Cincinnati, OH 3/22/08 Bruce Springsteen

March 22, 2008
Cincinnati, Ohio
U.S. Bank Arena

Lizzy and I left Indy the day before. A lot of trouble at first since my phone wasn’t working, but we got that sorted through the power of the internet. Phone ended up being fine, and we were on our way to Cincinnati. Spent most of the day in the hotel room resting and posting on the internet until that night when we had some great BBQ at a place I seriously can’t remember all of a sudden. Next day I check out and walk with my stuff over to arena. Lizzy was already there and had number 15, and I got 31. I had nothing to eat that day, so we walked around trying to find a place. I settled for Skyline Chili and saw a bunch of other people with wristbands. We head back to the line around 4 since it was from 1 to 4 instead of the normal time due to The Who disaster 30 years prior. We waited around for awhile freezing. I ended up being introduced to Johnny and his brother-in-law Dave through the woman who sold me a ticket. She happened to sell the other ticket to Dave. It’s crazy how we meet up and make new friends. I found out I had a free ticket to Anaheim night 1 earlier, so now I was looking for night 2. Johnny said he may be able to help and took my email address. It just so happens that went into my spam folder and we didn’t talk again until San Jose when we saw each other in line. Luckily, I had a ticket by then.

I start talking to a couple from near my hometown although across the river, and I tell the wife that I want number 14 to be drawn in the lottery. Why? I have absolutely no idea. It would make sense for me to say 15 since Lizzy was 15. Well, 14 was drawn! 14 wasn’t there and Lizzy went in first! Due to some people not being there I end up going in about 14. Lizzy, myself, Johnny, Dave, and the couple I was talking to all end up elbows on stage! Elbows on the freakin’ stage! Seriously? So nice. This guy Tom was at his 197th show. He wanted so badly to be against the stage instead of second row. He actually offered me $150 and I said something about $300. He said he would give me $200. I stepped back to look from his position and stepped back to my spot. I still wonder if I should have done it, but I just couldn’t. Not only would I feel bad taking his money, but I think I would feel worse knowing I was once in the front spot. Although Dave had no qualms. He took the $150 and stepped back a couple of feet. I guess we all won.

When the band opens with Darlington County I assumed it would be a fun, fast-paced night. These different openers every night really add something to the show. Radio Nowhere sounded better this night than previously, and I think it’s a real powerhouse live. It leads into Lonesome Day which I’m glad to hear again.

Gypsy Biker is solid just as the other night and Magic once again haunting. From these two songs we slam right into Reason to Believe. The band seems on a mission with the fast pace of the show. Seriously no breathers. I can gush about Reason to Believe all night long, so I’ll just say it is even more enjoyable from the front spot of the pit. Bruce stopped in front of me to play harmonica and sing into the bullet mic. I was giddy to say the least.

Candy’s Room into Prove It All Night was great. I really enjoyed hearing two Darkness songs together right before She’s The One started. I’m not sure I like this as much as The Rising tour, but it’s always great.

Livin’ in the Future and Promised Land were strong. I realized how great it is to have these two songs back to back. One about what’s happening to this country and the other about the desperateness to fit in, find oneself, stand up for oneself, etc. They work well together.

Bruce points at a sign for the next song and what do we get? Be True! I used to really love this song, but not as much anymore. Although hearing it live reminded me of how great it is. A fantastic treat. And if I thought that was fantastic I was blown away with the next song. The tour premier of LOST IN THE FLOOD!!!!! This show was my eight Bruce show ever. I still haven’t heard Darkness On The Edge Of Town, but Lost in the Flood is tied as my favorite with it and Murder Inc. At first I was dumbfounded that I was hearing this before Darkness. Then I was still dumbfounded because, well, I was hearing Lost in the Flood and the tour premier at that! The performance is amazing! The band nails each and every note, and, yes, I cried. I’m standing front row, slightly to Bruce’s right, and I’m crying for at least half the song. This is a real song! Epic.

