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| 28th December 2009 TedTravel | Women and Hofuf - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Yes, women can tour these spots. It's probably not something you'd want to do on your own, but certainly women are welcome. In fact, you'll see the wife of one of my co-workers in the photos. |
| 26th December 2009 Marie | great - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves just a silly q..are women allowed to go and have a tour on these spots? lol.. |
| 2nd November 2009 Amanda | Mc D's - From: Sing-alongs, Jelly Fish, and Khobar I used to live in Riyadh, I was feeling a bit nostalgic and looking for a cheese bread recipe and stumbled upon your blog. I've been to that mc d's! It's a wonderful country with their two story fast food restaurants. |
| 29th October 2009 Chris G. | Great Blog - From: Final Food Blog - Goodbye from Dhahran I am writing this from my room in Steineke. I am in KSA for 5 weeks and am half way through the trip. I live in Detroit so I know what a culture shock this is for someone from the Upper Midwest. Unfortunately, I am here as a Consultant working solo. I haven't met any other Westerner's willing/interested in traveling so I spend most of my weekend time here in the compound. I am pretty busy during the week visiting different locations (some of them remote) so the time passes pretty quickly. I can attest that the food outside the dining hall is wonderful. I have had the chance to have lots of local fare and it is terrific. Between the lamb, hommous, fresh lentils, foul, and many other wonderful dishes it is truly a culinary expose. I just wish sweets and deserts weren't so prevalent. Oh well, that reminds me, it is time for dinner. Bon-a-Petite~ |
| 21st October 2009 Adrian Starkey | Wot no Cream Puffs?! - From: Food Blog - Aramco Lunch Ooh how I hanker for the humble Hamour....... |
| 21st October 2009 TedTravel | Tamini Caterers - From: Food Blog - Aramco Lunch And for what they charge, you could do your wedding at a fraction of the cost. Quality and inexpensive. What a deal! Of course, the clear solution is for you to get married in Saudi Arabia. I'll get the paperwork started! |
| 20th October 2009 Becky | I'm glad you found new things to write about. - From: Food Blog - Aramco Lunch Hi Ted, I have been following some, but need more time to look at the photos from your desert adventure and loved the state fair pictures. I had preparred myself for no Ted blogs so was very happy to receive some updates, and apparently now you have quite a following. I am in London this week, arrived last Sunday mid-day and return on Friday. Mostly working but trying to see as much as I can in the little bits when I am not working. We are hoping to see Wicked tomorrow, I am hoping it will work. I hope you have a safe trip home. Becky |
| 20th October 2009 Jessica | Can't come home... - From: Food Blog - Aramco Lunch ... until you convince the caterers to come with you. Thanks. |
| 20th October 2009 Tiner | :o( - From: Food Blog - Aramco Lunch Well, glad you got to have one more trip! Did you get all the recipes for all these tasty dishes so you can re-create them on some cold winter Minnersoter night? |
| 19th October 2009 TedTravel | Pancake Cake - From: Swedish Pancake Cake Adrian, the bar has been set high. You'll need to be sure that you come over with your favorite recipe the next time you are in the Kingdom. It's not enough to rely on Kim and the catering at the SAAC; you now need to create your own culinary creations in the flats. |
| 19th October 2009 Adrian | Pancakes - From: Swedish Pancake Cake It's good to know that gastronomic delights still rate highly on the SAC! |
| 18th October 2009 Jessica | - From: Swedish Pancake Cake Yum! |
| 16th October 2009 TedTravel | Hofuf photos - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Thanks, Sherri. Yes, those sheep guys were really fun. And why there was a sofa outside the fort, Im not sure. Perhaps its Saudi hospitality: you can come into my fort, but at least I can make you comfortable. |
| 16th October 2009 Sherrie | The things you think of... - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Great pictures, Ted. I like the picture of you and the three Saudis. Do I sense a new boy band in the making? And the picture of you in the sofa chairs reminded me of the old Bartles & Jaymes commercial (Saudi version, of course) -- "...we thank you for your support". |
| 16th October 2009 TedTravel | Dodge - Ram Tough - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Oops. I've fixed it. You didn't miss the joke, I just missed the point of the commercial (the name of the manufacturer). Sorry Dodge people. |
| 16th October 2009 khobar resident | lol - From: What the...? hey, just so u know that infomercial is indiani... that text is not arabic... : ) |
| 15th October 2009 Cathy | Chevy? - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Isn't it Dodge that's Ram tough? Or did i just miss the joke? :-) great story and photos! thanks for sharing. |
| 15th October 2009 Tiner | Mystery Photos and Stir Fry - From: Can you identify: Minnesota vs. KSA? I thought maybe it was a trick question -- like Saudi during a sand-storm. :o) Your Stir-Fry sounds a lot like Hu Hots Mangolian Grill and now I am extremely hungry for dinner at HuHots. |
| 15th October 2009 Tiner | The shepherd with a stick - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Could have been a picture of me last week trying to herd my pack of dogs (and break up fights). Great pix -- looks like fun! |
| 15th October 2009 TedTravel | PB & J - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves They thought the orange marmelade was strange to have with peanut butter. However, I thought it was good. Go figure. If I don't agree to another cat, I'm sure she won't agree to a camel. Fair is fair. |
| 15th October 2009 ellen | Excellent Blog Pix - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Loved these. |
| 15th October 2009 eve | - From: Hofuf and the Al Qara Mountain Caves Great pics, Ted! Was wondering if you'd be bringing Linday home a new pet! The pottery is cool--can't believe you didn't buy any. LOL about the PB&J sandwiches--did people just think it was a weird combo? |
| 13th October 2009 Jim podlich | You've got your nerve. - From: Can you identify: Minnesota vs. KSA? So its hot there. big deal. Remember it is only 68 days until winter. |
| 13th October 2009 ellen | A Plate the Size of ND - From: Can you identify: Minnesota vs. KSA? Wow...and to think there are people starving in the world. Glad you missed the snow. |
| 11th October 2009 eve | I Second that! - From: Back in the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) The food pics just never get old, so keep those coming for sure! You do know it's supposed to SNOW tonight in Mpls, while you're in what--120 degrees? Will you have time for any adventures off the compound this time? |
| 11th October 2009 Manir | Welcome back - From: Back in the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) Ahlan wa sahlan. I came back recently after a two-month vacation. Guess what, I can now see the photos on your blog! |
| 11th October 2009 Ellen | Thank Allah the Blog is Back - From: Back in the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) All your foodie friends and followers are taking out their Koran and praising Allah that you could not go to Saudi and NOT BLOG. Long live the TED BLOG. Now about those food shots? |
| 4th June 2009 Tiner | PS - Lunch - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia That looks like a WEEK's worth of lunches to me! OMG! I just ate 2 slices of leftover deGiorno's pizza for lunch -- I'm jealous! |
| 4th June 2009 Tiner | Bon Voyage! - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Thanks for the great blogathon Ted -- it's been fun. Glad you'll be back in Mpls so I can see you when I get there 6/19! We have those Gemini birthdays to celebrate! Tiner |
| 4th June 2009 Glyn | senior clockologist - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia hi Ted...Sitting in Dubai airport waiting for my long connection home. Great to catch up on the final days though your blog. Many thanks for the memories and great working with you. See you around another day! Glyn |
| 2nd June 2009 TedTravel | Thanks. - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Thanks eve, Adrian, Ellen, and Jess. Very much appreciated. |
| 2nd June 2009 eve | Well Done! - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Great job once again on the blog, Ted! It's so enjoyable reading them and seeing the pics. I always look forward to new entries. Think you'll have to keep this up for your next trip...wherever it may be! Have a safe trip home. |
| 2nd June 2009 Adrian | Thanks Ted - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Hi Ted - Many thanks for your blogtastic record of our time in Saudi. There have been missed days when I have been locked in my room report writing, that your Blog has been my contact with the outside world. You have been a great colleague to work with - Adrian |
| 2nd June 2009 Ellen | Thanks for the Blog - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Ted: I really enjoyed reading these and appreciate all the time and energy you put into creating them. Your humor is wonderful and loved the pix. Speak to you soon after you come back to the US. e |
| 2nd June 2009 Jessica | Hooray! - From: Last Evening in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Have a safe trip back. I have LOVED reading your blogs, but I am looking forward to you being a little closer. :) See you in a few days. |
| 2nd June 2009 TedTravel | Puffy Bread - From: Dinner at the Castle in Dammam This didn't collapse when you bite into it. It still tasted like pita bread. |
| 1st June 2009 ellen | Puffy Bread - From: Dinner at the Castle in Dammam In India they call the puffy bread Puri, but they deep fry it instead of putting it in a hot oven. As soon as you bite into it, it collapses, but is very good. |
| 1st June 2009 ruth | PS - From: Dinner at the Castle in Dammam I just wanted to add that I want to wish you a safe trip home. We miss you! Love mom |
| 1st June 2009 ellen and ruth | Food, food, food - From: Dinner at the Castle in Dammam Ted this is the best foodie report of the three trips. Great pixs. I am sure you will miss good middle eastern food when you get home, but not the weather. We are jealous. We are sharing a chicken salad sandwich from Ben's. |
| 1st June 2009 TedTravel | Heading Home - From: Dinner at the Castle in Dammam Hi Jim. Yes, it's been another good trip, but I'm looking forward to getting back to Minneapolis. I leave on Wednesday of this week and get back on Thursday afternoon. |
| 1st June 2009 Jim Podlich | Fun - From: Dinner at the Castle in Dammam Looks like you are learning a lot and enjoying yourself. When do you head home? |
| 31st May 2009 TedTravel | Cheese and Zatar - From: The Dhahran Hobby Farm and a Day in Ras Tanura The salsa party included mostly Aramco couples, so yes, there were women. These are mostly Americans who live in the Aramco compound with their husbands. Some work, some don't. The spice with the cheese pizza is zatar. Wikipedia says it is"generally prepared using ground dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, or some combination thereof, mixed with toasted sesame seeds, and salt.[4] Some varieties may add savory, cumin, coriander[5] or fennel seed." |
