Blog Update per Tina's request

I technically did update my blog a few days ago with travel plans, check the map but shall go into details now.

"The weather outside is frightful....la la.....let it snow let it snow let it snow" It is not going to but it did get down the 13 degrees last night. The locals have dragged out their camel skin coats, beanies, scarves etc and the department is actually having a few mid winter quiet hours at 2 am.

I am on a run of nights for the next 3 weeks and have only Boxing Day off between 3 on and 3 on. So Christmas shall fly by this year. As it is against the law to publicly celebrate the birth of this particular prophet, I don't think I shall have to deal with the crowds like Miranda.

The reason for this entry having the looming sky picture is for the plane ticket collection I have. Over the next three weeks I shall be visiting 3 countries.

New Year shall be in Bahrain. No ticket I am catching a taxi to the next country like any normal person. 2 nights at the Gulf Bahrain which has an in house Reggae Band and a very nice pool bar. I shall be thinking of you all as I sit down to a Cab Sav without the influence of the easily corruptible Sid and Rose. A bit of shopping then back to Saudi.

But not for long as 2 days work then back to Bahrain for a flight to Musqat in Oman. It is the one city I have really wanted to see while here. It is least developed and prides itself on being Arabian. But the people are apparently very relaxed and friendly.

Then the next big event is taking the Express at Midnight to Bahrain to GF 7L to London Heathrow for my midyear leave. Leave being the operative word in the sentence. Ma'asalama for those in the know. Apparently Pippa has promised to bring a certain little black puppy to the airport to meet me. I wonder if she will be nicer than the 'Meet & Greet' I got when first landing in Dammam 6 months ago. Technically I will be here for more than half the contract, which does set the new bench mark for Australians. Come to think of it for New Zealanders and South Africans as well.

For Christmas where ever you are:

UK: stay warm and dry and I shall be there very soon so save me some pudding and custard.

Gosford: I send all my love and shall be thinking of you. Send my love to all the reli's

Sydney: Keep out of the way of bush fires, and keep control as there is only so much room under a Christmas tree for toys and Santa needs space as well.

Canberra: Enjoy your first married Christmas Mr and Mrs Bell and Mr and Mrs O'Keefe

Calvary: Stay safe and I hope you have nothing to do at work for a couple of weeks....rather than too much to do.

Victoria & the Border: Also keep out of the path of Bush fires. Look after all the puppies; take a dip in the cascades for me and no pudding spills on your beautiful blue couch Ranee and company as I shall report you to the previous owners.

Hope everyone has a really good Christmas and New Year. And hope everyone has a great 2010 Space Odyssey. I shall be spending all of mine in England..with the exception of the first 13 days. And possibly the occasional channel hop for fresh croissants.