Hello Everyone-Live from Camp Arfijan Kuwait

[greatam]

My business trip is not going as well as I had hoped for. My guys are having problems getting the scope of the assignment in Iraq and Kuwait, my big meeting in Vietnam was put off at the last minute for a week, so got on a plane out of Saigon to Bangkok, then Bangkok to Bahrain, then Bahrain to Kuwait City. Flew Bangkok Air out of Saigon, then changed to Gulf Air business class out of BKK. Never been on Gulf Air before. Darn decent airline at a really decent price for business class-less than $1600 RT from Bangkok (and I am returning to Asia via Dubai). Full compliment of booze onboard (which surprised me) and the food was pretty darn good. The Arabic entre (some kind of chicken) was better than the Western filet. A little bit better than AA's business class sleeper seats, but not quite as good as BA or Cathay.

 

Just wanted to check in and say hi to all my CC friends. I'll try to answer a few questions while I have internet access. Some of the internet access on this base is as expensive as on a cruise ship. The military gets free internet but it is slow and cumbersome, so I am sitting in Starbucks on the base using their $2.00 per hour wi fi.

 

Catch you later!!!!

[Jade13]

Sorry your trip is not going as well as planned.

 

When will you be back in the US?

[Globaliser]

Full compliment of booze onboard (which surprised me) ...

It's almost a full-time job trying to keep track of which airlines from Muslim countries are dry, and which are not!

 

Sorry to hear that your plans have gone awry. Most importantly, though: Did you get to Sydney?

 

And did your guys manage their FRA-LHR-DXB connection OK?

[wrp96]

greatam, sorry to hear about the issues with your trip. Glad to hear you discovered another decent airline though. Hope things improve rapidly for you.

[DougYWG]

Get yourself down to the gold souk in the old part of town. It's an eye-opener. Can you resist?

[greatam]

Hope the mods don't take this thread down.

 

Thanks everyone for your concern about my trip, but in reality, this kind of off the wall change of plans is what gives my life zip. I know I will make my meeting in Vietnam whenever they get their ducks in a row (only a 10 hour plane ride away) and this stuff here is far more interesting than moving specialty fruits out of Vietnam. That's easy-this stuff is difficult and exciting and adrenaline producing.

 

We have been waiting since 6:00AM this morning for crossing clearance into the war zone (it is just a little after 10:00AM). Lo and behold, one of the soldiers came up and told me they have wi-fi here. So I will just use the government's wi-fi until they get the paperwork squared away. I brought 10 copies of passport, D/L and government contractor ID, front and back of D/L and CAC (government ID), all on one sheet, about the number all international military installations require for access. I have passed out all but 2 copies. Now they decided that we need ADDITIONAL paperwork for the rental car because my guys were driving it around in Kuwait-not direct entry from the airport into Iraq. Copies of Kuwait visa's need to be attached BUT ONLY ON ONE PIECE OF PAPER (they are double sided). You can't imagine how long it takes to get a double sided copy made at the border crossing. We missed the first two convoys into Baghdad (left at 8:00 and 10:00AM), so now we have to wait for 2 more hours. Hope we make the next convoy, as I really want to get into Baghdad before dark and get settled. Then a couple of meetings with the Colonel and his staff in the morning and back to Kuwait we go. We could not get permission to drive around to the other bases without escorted access. And that is too complicated for a short business trip. I really wanted to see how things have changed since the last time I was here. Oh, well, such is life.

 

Globaliser,

 

My guys did fine, with two exceptions. The machines to buy the train tickets are all in German. Trying to figure out whether they got the right ticket ate up about 40 Euros. I don't think it ever dawned on them to find an English speaker to help get the right train tickets. So they actually took a cab to Mainz. THAT was a pricey trip (ate up more Euros). They barely had enough for the hotel room. But the little Rhine River cruise was canceled due to weather (it got much colder, I guess, than normal) and the hotel actually allowed them to check in by 10:00AM, so they watched TV, slept and wandered around the town. No complaints in Mainz.

