Airplane Diaries

Fishermen's Wives

2006-09-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

The next morning , I prepared going to work as usual. By this half of the office staff knew about the forthcoming Scandinavian trip . I got my coffee and bread and decided to take my breakfast inside my room.One thing about ' communal living ' , you cannot keep a secret hidden and you must guard against appearing above the ' oldtimers ' in the Company . ' Ernie , living with numerous people is different . You should learn to get along with everybody . You have to be careful that you don't offend anybody ' I remember my mother's advise before I left for the Middle East . I was aware also that in the absence of outside activities , people tend to gossip like fishermen wives especially in such a close quarters.

Secret , Huh !

2006-09-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

I left the Head Office and went straight to the villa where the staff lived . I was still in daze and cannot believe the whole thing . It was really a shock to me , a pleasnt shock . I made sure that I keep quiet so as not to make the other members of the staff jealous . Why not ? I was in my early 20's and barely 1 month in the Company and here I am going on a Scandinavian trip . It proved to be one of the many travels I had to take in my 10 years in the Middle East . ' I am booking your flights ' said Edgar , our Personnel Coordinatorto the people in the dining area. There goes the secret as he announced my forthcoming departure . I played coy and said ' I really don't know ' . It was actually in a week's time . From there , I hurried up finishing ny dinner and stayed in the room never to come out until the following morning .

The Conversation

2006-09-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

It was a normal day . As they say in the military , situation is nornal , all fucked up ( Snafu ) . I have no inkling of what was ahead of me that day . We were at the Malaz office - L and me - doing our usual business , I mean L. getting a mouthful from Mr. Lattrel while I waited at the other room . It was almost end of office time when Mr. Lattrell called me at the office . ' Ernie , I am sending you overseas '. the boss said as soon as I sat down . ' You will visit our Suppliers in Denmark . While you are in the area , you will also visit Finland and Netherlands ' . ' Wow , that's what I call a trip ' I said to myself .I am barely one month in the Middle East and I am being sent out of the area. I was dumbfounded for a while not knowing how to respond to my good fortune . ' Make sure all your papers are in order ' orders Mr. Lattrel.

Made In Wherever

2006-09-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday , and we're back to work again . Same old stuff or as our East Indian driver would say - same , same . Work has become routinary with the small volume being done by the Factory . The new plant was still to be built and we operated on a temporary facility .The old Factory was gutted out by fire and Mr. Latrell decided to build a bigger more modern one .Meantime , we have a project for the Arab Navy . This was a complex that included hospitals , housing , and ammunition plant. In this part of the world , the government build complete projects so it's quite huge . Our company supplied the wooden doors for this project. ' We will bring in the wooden doors finished and just repacked them ' said Mr. Latrell. ' The doors whild came from Denmark were then supplied as Arab made ' .

Close Call

2006-09-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

It was in one of these ' sightseeing escapades ' when I find myself almost hauled by the mutawah. Muatawah is the religious police in charge of insuring everybody was adhering to the Islamic practice . They normally carry with them a stick to use against violators locals or foreigners . ' The y won't hesitate to whip ypu with their sticks if they see you looking at Arab women ' warned Morris to me before we went out . Sometimes . you see the mutawahs go after young Arabs not performing the salah - ritual prayers - and Arab women not dressed appropriately. We were looking at some Arab women when 2 young mutawahs approached our locations and stared at us .
I frozed and sao did my partner in crime . This scenario went on for something like 5 minutes until they finally went away .We immediately walked away never looking back. ' Whwe , that was closed'
I told Pat as we continued walking away.

Creative Imagination

2006-08-24T14:29:00.000-07:00

In the mall , I normally spent the time reading whatever . In the upscale mall , I would normally be just window shopping because the prices were high . I go there because it's just a walking distance from where the villa was . I would sit in one of the round surround of say the fountain and watched people passed by . One time I was with a friend watching the Arabs passed by and we got carried away . ' Look at that , Pat , she looks nice .' I told my friend while an incoming Arab lady approached the rotunda. ' And she looked like she's looking at us and smiling ' he responded .I don't know how he can tell that the Arab lady was looking and smiling considering her face and whole body was covered with the traditional attire . You just have to learn to use your imagination , I guess.

Grapes Of Wrath

2006-08-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

One thing I love about living in the Middle East was the plentiful free food . The company provided us with free 3 meals a day and some fruits to boot. I just told you that the cook , Charlie , was a friend of mine . He makes sure that he reserved me some food whenever I was working late . ' Ernie , the grapes are in the refrigerator hidden behind the containers ' Charlie will tell me away from the other people. Sometimes , I buy a bottle of grape soda drink and consumed it while walking to the mall. ' It's like I have a bottle of whisky here ' I joked to my walking companion. It will be sometime that I found out that my blood sugar was way above the normal . I attributed this to my excessive consumption of sweet grapes and drinks .

