Also, a huge thanks to the medical staff here at al Udeid, they were a class act since the moment I arrived. Pictured below is the team that conducted my surgery.
Friday, February 4, 2011
on the move...again
Well, it's looks like I'm finally out of here. I'm manifested for a return flight (C-130 again) to Afghanistan tomorrow. Thanks to everyone at home for the prayer support for my surgery and recovery. I am feeling great, and very much looking forward to rejoining my unit.
Also, a huge thanks to the medical staff here at al Udeid, they were a class act since the moment I arrived. Pictured below is the team that conducted my surgery.
Also, a huge thanks to the medical staff here at al Udeid, they were a class act since the moment I arrived. Pictured below is the team that conducted my surgery.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Doha City Tour...Part 6 (final)
Last post for Doha City...a compilation of videos. Apologies, I am more than aware that taking video is not a talent of mine.
the weather..
This is a screen shot from my laptop desktop. Figured I'd share just in case anyone is wondering how the weather is here at 10:15p.m. tonight...in comparison to some other areas of the world.
Doha City Tour...Part 5
Last stop was the Souq Waqif, an outdoor shopping area that consists of a maze of shops selling perfumes, spices, candy, clothes, nuts, dates, etc. Many very good restaurants too. This was definitely the highlight of the tour.
Doha City Tour...Part 4
Many of the pictures I took were in the downtown area. Phil and I escaped from the mall to get these pictures. This downtown/business area didn't even exist 7 years ago...it was all desert. The Emir of Qatar (Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani) has led the effort to modernize the city, with the centerpiece being the downtown/business area where 60 high rise buildings are currently being constructed. As you can see from the pictures, the architecture is stunning.
And of course...I had to add a photo of the grass and flowers. I haven't seen grass since Mississippi early last September (California, Afghanistan & Qatar don't have much for grass).
And of course...I had to add a photo of the grass and flowers. I haven't seen grass since Mississippi early last September (California, Afghanistan & Qatar don't have much for grass).Doha City Tour...Part 3
Next, we visited the City Center Mall. I didn't take many pictures, because the place was filled with women (I know, go figure) and we were told to avoid taking pictures of them. The mall reminded me of the Mall of America in Minneapolis
City Center Mall
I thought this sign was interesting...go right to use the phone and/or bathroom...go left for your daily prayers. Who says the Middle East is restrictive...you couldn't do this in America anymore!
5 stories looking down on an indoor hockey rink.
City Center Mall
I thought this sign was interesting...go right to use the phone and/or bathroom...go left for your daily prayers. Who says the Middle East is restrictive...you couldn't do this in America anymore!
5 stories looking down on an indoor hockey rink.
Doha City Tour...Part 2
Next, we stopped at Dhow Harbor for a view of the waterfront, the pearl monument and the pearl boats.
You'd never guess this guy was an American! Right before the trip, I found out that I was required to wear a collared shirt and blue jeans. I went to the PX (Army Store), and fitted myself the best I could. Nothing like coughing up $75.00 for clothes that don't fit (they were all a size too small), and that you'll never wear again.
You'd never guess this guy was an American! Right before the trip, I found out that I was required to wear a collared shirt and blue jeans. I went to the PX (Army Store), and fitted myself the best I could. Nothing like coughing up $75.00 for clothes that don't fit (they were all a size too small), and that you'll never wear again.
Doha City Tour...Part 1
Just a quick update before I get started on this post. I continue to recover from my surgery. I feel better than when I arrived, and I am all but back to 100%. I requested to return back to Afghanistan last week, but the surgeon directed that I stay until this weekend.
Since I'm feeling as well as I do, and I had the extra week here, I decided to take advantage of some of the tours that are available. Yesterday, I went on a tour of Doha City. This city is incredible. It is one of many middle eastern cities that have thrived from oil and natural gas profits over the past few decades. Our first stop was at the Camel Souq...
The Camel Souq is an area where you can purchase two types of camels...racing camels or livestock camels (yes, they eat them). It is also the area where a bus full of dumb military guys stops to take pictures. I've seen my share of camels, so I didn't take many photos.
Next, our tour went to the Gold Souqs. This is an area where you can purchase all sorts of Gold and Silver jewelry, gifts, etc. They also sell bullion. I wasn't much in the market for gold bars today, so I stopped in at this local store for a $1.00 chicken wrap. Yes, the store is as dirty as it looks...but we were hungry.
This is my roommate Phil enjoying a chicken wrap while a new friend observes to see if he drops anything. In the military, he (Phil, not the cat) is a Naval Officer in the Seabees deployed to Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. In the real world, Phil is an architect and the mayor of city outside of Cincinnati. He's in Qatar for the exact same reason as myself.
The inside storefront/kitchen.
Video of the chicken vendor. I'm going to stop asking people to say "hi" for the camera...either they don't do it, or I get some stupid response in return.
Since I'm feeling as well as I do, and I had the extra week here, I decided to take advantage of some of the tours that are available. Yesterday, I went on a tour of Doha City. This city is incredible. It is one of many middle eastern cities that have thrived from oil and natural gas profits over the past few decades. Our first stop was at the Camel Souq...
The Camel Souq is an area where you can purchase two types of camels...racing camels or livestock camels (yes, they eat them). It is also the area where a bus full of dumb military guys stops to take pictures. I've seen my share of camels, so I didn't take many photos.
Next, our tour went to the Gold Souqs. This is an area where you can purchase all sorts of Gold and Silver jewelry, gifts, etc. They also sell bullion. I wasn't much in the market for gold bars today, so I stopped in at this local store for a $1.00 chicken wrap. Yes, the store is as dirty as it looks...but we were hungry.
This is my roommate Phil enjoying a chicken wrap while a new friend observes to see if he drops anything. In the military, he (Phil, not the cat) is a Naval Officer in the Seabees deployed to Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. In the real world, Phil is an architect and the mayor of city outside of Cincinnati. He's in Qatar for the exact same reason as myself.
The inside storefront/kitchen.Video of the chicken vendor. I'm going to stop asking people to say "hi" for the camera...either they don't do it, or I get some stupid response in return.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Doha City
I went on a tour of Doha City today. I'll post pictures and video tomorrow. In the meantime, I embedded a photo album to the right.
charikar rewind...
With the faster internet connection here in Qatar, I was finally able to upload this video from the patrol in Charikar that I posted about 3 months ago.
Zorn, a Macedonian Soldier, is explaining to me that there is a Russian Soldier (from the Soviet War in the 1980's) who converted to Islam and owns a store in Charikar. However, he was never able to find the Soldier, who wished to remain anonymous.
Zorn, a Macedonian Soldier, is explaining to me that there is a Russian Soldier (from the Soviet War in the 1980's) who converted to Islam and owns a store in Charikar. However, he was never able to find the Soldier, who wished to remain anonymous.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)