Monday, August 23, 2010
Last Should have read Monday 23rd August (num lock off!)
A new update at last! Well its been a good few weeks since my last rant, so what's been happening? Not necessary in the correct order but still living in the hotel apartment, its very convenient and cosy, but now been out and about looking for somewhere to call my home. Many people at work tend to live near Dubai Marina but its 1 hours drive each way every day so that's not for me. Looked at small villas at Al Reef, nice houses but not much else there at the moment, will be looking nearer town from this Sunday on. The old Nissan Sunny has now gone and has been replaced by a Toyota Camray, big saloon and very comfortable, brand new and I believe is a temp car until the Quasquia arrives? Nearly 3 ltr engine but no idea how much mpg or is it Ltrs/km as you never get out of the car at the garage (also everyone leaves the engine running for the AC), nice man fills the car up, washes the windows and takes your money - cash only, still so far 70AED only to completely fill up (that's about 13 pound). A few weeks ago had a friend came to stay for a few days and spent a fun day at Wild Wadi water fun park near Dubai. Also had my first haircut here, warning not for the faint hearted. Well sat down in the chair and the little "Bangladeshi" type man pumped the chair as low as it would go and then disappeared for about 5 min and came back with a set of steps to reach the top of my head! Asked him for a # 4 cut but that seemed to have got lost and hair was cut very very short but had an unexpected head massage and oil all for 2 pound, beat that on the IOM! Have just about recovered from a bought of "the runs" not sure what brought it on but 3 of us went down but could not identify anything in common except our accommodation (we don't eat there either), anyway just about recovered. Maybe its just getting used to the heat, the last week has been quite fearce with temperatures up to 50C and humid, thank goodness for AC. Work wish busy as always, lots of new projects, the latest a new city to be built next to Musaffah Port. Well that's a long ramble on and will try to do this every week, See you next time. John
Monday rd August
Shocked to note that it's very nearly one month since my last update, and this was supposed to be a weekly column? How slack can one get, well at least its not that nothing is happening, its been very busy as you will see.
The big news (for some) is that Flo and Joe came out to visit just for a week early August, (not the best time to visit due to very high temperatures and humidity, also the start of Ramadan).
Our first full day we took it easy and looked around parts of Abu Dhabi, including shopping malls, nothing like you see in Europe. During the week we took a day out in Dubai, Mall of the Emirates and a fab water theme park, Wild Wadi just by Palm Island and Jumeirah Beach; Dune bashing in a 4x4 (our vehicle got stuck and had to be pulled out and , no it was a local driving), also included camels, belly dancing, shisha pipes and sand boarding; Emirates Palace Hotel (7 stars) + exhibition; swimming in the hotel pool and the sea; The Grand Mosque; Yas Island etc etc.
It was good to have them here and seemed very quiet here afterwards, they really enjoyed the heat, local food and customs.
Still living at the Vision, too comfortable but will need to find somewhere soon and have a nice pad to settle down in.
Work has been very busy, especially with several very large oil rigs/platforms moving out from Musaffah where they are built. In general we handle about 65 vessels a day there and approx 2,000,000 GT per month.
I'm still mainly based at our HQ in downtown Abu Dhabi but should move soon to Musaffah when the VTS tower is finished, just waiting on computer link now.
Since 11th of August its been Ramadan and will be until about the 9th Sept, to those who don't know this means no eating/drinking/smoking/naughty thoughts from sunrise to sunset, especially with the heat it must be hard for the Muslims, we can at-least have a nibble so long as it is out of sight. The other change is that we work shorter hours whilst the fast is on 0830-1430, but after that its very quiet until Ifar at sunset when everywhere opens until 0100 the next day. I was surprised to see the streets lit up with fairy lights, almost like Xmas decs at home.
Well my next task is to see if I can post some photos on here, atleast dear readers you should be able to see what its really like!
