Rota, Andalucia (Spain)

This was one of those days that just would not end! Woke up this morning, planning to fly to Spain. Checked out of the Al Dana Resort (Novotel by Accor) but, when we arrived at the plane, Karl told me we'd gotten tasking for additional flights to another location.  The revised itinerary was possible but absolutely guaranteed we'd be unable to stay on our schedule. After some uncomfortable wrangling with the local Navy authorities - on Karl's part, not mine - we finally departed Bahrain for Crete. Somehow, my boss back home heard about Karl's arguments with the scheduler - we found out he wasn't happy when we landed at Souda Bay.  When I went to check the weather, I ran into my old buddy, Geoff, and helped him find some publications he needed.  After Karl talked to our squadron (glad I wasn't on that call), Micah and I flew the next leg.  Meanwhile, Karl went in the back of the plane to "get his story straight". After departing Crete, we had to stop in Sicily for fuel.  Unfortunately, we then got delayed for a long time waiting for some passengers. Ended up catching up to Geoff again (his crew had stopped in Sardinia) when we arrived in Spain. We checked into the Naval Station Rota Navy Gateway Inn and I went to bed kind of early - very tired...

Manama (Bahrain)

My room in the Al Dana Resort (Novotel by Accor) was great and I slept quite well.  When I met up with other members of the crew, we went out exploring.  One highlight was walking around in the Souk - the experience was a very interesting mix of cheap Chinese products and local wares. There were also lots of spices, foods and drinks from the area. Gold was plentiful, too! I didn't buy much, but I tried a candy that was really good [when I got home, the kids called them "chocolate rocks"].

Manama (Bahrain)

Started late again... Slept (from previous day) from 0730 until around 1600. After a late checkout from the NSA Souda Bay Billeting Office, we returned to our aircraft (flying with Karl and Micah).  We were able to depart from Crete just after dark and flew Bahrain (arrived around 2200L). Had some trouble getting to the hotel, but it was worth the wait - we got put up at the Al Dana Resort (Novotel by Accor)!  This was the second time I have gotten to stay in Manama and these digs are very nice...

Rota, Andalucia (Spain)

Slept in my luxurious room at the Al Dana Resort until 0900.  Fortunately, I still had time to catch the huge breakfast buffet they have here! Spent a little time this morning by the pool and working on my term paper. Didn't get a chance to explore the city because we had to leave by noon. After we departed Bahrain, we had an uneventful flight to Crete and then another to Rota. Landed in Spain pretty early, so had a chance to go into Rota for the evening. We spent the night at the Naval Station Gateway Inn again.  Bed late...

Bahrain (Bahrain)

Didn't get much sleep last night... I woke up at 0300 and never ended up settling down again.  I don't believe it was due to having a bad Gateway Inn room - more likely, it was yesterday's long day and the time-zone differences between home and Spain. Ended up eating breakfast at 0330 and staying awake, waiting for the sun to rise... Luckily, our departure time was at 0830.  Even better, our destination was Bahrain!  I have always heard about how beautiful and international it is and always wanted to see it for myself.  I picked up four turkey sandwich box lunches at the NEX Cafe (at the Naval Station) this morning - they also included fruit juices, chips, cookies and some granola bars.  After we took off from Rota, our flight over to Crete was good - until Julius had some trouble getting into Souda Bay (they held us up high until really late!). I flew the next leg with Jeff into Bahrain and got to see a lot of cool sights (Egypt, Nile, Red Sea, Bahrain by night). Also got a kick out of listening to the ex-pat Brits who control the airspace near Bahrain... After landing, we arrived at our hotel (Al Dana Resort, by Accor/Novotel) around 1730 - we got to stay in a very nice place on the water. We had a great dinner (with free-flowing beer). Walked around the complex after the sun went down - it was still hot. I'd like to come back to Bahrain and spend a little more time in the future...