Mina Salman Success

Posted on July 16, 2014 by TheJessicaness
my CPR (Bahrain ID) ''card''

my CPR (Bahrain ID) ”card”

Caleb got out of bed when my alarm went off. We got dressed and got in the car, both of us still groggy, and him tired enough to try to get us lost. I pulled up to the large, orange cone blocking the lane with the pass in the window and both IDs in hand. The guard asked if we were walking and I told him I’m driving Caleb on. He said ok, handed me the IDs, and looked at our trunk while I looked for a way to open it.

coloured rice at breakfast

coloured rice bowl under breakfast buffet

I popped the hood and then got the ok to drive. “Stay to the left… and after the speed-hump take a right.” I drop Caleb off near a tall cement wall with three mine sweeper boats on the other side. He tells me he’ll see me this afternoon and we might give some of the guys a ride so they don’t have to wait 45 minutes for a bus here, and then even longer for another one to get to their hotels. I understand why they don’t walk – it’s hot, they can’t drink, and they probably don’t know the way.

Leaving base, I stop at the cone on this side. The guard comes out of his tiny shack, moves the cone, looks at the pass, and then I wait for him to check the trunk and give me the ok before driving off. I was told yesterday that babies and booze aren’t allowed on this base. It’s a work area, not a place to get drunk and sell kids. One of the guards offered to hold a woman’s kid while she dropped her husband off. So I guess depending on the day and the mood of who’s on watch it can be difficult and tricky to get on base.

a painting in Yamin Jana

a painting in Yamin Jana

Back at the room, I have Cheerios then go outside to shut the hood of the car. I have to take care of TLA today – offices opening at 8 and 9am. I start working on my blog and get lost looking up travel plans for the Middle East and an eight country tour of Europe from Barcelona to Berlin. I managed lunch and to walk the dogs before leaving at 1pm. I was able to take care of TLA at PSD and ran into a guy (now OS1 Tate) from the ship I was on over eight years ago – USS Whidbey Island.

details in the ceiling

details in the ceiling

I looked for Bldg. 16, and when the lady helping me couldn’t figure it out I asked the guys sitting behind me and one told me it was to the left. I went that way and a guy pointed me to the Prayer Room, Bldg. 59, but went to look at a map so he could walk me over to the right area. I went to the door of Bldg 15 before finding the right one. I was invited inside and tempted by the popsicle being eaten and girl scout cookies on display. I was helped with what paperwork we need, how far in advance we need to submit it, and she emailed me some links so that I can do more research at home.

I remembered I would need an abaya, hijab, and niqab if we’re going through Saudi so I directed myself to the City Centre to go shopping. I met some nice women – one complimented me on my outfit after I adored her embroidery and others pointed to the $300 store when I asked where they got theirs. “Oh, I don’t shop” was one reply. She might not be given an allowance, but at least she’s allowed to hang out with family or friends. A lady overheard our conversation and affirmed what I already knew. The best place will be the Manama Souq.

looking down in City Centre

looking down in City Centre

I made my way back to the entrance I came in. I passed a swimsuit store and went in to try one on. I was going to be ok with the $70 price tag, but they didn’t have a top in my size. It’s hard too when it’s not in the usual sizes that I’m used to. It’s a long way around and I happened to pass a barber/cologne shop that specifically had amber in the name. I thought it pungent at first smell, so I rubbed some on my wrist and after it aired out it was lovely. I walked out, smiling, and smelling myself and this guy stops. “Hi, I’m from Syria. Do you speak Arabic?” I thanked him for his kindness and carried on. Caleb texted me that he was getting off work. It was time to go.

extravagant lighting in City Centre

extravagant lighting piece in City Centre

I picked Caleb up and all the other guys were already in the duty van and fine waiting for it to leave. We went to the uniform shop on base. It’s by the warehouses. I didn’t realize the base was so big until I had to walk so far to the back of it, but it seems worth it. There is uniforms, snacks, office supplies, motorcycle gear, etc. I picked up a binder so I can organise all the paperwork we have once I get our hole puncher. Caleb picked up some pins for a guy that’s getting advanced tomorrow.

From there we drove to MegaMart, ample parking outside today, and bought noodles, water (got a free large Fanta with it because it was unlabelled but sealed), garlic bread, and lemon pepper. At home I will make the cheesy noodles with garlic bread for dinner. We watch a chef competition show while we eat and then I do more travel planning while Caleb texts his dad and then goes for his nightly run.

What does my car say to the broken one? It looks fixed to me!

What does my car say to the broken one? It looks fixed to me!

I read a few pages and notice my dark and dry feet. I think I’m in great need for a pedicure until I wash them. They look healthy, clean, and brand new. It’s amazing what a little dust can do. Or a lot, like block out cell signal completely, and interrupt radio and TV transmissions. Caleb has another boat moored in front of him and wasn’t able to see it this morning. Everyday is an adventure.

