What about Dreams

So far all I have written about have been to do with travel, so what about dreams? I am not sure what my dreams are anymore, once many years ago my only dream was to find that someone to love and grow old with. Now that that dream has died a slow painful death, I am once again trying to look within and find something that will make me happy. I am honest when I say I do not know what that something can be. Could it be retirement and never having to work again? Or how about winning the lotto and having enough money to do anything I please?.. Not sure either would truly make me happy, I am not sure anything at this time in my life would help to make me a happy person. Growing old alone is a sad thing that retirement and money can not change, all it would do is let me stay busy and allow less time to dwell on how I view my life.

So what would I do if I had the time and money?? Travel, travel, and travel.. I would first get a cruse to see Alaska, the last of the fifty states that I have not seen. Then I would travel to as many Countries overseas that I care to see. Then I would get an RV and travel all over the North American Continent, Living as much as possible in Canada and or Mexico as I could. Not much of a dream when you get right down to it now is it?

I guess my one and only remaining dream is to be left the F^&^%& alone and allowed to finish my life in peace.

The one thing in my life that does give my some happyness is my baby Spencer. He loves me and I love him.

Time to go Home

Well all good things come to an end, and so did this trip. Two days before crew change we got hit with a storm of 16 ft waves and wind gust of 60 MPH. The ship was a rocking and a rolling, was even pushed off its heading and had to shut down production for close to 24 hours. Word was to be ready to stay for an extra day or two because if we could not get off on Monday we might have to wait until Wednesday or as late as Friday. Lots of sad faces for two days ... I think not knowing was the thing that worried everyone the most. Could not tell folks at home for sure when we would be off.

As luck (GOOD) would have it we did get off Monday.. First step was a small boat transfer to the larger ship. This was both the most fun and dangerous part of the trip. Waves were still 4 to 6 ft and choppy, but everyone was more then ready to take the ride. Everyone got wet as well, some more then others. Some had foul weather gear so stayed dryer then the ones that chose not to wear the gear.

Second part of the trip was an hour ride in a helicopter to land, then shuttle to the airport. At the Airport I was lucky and was able to get an early flight out, unfortunately I was delayed at the layover airport and only saved 30 min, from what my first flight would have been.

Now up to this point everything was fine, however when I requested a shuttle to my hotel for the night it took 45 min for it to show up. ( after three calls) I do not like waiting in the cold after a long day of travel so was not a happy camper when I Finally arrive at the hotel... I had been up for the 30 of the last 33 hours and had not eaten in over 14 hours... This was a long stressful day and the shuttle wait was not fun... I will not Name the Hotel, But I will do my best never to stay at one again...

After all but passing out in bed at 8pm I found myself awake at 3am unable to sleep anymore. Ended up watching television until 10am when my ride arrived to take me home..

All in all except for the shuttle it was a great trip because it got me home again. Now to relax and sleep for two or three days... Do not plan on doing a thing until I have some energy..

Sites to Dream by

Things out here are not all bad or dangerous, we often find our self looking out over the water and dreaming. But not during work hours...LOL... I find myself wishing for a better camera because I can not get the shots I want with the one I have with me. I have seen rigs at night that are just so pretty, but when I take a photo it just does not come out at all.
The Sunsets so far have only been nice, nothing great. I hope someday I will be able to be in the right place at the right time to get one that may be called wonderful, if not great.
It is easy to dream out here and wonder what it must have been like for the sailors on the old sail ships. I can only imagine the difficulties of sailing back then, I am sure it was not as the movies show.

Small boats

This is not about travel on a plane, train, Truck, or even a car. No this is about how we transfer people and small supplies from one ship to another. If you look really close you will see a large ship in the distance that the small boat it headed to. Most of the time it is easy, however if it has to be done in foul weather it can be dangerous, and will need well trained people only. So far I have only been a passenger on one of the boats, but hope to be part of the crew of three someday. I will be leaving to ride the boat on the 17th of Dec. to go to one of the larger ships to be hilocoptered to shore to go home. Until then I hope you all had a nice turkey day..

Returning to work

Well the time to go back to work has once again arrived. Step one is to drive to the airport intime to make my flight. It has been raining all day so the roads are wet and driving is just a bit slow. Left the house really early to give time to stop along the way to pick up last minute items and eat lunch. Drive went smoothly and arrived at the airport two hours before the flight was to depart.

