping my blog up to date. Unfortunately, as with most of my other resolutions, that did not seem to happen. Why don't I try this again????
I just returned from an absolutely fantastic trip to Jordan. Jordan (especially Petra) has always been on my "bucket" list. When I thought my next posting would not be anywhere near Jordan I convinced a friend to join me in leaving winter in The Hague behind and heading to Jordan. I had been looking forward to this trip for months and was worried it would not live up to expectations....the trip was fantastic and not only lived up to but exceeded all expectations!!! If you ever have the chance to get to Jordan the country is amazing. As always when traveling there is one major draw back: toilet paper is considered a luxury not a necessity! Of course this is easily remedied. I think the best part are the marriage proposals! My friend and I each had an offer..we joked that our guide would be the marriage broker. My friend was worth 150 camels and I was distraught to find out that I was worth 2 camels and a kidney!! If only the bedouin had realized how knowledgeable about all things to do with Cowboy sports I would like to think I would have brought in 5 camels and a pancreas....sigh....
We left Amsterdam on Christmas day and were welcomed to Jordan with enthusiastic "Merry Christmas" greetings. We had a guide who also acted as our driver- the poor man had the patience of a Saint, he carried our shopping, answered all of our questions as well as insisted we hold out for goats to go with our offer of camels and kidneys! He probably needs a vacation from our vacation, but he helped make the trip to Jordan one of my favorites! Our first day consisted of a trip through Amman, up to an ancient Castle and through the ancient ruins of Jerash and then over to the Citadel to see some of the dead sea scrolls. We then had a typical Jordanian dinner-it was possible to have hommous for breakfast, lunch and dinner and I took full advantage. It was fantastic to actually see blue sky and the sun!! The next morning we concluded our tour of Amman and drove past the Embassy and saw the modern part of Amman. The homes were huge and a world away from the older part of Amman we had seen the day before. Everywhere you looked you saw a picture of the very popular King Abdullah. Spotting new and different pictures of the King became a favorite past time of mine-the poses varied from cheering on the Jordanian soccer team, a plethora of pictures in military uniforms and with his family. I was tempted with a life size rug with the picture of the King's face but decided it would have to wait! We headed out of town, saw world famous mosiacs, Mt. Nebo (where Moses first saw the promised land) and shopped!!! Upon hearing that the Dead Sea products will make you look 20 years younger I pulled out the VISA! If only they could make you look 20 pounds lighter! After filling up the trunk of our car our long suffering guide dropped us off at the Dead Sea for 2 nights.
After starting the day with hummous we moved down to the hotels private rocky beach on the Dead Sea. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip!!! Prior to "floating" in the Dead Sea one must slather on the Dead Sea mud (still hoping to look 20 pounds lighter!) then it is time to wade into the Dead Sea. As they say a picture is worth a 1000 words so I have included a picture-you literally float. The Sea has so much salt that you can't even walk in the water-you are carried away! I have never laughed so hard!!! It was a great time....it is recommended that you only stay in the water for 15 minutes or you will be dehydrated!
More to follow tomorrow (one must slowly wade into resolutions + dinner is ready!)
I just returned from an absolutely fantastic trip to Jordan. Jordan (especially Petra) has always been on my "bucket" list. When I thought my next posting would not be anywhere near Jordan I convinced a friend to join me in leaving winter in The Hague behind and heading to Jordan. I had been looking forward to this trip for months and was worried it would not live up to expectations....the trip was fantastic and not only lived up to but exceeded all expectations!!! If you ever have the chance to get to Jordan the country is amazing. As always when traveling there is one major draw back: toilet paper is considered a luxury not a necessity! Of course this is easily remedied. I think the best part are the marriage proposals! My friend and I each had an offer..we joked that our guide would be the marriage broker. My friend was worth 150 camels and I was distraught to find out that I was worth 2 camels and a kidney!! If only the bedouin had realized how knowledgeable about all things to do with Cowboy sports I would like to think I would have brought in 5 camels and a pancreas....sigh....
