Jaques Travels

The Massage

2010-04-20T00:52:00.000-07:00

Long Bob getting a nice rub down by one of the nice young ladies who for 3oo Bhat would give you a relaxing Thai Massage by the pool. Worth every cent!!.

What a view.

2010-04-20T00:49:00.000-07:00

Now this is what I call a view, you can watch TV while sitting on the bog, this is the view through the shower and bedroom, not much good if you are a very private person. Ok for me as I was on my own.

Cocktail hour

2010-04-20T00:45:00.000-07:00

Our evening ritual, happy hour at the Coconut Bar, half price drinks 110 Bhat or about $4.00 each, we didn't need to bring our usual array of duty free stuff as it was easier to just buy them ready made. You can see the Cartel is concentrating on the job at hand.

More Phukete Photo's

2010-04-20T00:43:00.000-07:00

The boys enjoying the heat and humidity enroute to a nice quite bar and a couple of cold beers, no doubt the girls were shopping as they are busy heading up the street.

2010-04-14T01:05:00.001-07:00

Patong market bar time to relax and cool down with a drop of the amber liquid.

2010-04-14T00:59:00.000-07:00

The bars and markets at Patong beach where everybody gets a bargain. Bartering is expected and if you are adept a bargain can easily be had, once you have clinched your deal it's time to get to a bar and quench your parched tonsils with a cold Singa or two. This place was huge and you could find just about anything even lady boys for the less discerning, we were not going to venture there and just stuck with the usual stuff, clothes, dvd's etc.

2010-04-14T00:53:00.000-07:00

It mustbe beer oclock, time for a cocktail or two, how could we refuse with happy hour prices at 110 Bhat or about $4.00 each and about $2.50 per bottle of Singa beer a local brew (lager) not the nicest beer we have tasted but then not the worst either. Changa beer was however best left for the locals. We did manage to spend a bit of time here or further along the beach at one of the other 3 beach bars.

Phukete Thailand

2010-04-14T00:49:00.001-07:00

You can see I am quite comfortable lying amongst the palms for shade with a bar and pool to the left and the sea just a few metres away, all very decadent, I could get used to this.

Phukete Thailand

2010-04-14T00:43:00.000-07:00

The beach (Kata Noi) this is the view from our hotel, Katathani, a vast place that stretched 850 metres along the beach front, great facilities, 4 pools, 6 bars, numerous restaurants plus everything else that you would expect, great service etc.

More Tui

2009-09-11T22:02:00.000-07:00

Another photo of the Tui feeding at our place.

Tui

2009-09-11T21:59:00.001-07:00

I snapped a couple of photo's of two Tui feeding in the Kohwai tree at the front of our house, they have a real nice song and at times imitate other sounds.

Full Moon

2009-09-11T21:55:00.000-07:00

Took this awhile ago but the moon looked pretty impressive it is actually dawn, about 6.30am. Beautiful clear morning, if I remember it was frosty as well.

2009-06-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

And now to the house alterations, out comes the wall, this has made a huge difference to the house. It is now very much open plan. Watch this space.

2009-06-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

Here I am down on the waterfront in Singapore checking out the old time Hotel.

Singapore

2009-06-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

This is the peace fountain at least I think that's what it's called, anyway it was in the middle of this huge mall in Singapore. I had a few to wait so I went into the city for a look around. It was extremely humid and I gave up walking around and headed inside where it was alot cooler.

Gold Souq's

2009-04-29T00:10:00.000-07:00

The gold Souq's had the girls very excited, it was best to not let them get any idea's photo's only.

The Creek Dubai & Souqs

2009-04-28T23:58:00.000-07:00

We spent Friday evening wandering the Souq's near the Dubai Creek, plenty to see with the old fort, and exciting places selling spices and if you felt the need Viagra was on sale, not sure if it was the real deal or if you would later find you had been hard done by, I didn't bother to find out.

Ibn Battuta Mall

2009-04-28T23:55:00.000-07:00

Colleen enjoying the sights in the Mall, we had brunch at a little place called the Lime Cafe, very tasty food, good coffee.

Hotel on Palm Jumeirah

2009-04-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

This rather grand looking structure is on the outside of the Palm with magnificent sea views I dare say room prices are not cheap.

