A restless traveler

Modern times?

2011-11-06T11:57:00.003+10:00

Well Here is some fast food...

Now this is a "bra" with some bling!

Wisdom

2011-11-06T11:51:00.002+10:00

Here is a bit of wisdom for my traveling friends; don't order "meat" from a menu unless you are sure what it's from unless you are gastronomically adventurous! No I didn't but just seeing it on the menu provided a source of amusement for myself and my dinner companion.

Camels, birds & friends.

2011-11-05T05:13:00.003+10:00

I saw my first (wild) green parrot, WOW. It went by too fast to get a picture but I do have more camel market pics! A new friend took me to the Quatif camel market, it was too "shamaly" to see the caves :( maybe next time.

ps: is it just me or do they look like they are gossipping?

Bad day?

2011-09-05T18:16:00.002+10:00

Found out my degree recognition failed, dropped my lap-top and cracked the outside, tore my favorite pjs...Fortunately my computer seems to be working ok. School is on hold for now.
So I am trying to look at this as something better is waiting rather than an end to plans.

Time to think

2011-08-27T16:25:00.002+10:00

Well it's been a while since my last post and during my break I have been watching the news and reading the paper and decided the same reasons I gave it up last time are still valid. Wars, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and famine...I think we are being sent a message! Too bad most people are not paying attention, the population of this world needs to rethink (our) focus. I know I have / will and just to help myself stick to this goal no more news.

Weather

2011-08-01T02:43:00.002+10:00

Well it's been a few days since I posted, I had back spasams now followed by a cold, MISERABLE! Other than that things are going well, it's hot & humid here. Before I came I didn't think about the humidity but (duh) we are near the ocean...

Henna Party

2011-07-11T08:45:00.003+10:00

I feel so priviledged to have been invited to a pre-wedding henna party! It was an amazing experience and one memory I will treasure. The food was delicious and the singing was wonderful, once again I feel so happy to have had an "adventure" not available to many outsiders. Can't wait for the traditional party and the wedding.

Random Thoughts

2011-07-05T14:04:00.002+10:00

Have you ever missed someone you've never met or felt at home in a new place? I have been a little introspective lately; many circumstances have led me to where I am, are they destiny or fate? Have you ever picked up a book only to have somewhere you have been thinking of be featured in the book, or been thinking about something only to turn on the television and have that location featured?
I read a book once that labeled these "coincedences" God winks (also the title of the book if anyone is interested). I wonder how long it will take before things become clear?

PIC (politically incorrect)

2011-07-02T04:17:00.003+10:00

Ok, here goes...since I pretty much have a "captive" audience I am going to rant a little. I just got off the phone with my mom who keeps me updated on happenings "at home" and after hearing about the new "game" gangsters are playing (smacking down defenseless people) I must say once again I feel safer in the Middle East! Take tonight for example; I went to the mall with a friend where we split up to persue our various retail targets. I wore my good jewelry, my designer purse, designer sunglasses and with a head scarf no one even looked my way (ok, it's forbidden to them) but still I would NOT wear my "good jewelry" to the mall in Fairview, much less shop with cash! Not that I could with what I was making there but it's the principle.
One thing I will say about this place, if women are supposed to be such terrible drivers then why in the ONLY country in the entire world do they have the highest number of traffic fatalities in the ENTIRE WORLD??? Coincidence, I think not.

Hot weather breaks

2011-06-22T19:05:00.002+10:00

Well getting ready for my 8 week break from school! Unfortunately, just in time for the really hot weather :(. Oh well, I will enjoy it as much as possible anyway, booked for my 3 free sessions with a trainer at the gym here on camp. I'm really looking forward to getting back to the gym, I loved it when I went to Gold's. I also am going to a wedding in July and I can't wait going to get "painted" with henna before the wedding should be interesting...

Relativity

2011-06-18T03:07:00.002+10:00

Ok here is my theory on relativity I was going to gripe about this paper I'm writing but then I discovered a class-mate just had an emergency C-section yesterday and managed to turn her rough draft in; then as I was feeling proud of myself for my 45+ minute walk in this heat I saw 2 women walking in their abays with full face covers...so our (my) difficult situation is all relative! So no poor me!!!

Mortality

2011-06-17T14:59:00.002+10:00

Well this week I found out about a paramedic from O'Fallon that died suddenly, she was only 1 year older than me. We did not hang out away from work but I would call her a close acquaintaince. I cried a little then ate some ice cream, the crying was more for life showing up in an unfortunate way. I still believe when it's our time it just is our time and it doesn't matter what causes our demise, when it is or where you are.

My friend Louise went home and I wish her the best we have definitely been through some trying times in a short span of time, I will miss her but InShalla I will visit the U.K. one of these days. It is cooler there so maybe sooner rather than later...massalama.

