Thursday Night at the Four Seasons

This is a really pretty city. There are two tall buildings, one of which the hotel is in. The other is 1/2 mile away and shaped like a globe. This one is an arch -- about 100 floors high.

I do have some pictures of this arch, but only after drawing a crowd of 4 security guards when I went outside to take pictures of it this morning. Doesn't seem to be allowed. I went up in the arch this evening, but could not take the camera -- although many of the people visiting the arch had cameras in their phone and used them. Go figure -- just not allowed to take good pictures from the arch I suppose. But, guess what my camera phone has on it now???

Also visited the old city today, reminded me of the wall around Istanbul - except this one made of mud and stone and only a couple of hundred years old. Lots of pictures there.

Went to lunch in a traditional restaurant with two from the consulting firm sponsoring the training. Had camel to eat -- really. It was broiled and tasted like beef. Other than that, lots of lamb, humicie, chicken, etc. Not really too spicy or out of the ordinary.

Had a hamburger from McDonalds for breakfast --- no breakfast menus here, but they are planning to have that soon.

Got caught in prayer time in the mall again - all stores closed for 30 minutes around sundown -- 6 pm. Last night's closing was around 8pm - so I wonder if they'll close again tonight?

Snowed here this morning




------ April Fools!!!!!

Wednesday Night at the Four Seasons

What a change!! Company compound in the morning and luxury in the afternoon! Riyadh is very modern, skyscrapers, malls, new cars, etc.

The armed guards at the entry way to the hotel checked the trunk and the hood of the car - really tight security.

It will be really interesting to see a bit of the city tomorrow. But, also have two client visits tomorrow setup by the consulting firm that arranged this training.

There might be lots more work over here.

Wednesday noon - leavin' the compound for a while!

Finished with the SOX team now. They say they'll want me back to consult with them periodically as they go through this and through ERM. We'll see.

Met one guy I'd worked with in EY way back in Dallas, and another I'd worked with at Mobil Audit in Dallas. Small world.

Hope the basement flood is not too bad. Can you get Hydro to clean it up? Tell him it's food.

Catching a bus in an hour to the Aramco hanger, to fly on the company plane. Several people told me this morning the Four Seasons in Riyadh might not be exactly like Four Seasons else where - so I'm prepared to be underwhelmed. But, they did say it is much better than the guest quarters here.

Tuesday Night in the Compound

Last night here for a while. Leaving tomorrow afternoon for Riyadh on the company airplane. Wonder if the Four Seasons will look like my home here? I wanted to post a picture, but just found out it is hard to do. Oh well.

Met Buddy the Sheltie this morning on way to office. He is a little bigger than Hydro, with shorter hair, and is more controlled than either of TRH Shelties. I petted him and he said hello.

Caught a compound bus and rode one circuit of the compound this afternoon - took about 35 minutes. I'll show you the pictures so you can be envious of the homes here.

This was the first nice weather we've had. Low 80's and clear this afternoon.

I'm meeting with the SOX 404 project team from 7:30 to noon tomorrow, then catching taxi to airport for the short flight to Riyadh. I think I could get a job here if you want - maybe they need a GCS partner, now, in the EY office here?

Monday night in the Compound

Boorriinngg here! Sleep, work, eat.

Dinner at Dining Hall again - fruit was only thing that looked good. Looking forward to the Four Seasons in a couple of days. Maybe I can get internet access for my PC there.

I think I will spend a night in Bahrain around April 7, maybe I'll get shopping and picture taking in.

You can comment on these posts you know, that way I'd know you are there. Just remember that anyone can see them, and I am sure thousands of people are hanging on my every word!

Sunday in the Compound

Dinner tonight at the Dining Hall - ummmmmm - Rice and Fish, I think.

Finished first seminar today, start another one tomorrow. They also signed up for another one April 5-6 - so that's 4 two day sessions here on the Compound, and one two day session in Riyadh. I'll get used to the Compound by then. Still waiting on a PC connection on anything but a public PC but they are not too fast here!!

I'm flying to Riyadh on company plane Wednesday afternoon, then at Four Seasons Wed - Sunday nights, teaching there Sat-Sun, then back to here Monday April 4.

Happy Easter - I'm looking for easter eggs on my morning and night walk from the Compound to the Administration offices.

BTW, the "clinic" here on the Compound has 500 full-time doctors employed. Some clinic.

Saturday Night at the Compound

First day of teaching COSO today. The class was 80% Saudi and 20% expat - everyone was actually very good and interested. Dinner tonight at seafood restaurant, OFF COMPOUND, with two training managers.

Tomorrow is another full day of teaching 7:30am to 3:30pm. They are doing COSO because they are voluntarily complying with SOX 404.

It's about 60degrees here - and I thought it would be hot! Not so - so much for scuba diving I think! But, there is a golf course!!!

Meanwhile, I am still a walking Tumi commerical - bag, briefcase and jacket - I look like a catalog.

At the Transient Guest Quarters ..

Well, I made it. Got to Bahrain around noon, then arrived at the Saudi Guest Quarters in Dharan around 4pm. Yep, that's right - it's called Steineke Hall, next door to the Dining Hall and right around the corner from the Commissary. Yes, Deborah, you are glad you stayed at TRH!

Only limited internet access now, but someone's supposed to show me how to install a TUT in my room, so I'll have access there. I just can't wait to be Tutted.....

Kuwait - In the Oasis Lounge

If it's Friday morning, I must be in Kuwait. 7:15 am Friday morning to be exact -- but from here it just looks like another big airport. Three hours here, then on a Gulf Air flight to Bahrain, finally. I'm going to see if I can look out some windows now, so I can say I've been to Kuwait.

At Heathrow Hilton

It's Thursday, but I didn't make it to Bahrain. Weather delayed the JFK flight and I missed the connection in London - by about 10 minutes. BA said they wait for no one - even someone like me who's driven 4.5 hours through snow to get to JFK for the flight!

Now I'm in a day room at the Hilton at Heathrow airport, and will leave tonight at 10pm, arriving in Kuwait at 6:40am Friday morning. Another overnight on an airplane! Then I catch a Gulf Air flight at 10am and arrive Bahrain at 11am Friday --- I hope.

Oh, well. At least after this I can say I've been to Kuwait!

Albany to JFK to London to Bahrain

Today is a big trip - driving from Albany to JFK airport (possibly in rain and snow), catching an overnight BA flight to London, then on to Bahrain. I should get there around 7:30pm Thursday evening, Bahrain time if all goes well. That's +8 hours from TRH time.