 

But I won't EVER convince them to transit through terminal 5, Heathrow again. They had nothing but hassles. Walk, Walk, Walk, oops, you're going the wrong way. Walk, walk, walk, oops, you're in the wrong line. Up the lift, down the escalator, then back up the lift to find out you are at the wrong entrance to Galleries (they somehow ended up at the back door of the Concorde Room and the doorman wouldn't let them transit through). And then when they got ready to board the plane, they walked and they walked and they walked, up a lift, down an escalator and then walk through a jetway that they both swear was a half mile long (Gate 32, satellite terminal). So if they have to go back (it looks like another trip in June/July into Afghanistan), I will send them through Amsterdam and get them on the Lufthansa flights to Kuwait or Dubai.

 

They are happy campers now-seeing something that a lot of people will never see. The camels were just thick early this morning and the Kuwaiti's drive really wild. We saw three big wrecks on the way up here this morning. We were driving out in the sand to avoid a car coming head on that insisted on passing a truck convoy coming out of Iraq on a two lane road. What an experience!!!

 

Here comes the Security guy. Hopefully we can get in line. Catch you all later.

 

Gina

[Globaliser]

But I won't EVER convince them to transit through terminal 5, Heathrow again. They had nothing but hassles. Walk, Walk, Walk, oops, you're going the wrong way. Walk, walk, walk, oops, you're in the wrong line. Up the lift, down the escalator, then back up the lift to find out you are at the wrong entrance to Galleries (they somehow ended up at the back door of the Concorde Room and the doorman wouldn't let them transit through). And then when they got ready to board the plane, they walked and they walked and they walked, up a lift, down an escalator and then walk through a jetway that they both swear was a half mile long (Gate 32, satellite terminal). So if they have to go back (it looks like another trip in June/July into Afghanistan), I will send them through Amsterdam and get them on the Lufthansa flights to Kuwait or Dubai.

You make T5 sound like AMS itself! :D Except, admittedly, AMS only has one terminal like that ...

[megr1125]

Gina...

 

Hope you are safe, well and staying out of trouble! be careful and keep us updated...this sounds fascinating anyway!!

 

meg

[alcpa1]

Thanks for the update. We really miss you around here. Have a safe journey and may you and your team arrive home safely.

[megr1125]

Well...hope you made it to where ever you are going next...and i hope all works out.....stay safe...we miss ya!

[megr1125]

Hey Greatam!

 

We're sure you are swamped...and who knows WHERE....but just making sure you are OK and staying out of trouble!!!!!

[greatam]

Alive and well in Bangkok at the airport. Waiting for a plane to go back to Dubai, Kuwait and Iraq. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and concern.

 

Made my meeting in Saigon (not much to tell there-ship the fruit, ship the fruit, ship the fruit-please get yourselves some new containers-no, we make do with the old ones-then you will eat the claims, NOT ME!!!! Same old stuff.). Have now decided to go back to the "war zone". The opportunities are really astounding in the Mid East. Dubai/Kuwait companies we have contacted about handling some of their shipping have been very open about using our services. And of course, since the war is somewhat winding down in Iraq, the government contracts are flowing heavy for logistics, food, and supplies to do the rebuilding. They will move the military out and use the bases for all the contract companies that want to rebuild Iraq. I would like to nail down a little piece of the action (and a whole lot of that money). I will stay in the Mid East until about February 10. Then, keep your fingers crossed, I THINK I finally get to open the hotel. We have scheduled the opening for Valentine's Day (of course, no consequence in Cambodia-they have not heard of the holiday).

 

If the hotel opening goes off without a hitch, I will make one more swing through the Mid East and then home I go. I am getting spoiled with those business class fares being so cheap out of Asia and the Mid East. I still have to make my final trip to SA for the year, so that has to be planned for.

 

I will try to keep in touch but internet is iffy in Iraq except on the bases. And darn expensive in Kuwait unless you have a residence permit.

 

And for everyone in the USA wondering if we have done any good in Iraq-a resounding YES!!! It truly is a different country from when I was here two+ years ago. Hardly any kabooms around Baghdad and South. The PEOPLE want this country to succeed and it shows. They are really starting to take pride in their country. They now know about capitalism and not who's butt you have to kiss to get ahead. The stores are pretty well full with a nice assortment of merchandise. If they can get the electric working properly (like 24 hours a day all over the country) and get some of the war damage cleared away, the Iraqi people will have a very nice country. They KNOW how to do it-just were never given the opportunity. BUY Iraqi Dinars. I have a feeling in a couple years they will increase in value a lot. I just bought another couple of million. Even if they only go up to $.10 on the dollar, you have made $10,000 for about an $800.00 investment. PS-this is NOT investment advice, just my own personal opinion.

