Luanda, Angola (02.19)

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Today was a nice long day.  For the first time since I got here in Luanda, we had some beef for lunch.  Today could be the start of my first day without fish in my diet.
We stayed late at the office (didn't leave until 9:00pm) as we had some work that needed to be done.  At least we didn't get stuck in traffic for 2.5 hours like the rest of the guys as the traffic is bad on fridays..  Dinner was served (and cold) but we made use of the microwave for the first time . . . and we had chicken too!  So no fish for me today!
I didn't take many pics today that I can post, but the guy in this picture is Axel (from Germany) . . . he is actually a pretty cool guy.  He has been here for a year and a half and rolls everywhere, and even runs to the house on occasion.  Rock on!
So tonight I am spending time on the patio with some of the guys that work in the field and learning so much about the inner workings of the company that I have called home for the last 8 years.  I don't think you can really learn about what a company does, until you spend time with the gang in the far reaches of the world.  I have spent time with the guys in Equatorial Guinea, Abu-Dhabi & Dubai, Canada, Mexico, and now Angola.  What a wide stretch.  I wonder where I will be going on my next trip to the outer limits.
So anyway I get to look forward to another warm night.

Luanda, Angola (02.18)

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Another day in Angola.  All these pics are either driving to or from the office.  It's not really safe to do be outside the bus.
So for lunch today I had Fish Pizza with a side of white rice and cabbage.  A hot pineapple soda was thrown in for good measure.  Anyway the pizza was called "Hawaiian" style, but no pineapple on the pizza, and it was room temperature as well.  Not the best.
Dinner was not that much better, coming to the Baker Atlas Staff House at 8:30PM I think (it should be there around 6:00 PM).  Dinner consisted of fish and rice.  Okay, I am officially tired of fish!  And before you say that "fish is great!", try having it every day in your mean, and then picking out bones from your mouth with every bite.  Oh well, just another week here on the "Africa Craig Diet" and I will be back home.
On another note, my air condition broke in my room, so it was a nice hot night for me :(

Baker Atlas Staff House (02.17)

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After work, we got to the Baker Atlas Staff House.  It might not look like much (and the pool needs some work) but I am sure it is way nicer than staying at a hotel.  I was glad enough to have a bed  to sleep on, and a working toilet (without a toilet seat though), but not having a towel for the shower is depressing.  I used a sheet to dry off after my shower.

Baker Hughes, Sonils Base, Luanda, Angola (02.17)

Well our office here is interesting indeed. Unfortunately I won't be able to share any photos of the Baker Hughes facilities, but I can talk about them. We spent some time today checking the satellite connection to Aberdeen, UK and some adjustments were made. Most of our time here will be to take a look at some issues . . . The guys here are great. Most of them are expats from everywhere . . . the local guys are good too. We had lunch with Dario (Local IT) at the cafeteria. The food was not great, unless you dig fish with bones. Actually the rice and bread was good. Glad my last meal in Portugal was a hamburger from McDonalds. I had an NYCrispy burger and it was awesome. I don't think they have that in the states . . .

Anyway here is the only picture of the office I can publish . . . poor Bryce was tired from two overnight flights . . .

Luanda, Angola (02.17)

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Well I finally made it . . . not too much to see, but it is much better here than Equatorial Guinea!  We flew in first thing in the morning and had a driver from Baker Hughes pick us up at the Airport.  Traffic was incredible, with mopeds and motorcycles darting all over the roads, people with on regard to their safety crossing congested streets.  What a ride.  After about 30 minutes we were at the Sonils Base at our office.

LIS to LAD

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We went to the LIS airport to have some dinner, then to catch our flight to Luanda, Angola.  I had some McDonalds and then kicked it in the TAP Airline lounge for some R&R before catching my flight at 10:00 PM local time.
Well aside from the lack of sleep on the plane, the flight from Lisbon, Portugal to Luanda was okay.  Fish was served for dinner (pass), and again some fish for breakfast.  WTH?
At least I got to edit some pictures from Lisbon, and watch the Hangover on the Mac.