Next up are the songs we expect in this spot and for me Last To Die and Long Walk Home are the standouts. And back to back these songs are intense. I love it. The band leaves and comes back to perform a tour premiere of Glory Days. By no means is this song my favorite, but it is so much fun live. And maybe at this age it is starting to mean more to me. I mean this is my Glory Days, yeah?

Born to Run is next, and the version is great! Although I’m front row, so I get to strum Bruce’s guitar! I also make sure to touch the thighs and calves…again. You can’t blame me. I did every time I got the chance. :-D
Dancing in the Dark I didn’t really want to hear again, but it’s fun. I can’t complain. American Land was just as fabulous as the night previous, but this time even more fun because Bruce was inches from me most of the time. At one point he did his jump toward the crowd and Lizzy and I thought he would jump on us. I couldn’t complain about that. It was like he paused in mid air as I saw him come my way.

Although the band was now done. They played for something like 2 hours and 5 minutes. That is really short! Although the audience was cheering the crew was dismantling the stage. To my surprise Bruce came back out with the band. The band seemed confused, but the lights went down and everything was moved back into place as Bruce started Kitty’s Back! The performance was pretty good and aided by the impromptu performance.

The show closes out around 2 hours and 20 minutes. I can’t complain. For those who seem to think it is the worst show ever I say you need to be there. I liked that the band came back onstage for Kitty’s Back. They didn’t have to. Also, Lost in the Flood was worth the price of admission alone. How in the world could I complain? Glory Days was also a tour premiere. That is still saying something.

Oh, and Lizzy and I bought a dry erase marker board before the show. We shared it throughout the night. I wrote “I heart Stevie” on mine, and at one point he looked and mouthed “oh really?” to me. And at the end of the night I wrote “Pick Me Steve!” and Lizzy drew a guitar pick. Stevie and Garry laughed at it and after American Land he came over and handed me a pick! What a great night.

Darlington County
Radio Nowhere
Lonesome Day
Gypsy Biker
Magic
Reason To Believe
Candy's Room
Prove It All Night
She's The One
Livin' In The Future
The Promised Land
Be True
Lost In The Flood (Tour Premiere)
Devil's Arcade
The Rising
Last To Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands

Glory Days (Tour Premiere)
Born To Run
Dancing In The Dark
American Land

Kitty's Back

Indianapolis, IN 3/20/08 Bruce Springsteen

I'm quite behind on my reviews obviously. This is the first of eight
done if we count Dallas coming up.

March 20, 2008
Indianapolis, Indiana
Conseco Fieldhouse

I swear my reviews are books sometimes. I just get way too excited
about music especially Bruce. I'll keep the review a little leaner
this time.

All right, so this was my spring break. I went to Indy, Cinci, and
Columbus. I left Springfield, MO at 11:30 p.m. by Greyhound headed
for St. Louis with a transfer and I was on my way to Indy. I arrived
around 9:30 a.m., and I wandered around the city the rest of the time
waiting for 2:00 p.m. That was too much walking with my backpack that
carried my laptop and clothes for the week.

A little after 2:00 I went to the arena and got my wristband. I was
number 83. I was tired after all the traveling, not much sleep, and
walking around during that time. I saw two girls about my age
talking, so I went over to them. We talked a bit about Bruce, and I
realized one girl looked familiar. I asked her if she ever posted on
any Bruce message boards. She told me her username, and I told her
mine. I was surprised because by chance we started talking and met.
To think we've known each other online for 5 years though hadn't
talked much recently. Lisa was with her, and we became friends. To
think I met Lizzy and Lisa this way which is the reason I made it to
the California shows is kind of crazy.

Anyway, we hung out a bit and went to Hard Rock to eat before the
show. We all got into the pit and were two rows back on Clarence's
side. We met a few other people within our age group which was great.
I joked we should have made a big circle and danced during the show.
Lisa kept saying The Ties That Bind would start the show I think. I
said it would be Night. Lo and behold I was right! Great opener it
was too. Naturally Radio Nowhere was the second song, and seeing as
this was my first show this tour Lisa was dying for me to hear it.
Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to our expectations. It seemed
the band kind of stumbled with the opening of the song. I'll consider
that the only stumble of the night.

