Bob in the Middle East

Now it's time to say "good-bye"...

2008-08-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

Well... maybe "It's time to go on hiatus" is a better choice of words.

It's been a while since I've written an entry on this blog because I've not been able to find too much "Middle East" stuff in my life. I'm no longer working for the non-profit in the Middle East and, therefore, haven't had that much to say about the region. So, that said, I'll be going on hiatus for a while.

In the meantime, you can keep up with my whereabouts and adventures on my two other blogs: http://www.newyorkhotflashes.com (there's a Middle East related post on that one: "A Night at the Theater") and http://www.bittenbyazebraphotography.com . So, for now -- it's "Up, up & away!"

Cheers!

Bob (no longer in the Middle East)

P.S. The photo is from a balloon festival that I attended on Long Island this past weekend (more are on my photo blog).

Kenny Chesney in the Middle of the East Side of N.Y.C.

2008-06-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

Okay... I'm stretching it but... Kenny Chesney performed on The Today Show in concert on Friday, June 13 in the Middle of the East Side of New York. You can probably see a better video at The Today Show's official website on nbc.com -- but this is what it looked like from the center of the crowd for the concert.

I shot this on my Olympus camera -- not my camcorder. Next time, I'm bringing my camcorder. If you want a "'good seat" be sure to get there by 5 am. I got there at 5:45 am and this is where I wound up....

Middle East travel update

2008-05-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

My trip to Canada has come and gone. Although I didn't post any photos here, you can visit my video blog, www.NewYorkHotFlashes.com , for some interesting video of my activities in Canada, including the celebratory happenings the night that the Montreal Canadiens beat the Boston Bruins (before the riot).

Given recent events in Lebanon, I'm not too sure when I'll be heading there next but I shall keep you posted!

Blossoms at night.

2008-04-02T19:21:00.001-07:00

In Scott Circle, outside of the Courtyard Marriot on M Street & Rhode Island Avenue.

Tune in later this month when my Middle East travels will take me to Canada! God only knows the adventures that I will have while in Ottowa...

Blossoms reflecting...

2008-04-02T19:18:00.001-07:00

...in the tidal basin.

I took all of the blossom photos at between 6 & 7 pm on Monday, March 31. The skies were overcast and the heavens were drizzling.

...and more blossoms.

2008-04-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

This one provides a nice view of the tidal basin.

...blossoms...

2008-04-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

One of the Smithsonian buildings is in the background of this shot.

Blossoms...

2008-04-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

A closer view

2008-04-02T18:48:00.001-07:00

A view of the Washington Monument

2008-04-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

Protecting our nation's cherry blossoms.

2008-04-02T18:33:00.001-07:00

I shot this from the inside of the Jefferson Memorial.

Another shot of the Jefferson Memorial

2008-04-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

Middle East Travel Update

2008-04-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

Well... I thought my next trip for work would be a trip back to Beirut but, alas, it wasn't.

I'm not sure exactly when I'll be heading back to the Middle East. It could be late spring/early summer or it could be fall.

Who'da thunk that my next trip on Middle East business would be to Washington, D.C.? And, technically -- although I'm probably stretching it a bit -- the District of Columbia is smack in the middle of the east coast. So... I was fortunate enough to visit the U.S.'s "Middle East" at the height of cherry blossom season—and thought I'd share a few photos.

Why D.C., you ask? The board of trustees held one of their yearly meetings in D.C. and I had arranged some media visits and a speaking engagement for the president of the university.

These are a few photos that I shot over the past couple of days. If you haven't been to D.C. during cherry blossom time, I highly recommend a visit. Enjoy.

The first photo is of the Jefferson Memorial.

The pyramids are now copyrighted...

2008-01-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since my last entry but wanted to mention two things:

1.) Egypt has officially copyrighted the pyramids. What does it mean? Well, for starters, it means some extra income for Egypt, which will hopefully be used to keep the pyramids from crumbling and, also, to clean up the desert (it was very sad to see how littered it was -- plastic bottles, cans and other trash strew about). To learn more about the this new government initiative, click here.

