Any updates on Ally Cat's travel plans?

[Scooter's Mom]

I am so hoping that there is good news here... and that Ally will be traveling soon to her new home in the USA.

[jennielynn1970]

This is the last thing I've gotten from Julie... it was from March 20th:

Ann should be dropping me an email today with the flight details, as the export permit has been sorted out at last, and it is only valid for a week once it's been issued. At least if Ann has both sets of details she can just use the correct one based on the date Ally will be arriving.

I can't believe I won't be able to say goodbye to my baby in person, it's breaking my heart BUT at least I will be able to stay in touch with her on PT!

I'm hoping to hear something more soon, because if the export permit is only good for 1 week, that leaves practically NO time at this date!!!

[Scooter's Mom]

I've got my fingers crossed!!
Is Ann the friend in Bahrain?

[jennielynn1970]

Yup, Ann is in Bahrain.

[Freedom]

I was thinking about Ally last night. Poor girl have been alone in the house for TOO long (I know, someone is visiting her daily, but it isn't the same.) She will likely need some transition time!

[catmandu]

The Pet Angels Will Be With Ally Every Step Of The Way And He Could Not Be In Better Paws!!

[jennielynn1970]

I'm hoping she's in this area....




From the guy who took some pics...
Being there on business meant I would have a all expence paid trip to a country few tourist would ever dream of going to. (I would not dare to go as a tourist...) Upon Arrival in Lagos airport we get our first experience of what this country is all about. Although the first passport and visa check was easy to pass, that could not be said about the second obstacle: bagage claim... While standing there for two hours, waiting for our suitcases we had two complete powerfailures (everything went dark, even controltowers etc). Finaly we got out of the airport, on to our coach which would bring us to Eko. We were escorted by two police cars with heavily armed men inside. On our way to our hotel we saw the usual: burned out cars, travel accidents, endless missery as we passed miles of slums only the middle class locals were able to live in.

Eko Hotel, one of only two advisable although not recommendable hotels in this city. (The other one, the Sheraton, being closer to the airport and not so nicely located near a beach.) Eko has all things you would expect from a good hotel, but has lots of African flavours too. (like the bladdering paint on the walls, and the coca cola colored drinking water running from the tabs)


Gotta say, this does not make me want to visit Lagos anytime soon!!

[emily_the_spoiled]

Over the years I have known a few people who spent some time in Nigeria (they worked in O&G). Usually there is a company compound (like Julie has) and they very seldom go outside the gates without security. Unfortunately it is not a safe place for people, especially if you are perceived to have money or access to money.

I also sent Julie and email yesterday but I haven't heard anything back from her yet. If I do, I will make sure to keep everyone posted.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Gotta say, this does not make me want to visit Lagos anytime soon!!

WHY are they there??

Who do they work for - what do they DO there?

Certainly wish them the Best - and a Rapid change of station!


/s/ Phred

[emily_the_spoiled]

Well I can answer some of Phred's questions ...

WHY are they there??
They are in Lagos because Julie's husband, Warren, was transferred there last year.

Who do they work for - what do they DO there?
I am not sure who her husband works for, but I do know that he works with the Oil and Gas companies to design and implement computer systems. In the past he worked for SUN systems, so it is obviously the big systems he works on.

[jennielynn1970]

They were also given notice a few weeks ago that the company was shutting down in that country. Very last minute. They pulled all their employees out and were leaving Warren there to wrap up the loose ends, and they are supposed to be out of there by the end of the month. What is happening now, I have no idea. They were guaranteed one way tickets to either South Africa or back to Bahrain. Not sure what their decision will be, because I think they were looking into going elsewhere. I know they want to go to Australia in the long run, but don't know if they will get there now or not.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Warren works with the Oil and Gas companies to design and implement computer systems.

Maybe it's time to trade in the frontier and move back to civilization!
They have 'puters in civilized countries, now.

Austrailia sonds pretty nice to me!


/s/ Phred

[emily_the_spoiled]

I also suggested Canada (I am a little partial ). But both Canada and Australia will take time to get the visa's in order, so I think they will stay in the Middle East for a little while longer.