Anger Issues

2011-05-27T20:44:00.002+10:00

Well after much thought I have decided that based on independent research I get evil when I am hungry. I'm not really sure why but it seems like even when I don't feel the physical pangs of hunger If I don't eat at least every 3-4 hours I get absolutely irritated at things that I should be able to just "blow off". I realized this through 2 seperate incidents one was last pm at work, I was positively MAD and the reasons were not that out of the ordinary, typical work crap; the second was when even in my sleep I was so angry at someone in a dream I woke and was unable to go back to sleep. After getting up and eating a little something I felt calm enough to go back to bed. What does it all mean? Does the saying "fat and happy" have some merit or is this because I'm getting a little hypoglycemic? Not sure, but one thing I do know for the welfare of some of my co-workers I'm going to start keeping bananas in my locker...

Life

2011-05-25T18:50:00.002+10:00

Life is good; who would have thought that at my age I could feel so young inside. I have felt this way for a while but it's now in the forefront, not sure if it's my diet change (more raw food & less processed sugar) but I feel great like the world is mine for the taking. Fortunately, I am content with my little piece of it. This money thing can really change one's outlook, I know money doesn't buy happiness but it can remove much of the worry!

Peace or something else?

2011-05-20T03:17:00.003+10:00

Today as I sat on the patio at my hotel this small (female?) dove was walking around and kept getting closer, watching me so I laid my book down and stayed very still she came closer and closer until she hopped / flew up to the side table I stayed very still the only movement was my breathing. She stayed for quite a while, I'm sure it was just minutes but it felt longer. She kept staring at me as she got closer she would stop and cock her head with her unblinking eyes just looking I almost felt like I could communicate with her. Even when she left she didn't just (rudely) fly away or in any way startle me she just walked over to the edge of the table, hopped down walked around my chair, looked in the window of my room, completed her circle / inspection of me and walked far enough away in the grass to fly off. Not sure what the message is but I feel confident that there is one.

missing---

2011-05-19T05:33:00.002+10:00

Have you ever missed someone you have never met before? Is it possible to be nostalgic for somewhere you've never been?
What does it all mean?
It's almost a memory; like a word you are trying to think of and you know it's there in your brain but it just won't come forward and be recognized, difficult concept to explain unless you have ever felt this way.

Lessons

2011-05-19T02:56:00.002+10:00

Well this evening has been quite exciting but not in a good way; despite my best efforts to make this a stress free relaxing holiday I (almost) did that in for myself this evening. I decided to stroll over to the mall and eat on the balcony overlooking the "dancing waters" when it came time for the bill...no wallet!?! Then after about 2 seconds of panic I realized I had locked my passport and wallet in the room safe when I went to the pool, I explained my delimma to the manager and fortunately the hotel and the mall are all owned by the same company. Not that it had any bearing on my situation as here I sat in a foreign, foreign country without ID, money or credit cards. She said "it's ok I will leave your bill at the desk" as I rushed back to the hotel I realized I didn't even have my room key! WTH? The wonderful staff at the desk made me another key I retrieved my money and headed back to the restaurant to pay, when I asked they were very nice and I paid (left a large tip) and it was all mafi muschula (no problem). On my (again) lesiurely stroll back to the hotel I began trying to think of what kind of lesson this had been; the most obvious is TRUST and believe in the basic honesty and goodness of people. Interesting that I had to come to the Middle East to learn that lesson!

Any thoughts, comments or questions?

Diamonds, rubies and gold oh my!

2011-05-18T23:09:00.002+10:00

Ok, I visited the gold souk today and I REALLY wish I could post pictures; unfortunately for security purposes they are forbidden. I'm not suprised! Where else in the world can you be mesmerized by a 17 carat flawless diamond ring just below an 8 carat natural yellow diamond only to have the shop keeper try to lure you in with promises of trying them on and coffee? It was an incredible experience I would love to repeat with an unlimited budget. The gold is sold by weight (pounds?) not really lbs but it could be with some of the ornaments. I left there with a headache from trying to take it all in. There were gems large enough to choke a camel (mule is too small to even swollow) I have NEVER seen some of these gems in such large settings; it boggles my mind that a) people actually buy these b) they wear them & c) they have a place to wear them to! I guess now I know why shops for formal dresses are on every street...

Government Housing

2011-05-18T04:51:00.002+10:00

Well, we all know how much gas costs (not me but in general) I guess now we know why...When the government of UAE decided that the Bedouin should stop roaming and settle; who knows why? They were kind enough to build subsidized housing, now we have all seen and / or heard stories of the "projects" but WOW I would say this is "movin on up"!

Dubai

2011-05-17T16:21:00.002+10:00

Well 2nd day here and so far exceeds my expectations! Awoke at 3am local time (2am my time) for a sunrise hot air balloon ride and it was breathtaking watching the sun come up over the desert. Shopped (a lot) last night and this afternoon I have a spa day.

If anyone is coming to Dubai UAE I can't say enough good things about this hotel, as I sit here on my private patio overlooking the pool and Burj Khalifa blogging it still seems impossible that I got the price for this kind of service!

I will post pictures later but first a nap then a relaxing trip to the spa and maybe a swim (or another nap).

Excited!!!

