Vacation! : Journal 7/9/06

Posted by Ms. Babble

July 9, 2006

“Jami Gibbs! You’re the lucky winner of an all expense paid trip to beautiful Qatar! This small country nestled off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia will be your host. Sun, sand, and beer. That’s right! This trip not only includes four star military accommodations but also small infusions of alcohol at a meager price of only $4 per drink!”

Yay! I’m really looking forward to this trip. Honestly, I don’t think I would care where the hell they’re sending me, as long as I get a break from Iraq for a while. Now that it’s official that I’ll be going on a 4 day pass to Qatar on August 29th, I’m in a state of panic trying to gather enough civilian clothes together. I sent out a distress message to my father/step mom and B (since I have deposits of clothes at both of their places). And oh! how they’ve come through for me.

I just got an e-mail from my dad this morning and attached were two pics. They layed out several pieces of clothing, numbered them with post cards, and asked me to e-mail back which ones I wanted! awwwww!! Too cute. And I just happen to go online the other morning at the internet cafe (a.k.a. semi-uncensored internet access). B was online and she turned on her webcam for me. Then proceded to “model” what little clothing I had left at the Naperville apartment. Technology is so cool sometimes. Thank you thank you everyone for doing that for me!

So, here’s what I know so far about the trip.

1. No two piece swim suits. In fact, it’s quite a distance to the beach so I may not even get there. Instead, there’s a outdoor swimming pool within walking distance. bleh. I hate swimming pools. With all the gawking and nastiness of the water. ick.

2. I’ll be rationed 3 beers per day. My beer intake will be monitored via a swipe of my military I.D. Every bar in the area will have instant access to it and will know immediately how many I’ve had. (I guess technology is a blessing and a curse.)

3. If I take a trip outside of the comfy little military zone, I’ll be in Arabic culture shock. This is a land where women are covered from head to toe and men wear turbans. I’ve been assured that I will certainly be given the “crazy eye” and I may be a bit uncomfortable. meh.

4. I’ll be outnumbered 50:1 male to female ratio.
It might be a good idea to walk around with a sharp stick.
Example:
Boy: Hey baby. Wanna share my beer ration?
Me: :::: poke :::

5. There’s a Chili’s restaurant. (Even though I’ve never been a big fan of Chili’s back home, all of a sudden it has a lot of appeal.) But the menu will suspiciously be lacking margaritas. Awesome Blossom here I come!

That’s all for now.

Popularity: 12% [?]