Dubai - April 09

2009-04-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend in Dubai with friends staying at the Golden Sands Apartments real handy to the central city. On Friday we were able to drive out onto the Palm Jumeirah it is needless to say spectacular and this is view of the city from the outside taking in the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Note the smog, it's almost like being in L.A.

Pursuit Vehicle

2009-04-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

Trendy piece of Police equipment, I can't see it taking off at home, although it could be useful at the Mount. I think however that I could see some cleaver dick trying to take off on it.

Air Racing

2009-04-26T21:25:00.001-07:00

We went to Abu Dhabi for the day and amongst other things spent some time watching the Air Racing down on the Corniche. Very spectacular the planes are capable of about 370 km/hr and can pull up to 12g's when turning. As this was part of the world series the world champion Hannes Arch who flys for a team from Abu Dhabi was there along with all the other title contenders, exciting.

Sand Storms

2009-04-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

You guessed it I am back in the Middle East and continuing my travels. Its been awhile but I thought I had better earn some dollars before taking more time out. Petal and I had been on a Tiki tour for the day travelling to Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Ras Khaimah, Kor Fakkan and Fujairah all the other minor Emirates. Most of this was along the coast where there is extensive development going on. On our drive back to Al Ain we drove through this little sand storm, not unlike being in a blizzard.

Ancient Mosque

2009-04-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

This little Mosque is along the coast near Fujariah and is reputedly the oldest known Mosque in the UAE. We couldn't go inside for obvious reasons but it was rather quaint. The design is also unusual with the four columns holding up the dome. The Mosque was also guarded by two watch towers on the hill above, they both commanded good views out across the beach to the sea.

2009-03-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

Ash's 21st, she organised a family get together at a Cafe not far from where she lives. Most of the cousins and uncle and aunties were there. Ash had a good night but I think she may have over done it with her mates the following night.

It was just all too much for Mal

2009-02-07T23:27:00.000-08:00

It was just a bit much for Mal, finish night shift, a couple of hours sleep and then drive to Whity and add golf, a few ales and dinner and then it was lights out, I am not sure if he realised what he had been drinking !!

The Boys and the Bach

2009-02-07T23:23:00.001-08:00

Back to terra firma and time to wash the salt away with a few nut browns prior to heading into town for golf and then the fishing club to catch the semi's in the 7's at Wellington. Golf by the way was ok. The 7's proved less so with NZ losing in the last seconds.

Waitangi Day 09

2009-02-07T23:16:00.000-08:00

Brian and Bob relaxing at sea as we return from our fishing trip out of Whitianga not a day to write home about 6 good fish, and Bob and Mo not even able to add to the score, dismal effort really.

Christmas Day

2009-01-01T13:09:00.000-08:00

It was a bit different this year, the same tree, but with two of the team overseas it was a little bit low key, not at all the same, missed them very much but I guess we had fun, but no stockings, as that's Colleen's job and I couldn't find them anyway. The girls enjoyed it and the BBQ roast turned out real good, nice crackling.

The End to a Great Day

2009-01-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

And so ends the day, sunset Putaruru style.

The After Match Function

2009-01-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

As with all good working bee's there has to be an after match function, so as per custom the workers were shouted a few beers as thanks for the hard work.

Just Add Water

2009-01-01T12:52:00.000-08:00

Now just add water, thanks to the local Fire Brigade we were able to borrow a pipe stand and a couple of lengths of hose and the pool was filled in no time, now just a few cosmetic bits and pieces to do to complete the job, looking good.

The Day Progesses

2009-01-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

Getting there the pool is taking shape, first the wall, then the sand and now the liner, then we discover that there are some crucial parts missing, Ash and Mark were off to Hamilton to get the neccessary parts which put us 2.5hrs behind schedule.

Progress

2009-01-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

The pool is starting to take shape although not without a few difficulties, as the old pool was imperial and the new pool is metric which meant it was slightly bigger, but with a bit of jigging around it was made to fit.