I appreciate Lonesome Day more than I did on The Rising tour. I've
always loved the song, but the studio version just slays me nowadays.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed hearing it live. Prove It All
Night I can never tire of. Right now I have a friend getting into
Bruce, and when I hear this song I think of the excitement he has when
he talks about it. I wonder if he'll keep that excitement once he
finally hears it live. I have to think he will because I have.
Gypsy Biker isn't a top favorite from Magic, but nonetheless it is
great. I like it more live, and have a lot of fun singing the final
verse. It can't just be me. Maybe it is.

Magic is just surreal. I love the lyrics, the meaning, and hearing it
live with Soozie is wonderful. I know some won't agree, but I prefer
her over Patti.

Reason to Believe!!! I think saying the song title is enough. This
song is freakin' fantastic. If it was great before then it is amazing
now with the new version. I never want to stop hearing this song this
tour. Before the show I must have heard it on various boots from the
tour 35 times. It really gets you moving and singing along. It's
hard not to.

Tour premiere of Rendezvous at this show. What a night! I love this
song! I remember when I got the CD it was my favorite from the get
go. I didn't see this coming at all, and right into Because The Night
we go. I'm not sure I could tire of this live. I mean sure I might
want to hear something else sometimes, but this song is smokin'. I
realize every time I see Nils live how much more I appreciate him than
I think I do. She's the One is next, and I think the two songs go
very well together. I love hearing the harmonica and Bruce's
yelps/noises/whatever I should call it.

Livin' In The Future is my favorite song from Magic, so hearing it
live for the first time was a real treat. Not only do I love the
lyrics and music, but I completely agree with what Bruce has to say
before the song starts.

Next is The Promised Land, but before the song starts Bruce speaks of
a guest. I was wondering who in the world it could be see we were in
Indy. DANNY!!! What a surprise! Lizzy, Lisa, and myself were going
nuts. From there on the night really picked up and it was great to
see the band be so happy that Danny was there. Promised Land was
intense as always and felt better than ever before to me. And since
Danny was there we get Spirit In The Night! I love this song so much,
and had only heard it once previously with Vini Lopez as guest on
drums in 2003. Bruce and the band were on fire, and who doesn't like
watching Bruce and whatever he decides to do with the mic stand. ;-)
After this Danny actually pulls out the accordion for Sandy! Wow.
Some people still haven't heard this song live and this was my second
time. I'm not a big fan of Sandy, but I always enjoy it more live.
This performance was really special.

Devil's Arcade, The Rising, Last To Die, Long Walk Home, and Badlands
come along next to no surprise. All were great to hear especially
Last to Die and Long Walk Home. These songs are my second and third
favorites from the new album. Hearing Last to Die live made me
realize just how great it is. The desperate beauty of that song is
killer. Long Walk Home is a lot of fun to sing along to, and I'm
really glad that Stevie has his own part to shine on while the crowd
sings along. Badlands is just as great as ever. I'll never tire of
singing along to "it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive."

For the encore Danny came back out which was great. We get a
wonderful Backstreets and then one of the best versions of Kitty's
Back. Well, I think so anyway. I really love the jazzy sound of the
song. It is so much fun plus I am always willingly to watch Bruce
break out into a solo. Born to Run is a powerful mainstay as always
and Dancing in the Dark is a lot of fun to sing to and interact with
Bruce and the band. Hannah was the lucky girl that Bruce pulled from
the crowd to dance to. That was really cute and fun to see until I
learned more later on.

American Land closes, and this is my first time to hear it live. I
loved it before, and I love it more now! You can't help but clap,
jump, and sing along. This is one of the best closers ever. I don't
see any reason to stop with it. The lyrics are so powerful too. It
ties up all the meaning that Bruce is trying to get across these days.
I have to say this is one of the best Bruce shows I've seen. Granted
it was only number seven and not one hundred, but I thought the band
was smokin' and just playing and having fun like never before or at
least more so than they have had in a long, long time.


