My Blog

No time to panic!!

durgy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:46:16 GMT

Literally. I shunted thoughts of getting on a plane to the back burner for the last month getting dribs and drabs done on the weekends, and the time is nigh. I get on a red eye Friday at 1AM or so and the wheel is in motion. Though theorrhetically there may be turning back, there is no turning back. I am committed . . . or at very least should hav emy head examined. Last loads of laundry are doing their thing . . . I will need socks and will bring underwear, just in case I feel the need. If anyone has an extra air mattress, I'd be interested in borrowing it. If not I will buy one anyway. No time to panic, but also no margin for error or luzury to hem and/or haw. I do not even really remember what's in my storage space. I think I have a 5 pound sledge, some random other tools a couple of tents and an extension cord. There are some assorted clothes, but who knows their condition after a year and 9 months of just chilling in a storage space? I guess I'll find out. I'll be making some connections in San Jose, picking up some dried fruit, nuts and soup and then basically just doing it. Bob - if you read this I may just cruise up to your place on Friday if that's OK . . . save a little time in the AM Saturday. I'll be at the Beacon in the 9:00 Plaza. Look me up. The die is cast, oh my!

I'm concerned

durgy — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:54:05 GMT

I've been reading a lot that the Russians have invaded Georgia. The President calls it unacceptable, but you'd think he'd do a little bit more about it.

Normal says the scale

durgy — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:47:35 GMT

February 20th or so and July 11 juxtaposed together. I wish I took a picture in January. I can sorta remember a camera popping at Christmas time. I am now a "normal" weight for my height. I can see some room for some movement downward. I do feel good, though. I bought some new clothes today. They are of a size that I cannot previously remember wearing. I will be buying a new suit tomorrow, as I am supposed to appear in Court on Sunday (in Bahrain!), and can only do so much with belts and braces. I also quit smoking a month ago. That feels good too.

Good Times!

durgy — Fri, 30 May 2008 06:18:43 GMT

On my way out of the gym this morning I noticed that Friday is the day that the lithe 30 something butch military men in my building hang out pool side in their banana hammocks. I'm not quite there.

Word on the Arab Street

durgy — Tue, 27 May 2008 04:01:09 GMT

What I hear is on the Arab Street is: 1 - Barak Obama will never win in November. "They" won't let him. 2 - The US will attack Iran before the end of George W. Bush's administration. Come on America . . . let's prove 'em wrong!

I'm over wight!

durgy — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:54:51 GMT

After two and a half months of watching my food consumption and working out nearly every day, I have officially passed from "obese" to "over wight" accoding to the Body Mass Index calculator on the Bahrain Minitry of Health website: http://www.moh.gov.bh/BMITable.asp At this pace, I can be "normal" in only 4 or 5 short months.

Thoughts about speaking Arabic

durgy — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 17:24:09 GMT

Arabic is a tough language. There are at least 6 sounds that we don't have in English. I haven't got much past Hello (Peace go with you) How are you? I swear to god thank god good. You are beuatiful my beloved. Where is the bathroom. Yes (emphatic yes)/No Please. If god wills it. Nice to meet you. goodbye Marhaban (salaam-wa-laikum) key falak. wela haam d'allah kwayyis. Inti jamilla habibti. Wein Hammam? Na'am (saH)/Laa' Min Fadlak Insha'allah. FurSa'saeeda. ma'a'asalaama You'd be surprised how much mileage and good reaction you can get by just knowing a few simple words, and laughing when everyone else is laughing . .. like I hope they are not laughing at me, but if so, oh well. You can also blend in by being cognizant of the situation. The waiter must be asking what I want to eat and drink. The movie ticket counter guy must be asking me what show I would like to see. I find it also important to walk around with a neutral expression most of the time. People here don't smile if there's nothing to smile about. Are you really happy about which kind of bread you're choosing in the market? Maybe you are. I have a few arabic male friends who I greet with air kisses to both cheeks. That's tough for American men for sure. I have one American friend when I pull that shit on him he's saying something along the lines of "I don't go that way" as I impose my greeting on him. Most Bahrainis speak English. That helps out. Most other Arabic speakers can understand enough English (tarraf englisee) to transfer to someone who does (e.g in the case of contacting a Ministry with a question). It is kind of jacked up that Arabic countries use Indian numbers while we in the West use Arabic numerals. So yeah Arabic is tough to speak fluently, but it's not so tough to get along in Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait (the Arabic-speaking countries I have been). There is a serious need for proofreaders, and even people who would write for the English speaking newspapers in the Gulf Region. The editing alternately makes me laugh and cringe. There are job search engines all over the net. (Originally an e-mail to DTI)

The Best Hot Chocolate

durgy — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:38:11 GMT

Demel in Vienna, Austria has the absolute best hot chocolate in the world (as far as I know). If you would like to begin your quest for the second best hot chocolate in the world try Demel's and then compare eveything else. Also, not surprisingly, the Sacher Hotel won the award for "The Best Sacher Torte" during what would become known as the ill-fated Sacher Torte Chase.