So long for now
John
A new update at last! Well its been a good few weeks since my last rant, so what's been happening? Not necessary in the correct order but still living in the hotel apartment, its very convenient and cosy, but now been out and about looking for somewhere to call my home. Many people at work tend to live near Dubai Marina but its 1 hours drive each way every day so that's not for me. Looked at small villas at Al Reef, nice houses but not much else there at the moment, will be looking nearer town from this Sunday on. The old Nissan Sunny has now gone and has been replaced by a Toyota Camray, big saloon and very comfortable, brand new and I believe is a temp car until the Quasquia arrives? Nearly 3 ltr engine but no idea how much mpg or is it Ltrs/km as you never get out of the car at the garage (also everyone leaves the engine running for the AC), nice man fills the car up, washes the windows and takes your money - cash only, still so far 70AED only to completely fill up (that's about 13 pound). A few weeks -ago had a friend came to stay for a few days and spent a fun day at Wild Wadi water fun park near Dubai. Also had my first haircut here, warning not for the faint hearted. Well sat down in the chair and the little "Bangladeshi" type man pumped the chair as low as it would go and then disappeared for about 5 min and came back with a set of steps to reach the top of my head! Asked him for a # 4 cut but that seemed to have got lost and hair was cut very very short but had an unexpected head massage and oil all for 2 pound, beat that on the IOM! Have just about recovered from a bought of "the runs" not sure what brought it on but 3 of us went down but could not identify anything in common except our accommodation (we don't eat there either), anyway just about recovered. Maybe its just getting used to the heat, the last week has been quite fearce with temperatures up to 50C and humid, thank goodness for AC. Work wish busy as always, lots of new projects, the latest a new city to be built next to Musaffah Port. Well that's a long ramble on and will try to do this every week, See you next time. John
The big news (for some) is that Flo and Joe came out to visit just for a week early August, (not the best time to visit due to very high temperatures and humidity, also the start of Ramadan).
Our first full day we took it easy and looked around parts of Abu Dhabi, including shopping malls, nothing like you see in Europe. During the week we took a day out in Dubai, Mall of the Emirates and a fab water theme park, Wild Wadi just by Palm Island and Jumeirah Beach; Dune bashing in a 4x4 (our vehicle got stuck and had to be pulled out and , no it was a local driving), also included camels, belly dancing, shisha pipes and sand boarding; Emirates Palace Hotel (7 stars) + exhibition; swimming in the hotel pool and the sea; The Grand Mosque; Yas Island etc etc.
It was good to have them here and seemed very quiet here afterwards, they really enjoyed the heat, local food and customs.
Still living at the Vision, too comfortable but will need to find somewhere soon and have a nice pad to settle down in.
Work has been very busy, especially with several very large oil rigs/platforms moving out from Musaffah where they are built. In general we handle about 65 vessels a day there and approx 2,000,000 GT per month.
I'm still mainly based at our HQ in downtown Abu Dhabi but should move soon to Musaffah when the VTS tower is finished, just waiting on computer link now.
Since 11th of August its been Ramadan and will be until about the 9th Sept, to those who don't know this means no eating/drinking/smoking/naughty thoughts from sunrise to sunset, especially with the heat it must be hard for the Muslims, we can at-least have a nibble so long as it is out of sight. The other change is that we work shorter hours whilst the fast is on 0830-1430, but after that its very quiet until Ifar at sunset when everywhere opens until 0100 the next day. I was surprised to see the streets lit up with fairy lights, almost like Xmas decs at home.
Well my next task is to see if I can post some photos on here, atleast dear readers you should be able to see what its really like!
So long for now
John
A new update at last! Well its been a good few weeks since my last rant, so what's been happening? Not necessary in the correct order but still living in the hotel apartment, its very convenient and cosy, but now been out and about looking for somewhere to call my home. Many people at work tend to live near Dubai Marina but its 1 hours drive each way every day so that's not for me. Looked at small villas at Al Reef, nice houses but not much else there at the moment, will be looking nearer town from this Sunday on. The old Nissan Sunny has now gone and has been replaced by a Toyota Camray, big saloon and very comfortable, brand new and I believe is a temp car until the Quasquia arrives? Nearly 3 ltr engine but no idea how much mpg or is it Ltrs/km as you never get out of the car at the garage (also everyone leaves the engine running for the AC), nice man fills the car up, washes the windows and takes your money - cash only, still so far 70AED only to completely fill up (that's about 13 pound). A few weeks -ago had a friend came to stay for a few days and spent a fun day at Wild Wadi water fun park near Dubai. Also had my first haircut here, warning not for the faint hearted. Well sat down in the chair and the little "Bangladeshi" type man pumped the chair as low as it would go and then disappeared for about 5 min and came back with a set of steps to reach the top of my head! Asked him for a # 4 cut but that seemed to have got lost and hair was cut very very short but had an unexpected head massage and oil all for 2 pound, beat that on the IOM! Have just about recovered from a bought of "the runs" not sure what brought it on but 3 of us went down but could not identify anything in common except our accommodation (we don't eat there either), anyway just about recovered. Maybe its just getting used to the heat, the last week has been quite fearce with temperatures up to 50C and humid, thank goodness for AC. Work wish busy as always, lots of new projects, the latest a new city to be built next to Musaffah Port. Well that's a long ramble on and will try to do this every week, See you next time. John
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Sunday 25th July 2010
At LONG last I hear you say, whats he been up to?
