TedTravel&#39;s Guestbook

Sand Storms
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

Palm Trees
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
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Wow
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
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Blech!
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
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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
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Sandy
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

Client Presentation
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!

From Blog: Coaching and Hoopoes

10th February 2009

Dates
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.

From Blog: Coaching and Hoopoes

10th February 2009

Bourne Identity
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.

From Blog: Coaching and Hoopoes

10th February 2009

Abby
non-member comment

Passpots
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!

From Blog: Coaching and Hoopoes

10th February 2009

eve
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Whew!
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...

From Blog: Coaching and Hoopoes

10th February 2009

Sarah
non-member comment

All Hail the Hoopoe
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!

From Blog: Coaching and Hoopoes

9th February 2009

Sarah
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I like how they qualify visitors to mean "Friends or Family". So does this mean "Foes and Strangers" are permitted?

From Blog: Meet the Locals

9th February 2009

Tiner
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Hoopoe, eh?
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!

From Blog: Coaching and Hoopoes

9th February 2009

Heather
non-member comment

Congrats on the success of your first Center!
- 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! :-)

From Blog: Coaching and Hoopoes

9th February 2009

Hoopoe Bird
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."

From Blog: One down, five to go

9th February 2009

eve
non-member comment

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.

From Blog: One down, five to go

9th February 2009

Marianne Griffin
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I can't believe one of the rules is NO VISITORs, what is it? A high school field trip...ha ha?

From Blog: Meet the Locals

9th February 2009

Andy
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Good eater
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
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Cedars of Lebanon
Ted: I still really miss the Cedars...eat lots of food for me. Ellen

7th February 2009

Abby
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Hii
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.

From Blog: Meet the Locals

7th February 2009

Jessica
non-member comment

Hello!
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! :)

From Blog: Meet the Locals

7th February 2009

Food
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

Tina vs. Tina and Gas Prices
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!