2011-05-15T03:31:00.002+10:00

My 1st vacation since 2004 has offically started! I head out for Dubai the day after tomorrow, it will be my 1st time there and I can't wait to buy clothes from a shop that allows me to actually try them on AND have women wait on me. It's just a little weird to buy make up from men and I haven't even considered buying my undies here...It's weird what I can get excited about here. Tomorrow I will prepare my luggage, return a library book and clean my flat in anticipation of the great adventure. Be sure that some awesome photos will be up after my little trip.

Not engaged...

2011-05-14T05:52:00.002+10:00

Well I wrote the entry about being engaged to be funny but then at work here at the main camp a funny thing happened. I was taking some papers into the back and one of the guards asked me if I had breakfast yet, I told him not yet and he pulls this big basket of pastry out and tells me to take one. The whole basket was filled with different kinds of individually wrapped pastries so I choose a donut (some pastries are filled with spices which I can't eat early in the morning) he said "please sister that is small take another one" WOW! I noticed that he offered the same basket of goodies to the men so maybe (insert drumroll) there are truly nice people in this world and we can't judge someone by their nationality.

I have found people here pride themselves on hospitality and some even take it upon themselves to welcome you to their country / city / place of business. When was the last time you were offered coffee while waiting in line to cash a check at the bank??? Happens here all the time, just saying.

Engaged?!?

2011-05-12T03:05:00.002+10:00

A few days ago one of the men from the front office came by triage to tell me that my documentation was excellent and that he could tell I am a "nice" girl, then he offered me some dates (the kind from trees) and almonds. WHAT? I think we are engaged now...

Hello!

2011-05-11T07:10:00.002+10:00

Haf Adai, Hola, Marhaba...Does knowing another language count if you only know a few words?

Past, Present & Future

2011-05-07T00:43:00.002+10:00

Dear Past Caron,
I know things may seem bleak at times, you feel awkward and out of step but don't despair! Go ahead and splurge on the expensive sunglasses you will need them for your VERY bright future. Keep in mind that things DO happen for a reason and there is a plan, stop trying to drive and navigate. Learn to trust that if you take the wheel God will navigate for you. Even painful situations have a purpose, learn something and move on! Hindsight is 20/20 and you will gain clarity, there is a reason for all circumstances and even if you never know the reason behind them here on earth have faith, your dreams will come true if you align your wants & desires with what is meant for you.
Keep working hard and adventure, travel, financial security and love will be yours.
Sincerely and with love the present Caron.

Camels!

2011-05-05T23:59:00.003+10:00

This post will be all about the camels, why do I like them so much? To me it looks like they are always smiling in pictures and I think the main reason is that they are a constant reminder of the absolute foriegn "ness" of where I am. A pleasant reminder of where I am physically and in my life. Besides my love for (most) animals!
And yes they will try to "kiss" you in gratitude for a nice chin scratch!

Assignment or Journal?

2011-05-02T11:41:00.002+10:00

My newest class is English compisition and next week I must have a topic for a short essay, this is hard only because topics swirl around in my head and it's hard to narrow them down. I think I might have one: Tips for living abroad.
I decided to explore this topic here first to see if it would even work so here goes.
My first tip is to have an adventerous, curious nature otherwise you WILL be miserable! If you want to know about a place firsthand, to actually experience the sights, smells and sounds then travel is for you. You must be flexible, if you can't or won't give up (fill in the blank) breakfast food, specific shampoo, etc then you will be disappointed. If you don't mind shopping on the local economy you will be happy, if you want your "regular" brands keep in mind if available they will be expensive, after all they are imported. If you only want to speak English and associate with your countrymen then what's the point?
My favorite channels are in no particular order: Travel channel, Discovery, History, and Nat Geo. This is not a requirement but it exhibits a personality type open to adventure.
Be open to new experiences, shop at the local souk instead of the mall, dress like the locals, try new restaurants, see everything you can.
My number one tip is to have a sense of humor! Today's frustration will be tomorrows funny story, keep all situations in perspective not all places on this earth operate on our sense of time...

Foreign?

2011-05-02T09:34:00.003+10:00

Some days the mundane tasks we all face the world over mask the fact that I really am "living abroad", laundry, cleaning, working...it really doesn't matter what the task is they are the same the world over. Other days it hits me like a sledge hammer where I am; take this morning for an example, I was the nurse transfering a patient from one facility to another and on the way back to Abquaq there it was.
I was sitting in the front of an ambulance driving into a dust storm (shaymal) with Arabic music on the radio (driver's choice) and camels loping along the side of the road. It's difficult to explain the feeling that washes over me, it's not entirely unpleasant but it is completely foreign. It has a physical aspect that manifests itself as a warmth starting from my head and moves down to my feet, it is mental because all of the events that led me here flash through my head; then I smile because I know I am where I am supposed to be. I may not know exactly why yet but it's not the reasons it's the journey that I enjoy.

Bucket List?

