So it looks like I'll be leaving for awhile...

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Generally, most folks don't go to grad school where they did undergrad and you probably can use what ya brung elsewhere.
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Yeah, but I haven't graduated yet. I have about three semesters (or a year and a half) to go at my current univeristy. THEN it's time for Grad School. I'm taking a year off and jumping on an opportunity while it's there.

As for graduate school...anybody know anything about the Political Science or International Relations graduate programs at the Univeristy of Utah? I'd like to go there. (PM me if you have anything for me, please.)
 
NC - Good luck and God speed. Enjoy the ride.
"A large volume of adventures may be grasped within this little span of life, by him who interests his heart in everything." - Laurence Sterne

Rod
 
And remember not to surrender to radical muslims because they'll chop your head off with a large knife.
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Surrender? To those kind of people? Like hell. If I get killed, I get killed, but I'm not going to end up on some Al Jazeera propaganda video that ends up in the next Faces of Death video if I have anything to say about it.
 
NC, good luck on your adventure.

If you have not done so yet, check out the State Department's website and information on Qatar. Might be of some use.

Also, do have to get vaccinations for anything before you go?

http://travel.state.gov/qatar.html
 
I'm less excited about the weapons I'm going to be issued (and AR-15 or M16 rifle and a 9mm pistol of some sort)
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Hey, what's wrong with 9mm?!?!? Seriously, good luck over there. I have never been to the mid-east, but lived overseas. It can be very eye-opening and will definately give you a different perspective on the world. I learned to appreciate how good things were in the US.
 
Update

Well, it's all set and I have my plane tickets. I'm leaving on the 30th of June!

Truth be told I'm really excited.

As for the weapons? 9mm I can live with, would prefer a Ruger GP-100 in .357. M16? Feh. I'll take a FAL, M14, or even an M1 Garand instead, if I can. But, alas, I can't, so at least I'll be using a rifle I'm familiar with.

Anybody want to send me one of those Ontario "diamond steel" M16 bayonets? :D

Only $189.00! LOL

Observe.
 
If I were you, I'd start a journal about the adventure. That way, if something happens (God forbid), you'll be able to parse together an accurate book. Hell, even if it goes well it might be interesting enough for a book. Or, you can use your experience to write a work of fiction where something interesting does happen.

And as far as weapons, I prefer the M1 myself but I would still take a LOT of confidence in a 5.56mm rifle. I also have a great deal of faith in the 9mm.

Good luck! Keep us updated.
 
Good luck! If I could, I would think about doing that. Alas, my parents would have a cow and a calf, and I need .mil training anyway. Not to mention the shedding of a few pounds myself.

Please keep us updated. Start a blog on blogspot where we can keep up with you when you dont have time to converse on THR.
 
Hmmm .. a mere 13 days away.

Dude .. if I don't say it later nearer the time ..... very best wishes to you .. and stay safe - watch your 6 at all times.

Devonai's idea/suggestion ... to keep a log/journal . DO IT! It'd be great to have something on which to build your next masterpiece! I forget how long you said you'd be gone .. 6 months? Year? And also forget - will you get on line ever?

I'll keep watch on this thread anyways 'till you leave. :)
 
Laptop and 220 v - all you need is one of those laptop cables that has a trnasformer built into it. Most laptops some with those. Look at the lettering on yours if it has one - it should say if it's able to do 220 or not. A cord with a transformer is a lot cheaper than a laptop.

There is a guy at the cz-forum that has been in Qatar as a defense contractor and has made a website with a lot of info. on culture, places to eat, etc. He goes by HungWeiLo and here is his website....

www.geocities.com/docwagon1776/

He will be leaving there soon it seems like but you should try to get in touch with him through his website - he's a nice guy judging from his posts and website.

Good luck!

Nik
 
Take care, I'm somewhat envious:D I'm a little to old and would really need to get back in shape... but that's not whats stopping me. I have four wonderfull people at home, counting on me to be there for them. I afraid my window of opportunity for this sort of thing has passed.

I too would encourage you to keep a log/diary.... and don't forget to check in here and let us know your OK.
 
