This page gives a brief of my / our trips in India and abroad.
I got my first Gulf job with Dodsal in March 1998, and left India for the first time and reached Dubai. Was in Dubai (Headoffice) for four days and then was transferred to PDO Project in Oman. Was initially based in Al Khuwair office (Old Madina Qaboos Road) and after 6 months was transferred to site at Saih Rawl (around 550 kms from Ruwi), diversion on the right at Qarnalam, off Salalah Highway. Left that job in Dec. 1998.
Then in Dec. 1999, got a job In Qatar and reached Doha. In Nov. 2000, took Rosy and kids to Doha, Qatar as my company gave me family status. During our visit to Mumbai in July 2002, we bought our house in Kharghar. After that we had been to Delhi, Agra. And spent a week at Toshali Resort in Shilongbaug, Shimla. We finally left Qatar on 15th February 2003.
Joined Petrofac International in Sharjah on 25th Feb 2003, and then via Istanbul(Turkey) reached Tbilisi (Georgia-CIS) to work for Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Project. Was stationed in Tbilsi until 9th March 2005. In the interim, had been to Gori which is the birth place of Stalin, to Borjomi on the way to the ski resort at Bakuriani, to the seaside at Kobletti, etc. I used to go to India on 15 days leave after every 84 days In Tbilisi.
From March 2005, was based in Sharjah. In October 2005 had been to Assaluyah, Iran via Kish Island. By flight to Kish Island and to Assaluyah by helicopter. Returned after 10 days.
By end Jan 2006, was deputed to Khartoum, Sudan for GNPOC Maintenance Project. Was there till August 2006. gave 3rd test and got driving Licence from Sharjah, UAE. By Jan. 2007, was transferred permanently to Kuwait. Got the opportunity to briefly visit Bahrain for visa change in April 2007 or so. Had visited Tbilisi, Georgia in July 2007 for a short trip.
We went on a trip to Nainital / Bhimtal (Hillstation in north India) (via) Delhi in March 2008. We stayed at an RCI resort called Mountain Club in Bhimtal. Also visited Corbett Tiger Reserve (but saw no Tigers). Wonderfully cool climate in March.
I also went on a tour to Turkey in July 2008. For few days in Istanbul (formerly known as Constantinople), then at Dedeman Club Resort at Bodrum for almost a week. Also visited Pamukkale (cotton castle)..springs with calcified rocks...
By end July got a new job in Libya..left Kuwait on 27th July '08 and reached Tripoli on 30th July 2008.
On 25th December 2008, celebrated Christmas on board a House boat cruising the backwaters of Kerala.
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In July 2009, had visited London for the first time, and visited most tourist and cultural spots in London, Maritime Museum & Royal Observatory in Greenwich (Prime Meridian GMT). Was in London from 11th until 16th July 2009.
We four had gone to Thailand from 10th to 17th October 2009. We were in Bangkok for 4 days. Visited Watpo temple and saw the seated & reclining Buddha statues, also to Marble temple. Went for a ride in the long tail Canal boat, also skytrain. Next day was a full day trip to Pattaya and visited Three Kingdoms Park, Noongnooch Garden and Sriracha Tiger Zoo (also Elephant & Crocodile shows). Next day to Safari World where we saw a Dolphin & Beluga Whale Show, and Wild Safari bus tour. Then we flew to Phuket, stayed at Mariott Courtyard at Surin Beach. Went for a high speed boat ride to Phi Phi Islands, Monkey beach, Khai Island etc. Also did snorkelling, which was a wonderful experience. Saw the Fantasea Show, White Tigers, etc., and back to Mumbai on 18th Oct. early morning.
In Decemeber 2009 had been to Chennai to attend CONFLUENCE 2009
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