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A Long Day Out

Posted on July 15, 2014 by TheJessicaness
Good morning, Bahrain!

Good morning, Bahrain!

I woke up late, ate too much breakfast, and was determined to get out of the house today. I went by the front desk to ask for two receipts – one for Caleb, and one for me, and their system was down so I was told they would be sent to my room. I headed out towards Busaiteen and once there turned around to have a look at Bahrain’s largest nursery. They have trees, flowers, goats, emus, etc. I found a few plants that I wouldn’t mind looking at for the next 22 months and then headed to Lulu’s so I could sneak a sip of water.

bread, fruit, cheese, cereal, juice

bread, fruit, cheese, cereal, juice

beans, sausage, hash-browns, boiled eggs

beans, sausage, hash-browns, boiled eggs

I was going to look for a bathing suit, but didn’t even make it to the top floor. I found another bottle of scented body oil, some cotton balls, strawberry scented nail polish remover, and a new Lindt bar flavour – toffee and hazelnuts. Then I went to base to get some lunch. I found 4 oz of cut veggies in a cup with 1 oz ranch dip and refilled the little cup once. I went to the NEX to look around and got pink and blue nail polish and some strawberry crème protein powder.

this is how they sweep, mop, squeegee, and buff the floors every morning

this is how they sweep, mop, squeegee, and buff the floors every morning

I was looking for the pink shaker bottle and the place started to get crowded. Two amphibious ships pulled in today and one can carry more than 800 personnel. I checked GNC and no luck there, I went back to the NEX and a manager told me to check the bottom shelf. I looked, and there it was. I ran into HT1 Allnutt, Christie and her three kids (and got invited to Angel’s birthday party), and into Yanell with Lucas, and met her husband, the XO of the Gladiator. It’s 5pm when Caleb finally texts me – latest day yet.

the hidden green of the desert

the hidden green of the desert

rock blooms

rock blooms

a sprouting rock

a sprouting rock

I waited in the roundabout for Caleb. We got home to walk and feed dogs and Caleb suggest we go to the Mantraa restaurant that serves pani puri – a special treat at Dad’s, but a popular street snack in India. I was in total agreement. We park across the street from the Olive Hotel where it’s located, but it’s closed for Ramadan, so we go across the lobby to Vesuvio Tavern where pizza is advertised just to find that section closed.

this isn't for delaying smells and isn't included on the list of porno mags and fuzzy cuffs

this isn’t for delaying smells… 

but this tray is!

but this tray is!

We sit down and order bruschetta, lemon with our water (thinking it’s going to not be bottled), veggie biryani, and fungus noodles. Some guys walked in with the same hopes as us – eating pizza, but left loudly. I saw a guy eating some gelatinous dark ball and was interested enough to ask the server what it was. I tried asking for the dessert menu, but he suggested the cheesecake, so I got that with a grape on top. The biryani came with yogurt sauce and luckily they put it in a bag or it would have been in the backseat.

so you can repair socks, abayas, sails, couches, mattresses, carpets, etc.

so you can repair socks, abayas, sails, couches, mattresses, carpets, etc.

The night guard recognised our car as we pulled up and helped us park and then opened my door. He is so nice. I took the dogs for a walk while Caleb went for a run. He takes a shower while waiting for a YouTube video to load. We will watch that before going to bed.

bruschetta style

bruschetta, Vesuvio Tavern style

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Tired Morning

Posted on July 14, 2014 by TheJessicaness

or… A Day Without Photographic Proof

I felt so tired, and utterly exhausted, driving Caleb to work, to toil his life away, this morning. My alarm went screaming and screeching off the nightstand at 5:15, but I was back in bed and under the covers of cotton and comfort by 6 am before the sun had a chance to burn the earth. Lucky me, I woke at 7:45 so that I could have steaming hot coffee with a small plate of fresh and juicy pineapple and watermelon. I would add a little muffin and a mango yogurt to my breakfast menu and sit down to chomp on all that healthy goodness while watching other families and groups eat too.

I grabbed the dog’s leashes when I got back to the room and strapped up my four-legged companions for a heated walk across the parking lot to the grass and trees on the other side that provide some reprieve in the shade. I published another post on here about something that I don’t remember now, made some random comments on Facebook to people who remain friends to me online, and tried to text Caleb to find out if he had melted on the boat yet. With no evidence that he has service on his cell phone, I will leave him a message via Facebook to ensure one gets delivered. 

Lunchtime, anywhere between 10 am and 2 pm, came for another day because the sun had not yet exploded and was still letting the Earth revolve around it. I chose this time to have some soft creamy Brie cheese, one of the few items in the tiny refrigerator, and crumbly oat-ey hobnobs to smoosh the dairy treat onto and shove into my mouth. That snack didn’t last long in my digestive system and caused my brain to tell me to eat an early dinner at the ridiculous time of 3 pm. For this meal, I chose the mighty Ramen noodles, the champion of foods for college-age students.

