Day four with the furniture builders...they are starting to monopolize my time. I arrived at the work site about 10:20 AM to find that they were almost done putting together the 50 desks. The one thing I have noticed is the average Iraqi citizen is not comfortable working independently. By that I mean they seem to be uncomfortable working in a room by themselves. For example, instead of two guys moving an un-assembled desk into a room and assembling it - I am sure you know how easily a particleboard desks can break - they insisted on assembling all the desks and drawers in one room where everyone is working and then moving the furniture down hallways, around corners, and up stairs after they assemble the desk. Only one desk was broken but I have not fully inspected all the desks as of today but that will be accomplished prior to their departure. Additionally, I have noticed that if I want to speak with the head sub-contractor and I pull him aside to have a sidebar conversation or ask a specific question the rest of his party / workers follow. I hear this "being followed by the crowd" is typical for the Iraqi culture - their definition of personnel space is definitely different then mine - I guess I will have to adjust. Speaking of culture - every time I meet with an Iraqi Officer or the Logistics Manager I get a hug, it is the Iraqi way of saying "Welcome my Brother"...apparently I have more than two brother in this world. It is a little different from what we in the US are accustomed too but nonetheless...when in Rome... So if I hug you or stand 3 inches from you when we are talking do not be offended it's just my new Iraqi culture coming out.
On to a more festive topic...
In true Christmas spirit I received mail today - at 2:20 PM by helicopter. This was the first mail I have received since my arrival - not counting e-mail. For whose packages I received I will contact you later - for those who sent mail but I did not receive it yet - do not worry - the delay is on this end. You see, I am in a remote location and the last delivery of mail by truck, which is the normally delivery method, arrived last week. Which meant if the mail you sent did not reach the Iraq address by the 17th I probably would not see the item until after the New Year. And since it takes about 2 weeks to get mail to the Iraq address and I did not get a good address until about the 5th of Dec it was unlikely I was going to get much before January 1st. I guess Santa was looking out for me.
Tonight we had our Christmas party, he had cigars and played poker all while watching football - does it get any better than this for a bunch of guys? Tomorrow is the Christmas lunch followed by a football game in the afternoon. I will let you know how it goes.
Merry Christmas to all and thanks again for all the Christmas wishes via the mail and e-mail.
1 comment:
So let me get this straight......they get there when the want (God willing), they make thier own hours, they leave when they want, and they like to work in groups......Yep, sounds like the Iraqi's version of a Union here in the US.......LOL
Name, if they just had a catchy name.....hmmmm....How about Iraqi Organized Union....or IOU for short.....LMAO
As much as we are helping them, they'd better Owe the US :)
See, you supply the scenarios, and I'll supply the punch lines....LOL
Be safe.
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