2.) I believe that I will be heading back to the Middle East in February. Stay tuned. I'll post more as soon as I know all the details!

It's 1 a.m.: Do you know where your children are?

2007-12-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

If you are in Cairo, your child might be selling bread in Khan el-Khalili marketplace for 1 Egyptian pound per piece (the equivalent of 20 cents). The boy pictured was selling bread at approximately 1 a.m. on Saturday, November 17.

To read the commentary piece I wrote for The Providence Journal about the plight of some children in the Middle East, click here.

P.S. It's been 33 years, not 23. I must have been REALLY jet-lagged when I did my math!

The pyramids and Cairo...

2007-12-10T17:40:00.000-08:00

...are much closer together than you would imagine. I shot this short, :30 second video facing the Sahara desert and turned towards the pyramids and the Sphynx (very difficult to see in this shot) and then towards Cairo.

Blonde IS more fun...

2007-12-03T17:11:00.002-08:00

This is certainly ONE of my favorite photos from Beirut. The building is located just a block or two from campus.

If you are ever in Cairo...

2007-11-24T10:46:00.000-08:00

...and want to ride a camel to the pyramids, let me know. I'll put you in touch with Ismail (video below), who owns a farm and stable for camels and Arabian horses. In this short (:32 second) video, he talks about how Americans sound when they talk about their camel trip to the pyramids!

One of my last moments in Cairo.

2007-11-21T16:20:00.003-08:00

I'll be posting a few more items (including some video) on Friday. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving!

Around the corner from our hotel was a street of...

2007-11-21T16:11:00.000-08:00

...outdoor coffee shops. Coffee, tea, people and sheeshas throughout...

This is a shot from the fruit market...

2007-11-21T16:01:00.000-08:00

...the fresh dates are the small oblong red things in the lower left corner.

After dinner shopping with Miss Betta.

2007-11-21T10:51:00.001-08:00

Miss Betta took this photo in the lobby of the Four Seasons Cairo!

On the other side of the Nile...

2007-11-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

...a Chili's restaurant awaited us.

"Museum Head" antidote...

2007-11-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

...or as some may call it, "lunch." Yum.

The Egyptian Museum...

2007-11-21T10:02:00.000-08:00

...where we got the worse case of "Museum Head" ever!

I'm baaaacckkkk!!!!

2007-11-20T14:39:00.000-08:00

And I must say that it feels nice to be home. I've still got some photos and stuff to sort through and will hopefully be able to post a few more photos and curiosities tomorrow.

Meanwhile, here is a short (:32 second) video of traffic in Cairo. Crossing the street in Cairo is a lot like the video game Frogger--only real life!

Good night, Cairo

2007-11-18T15:22:00.000-08:00

By Bob with Miss Betta’s comments in ALL CAPS

I have only posted one photo because it’s very late and I have to be awake at 6 am. I would post more but the internet is incredibly slow. I will post the other referenced photos on Tuesday or Wednesday.

We got up late ‘cuz we were very tired. When we finally managed to get out of the hotel around 3 pm. We trotted out towards the Egyptian museum and were lured into a perfume shop by an Egyptian (they are very charming and will do just about anything to get you into their store). Long story short: he sold some perfume.

Finally, we were on our way to the Egyptian museum. The sad thing to say is, although they have a magnificent collection, we had much more fun getting to the museum than visiting the museum.

You see, there are only a few traffic lights in Cairo (mostly for red and green light displays at Christmastime). Crossing the street is very much like a sport. You kinda just have to run out into the street and dodge cars (see photo).

We didn’t even last 20 minutes in the museum because we became afflicted with the worst case of "museum head" in history. Since we were starving by that point, Miss Betta purchased a can of Pringles (see photo) BECAUSE BOB REFUSES TO EAT CAT MEAT ON THE STREET AS I WOULD, GIVEN THE CHOICE.