2011-04-27T14:13:00.002+10:00

Before I knew what a "bucket list" was I had one and as I reclined in a bus to Riyadh slowing for a camel crossing it occurred to me that I am living exactly how I always wanted. There is no greater achievement than living well. Several occurances over the past few weeks have caused this reflection. Vilonia where my grandmother was raised has been wiped off the map by a tornado, the whole town is literally gone! These things allow us to refocus our goals and reflect on choices. "Things" are gone so I know my decision to sell all my "stuff" was the right choice, I have had no regrets this just reinforced my actions.
I wanted to two-step in Texas, I did. Living on a tropical island, done. Living on an Indian reservation, done. Traveling to historical sights in the Middle East, in progress.
I may not have huge numbers of friends but the ones I do have are dear and lifelong. These are the things that will last things will be taken away in an instant. Love and spirituality will sustain us in trying times; my memories of snorkeling coral reefs in Guam, desert treking, hot-air ballooning will be what last. Compared to some I am not so well traveled but there is great satisfaction in living life on my own terms while still making progress on my goals to prepare for the future of myself and my family (financially and all else).
p.s. forgive the spelling mistakes, spell checker recognizes all words as misspelled since my ISP recognizes Arabic only.

Does it come with an oil well?

2011-04-24T02:08:00.002+10:00

What do you think?

2011-04-23T05:51:00.003+10:00

Luke thinks I look like a terrorist, Elizabeth had no input, what do you think?

Bride price?

2011-04-23T05:43:00.002+10:00

Here I thought the tribal leader actually wanted to interview me about my thoughts on the festival...should have known when he shook my hand and offered for me to sit with the men that somethin was up! He wants to marry Louise and thought I was her mother, you can see my smile, I thought he was kidding. Couldn't stop smiling even when I realized he was serious, this is a story that will outlive my memoires of the cultural attractions.

Camel crossing

2011-04-23T05:40:00.001+10:00

Why did the camels cross the road? So I could get some pictures!

Madina sunset

2011-04-13T15:42:00.003+10:00

Madina is the small town nearest Abquaq (also small) this is sunset over the souq. The only picture I was brave enough to take.

Shymal

2011-04-13T15:31:00.002+10:00

Shymal is a sandstorm and I think both words do NOT do justice to this phenomenom. I have included a few pictures for reference, the ones with the fence notice how much (or how little) is left peeking out!

Al Khobar

2011-04-03T11:12:00.003+10:00

A friend and I stumbeled upon this hospital didn't even know it was downtown, guess none of us really have anything to complain about...interesting that the sign is in english.

Abquaq

2011-04-03T06:30:00.002+10:00

Well I went and got the keys to my new flat today it's nice (as expected). The hospital is small but that's not all bad:) looking forward to (more) of a break. The people I met were all very nice and I met another American nurse, she heard my voice when I introduced myself and said "you're American! Are you in your 40's?" when I said yes she said "Yeah, would you like to hang out?" Sounds funny but I said YES, sometimes you need to be around someone who gets the jokes and references to pop-culture.

Happiness?

2011-03-22T02:53:00.002+10:00

Sitting at an outdoor cafe drinking the perfect cappuccino served by a sloe-eyed boy who's english is limited to the menu items while a refreshing breeze cools the already hot day. Does this sound wonderful? Wait I'm not finished, a fat wallet (thank you King Abdullah) from a bonus all set to the music of jets screaming overhead and air-raid sirens blaring...I guess being happy is relative! Pulling down a "B" in a class I feel is pointless without a book and war on the horizon - priceless.

Shayba

2011-03-18T05:40:00.007+10:00

3/17/11 Went to Shayba on the edge of Rub Al Kali or the empty quarter. Facinating looked like the Arabia I pictured in my head before coming here. I did see some camels on the side of the road but we went by too fast to get any photos of them. Got some great shots of the dunes though, and the tents are not to be believed!

Quatif

2011-02-25T00:30:00.010+10:00

Went to Quatif on an employee's trip and it was a nice way to see a lot in a short time. It's hard to get around the kingdom without transportation, especially for a female. Thank goodness for these little trips. I didn't see any camels but I did see some goats in a truck and 1 sheep. We also saw some ruins of buildings and even some ships.

Creative storage.

2011-02-22T05:49:00.005+10:00

I just thought I would share some creative storage solutions I came up with thanks to the local Ikea. Also some random shots around the house & my Aramco towels.

Bahrain

2011-02-08T22:46:00.006+10:00

Finally made it to Bahrain! Ventured away from the mall and went to the souq, very glad we did it was more interesting...

Olympic sport or 2nd occupation?

2011-02-08T22:40:00.003+10:00

I have heard it said that shopping is an occupation for some here but for those of us who have a job to do I prefer to think of it as an olympic sport and I think I have met the gold medal winners. I think I hung in there with them and maybe got the bronze, at least I placed...

Rain!?!

2011-02-03T03:05:00.002+10:00

It has been raining quite a bit here, flooding in the west. Fortunately not here. I guess I'm not a really well prepared world traveler didn't pack an umbrella, fortunately have made some friends from the UK and I don't think they leave home without one! Guess I can't complain though my family / friends in the midwest are covered in ice and snow. My thoughts / prayers are with you.

poetry

2011-01-24T02:30:00.002+10:00

Hello everyone it's been a few days since my last post because started my 12 hour shifts. I just wanted to drop a quick update for all of my fans (lol). I was thinking today that not are people generally the same in all of the important ways the world over but men in particular. This is not going to be a man bashing session just some observations. The men in this part of the world still try to hit on ladies they just do it with more poetry. In the west I may hear "mmm girl you look good!" Here the same intent will be translated to "I am very blessed today like a honey bee surrounded by beautiful flowers". Mind you neither one works on me but I can see why some of the younger girls here fall for those lines. Second observation here: people bring in the older family members but the maid / houseboy / caretaker come with and attend to them quite well. Don't know how everyone here has domestic help but if you do your own cleaning don't tell!!!