And You'll Never Walk Alone

2006-08-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

At times , no one wants to go out of the Villa to shop or whatever especially if it is not a Friday . They rather watch TV or lie in bed ' staring at the ceiling '. This is common to folks who are homesick . ' This guy memorized the details of the ceiling ten times over ' joked Morris . In that case , one just have to walk to the mall . Only , there one problem . ' Be careful walking alone . The Arab may get you . You know these bastards does'nt mind fucking a camel ' warned Morris . I don't know if he's serious or what but I don't want to take any chance so I walked with someone from thereon . I was wary of passing cars carrying Arab teenagers because they sometimes throw something at you but to be turned into a ' human camel ' is not my idea of adventure . Beside . it was always fun and less tiring to walk with someone . Be it a fellow member of the same specie .

The Odd Couple

2006-08-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

We also spend part of Friday to buy some essentials we need . ' I know where we can buy cheap stuff ' said Morris to me . Morris is an elderly man who together with another senior guy , Ric . The first is an Architect/Draftsman while the latter is a site Supervisor . Morris is a funny looking guy and the butt of jokes in the Villa. He's very experienced in his field but the type that has no backbone . Ric is more firm but lack the sophistication to move up . Needless to say , they are very cynical of the company and very opinionated when no senior company official is around . ' Whom is Ernie rooming with ? I recalled Mr. Latrell asking Edgar on the day of my arrival. ' He is with Morris and Ric ' answered Edgar . Mr. Latrell hesisated for a long time before he nodded . Now I know why . Both have a company supplied vehicles so it was important that I get along well with them.

Thank God It's Friday

2006-08-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

Friday is rest day in the Arab world . That means all roads will lead to the shopping centers . I like going to the upscale mall in Malaz because it's the only way I can get hold of books and peridicals .As there are only 2 TV stations , there are only the same number of English newspapers- Arab News and Gazzete . Of course the contents are subject to tight censorship by the ruling monarchy .
Actually , there are books as well in their bookstore but not too many . ' It only one section in Barnes And Noble . ' said XX which usually my company in this sojourn. One time I bought a book I though was a non fiction . It's an account of the rumored participation of Lucky Luciano in the invasion of Sicily. Arabian bookstores carry limited titles . Worse than those ones you see in any airport .Desperate for something to read , I was once almost tempted to buy Tony Stewart's biography .

The Soukh

2006-08-16T05:32:00.000-07:00

My letter being a newcomer was limited to some new things and experiences in and out the normal office , home and occasinal trips to the mall. Funny how the mall here was sizeable but nothing as big as the malls in North America. Actually , we go to different class of shopping areas . There is Batha which is more like the place where ordinary workers buy and congregate . Pakistanis, Filipinos ,Ivdians you name the nationality , there can be found there in separate groups . It's actually known for selling cheap gold . The gold soukh there is unbelievable . Gold are hanging for display to the amazement of would be buyers. ' You can't do this ( display ) at home . Imagine the criminals having a heyday if the same display of gold is done there ' said my friend .

Letters To Home

2006-08-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

It's nightime in the villa. Everybody is asleep except for some of us few who are busy writing letters to folks at home . People in farawy place correspond regularly via letterwriting because to keep in touch . Telephone is too expensive and the internet is limited access. Actually some prefer
letterwriting as has more personal touch than e mails . Notoriously known for his letter writing prowess is Benny , a middle aged heavy set man of limited intelligence . I say limited because he was like that man in a TV commercial who the office man said 'up to now , he does'nt understand what his job is ' . He is sneaky and pretends his busy at wok although his day's output was nothing . ' I was able to finish my assignment. Whew it's really hard and took me the whole day ' Benny would boast to the whole office . We could only smile while others will edged him further and give him the customay tap in the back. ' I don't know what they would do without me . That's the inventory for the whole plant ' he would normally add his customary self congratulation.

A Staged Event

2006-08-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

That night in the villa , the boys were watching a movie about a buNch of cowboys . The viewing room was full of people , about 15 , ready to while away the time thru the magic of video tape . That is life in the far away land . The local TV has only 2 channels , one in English and one in Arabic . The English channel shows mostly reruns of old harmless American TV shows such as xx , xx , xx .That night was special because somebody brought a rather new hollywood movie .' Guys , play it quickly ' said Edgar who was the one who brought the tape . Normally , there will be at least 2 showings whereby those who cannot make it in the 1st showing will have the opportinity to do so later that night. I opted not to join the 1st batch as I came in late . ' Iwil watch later tonight ' I told myself if ever . Anyways, the movie does'nt interest me . I much prefer contemporary themes than shoot and bang movies. Sometimes deep at night , I can still find Charle watching his fav wrestling show. Charle loves Hulk Hogan as the blong, balding wrestler is known then before he changed his name to Hollywood Hogan . You can feel his excitement and surprise at the wrestler's many moves as if wrestling is not a ' staged ' event . You can say that living in the villa is predictable . Like in the movie Groundhog Day . Day in , day out the same things happen .You go to work , come and eat , watch TV/movie then sleep.