 

Catch everyone later. I am going to get a drink and some food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

[Globaliser]

It truly is a different country from when I was here two+ years ago.

I'm glad that things seem to be taking a turn for the better. But I can't help wondering how long it will be before things are back to the stability that there was before March 2003, which is the key issue.

[megr1125]

glad to hear all is going pretty well ! we miss you around here...stay safe, good luck hammering out your business deals....and check in again when you can!!!

[wrp96]

So glad to hear from you and that things are going well. I hope your hotel gets opened as planned as I know you've been working on this for years.

[nho9504]

I'm glad that things seem to be taking a turn for the better. But I can't help wondering how long it will be before things are back to the stability that there was before March 2003, which is the key issue.

 

And after all the lives lost, houses burnt, billions spent... just to return to the stability before March 2003, (sans dictator, of course.) ...

[alcpa1]

I'll not make a political statement, but your view is worth more than the garbage we have been fed from Washington. It is a perspective I have not heard before and we all eagerly await every post.

Everyone is reluctant to book a flight without you. We truly miss you and hope that the remainder of your work goes well and you accomplish your missions and return home safely.

[Jade13]

Hi Greatam! Wow, I thought you were just going to Asia...And I miss Bangkok as I lived and worked there at one point years ago.

[Cruisin' Ron VA]

My business trip is not going as well as I had hoped for. My guys are having problems getting the scope of the assignment in Iraq and Kuwait, my big meeting in Vietnam was put off at the last minute for a week, so got on a plane out of Saigon to Bangkok, then Bangkok to Bahrain, then Bahrain to Kuwait City. Flew Bangkok Air out of Saigon, then changed to Gulf Air business class out of BKK. Never been on Gulf Air before. Darn decent airline at a really decent price for business class-less than $1600 RT from Bangkok (and I am returning to Asia via Dubai). Full compliment of booze onboard (which surprised me) and the food was pretty darn good. The Arabic entre (some kind of chicken) was better than the Western filet. A little bit better than AA's business class sleeper seats, but not quite as good as BA or Cathay.

 

Just wanted to check in and say hi to all my CC friends. I'll try to answer a few questions while I have internet access. Some of the internet access on this base is as expensive as on a cruise ship. The military gets free internet but it is slow and cumbersome, so I am sitting in Starbucks on the base using their $2.00 per hour wi fi.

 

Catch you later!!!!

 

I hope all is going well on your BUSINESS trip. Is there a cruise involved in this? :confused:

 

Dont forget to give us a detailed report upon your return.

 

And look for my detailed review of my big Florida trip coming up in May. :D

[greatam]

Been all over the world-in fact, around the world almost twice.

 

From the Middle East to Asia back and forth, then to South America and finally back home. Planes on time, great service all the way around the world UNTIL I got to DFW yesterday. And an entire variety of new airlines. Eithiad/Kuwaiti Airlines/Jet and a couple of others in addition to Gulf Air and the charters on Gryphon into Iraq.

 

Plane was late by an hour leaving DFW and the airport was closing in Tucson when I arrived. I still had 200 miles to go to get home. No one way car rentals to Phoenix (even with a reservation at Avis), so Greyhound it was. What a way to end an overall glorious trip. Even the crazy drivers in Kuwait, the war zone in Iraq, the "non signed" route to the Abu Dhabi airport (that place is a b***ch to find), crossing the Thailand/Cambodia border via land was less of a hassle than the late plane and lack of service at USA airports. When will the USA begin to realize that customer service is what gets the customers in the first place and keeps the customers in the long run??? Thanks again to AA for smoothing out the travel bumps. They were the ones who got me a Greyhound ticket and paid for my taxi to the Greyhound terminal.

 

I will be in the USA for a few months (I think???). My expertise/knowledge of the airline industry and world travel is always available.

 

PS: the hotel is open-have even had an offer from a competing corp to buy it. I may sell. Owning a hotel in a Communist country is NOT what its cracked up to be, even though Cambodia is the next "wish list" travel place. I think taking the money may be a smart move. Now if they will just pay me what it took out of me for almost three years. Wishful thinking!!!!

[jasl]

Good to see you back Greatam, missed you. Always enjoy your excellent advice and reports for our fellow CC'rs. Fantastic cruise deals abound, don't you think you deserve a break???? Anyway, welcome back.............................