Good luck, Nightcrawler, Qatar is pretty laid back, Doha has plenty of expat Brits and Irish sailors, oil company Dutch, Germans, and Americans, and even some very cool Aussies (check the downtown area). Dubai, UAE is great if you get the chance to go, and Bahrain is even pretty cool (I recommend the 13th floor lounge of the Best Western, and yes, there is a Best Western, and yes, it has a 13th floor).

Contrary to popular belief, most Arabs (even Saudis) could give a damn if you're American, but there are plenty of Iranians, Iraqis, Syrians, and Al Q's that want you dead, so watch your back.

Most laptop computers use an A/C adapter that is universal, so the companies don't have to manufacture a U.S. and a European version. The Dell that I'm typing on can (and has) handled 100-240 volts. UAE and Kuwait have the big three prong Euro plugs, and I think Qatar has the same. You can get the adapter at the airport (your transformer WILL get hotter on 240v). DO NOT PLUG YOUR MODEM CABLE INTO A HOTEL PLUG WITHOUT LOOKING! The hotels there have phone plugs (RJ-11) and ISDN plugs (also RJ-11), which supply a constant voltage sufficient to slag your puny American modem.

If you write a "I'm really poor/high speed-low drag/going to defend my country" letter to Dell, Gateway, or Tadpole (if you're into high speed Solaris UNIX laptops) they are likely to "lend" you a laptop for "evaluation". Same goes for Surefire, Buck, and Leatherman, last I heard. Surefire and Dell at least have no expectation of getting their **** back.

Just from my experience (especially the modem thing!) and hope you have a good tour!
 
Thank you for your Stories.

Thank you for your stories I have enjoyed them very much. I see you are going to Qutar for work. Others here have expressed their conserns better than I.

I could like to donate money to you. If for nothing else to pay for the intertainment from your writings. If it will help you, to write more, finish college, or buy that big knife. Any use is fine with me. Please let me know how and where to donate.

Might suggest a Paypal account so visa and other cards can be used.




Best to you.

PS
Do not be embarrassed to accept my money for your fine work.



Gordon
 
I very much appreciate the thought. However, I cannot accept anyone's money. I've gotten a personal loan to cover my pre-departure expenses, and I write the stories for my own enjoyment.

Again, thank you for the offer, but I must decline. My stories are, and will remain, free of charge. :D
 
I've got a hunting/shooting friend in the oil business that moved to Quatar about 3 years ago. He had to leave his guns behind in a storage facility. They live on the company compound. They said it's very western, and extremly hot. They said that the humiditiy can get pretty bad due to the close proximity to the sea. They also said that the sea was too salty to swim in or something like that.

Anyways, I've enjoyed your writings and your input on guns very much. Hopefully, you'll come back safe and with some cash.
 
Insert Profound Statement Here

Nightcrawler,

I wish I had great advice to give you, but I don't. Stay safe. Whether or not you focus on the Mideast in future studies, a knowledge of Arabic will serve you in good stead-a lot of people in far flung places use it to communicate.

If you plan to get a laptop, get a digital camera, too, and burn it all on to disc.

Others have mentioned visiting mosques and getting to know people as people, and it is a good idea, where safe. You might consider taking some small or easily packed unique to Michigan items, as gifts. NO! Not Molson! :p But small, thoughtful items that you wouldn't find in a base commissary or Qatari mall, something that shows you put thought into the gift. It's a rich culture, and while an Arab might be your worst nightmare of an enemy, you will also not find truer friends.

I envy you-I wish i was going. Enjoy every minute of it!
 
The only thing I could think of to give someone over there, that they woudlnt' be able to find there, would be snow.

I don't know how I'd get it there, though. Heh. :D

I get two weeks worth of paid vacation and $1500 in travel expenses. I think that when I take my vacation I'm going to go to Thailand. I've always wanted to go to Southeast Asia, and my professor taught in Thailand for many years so he can give me the skinny on what to see, what to do, and how to get around without acting like a tourist. And, Thailand is cheap, compared to, say, Europe.

(Besides, after eight months in the desert, in a Conservative Muslim country, I might be tempted to go someplace where the women wear miniskirts and such....:uhoh: )
 
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