need some positive thoughts
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Bob_Skurka
Super Member
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Chris, the positives include that your wife is on the trip of a lifetime and she will enjoy the new experiences, the tour company would not risk the liability if there were problems with tourists/tourism there, and I will grant you the political situation is not the best, I've just read a report from a couple guys who took a very recent Land Rover across Tibet, Nepal, and bits of China. They reported no hostility or threats, the worst things were the food and the beer. But for your sake, we'll keep your wife in our prayers for a safe return.
As for you, enjoy the quiet time and get some stuff done around the house. It is pretty well documented here that the lovely Mrs_Bob leaves me for a bit over a month every summer leaving me to fend for myself. While I am actually quite a good cook and know where the dishwasher is in the kitchen, I've found I can cook up one heck of a meal on paper plates in the microwave or grill some amazing things on the BBQ grill so mess is minimal. My wife is leaving for a few weeks about the same time yours is due home. You'll get through it. And think of all the tractor shopping you'll be able to do while she is gone /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
As for you, enjoy the quiet time and get some stuff done around the house. It is pretty well documented here that the lovely Mrs_Bob leaves me for a bit over a month every summer leaving me to fend for myself. While I am actually quite a good cook and know where the dishwasher is in the kitchen, I've found I can cook up one heck of a meal on paper plates in the microwave or grill some amazing things on the BBQ grill so mess is minimal. My wife is leaving for a few weeks about the same time yours is due home. You'll get through it. And think of all the tractor shopping you'll be able to do while she is gone /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
OP
Soundguy
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Thanks guys.
I'll do a group reply:
I agree with you guys... She's probably safer with her tour group, than she will be at LAX airport /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif.. But yes.. The tour group says they go here all the time.. so.... I know my worries are unfounded.. but as we husbands do.. we always think of the wife while she's gone.
And yes.. i think mcdonalds and paper plates may do some business for the next 3 weeks!!!
And yes.. I've already lined up some work and maintenance days around the farm, and of course have the 'guys' invited over for a couple weekends of poker.
My wife is in very good spirits about the trip. She has always wanted to go to those areas.. even though it was a pricey trip.. she will deffinately enjoy it... She even jokingly remarked that if I had any 'women' over to make sure they cleand the house before they left!!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Soundguy
I'll do a group reply:
I agree with you guys... She's probably safer with her tour group, than she will be at LAX airport /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif.. But yes.. The tour group says they go here all the time.. so.... I know my worries are unfounded.. but as we husbands do.. we always think of the wife while she's gone.
And yes.. i think mcdonalds and paper plates may do some business for the next 3 weeks!!!
And yes.. I've already lined up some work and maintenance days around the farm, and of course have the 'guys' invited over for a couple weekends of poker.
My wife is in very good spirits about the trip. She has always wanted to go to those areas.. even though it was a pricey trip.. she will deffinately enjoy it... She even jokingly remarked that if I had any 'women' over to make sure they cleand the house before they left!!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Soundguy
Indydirtfarmer
Platinum Member
Well, she's not even out of town, muchless out of the country, but over the next few months, my wife and I don't get to see much of each other.
She works for a D.O.D. contractor that ships tank ammo for the Army and Marine Corps. They've been re-stocking bases around the planet, to recover from the Gulf War. What was a 4 day a week, 10 hour a day job, (5 AM to 3PM) has become a 12 hour a day, 6 days a week, SECOND SHIFT (5PM to 5AM) job. She pulls in the drive as I'm loading up to leave every morning. I get home in time to have 1hour and 45 minutes with her every afternoon. We still have (MOST) Sundays, but yesterday I had to work. (swim meet at the country club) She has to work that awful schedule until late August. THEN we'll both be back on the same schedual again.
OK... Here's where it get "simular". As if I needed something to remind me, this re-enforces the idea of why I married my wife in the first place.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE BEING WITH HER.....
It also reminds me of all the things she does for me, when she's not there to do those things. I needed the reminding.