You Will Never Go Hungry .

2006-08-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

We reached our villa completely enveloped in darness. It's good that the city is well lighted at night but on the way there , the highway without the houses ia surely all black except for the roadlights.
I tried yo appear cool by releasing the seat belt but for some reason it was not releasing . ' Damt it . I always have trouble with car seat .' I told myself while still trying . Mr. Lattrell noticed my predicament and assisted me ' It's easy . Just press this and relax ' he cooly said . Rightly so , the contraption worked like it should . After all it's a $ 100 thousand car I told myself. I said my goodbye and headed directly to the mess hall. Most of them have completed their supper so it was me and the cook , Charlie left to partake the disdes for that night . ' We have chicken and .. chicken ' said Chaelie laughing . Actuallt , Charlie was a very experienced cook who especializes in Chinese food . The Arab world forbids pork so that definitely out of the menu . ' I like chicken . There's no problem with me on that ' I said to Charlie in my most xx vice to erase hix discomfort .You see , I learned that in war on in a place like this , the fiest one you should be friendly with is the cook . ' if you have the cook as your ally , you will never go hungry ' I remember my uncle who was in the Army telling me his experience . Me and the Charlie had a good meal that night .

Isn't That Thing Illegal ?

2006-08-10T13:30:00.000-07:00

Darkness was settling in when Mr. Lattrel decided to call it a day . We must have seen 4-5 Factories but not once did he alight from his car .' Just right with me ' I told myself. It was hot that time of day . We just circle around each building once , twice sometimes thrice . I see him nodding his head every now and then . I guess he saw something interesting which he could copy for our new Factory . ' Do you need anything in the office ' Mr Lattrel asked me . ' None sir ' I answered snaply . He then drove towards the highway leadibg to the city where the main office and our residence was . Mr. Lattrel drives very fast but very smoothly so it was quite a ride . As usual , the highway riddled with cars and trucks involved in accidents. Some of these were happened this morning.' The folks here are used to riding camels that when motor vehicles replaced the camels as the mode of transportation, mayhem ensued ' said my officemate that morning on the way to the Factory . Halfway our return trip , Mr. Lattrell took out something in his xx and turn it on . ' Do you know what this is ' he asked me . ' No sir ' I answered snaply as I continued looking at the gadget . ' It's a radar detector . Observe what will happen near that bridge ' he instructed me . Exactly on cue , the car slowed down and a few minutes after , the thing made a sound . Mr. Lattrek quickly tured it off and hid the gadget again . Just as he completed his Houdini act , a police car apppeared on the scene . The police had one of those thing used to measure a pitcher's throw . A speed detector ! . But we should not really worry because our car's limit was just right . ' Fooled you again ' Mr. Lattrel said as he let out a big laugh . I can't help but laugh myself while asking ' Isn't that illegal' . ' Of course , it's illegal . What do you think ?'

Joyriding With The Boss

2006-08-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

Mr. Lattrel hop into his BMW 600 and I followed him as directed. I have a tough time putting the seat belt on so he assisted me . ' Not used to the seat belt huh ' he remarked knowing fully it is something new to me . After locking adjustng the seat belt and locking it , we finally went our way.
' We'll just look around and see some other factories ' he said nonchalantly . We were at one of the most modern industrial are in xx and the different buildings there were fantastic. A lot of planning went to the design of the place which was like some of the new industrial parks in the US. The roads are wide , facilities were complete and landscaping great . We went round and round a circular area close to the main water tank stopping every so often when a particular factory caught Mr. Latterel's fancy . ' This place must have Filipino workers ' he commented after seeing a basketball court in its premises . I nodded and managed to smile at his knowledge of peoples culture.

Come Follow Me

2006-08-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

The following day , Mr. Latrell went to the Factory which was a good hour and a half from the main office. We were surprised to see him but we acted normally. Meaning we pretended to be busy with anything . As I 've said , work volume was very low and a lot of times the problem was how to fill in the 8 hour work day.
' Good day gentlemen ' Mr. Latrell said as he literally barged into our room . ' Good morning ' we responded in chorus . He sat into a chair next to my table while the two other occupants of the room slowly left the room leaving me to entertain the boss.
' What's up ' he asked me in his usual greeting . ' OK , sir ' I answered as I looked up to briefl made eye contact . He the noticed the tiny thing stuck to my table . ' What is that ' he asked quite amused . Again I lifted up my head and stopped what I was writing and said ' It's the Sto. Nino , sir . Just my good luck ' . I brought that tiny image of baby Jesus enclsed in a used xx bottle as a momento really .' It wards away bad things ' I said semi serous . You see Mr. Lattrell is what you might call an agnostic . He believes that religion is a big racket . Hearing my reply , he smiled and headed to the door . ' Come follow me ' he then said. I don't know if he made up that statement or what . You see inscibed with the image of the baby Jesus were the words ' And A liitle Child Shall Lead Them '.