| 31st May 2009 eve | - From: The Dhahran Hobby Farm and a Day in Ras Tanura Great update, Ted--and congrats on so many blog hits! Methinks that Hobby Farm refers simply to the fact that it's a "farm" that is not run as a business or agricultural concern. So basically, it's a farm for rich people who want to play at "farming", "ranching", etc. 122 degrees---isn't Hell 130 degrees? Note to Self: Drink water when temp is above 80. I'm missing Food pics! Great job once again! |
| 30th May 2009 ellen and ruth | RA.... - From: The Dhahran Hobby Farm and a Day in Ras Tanura Ted: First off the mint lemonaid would be much better with vodka. No ifs and or buts. And I don't think either on of us will make it to the lounge...so you will need to make these when you come to NY. Make sure to get the recipe. Back to the salsa party...were there any women there? Also, what was on the cheese pizza besides cheese? Was there a spice...we remember another word you used with cheese, but I don't remember it now. 122 degrees and counting...didn't you say it got to 140 in the summer? 130? ugh! |
| 29th May 2009 ellen | Security - From: Khobar and American Consulate in Dhahran Ted: Best blog ever...loved your experience at the "conslate" and all the security...wow! You know what this means...new blog when you got to Maine! e |
| 29th May 2009 TedTravel | Consulates and Hobby Farms - From: Khobar and American Consulate in Dhahran Consulate: Yes, kind of a let down. The purpose of the party? It's a monthly thing. It's the only place in Saudi where you can serve booze legally, so that's the main attraction. However, I don't drink very much even when it's legal (although a beer was pretty nice in 100 degree weather, I have to admit). The chips were free. Oh boy. Hobby Farm: I sort of missed talking about that. It was late when I wrote this blog, what can I say. The Hobby Farm is an Aramco club where you can own/ride horses. For us, it's a place to eat that's different than the Dining Hall. Unfortunately, we went to lunch at 12:55 and the doors to the dining place were locked, even though it's supposed to be open until 1 pm. Oh well. |
| 28th May 2009 eve | Bummer! - From: Khobar and American Consulate in Dhahran OK, so maybe "bummer" is a little dramatic, but I was totally expecting it to be like James Bond and tuxes, etc., etc. You actually had to PAY for your hors d'ouerves (I use that term loosely)?! What was the purpose of this party again? The shirt is pretty cool tho! Think I missed the hobby farm part....did you get to ride the horses? Great belt making tutorial--how DOES he sit like that.... |
| 26th May 2009 TedTravel | I just want to be green - From: Photos to Music Yes, Tina, you are absolutely correct. You don't notice while in "camp" because they have so much greenery here at Aramco. But as soon as you leave, you see how monochromatic it really is. The buildings tend to be tan, as does everything else. And the traditional dress is either white or black. The most colorful things, I think, are the signs on the shops; they always seem to have graphic images under the text. |
| 26th May 2009 Tiner | Greeeeeennnn - From: Photos to Music The "movies" were fascinating, but I really noticed the lack of green! I think I would come screaming back to Missouri -- "give me my trees!" Still, what an adventrue you've been on. thanks for taking us along with you. |
| 25th May 2009 TedTravel | Food Mystery - From: Photos to Music Actually, it's bowl of creamy crab soup. There are soups every day, but usually I skip them. But I couldn't resist this one. The embassy "dinner" is actually more drinking than eating, I think. Since it is American territory, it's the one legal place to drink in The Kingdom. I think "salsa night" is an excuse to drink margaritas. |
| 25th May 2009 eve | - From: Photos to Music Very cool, Ted! The food pic is much appreciated (is that peanut sauce in the cup?). Cannot wait to hear about the embassy dinner. Am trying to picture the embassy crowd doing the salsa. Hmm....maybe best not to! |
| 25th May 2009 ellen | 4908 hits...almost like susan boyle - From: Photos to Music Ted: Wow, so many hits. I actually fooled around with the blog web site and when you search for blogs from Saudia Arabia you and one other guy comes up. Your blog blows him OUT OF THE WATER. So glad you are coming to NY. Need you to take a pix of me for mom. My webcam experiment took a good pix but forgot about the pixel thing and when it is blown up, it looses a bit of clarity. Keep having fun for us and thanks for the food pix. |
| 22nd May 2009 Sarah | Free monkey with hard drive - From: Qatif and Tarut Thanks for that. I sorely needed that laugh today! I love those baskets and those pipes, they're beautiful. Also love the photos of the ruins. You're having so many wonderful adventures! |
| 21st May 2009 TedTravel | Photos - From: Qatif and Tarut Thanks, Jess! :) |
| 21st May 2009 TedTravel | Check Your Local Listings - From: Qatif and Tarut Hi eve. Yes, I'm not much of a rules follower, I'm afraid. If you remember that personality test at G&K, I had the "rebel without a cause" profile. Pat's dad is the basketball coach at St. Johns in Minnesota. I think he felt a need to publicize St. Johns. I agree that it wasn't perhaps the best choice of clothing. However, we had to keep our arms covered (yes, my sleeves were rolled up -- see above) and long pants. |
| 21st May 2009 eve | Check Your Local Listings.... - From: Qatif and Tarut For a very special episode of Locked Up Abroad featuring the story of Ted Rich, jailed for life in a Saudi prison for violating the Antiquities Law! This must be a pattern of ignoring the rules, for I seem to remember a business trip to San Jose and a tour of the Winchester House and someone (who shall remain nameless) telling me "Who cares about the signs and do not enter ropes--let's go this way!" Fabulous report and pics, tho! Chicken looks amazing! Well done. Pat needs to stop wearing sweatshirts in 109 degree weather! |
| 21st May 2009 Jessica | - From: Qatif and Tarut Great pictures, Dad! |
| 21st May 2009 ellen | Great Pixs - From: Qatif and Tarut Ted: I can FEEL the heat in these pixs. Great inside view into the ruins. Thanks. |
| 21st May 2009 TedTravel | hey now - From: The Weekend Has Arrived! Will the Black Box Make It? Let it be known that I don't know anybody named "Abby." LOL |
| 21st May 2009 Abby | hey now - From: The Weekend Has Arrived! Will the Black Box Make It? I take offense of Britney's behalf. I did go to her concert after all. |
| 20th May 2009 Becky | laughing out loud - From: The Weekend Has Arrived! Will the Black Box Make It? Thanks for making me laugh. Enjoy your weekend. I hope you find a good way to stay reasonable comfortable. |
| 20th May 2009 ellen | Da da da da.................... - From: The Weekend Has Arrived! Will the Black Box Make It? So the question is did the hard drive Live or die? Is it a conspiracy? Is Dick Cheney listening to everything you are saying? The problem with a black box is that it is a BLACK BOX! And you never can get inside..................Good luck! |
| 19th May 2009 TedTravel | Medieval Palace Guards - From: What the...? See the collective knowledge of my readers? It's amazing. However, I was at the Vatican and I don't remember anyone dressed like that! |
| 19th May 2009 Manir | - From: What the...? It's definitely a South Indian channel, but I don't know the language. The guy is sporting the outfit of a medieval palace guard, like the Swiss guards at the Vatican. |
| 18th May 2009 Marianne | - From: What the...? Step away from the tv....slowly....slowly |
| 18th May 2009 Missy G. | Is it Saudi QVC? - From: What the...? Sure makes me want to buy!! Did they give an 800 number? |
| 18th May 2009 Adrian | 'Hunny' - From: What the...? Correction - I can confirm this as the #1 rated Arabic TV show 'Saturday Night Hive'. Quality family entertainment at its best. Monday repeat of course.... |
| 18th May 2009 eve | So Bizarre! - From: What the...? Totally LOL about the honey as mustache pomade and spackle! So are you going to start getting into Saudi soap operas while you're there too? "Like sands through the hourglass....." |
| 18th May 2009 TedTravel | Benefits of Honey - From: What the...? Thanks, Sarah, for that insightful interpretation! Now it all makes sense!! |
| 18th May 2009 Sarah | The Benefits of Honey - From: What the...? Man: "Kumari Honey - it's amazing!" Woman: "Really? How so?" "Well, for one, it helps me shape my mustache into any form I want. Today I'm sporting the 'spider-leg' style!' "Wow, it looks beautiful! What else does Kumari Honey do?" "It also helps keep your hat on your head. For example, my favorite funnel hat (which I'm wearing today) always blows off in sandstorms--slap some honey inside it and it sticks to my head all day! And throughout the week!" "Amazing! This is inspiring me to sing!" |
| 18th May 2009 Jim Podlich | WTF - From: What the...? Very interesting but not that different from most of the stuff on public cable or tele-evangelism shows. |
| 16th May 2009 TedTravel | White Castles - From: Assessment in Dammam Tiner, amazingly no White Castles restaurants here. It's strange because they exist east of the Mississippi, but apparently this is a bit too far east! I'd say they are an aquired taste, but I think it's more genetic. See the comment from my sister, Ellen. It's in the genes. |
| 16th May 2009 TedTravel | White Castle - From: Assessment in Dammam The White Castle hamburger wasn't photoshopped. It was an actual coupon shaped like a hamburger that was in my wallet from when Abby and I went there. However, it might be the only White Castle hamburger in KSA. |
| 16th May 2009 TedTravel | Back in KSA - Too much work - From: Assessment in Dammam Hi Bob. Yes, it was no fun to come back and do an assessment in Dammam right away. Actually the assessment was fine, but I would have liked some downtime. I hate to say it, but last week it was 108 degrees F. The dining hall doesn't seem the same without you. Are you buying the carpet when you return? |
| 16th May 2009 TedTravel | Dust Storms - From: Assessment in Dammam Hi Manir, Wa alaykum is salom. You are so very correct. I just assumed that the sand storms happen all the time. Is it only when I'm here? I feel honored to be welcomed by the desert! |
| 16th May 2009 Manir | Welcome back! - From: Assessment in Dammam Ahlan wa sahlan again. There seems to be a positive corelation between your appearance in the Kingdom and the occurence of dust storms :) |
| 15th May 2009 Bob Toohey | Sounds too much like work! - From: Assessment in Dammam Wow, Ted--I don't think I envy you this time around. You had such a short turnaround in the states, and then to jump right in after what sounds like a brutal flight--I hope you got some sleep on the plane. Keep me posted on the temperature when you can--I have to get my head right for when I am there in July! |