Night
Radio Nowhere
Lonesome Day
Prove It All Night
Gypsy Biker
Magic
Reason To Believe
Rendezvous (Tour Premiere)
Because The Night
She's The One
Livin' In The Future
The Promised Land
Spirit In The Night
4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)
Devil's Arcade
The Rising
Last To Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands

Backstreets
Kitty's Back
Born To Run
Dancing In The Dark
American Land

Untitled

A few minutes to write this. I don't think it's special or anything, but I feel the need to post it.

Serious as a heart attack
Clichéd and over the edge
Try to be cool revealed as a hack
Rhyme this line and left to dread

Nothing more to write
Empty brain syndrome
A drink to clear it up
Lazy eyelids instead of epiphany
Left to myself and I don’t feel free

My two arms and the best hug
Lonely morning awake at 4 a.m.
Boozed and drugged and nothing to give
Procrastinating even not to live

A drink to clear it up
A drink to clear it up
A love to pick me up
Don’t leave me to me
It will never get done
End of the world
I'll still refuse to move

Clutch concert pictures

I posted links in the post below, but to help save time I will post some of them here for your viewing pleasure.



Murder By Death
Josh and I
Jeremy and I
Clutch



Maylene and the Sons of Disaster

Clutch 2/29/08

This was a great show. I did not know that Hex Machine was opening, and I had no idea who they were. We got there late, but Hex Machine was definitely decent. Next, was Maylene and the Sons of Disaster. I had no idea who this band was either. They were quite good, and they reminded me of Clutch. The lead singer had a very commanding "rock star" presence when on stage which my friend Josh mentioned. Very nice surprise this band was.
Afterwards, Murder By Death came on stage, and I have a CD of theirs plus a few more songs. They lived up to my expectations although the sound was a bit off with them. I love the girl cello player. Sweet addition. You have to like a band that sounds a bit like Clutch along with rockabilly.
Finally, Clutch came on stage as one of many fights continued. Security wasn't very good about stopping fights. Anyway, Clutch were all I expected and more. I was a little let down that more songs weren't played from the album Clutch. I believe Can't Stop Progress started and went into Devil & Me along with a bunch of other great songs. I was glad I knew most of the songs considering I only have three Clutch albums.

It was also great to meet up with friends and people I hadn't seen for awhile who came up to Springfield for the concert. All in all a fantastic night.

Here are the songs I know were played:

You Cant Stop Progress
Power Player
The Devil And Me
Texan Book Of The Dead
I Have The Body Of John Wilkes Booth
The Regulator
Cyprus Grove
Bakerton Jam
Mercury
Profits Of Doom
Promoter
Bakerton Jam 2
Child Of The City
Burning Beard
Gravel Road
Electric Worry
One Eye Dollar

Links to some pictures although they aren't that great.

Maylene and the Sons of Disaster
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/MayleneandtheSonsofDisaster2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/MayleneandtheSonsofDisaster3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/MayleneandtheSonsofDisaster4.jpg

Murder By Death:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/MurderByDeath.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/MurderByDeath2.jpg

Clutch
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/Clutch.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/Clutch2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/Clutch3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/Clutch4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/Clutch5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/Clutch6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/Clutch7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/Clutch8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/Clutch9.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/Clutch10.jpg

Josh and I
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/JoshKelly.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/JoshKelly2.jpg

Jeremy and I
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/SSRKE/2-29-2008%20Clutch/KellyJeremy4.jpg

Lock Me In

Lock me in
Lock me in
You win
I’m done
It’s been fun

Guess I’m so slow
Actions take a toll
And I’m sorry
But really
What have you done
Make me feel the one

Didn’t notice
Disappearing this
Feelings hidden
Uncover them
No, okay
I’ll be alone
I’ll be a friend
Lock me in

I won’t run
Maybe a glutton
Pain will leave
Won’t it please?