After we enjoyed our treat, Miss Betta wanted to sail down the Nile in a felucca (small sailboat). SHORTLY THEREAFTER, WE FOUND OURSELVES BEING TOWED INTO THE MIDDLE OF A NILE BY A NEON-LIT PARTY BOAT BLARING ARAB DANCE MUSIC, FILLED WITH PARTYING HIJAB GIRLS. SO MUCH FOR MY “CLEOPATRA-ON-A-BARGE” FANTASY.

We finally arrived on the other side of the Nile at “Nile City,” a South Street Seaport-like restaurant boat, PROUDLY FEATURING A NUMBER OF CHAIN RESTAURANTS (INCLUDING A CHILI’S, PICTURED). There was no wind. We were stuck. Miss Betta could not endure the sight of the Chili’s sign for a moment longer. She almost jumped into the Nile to get away.

We disembarked and began walking—past an Applebee’s, no less. AND WE WONDER WHY THEY HATE US…

Miss Betta, fearful that I would demand a trip to Kentucky Fried Chicken, decided it would be more fun to play “dodge car” and go visit the Four Seasons Hotel. IF I CAN’T HAVE CAT ON A STICK, I GUESS FIVE-STAR LUXURY WILL HAVE TO DO. AT LEAST IT WASN’T KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN.

(Please note: KFC beckoned as we were heading to the museum, when I was starting to get a bit peckish. I really didn’t want my last meal in Egypt to be KFC. But it’s fun antagonizing Miss Betta sometimes.)

If you are ever in Cairo, I highly recommend the Four Season’s Lebanese buffet. The dining has a stunning view of the Nile AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR UNBRIDLED GLUTTONY IS UNSURPASSED. I AM STILL SICK.) Believe it or not, the prices are equivalent to a moderately priced restaurant in New York.

After dinner, we wanted to get manicures and pedicures (total cost for both: $20 each) but, much to our dismay, it was to late for pampering. So, naturally, Miss Betta decided to shop (pictured). DESPITE THE AIR POLLUTION AND LINGERING SMELL OF CAMEL DUNG, I MANAGED TO CATCH THE DELICATE AROMA OF PRADA AND JIMMY CHOO IN THE AIR.

Miss Betta does have a preternatural ability to find the most expensive shopping in any city in the world. Money was spent (see photo).

Upon our return home, we were tired. Miss Betta’s stomach was grumbling—and so was she—but we went to the fruit market nearby to purchase dates (see photo). BOB WANTED TO COME STRAIGHT BACK SO HE COULD WRITE IN HIS BLOG ABOUT CAIRO INSTEAD OF ACTUALLY EXPERIENCING IT. I THREATENED TO SLAP HIM LIKE A RED-HEADED STEPCHILD.

We sauntered through the traffic and made our way to a coffee shop. Miss Betta thought it appropriate to relax with a cup of mint tea and watch me smoke the last sheesha of the trip (see photo).

I’ll have more to post (including video) upon my return.

Good night, Cairo.

We did it!

2007-11-17T15:21:00.001-08:00

We didn't make it to the top although Miss Betta went further up than I (and she didn't tumble to the ground). If you take another look at "Bob & Betta in Arabia," the pyramid that we climbed is the second "small" pyramid to the right. I don't know if I'll be posting tomorrow because I have to leave the hotel at 7 am on Monday morning. Must off.

Me and Ali Baba

2007-11-17T15:14:00.000-08:00

Miss Betta's camel was named Mickey Mouse. Mine was Ali Baba. Poor Ali Baba. He had severe gastric distress. He broke wind all the way to and back from the pyramids. It wasn't exactly pleasant for Miss Betta, especially because she was down wind (so to speak). We both found it most ironic that I was the one riding the camel with grumbling innerds.

We rode for three hours and we have been walking like an Egyptian ever since. I took some video and will post it after I get back!

Betta & Bob of Arabia

2007-11-17T15:07:00.001-08:00

I think the picture says it all.