| 15th May 2009 Ellen | Nice to Have Blog Back - From: Assessment in Dammam Ted: I know this is strange, but although you really weren't gone over a week, I missed the blog. Nice photoshop on the White Castle. It makes me want to have one. Ellen |
| 15th May 2009 tiner | White Castles - From: Assessment in Dammam What, no White Castles in S.A.? I remember White Castle Belly-Bombers at y'all's house when you & Linda got married. Didn't like them then . . . and still don't! :o) |
| 15th May 2009 TedTravel | Flying on KLM - From: On the Road Again - KSA Trip #3 Yes, the delft houses are cool and yes, you get them when you fly KLM. However, I'm not sure if they are just a business-class thing. I hear that on all flights EXCEPT ones to the Middle East, they are filled with some kind of booze. As for food, it's amazing how much food you get in business class. Northwest had a promotion that you got triple miles credited to your elite status (not frequent flyer miles) for flights in April through June. Since Northwest and KLM are partners, flying on either airline counted in the promotion. So I became Silver Elite flying over here last time, Gold Elite flying back, and Platinum Elite flying here this time. I'm not sure what all I get for reaching that level, but it sounds cool. I wonder if they have a Titanium level that I'll reach flying back to Minneapolis. |
| 15th May 2009 TedTravel | Saudi Bugs - From: On the Road Again - KSA Trip #3 I have the feeling the Internet is bugged, but that's not probably what you meant, Jim. The only thing I've seen besides flies are cockroaches. I saw one in the consultant's apartment in February and the expresso machine came back from being repaired with a few extra enhancements. It was sent back, however, I have not had (nor do I plan to have) any expresso since then! Fortunately, I've not had any critters in my room(s) at Steineke Hall. |
| 14th May 2009 Jim Podlich | On the Road Again - From: On the Road Again - KSA Trip #3 Some guys will do anything to get away from Minnesota in the Spring. You talk about food and birds and even a jellyfish. How about bugs? Other critters? Looking forward to your posts. |
| 14th May 2009 Jessica | - From: On the Road Again - KSA Trip #3 Have a nice trip! |
| 14th May 2009 eve | Round 3 - From: On the Road Again - KSA Trip #3 So glad the blog is starting back up again! It seems like yesterday....or at least a week anyway. Can't wait to read about your next set of adventures! (And those Delft houses are so cool--they really give them to you? But I bet no peanuts! I was there many moons ago....) |
| 6th May 2009 TedTravel | Mobile Phones - From: Final Food Blog - Goodbye from Dhahran They are for sale in the Commisary to anyone with an Aramco badge. However, getting one is a different story. The Mobiley guy said to come back this morning. This morning he said he picked up the phone last night, but his car broke down and his supervisor had it. I should come back at 1:30. However, apparently 1:30 means sometime between 3:00 and 4:00. Still no phone. |
| 6th May 2009 Manir | - From: Final Food Blog - Goodbye from Dhahran Have a safe trip back home. See you again when you're back (here). Regarding your story about buying a mobile phone, I think you can't legally buy one unless you have a residence permit. But who knows, Aramco people may have different rules. |
| 6th May 2009 TedTravel | Twisted Logic - From: Final Food Blog - Goodbye from Dhahran Here's a quick story: I’ve been trying to buy a cell phone at the commissary. They are out of the phone I want (cheap!). The guy said he would try to find one for me, but he would need my cell phone number to contact me when it came in. If I had a cell phone number, why would I be buying a phone? And so it goes. |
| 6th May 2009 TedTravel | Midnight Spaghetti - From: Final Food Blog - Goodbye from Dhahran Midnight Spaghetti appears to be plain spaghetti with shrimp. What makes that "Midnight" spaghtetti is anyone's guess. |
| 5th May 2009 eve | Food Nirvana! - From: Final Food Blog - Goodbye from Dhahran OK, I think you need to start smuggling back the food! The kabobs and mac and cheese, and well, the chocolate torte look amazing. Thanks again for a great blog--well done, Ted! I assume you'll be back online in mere days once you return to SA? Hope so! |
| 5th May 2009 tiner | BON VOYAGE! - From: Final Food Blog - Goodbye from Dhahran have a safe trip! I just have to ask -- what is midnight spaghetti? |
| 5th May 2009 Ellen | Thanks Again, Great Blogs - From: Final Food Blog - Goodbye from Dhahran Ted: It sounds like you had a great trip. Strange to think you are "commuting" back to the US only to return in a week. Keep the blog going. Great food pixs. Ellen |
| 5th May 2009 Jessica | - From: Final Food Blog - Goodbye from Dhahran Have a safe trip home! I'll be waiting to hear about the catering deal you have worked out... |
| 4th May 2009 TedTravel | Virtual Connections - From: Dinner with Manir’s Family - A Bangladeshi Treat Sarah, Cathy, thanks so much for your kind comments. I really do love cultural experiences and I want to experience as much as a can. Why opt for going to Applebees in Khobar when you can get the best schwirma this side of Mars? Granted, I'll still eat White Castle when I get home, but when I'm HERE, I want to experience what I can. Tonight was the traditional PDI/Aramco dinner. One of the best parts for me was the driving through the back streets of Khobar. If you've ever seen a James Bond movie, it's just like the exotic, narrow streets that they go through with the very exotic signs (Sanitary Shop and Women's Center, for example). Of course we only did it at 30 MPH instead of 275 MPH (and I don't mean Marilyn Pearson Hendricks), but still it was fun. |
| 4th May 2009 Sarah | Virtual connections - From: Dinner with Manir’s Family - A Bangladeshi Treat Ted, it's been great to see your travels expand to making connections outside of work there. Really inspiring. |
| 3rd May 2009 Cathy | latest - From: Dinner with Manir’s Family - A Bangladeshi Treat Ted, I think you could singlehandedly (with the help of a great sense of humor, a healthy appetite and good palate) improve US relations with the Arab world! Looking forward to seeing you Friday! |
| 2nd May 2009 Ellen | Going to Banglidesh - From: Dinner with Manir’s Family - A Bangladeshi Treat Ted: Your greatest blog yet. Manir and his family seem like a fantastic lot and the boys are smart and really cute. How fantastic to eat within a different and exciting culture. Ellen |
| 1st May 2009 TedTravel | Sandals in Khobar - From: Latif in Khobar Pat says they cost 50 Riyals; the original asking price was 55 Riyals. So he paid about 15 dollars or so. |
| 1st May 2009 TedTravel | Cheese and Sandals - From: Latif in Khobar eve, I'm not sure what kind of cheese, definitely not feta, but I really don't know. I'll let Pat know you liked his sandals and ask him how many riyals. They are a good quality leather, so even in Saudi, probably more than 5 SAR! |
| 30th April 2009 eve | The crappier the atmosphere.... - From: Latif in Khobar ....the better the food! What kind of cheese is it--feta? Those sandals are way cool. Let me guess--5 riyals? |
| 30th April 2009 TedTravel | Fine Wines? - From: No Cheese Bread For You! Have you learned nothing grasshopper? Fine Wines? The place to go of course, is Bahrain! However, thanks for the Rick Steves reference. |
| 30th April 2009 TedTravel | Request For Cheese Bread - From: No Cheese Bread For You! No cheese bread for you! |
| 30th April 2009 RCT | You remind me of Rick Steves - From: No Cheese Bread For You! Ted: All this wonderful food and descriptions reminds me of Rick Steve"s travelogues==but where are the fine wines?? |
| 29th April 2009 Ellen and Mom | Pretty Cheesy - From: No Cheese Bread For You! Ted: Great food blog. We would like you to send us 4 orders of cheese bread please. E and M |
| 29th April 2009 Jessica | Wedding Invite - From: Food Photos! If you can convince them to caterer (and pay for their own transportation and lodging, of course), I will personally deliver your invitation! :) |
| 29th April 2009 eve | Just Skip on By the Healthy Food! - From: No Cheese Bread For You! Who needs it with all the other fabulous looking stuff! It's just space waster. Totally LOL about the cheese bread. It sure LOOKS good--what a bummer it wasn't worth the wait. OK, I don't know how all of you get any work done after eating all that food, much less how people don't weigh 800 lbs! Great story and pics! |
| 29th April 2009 TedTravel | Saudi Internet - From: Jelly Fish in Khobar Manir, the Saudi Internet security works in mysterious ways! |
| 29th April 2009 tiner | pass the curry please! - From: Food Photos! I just had left-over macaroni and cheese for lunch. Not that I'm complaining, but man! I didn't know what I was missing. Mmmm --mmm. And I definitely want an invitation to Jess's wedding if these guys cater! |
| 29th April 2009 Manir | - From: Jelly Fish in Khobar I still can't see your photos, but the video worked fine for me. Strange! |
| 28th April 2009 ellen | Jelly video - From: Jelly Fish in Khobar it works. |
| 28th April 2009 TedTravel | Susan's First Comment - From: Food Photos! Thanks, Susan. Yes, it can be lonely at 7 am! I miss you guys too. Thanks. Please be sure to say hello to Henrieta (my jade plant). Marianne is kindly babysitting her while I'm gone. Cheers. P.S. I know that you would love the food -- I think you are my food twin. |
| 28th April 2009 TedTravel | Damman - From: First Time in Dammam Thanks, Missy. I really enjoyed Damman and I'm glad I went. I have to think up something for this weekend (Thursday and Friday). |
| 28th April 2009 Missy G. | Dam, man, that was awesome! - From: First Time in Dammam Loved your coverage of Dammam and all the photos. Missy G. |
| 28th April 2009 Susan | - From: Food Photos! Ted, we miss you back here in MN, plus, it's always so quiet in the office when I get in. Anyway, the food looks delicious and I'm very jealous you get to try amazing, new things. Hope your "trip" continues to go well! |
| 28th April 2009 TedTravel | Shrimp Katsu - From: Food Photos! It's a shrimp and rice with some different nuts in it. It sort of tastes like curry. Today was shrimp katsu. Very tasty! |
| 28th April 2009 TedTravel | Food, glorious food - From: Food Photos! Perhaps I should just do photos of the food and call it a day! :) |
| 28th April 2009 TedTravel | Wedding Caterers? - From: Food Photos! I know that Kim would come over in a heatbeat. Yes, I think you are onto something, Jess! |
| 28th April 2009 Jessica | Idea! - From: Food Photos! That food looks AMAZING! See if you can convince those chefs and caterers to fly to Minnesota for our wedding. We could offer them walking tours of the MN lakes, directions to the Mall of America, and maybe a Twins game in exchange! What do you think? |
| 27th April 2009 Mom | Food - From: Food Photos! One for all and all for food! Don't forget to get the recipes. Love, Mom |
| 27th April 2009 ellen | Food Excellent - From: Food Photos! Great job with the food blog. Keep them coming. More hummus and tabooli. |
| 27th April 2009 Ellen | Food, Food, Food! - From: Food Photos! Ted: Can't get enough of that Saudi food. Gracias! |