A Day For Used Joke

2006-08-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

I went to Malaz office later that day with a mixed emotion. I was sad still that the work is not as challenging as I expected . The hours seem exceedingly slow. Ticking like a dead watch.
' I am really bored at this work ' I said to myself . Ryan Lattrel , the head boss , noticed my demeanor that day and tried to humor me with jokes from that day's newspaper .
' What did the French do when the Germans marched in the streets of Paris ' he proudly asked me and Larry Cubrin.
After some moment of silence , I answered ' The French wore their shades ' . Larry laughed but the head man was a little pissed that I knew the joke especially when I said that I read it on the papers that morning . So much for poitical correctness .
After some time , Mr. Lattrel recovered his composure and showed his jolly self again . His purpose after all is to cheer me up.
' Ernie , what do you think we should do to improve things over here ' he asked me . Perplexed he would pose that question direct to me instead of to Larry , I hesitated for a minute , then
shrugged my shoulders.
That was basically how the day ended .

Many Faces Of Nike

2006-07-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

Marilyn And Vincent Together

2006-07-26T03:11:00.000-07:00

Hi there Marilyn . How's life today ?
Have you found the peace of mind
That was denied you on the earth
Something that's missing since birth

Hi there Marilyn. Did you see Joe D.
Since your death , he lived terribly
Did you get the flowers he left daily ?
On your lovely grave arranged neatly.

HI there Marilyn. Is your mom there ?
I bet she's just so happy to see you
Did she know that's you, Norma Jean ?
After all , your the baby she has'nt seen

Hi there Marilyn. You know Vincent ?
He's the one with a brush in hand
His life was as beautiful only so brief
You two left us with too much grief.

Hi Marilyn . Meet Vincent Van Gogh .
He's been waiting and ready to go.
Vincent lived his life without a dime
No one cared too, it's such a crime.

Goodbye , Norma Jean and Vincent
The two of you were heaven sent
We just have no real understanding
To make your lives here everlasting

The Real Miss Universe

2006-07-24T21:29:00.000-07:00

( This poem was made after seeing Miss Puerto Rico win the title of Miss Universe last night )

I was watching last night
To my eyes delight
A parade of real beauties
All in all about 80

One by one they all walk
To men who gawk
No doubt all are confident
Gowns resplendent.

They are all candidates
Competing this date
For title of Miss Universe
No time to go reverse

There's Miss Puerto Rico
Her name soon to echo
For her beauty will triumph
OK , said Mr. Trump

With all these happening
On TV that evening
You were in my mind Ms.S
As winner of the quest .

You're Miss Universe to me
No one can ever be
It's something I'll say to you
Until my face is blue .

.nike

My Beautiful Irish Rose

2006-07-18T05:01:00.000-07:00

One rainy day when weather was not so bad
My tired eyes was fixated on this lovely bud.
In that luscious garden, when all buds were out
This one's not a full flower yet , still a standout

This creature of nature stands tall and proud
I'm entertaining visits ! it shouts to all aloud
The bees and butterflies all came flocking by
Not to be left behind, they rather standby

Then one day I saw that the bud was no more
It became a beautiful flower with much galore
What an extraordinary beauty I told the owner
It's an Irish Rose , said he of this one winner

All day my mind kept going back to that flower
Such beauty and freshness exude some power .
I raced back home to ask for this Irish Rose
It's gone said the owner . So sorry in verbose

Go get some other flowers, he repeatedly said
Not knowing that Irish Rose was one and only
I searched around for the same kind of beauty
But alas my Irish Rose was but one in a century

Two Broken Hearts

2006-07-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

My heart is so very fragile
Like crystal in the shelf
Hold it tight , don't let it go
Or forever it will not glow

Mend , you say to the heart
How will it, if still o so hurt
Maybe if you take care of it
Not 1 but 2 hearts will be fit.

Inspired By The Notebook

2006-07-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

She came one glorious morning

As innocent as the early dawn
Yet your beauty disturbed us all
Breaking the quiteness of the fall.

This wonderful moment continued
Until the outbreak of summertime
But I feel these moments won't last
No matter how we hold on fast

What makes such days with you
So brief and so fleeting moments
Are the gods of love really selfish
To us whos hearts are in one piece