Well, as you can clearly see from the photo above, the title of this post is readily apparent....even with a couple of pre-tanning sessions in Ottawa prior to going to Jamaica, I stood out at the pool like a marshmallow in a bag of coal!I am now back at work in Afghanistan after my three week break back home. As I sit here in my room and type out this post, I can close my eyes and smell the Christmas turkey, Debra's cinnamon buns, the tropical flowers in Jamaica and of course my after sun lotion. Can't believe how fast the time went and how much fun we had.
We were extremely fortunate that I made it home for Christmas. Seemed like everything was against me as I tried to get home on Dec 22nd. First the EU banned all Afghan airlines from EU airspace. This had a trickle down effect on all flights from Kabul and numerous were cancelled. Then the weather chaos in Europe and Frankfurt shutting down and finally an insurgent attack in Kabul the day before I left which threatened to shut down the Kabul airport.....I was literally counting the minutes until I got on the plane. But, all worked well and we had a wonderful Christmas at home with Jennifer, Brandon, Sarah and Joel. It really recharged my batteries (soul) spending time with my family and friends enjoying great food, wine and moments where we laughed until we cried.
Debra and I headed off to Ocho Rios in Jamaica right after New Years and had a splendid week of sunshine at the Resort. It actually took us a couple of days to slow down and get into the groove...more importantly the Jamaican or possibly the Caribbean pace of doing things. In other words, no rush, slow down and enjoy the moment. The service and staff were outstanding and we truly enjoyed ourselves.
We really played tourists and signed up for a Mountain Bike tour on one of the days and you can see from the photo's, the "fabulous beach cruisers" as described in the brochure, didn't quite stand up to the description. I actually think I recognized one bike as being Steve's old bike from when we were kids in Kelowna (I knew it was his because of the bent handlebars and dented fenders resulting from when he raced down the hill down onto the carport, could not stop in time and ran off the end, went down the stairs and crashed on the hill below).
I will be posting additionally pictures from Jamaica, Christmas family pictures and of course future exploits as I complete the next half of my Mission in Afghanistan. I sincerely wish everyone to have an outstanding 2011 and you enjoy what we are trying to bring to the people of Afghanistan.....Peace and Prosperity.
So glad to see a post Son, the flowers in the first picture would sure look good in one of my flower boxes. Laughed so much with your comments over the bicycles, I can see what you mean in the pictures.......We have had ten degree weather here, the snow is almost gone, but it seems the rest of the country has really had winter. All the roads to Alberta have been closed, at least it didn't happen over Christmas. Take care.........love you.. Mum and Dad........
ReplyDeleteNice photos, Dave. I look at the one of you on the bike and can't help but think "we have to get you back on your Harley" – dude, it is a bicycle! At least you have the shirt on.
ReplyDeleteI remember racing you down Mom & Dad's driveway as well. I now kill myself laughing when I see my scar from time to time. I think back on three things.
1 - Being tangled up with my bike at the bottom of the stairs, a huge gouge out of my leg and you laughing your ass off.
2 - You still laughing as I am screaming, bleeding and flopping around like a fish in a boat as you have me pinned in the bathroom trying to put iodine (I didn't believe you that it was new non-stinging type) on my open wound. Needless to say, Mom & Dad weren't home.
3 - "I won the race!"
Take care, Dave - it was fun to recollect.
Don
Hey Dave was wondering when we were going to hear from you again. It is great to hear that you had a great time in Jamaica. It looks like a great place to sit and relax. Yes you do look like the white guy at the pool. Cannot wait to see more pictures of Christmas and your holidays.
ReplyDeletetake care,
kath