The flights from Louisville to New Orleans went without problems. Called the hotel I was booked in for a pick up and find out it was already on the way to pickup others. Went out to the waiting area and sure enough here it comes. Problem was it was a van that could hold only about ten people and they were 18 of us.. I took one look around and decided I was not waiting for it to go to the hotel and back again, so jumped on with both bags. Put one bag on the floor between my legs and the other on my lap and I was ready to go.

Hotel check in was the easiest I have every seen it my company had a rep. sitting at a side table with all our keys so I skipped standing in line with the people from the other company and had my key within a few min. Told I was on the late morning Helicopter the next day so did not have to be down until 9am... Seeing that it was already 11pm I was happy to hear this.

The next morning I was down in the lobby at 7 am to go get breakfast and to my surprise found the first group just leaving, seems fog delayed the time of the first flight. Had a good breakfast at a Denny's just around the corner, and returned to the hotel to await my turn to start the final leg back to the boat.

The bus with the remaining 12 going to the boat left the hotel at 09:35 going to the heliport. Before getting on the helicopter we first had to sit through a safety brieafing reminding us of the correct way to board and what to do if something goes wrong. Takes about 30 minutes. Then we all walked out to the heliport taken our bags, we each put our own bags into the cargo hold then boarded the chopper.

The ride to the boat was about 1.5 hours long with one stop to fuel. This to me is the longest of all the flights because you have to wear hearing protecting because of the noise, this also makes it impossible to talk to anyone so you just sit and look at water, lots and lots of water.

Once we land on the first boat ( thats right more to come ) we go into the helicopter room exchange safety grear with the crew that is leaving and wait for our bags. All bags acounted for we go to the bridge for another safety meeting on how we are going to be transported to our boat. The boat I work on has a helicopter deck but it is not certified so we have to go over by small boat four at a time.

When my turn comes to go I head over my bags get in the boat, once all are on, the boat is lowered and off we go. To get on our boat first the small boat has to be hooked up and raised to a level that allows us to step right onto our home for the next five weeks.

Guardalajara Last stop before returning to States

The last two days of the trip we spent in Guadalajara doing the total tourist thing. Went to see as many of the Historic sites as we could with the amount of time we had ( the ones that were open)Walking around a big city again was a shock to the system, ( 8 million people live in this city)seemed like if you stopped to look at something you were bumped or pushed. This is not done to be rude it is just that so many people are they that when you stop others have to adjust fast. Did come to the conclusion that I do not want to live in any big city again.

The sites in this city are worth the visit, I loved the old buildings and fountains. Hope to go back someday and get time to see more of the Museums and artist sections of the city. From the book I had it shows nine different places in and around the city that I found of interest, only went to two. Of the two we did see we still could not see it all. I figure it would take at lest 10 days to hit all the places in one visit, and that would still be pushing.

Several things I would not repeat if I go back. First I would want to stay at a different Hotel, The Holiday Inn was to costly ( NICE ) and the restaurant service left a whole lot to be desired. Check out one place that sound interesting, Hotel Francis, built in 1610. Even if it is not up to most (U.S.) standards I think it would be fun to stay in at least one time.

As all trips go we did have to leave and return to the states. Everything went like clockwork except for having to stand in line at customs for over an hour to reenter the country. I will never understand why it takes so much longer to come back to the states that to enter other countries.

Back home now getting ready to head back to work. Will update the blog about that in a few days.. ( Maybe )

Town of Jocotepec

The third town we visited is Jocotepec, but locals just call it Joco which I like better. I found this town most interesting for the people, Just setting at an outdoor coffer cafe I was able to watch and enjoy the people in the town Center.

Seemed like all the locals knew each other and no one was in a rush to go get someplace else.

Walked around town looking at different houses and walking into the local stores. Love the fact that none of the fast food places like McD's or 7/11 have made it into town yet. Want a drink go to the corner Mom/Pop place and you will find what you want and a little local color to go with it. Each little place is just a bit different from the last. The houses can not be judged from the outside.!! More then once I looked at the outside and thought this place is too small and run down, only to find out that behind the wall is a lovely house as well as a garden. That is not to say we did not also see some run down small places because we did, all it means is not to judge a place from the outside. Like the old saying " Do not judge a book from its cover " well this is the same.

