Bahrain Stopover

Thursday, 10 September 2009

Sorry there's no photos of our very quick trip in & out of Bahrain, mainly due to it being pitch black here by 6 p.m. and Uncle Brad's co-worker just quickly drove us in from KSA, dropped us off at the airport & headed back, so no time for photos of the city.
Currently, Islamic people are celebrating the season of Ramadan Khareema - lights decorate the main streets; big tents & outdoor gathering spots for those who choose to feast and gorge.
... while WE are sitting in the Business Class lounge, awaiting our flight to Thailand, sun & surf!!!

KSA!!! (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

07 September 2009

After a brief stop in Bahrain, we finally made it to Uncle Brad's compound in Al Khobar, KSA.

Being she-male, by Islamic law I am NOT allowed out in public unless accompanied by a MALE member of my family and must adhere to the country's strict dress code.
This could've been a bit of problem, limiting my freedom to tour the area, but Uncle Brad's lovely friend, Amie, came to the rescue and made me a beautiful Abaija and headscarf!

Isn't it just the sweetest little outfit you ever did see?! Here I am out for dinner with Uncle Brad, Aime and Dave.

Later, they took me on a tour of the city of Al Khobar where it's +40 C with 85% humidity!

Here I am roof surfing -- don't try this at home, kids -- I AM a professional!

09 September 2009 (09/09/09 - most auspicious day of the year!)
Uncle Brad took me to see the ARAMCO compound - pretty posh compared to where we've been staying!

It houses about 13,000 ARAMCO employees & their families.

We took a look at their Rolling Hills Golf Course.

(When you travel with Brad, you must stop at EVERY golf course!!!)

Though guests are allowed to visit, you have to be living at the compound, employed by ARAMCO in order to use their luxurious facilities.

So despite my cuteness, we are not allowed to golf here, so I had to settle for a pose on this big white thing.

This is what you call an oasis in the middle of the desert ... er, golf course.
These are my friends, Emile and Camile, who help me to get around.
Nothing but rock and sand as far as the eye can see.
That's it for my tour of KSA, as Uncle Brad & I are heading off to holiday in ...... THAILAND!!!!!

Quickest Tour of London in History!

01 September 2009
Well, here we are, Uncle Brad & I, on a brief layover in Jolly Old, enroute to KSA. (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
It's been quite the trip so far -- Uncle Brad & Auntie Beryl picked me up at Acme on their way to Calgary Airport; from there Uncle Brad & I flew to Vancouver Airport; the usual cavity search at customs - fortunately I don't have any cavities! With passports in order, we were off to London, UK.

Here are few photos of the quickest tour of London, ever:

1st: Trafalgar Square:

AND just to prove I really WAS there:

YES! That's really ME at Trafalagar Square!

Can you believe I've now flown on an actual airplane -- over the Atlantic Ocean!

Here I am in the middle of Picadilly Circus.

Wierd thing is, we didn't see any clowns ...

(well, unless you count the guy taking my picture!)

I think I may have caught a glimpse of Paddington Bear at Paddington Train Station on the way down here .... then again, it might not have been him, but there sure were a lot of suspiciously sticky marmalade paw prints around there!

Last little walkabout in Picadilly Circus before getting rained on (of course -- it's the UK, after all!); catching a ride on "The Tube" back to London Heathrow; relaxing in the Gulf Air Business Class Lounge before our loooooong flight to the Middle East.

Next stop: Bahrain; and then our final stopping place for awhile: Sauna, I mean, Saudi Arabia!!!!! Whoo-hoo!!!!

On the Road Again: Acme, Alberta!

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

Auntie Lori picked me up at the Acme Post Office .... and guess where our first stop was? That's right .... the Acme Hardware Store! They spend a LOT of time here these days because .... they're building a new house!

Don't Garrett & Teaghan looked excited to be at the Hardware Store yet AGAIN?!!!!

It was fun watching Todd, cousin Brad and several other recruits put up the rafters & sheeting.

Then they recruited ME to help shingle!

I WAS having fun looking around the new house with Garrett ....

.... til Murray, the builder, threated to put me under the chop saw!!!
Yipes!!!! Guess I'd better find somewhere else to play!

Speaking of PLAYING, this is the Acme Daycare Centre where Garrett & Teaghan often go ....
(Auntie Lori was instrumental in creating the Daycare & is the Board Prez)

Here I am, enjoying a few snacks with Teaghan ..... isn't she adorable?

Sunday, August 23rd

Guess What?!

Can you believe TODAY is Garrett's 5th Birthday!!!!

After we polished off a HUGE piece of Birthday Cake for breakfast ....

It was time to get this party started ..... WHOO-HOO!!!!!

Whew! All that jumping sure builds up an appetite! SNACK TIME!

An afternoon with a group of 5 year olds sure wears a Bear out!!!




















I was also kept VERY busy helping Auntie organize her AVON orders!
Who knew being an Avon Lady was so much work?!
But it was so much fun & everything smelled SO GOOD!!!!!




















FINALLY, after a VERY busy week of work & activities, Auntie Lori & I got to relax & spend some quality time together before I had to pack up & leave for yet another adventure.

Thank you Lori, Todd, Garrett & Teaghan for showing me such a good time.
There's nothing like spending time with those you love.
Peace out.

Peace arrives in Virden, Manitoba!

Wednesday, July 29th I FINALLY arrived in Virden, Manitoba!

My new best friend, and protector, Aussie.

Saturday, August 1st

Would you believe I got to go to a Rock Concert?! Derek & his buddies put together a band to perform for this charity event & I got to hang out here with Rob while Heather videoed their performance.

I'm SO glad I had my pretty blue necklace to wear for such an occasion!

I even got to hang ON stage with the band -- they're SO TOTALLY COOL!

That's Derek holding me -- he's a magician with the guitar!

What great sports these guys are to pose with me!

Next stop: OAK LAKE BEACH RESORT!!!

Suntanning at Denolf's cabin with Taylor .... before she had to go work at "The Booth"

Then Heather took me canoeing! What fun!!

I really wanted to go out in the BIG boat, but it was just a

little too windy.

... so we just sat on the dock and enjoyed a few refreshments!

Heather took me on a tour of the area while giving Aussie a bit of exercise, biking to the dam.

(Now my little butt's a little sore.)

Sunday, August 2nd

You can't go to Oak Lake without trying out the new golf course Rob built.
I'd never been golfing before. It was actually a lot of fun!

But the BEST part was driving the golf cart!
Wheeeeee! After a hard day of golfing, it was time to go back to the cabin for a few refreshments ... some, more refreshing than others ....

I had an absolute blast with the Denolf's, hanging out with Rob, Heather, Taylor & Derek, and all the fun things Heather took me to see and do in Virden, Kola & Oak Lake.

But would you believe they make you cook yer own hotdogs around here?!

At least TAYLOR took pity on me & helped me with my dog.

Thanks, Denolf family, for showing me such a good time.
I'm not sure yet where I'm off to next, but I sure hope I get to come back & visit you again
REAL SOON!!!!

Peace in St. Marys

PEACE, everyone.

Muh Peeps

I'm starting my journey here:

Getting ready to say good-bye

Layne's secret wave: a little wiggle of the fingers under the chin

(I think he learned that from Grampa Campion)