4 August 2011

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Things just aren't that exciting, I don't really want to relive every boring day doing the same thing, and I doubt anyone would really want to read it.

Quick update. I'll be going to Dubai August 12-15 to do work on some tanks there. While there I have made a reservation to go to the top of the Burj Khalifa - the world's tallest building. I am also doing an evening desert safari which should be a good cultural experience.

I then come back here for about 10 days then return to Dubai for one last round of tank maintenance, then my flight home. I have made a reservation at the Hilton on Jumeirah Beach in Dubai for my last 2 nights - figure I should get some form of vacation out of this. I found a great rate of $133 per night, including breakfast buffet!


Some observations - things maybe "lost in translation."
1. On the back of a water pump truck, "For complaining please call...." I need to remember that number and give it to my students.
2. Gas station name, FUCHS with the slogan "German technology speaks for itself."
3. My favorite company names ever, "Schwing Concrete Pumps." Awesome.

Another note, have you seen the Airbus 380?! It's a full double decker, not like those silly 747's with only a few rows up top. This things has a full on lounge, spa, maybe a bowling alley, upstairs in the plane! That's what I flew on from Dubai to Saudi. It is MASSIVE. You don't realize how big it is until you're standing underneath it on the tarmac.

OK, have to get to work. Got a bit of "good" news to take some stress off. The shop won't be able to open until late September since the retail product won't arrive until then. No deadlines for me! I just have to get as much done as I can while I'm here. That's a load off, considering I can;t do much more work until these other guys get their stuff done... How long can it possibly take to make a shelf for a fish tank stand?! Obviously several days. Damn, I could have cut a piece a plywood into a rectangle with a hand saw by now, I asked them about 4 days ago. UGH.

Ramadan Kareem! That's what everyone is saying, I assume it means something to the effect of happy Ramadan - which frankly seems like a contradiction, but whatever.