Spoiled?

2011-01-17T22:12:00.003+10:00

I know which photos you guys want to see and I am (slowly) working on them. In the mean time I thought I would post a few I have taken already. Even though taking the bus takes some careful planning there are usually taxis available; however, sometimes during peak times it can be difficult. Fortunately I work for a GREAT comapny that takes these things into consideration and provides some creature comforts for us. Check out these enclosed, climate controlled bus stops! Not all are like this but I think they are trying to slowly put them in most heavily used areas.

Guess where I am?

2011-01-14T23:16:00.007+10:00

Hello these are photos of the "Persian" Gulf known here as the Arabian Gulf. As you can see it's quite beautiful. Rode the bus from Dhahran to Ras Tanura which is where there is another Aramco camp. The whole camp is beautiful and well maintained...

different or same?

2011-01-13T16:41:00.002+10:00

It occurs to me as I sit here paying bills, checking email and doing laundry while drinking coffee that these activities are going on all around me. Which brings up my point that these same activities are going on the world over (if we are lucky), but more on that later. I know these thoughts occur right there at "home" but it really puts things into perspective when I am halfway around the globe doing the same things. Also people are not really that different generally speaking, I have met people from about 15 countries living and working around me and we are all concerned with the same things, making a decent wage, keeping house and family. Really at the end of the day aren't these the things that matter? Politics will be relagated to the history books but how your family was kept / fed and your relationship are the things that will last for generations...just saying.

Not the most flattering fashion.

2011-01-12T04:04:00.002+10:00

I really don't think I have a huge double chin until I see myself in this getup! Plus it's impossible to tell that I have lost a few pounds, but in the interest of cultural awareness here it is...

?Arabian nights

2011-01-10T15:32:00.002+10:00

Went out to dinner the other night with a nurse from TX. and her mother who is visiting. Couldn't be sure I was still in Saudi Arabia though! On this street there is KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee's, and not just one but 2 McDonald's. Not to mention Krispy Kreme and Baskin Robbins. It's hard to read the sign behind me but it's Baskin Robbins, I would have taken more pics but the neon doesn't show up well at night on my camera. I promise to post when I can get there during the day.

clarification

2011-01-06T21:10:00.002+10:00

In the first photo of post titled "Indulgence" you all may recognize a familiar landmark. In the post with the yellow buildings that is a view from the theater where we catch the shopping buses to downtown Al-Khobar.

Indulgence

2011-01-06T21:00:00.007+10:00

Today went to Desert Designs, have been wanting to go since before I left home. They have all manner of things with the "desert flavor." Started off by being offered arabian coffee (STRONG coffee flavored with cardamon) and yes it tastes like it sounds. The polite thing to do is accept after all it's served in a very small cup. I got a beautiful rug with my part of my setteling in allowance and followed by a trip to library here on camp and lunch at an outdoor cafe here on camp. There was an American couple at the table next to me and she was kind enough to take this picture for me.

Weekend

2011-01-06T10:52:00.002+10:00

Today is my first official weekend day here, it's Thursday, so it's a bit difficult to get used to. In my head it's Saturday but that is actually the start of the work week. I am sure like everything else I will adjust. Right now my biggest problem is still JET LAG! I don't remember it taking this long to adjust, maybe it's because I am another year older. Whatever is causing this fluid retention must end, it's miserable. Yesterday I found the pharmacy here on camp and bought some lasix I really hope it helps. Oh yes let me explain, everything (almost) here is OTC so for example I bought lasix and motrin. Of course they realized years ago the necissity of controlling certain medications. People can get a prescription and then they don't have to pay but if you just want to pop in and get something that option is available. Guess now I will find out how it is to ask for RX of OTC meds like some people in the States...

hired help

2011-01-03T23:35:00.002+10:00

Well I didn't think this would happen but I hired a "gardener." Why would someone in an apartment need a gardener? Good question; sometimes it is just the price of doing buisness. You can say no, however, there are advantages: 1) no one else will ask you, 2) they keep an eye out on your place, 3) if you need anything done they are the ones who are in the know, 4) they actually will plant and maintain some flowers on your patio, 5) it's VERY reasonable.

First day of work

2011-01-01T23:35:00.003+10:00

Today was my first day of orientation, got a tour of the department and had an airway class. I have an advantage since their medical model is based on the American system so most of the info was not new. The ambu bags are new to me but the RT said they are going to get the ones we use most often in the states. After class went to lunch then housing orientation where we also got our bus schedules. I had about 45 minutes before the bus so I stopped at the comissary and got a few things I forgot the first time. I did ok on the bus, but I got off too early. Still learning my way around, I figured no problem I knew I was on the right street I would just follow the numbers but they dead ended. Thank goodness I saw a lady getting out of her car so I asked her and she said I was just around the corner but then she offered to take me! That is one thing I have noticed here everyone is so nice and willing to go out of their way to help, it's refreshing. Tomorrow company orientation then back to work specific classes.

