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5/2/04
Hello All,
So here is my latest update from Saudi....
I know it has been aged since my last email Saudi
update, but there wasn't
really much to report.
I guess over the past year there have been a few compound
bombings and last week
there was a
bombing in Riyadh and a shootout in Jeddah. Also I
am sure you all know about
the latest in Yanbu.
Well as to me, the security is very tight at my compound
and I don't really
leave too much except
to goto work. I avoid most places and just try to
live as normal a life as
possible. The recent
pictures of the Iraqi’s does not help the situation
here at all thou. Also I
agreed that I would
not evacuate unless there was civil unrest in the
country similar to what took
place in Hati. Most
of the world is dangerous these days and can you tell
me where exactly it is
safe for I do not
know. We keep getting reports that there is a strong
possibility of catastrophic
events taking
place in the US. So I guess it doesn't really matter
where I am right now.
So as to my job, I am currently the project manager
for four projects in Mecca.
I only work out of
the Jeddah Office, so it isn’t that great cause
I never get to see my projects.
But once again
that is the life here in Saudi.
As to my potential for a new assignment, I was supposed
to be transferred to a
new location in
June 2004, but it seems that Turner does not transfer
people out of Saudi. The
big problem is that
no one is willing to come work here and replace me.
So I agreed to stay put for
my current
assignment that will end around Jan/Feb 2005. Once
I am nearing this time, I can
re-evaluate the
situation and decide what I would like to do next.
Thou I still think the likely
hood of transfer
with Turner is impossible. I know that we require
people in other countries and
my previous
General Manager has on two occasions asked for me
once in Egypt and then in
Dubai. Thou the Upper
Management will not let me transfer.
So as to daily life, it has been ok the past few
months. I have made friends
with many of the US
Consulate staff and they keep me entertained and there
is no shortage of cold
frosty beverages.
Also play rugby and goto the co-ed training right
next to my compound a few days
a week. So
overall, the social situation has improved from my
prior emails.
As to my travels, I have recently been to Ireland
to visit my family for the
first time in 7
years, so while it was a busy trip it was nice to
see everyone again. As to
visiting the US, I
think it will have to wait till next year.
As to my future plans, I am not sure just yet. I
guess it depends what Turner
International has in
mind for me after this assignment is complete. I guess
I will just have to wait
until the time
comes and play it by ear.
Well, I hope all of you are doing well and feel free
to drop me an email when
you get a chance.
Brian
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Brian J. Gruber
Turner Intl
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
Work +966-2-632-2003 x204
Mobile +966-5-669-8842
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