Freakshow

durgy — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 09:13:37 GMT

I watched the movie Freakshow last night and found myself missing my friends while watching it and feeling nostalgic.

Are you Fudd enough?

durgy — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 07:36:05 GMT

Google offers a language preference for Elmer Fudd speak. I lasted nearly one minute before switching back to English. What is bork, bork, bork! language, anyway?

Egypt for Eid

durgy — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:20:50 GMT

So I spent eid in Egypt. A little scuba diving in Alexandria to see the ruins of the lighthouse. Then a day trip to Cairo to see the pyramids and the Egyptian museum. The photo here is of Cairo shot from the back of the sphynx. The sphynx is a brown bump in the middle of the photo. The city proper is really close to the pyramids and junk. I took a camel ride around the pyramids. I decided to not make eye contact with my camel when he bore his teeth at me. I only really saw a couple of things at the museum (some mummies, sarcophagi, jewelry and statuary). We left enough time for a sheesha and a turkish coffee before heading back to Alexandria. It was a nice trip, catching two wonders of the ancient world. Good seafood in Alexandria, too.

Now with Skype

durgy — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 15:07:59 GMT

It had been suggested that I get Skype. I did not know how easy it is to get it. Feel free to look me up.

Redeployment

durgy — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:30:10 GMT

I'm being seconded to an office in Bahrain for three months, starting Monday. So if you were planning on coming to visit in Kuwait, you'll need to take a 45 minute detour to the magic kingdom. There is bacon. There would be beer if it was not Ramadan. I wonder if I'll meet up with Michael Jackson and his monkey?

People fleeing

durgy — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:48:47 GMT

Goth mentioned this sign. It is the best sign in America. "Caution people fleeing to freedom?" Seen near the California/Mexico border.

Signs, signs, everywhere signs

durgy — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:18:03 GMT

You can tell a lot about a country from its signs. This one clearly tells everyone visiting Koowait that jumping your motorcycle over cars is not allowed. That's pretty oppessive. Not that I own a motorcycle. But if I did, I would certainly want to exercise my right to jump it over cars. Might as well have a "No Fun" sign. Sign says Evel Knievel need not apply! Huwh!

Ground Hog's Day

durgy — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:04:05 GMT

It's 46 degrees and sunny today, just like every other day. That would be nice and crisp except that's celcius. Which means it's hotter'n'hell. Actually I suppose the fire and brimstone of eternal damnation would be hotter, so this is an exaggeration. Hyperbole is expected and accepted in the region. Welcome to MENA. I have a television that I turn on sometimes. I ordered some Indian food (medium spicy and not full spicy 'cause the guy always talks me down to medium spicy so why argue). There are a couple of free satellite channels that play uncut action movies. I caught myself watching and enjoying the Stallone/Bullock/Schneider classic "Demolition Man". I resisted the temptation to jump off my (very small and dangerous) "balcony". So, turning off the TV I did manage to catch up on my sleep that I had lost while visiting Bahrain the week before. This part of my life is a means to an end - and not just the sweet release of death - but more to enable some of my time on the back end of my stay on this orbiting orb a little bit easier. I still have the energy to work hard at hard work (thinking/learning/doing) and I might as well do it. For a spell anyway. Life is simple here - as long as you got your friends and stay in the AC (which I have and do). I'm a little over 25% through my contract and doing well with the work. I might even be on a business trip this coming week insha'allah, and they're opening up a taco joint within walking distance of my apartment. Could be worse. And I guess it is only the same thing every day when I'm in my country of residence. It is a good launching off point to some pretty cool stuff, and I'm finally doing some regional exploring. I am thankful for it, as I may not have seen this stuff otherwise. Not including Demolition Man. Salaam!