First day of work.

2011-01-01T11:37:00.002+10:00

Since I am up and have some time before work (due to jet lag mentioned on previous post) thought I would ramble a bit with some random observations.

I find the challenges invigorating! On the plane I watched "Eat, Pray, Love" and before the primary character leaves she explains it to her best friend thus: Do you remember what you had for lunch today? Of course she doesn't who does? However when you immerse yourself in a completely foreign environment you are forced to pay attention, to really live your life with purpose. This is the experience I am having, small things like reading labels challange me in a way they never would at home.

Shopping trips must be planned, what to wear and how to get there are important things. I cannot just get into my car and mindlessly shop / eat / whatever. Here I must pay attention to things like prayer schedules and how much can I carry on a bus.

Living mindfully is something I have been striving for, for many years!

I know clouds are not anything new to most of us but they are unusual here so enjoy the photo.

Jet Lag is real.

2011-01-01T11:26:00.003+10:00

Yesterday didn't really venture out very far, had a bad case of jet lag! Tired without being able to sleep and nausea. By the afternoon I had pulled myself together enough to walk to the small corner store, more out of curiousity than any need. I have been keeping my receipts to try and get better with prices & money conversion.

Also, many years ago I worked with a girl who's mother was Korean and her father was American. She told a story that was often retold for amusement in their family how when her mother was a new bride on her first trip to the comissary alone she bought a can of Crisco because it had a picture of fried chicken on the front which her husband loved. She proceded to take the Crisco home and put the can in the oven. Yes the story is funny on many levels, the naivete of a new bride and culture differences. Now fast forward about 25 years and here I am relying on pictures on labels and hoping the directions are in pictures (how many scoops of coffee or detergent). Plus I bought about $15 worth of canned tuna because I thought the price tag said 10 for 95, thinking I was econimizing I bought 5. The rest is easy to figure out. Look at these simple everyday items, do you see my point?

Day 2

2010-12-31T12:58:00.005+10:00

I suppose the times and dates are incorrect on these posts it is due to changing the time zone on my computer. Today is Friday (new year's eve) my sleep pattern is still messed up. I woke @ 3:30am read for a while then decided to do a load of laundry which turned out to be lucky because I have been wanting to hear the "call to prayer" and got to hear it this morning. It definitely adds to the exotic flavor of the place for me. I have attached some photos of (part) of my welcome kit which my employer so generously provided.

I'm here!

2010-12-31T04:50:00.002+10:00

So I finally made it after almost 24 hours of travel time. I arrived about 22:30 last night and felt a bit overwhelmed with all of the procedures and information that came my way. Everyone has been extremely nice, going out of their way to introduce themselves and offer their assistance. I have met one of the charge nurses, he is the one who met me at the airport, my next door neighbors, a very nice couple. One of the nurses from the ER, her sister an ICU nurse and their mother who so graciously took me to the bank and comissary today. This afternoon I met another neighbor who invited me over this evening, unfortunately I was unable to attend her small gathering as I had dinner plans with Kathy (from the ER) and her family. They were so sweet and bought me my first meal out in the camp.
I am a bit jet lagged and took a nice nap this afternoon which helped tremendously! Also unpacked and did some laundry. Thankfully I arrived on the weekend (Thursday & Friday) so I have a couple of days to acclimate before I start orientation.

More beautiful scenery

2010-04-18T11:26:00.002+10:00

Hello everyone, I will be home in a few days but here are some pictures of scenery I took on my last few days...enjoy.

Returning 4/20

2010-03-24T03:05:00.003+10:00

Hi everyone I just wanted to post again that I will be returning on April 20th. Several of you have mentioned getting together for dinner one evening, that would be wonderful...look forward to seeing you guys.

Feed the fish

2010-03-09T04:43:00.003+10:00

Hi everyone,

Looking forward to getting back to the mainland! There isn't really anything new to tell (sometimes no news is good news). I have been experimenting with different looks to the blog, the fish are new. If you click on the fish with your mouse "food" will appear and they will go towards the food and "eat" it. Have fun...

We were spared

2010-03-01T12:19:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone thank you soooo much for all of the emails. We didn't get much in the way of waves apparently tsunami waves come from the bottom across the ocean floor and build up and the Marianas trench dissipates waves from the east. Hope you are all warm and well, I will be home on the 20th of April. My phone was on suspension while I was here and I will reactivate it when I get back so my number will be the same.

No Tsunami so far...

2010-02-28T09:14:00.002+10:00

Hello everyone just thought I would post an update. We are under a tsunami warning projected time of arrival 1pm Sunday my time 9pm Saturday for most of you. I have been watching the news and I think Hawaii only got 3-4ft waves (not very big) so I think we will be just fine here. I am actually uphill from the tsunami gathering area for evacuations, plus I am on the 4th floor. Thanks for all of the calls and emails, I will see you guys soon.

