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These are recent stories - the rest are in my latest book,"Walking Through Adversity."

Stories about Middle East Trips (2)

Rob bryant
2006-01-09 11:39:38

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made there that I practically recognized it from memory. Huge Middle East style high-rises lined the busy streets and gold covered mosques with awesome colors and design were scattered along the horizon. We arrived at the Beach Rotana Hotel and uniformed matradies parked the car and took my luggage to my room while I checked in and checked my e-mail in the business center. I stayed on the Executive Floor in a suite that was lavish to say the least. It had Persian rugs, and mahogany furniture. There was an attendant on the floor 24 hours/day that opened doors and called for maid service each time I left the room. The room was checked immediately by room service and they checked everything from the towels, turning down the bed, replenishing the fruit, and dimming the lights. Fresh dates were kept on the table at all times. My room overlooked the Persian Gulf and had a marvelous view. I rested a few hours, then went to a seafood restaurant with the resident UAE Colonel and other officers of the Royal UAE Air Force. It was such an honor to meet them. They wore tunics and turbines and were a pleasure to dine with. They were Muslims of course and some of the officers have several wives (trust me, one is enough). They asked me if I had ever had camel or goat, and when I said no, they planned to have one killed for me on my next visit here. A Muslims word is their bond, and they told me I would have the honor of eating the eyes and brain and sit at the head of the table (oh boy). It was if we were life-long buddies by the time we left. As we left, the Program Manager noticed a license plate in the parking lot belong to the Sheik (pronounced Shake). He was actually in the restaurant with us. He is highly regarded for his kindness to his people. He builds thousands of $250,000 homes for his people and gives them away. Most people here want for nothing and this is regarded as one of the top five richest countries in the world. The next two days flew by and I bought gold, ...