Understanding
Connecting
Not good enough
What’s the fuss
Got my trust

And I’m sorry
But really
What have you done
Make me feel the one

Got my trust
Got my trust
Lock me in
And I’m sorry
For you
And I’m sorry
For me

All It Is...

Once again I’m walking down that road
Looking for love but it turns up cold
And what’s the use for more?
I’ve got friends that I adore
And all it is will hurt in the end
Love isn’t looking to comfort or amend

And baby it’s a world of pain
I’m done with what I can’t gain
Got to be satisfied with my mind
Satisfied with what I find
Easier said than done
Like pulling the trigger of a gun

I don’t want money
I’m not looking for power
I just looked for something in your eyes
But all I ended with was a sigh

And all it is will hurt in the end
Love isn’t looking to comfort or amend

And all
All it is
It will hurt
Yeah, in the end
And all it is will hurt in the end

Loveless

What can I do
Not to hurt you?
I’ve been hurt, so have you
Scared to walk this uncertain path
But we all love and want it back
You won’t stand on this earth without it
It’s going to confront you regardless
Loveless
Oh, hardly

Dirty little town
Dirty little thoughts
Love, hate, love, hate
All are mixed with the southern cross
Hate the man, hate the boss
It brings the hate to all you’ve lost
Born again baby
Blooming like a flower
Feeling some feelings that you thought were gone
Loveless
Oh, hardly

I am different than you
You’ve loved, been burned
And now are running
I searched for love
Wanting that comfort
We’ll suffer through
And this little town constrained my view
I wanted out, maybe I still do
But the one place I didn’t look
Brought me to you
Loveless
Oh, hardly

Shine Down

I couldn’t even crawl
You held my hand walked me from wall to wall
Eight long months you held me near
Then one summer day was washed by your tears
The time comes for me to stand
I figure out words and the war among the world
I’ve come to understand the love for a man
I still haven’t figured out all that I can
But before I even made it to the halfway mark of where I am
Something drastic, something unplanned
You took a path I didn’t see
Your light was gone and I wouldn’t believe
And I blamed me

Disappointment, sigh of regrets
Page of notes in my head
Of all the things I should have said
Could have been, should have been
That last moment was time to amend
For all the times we were apart
You still gave me what made this heart
So where you are now
Oh, it all shines down
It all shines down

I know that you know
My love was yours
But this was a lesson
A lesson to be learned
All the moments that are yet to be spent
Aren’t meant to be saved for some bigger thing
So I’ve learned don’t lose it all
Waiting, planning, canceling your thoughts

You still gave me what made this heart
So where you are now
Oh, it all shines down
It all shines down

I know that you know
My love was yours
But this was a lesson
A lesson to be learned

Corporate 101

It’s all corporate bullshit
I’m all tied up in it
Step down a little further
Got to push the higher ups a little higher up
You’ve become the rung they step on
The backs of the bruised is a sturdy one

Step, step, step
Stay in line
Push, push, push
Get your arms up high

Nerve endings cut for the numbing
Blank-eyed stare from the drone, drone, droning
It’s time to say this is what sells shit
And step, step, step in line
How much did you sell today?
Oh, well that’s fine
Keep doing better
Make the sell like your life’s on the line
You know it’s already mine

Step, step, step
Stay in line
Push, push, push
Get your arms up high

Money is the shackles the world is in
Corporate control cause you all want to be them
When your back is no longer bruised
You’ll be the one stepping
Get a little push from the fresh blood towing
Towing that line

Step, step, step
Stay in line
Push, push, push
Get your arms up high

Something

Just to feel makes it hurt the most
Oh, they say you love it then let it go
Coast to coast and back again
Driving my thoughts to the other side
I guess I fucked up real bad
So I try to let these thoughts die
I’ve already dug myself into a hole
Might as well drop them in and bury it all
It’s not that easy when you’ve taken that long fall
And maybe there is a ray of light
Something real, something true, something coming from you

This could become a real living hell
Figure out what I’m trying to tell
Love this, want that, oh it’s something I can’t have
Or I could, but it doesn’t want back
Oh, can’t you give me
Something real, something true, something coming from you