After selling Miss Betta...

2007-11-16T17:48:00.000-08:00

...I was famished so I had my first meal in Egypt (pictured, of course!).

More later, I'm sure!

Meanwhile in Cairo...

2007-11-16T17:16:00.000-08:00

...I sold Miss Betta to Ahmed for 1,000 camels. A bargain if I do say so myself.

Very late. Must sleep.

My last day in Beirut

2007-11-16T17:05:00.000-08:00

On my way back to the hotel and before heading out the airport, I walked by "Salon Bob." One side of the sign was english, one in Arabic...

Ka-BOB!

2007-11-15T14:46:00.000-08:00

I was so hungry tonight that I could eat five chicken thighs. Thanks, Kate, for the photo!

I don't know if I will have internet access in Cairo so I may not be able to post until my return next week, probably Tuesday...

I'm going bananas!

2007-11-15T14:35:00.001-08:00

It's been a long, been a long, been a long day. Aside from passing this produce stand on the way to conduct an interview, I was nearly pick-pocketed by two (10 years old or so) Gypsy children. It's hard to believe that I'll be leaving for Cairo tomorrow night.

Guess what I found at the local Radio Shack?

2007-11-15T14:31:00.001-08:00

Middle East Barbie -- her name is "Fulla". I purchased her last night and, tonight, I learned that she is named after a flower...

The Byblos campus from the ground...

2007-11-14T12:51:00.001-08:00

...at 6 pm at night. Pretty, huh? Send me an e-mail and let me know what you think: bittenbyazebra@earthlink.net.

That's all for tonight. Over and out.

Bob

P.S. This is the fifth of five posts tonight. Scroll down for more!

A group of students from the ground...

2007-11-14T12:48:00.000-08:00

Byblos campus from above.

2007-11-14T12:45:00.001-08:00

The Byblos campus is a very pretty campus.

Glaaaaadiators!!!!!

2007-11-14T12:40:00.000-08:00

Some students at an day-long “fun fair” (for lack of better words). There was trampoline/bungee jumping, “gladiator fighting” (pictured), archery and a few other activities.

Rats!

2007-11-14T12:22:00.000-08:00

I’m too tired to write tonight about our adventures in Byblos. So tonight, it’ll just be a series of photos with short descriptions.

This one is for Miss Betta. Enough said.

When in Beirut...

2007-11-13T13:45:00.000-08:00

Peggy is an amazing tour guide. She drove us by the Mediterranean and took us on a walking tour downtown—we walked by Parliament, visited Harrari’s memorial and saw several camps. They have done a wonderful job restoring downtown Beirut but, ultimately, the experience was sad. Businesses are closing and restaurants (although staffed) are empty. Thank goodness for the Lebanese spirit!

We concluded the evening with a Lebanese feast at Abdel Wahab. I indulged with a hooka—apple flavored. The photo at right is priceless. Pictured is one of my colleagues, Bob.

Ah... Lag no more!

2007-11-13T08:43:00.000-08:00

To the right is the view from Kate’s balcony. We’re not too sure who might be missing the shoe that’s on the right.

Last night, we dined at a delightful establishment across the street from the hotel. And what type of food, you may ask? I don’t know about you, but when I think of Lebanese food, I think “pizza.” And, by golly, the Tropicale pizza (pineapple, ham and mushroom) was mighty tasty. And the meal was served by a friendly waiter named Bob.

Tonight we dine with Peggy and others from Beirut marketing and communications team. Tomorrow we head to Byblos.

P.S. Did you know that there are no stop lights or stop signs on the streets of Beirut (exept for a few downtown)? But many a car travel down Hamras Street during the day. How does a pedestrian cross the street, you may ask? The answer: with caution…

Day One = Jet Lag

2007-11-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to get a daytime view from my hotel room window. Just below (pictured, right) I noticed the hotel’s rooftop pool. It’s shame I didn’t bring my swim suit…

I do not have anything else terribly exciting to report in part because I spent the day in meetings, in part because jet lag kicked in at approximately 4 pm this afternoon during a fairly important meeting. Perhaps I’ll have more exciting things to report tomorrow when I’m more alert!