The Hole

2008-11-24T19:56:00.001-08:00

Just so as this job would not be easy I have found the new pool is about 150mm deeper than the old one so now to dig. The big problem being that nothing mechanical can get to the back of our place so this required the use of a shovel and barrow. I had to remove about 2.5 cubic metres of dirt not to mention about a further 1.5 cubic metres of sand now nicely heaped on the deck. The excess dirt had to be taken out through the back of the deck and barrowed over the bank at the back of the section. It's now all done so the next stage is the installation of the new pool, watch this space. Whew!!

The Pool

2008-11-24T19:44:00.000-08:00

Now that I am back in N.Z. the whip has been cracked and the project list rolled out. First up is the pool, the old one removed finally well and truely past it's use by date. Now you would think this would be easy, the shell came out without any real problems but the structure along with all the concrete was another issue. A lot of hard work and the much valued assistance of Mo saw the last remanants removed to Pete's bin at the front of the house. I am sure somebody owes me.

the Nephews

2008-11-11T10:28:00.001-08:00

Sam and David spent some time down at the creek near the bach and came back with this eel, not sure what they intended to do with it, but they were certainly proud of their efforts, it appears this is a regular evening sport for them, I pity the eels with these guys on the job.

Saturday Night Whitianga

2008-11-10T22:37:00.000-08:00

What else do you do on Saturday night at the beach after having tucked into a nice BBQ feed of fresh fish, steak and snarlers but relax with bro's and inlaws over a few bevvies, very cool.

Coastal Views

2008-11-10T22:32:00.001-08:00

Just north of Whitianga and we are at Kuaotunu where we are able to launch the boat and head out for fishing, Snapper, diving for Scallop's and of course cray fish.

Whitianga

2008-11-10T22:27:00.000-08:00

Bit of R & R at the beach rather a pleasant weekend with family at Whitianga with family, bit of fishing and golf, great view from our bach another pricelsss effort beyond the reach of Mastercard.

Home Again

2008-11-10T22:14:00.000-08:00

Here we are home again our deck, grapes and sunny evenings watching the sun set, absolutley priceless, Mastercard can't beat this.!

Friends

2008-11-10T22:09:00.000-08:00

Then home again and our friends in good old Putaruru, who would be without them, this occassion Bob's rolled over the half century.

And Finally London

2008-11-10T22:05:00.000-08:00

Where would we be without spending a little time in the capital and catching up with family and friends. London is still the same noisy, busy and expensive but once again worth the visit.

Dublin

2008-11-10T21:59:00.000-08:00

The start and finish of our Irish tour, the Guiness Brewery and other high lights were all enjoyable. The city had atmosphere and we were even privy to a march by a group of Sein Fein supporters, with band and loud hailers to address the crowds, interesting we thought all this stuff was pretty much all over but obviously not. Great pubs and good food at reasonable prices.

Waterford Crystal

2008-11-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

Colleen and I took a tour through the Waterford Crystal factory obviously at Waterford. Rather amazing what they can do with glass (crystal). This guy was cutting the pattern into the bowl and we were surprised at just how quickly and accurately he was able to make the cuts for the pattern. The glass cutters are paid on the number of complete items they produce that are then able to be sold to the customer.

Lunch Break

2008-11-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

Now where else would you stop for lunch when in Ireland particularly if you are like me and happen to enjoy the odd beer or two. You can be sure to be sure that you will find something to your taste I know I did. It was even better as we could sit outside and enjoy the day while the locals go about their business.

Little People

2008-11-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

Colleen was on the look out hoping to trap one of the special Irish lads and bring us some good luck, she even had a green camouflage as well but they were staying hidden today. Better luck next time.

Irish Weather

2008-11-01T18:04:00.000-07:00

Now who says it always rain in Ireland. We were blessed with a week of beautiful sunny days, crisp in the morning but warm during the day. This is one of many castles / forts that dot the Irish country side, unfortunately I can't remember what it was called.

And now to Ireland

2008-10-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

After a quick stop over in London to catch up with family and friends it was on to Dublin and the Irish leg of our travels. At this time I wasn't feeling too flash some bug I caught the last day in Egypt. This was rather annoying especially after being so careful for all those months away. But anyway it wasn't going to stop us enjoying ourselves and after collecting our rental car we were off heading towards Galway. We had one rule stay off the motorways and use the minor roads where ever possible and stop where ever we wanted. So the first stop a Distillery. Cool after a tour and some tasting of the local whisky we were now fortified against the cool air, although it was fine and sunny a bonus for Ireland we were told. It was back on the road.