Chris, take advantage of your wifes trip to become more appreciative of her when she's back. Enjoy that moment of "bachelorhood" too.
Oh yeah, my wife says it's a good thing that you are worried. She'd be upset if you weren't. (And trust me on this one, you don't want my wife mad at you OR me.....)
She works for a D.O.D. contractor that ships tank ammo for the Army and Marine Corps. They've been re-stocking bases around the planet, to recover from the Gulf War. What was a 4 day a week, 10 hour a day job, (5 AM to 3PM) has become a 12 hour a day, 6 days a week, SECOND SHIFT (5PM to 5AM) job. She pulls in the drive as I'm loading up to leave every morning. I get home in time to have 1hour and 45 minutes with her every afternoon. We still have (MOST) Sundays, but yesterday I had to work. (swim meet at the country club) She has to work that awful schedule until late August. THEN we'll both be back on the same schedual again.
OK... Here's where it get "simular". As if I needed something to remind me, this re-enforces the idea of why I married my wife in the first place.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE BEING WITH HER.....
It also reminds me of all the things she does for me, when she's not there to do those things. I needed the reminding.
Chris, take advantage of your wifes trip to become more appreciative of her when she's back. Enjoy that moment of "bachelorhood" too.
Oh yeah, my wife says it's a good thing that you are worried. She'd be upset if you weren't. (And trust me on this one, you don't want my wife mad at you OR me.....)
Jagmandave
Veteran Member
Will she be able to communicate via email? (Yes, even Nepal has email these days) will she have access, or will she be too remote? Tell her to send some postcards, see if she beats them home! I'm sure she'll have a great time!
dmccarty
Super Star Member
IndyDirtFarmer,
Does your wife work at Crane? My grandfather worked there a long time ago. I was trying to figure out where they where making tank rounds. Louisville used to have a Naval gun factory back in WWII. Always struck me as a funny place to make big guns but I guess with the river it might have made sense. There is a range in L'ville where they tested the the big guns. Interesting place with a two story building with very thick concrete walls with steel plating. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Some "pitting" had occured to the building over the years... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Later,
Dan
Does your wife work at Crane? My grandfather worked there a long time ago. I was trying to figure out where they where making tank rounds. Louisville used to have a Naval gun factory back in WWII. Always struck me as a funny place to make big guns but I guess with the river it might have made sense. There is a range in L'ville where they tested the the big guns. Interesting place with a two story building with very thick concrete walls with steel plating. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Some "pitting" had occured to the building over the years... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Later,
Dan
Indydirtfarmer
Platinum Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( IndyDirtFarmer,
Does your wife work at Crane? My grandfather worked there a long time ago. I was trying to figure out where they where making tank rounds. Louisville used to have a Naval gun factory back in WWII. Always struck me as a funny place to make big guns but I guess with the river it might have made sense. There is a range in L'ville where they tested the the big guns. Interesting place with a two story building with very thick concrete walls with steel plating. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Some "pitting" had occured to the building over the years... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Later,
Dan )</font>
The Naval Ordinance plant (in Louisville) is now owned by Raytheon. They make the Phalanx missle defense system there nowdays. Most of what WAS formerly the Naval Ordinance plant is now a business park.
Jefferson Provving grounds is just north and east, actually in Indiana. They quit testing guns there about 15 years ago, and are in the process of decomissioning the place now.
Crane Naval Ammo Station is still in use. (Believed to be home to some biological weapons stash)
My wife works for a private contractor based out of Ft. Knox. (I'm not supposed to mention their name... If I tell ya', I gotta kill ya') /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Knox is about to loose it's "Armoured Training Center" status. It looks like they may be home to an infantry brigade.
The wife retires in less than 2 years. I'll be quite happy when she doesn't have to mess with high explosives every day. (Never know when one might turn up in my cereal some morning....)
