One of the things you don't appreciate...
Walking around at ground level, is how big this camp is, at 1000 meters long and 500 meters wide, thats 500,000 sq. meters or nearly 100 American Football fields. Eventually there will be around 10,000 guys leaving here for the Companies two projects in Kuwait.
Just past 6:15 am and nightshift have started to arrive back in the camp. Just like the day before they head straight to the mess to grab dinner to avoid the queue's. This is the first time trying this perspective. Camera on my tripod, press the 10 second self timer and raise it in the air. My shadow is the third from the left. If you look carefully you can see the tripod shadow, with the camera on top.
Dinner for nightshift is not that flash, some boiled eggs, bread and some other Indian soup like dish, but hey its free and it fills the spot.
Feeding 4000 guys three times a day, requires some big pots. With one meal just finished, cleaning is going on getting ready for lunch in just 6 hours time, no rest for the wicked.
Some kitchen hands, taking a short break for a photo, thanks guys.
As the guys keep streaming through the gate a crew takes the opportunity to 'smile for the camera'. I love the guys expression walking behind on the left. I'll need to start carrying around a mobile printer. I guess they don't see too many Australians with a DSLR wanting to take their photos.
Even the security guards all of a sudden happen to be standing right in front of me waiting for the button to be pressed. I must admit it's a lot of fun being around people who like having their photo taken.
This guy just couldn't wait, so he stuck his body out the window, great when you have good talent.
Yash Paul Sheemar, 'The Flash'
Paul has just been in the camp for a month and was waiting to go and have his eyesight tested. One of the many medicals you need to have to work as an expat in Kuwait. He has a couple of boys aged 16 and 13 waiting for him back home in Punjab with his wife. He mentioned that his dad worked in construction as an expat and lived until he was 95, now that's an achievement. When he heard that I have four children, one boy and three girls he was a bit jealous as he wanted a girl. He is starting to settle in now and not missing home as much. A couple of things that would make life a bit easier is some regular transport into Jahra (about 30 minutes away) or the City, we really are stuck out in the middle of the desert. Having my own car and freedom to go where and when I want means I have never experienced what Paul is going through and the second improvement is some better food, which I would agree with. But as I said before its free, hot, plenty of it and it fills the spot.
Finally, he loved my last name 'Smith', that started a whole new conversation about cricket, a story for another day perhaps.
Again, it is great to get out and meet people and learn some new stories.
PS, Eight hours later 2 pm when its 50 deg (122 deg f) its a different story. Only a couple of people brave the stinging heat, I off to Jahra for a Subway and a possible new story, see Feature 3.
All the buses parked neatly ready for the 1:30 am start tomorrow.