I decided to pour cream of asparagus soup all over the enriched wheat flour strings in my bowl to add needed nutrients, mostly fat soluble vitamins and fiber. I sat down on the couch to watch a movie with Tom Cruise as a Navy lawyer defending two marines following orders from their superiors, even if they knew they were breaking the law. Perhaps this makes me feel better about the life choices that I’ve made, but they were always in my best interest (or so my teenage brain thinks — even if I’m not in that age group anymore), even at the risk of hurting someone’s feelings.

At exactly seven o’clock, I had a peeled kiwi with the help of a spife (a plastic spoon and knife combo) and some random colored jelly beans. I walked the two dogs, Sparky and Piggy, to a nearby roundabout at half-past eight at night. I had fun watching the shiny fish make different shapes in the canal while the dogs just stared at the commotion in the water. I saw nicely decorated verandas for night-time use and some large boats that can only be used during the day. I stared at the glorious white moon reflecting on the smooth ocean and heard some loud kids near the wooden dock and short gazebos. 

I will return us to our air-conditioned domain and away from views and people’s offspring for some room temperature water, sweaty clothes removal for me, and lying on cold marble ice-cube like floors for all. Once our bodies are acclimated to the indoor environment again we can move about freely to brush our teeth, lick our butts (dogs only), and jump onto furniture that ensures contentment for the whole body throughout the night’s slumber at the Dragon Hotel & Resort in Amwaj Island, Kingdom of Bahrain.

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Driving Tired

Posted on July 13, 2014 by TheJessicaness
Brain Pickings dot org

Brain Pickings dot org

Caleb’s alarm went off at 4:30 this morning. I was able to go back to sleep for at least 20 minutes while he shaved and such and still get him to work by 5:30. He started reading a book this morning on How to Get Over Jealousy (of your wife and her education and good looks). I could tell him the answer. Go back to school, read more, stop drinking and watching TV, and go to the gym. I need to tell myself these things too, so I don’t have to hate who I think I’m becoming – a sheep instead of the shepherd.

snippet of Efficiently Destructive by Doctor Quack on WordPress

snippet of Efficiently Destructive by Doctor Quack on WordPress

I went back to bed and cuddled with Sparky. It was so great, but I also fell back asleep and didn’t wake until 9:45, making me lose valuable hours of my day, miss the free breakfast, and feel like crap for driving to base this morning and not going to the gym. I still need to ask about the one across the street so that I can work out on weekend mornings after dropping Caleb off while the gym on base is still closed.

part of an article from Business In Gulf magazine

part of an article from Business In Gulf magazine

I had shawarma for breakfast. The pineapple was good but soggy, and the chocolate was too sweet to finish. I had veggie shawarma for lunch. I published a post and then worked out until Caleb texted me. I picked him up after 4pm. We had Ramen and potato soup for dinner. I worked on my blog while he played on his phone. He went for a run after 8:30 and got back in time to walk the dogs with me. He showers and we go to bed after 10:30.

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Whatever Works In the Moment

Posted on July 12, 2014 by TheJessicaness
buying the beer

buying the beer

I got to stay up late and read last night knowing I could sleep in this morning. I still set my alarm, but that was quickly silenced and I went back to bed until my secondary alarm, Sparky, started going off – and this one doesn’t shut up so easily. I got up to walk him and could’ve turned around quickly, but walked him to the end, got back to the room, and took him out again with Piggy who woke up alone. It’s good for them to get exercise in the shade of a 97 degree morning with a breeze that makes it feel like 85.

Caleb texted me at 8am. I picked him up, we got invited to hang out with Coleman, and went home to feed the dogs. We went to the gym for an hour and treated ourselves to smoothies – pineapple, kiwi, mango, green apple – that the guards let us take slurping out of the gate. Caleb didn’t realize anything until the guy at the Almoayyed Plaza desk was like, “WTF?!” but in Arabic. I’m surprised we forgot, but am glad we didn’t get in trouble.

drinking the beer

drinking the beer

We got to John’s place at 10am with a sixer of Shock Top wheat that I had three of. We walked on base at 2pm to get more beer, booze, and chip dip from the NEX. Then we went to the liquor store and bought a sixer of Benediktiner that I had 2 of. Caleb bought a $196 bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue. Back in the room I sipped on some Redbreast – it smelled terrible but went down smooth.

We hung out until 6pm when we needed to go home and walk and feed the dogs again. We went back for dinner. Caleb ordered BD40 of shawarma from Bayti that came with fries and the chocolate ones came with fried pineapple (that I shoved in John’s face) and then ate the rest in that dish. We hung out around the pool until 9:40 when Caleb started getting tired. We took home plenty of leftovers. I had fun hanging out with the guys. We’re home at 10:15pm.

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