| 27th April 2009 eve | Yay--the food is back! - From: Food Photos! And it's almost to gorgeous to eat! What's shrimp katsu--did you try it? Details, please. Well done on the food update! |
| 27th April 2009 Jim Podlich | May i have some more please - From: Food Photos! Looks to me like the reason you keep going back to SA is the food. Wow. I did have leftover stir fry today. Nice pics. keep up the good work. Jim |
| 27th April 2009 TedTravel | Ted's FAQ's - From: First Time in Dammam eve, good questions. 1. I'm trying to look less American. Therefore I try not to wear jeans, a pull-over (or T-shirt), or sneakers. Obviously I'm going to be seen as a Westerner, but I'm trying to be as low key as possible. However, we were advised not to wear shorts or short sleeve shirts (could be offensive). None of this is true in the Aramco compound, where things are looser. However, I would leave your halter top at home. 2. Spice Store: I didn't buy anything other than a bottle of water. I know I can't bring back any open food (through customs) and I don't have that big a need for cardomon pods here at Steineke Hall! 3. Gas Prices: Last time I was here, I tried to work this out, going from Saudi Ryals and a measure in liters, to Australian dollars (I was talking to Anthea), and then to US dollars and liters. We came up with 20 cents a gallon. However, just today I was talking to a Participant who seemed pretty good with math and he came up with 40 cents per gallon. So that's probably correct. They don't post the prices on big signs, so I haven't even seen the price in Riyals. However, in February I saw a Hummer taxi cab in Khobar!!! |
| 26th April 2009 eve | - From: First Time in Dammam So cool! OK, a couple questions. I notice that you're usually wearing a long sleeve shirt--it's got to be super hot! Do you have to wear a long sleeve shirt in public? Spice market looks so neat--did you buy anything or try the nuts? Can't remember if you've told us how much gas costs there--it's got to be like 2 cents a gallon! |
| 25th April 2009 TedTravel | Dry Heat? Not So Much - From: Hot Times at Ras Tanura Strangely, it's not really a dry heat; the Eastern Province of KSA (Kindom of Saudi Arabia) is actually humid. I noticed this in particular when I was in Khobar. When we walked to the coast where the jelly fish were, you could feel the humidity increase and my shirt got wet. People here tell me that in the summer it's not only Arizona-hot, but humid too. On another topic... OK, eve, I'll start taking some food photos. My sister requested food recaps too, so I will include more. I'm here to serve my blogging public! |
| 24th April 2009 eve | So....it's a DRY heat... - From: Hot Times at Ras Tanura ....as my parents in New Mexico always say. Ted the beach is gorgeous. Didn't any of you go swimming in the ocean? Where's the picture of this fabulous, healthy lunch? Totally LOL about laundry. Maybe a few more trips to SA and you'll have it down! |
| 24th April 2009 TedTravel | Hot in Minneapolis - From: Sing-alongs, Jelly Fish, and Khobar eve -- never compete with Saudi Arabia for heat. It was 102 degrees here today! I like your mystery item idea. I'll have to come up with another sewak-like item. BTW, the do believe the term is "shuttlecock" for the badmiton thingie. |
| 24th April 2009 tiner | "Ted and His New Friend" - From: Sing-alongs, Jelly Fish, and Khobar That picture of you and the jelly fish . . . you look like you are either ready to jump or use the rocks as an outhouse . . . Funny picture! Looks like you are having a good time! |
| 24th April 2009 Jessica | - From: Sing-alongs, Jelly Fish, and Khobar Pictures that you are actually in! How exciting! |
| 24th April 2009 eve | Your Mission...Should You Choose to Accept It - From: Sing-alongs, Jelly Fish, and Khobar OK, that jellyfish is so cool--kind of looks like one of those badminton thingies (can't remember what they're called)! Which makes me think--your mission this trip needs to be to find some other unidentifiable mystery object for us all to guess on again! Well, we here in Mpls were almost as hot as Saudi Arabia today, believe it or not. It's 85 and humid here right now at 5:30PM in April! Insane. Not ready for this. |
| 23rd April 2009 Abby | Jelly Fish - From: Sing-alongs, Jelly Fish, and Khobar You seem to be getting kind of close to that Jelly Fish for the picture, make sure you proceed with caution cause you know what you have to do if you get stung by one right? Ew.. |
| 23rd April 2009 Ellen | Food - From: Sing-alongs, Jelly Fish, and Khobar Ted: I am missing all those food details. Dish them up! |
| 23rd April 2009 TedTravel | Ted's Food Blog - From: Working Hard in Dhahran OK, the votes are in. I'm receiving permission to be food obsessive. |
| 23rd April 2009 TedTravel | PogoPod - From: Working Hard in Dhahran Thanks, Jim. I went to Khobar today and will post something soon. |
| 23rd April 2009 Sarah | Bonswa! - From: Working Hard in Dhahran What? I come back from Haiti to find you off in Saudi Arabia again? It was a nice surprise to find Ted's Travel Blog notifications in my inbox (amongst the hundreds of other emails that piled up). I also vote for you to continue to obsess and write about the food! It's not a Ted blog without it! |
| 23rd April 2009 Jim Podlich | Keep it up - From: Working Hard in Dhahran Still enjoying your blog Ted. Hope you get a little sightseeing in too. |
| 22nd April 2009 TedTravel | Away Trips - From: Working Hard in Dhahran Yes, tomorrow I'm heading back to Khobar for the first time on this trip. I'm going with several of the guys and I'll introduce them to my favorite merchants. Perhaps Friday will be back to Ras Tunura where the beach is, since everything in all of Saudi is closed all day on Friday. As a bonus, we have Saturday off too. Some Aramco people have told me that it's an "Aramco holiday" meaning that stores will be open on Saturday and others say it's a national holiday meaning stores will be closed on Saturday. So I'm not sure what I will do -- good info is so hard to get! |
| 22nd April 2009 TedTravel | Cheap Shot? - From: Working Hard in Dhahran How do you know that I was talking about you, just because you are 19 and stay up all night? Of course, I WAS talking about you, but still, I could have been talking about someone else. |
| 22nd April 2009 Abby | cheap shot? - From: Working Hard in Dhahran Hm. I seem to have caught a mention of being 19 and staying up all night? Could you have possibly had someone in mind while saying that? Thanks for poking fun at my inability to sleep. Very sympathetic of you. haha. ;) |
| 21st April 2009 eve | - From: Working Hard in Dhahran Ted--nice to have an update (and pics too)! You MUST keep writing about the food! Are you planning any trips away from the compound soon? |
| 20th April 2009 Becky | - From: First Day of First Session is now in the record book. Man vs. Machine. I'm so glad you are decided to continue your blog. I especially enjoying your problem solving exploits. |
| 20th April 2009 Tiner | some things - From: Meeting New People As Jess says, some things ARE the same where ever you go, but apparently not qwerty keyboards! (Is that their official name? Never heard it before, but I like it) |
| 20th April 2009 Missy G. | Man vs. Machine - From: First Day of First Session is now in the record book. Man vs. Machine. You're too much Ted! What awesome and diverse talents you bring across the globe. I love reading your blog entries. Missy |
| 19th April 2009 Abby | - From: First Day of First Session is now in the record book. Man vs. Machine. I liked this. :) |
| 18th April 2009 Jessica | - From: Meeting New People *some things |
| 18th April 2009 TedTravel | Hello Manir - From: Waking Up in Dhahran Wa alaykum is-salam. We will have to find a time to get together! |
| 18th April 2009 Jessica | - From: Meeting New People Isn't it nice to know that somethings are the same no matter where you are? :) |
| 18th April 2009 Manir | - From: Waking Up in Dhahran Ahlan wa Sahlan. |
| 17th April 2009 TedTravel | Let the Games Begin - From: Waking Up in Dhahran Tiner - you are way too kind. Thanks. :) |
| 16th April 2009 Tiner | let the games begin! - From: Waking Up in Dhahran I didn't realize how much I missed your blogs until I started getting them again! Gives me something to giggle about in an otherwise ho-hum world of my job. |
| 16th April 2009 eve | - From: Waking Up in Dhahran Ted--glad you made it there safely! Seems like it's a whirlwind already. Totally LOL about the bank's numbering system. I didn't know the US govt designed banking systems for Saudi Arabia...! |
| 16th April 2009 TedTravel | Travel Schedule - From: On the Road Again - Minneapolis, Amsterdam, Bahrain Hi Tiner. It's the same amount of time: 3 weeks plus travel. I get back on May 7 and recover on May 8. Then I'll be back to work on May 11. |
| 16th April 2009 TedTravel | Blog #2 - From: On the Road Again - Minneapolis, Amsterdam, Bahrain Thanks, Ellen! I'm not sure how much bloggers get paid, but if it was a lot and I could travel with Linda I would VERY much love to be a professional blogger! |
| 16th April 2009 TedTravel | Sand Man - From: On the Road Again - Minneapolis, Amsterdam, Bahrain Jim, I'll try to remember to take a zip lock bag with me if I go to the beach at Ras Tunura again. I hope there aren't any custom regulations about sand! |
| 16th April 2009 TedTravel | On the Road - From: On the Road Again - Minneapolis, Amsterdam, Bahrain I can't believe I'm back either, Shan. But when I came in last night and saw the dining hall and my hotel building, it felt very comfortable -- unlike the first time. It was a nice feeling! |
| 16th April 2009 Shannon | On the road . . . again?! - From: On the Road Again - Minneapolis, Amsterdam, Bahrain Can't believe you're traveling overseas again so soon! Continue to keep us posted! |
| 15th April 2009 Jim Podlich | Sand - From: On the Road Again - Minneapolis, Amsterdam, Bahrain Don't forget to bring some sand back Ted. Travel safe. |
| 15th April 2009 Ellen (the sister) | It's Great to have the Ted Blog Back - From: On the Road Again - Minneapolis, Amsterdam, Bahrain Ted: Your blog rocks. I just love it. I think you need to travel around the world and do this for a living. Keep those comments a "comming" and have a great trip. This time mom and I got a chance to read the blog together! How fun. Ellen |
| 15th April 2009 Tiner | you go guy! - From: On the Road Again - Minneapolis, Amsterdam, Bahrain How long are you gone this time? I think you are safe from Pirates in the desert. . . |
| 16th March 2009 TedTravel | Uff-da - From: Does anyone have a Swedish dictionary? I've been told that Uff-da is more Norwegian than Swedish, but perhaps it's just a Minnesotan interpretation (or more accurately a corruption) of "Ofta." You often hear the expression "Uff-da" in Minnesota (and see it on T-shirts, bumper stickers, etc.). It's pretty much the equivalent of the Yiddish word "Oy Vay." It's hard to think of an English equivalent. Perhaps "Oh boy" "Egads" or "You've got to be kidding. Some words are hard to translate. Wikipedia says "Uff da (can also be spelled uff-da, uffda, uff-dah, oofda, ufda, oofta or ufta) is an exclamation of Norwegian origin that is relatively common in the Upper Midwestern states of the United States. It roughly means "drats," "oops!" or "ouch!", especially if the "ouch!" is an empathetic one. In Norwegian Midwestern USA culture, "Uff Da" translates into: "I am overwhelmed." It has become a mark of Scandinavian roots, particularly for people from North Dakota and Minnesota." See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uff_da |