Abu Simbel

2008-10-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

This is was rather impressive as this whole temple had been moved from below the water line of Lake Nasser by UNICEF before the lake covered it forever. It was obviously a huge task as the whole temple is massive a goes 58 metres back inside the mountain.

Our Cruise Boat

2008-10-01T19:07:00.001-07:00

This is our cruise boat, really just a large barge that is four stories high, three decks are accomodation and the top deck is where the pool and outdoor dining and bar are located. The cabins were small but comfortable. The lower deck was where the dining room was, the food was of a good standard and offered resonable variety. Overall we were very happy.

Our Cruise Boat

2008-10-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

Fatima and Abdul

2008-10-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

Fancy dress night while on our Nile Cruise. Each night was a different theme night, this one we combined with a birthday for one of the guys in our party, a fun night night but quite.

The Pyramids

2008-09-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

This is what we came to see, awesome to think these are around 4 thousand years old this is really spectacular and along with the Sphinx it was a memorable day.

Novel Transport

2008-09-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

I have heard of Police on horses and in cars even in helicopters and planes and boats but camels this is new. What was even more interesting was that because I took his photo he wanted a little monetary compensation, I didn't oblige which didn't please him but never mind.

Armed Guard

2008-09-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

It was a little disconcerting but these guys armed with there AK47's were posted at all the entrances to the Hotel Conrad in Cairo and along with other guys manning xray machines as you came inside. Everybody along with your bags were screened as you entered. Not something we would expect at home but we did feel a bit safer at least.

Steptow

2008-09-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

We saw this old guy and his donkey cart from our Hotel in Cairo, he was going through the rubbish bins out the back and taking all the plastic, I guess for recycling.

Bread Any One??

2008-09-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

This guy was spotted in Cairo doing his bread delivery going at pace through busy streets.

Taller?

2008-09-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

Something is not right here, I haven't got any taller but I can now touch the top of the door jam. It seems that they must be shorter here, Wilf who is about 6' 4'' has to duck to get in the place, interesting.

New Friends

2008-09-04T01:29:00.001-07:00

Doc Martin and Nurse Karen. Karen is working here in the education field and Doc Martin believe or not is a Nuclear Physicist who used to work in the UK. Now semi retired he was one of our main men on apartment set ups taking care of plumbing and gas. A good team man.

Kitchen Joinery

2008-09-04T01:14:00.001-07:00

Well this is something different, it might look flash but then think again. The carcass is made from a light metal framing pop riveted together. The panels are all sheet metal 2mm thick with an adheasive wood grain film applied. The doors are also metal framed with metal panels and the same wood grain film applied. Needless to say it is all rather filmsy, however the bench tops are some sort of stone similar to marble, the only solid part of the entire kitchen. Notice the hot water cylinder on the wall, these are dotted all over the villa, they do not have a central large cylinder but about 6 of these depending on how many bathrooms the place has, strange? However in saying that they do look quite nice in an odd sort of way.

Where's the Copper??

2008-09-04T01:08:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not! This is the laundry for a brand new 4 bedroom Villa in Al Ain. That's the washing machine waiting to be unpacked and connected to the tap on the wall. The drain is onto the ground. Real tidy at least you don't need to worry about floods. The only thing missing is the Copper and wash board, I thought this type of installation went out 40 years ago.

Al Ain Fort

2008-09-04T01:03:00.000-07:00

One of the many historic sites in the Al Ain area, this fort is currently under going restoration, but is still quite an impressive structure. Unfortunately we were unable to go inside for a look. It is right in the middle of the city, near a Mosque next to a Wadi adjacent to a car park.

GR5 now 3

2008-08-28T03:21:00.001-07:00

Now we are three, Martin and John left for NZ today and the arms of loved ones, and no doubt the icy embrace of a cutting Southerly howling in across Cook Strait, to greet them as they alight from the plane in Wellington. 45 degrees it won't be, good luck guys. It was a sad drive back from Dubai, my work, pool and drinking buddies actually on the way home. What to do? Some how I don't think Alvin will be the same, nice guy and all, but there's not the history.