Does your wife work at Crane? My grandfather worked there a long time ago. I was trying to figure out where they where making tank rounds. Louisville used to have a Naval gun factory back in WWII. Always struck me as a funny place to make big guns but I guess with the river it might have made sense. There is a range in L'ville where they tested the the big guns. Interesting place with a two story building with very thick concrete walls with steel plating. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Some "pitting" had occured to the building over the years... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Later,
Dan )</font>
The Naval Ordinance plant (in Louisville) is now owned by Raytheon. They make the Phalanx missle defense system there nowdays. Most of what WAS formerly the Naval Ordinance plant is now a business park.
Jefferson Provving grounds is just north and east, actually in Indiana. They quit testing guns there about 15 years ago, and are in the process of decomissioning the place now.
Crane Naval Ammo Station is still in use. (Believed to be home to some biological weapons stash)
My wife works for a private contractor based out of Ft. Knox. (I'm not supposed to mention their name... If I tell ya', I gotta kill ya') /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Knox is about to loose it's "Armoured Training Center" status. It looks like they may be home to an infantry brigade.
The wife retires in less than 2 years. I'll be quite happy when she doesn't have to mess with high explosives every day. (Never know when one might turn up in my cereal some morning....)
OP
Soundguy
Old Timer
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She wont have email.. she should have telephone in most areas in nepal, at least 2 of the areas in chine she will be going are listed as "spotty telephone", and in tibet they will be out of communication. Bangkok will have telephone.
I've gotten here some calling cards that work in other countries, and we have the country access codes, etc. In china, she will have to use coinage for the phone AND the calling card.. etc.
Soundguy
I've gotten here some calling cards that work in other countries, and we have the country access codes, etc. In china, she will have to use coinage for the phone AND the calling card.. etc.
Soundguy
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
In Sep 1987 I was stationed at the US Embassy in Jakarta Indonesia. One of the perks working with the State Department was R&R Leave. If you spent so much time in what where considered "bad" countries, then you recieved a voucher to travel to a "good" country on a US carrier.
I'd been in Cameroon for 14 months, then ten months in Indonesia, so I qualified.
The voucher was the value of a flight on United from Jakarto to Tokyo.
I used it to travel to India, Nepal, Bagledesh, Thialand, Malaysia and Singapore.
The day I was to fly inot Nepal every flight was canceled. It seems that if the Kind of Nepal flys that day, no other flights are allowed into the country. Nobody expected this, so the airlines were stuck wiht hundreds of tourists. They put us up in a hotel in groups of four. I was traveling alone and didn't know anybody. We drew straws for the bed.
I had a diplomatic passport and was able to get priority seating on the first available flight. One of the quirks of Embassy Duty in the Marine Corps.
I stayed with the Marines at the Embassies free room and board. They new a tour guide who took me around with a group from Isreal. He said I was his assistant and I sat up front in the bus. Everything was free for me.
We went to the major cities looking at the various temples. It's probably one of the most amazing sites, and one of the most backwards countries I've been to. The people lived with their animals in rooms that were too low to stand up strait in. they had wood fires burning 24/7 for cooking and warmth. At night, they slept in direct contact with goats, sheep and cows. Depends on what they owned.
I saw a burial proceeding where they were carrying an elderly gentleman to the river to cremate. He was still alive and looking around from the stretcher they were carrying him on. I asked my tour guide about it and he said the guy would be dead in the morning. He was left by the river to die during the night. In the meantime, brush and wood was piled up next to him. In the morning, depending on how wealthy he was, kerosene was added to the mix. Poor people didn't get as much for the fire as the wealthy.
His body was then swept into the river. This is the same river that everyone washes in, bathes in and drinks. The average age is around 40, give or take.
I wanted to see Mt. Everest, but it was clouded in every day. There is a plane ride you can take when the weather is clear.
There is no nightlife. Everything closes at dark.
As for feeling safe. I felt totally safe walking around the streets. At that time it was a backwards country, but a safe one. I have no idea of the current political condistions.
Thailand is an amzing place also. There are more Budda temples there than anyplace else. They are everywhere. Each more amazing than the last. She will litterally wear out before she sees half of them. Bangkok is famous for it's nightlife. Its something to watch, but not for everyone. Live sex shows at the clubs. I think they were in an area called Pat Pong Street, but I get confused on those things.