| 16th March 2009 Max | Ofta , nor uff-da - From: Does anyone have a Swedish dictionary? When using the sound, you might mean "ofta" and not "Uff-da". Ofta means often. Is that what you meant? Well, Uff-da isn't english or norwegian in my book (I'm danish and understand most basic swedish and norwegian) |
| 5th March 2009 Julia McMillan | Thanks for your blog - brought back some good memories - From: Amsterdam and the Return of Snow Thank you so much for doing this blog - it was a pleasure to read. I lived and worked in Dhahran for a couple of years about 10 years ago and loved seeing pics of the old place and reading about your trip. It will always hold a special place in my heart and I would love to go back there some time. Glad you made it home safe and sound. Thanks again. Julia (London, UK) |
| 3rd March 2009 TedTravel | Mystery Item - From: Coda - Part 1 You are mostly correct. It's called a sewak, and it is indeed like a toothbrush. For those of you who guessed it was a petrified worms or beef jerkey, you were not surprisingly off-base. You peel off about 1/4 inch of the bark with a scissor or knife. Inside there are fibers that can be used to rub on your teeth and to remove plaque and whatever a normal toothbrush removes. It's used for cleaning your teeth as well as for purification before prayers. The pharmacist also told me that it was used for medical purposes, as you mentioned. Congratulations on being the ONLY person responding to this blog who was correct. |
| 2nd March 2009 TedTravel | Welcome Back! - From: Amsterdam and the Return of Snow Here's how I got the "cockpit" photos. Actually, the thingie that connects the airport to the plane was broken, so they wheeled steps over to the plane. I walked onto the top of the steps to take the photos (one in each direction). Another magic tricked revealed. I will let people know what the mystery item is on Tuesday. I bought several for co-workers in Minneapolis and I don't want to spoil the surprise. The true identity was revealed by a reader of this blog and I will post his comment on Tuesday. The only jet lag I seemed to have had was last night. We went out for dinner and all was fine. After that, we headed to see a play (Guys and Dolls) at Armstrong High School. As soon as the lights went out, so did I. Linda kept waking me up and I kept falling asleep. We left at intermission. Last night I slept for almost 12 hours, so I think I'm back on track again. |
| 1st March 2009 eve | Welcome Back! - From: Amsterdam and the Return of Snow Glad you made it back safe, Ted! Altho, I wonder what you were doing in the cockpit of the KLM flight (caption from photo--View out the Pilot's Window)--a new profession? Are you having culture shock being back home?! Remember to let us know what the wormlike thing was (once you get over your jet lag of course)! The suspense is killing me. |
| 28th February 2009 Shakib Shaikh | Answer - From: Coda - Part 1 I believe it is something called as "miswak". It is sort of a toothbrush. Miswak is a small stick with which the teeth are rubbed and cleaned. The end is shaped into a brush through biting or chewing, which serve to separate the fibers and release the healing herbal powers of the twig. Some people even believe it works better than a toothbrush. |
| 27th February 2009 Tiner | Home Again . . . - From: Amsterdam and the Return of Snow Glad you are home safe and sound Ted! Sing along with me now: :Home again. Home again. From a distant shore. And though it fills my heart with joy I'll leave again no more" (Or something like that -- learned it in 6th Grade Music Class . . . |
| 26th February 2009 eve | P.S. - From: Coda - Part 1 Never even thought about passport photos for women in full black regalia! Sure would make facial recognition software bog right down! LOL. |
| 26th February 2009 eve | McTuber? - From: Coda - Part 1 Ted--Such a bummer that your trip is over (and you're coming back to Mpls during a winter storm warning of up to 8 inches of snow)! Thanks so much for writing this blog--it was so cool to read about your experiences and see all the great pics! My vote for the "thing" in the picture: Definitely something you eat. I'll bypass worm, and go for some kind of root or tuber. |
| 25th February 2009 Susan | - From: Coda - Part 1 Ted, over the past few weeks, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog. It's been so fun to live vicariously through you and your adventures. My guess on your bonus picture: a medicinal worm...I bet it tastes delicious! |
| 25th February 2009 Sarah | Hoopoe Jerky? - From: Coda - Part 1 That's my first guess for the mysterious plastic-wrapped tubular object you've posted. Otherwise a Snake Slim Jim. |
| 25th February 2009 Heather | Safe travels, Ted.... - From: And So the Story Ends... ... and thanks for sharing your wonderful experiences - it's been fun going along for the ride. :-) |
| 25th February 2009 Heather | Biz Class Carry-On X-Rays - From: Coda - Part 1 Ted, I don't think The Kingdom is so concerned about terrorists LEAVING!! ;-) |
| 25th February 2009 Heather | Photo Guessing Game - From: Coda - Part 1 I don't even want to think about whatever that shrink-wrapped thing might be. Euwwwwww! |
| 25th February 2009 Jessica | - From: Coda - Part 1 It looks like an earth worm. Eew. |
| 25th February 2009 TedTravel | First American Thing - From: And So the Story Ends... Well, I know that I'll enjoy logging on to a PC with ONE ID and password instead of three sets. I'll enjoy sitting with my legs crossed and not worrying about showing the bottom of my shoes (this was the hardest thing to remember!). But American? Perhaps I might need to make a trip to White Castle! |
| 24th February 2009 Jessica | YAY! - From: And So the Story Ends... I really enjoyed your blog, Dad. Someone really really wise must have given you that suggestion. ;) What is the first "American" thing you are going to do when you get back? Have a safe trip home! |
| 24th February 2009 TedTravel | Down to the Wire - From: Down to the Wire Thanks very much, Sarah. Yes, I would have loved to do video. I agree that sound makes a huge difference. However, here it is hard to take quick photos, much less video. It's a shame because I would have loved to capture more of the essence. However, I also made it a goal to avoid Saudi police and the religious police. I've almost made it! |
| 24th February 2009 Sarah | Fare thee well - From: Down to the Wire I can't believe your trip is at an end. It's been great sharing the adventure virtually with you. Thanks for being so diligent about keeping it up! I'd say your next trip should include audio or video so we can hear the sounds and voices of where you're visiting. Have a safe trip back - assuming you're flying business class? |
| 24th February 2009 Tiner | Snow Globes - From: Down to the Wire Snow globes many not be a hot item, but did you look for "Sand Globes?" Again -- another little side business for you -- easy too! Buy a bunch of the little globes they make snow globes out of and some miniature oil wells and palm trees. No need to add water or seal the globe. Just add sand to the palm trees and oil wells inside a dry globe and then shake it and create a little sandstorm! A perfect souvenier. It would sell like hotcakes! (Or waffles?) |
| 24th February 2009 TedTravel | Inside the Mosque - From: Down to the Wire Hi Heather - I would love to go inside, especially during the daylight because I would love to see the stained glass windows from the inside. However, I've been told that if you are not Muslim, you cannot go inside the mosque. Also, I was told today that stained glass is not traditional for a mosque. Still, it did strike me as quite beautiful. |
| 24th February 2009 Heather | The Mosque - From: Down to the Wire The mosque looks like it might be quite striking, Ted. Have you been inside? (Apols if you've already mentioned that somewhere...) I'm thinking that during daylight it might be quite lovely. |
| 23rd February 2009 TedTravel | Abs and Abqaiq - From: Khobar and Abqaiq Hi Tina. I think your are right. Abqaiq sounds like a great nickname! However, it's really hard to type a q without typing a u. Especially in the middle of a word. It IS amazing that tomorrow night will be my last night here! However, I am ready to come back. |
| 23rd February 2009 TedTravel | Snow Globes - From: After the Weekend... I'm guessing that snow globes aren't real popular in this part of the world. However, I had taken a photo of my house right before I left (it was the one day in January over freezing) and people are fascinated by seeing all of the snow. eve, if you want to setup an endowment for me to travel and write blogs, I'd be happy to do so! However, I think I'd have to clear it with Linda first! |
| 23rd February 2009 eve | Time Flies - From: After the Weekend... Wow, Ted--your trip is almost at an end! Now what do you expect all of us viewing your blog to do with our days? You'll have to hurry off somewhere else soon. Where's the picture of your coffee pot? Am also assuming you bought an oil well in a snowglobe at the pharmacy?! |
| 23rd February 2009 Tiner | Ab-Cake - From: Khobar and Abqaiq Abqaiq, eh? --- I see a new nickname for your favorite 19-year-old daughter! Hope your last couple of days in S.A. (San Antonio? South America? -- where are you again?) are as enjoyable as the rest have been. I know Linda is way ready for you to be home again. Tiner |
| 23rd February 2009 TedTravel | Ultra-Aussie - From: After the Weekend... Ultra-Aussie = someone who has Australian coasters, Australia signs all over their house, a VERY Australian accent, and a large flag of Australia. |
| 23rd February 2009 TedTravel | Cameras and Such - From: Khobar and Abqaiq Yes, I almost didn't bring a camera because I know that people are sensitive to it here and you run the risk of having it taken away if you take the wrong photo at the wrong time. However, you'll notice that my photos often taken from the bus where it's a more controlled environment. I haven't taken as many photos of people as I would normally because of the issues involved with that. Also, I've tried to take street scene photos as quickly as possible and to carry my camera in my wallet. As for communication, almost everyone speaks English, so it is quite easy. However, the accent can be quite strong, so I dont' always catch everything that's being said (but that's true even with the consultants that are here from other countries). However, it's much easier than France, for example. Almost all of the signs are in Arabic and English. My bargaining is not very skilled, I assure you. When you walk in the door, you are already entitled to a "discount" but that's like the sale price at Macy's. In other words, not that meaningful. Their strategy seems to be "buy more and get a bigger discount." However, I don't think they have to worry about their profit margin very much. Still, prices here are relatively inexpensive compared to the US, so it's not that much of a concern. |
