Last night, as we were packing up and leaving the exhibition centre, I noticed many police cars and wondered what had happened. This morning, I read in the paper about an event around 8pm last night by Abu Dhabi Police. I then saw this guy on a Harley – flashing police lights and all – coming into the hotel. I took these shots and couldn’t believe my eyes! This is ridiculous – I thought. Why would a police department do this?
The last thing I want to do is to write about my hotel experiences on this blog. This time however was a little different. Whilst the place is not far away from home (Abu Dhabi) it was an experience worth sharing. The property is imposing and the furnishings very luxurious. It’s not to my personal taste but it is very impressive.
During my five day stay, Tony Blair and Nicolas Sarkozy spent a night here each. I found it very strange that heads of state stay at a hotel – but this made sense of all the money that had been spent on this place and the many years (if ever) it will take to get some sort of payback.
Pioneers of the future of the LNG business have been showing off their vessels and floating plants. They’re presenting new technology in what will be the new world of gas. Our technology for Loading Arms is second to none – so companies looking for high safety and reliability come to us. It was a great feeling to see the models of these companies with our loading arms included. These have all been ordered and the vessels are being built all over the world.
That’s all I’ve done today! We’re exhibiting at Gastech in Abu Dhabi. Our stand is looking good after our final touches yesterday. I say final touches but it took us until half past eight in the evening to finish off. The nice little model you see above was damaged during transit. It took three hours to fix it! Business has been bad this year – so this is a good time for this event.
Like many things, The Exhibition Centre in Abu Dhabi is about twenty years ahead of Kuwait! I love the scale this city works on. It’s time we started to take the same giant steps!
I needed some time before I was able to write this post. Three years ago, I bought two trees which were two metres high for our entrance. I looked after them almost weekly and finally decided what final shape to go for. I decided to cut vertical lines matching the entrance on the nearer sides, and to let the rest of the trees develop naturally. I feel this gives the best of both worlds: manicured and cared for, as well as maintaining natural shape and beauty.
The main branch on one of the trees was becoming top-heavy – and I ignored the problem for a few weeks. You see, I was excited about the new heights the trees were reaching. They were recently visible from the roof which means an astounding height of just under eight metres in three years. Not any more! After the mini storm last week, I lost the top half of one of the trees and I had to face my fears! I butchered both to a manageable size and removed all the small/weak branches. I want to see them grow again – but this time properly.
I chose this title because the last thing you expect your four-year-old daughter to say is: ‘Are we going to my production today?’ Noor joined a ballet class a few weeks ago, and today she played the starring, leading role of a little flower.
In a weekend that’s about nothing but the ballot paper, ours began at the Ballet. When my wife told me about it I thought it was going to be little children only – but it’s actually students of the academy from all levels and ages. They came together to make what in my opinion was a wonderful production of Cinderella. I’m not an art critic but it was genuinely a good experience and some of the participants showed real talent.
It was dusty yesterday so the windows of Kuwait Towers were not at their best today – but I wanted this shot of Downtown Kuwait for this particular post.
In a little over fifty hours from now, we will vote in fifty MPs. It’s all been said before – but this time it feels more real. Saturday is the big day and we need to think of what’s best for Kuwait.
On Saturday morning, have a good breakfast and a strong coffee; then imagine yourself in the top sphere of Kuwait Towers. Think how much this country gives you – and vote for someone who cares as much as you do. We really need change this time round. I’m not sure how much change we will get, but I remain hopeful. My votes are for a man I trust (as much as one can a politician), a woman I believe has potential, and two new faces.
You can make a difference. Make sure you do.