I’m not asking for rules
I’m not asking for perfection
But I’m not asking for cruel
Just something coming from you

It’s not that easy when you’ve taken that long fall
And maybe there is a ray of light
Something real, something true, something coming from you

Helping Hand

Now that I’m floating free
I can clearly see
All you people are pulling a load
And I hear the cryin’ of Tom Joad
Wondering did we learn
Don’t keep a good man down
Helping hand might help him up
Let it run over when you feel the cup
No machine will keep him down
I’m taking my lessons so I’m not tied to the ground

Rearview mirror shows you waving back at me
You’ve got to reach out and touch
I can barely save me
It will be hard to be your crutch
I’m driving way out of town
The grindstone keeps you unhappy with a frown

Yeah, don’t keep a good man down
Helping hand might help him up
Let it run over when you feel the cup

I know you understand
Rearview mirror shows you waving back at me
Might help you up, helping hand
I know you understand
Rearview mirror shows you waving back at me
Might help you up, helping hand

Got To Really Try

I’d like to just see that smile you have for me
Or maybe it’s not, but like a photograph
It contains good memories
It’s got me hoping for a future with more of the same
Maybe a connection even deeper than before
Without shattering the picture before it develops
We don’t know how it will end

The light breaks into a million pieces
I watch from my window in silence
Thinking I only make it what I want it to be
I ask myself why do I get caught in between
Now I’ve got to really try
To keep you in my life

I catch myself
I’m thinking it could be a great romance
Pessimism always creeps to my brain
How could this be
It’s not right for me if you can’t see

I write it all down from an ink pen
Get it out of my system, get me clean
I wake up the next day
It starts off black and white
Then my thoughts color it bright
This is my new life
It’s starting over again
Now I’ve got to really try
To keep you in my life

Random pictures from Kuwait

First of all I apologize for my last post not looking that great. Now for some pictures.

Dressed up for a visit to the Grand Mosque:


Sandstorm from the hotel window:


The famous Highway 80:

Kuwait Journal (pt. 3)

1/05/08: Today we went to Al-Babtain library which is the group that paid for our Jordan trip. It is a very nice library with a lot of rare books, Arabic poetry, books for school from Iraq, etc. Saba and I were looking for the book that helped to inspired Eric Clapton’s song “Layla,” as we were being shown around. I love the view to the outside which shows the gulf not too far away. The building is awesome. I would love to have a library like that always around. Josh, Andrew, and I found out we had to write a paper about the Jordan trip for the director before we left.

After the library we went to the hotel to eat lunch. Then we went to the market for shopping. I was able to get a scarf, hijabs, prayers beads, sheesha, a full sized hookah, and a bunch of CDs. It was a very good shopping trip.

We then headed to the hotel and passed the time before going to talk to Saba’s father. He is a retired General and a lawyer currently. He talked to us about security, terrorism, and the laws of Kuwait. During the discussion everything from the prison system to alcohol to Irish people came up. After saying goodbye we headed to a shop to find a flag of Kuwait for Stephen and me. I think Josh got one too, but Stephen L. and I really wanted one. After getting back I did some writing and hung out with Stephen and Eduardo a lot.

1/06/08: Today was the big day of visiting the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC). When we arrived we met Mohammad, and he is the guy that showed us around. After waiting for a bit we were taken to a room to eat breakfast. A presentation was given over the oil in Kuwait, the history, production, and other things involving the history of oil and the company. Afterwards we waited around because the new girl training under Saba and Olimat had to be cleared so we could have our tour.

As we began we were shown different parts of the refinery by bus, and we were even going to be given oil. Of course we had to think about the trouble of getting that on the plane, so we passed on it. It was really interesting to see the different operations rooms and to talk to workers. It is awesome to see all the work that goes into making the plant/refinery work. A lot of it can be over my head as it is more scientific.