| 23rd February 2009 TedTravel | Aussie Expressions - From: Does anyone have a Swedish dictionary? Anthea is very social and has a great sense of humor (or humour, as the case may be). It feels a bit like down-under here. There is Anthea, Glyn who was born in and lives in Australia, and Wolf who is German, but has lived in Australia for the past 25 years. I know these expressions aren't used every day, in every situation, but it seems as if Australians really enjoy their unique sayings. It's a source of cultural pride on the one hand, and a way of not taking themselves too seriously on the other hand. At least that's the way it seems to me. |
| 23rd February 2009 Heather | Heather weighing in... - From: Does anyone have a Swedish dictionary? to validate, per your request Sarah and Ted, that ...ahem... each of these Aussie sayings is, in fact, in active use downunder. However, I also hasten to add that most are VERY slang expressions that you're most likely to come across at a pub among "Ockers" (an Aussie redneck) using very broad Aussie accents (aka "Strine")! They're otherwise used by the rest of us in a kind of tongue-in-cheek manner, when deliberately making fun of ourselves. I can't believe Anthea's actually carrying these around on signs!!! |
| 23rd February 2009 Heather | Aussie Hospitality - From: TGIF How kind of Anthea to have you all over for a barbie - very typical Aussie behavior that's apparently transportable (unlike our vernacular)! Although I'm having a hard time believing it was "just like being in Australia"...good grief ;-) |
| 23rd February 2009 Heather | I can't believe... - From: Khobar and Abqaiq ...you almost didn't take a camera! I'm glad common sense got the better of you, because we'd otherwise be missing a lot in these blogs! (Even WITH photos, I think it's hard to convey the vast unendingness of the desert.) I'm so impressed at how intrepid you are - jumping onto buses and heading into town to go shopping. You haven't shared any of your bargaining strategies - how are you communicating, and what are the reactions of the vendors? |
| 23rd February 2009 Heather | "Ultra" Aussie?! - From: After the Weekend... OK, I feel the need to step in and defend my countrywoman, here ;-) (Hugh Jackman just hosted the Academy Awards, so maybe I'm in a patriotic mood...) So.... what exactly characterizes an Ultra-Aussie??! On a separate note - time sure is flying by, and you'll be home in no time. I hope the last couple of days continue to be interesting, notwithstanding the work. I'm heading off to San Fran this morning to do a client presentation - keep your fingers crossed! |
| 23rd February 2009 TedTravel | 80 Degrees in Phoenix - From: Khobar and Abqaiq It may be 80 degrees in Phoenix, but I bet you don't have camels! |
| 23rd February 2009 TedTravel | Abby? - From: Khobar and Abqaiq You say your name is Abby? Hmmm, I don't recall an Abby. Are you sure this is the correct blog? JK. I'm starting to remember now. Do you have your three wishes picked out? |
| 23rd February 2009 Your favorite- 19 year old daughter. | NEAT! - From: Khobar and Abqaiq Dad, your day sounds really great! I think it's the coolest thing to see animals in their natural habitat! (Which is why I think our next vacation needs to be to Africa!! An African safari, how amazing would that be?? -but i digress.) If you get a chance to pick me up one of those Geni lamps I would not complain one little bit!! I would love that! Have a great last few days in S.A! -Abby and as the name I typed in says, your favorite NINETEEN your old daughter. I am 19. Oh, and my name is ABBY. I'm hoping that you remember these things all the way over in S.A since you seem to have difficulty remember whilst still around the US. haha. :) |
| 23rd February 2009 Abs | Weather - From: After the Weekend... I'd like to take this opportunity to brag and say that it has been 80 degrees here since friday. :):) haha. |
| 22nd February 2009 TedTravel | Abqaiq - From: Khobar and Abqaiq I changed my typos, so it now reads "Abqaiq." There really are no u's in Abqaiq. It's just that it's hard to type a q without a u. See photo for proof! |
| 22nd February 2009 TedTravel | Dessert, Desert - From: Khobar and Abqaiq Thanks for the positive comments, Ellen. The photos are a nice touch, but I almost didn't even bring my camera! What a mistake that would have been. You say desert, I say dessert. Potayto, potahto, bla, bla, bla. I'm frankly surprised that I'm not more incoherent when I type these blogs. Usually they are written around midnight. |
| 21st February 2009 anonymous | Jumped the gun... - From: Khobar and Abqaiq I stand corrected. "Aramco - Abqaiq See, it's really spelled that way" |
| 21st February 2009 Jessica | U! - From: Khobar and Abqaiq "AbqUiq. How can a town have two q’s and no u’s?" I see a flaw in your theory. Enjoy your last few days! |
| 21st February 2009 Ellen | You Got Dessert Again - From: Khobar and Abqaiq Ted: You know I was watching Andrew Zimmern the other day (or was it Tony?)...anyway they were eating camel in the DESERT! It sounds like you are having a great time. So glad the trip is working out. I love the pictures. Ellen |
| 21st February 2009 Andy | Directions - From: Shopping in Khobar Hi Ted! Your keen sense of NYC directions must apply to the world! Good job. Your logs and photos are great. I love the restaurant sign, "American Fried Rice" ~ food for losers! We had about 4-5 inches of snow last night. I'm on my way outside to shovel the deck and sidewalk. Pat is doing the driveway / snowblower time. Out of my league. Enjoy your last week. Have you considered hosting a travel recap party? You could include a Q&A session followed by a PDI assessment. Use the skills and tools you have! Soon, Andy |
| 20th February 2009 TedTravel | Daikons - From: Thai Food in Khobar Apparently I didn't know that either, Manir! Of course I'm the one who wrote, "you're English is very good." But I'm blaming that on lack of sleep and too many hours working. Not knowing about diakons is just a lack of general knowledge on my part. Or lack of watching enough Iron Chef on the Food Network Channel. |
| 20th February 2009 Manir | Daikon it is - From: Thai Food in Khobar It's called a daikon in Japan. I did not know the word has found a place in the English language. |
| 20th February 2009 TedTravel | Bouganvillea - From: It's the Weekend! You betcha. Of course, leave it to Sarah to know that they are Guam's territorial flower and called Puti Tai Nobio. If all of us played "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" we could certainly win collectively. |
| 20th February 2009 TedTravel | Aussie Sayings - From: Does anyone have a Swedish dictionary? Heather has not yet weighed in on the Aussie sayings. However, both Glyn (a nataive Aussie) and Wolf (who has lived in Australia for the last 27 years) have verfified that they have used all of these sayings. However, please don't use the "P" word in Saudi! |
| 20th February 2009 TedTravel | Wild Shirts and Daikons - From: Shopping in Khobar Hi Ryan. I'm glad that you are reading the blog. The Aramco compound looks very San Diego and I think you guys would fit right in. Of course, making that trip to Mpls and NoDak would be a lot harder around the holidays! When you mentioned Iron Chef, I can totally picture Alton Brown talking about how to use Diakons and the history of Diakons. Glyn verified that it was a Diakon. Another mystery solved by my friends and family! The T-shirts were second-hand, I believe. So perhaps some ex-Minnesotan decided to trade his shirt for a schwarma sandwich. Wise choice. |
| 20th February 2009 Sarah | Coffee pot - From: It's the Weekend! You betcha. I forgot to add that the coffee pot looks like a Hoopoe! |
| 20th February 2009 Sarah | - From: It's the Weekend! You betcha. Yup, that flowering tree does look like a bougainvillea and they tend to like warmer weather. I love them as well; and they're all over SF. It's also Guam's territorial flower and in Chamorro is known as "Puti Tai Nobio" which means something like "hurts to be without a partner/lover". I have no idea why they named it that. |
| 20th February 2009 Sarah | Pork Chops - From: Does anyone have a Swedish dictionary? Has Heather J authenticated these sayings? Because I really want to start using "Carrying on like a pork chop." I thought Uff-dah was Norwegian? |
| 19th February 2009 Ryan | Wild T-Shirt - From: Shopping in Khobar Hi Ted! Shannon passed along your link, which has become a daily check, if not read for me - what a great experience you're having! I noticed someone mentioned Daikon to you already - I'm not ashamed to admit that I knew that one from watching Iron Chef... the Wild T-Shirt - and this would be a guess - could have actually come from Target... I read an article on ESPN.com after the Patriots lost to the Giants in the Superbowl that the losing teams 'winning' t-shirts, etc. are typically shipped out of the US and given to other countries in need of clothing... figure if you have some entrepreneurial people that get ahold of several shirts it'd be easy to have them end up in a store. Again, just a guess there. Enjoy your last week there! |
| 19th February 2009 eve | - From: It's the Weekend! You betcha. Ted--I love gardening! Especially plants that grow in the tropics! I actually tried growing bougainvillea here last year and it only limped along for a year... |
| 19th February 2009 Jessica | Thank you! :) - From: Shopping in Khobar Finally an entry that didn't make me hungry! |
| 19th February 2009 TedTravel | Bougainvillea - From: It's the Weekend! You betcha. eve, how do you know this stuff? Sorry to hear that it's cold in Mpls. Can you do something about that before I get back there in a week? |
| 19th February 2009 eve | You do know it's 10 degrees in Mpls... - From: It's the Weekend! You betcha. And these pics are pure torture! The food and the gardens are just amazing looking. The flowering tree is bougainvillea I believe (really a thorny vine) that grows huge in places with decent weather! If you want the tropics when you get home, I have about 6 banana plants and need to give some away! Two are over 8 feet tall and one is fruiting! Need to go look at them now in my dreary cold basement and imagine I'm somewhere nice.... |
| 19th February 2009 TedTravel | Picture Shout-out. - From: It's the Weekend! You betcha. De nada. I'm still looking to see if I can find Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Arabic subtitles. It's me shirt. Me only shirt. |
| 18th February 2009 Abby | HP - From: It's the Weekend! You betcha. Haha. Thanks for the picture shout-out. :) |
| 18th February 2009 TedTravel | Professional Blogging - From: Thai Food in Khobar Is there a career in blogging? That would be something interesting. The language thing is interesting, but keep in mind that when I spoke Arabic (and I had practiced the phrase), they looked at me as if I channeling some spirit. My French accent is enough to start a war. When I was in Paris and tried to speak French I actually had one person ask me to PLEASE talk English! Ouch. That hurt. |
