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.