We left Amsterdam on Christmas day and were welcomed to Jordan with enthusiastic "Merry Christmas" greetings. We had a guide who also acted as our driver- the poor man had the patience of a Saint, he carried our shopping, answered all of our questions as well as insisted we hold out for goats to go with our offer of camels and kidneys! He probably needs a vacation from our vacation, but he helped make the trip to Jordan one of my favorites! Our first day consisted of a trip through Amman, up to an ancient Castle and through the ancient ruins of Jerash and then over to the Citadel to see some of the dead sea scrolls. We then had a typical Jordanian dinner-it was possible to have hommous for breakfast, lunch and dinner and I took full advantage. It was fantastic to actually see blue sky and the sun!! The next morning we concluded our tour of Amman and drove past the Embassy and saw the modern part of Amman. The homes were huge and a world away from the older part of Amman we had seen the day before. Everywhere you looked you saw a picture of the very popular King Abdullah. Spotting new and different pictures of the King became a favorite past time of mine-the poses varied from cheering on the Jordanian soccer team, a plethora of pictures in military uniforms and with his family. I was tempted with a life size rug with the picture of the King's face but decided it would have to wait! We headed out of town, saw world famous mosiacs, Mt. Nebo (where Moses first saw the promised land) and shopped!!! Upon hearing that the Dead Sea products will make you look 20 years younger I pulled out the VISA! If only they could make you look 20 pounds lighter! After filling up the trunk of our car our long suffering guide dropped us off at the Dead Sea for 2 nights.
After starting the day with hummous we moved down to the hotels private rocky beach on the Dead Sea. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip!!! Prior to "floating" in the Dead Sea one must slather on the Dead Sea mud (still hoping to look 20 pounds lighter!) then it is time to wade into the Dead Sea. As they say a picture is worth a 1000 words so I have included a picture-you literally float. The Sea has so much salt that you can't even walk in the water-you are carried away! I have never laughed so hard!!! It was a great time....it is recommended that you only stay in the water for 15 minutes or you will be dehydrated!
More to follow tomorrow (one must slowly wade into resolutions + dinner is ready!)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
London and Valencia...so many places not enough time
Well still no bid list I have about given up and figure I will be in The Hague forever! All is well except for waiting on pins and needles. All mid-level and senior level got their lists last night which makes the waiting even harder! I am having a quiet evening tonight, watching the rain coming down in sheets. Going away parties on Monday/Wednesday/Thursday and then to the Army base this weekend. It never stops!
I just got back from a trip to Valencia, I emailed my travel agent and asked what he recommended. All I wanted was sun, sun and sun! Valencia was recommended as cheaper and just as charming as Barcelona so off I went! I went done on Thursday and one of my friends met me on Friday afternoon. I enjoyed a relaxing day and a massage earlier in the day and then did some exploring. Valenica is a fantastic small city where you can walk almost anywhere. It was fantastic. The sun shone the whole time-I even had to buy sun screen and a hat! On Saturday we went to the aquarium, my cab drive had told me it was one of the best in Europe and it was great, I felt like I was twelve. I watched the penquins, the dolphins, sharks while being in the sun!
Two weeks before Valencia I went to London. I have a friend who lives there and another friend who had never been so off we went! It was perfect timing-Wimbledon started on Monday and it is one of my favorite things in the world to do. It is so nice to stay at a friends house, you can sleep in, take your time getting started in the morning the bad thing is that no one makes the bed for you and no free shampoo! We went to high tea at Brown's on Sunday. I hadn't thought ahead and didn't bring any dressy clothes for tea so I had to wear my jeans. I decided that if they wouldn't let me in because I was too casual, I would just tell them I hadn't arrived that day and the airlines had lost my luggage! Luckily they didn't care what I looked like, as long as I spent my money! It was great fun, they even bring you more scones if you want them (and we did!). On Monday I got up at the crack of dawn and travelled across London to Wimbledon...the first day of the Championship no less! You can "queue" for the 6000 tickets that are reserved for general admission. The gates open at 9:30 and the doors open at 10:30. I was number 2851 when I arrived at 7:00 am! I couldn't believe the queue. People had started queueing on Saturday afternoon.
When you arrive at this giant field set aside for queueing you get in line. An usher comes along soon and gives you were ticket-you have to have this to get your actual ticket. People kept coming and coming and coming. We finally began to move at about 9:00. The field has a great atmosphere, people are happy to be there, the weather was great-everyone was convinced Andy Murray was going to win (little did they know). We were probably a mile back, I met a Canadian couple on their honeymoon and an American mother and daughter who had tickets for center court the next day. Everyone wanted the queueing experience (and we got it!). As soon as I got in the gates I headed over to court 3. I had planned my day around watching the Americans play. James Blake was on court 3 and I was really excited to try and get a seat. Luckily I was early enough to get settled in-James Blake was not so lucky and was the highest seed to lose on day one. After cheering with no luck I headed over to one of the smaller courts to watch Mardy Fish. I finally got a seat, at this court I was literally on the court, it is amazing how close you can get. I was watching Mardy play an Italian, the Italian was not faring well, I didn't realize how poorly until the guy I was sitting next to stood up in disgust and left. As he was leaving I looked at his badge and realized he was the Italian guys coach! All of this fun for 20 pounds sterling! I then wandered over to the practice court-but didn't see anyone I recognized (and no Italian coaches). I watched a few more matches and just enjoyed the fantastic atmosphere. A day at Wimbledon is something I would recommend to anyone and everyone.
