Wednesday is our Friday so TGIF

This week is done and we just attended the Iftar party of the company.It is the daily feast breaking . Very good food and dangerously good sweets. This first week was pretty good for me. I learned a lot of things about border control and border management. I translated a few documents and prepared and gave a briefing to our customer the Ministry of the Interior. All went well and I am getting an expert on border control issues. It is an interesting and challenging job. Tomorrow we will hit the malls with the boys to do some shopping. During Ramadan the shops are only open from 9 pm to 4 am. I will look for some suits and shirts. They are cheap here and of good quality. After all this is my new uniform now.
I attached a few pictures as a first impression. There will be more when I have more time to take them.
So Europe enjoy the rest of your week. I will start the new one on Saturday already.

First Week Almost Done

So the first work week is almost done. I had a great time here in Riyadh. Over the week end I will have time to take some pictures and post them here. I promise to write a bit more then.

The First Day At Work

That was a very long but interesting day, learned a lot, that was to be expected. Nice bunch of people I am working with. All highly motivated and competent. We went out for a steak and some alcohol free beer, brrrrrr bad stuff. I rather stick to juice and water.

The Arrival

After a very pleasant flight I arrived in Riyadh at night. Impressive approach over a large city all lit up in the desert. Considering that there are only very few buildings tall buildings, a city like this has to grow in square-mileage. The immigration went almost fast compared to the poor sods who where sitting on the floor already for hours waiting to be let in. Swift drive in a nice big GMC Truck to the hotel. The Radisson Blu is a great place to stay, will be my home for the near future. Today I start working and will see how it is like here. Looking forward.

Munich the first stop

All went well, smooth proceedings. My Notebook was set up, switched on and everything worked right away. I have to admit that I was not used to having a service like this. All friendly people and all very helpful. What a change. My visa is issued I have my passport back and I am good to go for Riyadh on Saturday.

The Dates Are Set

The travel dates have been confirmed. I will fly to Munich on the 19th to receive my in briefing and my IT equipment. Then I will continue to Riyadh on the 21st, provided my visa has arrived by then. If not I will stay a couple of more days in Munich. Bags are packed and I am hot to trot.

The last day

Today is the last day as an Officer of the German Armed Forces, as of midnight I am a civilian again. A good feeling and I am looking forward to my new life.

The beginning

As of 09 August 2010 I will be working for EADS KSA in Riyadh. This blog should serve as a little window into what I will experience during my time in Saudi Arabia. After 35 years in the German Air Force this is my start into a new career. Lets see what is on my way and stay connected.