Near lunch time we went back to the main office area, and we had a great lunch prepared with American and Kuwaiti food. Afterwards we toured the facility a little more, and Cole convinced them to let us dress up in the jumpsuits the workers wear along with helmets. We all had our picture taken together outside, and we had some of the group showing us around in the pictures too. It was very interesting, and we were there most of the day. We were there from around 8:30 to 3:30.

The day was really cold, and we had a sandstorm moving in which was fun to watch but not fun to breathe as it got closer. I spent time taking pictures from our rooms and writing my report for the director about the Jordan trip while waiting for our next meeting. We were supposed to speak with a female candidate from the last election, but she had to cancel unfortunately. Instead we went to talk to the professor from Kuwait University that we met a few days before. He gave us a tour of his newspaper offices. It was cool to see the place, but I enjoyed just sitting around hearing his thoughts and talking more especially once the dust from the sandstorm stopped bothering me. We talked about media and the U.S. Presidential candidates among other things. When we were done we went back to the hotel to eat and hang out. Stephen, Andrew, and I, maybe others, were going to go smoke sheesha, but we weren’t sure because of the sandstorm earlier. We ended up just hanging in our rooms.

1/08/08: The first thing we did today was going to the grilling of the Education Minister at the Parliament. Cina, Saba, and I had to set separately from the guys. Unfortunately, we had to leave before the grilling. Although it was still neat to see a Parliament session. Afterwards we went to the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce. The guys there were quite informative, and I loved hearing about the silk city that is being planned. The ideas for it look great. After the meeting it was around lunch time, so we all decided to go eat at the market area after dropping Olimat off at the hotel. The food was delicious and so cheap! It costs around one KD from each of us. To eat at the hotel it would have been around 10 KD!

When we were done eating we had to get to the U.S. Embassy. Saba could not make it, so the group went alone. The guys were really interesting. All spoke of their politics and how they had to keep that separate from the job. The first guy was easily a neo-con, and I personally couldn’t stand his views of Guantanamo and other things. It also seemed that he believes the Kuwaitis still owe us, and we can’t make them forget. Luckily the other guy, bigger guy named John, was great. He also kept his views to himself, but it was easy to tell that he is more liberal. He really made the job seem great after hearing the first guy. He is also so intelligent. I was quite impressed by him. Later that night we met with Sarah to talk to her about the trip and say goodbye. She brought gifts for us, and we all really appreciate what we got. I will definitely miss everyone. And it is too bad that Stephen and I fell asleep and didn’t go smoke sheesha since it is our final night. We were tired though. Too bad we have to leave.

1/09/08: Today we left Kuwait. Eduardo, Stephen, Stephen, and I were upgraded I guess. Either that or we had the best seats in economy. It was really nice. The flight went very well. When we got to the airport we made it through customs and said our goodbyes. The two Stephen’s, Andrew, Josh, and myself were trying to figure out a way to get out of NYC and back home. Andrew and I didn’t want to leave if it meant being stuck in St. Louis. Anyway, we all went to the Kuwait Airways counter to get our hotel vouchers. Afterwards we headed to the airtrain so we could go to the AA counter. Andrew’s bag got caught on the escalator, and he missed the airtrain. Josh and Andrew had a misunderstanding, so as we all waited for him he was going to terminal one instead.

Eventually we headed for the counter, and we waited for Andrew there as Josh tried to find out information. Stephen LaChance was able to get a flight back to Texas right away, so we all said our goodbyes to him. Stephen and I thought Josh would go to St. Louis and we would stay, but Josh stayed also. Although we found out that we wouldn’t have to go to LaGuardia the next morning, and we would also get home an hour earlier by leaving at the same time! We immediately changed our tickets and Andrew arrived around that time too. Unfortunately we could not check our luggage. I had too much with the two suitcases, computer bag, purse, and hookah. Luckily, Stephen L. helped me until he left. After that Stephen was able to help me out. We went outside and waited for a cab big enough for our luggage for what seemed liked ages. The guy told us to take the next van or SUV cab, so when we saw one we did. Naturally the guy watching did not know and he gives a ticket to our cab driver! We couldn’t believe it. Although the ticket was only around $3, and we made sure to pay that.