Reposting

durgy — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:13:13 GMT

Sung to the tune of "my favorite things" Crazy-arsed drivers like me who go zipping, Thick Turkish coffee I’m constantly sipping, Warm-spraying bidets and the comfort they bring These are a few of my favorite things Somking some sheesha from freestanding hookahs Walking and shopping with all the good lookers Expansive buffets with all the trimmings These are a few of my favorite thing When there's no pork and there''s not booze When I miss my dad I simply partake of my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad [I was editing some stuff and kinda deleted this one. But before I could forget it I wrote it down again]

The Gulf Road

durgy — Thu, 17 May 2007 18:30:40 GMT

THE GULF ROAD By Durgavich (Sung to the tune “Kokomo” by Mike Love, Scott McKenzie, Terry Melcher, and John Phillips) Intro Subaikh, Shuwaikh ooh I wanna take ya To Sura, to Jahra Come on pretty momma Salmiya, Jabriya babe I wanna see ya Salhiya Down past Belajet Street, There’s a place called the Gulf Road That’s where you wanna go to see all and be seen. In your silk hijab, we’ll stroll the beach across from Shaab, You know I’m gonna make a big splash in my brand new dishdash Down the Gulf Road Refrain: Salmiya, Jabriya babe I wanna see ya In Subaikh, Shuwaikh ooh my lovely sheikhah In Sura, in Jahra Come on pretty momma Ooh I wanna go down to the Gulf Road We’ll get there fast and we’ll drive it slow That’s where we wanna go, way down to the Gulf Road Let’s go, come on, down to Burj Al Hammam At 50 degrees, we’ll relish every single breeze But it puts my mind at ease to know that we’ll never freeze. With the Gulf and sand, life here has few demands When you’re out with all of your friends, you always hope the dream never ends Way down on the Gulf Road Refrain With some wasta we’ll get there much faster Everybody needs to find a place like the Gulf Road Now if you wanna go see Kuwait and be seen Go down to the Gulf Road Refrain Outro Subaikh, Shuwaikh ooh I wanna take ya To Sura, to Jahra Come on pretty momma Salmiya, Jabriya babe I wanna see ya

Going strong in Kuwait

durgy — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:48:51 GMT

I know you're all making your plans of celebration for Mohammed's (pbuh) birthday, but thought I'd check in to let you know I am well. I went to Berlin. There are bears there. Salaam!

Move post redux

durgy — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:20:05 GMT

Hello All, I moved to Kuwait. If you want direct contact info, contact me off list. The position is good. Your prayers and well-wishes are greatly appreciated. If you have any legal needs or if you're going to be in the MENA region, make sure to look me up. Stay in touch. Salaam! smaze

Moving and free stuff

durgy — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 17:19:32 GMT

I just got a job that will take me out of california. My stuff aint worth storing. I also have almost no patience for selling things. Everything one needs to furnish an apartment must go. A juicer. A blender. Wine glasses. Table and chairs. If you feel guilty about just taking things, I could put you to work in trade. If you have a document shredder (and sometimes you can take things back within 30 days), I would be willing to barter off my 94 Mazda Protege (runs great, looks like it's been to the desert) in exchange for a couple of days of making some paper disappear. Elsewise, come visit me in Kuwait. Cheers!

Friends

durgy — Thu, 19 Jan 2006 18:11:39 GMT

The success of the TV show "Joey" is proof positive the Matt LeBlanc was the genius behind "Friends."

Peace!

durgy — Thu, 19 Jan 2006 18:10:13 GMT

Today Osama extended a conditional offer of peace directly to the American people. I have decided to take him up on it. I will not attack him personally, and I expect he will hold up his end of the bargain and not attack me personally. Sure, I was not planning a trip to Afghanistan, or Pakistan or any other stan where he might be, but if he comes to the Bay Area I will not take up arms. I am not promising to look the other way, and I am not saying that anyone else should not do their job if they come in contact with him, but I absolutely will not be the trigger man. I am glad I personally never need to worry about terrorism again. Peace in my time!

Amn't

durgy — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 17:39:58 GMT

Why don't we use "amn't" in American English? If we commonly contract is not, and are not, and tons of others, then why not am not? As in "I amn't going to the bakery because I haven't any dough". Or "I amn't drinking milk because it gives me the trots". And to take it one step further, couldn't we just make it I'mn't? I'mn't not waiting for Webster. I amn't going to deny myself any more. Let's start using amn't and force grammarians to catch up with our evolving language. I guess I could just use ain't, but mayhaps that's too easy.

Hypochrist!

durgy — Tue, 23 Aug 2005 18:33:21 GMT

Today Pat Robertson called for the assassination of the President of Venezuela. This is not helpful or golden-rule-like in any way. We have laws in this country against advocacy of doing harm to our president. I wonder of Venezuela has a similar law. I also wonder if we have extradition reciprocity with them? I hope he gets shipped over there for trial. This is one of my most hated beefs. People using organized religion for a political agenda. Pat Robertson, you suck ass. Go to hell, soon I am coining a new word for all of you to use in this situation. I give this freely. The word is "Hypochrist". It is a person who hides behind a moral authority to sling out darts in a way antithetical to their own religious tenets. There will be a song about this, just not today.