[greatam]

Good to see you back Greatam, missed you. Always enjoy your excellent advice and reports for our fellow CC'rs. Fantastic cruise deals abound, don't you think you deserve a break???? Anyway, welcome back.............................

 

Thanks for the welcome home. Yes, cruise deals are everywhere. And yes, I could use a little break. But where would I go????

 

Have absolutely no desire to do the Caribbean. Mexico again is a possibility. Spring TA-been gone too long now as it is. My USA customers have forgotten my voice. Suggestions welcome!!!! The more unusual/offbeat/quirky, the better. I could use about a week-10 days before I dive into the Spring/summer wedding/prom/party food season.

[Jade13]

Thanks for the welcome home. Yes, cruise deals are everywhere. And yes, I could use a little break. But where would I go????

 

Have absolutely no desire to do the Caribbean. Mexico again is a possibility. Spring TA-been gone too long now as it is. My USA customers have forgotten my voice. Suggestions welcome!!!! The more unusual/offbeat/quirky, the better. I could use about a week-10 days before I dive into the Spring/summer wedding/prom/party food season.

 

Yes, I have a great idea. I hope to email you in the next day. Have you been to the Arctic? SilverSeas has many cruises at 50% off. This is crazy last minute (and offbeat) for us since we just got back from Antarctica, but the July 4th Prince Albert II 10 night Tromso-Longyearbyen is half price and 2 days ago all category cabins (but maybe the owners suite) were available. The itinerary requires a forced overnight back (most likely through Oslo), and probably one going there, so would be a bit more than 10 days. It's all inclusive luxury and no tours to purchase since its their expedition ship. Yes, it wasn't the best dates for us and we would have preferred either of the next two dates, but they are not 50% off.

 

It sounds like you may need something earlier (before spring?) and being gone over July 4th may be a problem? The hotel/food business here is dead in July.

 

Btw, welcome back!

[wrp96]

Welcome home!! We've missed you.

[greatam]

Yes, I have a great idea. I hope to email you in the next day. Have you been to the Arctic? SilverSeas has many cruises at 50% off. This is crazy last minute (and offbeat) for us since we just got back from Antarctica, but the July 4th Prince Albert II 10 night Tromso-Longyearbyen is half price and 2 days ago all category cabins (but maybe the owners suite) were available. The itinerary requires a forced overnight back (most likely through Oslo), and probably one going there, so would be a bit more than 10 days. It's all inclusive luxury and no tours to purchase since its their expedition ship. Yes, it wasn't the best dates for us and we would have preferred either of the next two dates, but they are not 50% off.

 

It sounds like you may need something earlier (before spring?) and being gone over July 4th may be a problem? The hotel/food business here is dead in July.

 

Btw, welcome back!

 

Great idea-wrong time frame. If I take off for a little vacation (my office staff is moaning about that one already), it will have to be before May 15. We deal with too many high end catering companies that do a whale of business from mid May until Labor Day. Weddings and garden parties are big specialty food occasions. And of course, I have to get my guys into Alaska for our annual fish shipping extravaganza.

 

My assistant just told me I had had "too much vacation already". She was listening to the two guys that went to the Mid East talk about the trip before I got home. They thought it was pretty neat the way I traveled-sightsee as well as take care of business. But I have always done that. If I am being paid to go somewhere for business, anywhere, I am going to work the trip so I have a few extra hours to look around and see something. I just don't understand some "road warriors" who go from hotel to hotel. They can tell you everything about hotels all over the world. But they have never taken a few hours to enjoy the small pleasures outside the hotels. IMHO, the small things are what makes life worthwhile.

 

Thanks again for the suggestion. Sounds like a great trip (and I would love to try Silversea at something other than Silversea normal prices).

 

Here's a couple pictures close to the Iraq border when we saw the large herd of camels the first trip into Iraq. We were all just fascinated. And the closer we got to the camels, the more I wanted to stop. So stop we did-that's me with a wild camel who just decided to come over to see what we were about. My guys and I were kind of worried, as the camel had just run off someone else who stopped. But another camel allowed us and others who stopped to pet it. It grabbed a bag of chips from someone's hand. Great fun and a truly memorable experience. All the brownish "dots" on the horizon in the first picture are camels-the herd was probably over 100.