Smoking!!

2008-08-28T03:08:00.000-07:00

John enjoying a wee puff on the Sheesa Pipe and brewing up a storm. He was as bit seedy later - not sure if it was something he ate or if it was too much to drink .... or the smoke.

Where'd he go?

2008-08-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

John had heard that there were Minataur beatles to be found under hedges! All he found was two empty water bottles and an empty fag pack. Better luck next time John.

Where's Wally?

2008-08-28T02:52:00.000-07:00

Well Julia and Colleen may not have found Wally but they seem to think they have found his Office, being a Friday nobody was home.

Fishing anybody?

2008-08-28T02:45:00.001-07:00

We visited Sohar on the Oman coast and John decided he would like to go fishing in this traditional fishing boat. It's made from palm leaves tied together. I don't know how sea worthy it is but John wouldn't wait for the tide to come in so we didn't find out, something to do with reading a library book, so he said.

Jebel Hafeet

2008-08-28T02:37:00.000-07:00

Mt (Jabel) Hafeet rises out of the desert floor and rises about 1350' pretty well straight up, giving spectacular views of Al Ain and the surrounding desert, from grasslands, green parks to rocky ridges and red sand desert expanses.

Desert Oasis

2008-08-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

Just a little green spot in the middle of Al Ain, a local Oasis next to a wadi.

Desert Driving

2008-08-23T22:07:00.000-07:00

Now you think we would have learnt that sand and Toyota vans just don't go together. Well you're wrong I had already got the van stuck once a couple of days earlier and that took us twenty minutes to get it out. But on this day with a van load of fridges, tv's and washing machines we inspected the surface and decided it was safe to drive on, Ha! the end result was a lot of sweat and two hours later we got towed out. We have now learnt do not under any circumstances drive on the sand you will get stuck.

You want to What??

2008-08-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

Seems it not as easy as one would expect to dispose of somebody here, although this was a grave yard it looked more like a bomb site or a cemetery out of a western movie, a few small headstones and no grass just sand and dust.

Dubai Shopping

2008-08-20T02:56:00.000-07:00

Colleen still found time to shop, we found some Souq's and this little gem of Aladdins Cave with all sorts of stuff to interest just about everybody.

The Al Arab Burj

2008-08-20T02:53:00.001-07:00

Dubai's famous seven star hotel reuptably the tallest hotel in the world and where Tiger Woods tee'd off from on the helicopter pad and a game of tennis was also played there. Unfortunately for us the day was not very clear temperature in the mid 40's and humidity in the region of 80 - 90%. It was not much fun being outside.

Dubai

2008-08-20T02:50:00.001-07:00

This building (Tower) is still under construction and will on completion be reputedly the tallest structure in the world, unfortunately we didn't have any data to confirm this but it is never the less very impressive.

They do Care.

2008-08-20T02:47:00.000-07:00

This is what a few Dirhams tip to the house keeping boy gets you, all cleverly made from two towels.

Cell Phone Tower

2008-08-20T02:45:00.001-07:00

Perhaps they can take a leaf out of the UAE book and be creative like this for local cell phone towers, note the aerials poking out the top of the palm tree.

It Does Snow Here

2008-08-20T02:39:00.001-07:00

We drove to Dubai on the weekend and Martin was going to go skiing, but he had to shelve idea as it was expensive and the queues were huge. This little ski field is situated in the Emirates Mall supposedly one of the biggest in the world.

Time Out

2008-08-12T23:00:00.001-07:00

Martin and I spotted this guy the other day and just thought it was too good to miss. It was about 10am and he was having a wee kip just like all good road workers do. When he realised we had stopped to take a couple of photos he leaped out of his comfortable resting place looked quite concerned and got busy working again, we drove off laughing I think he was worried he was going to be in trouble for shirking.