Too long...

2010-02-22T13:16:00.007+10:00

Hello everyone it's been over a month since my last update, I am so sorry! I have been working a lot and snorkeling almost every day. I will be home in less than 2 months and I thought I should enjoy this while it lasts!!! There isn't really much new to tell, the weather doesn't change (as you can tell from the photos) and work is work. The really big news here was the Queen Mary cruise ship docked here and that brought some tourism dollars for many of the local vendors and tour services. I took some photos of the ship, I know many of you have probably been on a cruise but I think this is the closest I will ever come to a ship this big. There are some beautiful pictures of the sunset as well. Enjoy and I will see you all soon...

2010-01-20T07:42:00.003+10:00

Tropical depression

2010-01-20T07:35:00.003+10:00

Hello everyone it's been raining here for several days now but Tuesday morning it cleared for a short time so I decided to get out and enjoy not being cooped up. I drove south so some of the scenery has been posted from a different perspective, but still beautiful.

Short trip to peace

2010-01-13T08:59:00.003+10:00

Hafa Adai everyone! Tuesday myself and 2 other travel nurses and I drove up to Ritidian beach which is the northern most point here on Guam. I have been there before and each time I am awed by the beauty of the mountains as the backdrop for the ocean. This is also where the Philippine sea and the Pacific ocean meet so the currents are very strong...no swimming but lots of beautiful shells.

Happy New Year

2010-01-06T14:23:00.008+10:00

Hope everyone had a happy & safe new year's eve, I worked but it wasn't too busy. I read about the cold weather...I really do feel bad for you guys. At least it's good sledding! Thought I would share some underwater photos since I have been snorkeling (a lot) wanted you guys to see why, besides cheap entertainment. Stay warm & I'll see you guys around the end of April.

Christmas sunrise

2009-12-25T09:53:00.004+10:00

Hello everyone and a very merry Christmas ! I decided to watch the sunrise to celebrate the holy day and I thought I would share a few of the pictures with all of you as my "gift". You are all in my thoughts and prayers, take care of yourselves and each other. I'll see you soon.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-21T07:07:00.002+10:00

Just wanted to post a quick Merry Christmas to all "island style" hope you all stay warm. Everyone have a very safe and happy holiday!

(early) Birthday Party

2009-12-09T02:38:00.007+10:00

Hello to my family and friends. I wanted to share some photos of a birthday party given at work.

Rain = rainbows

2009-11-30T16:05:00.003+10:00

Hi everyone it's still raining on and off here, although we are seeing more (and larger) patches of blue. The interesting part is I think I have seen more rainbows since I have been here than in the last several years put together! I took a few pictures; the first one is as I was leaving work and the second one is of course over the water. Even if I wouldn't have had my camera I would have had to pull over and look it was that spectacular, unfortunately I don't have a special "rainbow lens" on my camera so they don't look postcard quality, but they are beautiful enough to share. Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and survived black Friday.

Sunset at Piti beach

2009-11-26T11:15:00.004+10:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am just taking it easy today catching up on things since I have the day off. I wanted to put up a few pictures of the sunset at Piti (bombsite) beach. This was one of the beaches where the US and Japan fought for control of Guam during WWII. In the background you can see the outline of some ships on the navy base (modern times).

Rain

2009-11-21T08:51:00.007+10:00

Hello everyone on Monday 11/16/09 I went to Ritidian Point again it's really beautiful just to walk and great photo ops but wouldn't you know it, the dark clouds started gathering and it poured! It's the first time I have ever been cold here, between the wind and the rain I was actually chilly. This time of year the rain can come without warning but it usually doesn't last long, it's not quite typhoon season yet, this is just the beginning of the rainy season. I included a couple of photos of some of the (cute) local creatures, that is not my hand they may be cute but I don't necessarily want to hold them. Another travel nurse went with me and she loves the small creatures enough to hold them (to each his own). The lizard is a skink, the butterfly is local and the blue spots look neon in the dusk, then of course a hermit crab. I also went snorkeling again; I saw a lot of interesting fish, I never realized how funny looking flounder is until I saw some "in the wild." Stay warm and well my friends.

Snorkeling

2009-11-14T18:55:00.002+10:00

Hafa Adai everyone! Hope all are well, warm and happy. I was soooo hot when I got off work today so I decided to take the plunge (literally) and try snorkeling. WOW!!! The only thing I could think of was where have I been? This was my first time and there is a beach that is perfect for beginners (definitely me) because it's only about waist deep all the way out to the breakwater / reef so if you freak out you can just stand up. I don't know if I can ever just walk in the water past my knees again though since I have now witnesses for myself the whole other world just out of out sight! I am really sorry I don't have any pictures to post but due to budget concerns no underwater camera, I might try one of the disposable ones but then will have to wait for development, so until then I will try to describe this place. First of all the water is very, very warm and the sea is very clear here so visibility is wonderful. One of the first things I saw was a fish that was over a foot long, I'm still not sure how cool that is. The other fish were beautiful though. Attached is a photo of the beach where I went snorkeling. Hope you guys have a wonderful weekend!

