Some of my learnings

Okay since we have been doing the same routine this week as the previous we I figured I would write about things I have learned here thus far.  So here are some differences and similarities between America and Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. The food, like America is really good and typically about the same price if not cheaper than American food. Their trade mark food is shawarmah which is a shaved meat sandwich, wrapped in a thin bread. They typically dip in in humus but I don't really care for humus. Next, The weather is hot, like 110 hot and midday can be pretty miserable if your out for awhile.  But I love walking to the grocery at night when it has cooled down to about 80 or so. There is little humidity if any here unlike Indiana where you drink in air.  Next, Muslims pray 5 times a day, during work they stop what they are doing almost instantly and shut down the stores. If your inside you may stay, but typically you can't leave. You can keep eating or shopping. But the prayer schedule is something we all must consider when planning our day. It seems like we are always running to a store when it is about prayer time and sometimes we just barely make it and sometimes we just barely miss the window haha. The schedule is something like 4am, 7 am, 12pm , 7pm , 8pm . The 4 am prayer, I've been told is for very devote Muslims typically. I will write more about my leanings next time, until then, all is well and fun.

New Jobsite

Tim Here-

Yesterday FTR International Inc., NV once again treated us to lunch. This time it was various types of rice, and delicious chicken, beef, and lamb meat. The meat was cooked to perfection and was consumed quickly leaving a ton of leftover rice.

Today we are planning on switching jobsites once again. We will be returning to the King Saud University job and work on completing a final report for SBG. I hope everything goes well!

More Fun in the Sun

This week has been a rush! We have been working hard on the SAFA project while making sure we get the most out of Riyadh. The other night, we went to Trader Vics for dinner with Steve Queen and Katie Morissey. It was great to get to know them more over a good meal. Tonight Mike, Tim, and I went to the mall to get some souvenirs and to get out into the city. After that, we went to McDonalds for dinner. We were going to go to get some shawarma but it was a little bit too busy. 

Mike, doing work son.

Doing take-offs/reading specs/living the dream

Seafood pizza

We went out for a nice dinner last night with Dr. Cox and some of the FTR International, Inc. nv employees. Today, we continued to check out quanities against the B.O.Q. and had pizza for lunch.  Over here they have a seafood pizza, and it's pretty tasty if I say so myself.  

Pictures

Tim Here-

Our internship has been underway for a few weeks now, but in our spare time we try to get out and explore Saudi Arabia. This past week we went to Batha and the Wadi Hanifah. Below are some pictures of our experiences.

Batha Markets

Super busy streets in Batha

Mike haggling for a blanket

Ancient ruins in the Wadi Hanifah

Hmm... scarecrow?

We survived the 2.5 hr walk through the desert with Paul and Jim!

Fun in Saudi sun

Wed Hello to all, Dr. Cox arrived last night. We have spent the morning catching up and talking about our experience here.  Tonight is steak night at the embassy and we are all going. It will be fun to catch up with the consultants at the KSU sight since we have been gone for a week.  Today, we are moving shop to a new set of villas with more room for the 4 of us, it is crazy how much space full size plans take up.   Friday Hey again,  Today we had a cook out at the new villas, the ones with a big swimming pool in the middle.  Well...  it was almost a cookout. We couldn't get the grill to work so we ordered kabobs and grilled chicken, it was delicious! To top it off we relaxed in the pool and played cards all day. This evening we went shopping. I bargained for a new phone case and the other fellas got some electronic goods, I think some headphones. Now, i must tell you about the highlight of the night! Upon my return home I sat down and opened my new iPhone screen that was sent from my family in Indiana. This was my third time trying to replace my screen. I must report the first two times I failed miserably. But my confidence and determination to return to my beloved iPhone would not die. I sat down at my operation table (my desk with a cereal bowl for screws) and after 20 minutes I brought my iPhone back to life! Now I must go play with it, thanks for reading, until next time.

Half way

We finished up with our second week of the internship, which also marks the half way point for our trip.  The last few days we were helping Steve do quantity take-offs for the Saudi Aviation Flight Academy.  We're going to continue doing the QT for the next few days and then we'll accept any challenges thrown our way.