| 18th February 2009 TedTravel | Horse Radish or Daikon? - From: Thai Food in Khobar I keep forgetting that my friends know EVERYTHING. First a bird expert, now a veggie expert. Who needs Google when you have such smart friends and relatives. :) Yes, it was white, so I'll go whith Daikon, even though I have no idea what a daikon is. It's Wikkapedia time. |
| 17th February 2009 sherrie | Long, tubular radish... - From: Thai Food in Khobar ...may have been daikon, Ted. Was it white? I worked in a grocery store for 9 years so I became very familiar with produce (boy, does that sound bad or what?!). |
| 17th February 2009 Tiner | A Tower of Babble? - From: Does anyone have a Swedish dictionary? Between your Swedish, your Aussie, your Spanish and your Arabic, I'll be surprised if you can speak American anymore when you return. I found the Aussie sayings absolutely baffling, even with translation! Of course, it made a little more sense when I realized a "Dummy" (as in "Don't Spit the Dummy") was a pacifier. I'm thoroughly enjoying your travel blog -- you know there may be a future for you in travel blogging. Wouldn't THAT be fun! |
| 17th February 2009 TedTravel | Panera - From: Thai Food in Khobar Sorry, Jess, I haven't stumbled across any Panaras. However, you would like the chicken kabobs (although I don't think they use pineapple on theirs!). |
| 16th February 2009 Jessica | Speaking of chains... - From: Thai Food in Khobar Come across any Paneras yet? :) |
| 15th February 2009 Jim Podlich | Its all about the food - From: New Friends and Surprises I certainly hope you brought along an extra suitcase to pack out the food! I am really enjoying your blog. Great job! |
| 15th February 2009 Ellen | Breakfast - From: New Friends and Surprises Never would I ever figure they would serve Bagels, cream cheese and lox! |
| 15th February 2009 Jeff | Bathroom Bidets rock! - From: Random Observations Those sprayers, some call a bathroom bidet sprayer are so much better than handfuls of toilet paper! I experienced my first sprayer in Thailand and fell in love with it. I found one online at http://www.bathroomsprayers.com//index.php and installed it myself. You won't know how or why you lived without it. |
| 14th February 2009 Heather | A sunny Saturday in Dallas.... - From: Random Observations ....and I've just finished making a batch of basil pesto. Yum! Saudi Arabia is on my mind this week. They've just appointed their first female Cabinet Member, who will be responsible for girls' education - a nice sign of progress. And it's the 20 anniversary of Khomeini's fatwah on Salmon Rushdie - wow, how did those years fly by so quickly?! (And how amazing he survived it.) I'm really enjoying your little observational obsessions, Ted! First food and now the facilities ... I guess it's all sort of ...er...connected ;-) |
| 14th February 2009 TedTravel | Laundry - From: Ras Tanura OK, I DO know how to do laundry. It's that I don't do it very often. At home I have written instructions about how much detergent, settings, etc. I could tell you that the controls here are in Arabic, but they just seem that way to me. Hot/Hot, Hot/Cold, Cold/Hot, auto-detect settings, etc., load size. I prefer to use a subject matter expert when one is available. You should know that, eve! |
| 13th February 2009 eve | Home Ec 101? - From: Ras Tanura OK, I would comment on the gorgeous beach and all the other great pics, but I still cannot wrap my brain around the fact that you don't know how to do laundry! Utterly speechless. I hope Glyn teased you mercilessly. |
| 13th February 2009 TedTravel | "What is a Bedouin?" you ask - From: My Day Off - Part 2 The Bedouin, (from the Arabic badaw+ ((/HJ), pl. badk), are predominantly Muslim, desert-dwelling Arab nomadic pastoralist, or previously nomadic group, found throughout most of the desert belt extending from the Atlantic coast of the Sahara via the Western Desert, Sinai, and Negev to the Arabian Desert. Non-Arab groups as well, notably the Beja of the African coast of the Red Sea, are sometimes called Bedouin. |
| 13th February 2009 TedTravel | V-Day - From: My Day Off - Part 2 Actually V-day is another no-no here because it's considered a Christian holiday. Saints and all, ya know. But they did have a small V-Day section in the Commissary. But Jess sent me a link to Fox news that says: “Saudi Religious Police Crack Down on Valentine's Day Contraband.” Here’s a link: www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,491765,00.html |
| 13th February 2009 Tiner | What's a Bedouin? - From: My Day Off - Part 2 Hope you're having fun on the beach! Maybe the whole desert (not dessert) is a beach! After all, life is a beach, so they say. . . What a wonderful trip it sounds like you're having! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. Vicarious, virtual, voyeurish -- probably the only way I'll ever experience S.A. Oh yeah -- and Happy Valentines Day! Probably not a major holiday over there? |
| 13th February 2009 TedTravel | Dessert vs. Desert - From: My Day Off - Part 2 Oh, I get it. You PDI'ers with your fancy advanced degrees. I'll stick with my response to Sarah about S'mores. That way it can be dessert or desert. |
| 13th February 2009 TedTravel | Camping - From: My Day Off - Part 2 My idea of camping is to take a fully stocked RV and park it in front of a Holiday Inn. I'd only do camping because I like s'mores. |
| 12th February 2009 Sarah | Dessert Camping?! - From: My Day Off - Part 2 Is that like hiking into the wilderness with nothing to survive on but your instinct, First Aid kit, and a cooler full of cookies, cakes, brownies, and sundaes? |
| 12th February 2009 Heather | "Dessert" Camping - From: My Day Off - Part 2 This has to go on my list of Top 10 typos, Ted - no doubt caused by your current obsession with food ;-) I think we should keep using it ....I LOVE the idea of dessert camping, especially if I can pitch my tent in chocolate! |
| 12th February 2009 TedTravel | Bacon - From: Weekend Morning I was thinking it might be camel bacon too! |
| 12th February 2009 Ellen | Hey There Never is Good TV - From: Weekend Morning With our 5000 channels you think there would be something to watch. Now I realize moving to other countries isn't going to make a difference. |
| 12th February 2009 eve | - From: Weekend Morning Ted--I love the TV shows! I'm totally LOL about the one with the artistic shot of the pillows in the foreground. I'm assuming you'll be fluent in Arabic by the time you return to the US. The sandstorm was gorgeous. Great exfoliation without all the work. "Bacon"....camel....?? |
| 12th February 2009 TedTravel | Sand Storms - From: Sand Storms - One week Down, Two to Go! I don't think they are predictable and they don't happen all the time. Yes, everything does get covered with sand and dust, but that happens all the time they say. At the commissary, there are always guys with buckets of water and rags in the parking lot. They descend upon parkers and will wash your car while you are shopping. They are part of the HUGE immigrant work force; I think they will clean your car for about $1 US. When I was in Pueblo, Colorado (Target has a warehouse there) I remember they couldn’t keep their windows open because the dust was always flying around. So, there are things that really are better in Minnesota. Of course, we have mosquitoes! |
| 12th February 2009 TedTravel | Palm Trees - From: Sand Storms - One week Down, Two to Go! The palms are hard to see through the haze today, so you might be seeing those Minnesota palms before I see mine! Jim, if I find some Saudi trains, I'll take engine shots for you! |
| 11th February 2009 Jim Podlich | Wow - From: Sand Storms - One week Down, Two to Go! Ted just took my first look at your blog and I am impressed. Keep it coming. As luck would have it, the palm trees in Minnesota blooming early this year. Too bad you have to miss the spectacle. I await your next post. |
| 11th February 2009 Heather | Blech! - From: Sand Storms - One week Down, Two to Go! Very interesting photos, Ted - they sort of look like they're out of someone's old album, because of the quasi-sepia tones. I guess the gold glow is the sun reflecting off all the airbone particles of sand, right? Kind of eery... I don't think "beautiful" would be my word - it just makes me shiver with how gritty every conceivable surface must feel (never did like the beach!). It must get into every nook and cranny, including the cars in the photos...blech! But definitely wonderful to observe from a protective bubble. |
| 11th February 2009 Jessica | - From: Sand Storms - One week Down, Two to Go! These pictures are really interesting. I am guessing you would be in a bit of trouble if you left your windows open on a day like that! Are the sand storms predictable like a thunderstorm would be? |
| 11th February 2009 Ellen | Sandy - From: Sand Storms - One week Down, Two to Go! Ted: I loved your sandstorm pictures. I never thought about a sand storm. The gold color is really nice. Great job on the blog...I really feel I am there with you. Ellen |
| 10th February 2009 TedTravel | Client Presentation - From: Coaching and Hoopoes Heather, we are implementing using an Excel spreadsheet for each participant, rather than scoring on paper. The workbook will contain places for scoring each simulation, cognitive tests, coach comments, etc. and it will transfer everything to an integration grid in Excel, rather than transcribing by hand onto a paper integration page. I am also setting up a wireless router, which creates a virtual network that can be accessed by the consultants’ laptops. The router is connected to an external hard drive that will contain the workbooks. At least that’s the theory! I do miss home, but I’m having a great time here. The others here find that hard to believe, but I’ve told them that I don’t get out much! |
| 10th February 2009 TedTravel | Dates - From: Coaching and Hoopoes eve, you are correct. The dates are GREAT. They are grown locally and apparently are very popular for breakfast. I eat them everyday. The Arabic coffee that goes with them is kind of weak and sweet; I think I'll stay with American coffee. |
| 10th February 2009 TedTravel | Bourne Identity - From: Coaching and Hoopoes Abs, we SO think alike! That's exactly what I said to him. We must be related or something. It was good to hear your voice tonight. |
| 10th February 2009 Abby | Passpots - From: Coaching and Hoopoes That guy with multiple passports is like Bourne!! Ps. I watched a Bourne movie the other day, it made me think of you and miss you alot! I love you daddy! |
| 10th February 2009 eve | Whew! - From: Coaching and Hoopoes So glad I got that bird right! I love birds, but am no Audubon. It's absolutely gorgeous. Keep up with the great updates and pics--I'm travelling vicariously these days. So jealous about the great food you're eating. The dates must be incredible too! Not like the mummified ones we get here... |
| 10th February 2009 Sarah | All Hail the Hoopoe - From: Coaching and Hoopoes I LOVE that bird! I was fascinated when I saw your first pic of it, but couldn't figure out how to find information on it, so am happy someone recognized it. Really enjoying your blogs Ted. Thanks! |