Well I could say its been very busy and I haven't had much time to write, true but also I find logging into this site is very complex and if I can't find my notes I give up and try again later in the week.
Still living in my hotel apartment here in central Abu Dhabi (www.visionhotel,net), its very comfortable, handy for the city centre and I don't have to clean, make beds,wash clothes etc etc, very relaxing. However I do need to find a pad of my own and have spent some time looking about. Surprisingly considering all the building work going on here there isn't that much available, but on day I'll find somewhere really nice.
The other week 9th-16th July spent over in the UK at a research place called H R Wallingford, (near Oxford) along with a group of six pilots who we trained up to pilot ships along the new shipping channel to Musaffah, now looks like opening 15th Sept. A good week but hard work and my apologies to those who I didn't get to see or speak to. Surprise, surprise I got sun burnt on the Sunday whilst walking around a traction engine rally close by.
Work, as always is very busy, at times a bit frustrating but on the whole exciting and doing things I haven't done before. EG hydrographic surveys, approving tenders for new ship building, working with the military, town planning just to name a few. Never a dull moment.
July/August is not a particularly good time to be here due to the heat (up to 50C) and humidity, so going out means going in the car, but watch you don't get burnt opening the doors or holding the gear lever. The local paper ran a magazine the other week called 18-30, well some of you may remember the 18-30 club from way back when it was sun sea, sand and !!!, so I thought strange for here. It turns out it was a holiday brochure of places to go where the temperature was between 18-30 and there I was getting excited, well they may have had 50-65 club? A lot of people leave this time of year because of the heat, and next month it is Ramadan, that will interesting.
Had a few visitors (you know who you are) and a very enjoyable time was had. Flo and Joe are coming out for a week from the 6th Aug, even though it too hot but at-least they get to see the place.
Well thats about it for the moment, I'm sure there's lots of other things I could write but my mind is not concentrating on whats happened, must be time for a beer,
Cheers
John
Well I could say its been very busy and I haven't had much time to write, true but also I find logging into this site is very complex and if I can't find my notes I give up and try again later in the week.
Still living in my hotel apartment here in central Abu Dhabi (www.visionhotel,net), its very comfortable, handy for the city centre and I don't have to clean, make beds,wash clothes etc etc, very relaxing. However I do need to find a pad of my own and have spent some time looking about. Surprisingly considering all the building work going on here there isn't that much available, but on day I'll find somewhere really nice.
The other week 9th-16th July spent over in the UK at a research place called H R Wallingford, (near Oxford) along with a group of six pilots who we trained up to pilot ships along the new shipping channel to Musaffah, now looks like opening 15th Sept. A good week but hard work and my apologies to those who I didn't get to see or speak to. Surprise, surprise I got sun burnt on the Sunday whilst walking around a traction engine rally close by.
Work, as always is very busy, at times a bit frustrating but on the whole exciting and doing things I haven't done before. EG hydrographic surveys, approving tenders for new ship building, working with the military, town planning just to name a few. Never a dull moment.
July/August is not a particularly good time to be here due to the heat (up to 50C) and humidity, so going out means going in the car, but watch you don't get burnt opening the doors or holding the gear lever. The local paper ran a magazine the other week called 18-30, well some of you may remember the 18-30 club from way back when it was sun sea, sand and !!!, so I thought strange for here. It turns out it was a holiday brochure of places to go where the temperature was between 18-30 and there I was getting excited, well they may have had 50-65 club? A lot of people leave this time of year because of the heat, and next month it is Ramadan, that will interesting.
Had a few visitors (you know who you are) and a very enjoyable time was had. Flo and Joe are coming out for a week from the 6th Aug, even though it too hot but at-least they get to see the place.
Well thats about it for the moment, I'm sure there's lots of other things I could write but my mind is not concentrating on whats happened, must be time for a beer,
Cheers
John
Friday, June 18, 2010
A new update at last! Well its been a good few weeks since my last rant, so what's been happening? Not necessary in the correct order but still living in the hotel apartment, its very convenient and cosy, but now been out and about looking for somewhere to call my home. Many people at work tend to live near Dubai Marina but its 1 hours drive each way every day so that's not for me. Looked at small villas at Al Reef, nice houses but not much else there at the moment, will be looking nearer town from this Sunday on.