Well I am going to continue ignoring my blackberry and continue to hope for a bid list to appear. As soon as I know anything I will post!
I just got back from a trip to Valencia, I emailed my travel agent and asked what he recommended. All I wanted was sun, sun and sun! Valencia was recommended as cheaper and just as charming as Barcelona so off I went! I went done on Thursday and one of my friends met me on Friday afternoon. I enjoyed a relaxing day and a massage earlier in the day and then did some exploring. Valenica is a fantastic small city where you can walk almost anywhere. It was fantastic. The sun shone the whole time-I even had to buy sun screen and a hat! On Saturday we went to the aquarium, my cab drive had told me it was one of the best in Europe and it was great, I felt like I was twelve. I watched the penquins, the dolphins, sharks while being in the sun!
Two weeks before Valencia I went to London. I have a friend who lives there and another friend who had never been so off we went! It was perfect timing-Wimbledon started on Monday and it is one of my favorite things in the world to do. It is so nice to stay at a friends house, you can sleep in, take your time getting started in the morning the bad thing is that no one makes the bed for you and no free shampoo! We went to high tea at Brown's on Sunday. I hadn't thought ahead and didn't bring any dressy clothes for tea so I had to wear my jeans. I decided that if they wouldn't let me in because I was too casual, I would just tell them I hadn't arrived that day and the airlines had lost my luggage! Luckily they didn't care what I looked like, as long as I spent my money! It was great fun, they even bring you more scones if you want them (and we did!). On Monday I got up at the crack of dawn and travelled across London to Wimbledon...the first day of the Championship no less! You can "queue" for the 6000 tickets that are reserved for general admission. The gates open at 9:30 and the doors open at 10:30. I was number 2851 when I arrived at 7:00 am! I couldn't believe the queue. People had started queueing on Saturday afternoon.
When you arrive at this giant field set aside for queueing you get in line. An usher comes along soon and gives you were ticket-you have to have this to get your actual ticket. People kept coming and coming and coming. We finally began to move at about 9:00. The field has a great atmosphere, people are happy to be there, the weather was great-everyone was convinced Andy Murray was going to win (little did they know). We were probably a mile back, I met a Canadian couple on their honeymoon and an American mother and daughter who had tickets for center court the next day. Everyone wanted the queueing experience (and we got it!). As soon as I got in the gates I headed over to court 3. I had planned my day around watching the Americans play. James Blake was on court 3 and I was really excited to try and get a seat. Luckily I was early enough to get settled in-James Blake was not so lucky and was the highest seed to lose on day one. After cheering with no luck I headed over to one of the smaller courts to watch Mardy Fish. I finally got a seat, at this court I was literally on the court, it is amazing how close you can get. I was watching Mardy play an Italian, the Italian was not faring well, I didn't realize how poorly until the guy I was sitting next to stood up in disgust and left. As he was leaving I looked at his badge and realized he was the Italian guys coach! All of this fun for 20 pounds sterling! I then wandered over to the practice court-but didn't see anyone I recognized (and no Italian coaches). I watched a few more matches and just enjoyed the fantastic atmosphere. A day at Wimbledon is something I would recommend to anyone and everyone.
Well I am going to continue ignoring my blackberry and continue to hope for a bid list to appear. As soon as I know anything I will post!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
So many stories-so little time
So much for my New Years Resolution to be better about my blog! Things have been busy. For Easter I went to Malta with 7 other friends. Can you imagine 8 women and we were all still speaking after we returned home. Then my family came to visit and it was off to Ireland. They left on Wednesday and the following Saturday I was off to Florida for a HRO conference. It was great to hear stories from other posts and meet my colleagues. I got back on Saturday (a week after I left) and the next weekend headed to Florence. From Easter until June 2nd we have so many holidays that we literally only have one 5 day work week in that time! This week is going to be llloooonnnggg!