We did not get a change to check out too many restaurants, but the one we did eat at was good, also had some interesting items on the walls. Everything from swords, knifes, to pistols and rifles. It is my belief that most if not all came from the family that now owns and runs the place.

If the Town itself was not enough just outside the town a new park is being built next to the lake. It has a nice long walk, trees with places for picnics, succor field, and plans for a sand beach. It is already a nice place for families to spend time together and will be even better in the future.

As things stand at the moment Joco and Chapala are neck and neck for first place with me. This is however a town were you want to know or at least willing to learn Spanish. Not as many folks here that speak a lot of English.

Visit Chapala

After looking around in Ajijic for the first few days it was decided to check out a Town to the East called Chapala. We did not have a car with us and did not want to rent so, got on one of the local buses and for 7 pesos went to Town.

This Town to me was so much more Mexican, or at the very least less gringo like. It feels more open and has built along the lake front. Walked around and spoke with people several times on different days, always found everyone to be friendly.

One of the best meals we had was here in Chapala, met with some friends we made for dinner at a local place near the lake and had a great time. The food was good but what made this the best meal was the company of friends and the music of the band. This was a experience I will not soon forget.

If we do decided to go back to Mexico and stay for a longer time this is one of the places I would like to stay, Maybe rent a small home close to the water.

Vacation in Mexico

Hi to myself, I do not believe anyone esle even know I have a blog. This time I feel like writing about my first vacation in years. I just returned from two weeks in Mexico. First the flight to Mexico was great, no problems that count and it took less then ten min. to clear customes....

First took a Taxi from the Airport in Gaudalajara to Aijijic, 30 min tops. Stayed at a B&B see photo... This was a nice enough place, only problem was if you stayed in there was nothin to do. No television and if like me you do not have your computer with you no internet. Have to say the price was right and it came with breakfast which was very good on the days it was served.

Toured Ajijic for the first few days and found out that even through you do not have to speak Spanish, I wanted to see and feel an area that had more of a Mexican feel. Did love some sites and sounds of Aijiic..

Food was great and people frendly ( both Mexican and expats )

Decided to try the Bus system and go to Chapala, not too far away. See next post... ( yes I will... LOL)

Time to leave Norway

Yes, as always happens it is time to travel home. First flight is scheduled to depart at 17:50, so a taxi was requested for 1600 to go to the airport. Things are not starting out on a good foot, the cab was sent to the wrong Hotel. After a phone call the taxi showed up 15 min late. Ride to the airport went without problems. Checked in at ticket counter and walked through security in a very short time.

Just as I was thinking things are working out well and it will not be a long wait, it was announced that the flight would be delayed for one hour due to technical problems. Oh well now I have time to find something to eat and look around.

Once the flight was boarded it was once again delayed, this time due to passengers coming on late. Now this confused me, the flight was already late, the airport is very small, so how could anyone not know it was ready. It took 30 more min. before the door was closed and we departed. This flight was not a fun flight for me, I was in the middle seat in the only row on the plane with a full row. Now I am sure someone is thinking why not change seats? AH, all the other rows had two people each and the only seats available were the middle seats. LOL.... Joke was on me for this flight, thankfully it was not a long flight. WOW!!!! the pilot must have had a hot date... Flight time was cut to 35 min from 65, waiting for bags 45 min after takeoff. Not bad.

After collecting bags it was a three min. walk to my Hotel for the night. The Radisson SAS Airport Hotel in Oslo is overpriced in my opinion, for one person it cost over $300 USD. This does NOT include Internet, or any movie channels. Have stayed in better rooms at Best Westerns in the states for less then a third of the cost. Yes!, it was just as close to the airport. I am very glad this is a company trip and I can get "most" of my money back.

Next day after breakfast and checking out of the hotel, it is time to get the tickets for the next flight. After getting the tickets I head to security and my flight. Just as I finish putting myself back together after the normal security check I get a tap on the shoulder telling me I have been chosen for a random check. Now I have to remove my shoes, belt, watch, etc... again, get picked for random check, have all my bags checked, power up computer and camera, and answer some basic questions, and show the passport for the 3rd time. Okay that is done, get dressed and head for gate, but first go through customs. Show the passport answer some questions and on my way... AT least you are not required to undress at customs yet! :) Made it to the gate only 45 min until schedule departure, OOPS just been chosen for a random check again. Same drill, only this time I have to remind myself to be nice so I do not say something that could cause myself problems... Should be used to this by now, seems like I am pick at least once every time I fly. Record so far for one trip is six random checks, three on the way out and three on the way back. LOL....

