Hello everyone.
It is now 2 years on from my last update so high time that I wrote a few words about what I have been doing
My last job in Iraq was working for a de-mining organisation who worked all over Federal Iraq. We had a great team, did some amazing work and had a bit of a laugh at the same time. We have all gone our separate ways but in August 2019 we had a reunion in Manchester with people flying in from different places to enjoy the rain, the Manchester culture and a few beers. Some folks were missing as they were still in Iraq, but I found them later when I went back to Iraq in September this year
When we all lived in Erbil, we were lucky enough to have a rooftop area. As you can imagine, this became a bar - a great chill out area where we would have a quiet beer and invite selected friends to join in. To decorate we hung flags from our different locations or battalions, depending on if you had one or not and Geordie built us a cracking chalk board. Below are Will, Cat and Bekim - the last of the gang left in Erbil and you can see some of the artwork behind.
This is the roof top in Iraq with our swimming pool in the far right hand corner which provided us with a place to cool down from the blazing sun during the hot summer weekends.
Between leaving Iraq in April and coming back in September this year, I went back to Cyprus to enjoy the lovely Cyprus weather, catch up with old friends and some well deserved chill out time. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to a lovely friend from Burnley, John Riley for those that knew him. However, there was good news with the wedding of Stef and Sweetie.
Helping me to wind down in Cyprus after a particularly fraught mission, was Chris, a great friend with whom you can never do anything but laugh. She invented Speedo Sunday, a regular habit down at the beach bar, where you've guessed it, yes a few beers and people watching
The John Lennon Wall where you can legitimately graffiti what you want
I can't remember when I last saw Autumn, so this park in Prague blew me away.
Am now back in Iraq, waiting to see what happens next. You can never tell in this context. I would love to hear all your news, so please drop me a line.
Take care
Alison
It is now 2 years on from my last update so high time that I wrote a few words about what I have been doing
My last job in Iraq was working for a de-mining organisation who worked all over Federal Iraq. We had a great team, did some amazing work and had a bit of a laugh at the same time. We have all gone our separate ways but in August 2019 we had a reunion in Manchester with people flying in from different places to enjoy the rain, the Manchester culture and a few beers. Some folks were missing as they were still in Iraq, but I found them later when I went back to Iraq in September this year
Whilst in Manchester, I also managed to catch up with the gorgeous girls from Beverley, sorry no pictures this time, and these lovely guys, Carl and Clive. Thank you all for hosting and entertaining me in great style.
This is the roof top in Iraq with our swimming pool in the far right hand corner which provided us with a place to cool down from the blazing sun during the hot summer weekends.
Between leaving Iraq in April and coming back in September this year, I went back to Cyprus to enjoy the lovely Cyprus weather, catch up with old friends and some well deserved chill out time. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to a lovely friend from Burnley, John Riley for those that knew him. However, there was good news with the wedding of Stef and Sweetie.
My favourite bar man, Ken attending the wedding in a borrowed hat. Suits you sir.
Helping me to wind down in Cyprus after a particularly fraught mission, was Chris, a great friend with whom you can never do anything but laugh. She invented Speedo Sunday, a regular habit down at the beach bar, where you've guessed it, yes a few beers and people watching
Spotted on a trip to Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus. I'm not sure how much business they do but I will always know where to go when needed
One of the great things about being based in Cyprus is that it is easy to visit. Anna from my last job came out to Cyprus and we had a lovely time exploring the island including going on one of those tacky pirate boats where you stop off and dive in the water every now and again. The highlight was the inflatable climbing frame where you fall into the water when you get it wrong. Such good fun. This is the view from Bellapais Monastery in Kyrenia
Larnaca Beach Bar with Laura and Kevin (not in Speedos), regular attendees from the rooftop bar in Iraq, leading Anna and I astray
As time goes by, people move on and get other jobs. I had wanted to stay in the Middle East as I like the people and the culture so a new job in Syria was a good option for me. How surprised was I in September, when one of my flat mates Shannon, from my first year in Iraq turns up just down the road from me. Just waiting for the other half of the household to come back. (Hint to Kandice and Kara)
When I first arrived here to start my job, I did in fact make it to Syria. The town we worked in was friendly and safer than many I know in UK. They had restaurants - licensed, and a bar. There were a few indicators around though to remind you of the recent troubles they have been through such as this home made IED used a s a garden decoration Someone asked me if it was still live - to be honest there was no way I was going near it, but I would hope not.
My team very kindly gave me a tour of the place. This is what remained of the 'old' town
I know there was a pool at the beginning, so apologies for repeating the same content but this one is in Syria. An enterprising Syrian keeps it clean and rents it out to NGO workers at the weekend. What an unbelievable and unexpected find. It was still warm enough in September to make full use of it.
I don't know if you heard, but there were a few problems in Syria recently. Gazz, below also got a job in Syria, then Trump screwed it up for all of us working there. So everyone had to come back to Erbil, Iraq Nice to catch up with old colleagues but many have lost their jobs as a result so not exactly good times
Here are a couple of other old friends from my early days in Iraq, Jim and Paddy. So nice to see familiar faces again
Iraq has certainly changed in the few months that I have been away. More security and oil and gas companies have come back and as a result there are more fancy bars and restaurants. This one is a seedy one but with a great singer who is so good that she is able to drown out people singing karaoke with her. Hats off to Jennifer
The organisation I work for arranges for everyone to have an induction in Prague. A group of us went from Iraq just recently. There was some interesting and useful training and a bit of free time to enjoy the sites. It coincided with 30 years since the Czech Republic was liberated and the Berlin Wall came down so there were lots of celebrations going on. These old Trebants were abandoned by East Germans as they left Germany on their way to better places
I can't remember when I last saw Autumn, so this park in Prague blew me away.
Lastly, this is the only thing I can remember from 25 years ago - Prague Astrological Clock. Lots of interesting facts about it, the best being that it is the second most disappointing tourist attraction in the world ........(The Mona Lisa)
Take care
Alison