At the hotel we got a menu for a pizza place because we all decided we were too tired to go out. The funny thing is Nick and Cole were there too and they were assigned the same room that Stephen was assigned. Stephen walked in on them. Then I called Stephen, and the guy said, “No, this is Nick.” I hung up, and a second later Stephen comes in Josh’s room. He told us that someone was in his room. I said, “Let me guess his name is Nick.” Stephen shook his head, and he mentioned Cole. Then it connected to me who it was. I had no idea. Naturally I called Nick back and apologized for hanging up. I also let him know about the pizza, and when the pizza arrived we all hung out in Josh’s room to eat. We ordered way too much. When we were done we talked a little. I headed to my room to shower and spend some time on the internet before going to bed.

Kuwait Journal (pt. 2)

1/03/08: Today we went the traditional shipbuilder’s building/museum. It was really great to see all of the model ships. We were told what all the different ships are for, and were even asked questions to see if we understood what a captain of a ship should know. The shop room, where the models are made, was very cool. It is interesting to see how long it takes and the work that goes into the building. Afterwards we headed to the home of Sami. He is an expert regarding Iran and the politics of the area. He spoke at great length about Iran, weapons, and his career working independently from governments. He was very articulate, smart, and nice. We had a traditional Kuwaiti meal made by his sisters. It was delicious! The pumpkin curry was the best. I could not get enough of it. Meeting Sami is definitely one of my favorite moments of this trip.

1/04/08: Today we went to the mosque. Well, the guys went to the mosque. Cina, Saba, and I were trying to find a place for us to get covered up. We decided to drive to an area where we could get out. Cina actually drove the bus! Granted I can sort of drive a stick shift, but I was not about to drive a bus in Kuwait. It was a little nerve-racking, but it was fun! And it was hilarious how we had to maneuver around the other vehicles. Then after the guys were done they went the wrong way, so we had to go pick them up. That was great.

Afterwards, I guess we had a free day, so we went to a grocery store for water and snacks before heading to the Iraq/Kuwait border. I was hoping we could cross over for a second and get our passports stamped! The grocery store was interesting. I thought I would find a bathroom before going, and as I was looking a guy was following me. Then he kept asking me to follow him by waving his hand. I was afraid because he asked if I was American. And was I ever in for a surprise. As I was waiting for a key to the bathroom he came over closer and tried to grab my hand. Then he grabbed himself! I was so disgusted! Luckily, I looked upstairs and saw Cina. I said there is my friend and pointed before dashing up to her and Andrew. Cina was so surprised when I told her. I could not believe it. The good thing is we got out of there and headed for the border. It was pretty cool to be there and get our pictures taken. It is too bad the chaos of that country. Of course and the checkpoint we had to turn back.

On our way back we went off road to a tent. The guys didn’t seem that welcoming to us, so we left before too long. We weren’t going too long again before we were off road, and saw a bunch of camels. We spent awhile with them, and it was a lot of fun. Some of the group went for short rides, and the crazy thing is how afraid Saba is of camels! She had me watch Bebe and take pictures of her. We all really enjoyed being around the camels. It was the first time for some of the group to see camels in person! The Bedouins who owned the camels invited us to their tent. They were very nice, and it was fun to sit and hang out. Bebe accidently kicked my tea all over me because she could not sit still. Before we left we found out the guys offered to kill a camel for dinner for us. I am glad we didn’t do that. First of all, that is a lot of work. Second, I did not want to eat a camel especially after being around them! When we got back to the hotel we had time to eat and hang out a little. Later we went to Starbucks to drink coffee, talk, and hang out at a popular spot for Kuwaitis.

A.J. Roach - Revelation

Great album. Check it out.
http://www.mediafire.com/?0hcwv4hgtm9

Official website:
http://www.roachmusic.com/

Soon

I will post the last half of my Kuwait journal soon. I hope to have it up tonight. The trip was magnificent, and I don't even think the journal does it justice anyway.

Some pictures

A preview of all the pictures. So many more are available at photobucket.

Never mind

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