The old Nissan Sunny has now gone and has been replaced by a Toyota Camray, big saloon and very comfortable, brand new and I believe is a temp car until the Quasquia arrives? Nearly 3 ltr engine but no idea how much mpg or is it Ltrs/km as you never get out of the car at the garage (also everyone leaves the engine running for the AC), nice man fills the car up, washes the windows and takes your money - cash only, still so far 70AED only to completely fill up (that's about 13 pound).
A few weeks ago had a friend came to stay for a few days and spent a fun day at Wild Wadi water fun park near Dubai.
Also had my first haircut here, warning not for the faint hearted. Well sat down in the chair and the little "Bangladeshi" type man pumped the chair as low as it would go and then disappeared for about 5 min and came back with a set of steps to reach the top of my head! Asked him for a # 4 cut but that seemed to have got lost and hair was cut very very short but had an unexpected head massage and oil all for 2 pound, beat that on the IOM!
Have just about recovered from a bought of "the runs" not sure what brought it on but 3 of us went down but could not identify anything in common except our accommodation (we don't eat there either), anyway just about recovered. Maybe its just getting used to the heat, the last week has been quite fearsome with temperatures up to 50C and humid, thank goodness for AC. Work wish busy as always, lots of new projects, the latest a new city to be built next to Musaffah Port.
Well that's a long ramble on and will try to do this every week, See you next time. John
The old Nissan Sunny has now gone and has been replaced by a Toyota Camray, big saloon and very comfortable, brand new and I believe is a temp car until the Quasquia arrives? Nearly 3 ltr engine but no idea how much mpg or is it Ltrs/km as you never get out of the car at the garage (also everyone leaves the engine running for the AC), nice man fills the car up, washes the windows and takes your money - cash only, still so far 70AED only to completely fill up (that's about 13 pound).
A few weeks ago had a friend came to stay for a few days and spent a fun day at Wild Wadi water fun park near Dubai.
Also had my first haircut here, warning not for the faint hearted. Well sat down in the chair and the little "Bangladeshi" type man pumped the chair as low as it would go and then disappeared for about 5 min and came back with a set of steps to reach the top of my head! Asked him for a # 4 cut but that seemed to have got lost and hair was cut very very short but had an unexpected head massage and oil all for 2 pound, beat that on the IOM!
Have just about recovered from a bought of "the runs" not sure what brought it on but 3 of us went down but could not identify anything in common except our accommodation (we don't eat there either), anyway just about recovered. Maybe its just getting used to the heat, the last week has been quite fearsome with temperatures up to 50C and humid, thank goodness for AC. Work wish busy as always, lots of new projects, the latest a new city to be built next to Musaffah Port.
Well that's a long ramble on and will try to do this every week, See you next time. John
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday 24th May
Yet another week survived! and changes to lifestyle.
After the trials of the previous weeks managed to open a local bank account here (not easy) as you have to have all sorts of bits of paper to prove who you are. Anyway eventually got moved up to a special account and after a couple of days got all the necessary bits in place, but no money in the account until today, pay day.
Also on Sat 15th managed to get a hire car, its a bit of a wreck Nissan Sunny, but it goes well and is only a stand in awaiting a new car. The company tried to offer me a Mitsubishi Parjero (Shogun) but said it was to big and dated so settled on a Nissan Quashqui, well guess what by Monday last no Quashqui's in the UAE as a new model out soon so will be getting a Nissan Altimo (big saloon car).
So new found freedom and out looking at future potential areas to live, Al Raha Beach, Al Reef, Yas Island, Mangrove Village etc etc, quite a few of these are still mega building sites but then that's Abu Dhabi. It looks like it will come down to living ether in an apartment in the city or a house/villa off the main island, decisions decisions!
Driving here is an experience in its self, no lane discipline, few use indicators, lots of horns and weave in and out of traffic, crazy but it's amazing how one soon gets used to it.
Work wise, very busy. Got given the job of also looking after Khalifa port, (by the end of the week handed it on to a college) however it is MASSIVE, first berth will accommodate "cape size " ships, went to see the construction site last week and the initial jetty is over 6 miles long and this is only phase 1, the scale of the site is unbelievable.
Had a good weekend (Fri & Sat), out to the pub both nights with the gang.
That's it, will update with news next week
Chow
After the trials of the previous weeks managed to open a local bank account here (not easy) as you have to have all sorts of bits of paper to prove who you are. Anyway eventually got moved up to a special account and after a couple of days got all the necessary bits in place, but no money in the account until today, pay day.
