Back in Bahrain. I've been here five days so far, and it's going OK. I'm by myself at the momment, some colleagues are joining me at the weekend for a while at least. It's fairly cool at the moment, up to mid 20s and was raining when I arrived. In a quieter part of town this time, which is better for sleeping but not as good in the evenings. I might move next week though. Missing my family and hoping the next few weeks goes quickly.
Andrew Hutchinson "Hutch" - 15 years, 1 month, 17 days ago

I did my offshore survival training last week. Spent three days fighting fires, boarding lifeboats, and climbing out the window of a helicopter which crashed repeatedly into the pool, upside down. It was all good fun and I guess I be flying off to an oil rig in the North Sea in the near future. Hopefully I will never need any of this training...
Andrew Hutchinson "Hutch" - 15 years, 4 months, 5 days ago

Snow Day! Woohoo!
Andrew Hutchinson "Hutch" - 15 years, 4 months, 17 days ago

Now posting on the laptop, in a tent, in a field. It's raining. And thundering and lightning!

It's quite something!
Andrew Hutchinson "Hutch" - 15 years, 8 months, 26 days ago

Got back from Saudi earlier than expected, which was nice. Temperature here is 30 degrees lower than in Saudi...

The security is much higher there, but is mostly low key at the moment. The hotel had an xray in the lobby, there are soldiers at checkpoints on the road and machine gun posts at the refinery gates, but everyone is laid back and friendly. My local airport doesn't have an armoured car outside...

All the people I met were freindly and helpful and say that there have been a lot of arrests which has reduced the security risk. It's easy to forget that many Saudis are moderate in their views, and view extremists as idiots much as we would.

I would go again, it would be nice to work a few less hours, and maybe see a little more next time.
Andrew Hutchinson "Hutch" - 15 years, 9 months, 5 days ago