I can't believe I'm in Beirut!

2007-11-11T13:41:00.000-08:00

I have arrived safely and I cannot believe that I’m here. It’s nothing like I thought. As I was riding out of the Beirut airport, there is a HUGE, lighted KFC bucket at the entrance of the airport. Not sure what it means but certainly made me feel a little bit more at home.

After a little exploring of the streets of Beirut, I stumbled on “Steve’s Beverage Store” and managed to pick up a half a liter of Lebanese red wine. Kate and I drank it on her balcony (I don’t have a balcony, which makes me very jealous of Kate!). As we were imbibing, we looked out into the city and saw a neon sign on the side of the building that read in all caps, MOZART. So, we figured it’s probably Mozart’s birth place. We shall investigate more this week and find out.

It’s late. I’m a bit tired and have to be up at an ungodly hour tomorrow so, until then, have a great day!

P.S. At McDonald’s, I had a McArabia burger, which was served in flat bread. The burgers were okay, the sauce was interesting…

The eagle has landed... in Cairo

2007-11-11T03:38:00.000-08:00

The flight to Cairo was quicker than I expected, thanks to my benzodiazapenes! Yay sleeping aids. The plane was older and didn't have any movies on the back of the seats. Thank Allah I loaded up my iPod with all sorts of videos.

I'm in Cairo and only have 3 hours or so to kill until I board a plane for Beirut. I have nothing really exciting to report -- except I purchased a fine Sphynx snowglobe, a King Ramses writing implement and a King Tut lighter (made in China, possible with lead paint -- guess I won't be licking it any time soon).

If I start getting a little craving food, I can lumber upstairs for a Big Mac. I wonder if the Big Macs are different in Cairo...

That's it for now. Must off. More anon.

The Cafeteria Plan

2007-11-06T17:59:00.000-08:00

Today Kate (a colleague who will be travelling to Beirut, too) and I scuttled over to the library in our office building. The library was having a book sale so we decided that we could stock up on reading material for the plane. We made some fine selections.

After making our purchases, we toddled on down to the cafeteria for some tasty lunchtime treats. Kate left one of her books near the sandwich bar area.

I brought my sandwich to the cashier. Imagine my surprise when a nice fellow approached me and asked, "Is this your copy of The Geneva Conventions?"

Technically, no. It was Kate's copy. The book was one of her fine purchases (an excellent 50 cent investment if I do say so myself). But I must say that the question isn't one that I get asked often. The question made my day...

To the Pyramids!

2007-11-05T18:20:00.000-08:00

I find it so surreal that I'm heading to the Middle East in less than a week. Luckily, in addition to a business trip to Beirut, I'll be visiting Cairo. And lucky for me, my dear friend Miss Betta (pictured to the right, on a roap bridge in Uzbekistan) will be joining me in Cairo to solve the riddle of the Sphinx.

Today I learned that it is possible, when in Cairo, to climb the pyramids. It's not really an official adventure--you have to be very crafty to get it to happen. Also, it is quite dangerous. For more information about climbing the pyramids, follow this link: I want to climb a pyramid!

Naturally, I e-mailed Miss Betta, who currently resides in Moscow, about the possibilities and the dangers of such an adventure. This was her reply: "Safety is not my first priority. If it's possible, I am doing it! If I die by falling off one of the pyramids, it will be a glorious death."

As Vince said regarding Miss Betta's response, "That's the healthiest way to look at it!"

I must agree with Miss B.: it would be glorious. :) Should such an adventure occur, I will have my camcorder and will do my best to post the footage as soon as I return to the U.S.!

Must off. More soon, I'm sure!

P.S. Who is Miss Betta, you may ask? Click on this link to learn how I met Miss B.

2007-10-14T18:43:00.000-07:00