Also on Sat 15th managed to get a hire car, its a bit of a wreck Nissan Sunny, but it goes well and is only a stand in awaiting a new car. The company tried to offer me a Mitsubishi Parjero (Shogun) but said it was to big and dated so settled on a Nissan Quashqui, well guess what by Monday last no Quashqui's in the UAE as a new model out soon so will be getting a Nissan Altimo (big saloon car).
So new found freedom and out looking at future potential areas to live, Al Raha Beach, Al Reef, Yas Island, Mangrove Village etc etc, quite a few of these are still mega building sites but then that's Abu Dhabi. It looks like it will come down to living ether in an apartment in the city or a house/villa off the main island, decisions decisions!
Driving here is an experience in its self, no lane discipline, few use indicators, lots of horns and weave in and out of traffic, crazy but it's amazing how one soon gets used to it.
Work wise, very busy. Got given the job of also looking after Khalifa port, (by the end of the week handed it on to a college) however it is MASSIVE, first berth will accommodate "cape size " ships, went to see the construction site last week and the initial jetty is over 6 miles long and this is only phase 1, the scale of the site is unbelievable.
Had a good weekend (Fri & Sat), out to the pub both nights with the gang.
That's it, will update with news next week
Chow
Friday, May 14, 2010
Friday 14th May
Well thats another week over and today has been a day of rest and catching up on personal matters.
Yet another very busy week, meetings and more meetings + a few interviews, usually at last minute notice
The week started off very strange, on Saturday evening went to the "pub" and on my return found someone else was now living in the apartment, it was OK as lots of rooms but a little disconcerting. Anyway Steve, Also works for ADPC arrived from Manchester and settled in, the pair of us off to Marina Mall the next morning by bus, its not quite the done thing foe white people tp travel by bus apparently but at 20p to go anywhere in Abu Dhabi its a bargain, more of this later.
The week has gone quickly, I've ended up also looking after Kalifa port for the time being, this when its finished will be the biggest port in the middle east. I've got to plan for getting Cape size vessels into the port by October this year! Pilots have been a big issue and they are the ones we have been interviewing.
Another two new members of staff arrived mid week, Jaber (a local) will be my Deputy Harbour Master and Sally from NZ will work with me on VTS. The whole plan is to make all ports under ADPC into world class ports. Target for me tomorrow (yes a rest day) is work out how many tugs we need and then start procurement.
Good news, I eventually got my residency visa and then driving licence so hope to get a big car tomorrow, also can now open a bank account.
Have a new apartment now very close to Abu Dhabi Mall, very posh. You see what the apartment is like by going to www.visionhotel.net and going across to executive suites. Spent part of the day up on the roof (19th floor) by the pool. The place is also very handy for local buses, being only a couple of stops to work, standing room only and full of far eastern bods, but its great. One thing out here, it is a very safe city and I've never felt uncomfortable at all.
Pub again this evening for a pint or two + a meal and meet up with the expats.
Well thats about it for now, more next week.
Joihn
Yet another very busy week, meetings and more meetings + a few interviews, usually at last minute notice
The week started off very strange, on Saturday evening went to the "pub" and on my return found someone else was now living in the apartment, it was OK as lots of rooms but a little disconcerting. Anyway Steve, Also works for ADPC arrived from Manchester and settled in, the pair of us off to Marina Mall the next morning by bus, its not quite the done thing foe white people tp travel by bus apparently but at 20p to go anywhere in Abu Dhabi its a bargain, more of this later.
The week has gone quickly, I've ended up also looking after Kalifa port for the time being, this when its finished will be the biggest port in the middle east. I've got to plan for getting Cape size vessels into the port by October this year! Pilots have been a big issue and they are the ones we have been interviewing.
Another two new members of staff arrived mid week, Jaber (a local) will be my Deputy Harbour Master and Sally from NZ will work with me on VTS. The whole plan is to make all ports under ADPC into world class ports. Target for me tomorrow (yes a rest day) is work out how many tugs we need and then start procurement.
Good news, I eventually got my residency visa and then driving licence so hope to get a big car tomorrow, also can now open a bank account.
Have a new apartment now very close to Abu Dhabi Mall, very posh. You see what the apartment is like by going to www.visionhotel.net and going across to executive suites. Spent part of the day up on the roof (19th floor) by the pool. The place is also very handy for local buses, being only a couple of stops to work, standing room only and full of far eastern bods, but its great. One thing out here, it is a very safe city and I've never felt uncomfortable at all.
Pub again this evening for a pint or two + a meal and meet up with the expats.
Well thats about it for now, more next week.
Joihn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)