Al Ain

2008-08-08T07:19:00.001-07:00

Al Ain even the camels are different, Colleen took and real shine to this guy but he just wasn't interested. Anyway Al Ain is very different, a city of about 400 thousand close to the Oman border, quieter and less busy than Abu Dhabi and Doha although the driving is just as frantic. We have been busy setting up apartments for all the new comers arriving from N.Z, setting up furniture, making beds and hanging curtains, the apartments are all new and five star in comparison to Doha.

We have arrived!!

2008-08-08T07:13:00.001-07:00

Look out Abu Dhabi we have arrived, firmly ensconced at the Novotel in the down town area or so we thought. We got time to enjoy just the one night and it's off to Al Ain for a few days to help out over there. Al Ain is 1.5hrs drive away, so we were told to pack up and go that our expertise was required there, so without the time to look around we were off.

Out we go!

2008-08-08T07:07:00.001-07:00

Here we are at Doha International Airport, all set to fly to Abu Dhabi and the next phase of our adventures. These guys don't travel lightly and 200 kilograms of luggage has already been freighted ahead. Anyway they have managed to reduce the load to a bag each, Colleen and I still had 29 kilo's between us plus carry on bags. We flew Etihad Airlines (National Airline of the UEA), would say they are very good. Twenty five minute flight, nice!!

Last meal?

2008-08-08T06:59:00.001-07:00

Well here we are in this quaint Arabic Restaurant down in the Souqs for our last night night out in Doha before we fly to Abu Dhabi in the morning. Note to self something more European in Cuisine may have been better. I tried a chicken dish call Madagog, sounded good but when delivered looked like baby food tasted like concrete and sat like concrete for two days. Some of the others were luckier and theirs was a little more conventional. All in all it was ok.

Quiz Night

2008-07-29T04:17:00.000-07:00

Well it's Monday night and the GR 5 team are yet again at Rydges ensconsed at our usual table ready to take on the world and it's Quiz master. Tonight was going to be our swan song, our last attempt at glory in front of all other other expats (Poms). Well we started with a rush, 10 out of 10 and tied for first place, at the end of the second round still holding onto first place victory and a tab of 250 Riyals looking good. Oh no somebody forgot to tell us round three was stacked if you didn't come from the UK you were history. Needless to say with obscure questions relating to Soccer who would call that football and other unkown TV personalities we crashed and burned. Ho hum - al-hamdu l illah.

High Tea

2008-07-29T04:11:00.000-07:00

Well insn't this just all very cosy, Colleen, Julia, Martin and me took time out to experience how the rich and famous enjoy their afternoons. A trip to the Ritz Carlton and high tea ordered, with scones, cucumber sandwiches and fresh berry's with whipped cream and rich chocolate sauce. Mmm very nice and all rather ponsy but worth it.

Boys and their Toys

2008-07-27T23:53:00.000-07:00

Spotted this while out for a stroll, the first time I didn't have my camera and there were actually more machines working in this site than the photo shows, if I remember correctly I think there was at least 14 machines all brand new working together digging this massive hole, no expense sparred by these guys. Catapillar must love Qatar.

Rocky Outcrops

2008-07-27T23:49:00.001-07:00

We have taken nearly 5 months to find these rather elusive rocky outcrops but never the less at last we were successful. Qatar is just a flat expanse of desert so anything that rises out of the landscape that isn't man made is significant. These outcrops rate as the highest points above sea level in Qatar.

The Swords

2008-07-27T23:44:00.000-07:00

These monstors are on Al Hamad St, and are one of the symbols of Qatar and as you can see they are massive.

Going Up

2008-07-27T23:37:00.000-07:00

Spotted this little gem the other day while out walking, well John saw it first, Martin takes the credit for the photography but it's to good to leave out. Your imagination could just go wild.

The Al Hitmi Hilton 1 Star or Less??

2008-07-22T23:52:00.000-07:00

This is our apartment building, right next to a Mosque and several other building under varying stages of construction. As apartment buildings go it has it's faults. If some of the issues could be attended to by the owners it wouldn't be too bad a place to live. The biggest issue is the poor air conditioning with room temperatures often sitting at 30 degrees C is does not make for a good sleep. Floods are common, our apartment was totally flooded the other day from a burst pipe, our neighbour had no water for the whole day another burst pipe then he arrived home to find his lounge flooded from a blocked drain pipe on his Air Con. He now can't use the sink as the waste has broken and no body will come to fix it. The property manager is incompetent, refuses to answer his phone and does nothing about getting any of the issues attended to. We think he is too scared to front up as there are quite a few people who would like a piece of him.