Lots of tourist couples would wonder in and out. The military is all over there, from all over the world.
The floating market is highly recomended. Most take tours on the boats, which is fine, but the Marines there told me to rent a boat on my own and pay the driver to show me all the sites. Same price, but more personalized service. I did just that and had a blast.
The shopping is amazing. Tell her to bring some fashion magazines of thing she wants. The tailors will make anything you want from thousands of materials available overnight, and dirt cheap. I had dozens of tailored suits, trousers and dress shirts. They also have stuff already made, plus copies of just about every designer that exists.
Be careful of the fake designer watches. They are all crap. They look like the real thing, but will stop working, fall apart and fade really fast.
The food is amazing. I prefer the dive, smaller hole in the wall places. They were all good. I'd been living overseas for quite a time already, so I was accustomed to it. I know that some people have stomache problems and diahrea from eating in strange locations.
Take twice as much film as you think you'll need. If digital, double up on your memory sticks. I took three rolls of film of the Taj Mahal in India. I got one awesome photo. The rest were just OK. It's cheaper to waste film than it is to miss having the photo. I also take at least three cameras when I travel. I've had two down at once. It happens.
The safe thing to do is stay with a group. Don't flash your cash. Don't carry a purse. They will grab it or cut the bottom out. Keep your passport in the hotel safe and only carry the minimum of stuff. One credit card and enough cash for the day. Keep your cash in seprate front pockets.
Use American Experess Travlelers Checks. Be sure somebody has a copy of the serial numbers at a phone you can reach in the US. Give that person you passport number and credit card info to hold also. If you plan on what to do when the worse happpens, it probably wont' happen.
Be sure to only drink and brush your teeth with bottled water. Bring lots of Imodium AD. The State Departmen gave us cases of Pepto, but I found the Imodium works much better, which I paid for myself.
I've never been to China.
She's gonna have the time of her life!!!
Eddie
I'd been in Cameroon for 14 months, then ten months in Indonesia, so I qualified.
The voucher was the value of a flight on United from Jakarto to Tokyo.
I used it to travel to India, Nepal, Bagledesh, Thialand, Malaysia and Singapore.
The day I was to fly inot Nepal every flight was canceled. It seems that if the Kind of Nepal flys that day, no other flights are allowed into the country. Nobody expected this, so the airlines were stuck wiht hundreds of tourists. They put us up in a hotel in groups of four. I was traveling alone and didn't know anybody. We drew straws for the bed.
I had a diplomatic passport and was able to get priority seating on the first available flight. One of the quirks of Embassy Duty in the Marine Corps.
I stayed with the Marines at the Embassies free room and board. They new a tour guide who took me around with a group from Isreal. He said I was his assistant and I sat up front in the bus. Everything was free for me.
We went to the major cities looking at the various temples. It's probably one of the most amazing sites, and one of the most backwards countries I've been to. The people lived with their animals in rooms that were too low to stand up strait in. they had wood fires burning 24/7 for cooking and warmth. At night, they slept in direct contact with goats, sheep and cows. Depends on what they owned.
I saw a burial proceeding where they were carrying an elderly gentleman to the river to cremate. He was still alive and looking around from the stretcher they were carrying him on. I asked my tour guide about it and he said the guy would be dead in the morning. He was left by the river to die during the night. In the meantime, brush and wood was piled up next to him. In the morning, depending on how wealthy he was, kerosene was added to the mix. Poor people didn't get as much for the fire as the wealthy.
His body was then swept into the river. This is the same river that everyone washes in, bathes in and drinks. The average age is around 40, give or take.
I wanted to see Mt. Everest, but it was clouded in every day. There is a plane ride you can take when the weather is clear.
There is no nightlife. Everything closes at dark.
As for feeling safe. I felt totally safe walking around the streets. At that time it was a backwards country, but a safe one. I have no idea of the current political condistions.