New view...

2009-11-09T20:13:00.005+10:00

Hey everybody it's been a couple of days since my last post, I have had a little cold and busy with work. Tomorrow I get to move into my condo, the absolute best part is the view. I took these photos when I did the inspection. My new address:

#403 178 Francisco Javier Dr.

Agana Heights, Gu 96910

I will be off line until wednesday when my internet is hooked up so I wanted to get these few pictures up & of course I will post more later. Hope you all enjoy!

(yes I have room for visitors)

staff meeting

2009-11-03T14:08:00.007+10:00

<<<>

Lunch (tell Lea I got her pig)>>>

Hello everybody I thought I would make you guys feel better and let you know they force us from the "graveyard" shift to attend staff meetings during our sleep time just like everywhere I guess. I enclosed a few photos of some of the other travelers and permanent staff so you can see how we all get along. We even had new equipment to learn, oh well at least they fed us!

Northern vistas

2009-11-01T18:28:00.007+10:00

OK moving on from the creatures I have included a few shots of some wonderful sights. I actually ended up driving the whole circumference of the island (less the restricted military areas) and the sights were breathtaking. It is hard to tell from the photos but the mountains were enormous. The water was still crystal clear and warm on the Pacific side as much as the Philippine sea side.

The waves were bigger on the Pacific side but believe it or not we still don't have many surfers! I also included a shot of Magellan's landing (1512, it's the one with the cross.)

Northern critters

2009-11-01T18:00:00.000+10:00

Hi everybody today I was off so I decided to take the northern route just to see the sights and I saw some beautiful vistas but also today was a day for critters. I finally saw a "real" wild pig unfortunately he ran into the brush before I could get a photo (I was in the car with the window down, I am not that brave.) I also saw one of those large lizards > a foot long just sunning himself in the road but again moved too quickly to get a good shot. I did see a few things though, the butterflies were on some coconut nectar there were dozens of them, fortunately my camera can take a short video, unfortunately I couldn't load it on here. I don't know what kind of spider this is but had I been brave enough I would have put my hand next to it to show just how large it is. Also saw many, many hermit crabs, when the waves rolled out it almost looked like the shells were running (which I guess in a way they were) it doesn't pay to pick up shells here. Most of the good ones are a house for something and I would feel too guilty to take that away from them. The picture I included of the hermit crabs was a shot of them "arguing" over who was going to get the bigger shell that had washed up. Then there is the regular crab, it's funny looking, the ?eyes almost make it look like a cartoon. Anyway hope you guys enjoy!

Everyday life here

2009-10-31T08:44:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone I just got off work and I am waiting for the washing machine so I thought I would do an update post. This is my little rental car it's an AVEO, if you want something with great gas mileage this is the car to have. It is the perfect little island car, not a lot of get up and go but it has air (very important here) and the gas mileage is unbelievable. Gas prices here actually surprised me they are about 3.24 for unleaded which is close to what it was when I left. I spoke with the realtor yesterday and the lady who has "my" apartment is in the process of moving out right now (yeah for me). I have had other options but I have my heart set on this efficiency unit mostly because of the UNBELIEVABLE view. Can't wait to get in there and naturally I will post photos.

2009-10-30T13:28:00.002+10:00

Hi I wanted to put up some more photos, Sunday I drove around the southern half of the island with another traveler. The scenery is incredible, it's what I expected to see when I got here. We stopped at Chamorro village where they weave hats & bags, they also harvest sea salt, then it was on to Talafofo falls. There are "wild" pigs, not like wild boar, basically regular pigs that just roam around looking for a handout. At the falls you can buy a bag of pig chow to feed them, which of course I did so I could get some pictures. I tried it without the food, they will come when you call but as soon as they see you don't have any food they are on to the next person so.....for $2 I got my picture and they got a snack, all in all not a bad deal.

2009-10-30T13:21:00.004+10:00

another rainy day

2009-10-30T12:45:00.002+10:00

Hafa Adai

2009-10-30T12:41:00.002+10:00

Hello everyone today is another rainy day but I work tonight so it will be good sleeping weather. I took a few photos of the gray day. The waves were beautiful, I always enjoy seeing & hearing the ocean even if the sun isn't shining it is beautiful. One of the things I noticed was there were a lot of small fish darting around close to the shore maybe they don't like the bright sunshine. So there is a positive side to an overcast day.

Micronesia fair

2009-10-29T18:42:00.000+10:00

I was fortunate enough to arrive in time to attend the annual Micronesia fair, there were many interesting dancers and new foods to try. The fair is comprable to a state fair for the numerous islands. It is a good way to see and experience many different island cultures in one place. It is also a good way to taste many different foods in small portions and in the tradition of a fair anything tastes better deep fried on a stick!

Island adventures

2009-10-29T18:24:00.000+10:00

Hello everyone! I have so many wonderful photos and stories to share so I decided this might be the way to go. Here in Guam it is early evening but today was another rainy day...the remnants of a tropical storm. Even on rainy days though there is something to look forward to, the sunsets are more dramatic and colorful. Enjoy the photo!