| 9th February 2009 Sarah | - From: Meet the Locals I like how they qualify visitors to mean "Friends or Family". So does this mean "Foes and Strangers" are permitted? |
| 9th February 2009 Tiner | Hoopoe, eh? - From: Coaching and Hoopoes That's funny that your picture was of a real bird. I thought you were just being funny and that it was just a wooden icon carved into the top of the sign post! Rather resembles Woody Woodpecker don't you think! (I'd try to write out the sound that Woody makes but haven't a clue how to even start!) I think it's great that you are making all these international friends. Maybe if Hillary gives up Sec'y of State you could give it a go! |
| 9th February 2009 Heather | Congrats on the success of your first Center! - From: Coaching and Hoopoes - It sounds like it was all smooth sailing with your first AC - nice one! - Gorgeous bird with a fittingly exotic name (and good pic). - What was your client presentation about? - Are you missing home, or sufficiently distracted by the sensory overload? Keep having fun! :-) |
| 9th February 2009 TedTravel | Hoopoe Bird - From: One down, five to go… eve, you are correct!! See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoopoe That's what someone called it today when it was right outside of our window! According to Wikipedia, "The Hoopoe is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. It migrates from all but the southernmost part of its range to the tropics in winter. Hoopoes were considered sacred in Ancient Egypt and symbols of virtue in Persia, but were thought of as thieves across much of Europe and harbingers of war in Scandinavia." |
| 9th February 2009 eve | - From: One down, five to go… Ted--this blog is such a great idea! Sounds like you're having a great time (well, and getting work done too). I think that "weird bird" in one of your previous posts is a Hoopoe (Upupa epops). A Crested Something-or-other. I can't remember the last part! Lark--that's it--a Crested Lark. |
| 9th February 2009 Marianne Griffin | - From: Meet the Locals I can't believe one of the rules is NO VISITORs, what is it? A high school field trip...ha ha? |
| 9th February 2009 Andy | Good eater - From: Getting Braver and More Comfortable Hi Ted! I'm glad all that great food isn't wasted on you. Let your mom know you're eating well. Bring home some recipes. 42F here today with rain and possible thunderstorms. Almost like your new temp home! You are the first blogger I've read, so thanks for introducing me to this technology. Yes, who knew?! AO |
| 7th February 2009 Ellen | Cedars of Lebanon - From: Getting Braver and More Comfortable Ted: I still really miss the Cedars...eat lots of food for me. Ellen |
| 7th February 2009 Abby | Hii - From: Meet the Locals I'm glad to hear that things don't seem to be quite as intensely scary as I had pictured. It sounds like you're really enjoying yourself there. I hope the rest of your trip continues to go well. Be safe. (I'm impressed with your blogging skills thus far! haha.) Love you. |
| 7th February 2009 Jessica | Hello! - From: Meet the Locals It sounds like you are enjoying yourself. Good food and Diet Coke - you might not have a reason to return!! Your living quarters aren't too shabby! It looks like you have the place to yourself? I am enjoying the blog! :) |
| 7th February 2009 TedTravel | Food - From: Getting Braver and More Comfortable Lunch was catered today (they have a guy there all day!) and it was fantastic. Talk about great Middle-Eastern food! You would love it, Ellen. It makes the Cedars of Lebanon in NYC look shabby. |
| 7th February 2009 TedTravel | Tina vs. Tina and Gas Prices - From: Getting Braver and More Comfortable Yes, Tiner, I really do know another Tina. That's the price you pay for having a popular name. Speaking of prices, gas goes for the equivilent of about 25 to 30 cents per gallon. Someone joked that post signs about how much they will pay you to [b]take[/b] the gas! Needless to say, that's not a big expense for people here. Ironically, I've hear that they don't have gasoline refineries here and import it from other countries. However, I'm sure they can trade oil for gas. I also heard that a few years ago, the King decided gas was too expensive and ordered the price to be lowered by 60 percent. Now THAT's a stimulus package we could live with! |
| 6th February 2009 Tiner | 2 Tina's? - From: Getting Braver and More Comfortable Is there another Tina commenting? Because I see a comment posted today by "Tina" and I didn't write it. I'll start signing "Tiner" if it will minimize confusion. Hi Ted! Glad you're working hard. I wondered too about the Coke prices. Do they have their own canning/bottling facilities there? I suspect in US a lot of the cost of the product is for packaging/shipping, which means fuel which is expensive here. That's my theory! What's the cost of gas there? |
| 6th February 2009 Ellen | Food - From: Getting Braver and More Comfortable I am jealous of all that great middle eastern food |
| 6th February 2009 Tina | Thank you for including me - From: First Entry: Minnesota Thank you for including me on your travels. Your blog is very interesting thus far I can't wait to read more!! :) |
| 6th February 2009 Sherrie | A Starbucks on every corner? - From: First Full Day in Saudi Hey Ted~ Great blog! Sounds like you've really become acclimated quickly. The dichotomy between New-World luxuries and Old-World traditions must be a little strange. I'm looking forward to hearing more. Take care of yourself. |
| 5th February 2009 Heather | Say hi to Wolf for me!! - From: First Full Day in Saudi OMG...I haven't seen Wolf in 6+ years - say a big hello and give him a virtual hug for me :-) Lovely guy with a delicious spin on the world. With all those in-house amenities, we may be lucky to coax you back again, Ted! Sounds like you're having great fun exploring. HJ |
| 5th February 2009 TedTravel | Aramco Life - From: Arrival in Saudi Arabia Heather, I posted a few more photos today of the Aramco compound. One problem is that you can't take photos of women or even have them think you are taking a photo with them in it. That limits opportunities. So far Peng Fu from Shanghai and Wolf Wittwer from Australia are here. Tomorrow brings Pat Smith from the US, Sinclair Stevenson from England, Glyn Lawrence not from Arabia, but from Hungry, and Esbjorn Hansson from Sweden. |
| 5th February 2009 TedTravel | Ba ba ba, ba ba Dhahran - From: Arrival in Saudi Arabia Dhahran is about 30 miles from Al-Khobar, which is the coastal (Persian Gulf) city you drive to from Bahrain. The Aramco compound is in Dhahran. I'll see if I can update the map, but they are pretty close to each other. It was about 70 or so here today and sunny. Of course it's mostly always sunny here. In the summer though, it goes up to 110 or more. Unlike Phoenix, it's humid too. That's why they wear the flowing robes. |
| 5th February 2009 Tina | Dhahran? - From: Arrival in Saudi Arabia So I don't see Dhahran on your blog site's Saudi map. Where is it, geographically? Weather-wise, it looks like a great place to be today. But sunny Missouri is supposed to reach mid-50's today and 60's tomorrow. With all the comforts of home! Glad all is good . . . |
| 5th February 2009 Jessica | - From: Arrival in Saudi Arabia YAY! Glad you made it! |
| 5th February 2009 Heather | 6 am in Dallas - From: Arrival in Saudi Arabia Glad to hear you arrived safely, Ted, and that the long-haul flight was cushioned (literally and figuratively) by Biz Class! It's fun to see the photos (I've always wondered what the Aramco compound looks like - post more of those!). Who's "in town" from PDI for the program? |
| 4th February 2009 Tina | Airport - From: At MSP Airport: Northwest Lounge Oh! So THAT''S how it is inside the big secret room! Thanks for sharing! |
| 4th February 2009 Jessica | Chocolate chip cookies - they must have known you were coming! - From: At MSP Airport: Northwest Lounge ... and to think that us "coach" passangers have to pay $100 for a "snack pack" consisting of peanuts and pre-packaged cheese. Unfortunately, you still will not be running into Lindsay Lohan since she only travels first class. A quote from FoxNews.com from today: "The 22-year-old caused chaos while departing on a Delta Flight from Tampa, Fla. on Saturday morning when the airline was unable to provide her with a first-class seat on the already overbooked flight. According to an insider, passengers laughed as the starlet acted incredibly entitled (and embarrassed), stomped around and warned a friend traveling with her: "you'd better come and visit me back there in case I die." But fortunately for Linds, she didn't have to suffer the life-threatening ill of business or economy class as she was eventually moved into first following her entertaining tantrum." |
| 4th February 2009 Marianne | USA - From: At MSP Airport: Northwest Lounge Nothing says America like a chocolate chip cookie. I'm so glad you took a picture of the lounge, as I am sure never to see the inside of one! Ha ha. |
| 4th February 2009 Shannon | - From: First Entry: Minnesota Wow - Saudi Arabia! Stay safe and keep us updated on your blog . . what a great experience! |
| 3rd February 2009 Becky | - From: First Entry: Minnesota Thanks for sharing your trip! I am looking forward to your updates and getting a little taste of life in Saudi Aramco from my office chair in Bloomington. |
| 3rd February 2009 Gail Gallagher | - From: First Entry: Minnesota Hey Ted, I didn't know you were going, but hope you have a great trip. I thought it was a big deal that B,C and Lily are now in Orlando, B surprised her with this trip, but Saudi Arabia tops that. gail |
| 3rd February 2009 TedTravel | Office Furniture - From: First Entry: Minnesota Be warned: I have special sensors (like they do at Target) attached to all office items. If they leave the confines of my office, the authorities will be notified. |
| 2nd February 2009 Sarah Cruz | Office chair - From: First Entry: Minnesota Not to worry you; but I think Marianne made off with your desk chair (and stapler). I'm sure she plans to return them both when you return. Have fun! Sarah - fellow PDI-er |
| 2nd February 2009 Missy | Are you kidding me? - From: First Entry: Minnesota What? How could you have not told me of this exciting opportunity, and you're already gone? I'll look forward to hearing all about it. Have fun and stay safe! Missy - PDI colleague. |
| 2nd February 2009 Cécile | Well done! - From: First Entry: Minnesota For a first timer, you are doing great! You see, it wasn't that difficult :) just load some pictures and some text and you're all set. Family and friends will do the rest... Enjoy (if time allows) your trip, and keep us posted. Ciao ciao, Cécile from snowy Brussels |
| 1st February 2009 Tiner | Uff-da in Missouri - From: First Entry: Minnesota Cool! I didn't know you were leaving so soon. Hope you have a wonderful time and I look forward to your Blogs. Sister-in-Law -- Tina PS - Do they have Groundhog's day in Saudi Arabia? |
| 31st January 2009 Ellen Rich | Way to Go - From: First Entry: Minnesota Ted: For a blog you are doing damn well! It is a real, honest to gosh blog...better than many I have seen. Well done! Good luck on your travels...no strip searches and I look forward to updates. Your Loving Sister, Ellen |