Thailand is an amzing place also. There are more Budda temples there than anyplace else. They are everywhere. Each more amazing than the last. She will litterally wear out before she sees half of them. Bangkok is famous for it's nightlife. Its something to watch, but not for everyone. Live sex shows at the clubs. I think they were in an area called Pat Pong Street, but I get confused on those things.
Lots of tourist couples would wonder in and out. The military is all over there, from all over the world.
The floating market is highly recomended. Most take tours on the boats, which is fine, but the Marines there told me to rent a boat on my own and pay the driver to show me all the sites. Same price, but more personalized service. I did just that and had a blast.
The shopping is amazing. Tell her to bring some fashion magazines of thing she wants. The tailors will make anything you want from thousands of materials available overnight, and dirt cheap. I had dozens of tailored suits, trousers and dress shirts. They also have stuff already made, plus copies of just about every designer that exists.
Be careful of the fake designer watches. They are all crap. They look like the real thing, but will stop working, fall apart and fade really fast.
The food is amazing. I prefer the dive, smaller hole in the wall places. They were all good. I'd been living overseas for quite a time already, so I was accustomed to it. I know that some people have stomache problems and diahrea from eating in strange locations.
Take twice as much film as you think you'll need. If digital, double up on your memory sticks. I took three rolls of film of the Taj Mahal in India. I got one awesome photo. The rest were just OK. It's cheaper to waste film than it is to miss having the photo. I also take at least three cameras when I travel. I've had two down at once. It happens.
The safe thing to do is stay with a group. Don't flash your cash. Don't carry a purse. They will grab it or cut the bottom out. Keep your passport in the hotel safe and only carry the minimum of stuff. One credit card and enough cash for the day. Keep your cash in seprate front pockets.
Use American Experess Travlelers Checks. Be sure somebody has a copy of the serial numbers at a phone you can reach in the US. Give that person you passport number and credit card info to hold also. If you plan on what to do when the worse happpens, it probably wont' happen.
Be sure to only drink and brush your teeth with bottled water. Bring lots of Imodium AD. The State Departmen gave us cases of Pepto, but I found the Imodium works much better, which I paid for myself.
I've never been to China.
She's gonna have the time of her life!!!
Eddie
dmccarty
Super Star Member
IndyDirtFarmer,
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The Naval Ordinance plant (in Louisville) is now owned by Raytheon. They make the Phalanx missle defense system there nowdays. Most of what WAS formerly the Naval Ordinance plant is now a business park.
Jefferson Provving grounds is just north and east, actually in Indiana. They quit testing guns there about 15 years ago, and are in the process of decomissioning the place now.
Crane Naval Ammo Station is still in use. (Believed to be home to some biological weapons stash)
)</font>
Wow, I can't believe the Naval Ordinance plant is still in L'ville. I figured it closed years ago. The range we used I'm pretty sure was on the west side of L'ville. I know we did not cross in to Indiana.
I was surprised when it was announce Ft. Knox might loose its training status. I guess an Infantry brigade can guard the gold. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I would like to get back to L'ville one day and see how much it has changed in a couple of decades. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Later,
Dan
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The Naval Ordinance plant (in Louisville) is now owned by Raytheon. They make the Phalanx missle defense system there nowdays. Most of what WAS formerly the Naval Ordinance plant is now a business park.
Jefferson Provving grounds is just north and east, actually in Indiana. They quit testing guns there about 15 years ago, and are in the process of decomissioning the place now.
Crane Naval Ammo Station is still in use. (Believed to be home to some biological weapons stash)
)</font>
Wow, I can't believe the Naval Ordinance plant is still in L'ville. I figured it closed years ago. The range we used I'm pretty sure was on the west side of L'ville. I know we did not cross in to Indiana.
I was surprised when it was announce Ft. Knox might loose its training status. I guess an Infantry brigade can guard the gold. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I would like to get back to L'ville one day and see how much it has changed in a couple of decades. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Later,
Dan