Shifting House

2008-07-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

We discovered these guys on the side of the road, no it's not Colleen's purchases and she wasn't trying to get it all shipped home unnoticed. The local Police seemed to take a mild interest in what they were up to but soon drove off. They fired up the car and headed off on their intrepid journey to wherever they were going.

Close Shave or What?

2008-07-10T01:36:00.000-07:00

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Hard at Work

2008-07-09T05:20:00.000-07:00

John caught taking time out to reflect on the project at hand and his next strategic move all in favour of progressing the cause of course.

Half Century

2008-07-09T05:15:00.000-07:00

Yes it really is 50 degrees, and it's been hotter but no photographic evidence to support it, note the time of day, this is real swimming weather, don't you wish you were here, we are missing the cold NOT!!!

Shisha Time

2008-07-09T03:26:00.000-07:00

One thing Ash wanted to try before she went home was a Shisha. Off to the Souqs and take your pick most cafe's and restaurants have them available. Colleen wanted tea and Ash and I tried a Shisha pipe with Apple flavour. For somebody who doesn't smoke it wasn't too bad ,nice taste of apple and not to bitter and didn't taste strongly of tobacco. Ash enjoyed the experience she reckons it made her light headed although I don't know it may have just been the heat.

And Ash Arrives

2008-07-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

Well now Ash is here getting a taste of the desert life, enjoying the heat and dust. She has spent the last week taking in the sights, smells and life of Doha, seeing the crazy driving and being ogled by the locals. Another trip north and village ruins, forts and more desert and dust. Plenty of trips to the souqs and malls to cover the essential shopping requirements and gifts for those at home. Ash has also tasted the local fair with an Arab meal with all the culinary delights you would expect. Last night saw a boat ride on the harbour around the corniche stunning views.

Colleens' birthday bash!

2008-06-26T02:35:00.000-07:00

Well it seems another year has rolled on by, Colleen says she has turned 29 this year no wonder she looks so good. We went all out with the celebrations with a fancy dinner at Sbarro's a local pizza place and back to the Al Hitmi Hilton for a couple of night caps, you will of course notice that we also splashed out on a rather impressive two teared cake and candle. Colleen was real impressed and enjoyed her evening of light frivolity. She didn't even get a hang over must be the maturity that comes with being 29 I guess.

Muscat (Oman)

2008-06-23T02:42:00.000-07:00

Well the weekend saw us take to the skies and off to Muscat (Oman) for a bit of R & R our first weekend out of Qatar since we arrived. Oman is a great place to visit, friendly and just as warm as Doha. The biggest difference is the mountains and abundance of greenery in contrast to Qatars' flat landscape and complete lack of trees and anything much green. The people of Oman are very relaxed and this is most evident in the way they drive, sedate and obeying the road rules not like Qatar where everybody seems to have a death wish, or think they are racing at Le Mans. One of the biggest attractions to Oman is the abundance of forts and castles which are dotted all over the country some dating from the 17th century and many still in a wonderful state of preservation. The girls found the corniche and the Souqs up to the usual high standard and spent quite a few hours shopping and buying nicknacks and souvenirs and bits of junk.

The N.Z. - PGA - Doha Style

2008-06-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

Doha International Golf Tournament, John and Martin challenged Repi and Chris to a wee golf match. Now apart from the expert sledging and some careful adjustments in the way of handicaps John and Martin were thrashed 9 and 2, a rematch is being fitted into the busy tour schedule. However the boys were gracious in defeat, well sort off, at least Chris still owes for two air shots, the single malt should taste real good, even if the beer tasted a bit sour. To the victors the spoils.

Who is this Guy???

2008-06-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

Martin has changed sides so to speak we have renamed him the Sultan Al Bin James the 3rd of Al Hitmi. It was quite something seeing how the turban was tied and neatly fitted to his head, we decided that he looks very stylish in his disdash and turban.