Florence is an amazing city. I had a hotel right in the middle of town-the hotel actually had FOX NEWS. I was in heaven! I have to admit I was astounded at the differences between the Dutch and the Italians. It isn't really anything you can put your finger on-but I l saw the first difference as soon as the plane landed. We weren't even to the gate and people were already up, in the aisle and ready to start disembarking! It was willy nilly-no structure for the rest of the trip (except when watching FOX NEWS). The first day I just enjoyed eating gelato, walking around the markets, eating gelato, seeing the churches and then I had a last gelato before bed. Sunday I woke up and headed to the Uffuzi gallery. Luckily I had made reservations, the line is two hours long (that is a lot of gelato). The gallery was amazing. Not only are the pictures fantastic and there is a fantastic view over the Ponte Vecchio. After a couple of hours I was getting the shakes-I needed a gelato. I headed out, got my gelato and wandered over to the Medici chapel, a little church in the middle of town and home to three Michelangelo's. There are no words to describe it....I then headed over to a little trattoria for lunch and a glass of wine. I then made my way over to the Academia to spend a little time with David. Once again I was smart enough to have reservations-no line for me. I headed through the metal detector, into the museum and turned the corner....at the end of the hall-past all of the tourists in their bermuda shorts and black socks was David, in all of his glory. I just sat and soaked it all in. In the hall leading up to David are the "prisoners" sculptures that Michelangelo had started but never finished. I then followed the Italian tradition and went back to my room for a little nap before heading out to dinner. Restaurants don't even open until 7:00-luckily gelato is considered an appetizer by those in the know.
Most of my waking moments are now consumed with getting ready to "bid". This is the list of open HR positions in Embassies around the world. After I get the list I will have about 2 weeks to research, submit my choices. I now have two criteria: labor laws and weather. For instance take Islamabad: great weather, labor laws easy to work with. Do I care if I would have to ride to work in an armored vehicle? Not if the sun is shining and employee's are expected to work....Khartoum-once again great weather, understandable labor laws. I can live with an evacuation or two. One night I dreamed I was sent to Copenhagen-I promise I woke up in a cold sweat and was shaking! As soon as I get my list I will let you know. I am hoping for Africa-where they have.....good weather and.......workable labor laws.
I will work backwards on my Spring trips for my next blog.
Florence is an amazing city. I had a hotel right in the middle of town-the hotel actually had FOX NEWS. I was in heaven! I have to admit I was astounded at the differences between the Dutch and the Italians. It isn't really anything you can put your finger on-but I l saw the first difference as soon as the plane landed. We weren't even to the gate and people were already up, in the aisle and ready to start disembarking! It was willy nilly-no structure for the rest of the trip (except when watching FOX NEWS). The first day I just enjoyed eating gelato, walking around the markets, eating gelato, seeing the churches and then I had a last gelato before bed. Sunday I woke up and headed to the Uffuzi gallery. Luckily I had made reservations, the line is two hours long (that is a lot of gelato). The gallery was amazing. Not only are the pictures fantastic and there is a fantastic view over the Ponte Vecchio. After a couple of hours I was getting the shakes-I needed a gelato. I headed out, got my gelato and wandered over to the Medici chapel, a little church in the middle of town and home to three Michelangelo's. There are no words to describe it....I then headed over to a little trattoria for lunch and a glass of wine. I then made my way over to the Academia to spend a little time with David. Once again I was smart enough to have reservations-no line for me. I headed through the metal detector, into the museum and turned the corner....at the end of the hall-past all of the tourists in their bermuda shorts and black socks was David, in all of his glory. I just sat and soaked it all in. In the hall leading up to David are the "prisoners" sculptures that Michelangelo had started but never finished. I then followed the Italian tradition and went back to my room for a little nap before heading out to dinner. Restaurants don't even open until 7:00-luckily gelato is considered an appetizer by those in the know.
Most of my waking moments are now consumed with getting ready to "bid". This is the list of open HR positions in Embassies around the world. After I get the list I will have about 2 weeks to research, submit my choices. I now have two criteria: labor laws and weather. For instance take Islamabad: great weather, labor laws easy to work with. Do I care if I would have to ride to work in an armored vehicle? Not if the sun is shining and employee's are expected to work....Khartoum-once again great weather, understandable labor laws. I can live with an evacuation or two. One night I dreamed I was sent to Copenhagen-I promise I woke up in a cold sweat and was shaking! As soon as I get my list I will let you know. I am hoping for Africa-where they have.....good weather and.......workable labor laws.
I will work backwards on my Spring trips for my next blog.
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