The flight itself returning to the states was great!!! Only one minor delay with a cargo door, landed in the states only 15 min. late. Going through US customs was a surprise, for the first time ( at least for me ) USA passport holders had a separate line and it only took a few min. to get done. One hour after arriving I was already at the gate for the next and last flight. The last flight of this trip was the hands down best. Departed on time, given early clearance, and arrived at my home airport an hour early. Just to top it off my bags were on the bag belt when I arrived, never had that happen before... WOW!!!!

LOL... Shame I still had to wait for my ride, who showed up at the scheduled arrival time. :(

Travel what is it all about?

I have tried blogging once before. I did not keep up with it but will try to do better this time.. I have now worked for a company that requires me to travel away from home for about half the year. I once thought that this type of a job would be fun and full of adventure. Well sometimes that is true and sometimes it is a nightmare. I will not go into the past, but instead will start with the upcoming trip.

I am scheduled to go overseas to a school for a course relating to my job. I have been scheduled set to go and rescheduled. The latest reschedule is taken place even as I write this post. I will spend 21 hours travel time going to the course and 21 hours coming back home and this does not include travel time to and from the airports. It has taken three days to reschedule the flights getting me to and from and I still need to double check everything once the company tells me it is final.

Day after I was told everything is ready to go I started checking. It has taken ten (10) hours to find and confirm all the flights and hotels. I still had to send email to the company asking for clarifications on two points, now waiting for a replay.

This section will not be posted until day of the flight Sept. 03, 2007.... Just to track the planing stage.Okay so I did not post on the 3rd it is now the 5th and once I finish the trip I will post.

The fun started when I first check in for my flight. First the normal way did not work so I had to wave done someone for help, the lady was very nice and it only took 30 min. to get me on my way with one of the four tickets I will require to complete the trip. I was told to check in at the next Airport ( Atlanta Ga. ) to get the next two tickets, and the last one when I get to Amsterdam?

Made it to Atlanta no problems only a ten min. delay. Once I arrived I checked in at the counter for my next flight ( did not even have to leave the secure area ) and was given my tickets for Amsterdam and Oslo. "YES" now only had to worry about the last leg of the trip.

With this out of the way I thought gee I have two hours to kill, so I tried to set up my computer to do some Spanish. ( going to Mexico next so thought I would try and learn some ) Only problem is I forgot my power cord at home.

Made it to Amsterdam no problems, even on time. Going through Customs as always was boring, took 90 min of waiting in line to get to the fount, 10 sec to get asked one question and gone. I was glad we had made it on time or I might have missed my next flight, only had 15 min to get to the gate after Customs.

Once again the flight departed and arrived on time in Oslo. This time I had to collect my bags, go to the Airline counter ( this one was next to the baggage area ) check in for the tickets for the last leg. Then had to carry my bags through Customs, this took only as long as it takes to walk past and wave ( if you have nothing to declare and were not pick for search. ) For me seconds for a change. Now to find the baggage drop for the Airline so I can get my bags processed. This was way to easy a BIG sign as soon as I came to the Major check in / ticket section of the Airport. Thirty seconds later I am done and on my way to find my gate.

Well the gate is not displayed because I still have like five hours before the flight. OUCH I have been up for 24 hours at this point and having trouble staying awake. Need to know the gate so I can at least relax. Three hours later the gate is displayed. The gate lounge is on the bottom level and all I see are prop planes, oh boy.

Yes indeed prop plane it was, and due to head winds we arrived at the last location about 15 min behind schedule. Now for the last leg finding the Hotel. After getting my bags, I walk out expecting to see some taxis, ( that is what I was told to expect ) HA!!! not a single one in sight. I then took a gamble and asked a local bus driver if he could speak English, he could not but a gentleman next to him could, so I asked if he knew were the Hotel was ( showed a print out with the address ) as luck would have it the bus passed right next to it, not at the door but close enough.

So I am at the end of the trip getting to my location to attend a three day class. Checked into the Hotel